Champions of the Corrupt IC

[SugarCookie]

Let's find out!

Kiku swiftly runs over to the robbed man, trying to take her mind off of the guards doing... well, doing their thing?

I dunno, but she reaches the man in the alley "Hey! are you alright?" She says when she gets close enough to grab him if he runs, or to catch him if he falls, or to get grabbed... but it's too late now, she's close enough and hoping for one the first two.

She hesitates a bit at the end of her sentence, realizing how close she got could be bad if he ended up being hostile, but doesn't step back.

[TheDaughterOfHades14]

Claire runs up to Jason. "Uh. Wait! Can you take me to the nearest clothing shop please? And, um, on that note, can I borrow some money? Please sir?" she asks. She blushes again and tries to cover up her chest the best way she can. "Please sir?" she says again.

[napsii]

It took the outer limits of Adele's concentration to mask her anxiety. As morally correct as she felt it was to comply -- at least sparing the populace a disastrous confrontation -- the identity of the red-garbed men was becoming more evident by the minute. No government body, nor clergy nor cult, but rather criminals. She had been told very directly that Rivana was a breeding ground for crime, but she never imagined how sophisticated its criminal elements were. The true depth of their control must be immense. she thought, almost bewildered on how the city remained more than a smoldering wasteland. It was suspect that they had their hands in the city's government. Kveyni could have never operated that way. As the city had matured, a delicate but rigidly-enforced balance of power and culture had become its beating heart. One assumed the roles that were expected of them, and transgressors who sought to be vampires feeding on the city's blood needed to be struck down quickly.

The stiff wall of music and stimulation bordered on offensive as she entered the unusually animate lounge. In Kveyni, it wasn't uncommon to host meetings at a local public house (if not on one's estate) but those meeting places were calm, orderly places. This seemed to more or less be a vibrant pit of decadence and pleasure. Adelphia the noblegirl wanted to think badly of it, but Adele the young woman took in interest in the buzzing activity. Were she not here under duress, it might have been enjoyable to explore the more lax end of the city's features. But, somberly, even not seeing more of the robed men -- Fire Walkers, she remembered now -- she could feel the invisible hands of criminal influence brushing against every dancer, lantern and customer in the building. She almost shirked as the world closed in darkness. For a hair of a second, she thought she was going to be attacked and tightened her fists, but it was just as soon that she found herself in front of... uhh... um...

Adele stiffened, uncertain of the group before her. The muscular, tattooed man dominated the room even when Adele turned her eyes away, and the disrobed women -- mistresses or concubines of some sort, she assumed almost immediately -- leered hate that was almost intense enough to set her on fire. Here was one of the kingpins of crime in this city. Caution swirled in her every thought as it came to mind that this had very obviously been premeditated. And she wondered, very bitterly, what this man had wanted of her if he had known who she was, and that she was due to arrive in Rivana.

She slowly descended to her knees, placing her hands on her lap in a traditional seating position on the dais. It was impossible to relax here, but she needed to play into this game to some degree.

"No, I am intact, thank you." she said. Despite the words, there was only the rawest hint of "appreciation" in her voice. She paused.

"I have seen little of Rivana so far, but it is animated and young. It has much potential under the rightful leadership." she said, careful not to word Krenko as the city's authority. No matter how much tangible power he possessed, Adele believed control laid with the rightful government.

"Why have you brought me here?" she then questioned, wanting to crack open the shell of Krenko's rhetoric as quickly as possible.

[jayjaycaps]

Sentari: (Back Alley District, your brothel)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The man seems unphased by your disobedience. His men, on the other hand, seem to avoid the water. Every time it touches one of them, they writhe with pain, as if the water was acid. The water also puts out most of the fire, leaving scorch marks, and a few embers left. Once his men have regained their composure, the leader looks back at you. "I see. The hard way it is then." The leader cracks his knuckles, and twists his neck, making those joints crack to. He then pulls his hood down, revealing his face. You've never seen the face of a Red Man before. He has no hair, his head shaved right down to the nub. Covering his face and head are tattoos. LOTS of tattoos. They remind you of henna, being of a dark red colour in tribal lines and swirls. They complement his dark skin nicely. He'd might even be handsome, if it wasn't for the large burn mark covering the left side of his face.

