Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2011 22:20:22 GMT -5
Red's blade was out in a moment. How dare this man come and kill the monk. Red didn't know the monk. But from the brief time they had met he knew that the monk was genuinely a good person. For someone to just kill him so easily was just plain wrong. "Who the hell do you think you are?!" He demanded of the assailant.
It took everything in him from not charging the killer. Still he had his weapon pointed at the opponent and his stance was ready for a fight. "Now... now..." The killer said smiling. "Lets not get hasty. That old pervert was getting what he deserved." Red's face filled with question. What was this crazy man saying?
The man in the suit brought his hands up to his head and ran it up and down on the back of his head. "That old monk is a rapist. I have just rid the world of one monstrosity. What is wrong with that?" His arms widened as he posed the question to Red.
Slowly Red's blade lowered as his mind was conflicted. Who was he to say that what the killer was saying was not true. After all he knew nothing about the monk. "That doesn't mean it is your place to act." The killer let out another laugh.
"Silly child. You know nothing. Is it money you want?..." Reaching into his pocket, the man pulled out a handful of Gill and tossed it to the floor. "There's your money. That monk was a witch. That heartless you just battled... he planted it. That whole thing about poison was just an excuse so that he could get you alone." Those words were pointed to Jean.
Red turned to her. He didn't know what to say. Jean knew more then him if she was really poisoned or not. The murder continued. "Once he got you alone he would cast his spell and then sacrifice you for his next victim and heartless."Red was still having a hard time believing the man. They were just expected to take his word for it?
"This relies alot on us just trusting your words. I have a hard time believing any of this."
"Children." Was what he said shaking his head. "You don't believe his words do you Jean? You must see the truth in the situation? Your father would have anyway."
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 14, 2011 14:02:10 GMT -5
Jean didn't let anger control her actions right now as she faced the newcomer. She didn't automatically trust someone either. She allowed Red to confront him first though, just to see what this guy would say in answer. According to the stranger, the monk was an old pervert. Like Red, she knew nothing of the monk or this guy. It was wise of Red to not trust what he heard, at least not right now. It would take a lot of convincing if this guy planned on getting her to believe anything that had been said.
She watched as the guy pulled out gil and tossed it to the floor before Red, talking about how the monk they met had been a witch. How the monk had been the one who planted the Heartless there. That the poisoning thing was just an act. Jean thought about it for a moment. If she were poisoned, she would've at least felt the burn upon the infliction of her wound if it wasn't the type that burned through the veins. That and if she were really poisoned and if this guy were going to kill them or mock someone of dying, he would've done it by now, right?
Their problem here was neither she nor Red knew the monk's history. Neither of them also knew this strange guy's history either. Red had been right to remain wary though. Even Jean's father told her not to trust every little thing someone said. For now, this person posed as no threat...yet.
"Hm...you're right about the poison. I would've at least felt some kind of burn from the venom..." she trailed off. Well, that was a relief to know. She didn't know how to make herself an antidote with these strange flowers. Now, she didn't know what to think about the flowers. They probably held no healing properties then. 'Well, if they didn't, boy was I played for a fool!' she thought. It turned out to be a wanted ad just to bait people or so it seemed.
What the strange said next though was cause for alarm. How did he know her name? Even worse, how did he know about her father? Her expression hardened then, since it had been just merely cautious before. "How do you know my name?" she demanded. Also, how did he know about her father and how he would've acted?
"How do you know of my father?!" came her next demand. Right now, her thoughts turned to her father. Was he in danger back in Kalm? If he was, she would go after who did him harm. Her father was all she had left for family. It was a fear she always had. Her father getting dragged into these situations because someone had been able to trace her. Still, even her father told her not to worry. He had taught her everything he knew but even she worried about him sometimes. He was getting old, after all.
No one knew about her father. Jean never let that information get found out. How this guy knew of him, it was a wonder.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 14, 2011 14:20:41 GMT -5
Red was ready to kick some but. How dare he be called a child! Red's face grew red with rage. No one would miss a murder. He could easily just attack. Indeed it was pure will that kept Red from charging at the man. He reminded himself that this man might have answers. And those nails were another thing to think about. The murderer was dangerous. That was clear.