Done cracking his various joints, he calls out into the room behind you. "Just remember, Lex! We're only here for you! Anyone here gets hurt, and it will be all your fault." With that settled, a maniacal grins spreads over his face, and his hands catch on fire. His minions do the same.

Behind the group of Fire Walkers, you notice Blaire, helping some of your employees escape.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Sentari: Healthy.

Fire Walker Leader: Healthy.

Fire Walker Minion: A little wet, but fine.

Fire Walker Minion: A little wet, but fine.

Fire Walker Minion: A little wet, but fine.

Hermes: (Heart District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The twins nod in agreement. "Slight correction, Missy. People don't care about you. He does." Flam points to the poster, straight to the name at the bottom. Jason Agroma... The name brings back a memory. Back in the asylum, you remembered hearing the name... Something about him requesting something that had to do with you... You weren't really paying attention at the time, and the name meant nothing to you then. But now...

"An excellent question, sweetie. How do you know that we aren't setting you up? Well you see..." "You don't know! Only we know!" The brothers smile with glee, their smiles the exact same. "Knowing what people want is our business. But really, what do we have to gain by letting you fail?" "Nothing. But what do we have to gain by helping you?" "Also nothing. All you would do is... owe us one." The two give each other a knowing look, a devilish glint in their emerald green eyes. "We like it when people owe us. It's how we stay alive." "So, will you accept our help or not?Accept, and I can promise you we'll get you into the asylum. Without us, and you'll get caught in... How long would you say, Flam?" "Ten minutes, tops Flim." "Sounds about right. So?" The twins both turn to the side, and extend their right hands, waiting for you to shake both of them.

They still give you a sleazy feeling. They remind you very much of con artists. You still can't put your finger on it, but they just put you... On edge.

Garth: (Market District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Being hit in the crotch, the man doubled over in pain, grunting and groaning. The hit to the head didn't help, and he falls onto his back. His pals quickly stop laughing, and spring into action, running to you.

Behind them, you notice the Water Walker gather bits of water, preparing to send another ice ball to you. Better get ready...

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

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Mr. E takes the hand, and inspects it. He looks it over, gently tosses it to gauge its weight, and hands it over to the doctor. Mr. E pulls his sleeve up, showing off his stump. The doctor sets to work, strapping it onto Mr. E's wrist. The doctor seems frantic, while Mr. E is laid back and calm. "So Shelby. You finished it in time. As long as it works, I suppose you would win." You notice a hint of regret in his voice. "I would lose my down payment. This was a fairly expensive project on my part, you understand. Necessary for my work of course, but expensive." He was right; the hand was expensive. His down payment alone had funded the entire project, and helped you with a few of those traps around your workshop.

The doctor shoots a look at Dax, a fearful look in his eye. He quickly gets back to work, his hands flying across the hand, setting everything for Mr. E.

Ty: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Jason takes your back talk, until you come to the "what kind of police force are you" line. The few guards around you shoot you a look of pure fear. "What kind... of police force? Do you know who I am...? Do you know... Who I am? I am the LAW of Riviana! I am the one thing keeping this city safe and sane! I am the sole being keeping the innocent safe! Without me, this city would be NOTHING! NOTHING! I don't see YOU doing what I do! You know what? Forget it. We can catch him without you. Men! Take him to the gallows. I want to make an example of this insubordinate."

Reluctantly, two guards grab your arms. Unable to move, someone hits you on the back of your head, and you black out.

(Sorry, but you're gonna have to wait a while... I need everyone to see your next post. Have fun waiting!)

Kiku: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

None of the guards pay you any mind as you run over to the man. As you get closer, you notice drops of blood under his face. As you get closer to him, he crawls away, whimpering "No, no more! Get back, please, leave me alone!" As he crawls, you notice his face his covered with blood, and he leaves bloody hand prints everywhere his hands have been. It seems he's been hurt pretty bad...