Grip tightening around the hilt of his blade he waited to see what more the murderer might say. It seemed he knew Jean, yet Jean did not know him... Watching a gleeful smile cross his face just made Red even more angry. How was everything so happy with him?
"How do I know your name?" He asked, repeating Jean's question. "Come now Jean is that really important? Let's just say a little birdie told me." Crossing his arms Jean's question about her father made he burst out in chaotic laughter.
"Your father? Oh we have a very special relationship. I killed him you see!" Those words trailed off as he paused for a second. "Well I haven't killed him yet, but he is a few names down on the list. I'll be killing him soon." Upon finishing the answer to Jean's question, the murder raised his hand.
In response Red brought his blade up in defense, ready for any sort of attack. However an attack did not come. Indeed what did happen though was not pretty. One by one the nails that had impaled the monk to the wall extracted at once and flew harmlessly over to the man in the suit. He held them in his hand and clapping his hands together the nails vanished into thin air.
There was no doubt that this man was going to be trouble. Especially if he planned to kill Jean's father, as he said he was going too. Red could only look over to Jean and see what her response would be. Targeting one's family was not a way to go and do things.
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 15, 2011 4:19:11 GMT -5
Jean could feel the tension in the air. She knew Red wanted to just attack the guy but caution and wanting answers seemed to hold him back for now. She was grateful he had the sense to hold back just long enough for some talk. That and the mysterious guy wasn't trying to attack them out right. If anything, his chatter was all he planned on giving them. Only caution stayed her blade as she waited for him to speak.
Seeing that smile on his face, she had the urge to wipe it off. There wasn't a good feeling about this guy at all. Yet, what he said about the poison at least seemed true enough. Why tell them the truth, she wasn't so sure. She didn't have many foes that would openly admit things to her. This guy was surely an oddball, if ever she saw one.
Asking him why he knew her name though, it made her inwardly facepalm. Her name wouldn't be difficult to find. She had been a leading figure in an organization once upon a time. Her name had gotten out there at least a little attention. Some good and some bad. Only her enemies though would have something bad to say about her. None knew of her family ties though. Jean had done her best to keep it confidential and now she wondered if she had been tracked to her home. It was the only way she could think of her father getting figured out.
Hearing how he spoke about her, she just gave him a flat look. Whoever this little birdie was, she was sure they didn't mean her any good in leaking her information. "Oh, it does matter. I'll know whose face to slam in the next time I see them!" she retorted coolly. For now, she refrained from getting out her sword.
When the subject turned onto her father, the guy's sudden laughter finally made her set her hand on her sword's hilt. Ignoring her other bleeding arm, she watched the other with intensity. Her eyes narrowed dangerously when she heard what he said next. Killed her father?! Before she could really react to it, he had managed to speak up again. This time claiming that he was one of the few on his 'to kill' list. If what he was trying to accomplish here was threats, he was in for some trouble right now. Jean didn't play around with an outright threat like that one.
"I don't see why you're wasting your breath on us to tell us these things..." she trailed off unsheathing her sword, looking over at him. It was obvious by the look in her eyes that she had become more hardened than before. No longer was she allowing doubt to trouble her mind as she began to focus on him. When he recalled those iron nails, she had an inkling he might now be ready for them. If that were the case, she was now prepared for what he might have in store for them.
"Threatening to kill my father is enough to make me kill you where you stand...but even if you manage to get away and try to kill him, my father is not easy." She watched him carefully now. Things were going to probably turn into a fight here. One she felt like provoking right now after hearing that threat. She did not let the anger cloud her judgment though. It wasn't wise to underestimate your opponent.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2011 16:17:06 GMT -5
Red smelled a fight. The atmosphere around them was growing tense. It was starting to look like a fight was more and more possible the more the conversation continued. He could tell by Jean's demeanor that she was just about ready to tear this psycho from limn to limn. "Your not making friends here, why even bother with telling us that?" He said, repeating Jean.
The psycho in a business suit, smiled. "Why not? I'm always up for a challenge. Otherwise my work is so boring." He said with a sigh. "And don't act all high and mighty on me. Your nothing. NOTHING!" The murderers face had become very red as his fists clenched and his eyes ran wild with insanity and the intent to kill. However the mood was gone just as fast as it arrived.
Brushing his suit with his hands he smiled again. "Sorry about that. Challenges just get me so wild you see." Eyes floating from his suit and back to Red and Jean, he seemed to notice that Red was a bit shaken by the sudden change in mood. His smile turned into a grin as he gave Red a wink.
"I don't think he's stable." Red whispered, hoping that the murderer did not hear them. If he did hear Red, he didn't show it. He folded his arms and he began to murmur to himself. Red couldn't make out exactly what he was saying but he caught a few random words. In all Red speculated the man was talking to himself.
"Yes. I see." He suddenly said loud enough for Jean and Red to hear. "I think it would be smart to show you who your dealing with... Yes. That would be good." Reaching into his pocket, the crazy man pulled out a picture. He threw it, and it whizzed through the air before finally landing on the ground in front of him.
The picture depicted a man beaten senseless. He was tied to a chair and a blind fold covered to his face. He was an older man, but the resemblance between the older man in the picture and Jean was unmistakable. Whether or not to say the picture was real was not important. For anyone to be presented with such an image real or not would be enough to send most people in angry.
"He's just waiting to die." The man with the nails said, bursting in laughter. Red's hand tightened on his weapon.
"You son of a ...." He began going to take a step forward to attack.
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 15, 2011 18:50:58 GMT -5
Jean stood her ground, watching the guy carefully. Right now, he was going the right way for getting attacked by them. The tension in the air was so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Her gaze did not move from the murderer. It would be unwise to not keep an eye on the one who was obviously becoming the enemy here. She had a bad feeling about this guy and he only proved it correct in claiming that he was going to kill her father. It angered her but she held back enough to not let her anger get the better of her. Her father always warned her about letting her anger cloud her judgment.
Hearing him speak, the guy went into an intense and crazed fury. The way he was telling them to not act all high and mighty. Saying they were nothing compared to him, nothing. Jean just kept her face neutral for the time being. It did bother her a little with how quick he snapped at them. Looking in the man's eyes, she saw what looked like insanity. She had seen that look before numerous times with foes she fought in the past. They were never easy targets and were never easy to deal with verbally.
The whisper Red uttered, Jean could only agree with him. Sideglancing at the kid, she gave a slight nod. She didn't think this man was stable either. It was best for them to be on their guard with him like that. "Stay on your guard." Her voice came in a barely audible whisper in response to Red. She just hoped the guy didn't catch what the two of them were saying to each other. He'd probably only become more crazed hearing what they were saying.
They stood there as he began to talk to himself now. What in the world was this guy doing? Did that mean he had a split personality or something? Clutching her only blade with her one good arm right now, Jean waited for the guy to finish talking to himself. Eventually, he seemed to make up his mind as he stated that he would now show them what they were dealing with. Putting his hand into his pocket, suit pocket, he went to retrieve something. Immediately, Jean got into a battle ready position. She thought he was going to fight them now.
Jean only dropped the position a little when she saw him pull out a picture instead of the nails she had thought he was going to use. Letting it whiz through the air to come to a complete halt on the ground before him, facing them. It was a picture and looking at it, it looked like there was a man. One that had to be somewhere in his middle age and the hair coloring was uncannily like her own. It looked a lot like that guy would be her father but was it really? Jean didn't know what to think since her old man, where he was old, wasn't easy to deal with even at his age.
It made her uneasy to think it could possibly be her own father. Standing stock still for a moment, she breathed. Hearing Red's words, she knew the teenager was just as angered by this. Hearing what the murderer said next, that was what set them off. Jean had enough of this as she got into her battle ready position and started to advance.
"How dare you!"
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2011 19:18:43 GMT -5
Red charged at the opponent, not thinking anything beyond the fact that this man was murder. Red was fast. There was no doubt about it. But he was no where near as fast as Jean. However his opponent seemed all at ease. He did nothing but watch him charge, sword ready to strike as soon as he was in striking distance.
As Red came within that distance his blade slashed. However as soon as that blade came within contact, there was no satisfying sound of blade hitting flesh. In fact the opponent disappeared as his clothes fell to the floor. Red was left looking stunned at the pair of clothes laying on the floor.
"Children shouldn't play with sharp objects." The voice came from behind him, Red spun around but saw nothing. Eyes rolling past the room they could not find the opponent. "Up here little kid." Red's eyes shot up to a balcony he did not know existed. Well it really wasn't a balcony. Especially since most of it seemed to have crashed down to the floor at some point. But one section still remained.