Claire: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Jason turns to Claire. Although his face is covered by his helm, you're fairly certain he's got an annoyed look on his face. "Begging for money? Public indecency? I believe those are both serious offences. Men, take her away!" Two more men grab your arms, and handcuff your wrists together. They drag you away, away from the Back Alley District. On the way, one of the men looks at you, with a look of pity on his face. "Sorry about this, ma'am. Paragon Agroma is pretty uptight about his laws. As much as we hate to do it, we gotta..."

Well that went well, didn't it?

Adele: (Market District, Fire Walker Club)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Krenko smiles as he hears about you being well. He seems to take note of your choice of words about it's leadership however. "Yes, under the right leadership is right. I believe I am the right leader that this city needs, but other parties would disagree with me on that. Which is why I need you, Lady Adelphia Kveyna. I have brought you here, to help me." A devilish grin grows on both Krenko's and his girl's faces. "Now, understand Lady Kveyna, that i don't usually reach out to people for help. It is... Not in my nature. And I certainly don't reach out for help from someone as difficult to track as yourself. I spent a lot of resources in order to get you here." You notice Krenko tense up a little at that part. A small flame spurts to life on his right hand, which he plays with, sending it back and around his fingers.

"I have been tracking you for some time now, Lady Kveyna. I know almost everything there is to know about you. Your past, your training, your country, but most importantly, why you are here. In Riviana, I mean. You plan on seeing the Queen. I have been pressing for a certain... bill to be passed here in Riviana, which would make it easier for my business to operate. If this bill is not passed, I will have spent a lot of money on you for nothing. I don't like losing money, Lady Kveyna." The fire in Jason's hand turns into a ball, his entire hand erupting into flames. Closing his hand, the fire dies. "So I trust you won't disapoint. Lady Kveyna? I'd hate it if this was the last room you ever saw."

[MiscChaos]

After remembering where she's seen the name Jason Argoma before, it moves near the top of her list of things to investigate. One doesn't stay the guard of a Badass by being complacent about future threats after all. She'll find out what he's like and if he seems like trouble, get rid of him at first opportunity. If he's weak, then, well, he deserved to die. If not, then she'll get some fun out of it. Win-win to her.

Her eyes narrow after the salesmen's little tirade. Their answers only give her more questions and make her more uneasy about working with these two... but if they try anything, then she'll slaughter them once she has her weapons back and that will be that. And perhaps take a bath afterwards to wash off that greasy feeling they give her. She feels dirtier in their presence than she did while she was navigating the sewers! Another problem is she doesn't like owing people. Too much of that in Wind Valley would get you sold to a sex slaver faster than you can next blink and then you have to kill your way out. No good for everyone involved really. It may be her paranoia talking, but she absolutely do NOT want to work with these two, promise of killing them after she's done with them be damned!

Her eyes widen as a thought hits her square in the head: Why the hell is she so worried about sneaking in there? That clandestine bullshit is for the weak! She can just get as close as she can by stealth, then murder anyone who gets in her way if the flag is raised. She'll TAKE what rightfully belongs to her as a proud citizen of Wind Valley. With that settled in her mind, she gives the salesmen a malicious smile.

"I've decided I don't care about sneaking in. I'll do this the Wind Valley way: Do it under my own power or die trying." she says, shoving past them out of the alley and heading towards the asylum. She keeps an eye out for guards and security though. There's using might effectively then there's just being stupid, a fine line she's pretty sure she's already crossing.

[berserkerhorn]

Jormag looks at the weird brothers. He watches his captors as they offend the brothers. He takes this moment to slink away into the large crowd surrounding him. He makes a dash for it as soon as he slinks out of the crowd. He runs for the nearest alleyway hoping to escape and find somewhere safer.