Their opponent sat on the edge of that balcony, still dressed in the suit he had been wearing. He let out a laugh at Red's obvious anger. "Get down here you coward!" Red shouted, his own face going red. He didn't have the strength or the ability to jump up to that height.
"Now, now I said I wanted a challenge. I didn't mean I wanted a fight right now. Come now take on my challenge! I promise ya, defeat me in that challenge and I promise no harm will come to your father. In fact! I'll make it even sweeter for you Miss Jean. Accept my challenge and either way I will tell you where to find a certain assassin that keeps on getting in your way."
Red's eyes lit up on that last one. He looked to Jean. This was her call. The crazy man wasn't challenging him.
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 16, 2011 3:06:34 GMT -5
Red beat Jean to the chase as he took off after the murderer. He had only just held back long enough to allow her time to get some answers as well as his own. However, something strange happened. Red was a fast kid but nothing like Jean. Even though he wasn't as fast, the way the murderer had evaded Red's attack was pretty surprising. Up above, the guy now stood, looking down on them.
He taunted Red with his voice as Red looked about for him. When he told Red where to find him exactly, Jean was just as mildly surprised as Red was to find him there. Her eyes fixed on him again, she considered leaping up at him to attack. All she would have to do is get a good running jump and she'll be at him.
However, he stemmed that idea speaking again. All this guy wanted was a challenge. Not a fight right now. The thing is though, he never told her exactly what type of challenge it would be. If he was defeated, Jean's father would be safe and even more so, they would find out where the assassin would be on top of it. Not even looking at Red, she already knew what he was thinking. No doubt, he would be eager to put an end to him. She couldn't blame him either with all the attempts he kept making on Red's life.
"...What kind of challenge?" she questioned the murderer above. Her gaze was fierce but right now, she gave no indication of attacking him yet. She really wanted to though and would have if he hadn't leapt up onto what looked like the remains of a balcony.
For now, she would play along but it all depended on the type of challenge it was. The idea, she didn't really like but if she didn't do it then she was sure her father would be killed. If the picture were true, he was in this maniac's clutches somewhere. Where, she wouldn't know so denying this creep wouldn't be a good idea. "If you have my father, I've no choice but to take you on with whatever twisted game you have in mind."
It was clear by the look in her eyes that she didn't want to have to do this but she had to give in. If her father was really in this guy's hands, she would have to comply with this challenge. Whatever it was, she just hoped it wouldn't be something she would end up regretting.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2011 12:05:23 GMT -5
The crazed man clapped in glee laughing all the while. Red couldn't help but feel sick just from looking at him. The man was surely delusional. "A contest! A contest of sport!" He said answering her question. "A simple challenge guided by only one rule. One must submit to be defeated. I speak of a bout of course my fair Jean." He said.
Red didn't understand exactly what the murderer was saying, but he figured out the gist of what he wanted. It seemed a challenge was a fight with victory going to the one who got the other to give in. Seemed simple enough. Gazing at Jean, he understood the circumstances she was in. If this man really did have her father she would have no choice but to accept the challenge.
"And just where and when is this going to take place?" Red's asked, curiosity getting the better of him. Red had lowered his weapon and no longer was in a defensive position.
Leaping off of the balcony, the man in the business suit landed like a cat with his feet and arms touching the floor. Yet no harm seemed to come to him from his leap. "Three days. I give you three days Miss Jean, to do whatever you wish with the information I give you. You may meet me here of course. I do believe there is no better place to commence the challenge. And I'll bring your father too." He told her with a smile.
Red wanted the information. That much was certain. But this was still not his fight. There was always the chance that this murderer was lying. After all who would trust someone who wasn't clearly sane. Placing his blade back into its sheath he crossed his arms, the left one of course looking much smaller and bonier compared to the right.
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 16, 2011 21:16:15 GMT -5
Jean raised an eyebrow at the man as he told her the challenge would be one of sport. Seeing as they weren't going to be fighting, she at least lowered her weapon as she let the man continue. He said it in a strange way but she got what he had meant. They were going to have a bout which usually meant some sort of challenge in which either had to give in to be officially defeated. Most likely a physical one, a fight.