[Taria]

Sentari grabs her sharp icicle-like earring and fashions it into an agile dagger. Noticing most of the men covered in water she raises up her hand and clenches it in the air as she attempt to freeze all the nearby water in the room, hopefully jabbing those men with some icy spike. "Blaire... ignite." She commands firmly as her assistant attempt to remain out of sight in the back ground. "But Mistress!" Blaire protests before she is silenced by an icy stare from her manager. Blaire steps forward and takes on an awkward fighting stance, attemping to mimic the flaming fists of the men around her. Her sucess is only momentarly, and what was once a controled flame spreads across Blaire's entire and she screams in outrage. She jumps wildly at the first flame walker she sees and begins clawing at him. Her sudden transformation brings Blaire intense pain, yet somehow her skin has adapted over time to blister quickly and then heal back to normality relitively quickly after the ordeal. Sentari hangs back to assess the situation before deciding where to strike.

[Zender_Solarheart]

"Yes sir, I know...and I apologize for the high price, but the supplies I needed for it were rather pricey themselves." When it comes to business, Shelby doesn't say much more than the bare necessities, if any more than that at all; the time she'd spend on extra words is time she can otherwise invest in the projects themselves, after all.

As she waits for the testing procedure, Shelby can't help but gulp nervously, and even hold her breath. Her pride as a technician is on the line here, and a poor performance could prove a deadly blow to her credibility...

[SugarCookie]

Because I am unaware of my inventory, I have two things I might do!
If I have any medical supplies! I shall use them! Even if it's just a bandage or maybe a healing potion!
But most likely I don't have any, so this happens!

Kiku ignores his request seeing blood, he obviously needs help, and unfortunately, she doesn't any medical supplies on her. Note to self; don't forget healing potion ever again. "No, you need help, your hurt and I have to get you to a healer" She said trying to grab him gently. Her spirits are a bit raised knowing this man got away, and is still alive, but she tries not to think about the chaos going on behind her. He keeps telling herself "It's not your fault, they would of come regardless of what you've done."

[TheDaughterOfHades14]

"But sir. I haven't done anything wrong!" Claire shouts as she is handcuffed. She sighs and bows her head in shame. She looks up as she hears the guard. "Sir. I didn't intentionally do anything wrong. Please let me go sir." she says. She looks around at the guards and the other men. Claire then looks back over at the guard. "Please sir." she says.

[napsii]

Adele let a hint of frown darken her face. Krenko's arrogance was parasitic to any functioning government, but more importantly, she could not imagine what terror he would inflict on those beneath him if his mafia blossomed any deeper. It was frightening how more syndicates like these competed for the city, and the authorities seemed inferior to their bribery, murdering and intimidation. And, admittedly by some fault of her own, she had been forced into Krenko's plan. She wondered just how much he had sacrificed to bring her here.

He seems confident that he will walk away with something gained, no matter what happens. she considered to herself as the mob boss spoke on. Now it was becoming clear, and to Adele, more concerning than before. Criminals were keen to conduct their business unknown to the law, but the very worst crimes were ones committed under the protection of the law. She tensed further, not quite intimidated by the flame orbiting around Krenko's hand, but more the implications of his ploy.

Kveyni's government was ripe with secrecy, but it begged the question how he could have unraveled their intelligence so deeply. Even before she had set off, it seemed as if he had been watching her. He had known, evidently, that her representation of Kveyni gave her some political clout with the Queen. Adele herself was not certain how much she'd be able to sway Rivana's government toward, even if her intentions were honest, but this was difficult nonetheless.

"If you think I will serve as a tool for your criminal activities, then you have become arrogant indeed." she fired off, leaning back. "You have sacrificed your heart for wealth and power. take no issue in cutting this flow of blood money." she said profoundly. Her defiance was somewhat expected. For reasons of pride and morality, she couldn't let herself be used by this. Perhaps she did not know Rivana well, but she respected life and liberty well enough she would stop breathing if it halted the advance of evil into the world.

She stood up, her hand moving to rest a hand on the water blade beneath her coat.

"I will take my leave now. If you see fit to stop me, then you know what will happen." she said seriously, turning heel for the door. Kveyni's history was punctuated with feuds and small wars, but throughout all this, honor had persevered. To attack one's opponent on your own estate was among the greatest of offenses. As Adele walked briskly away, she knew that if she were ambushed, then Krenko was truly a man without any sort of honor.