She looked over at Red when he spoke up asking about the terms of when and where it would take place. In response, the guy leapt down from the ledge he had been on in a cat like fashion. Jean made no move to attack him seeing as he had her father somewhere. It wouldn't be wise to attack him again when or if he escaped, he would probably go and eliminate him for that. She had to be careful.
The guy was giving her three days to do with whatever the information he gave her until then. That here, in the church, was where the challenge would take place and where she would meet him. She wasn't sure if she should trust what he was telling her but it wasn't like she had a choice right now. It was comply or end up with a deceased family member. Even though he said he would bring her father, she wasn't so sure if he'd actually do it. Even more, she didn't really know what exactly the specifics were about this bout. A bout could be anything but it sounded to her like a physical one. So for now, she was thinking he meant a fight.
Eventually, she nodded to confirm that she understood what he had said. "Alright, I'll be here then in three days." There wasn't anything else she could do. Just train during the time in between until then and hope for the best. She was confident in her skills but she was always apprehensive with whatever this guy had in mind. It wouldn't be easy and why this guy was targeting her was another good question. Why her of all people?
"Anything else you'd like to add?" she inquired. It was polite but firm with how she asked it. Jean was just making sure there wasn't anything else before she and Red would take off for the day.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2011 22:53:54 GMT -5
Red just wanted to be on their way already. He had no doubt that Jean would defeat this mad man. He hadn't seen to much of her skill, but the way she handled the battle with the heartless... It was enough for Red to feel secure to proclaim her victory.
"So where is the assassin? You said you'd tell us the information." He said directly to the murderer. Hopefully he didn't drag this out any longer then it already needed to be. Red figured that even though the insane man might tell them where the assassin was, that didn't guarantee he was going to be there. Still the fact that Red might finally rid himself of the annoying pest, made him optimistic.
"Hush child! All in good time, all in good time." The business man said repeating himself. "I don't think it's all that right that I no so much about you Jean and you know almost nothing about me. You should at least be given the opportunity to find out just who I am." He said with a wink directed at Jean.
Stretching out his arms Jean bowed, while never taking his eyes off of Jean. "The name is Arnold Wong. My suggestion is to check with one of your informants in Shinra. They might be able to help fair things a little."
Red could really care less about any of this. The more they waited the chances of actually finishing this entire thing with the assassination was dimming. "Can you just tell us the information already." He said complaining.
"Boy children really want things right away don't they." He said with a smile and a wink as if sharing an inside joke with Jean. "Alright boy. I did promise the information didn't I. If I remember correctly while at my stay at the inn there was a name that stood out to me. Check into the name Butch. Your assassin is staying under that name."
About time! Red turned to leave. The sooner he reached that inn the better. As he left he heard the murder shout out once more. "Remember. Three days. If you don't come back I kill your father Jean, and then I'll come for you."
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 17, 2011 14:29:26 GMT -5
Jean stood there as Red demanded the information of the assassin from the man before them. It was obvious that he too was tired of this already. She just hoped the other's patience didn't run thin with Red. The teenager had been rather bothersome toward the man. Still, she was there to stop him if he tried attacking the kid. How this unstable guy could be so patient was a mystery to her. It was a lucky thing though.
Quieting Red, he went to speak to her once more saying how it wasn't right that he knew so much about her but she didn't him. Well, he was right about that one but she didn't think he would give away that information. Introducing himself as Arnold Wong finally, she could only wonder. She never heard of the guy before but according to him, talking to one of her Shinra informants would be able to help her figure some things out.
Interacting with this Arnold, she wasn't exactly sure what to make of him with how he kept winking at her or using flattery to speak to her. If she didn't know any better, it seemed like he was oddly flirting with her. 'Is it me...or do I always seem to attract odd attention these days?' she wondered.
It wasn't long before Red demanded the information again impatiently. She didn't blame him. He was probably itching to get rid of that assassin. That and listening to two adults talk was most likely very boring.
Eventually, Arnold answered Red stating that the assassin was last known to be at the Inn. Under the name of Butch. With that, Red turned and left the church. Seeing as their discussion was over with, Jean merely inclined her head but kept her eyes fixed on Arnold. It was never wise to take your eyes off an enemy. With that, she left after Red as Arnold called out after them. Three days before they would fight or he'd kill her father and then come after her.
"Tell me something I don't know!" she muttered to herself as she followed Red.
"Sorry about that."
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2011 18:01:47 GMT -5
Red simply shook his head when Jean joined him outside. There was no reason for her to apologize. It wasn't as if they could have predicted that the monk was going to be murdered. Still Red was still at a lost on the entire situation. Was the murderer really telling the truth? Or was this just a sick ploy so that he could get a challenge out of Jean? It was just to much to think about.
"It's not your fault." He told her, as he began walking towards the district where the inn was located. Glancing Jean's way as he walked, he tried to read her. Was she really okay with all of this? He couldn't help but feel that he was further in debt to her. "I should be the one apologizing. If I hadn't dragged you onto this hunt, none of this would have happened."
Yes, he was the one who should be apologizing. Not Jean. As he came to the end of the district he briefly glanced back to the church. Red would accompany Jean in three days back to this district. By then he hoped to have his debt all squared away. He would just have to figure out how.
Continuing on, Red was to busy in thought to notice any of the shadows watching them. Before he knew it, the Inn was towering before him. Head rolling up, his eyes followed the building as it went up. There were three floors to the building. That would mean a fall from the third floor, while not deadly, would certainly slow someone down. It was good to know that.
Coming to a stop before the Inn doors, Red paused. "You don't have to do this. I don't expect you to follow me in here and help me deal with my problems. You could turn away now and never have to worry about me again." Not bearing to wait for her decision he walked inside. Her next action of following him or turning away would be the only answer he needed.
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 17, 2011 22:15:40 GMT -5
Jean wasn't so sure if that would've been the case. Where not going on the hunt to begin with would've left her unharmed, she didn't think that she wouldn't have ran into that Arnold character. How he had obtained her father, she didn't know. He wasn't one that would go down so easily. Where she now had youth under her belt with the experience, she was only just above her father's level and not by much. If anything that kept her ahead, it was her speed. "I don't think it's your fault, Red. I think Arnold would've found me anyway regardless."
As they headed down the district back toward the inn, she couldn't help but wonder about today's events. It certainly had been a very eventful day alright. All because she bumped into Red, things seemed to turn more topsy turvy than she had expected. Not that she blamed Red over any of it. It would be brash to go around blaming others for events that took place that they had no power over. At least, none that either of them could see.
Arnold Wong, she would certainly need to gather some information on him. He just seemed to pop up on the radar. A guy she had never met and yet he knew a lot about herself and about her father. Just who the heck was he? His sanity didn't seem the best either. Definitely a dangerous figure even though he had allowed them to walk out unscathed earlier. Still, three days time and they would be facing him once again. Jean just hoped by then that she would be prepared and her arm healed.
The the idea hit her. Had Red been injured? Looking over at him, she spoke. "You're not wounded from the battle with that Heartless, are you?" she inquired. Whether or not he was would depend on her next action with the Cura spell she had. He looked visibly fine but that arm of his kept making her wonder. It was so dangerously thin one would've mistook it almost for a skeleton's arm. She had no idea that it really was a skeletal arm underneath the cloth.
When they finally arrived at the bottom of the Inn, Jean looked upward as well. Three floors and nothing more. The idea of being on the top most one was more relaxing than the bottom floor. Sure, the drawback of the top floor was that fire would be more difficult to escape but it made it less easy for enemies to sneak up on you.
Red's voice brought her back down to Gaia. Slowly, she lowered her gaze onto him as he spoke. Listening to what he was saying, she wondered why this kid always pushed others away. Then again, it only reminded her that she only just recently encountered the kid today. Oddly, it felt like they had already been in each other's company long enough to be thought of as days despite the fact it was just one day. All the events just made it seem like more days had passed when really none had done so yet.
Seeing him enter the Inn without her, Jean wondered bout what he said. What kind of person would she be to just abandon someone like that? Her conscience wouldn't allow her to do such a thing. Red didn't deserve it either. He had remained with her for a little bit in the past. Sighing to herself, she entered after him. He hadn't been a burden to her at all. He hadn't called her one and she had a funny feeling if she left, Red might have some issues alone. Not that she thought he couldn't face them on his own, she just wanted to keep an eye on him and make sure he would be alright.