[KnightVanilla]

Gathering the wind around himself Garth uses the gusts of wind to direct his movements toward the men charging straight at him. With a single swing with his scything he would hit one man into the other then move aside to avoid any of them trying to grab him. His goal would be the one trying to throw that big ball of ice at him. Should he be too late to stop him from throwing it straight at him he would use the wind to redirect it at him. Before striking him with the blunt end of his scythe.

He would rather avoid any more trouble at this point so he knows he better make his movements quick. Garth was just lucky that the crowd happen to be giving him room to breath, didn't want any elemental sickness again like before.

[Icaelus]

Rayn raised an eyebrow as the boy quickly moved, the clods of earth melding into a dirt wall that deflected her jet of water. Seemed like she would be against someone decent enough in his walking skills to put up a fight. No matter. Rayn had long ago learnt it paid off to have a backup plan, such as in the form of a secondary attack..like the ice spikes currently rocketing towards the Earth Walker's back. The dirt wall crumbled back to the clods of dirt swirling around the boy and Rayn now noticed that he was wielding a earthen club. Looks like the kid had took the time to form a weapon while he had been taking cover. Smart.
"...Who the hell is Brawly?"
Rayn murmured, folding her arms as the boy fell forward on his face, her ice spikes sticking out of his back. They were big, but they hadn't struck him in any vital spots like she'd planned. Arctis wasn't above putting an Earth Walker in a hospital for months, but she wouldn't kill anyone unless she was forced to. And the fight was more or less over..not.
"Whoa!"
She cried out as the boy suddenly launched his counter-attack, slamming his fist on the ground and causing a mini-earthquake that threw her onto her back rather painfully. When her vision finally cleared, her first view was of the club wielding idiot preparing to smash her skull in. Goddamnit. And what the hell was he saying, for god's sake? Who was Brawly again?

"Oh, shut the fuck up."
Rayn muttered as she did an evasive sideways roll, the club smashing heavily onto the Rayn-free floor. She pressed her hands against the floor and pushed, launching herself forward and aiming a hard kick at the boy's kneecap, aiming to break his leg.

[jayjaycaps]

Hermes: (Heart District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The twins roll their eyes at each other, and in unison, pull their hands back and slick back their hair. "Fine then. Storm the asylum. Go nuts." Flim and Flam snicker, realising Flim's unintentional pun. As you shove them aside, they burst out laughing.

Now away from the twins, your vision seems to sharpen and your thoughts become more focused. Looking back, you realise how clouded your thoughts were in the alleyway.

Looking around, you see no form of security. Just some noble men and women, sitting around talking. A few cast wayward glances at you, before quickly whispering to their friends. Probably criticizing you. You recognize this area from when you had escaped; the asylum should be a few blocks north of here. You also notice that your face isn't the only one on wanted posters, as there seems to be at least five posters on every wall. All of them have the same name at the bottom, "By Order Of Jason Agroma"

Jormag: (Market District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

As you sneak away, one of the twins looks at you and gives you a knowing wink. You hear a thought pop into your head, in a voice that isn't your own. You owe us one. Before you can dwell on the thought too much, it becomes muddy and clouded, like trying to remember a dream. All you remember is that it wasn't you thinking it.

Looking back, you see your captors haven't noticed your escape. They continue to watch the twins, who are shouting some sales pitch, something about some type of ale. Aside from their stall, the market has slowed down, giving you much more room. The only problem with that is, you'll be easier to find again should the red men come after you here...

Sentari: (Back Alley District, your brothel)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The men affected by the water droplets all wince, as if something was stabbing them in the back. It would appear that your ice trick worked! You see small spots ignite across their backs though, presumably melting the ice that was stabbing them. They snarl from under their hoods, and prepare to throw various fireballs at them, when suddenly...

Blaire bursts into flames, startling the Walkers! She jumps a Walker at the back, knocking him down. Turning to help their friend, the Red Men try to pry Blaire off of him. Although they may be resistant to fire, they're not fireproof and keep their distance, looking for ways to extinguish/get Blaire off of the man. Meanwhile, he kicks and screams while under Blaire, his robe catching on fire. The leader only casts a wayward glance at them, and sighs. "Never as an adept to do a master's job." His hands ablaze, he charges you, his robe fluttering behind him to reveal his leather armor. You have a split second to react, before a flaming fist tries to occupy the same space as your face.

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Sentari: Healthy.

Blaire: On fire. Clawing at a Fire Walker Minion.

Fire Walker Leader: Healthy. Charging Sentari. Hands are on fire.

Fire Walker Minion: Being clawed by Blaire. On fire. Panicking.

Fire Walker Minion: Healthy. Trying to figure out how to stop Blaire.

Fire Walker Minion: Healthy Trying to figure out how to stop Blaire.

Fire Walker Minion: Healthy. Trying to figure out how to stop Blaire.

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

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Mr. E's muscles tense. He speaks through clenched teeth. "I thought you wouldn't be able to do it. I thought for sure, I'd get my money back. I was wrong. I lost. I don't like losing, Shelby." As the doctor works, small blue sparks jump from his fingertips to his hands; he's an Electric Walker. He continues to occasionally glance up Mr. E's hood, his look getting more and more worrisome. You both suddenly feel like something is off, something is wrong...

But before either of you can do anything about it, the doors to the diner swing open. In walks to men, presumably brothers, based on how much they look alike.


They quickly march over to your table, walking in unison. They both take off their hats in unison too, and sit down beside Shelby, each on one side. They both have devilish grins on their faces, and talk like they're always trying to sell you something. The shaved one speaks first.

"Well well well, I knew we'd find you here! How are ya, E? How's that hand?" "Hope it works, E. We need you back to work, as soon as possible!" "That's right! Can't let that debt of yours sit around, now can we?" "You're right brother, we ca- And who do we have here? The proud inventor and her boyfriend, here to see her greatest creation?" "Splendid! You have no idea how thankful we are that you fixed up ol' E here for us. We couldn't live without him!" "Or his hand!"

They twins speak so fast, neither of you have a chance to get a word in. Mr. E seems even more tense, particularly when they mention "debt". You notice the doctor seems more relaxed now that the twins are here, though. The twins also seem to think you two are dating...

Kiku: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

As you have no healing items, you talk to them man. Hearing about how you want to help him, he stops trying to flee. He looks up at you, revealing his bloody face. It seems to have several long cuts along it, in a symmetrical pattern, as if someone was tattooing his face with a dagger. His eyes are full of fear and pain, and he's whimpering softly. "That's the thing. I didn't do anything. They attacked me because I'm a Fire Walker. I'm not a part of their stupid Gang war!" He screams at you. "I was just passing through. I didn't talk to anyone, look at anyone, I didn't even show that I'm a Fire Walker... They just did this to me." He jams a bloody finger to his face, indicating his cuts.

In the background, you notice Jason has stopped shouting. You hear several pairs of boots move away from your alleyway, presumably Jason and his guards walking away.

Claire: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

The guard doesn't look at you, but sighs. "Sorry lady. I'd rather know that I locked up an innocent woman that risking Jason punishing me. Don't worry, you'll only be locked up for a day or two at most." And on that happy note, you notice a shift in color on the buildings around you; from the dark and damp Back Alley District to the warm and pristine white of the Heart District.

As you are dragged along, the guards remain silent. Eventually you are brought to one of Riviana's many criminal outpost's. It's not so much a prison as it is a large cage planted in an alleyway with a guard watching the gate. They guards nod at each other, and you hear the metal door creak open. You are thrown in on your ass, and before the door shuts, you hear "Sorry again, just following orders."

Adele: (Market District, Fire Walker Club)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

Krenko listens intently to your disobedience, allowing you to finish and stand up before interjecting. "But my dear Lady Kveyna, crossing me would be a very foolish mistake. I have eyes, ears and swords all over this city, as well as Kveyni. If you leave, I'd be rather cross, I'd think. Might make me do something rash, such as, oh, I don't know, try to overthrow the Kveyni royal family... again?" A truly maniacal grin sets onto Krenko's face as he lets his threat sink in. "I heard the last man who tried it was never caught. It's almost as if he was never in the city... Strange, isn't it? So listen here, Adelphia." Krenko's attitude became much more stern, his jaw clenched. "You will be my tool, my pawn. I haven't sacrificed my heart to get here because I never had one. If you defy me, this room will be the last thing you ever-" He is caught mid sentence, as the bolt locking the door is frantically opened. The heavy wooden door swings open, and standing there panting, is one of Krenko's flunkies.

"Sir! Pardon the interruption, but it's a raid! Jason Agroma's here!" Krenko seems taken aback by this news, but quickly calms himself. His concubines on the other hand, his at the mention of Jason Agroma. "Hm. Very well. It would appear I must cut this meeting short, Lady Kvenya. But remember, I am always watching. When you see the Queen, I will know. You cannot escape my reach. Not as long as you live in my city" Krenko stands, and pulls up the red mat he was sitting on and drapes it around himself like a cape. His concubines stand as well, and they walk into the back of the room, into the dark hall and out of sight.

Outside, you hear screams and swords clashing, and the occasional explosion. The Walker who had barged in has left, so you are alone. Do you find out what all the noise is about, or wait for your rescue?

Garth: (Market District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

As Garth zooms towards the Gangsters, his scythe connects with the first man's chest, knocking the wind out of him. His blow doesn't get much farther, however, and the Walker behind him promptly punches Garth square in the chin. Garth reels back from the pain, and hears a small cracking sound coming from somewhere in his jaw.

Looking over, the Walker has their ice ball ready, and is looking for a good time to blast Garth with it. Better think fast...

Rayn: (Back Alley District)

Spoiler (click to show/hide):

You roll out of the bat's way, and it smashes into the dirt, melding back into the earth. The boy seethes in anger, and goes to take another blind swing. But he's too late, you're already up, kicking his knee. He cries out in pain, and you hear a loud crack. His knee buckles,and he falls to the ground.

Grimacing in pain, this Walker still isn't out of tricks. Looking over at you (with sheer hatred in his eyes, might I add) he punches the ground. His fist goes right through the dirt, and at your leg a much larger version of his hand rises out of the ground. It clamps onto your ankle, and as he pulls his arm out of the dirt, the mud mad pulls you in. Through a clenched jaw and seething breaths, he glares at you and shouts.

"Brawly is the Earth King, Acrtis. Leader of the Earth Walkers. You can not stop him or his men more than you can stop a landslide. Under his leadership, the earth will swallow you whole!" Your foot sinks into the ground, the earth moving around to let you slip in. Your too far away to touch the Walker, and you can't get your foot out... Quite the predicament you're in, Rayn!

[Icaelus]

Rayn dusted her hands off, shaking her head and sighing. She wondered if that little rumor about Earth Walkers having rocks in their heads true. It might explain why this one was being such a damn idiot currently.
"Look, idiot. Just stay dow- Eek!"
She cursed herself mentally for letting down her guard and making such an embarrassing sound as the Earth Walker's fist pulled her foot completely into the ground. Rayn yanked at her foot, but it was sunk and pretty much rooted under the ground. Well. This sucked. Time to throw threats and some Water Walking.
Rayn growled, raising a hand and summoning whatever water was left on the floor. It rushed to her outstretched hand, swirling into a sphere of water in her palm. All the time whilst the moron was babbling about some Earth King dude. Oh, was Brawly his name? But he..was really goddamn loud.
"Do I need to repeat myself? Shut. Up."
She hurled the ball of water at the Earth Walker's face. It contacted the boy's face, completely enveloping his entire head in the sphere of water.
"Alright, stonehead. Either you drown here in some deserted alleyway or you let me go. What'll it be? I'll probably get free in a minute anyway, but you'll be dead. Doesn't really matter much to me."
Rayn said, casually folding her arms and sitting herself down on the floor while she waited for the kid's decision.

[Zender_Solarheart]

Shelby resists the urge to express irritation, after Mr. E says he "thought she wouldn't be able to do it." All financial interests aside, she doesn't like being doubted by her own clients; while she avoids bragging, the agreement between business partners requires some level of trust and good faith. Not to mention that the very atmosphere in here screams "hidden details"...

Of course, the..."exuberantly-dressed" pair that barges in unannounced cuts her off before she could so much as say another word, firing off words at what she could swear is roughly 300 words per minute.

Shelby repeatedly attempts to correct the two men on her and Dax mid-babble, but they talk so fast, that her words would have better luck getting through a brick wall. After numerous failed attempts, she brings her palm up to her forehead in annoyance, sighs, and answers: "For the record, him and I aren't dating. We're just travelling together, that's all." She then recalls the mentioning of "debt" they mentioned, regarding Mr. E...that would explain why he seemed so reluctant to pay her fee.

With that in mind, she asks: "Err, one more thing...I provide discounts to clients in economic hardship, as a personal policy. Is that debt you mentioned anything I should be concerned with?" In all fairness, she mostly just made up that "policy" on the spot, largely out of sympathy for Mr. E. Besides, those two men reek of funny business, as if they make a living off of selling half-baked products to gullible consumers...and a policy like that is a good way to test their marketing ethics. Most money-grubbers would hear such a policy, and try to haggle against it, for the sake of their own greed...

[SugarCookie]

Kiku grimaces at his wounds, but grabs his hand softly and says "Shh shh shh, I know, they got what's coming to them. Now just hold still for a second." She brushes his hair away with her other hand, and examines the wounds. "Those are pretty deep, I need to take you to a healer or those will get infected. Follow me closely, I know someone nearby who can help. Oh, and take my hood, bloody face kinda draws attention." She said giving the stranger her hood to help with the bleeding and concealment.

Assuming he follows and nothing happens on the way, she grabs his hand and leads him through the alleys, a few silent streets, checking both ways before crossing (and revealing herself), and within 10 minutes reaches a large residential building. Helping him climb to the second floor, she knocks on the door of her old friend's. "Hopefully she's home, this crazy old gal has helped me survive daggers in the chest. Bit strange on pricing through, expensive for papercuts, dirt cheap for surgery, if you know what I mean."

[daxtinator396]

Dax watched nervously as the tension in the room thickened further and further and the doctor became more and more nervous. He felt like something would happen and release the tension any moment in a bad way. Suddenly two men almost identical barge in and start speaking at the speed of sound and he was worried a sonic boom would rip through the diner any moment but the doc seemed relaxed and then he heard boyfriend come from the two sleazy looking men and he blushed alittle and tried with Shelby to correct them with minimal success before adding as they finished speaking,"We just met! We're not dating..." He then notices how tense Mr E looks and backs away for a moment getting ready for what might happen.

[MiscChaos]

Hermes resists the urge to slaughter them for their insolent joke, but only because she would rather not waste her energy on greasy slime like that any more than she needs to. Even the slime of her home didn't set her on edge as much as they did, and some of them only worked in sexual favors or drugs or shit like that! Speaking of grease though, it feels like her mind is clearer now that she's away, as if their demeanor was fouling her mind. Was that why she sat there considering things instead of doing it the Wind Valley way? Just what would've happened if she had agreed to their terms?

"Who the hell are they?" she asks herself, promoting them to the top of her list right behind Jason Argoma. Arriving in the area she escaped from, she looks at the nobles talking about her and gives herself a once over. She is wearing clothes she's had on since she was dragged to this pit, so they're understandably filthy, especially with her recent sewer trip in mind. "Tch. I'm gonna have to dump them soon." She's reluctant to part with her Wind Valley garb, but sticking out in unfriendly territory crosses the might/stupidity line. Besides, she stinks. The former guard of a Badass should never stink like she does. Putting that on her list of things to do, she scans the posters as she walks by them towards the asylum, logging faces, crimes, and bounties while she does. At best, she can turn them in for quick cash and at worse, she'll just have to ignore them. No skin off her back either way. With the asylum a few blocks away, she figures it should be looming into sight, whatever guards they have becoming visible soon afterwards.

[berserkerhorn]

Jormag looks back at the red men. "Must've been one of them... I'll come back one day..." Jormag thinks to himself. He. Continues running down the direction the he and the firewalkers had been heading. He stops after a while to survey where he is amongst this unfamiliar city.