'Hopefully this isn't a trap!' she thought as she walked inside quietly.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2011 23:32:33 GMT -5
As Red took in the inn, his mind wasn't set to the surroundings. It was to the comment Jean had said earlier about him being injured. In all honesty he was just fine. However he could guess why she had asked. Jean wasn't the first person to inquire about his odd left arm. Nor would she be the last. Red was different. That much was sure. How different many people would be surprised to find out.
Pushing the thoughts away he took in the surrounding. The lobby of the inn was as one might expect it to look like. Lined with tables and customers having drinks Red and Jean barley gained notice as they entered. It seemed this place was a tavern as well. Shaking his head at the rowdy customers, Red headed to the back.
Standing at a desk was a man dressed in a fine get up compared to the outfits of most people here in the slums. "A night for two?" He asked crossing his arms. Even though his intention was on them, Red could tell that the man never took his eyes off of the customers as well. His eyes would travel to some of the servers as well as they poured drinks and delivered meals.
"Actually we have a room. My friend came earlier. He said he'd put us under the name Butch." Red did his best to sound sincere and truthful. He was a good liar, but he couldn't help crossing his fingers, which were out of the man's eye sight.
The man truly focused on Red now. He stared hard at Red, as if trying to look for something. "A man named Butch rented a room on the third floor. But he didn't say anything about no room mates... Still there are two beds.... Room 304. If you two cause any trouble you'll be tossed out of here quicker then you can blink." Reaching into his pocket, the man pulled out a small key card. He slid it over the table.
Simply nodding and grabbing the card, Red gestured for Jean to follow. He had no real plan of action, but he hoped that they could catch the assassin unawares. If he could sink his blade into that assassins flesh once and for all he would be relieved. It would mean no one was chasing him or trying to kill him.
Walking up the stairs, Red made it to the third level without any disturbance. As he walked down the floor he stopped in front of a brown wooden door with a gold 304 on it. Holding a hand up to his lips in the sign of quiet, Red slid the key through the door. He had no idea if they were about to walk into a trap, but they were about to find out.
There was no light in the room. As light flowed in Red could see two made beds. Stepping in quietly, Red had his hand up to his shoulder, tightened around the hilt of his weapon. Being extremely careful, Red walked into the room. He saw no signs of movement and as far as he could tell no one had even been in this room. Throwing on the light switch, Red sighed as he faced an empty room. Walking to its center he put he let his hand off of his blade.
"Well this was a waste of...." He never finished the sentence. One moment Red was talking the next a small explosion sounded and Red was thrown on the opposite side of the room his ears ringing. Looking down he noticed that the cloak he was wearing was ripped revealing his skeleton arm for all to see. Not only that but a thin layer of smoke came from a small hole were a small explosive had been planted. From on top the cealing a hooded figure dropped. Rushing behind Red with a jeweled dagger in his hand Red was to stunned to notice. The explosion was small, not enough to do any real damage. It had however thrown Red away from Jean since he had gone in first. Not only that but it had stunned him. Red didn't watch the hooded figure, his eyes searched for Jean. He was looking to see if she was alright.
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 18, 2011 0:34:22 GMT -5
The moment they entered the Inn, Jean's eyes watched everything and everyone that moved. It was a rowdy place even though it was an Inn. It was always best to keep one's guard up in a place like this. She didn't let her hands travel to the hilts of her swords though. No need to provoke anything if no one was presenting any obvious threatening signs toward herself and Red. Quietly, she followed Red right over to where the desk was. Was this the Inn keeper maybe?
He looked the part and the way he scrutinized the customers and servers indicated that he was keeping an eye out for any sign of hostility. He had an air about him that said he took no crap from others. One that was not to be tested, that was for certain. Hearing his words, Red was the one to speak up. The way he focused on Red, Jean almost thought that the whole charade had been blown. Instead, the guy gave Red the key stating there were at least two beds anyway. Assuming they were really of 'Butch's' party.
Almost not believing their luck, Jean stalked through the hallway with Red. She knew to be as silent as she could be. As they got to the 300s for room numbers, she had placed her hands on her swords. She would not be caught unawares of this assassin was expecting them. After all, whose to say Arnold didn't tip the guy off?
When they got to the expected room number, she didn't need Red to gesture to her to be silent as he turned the doorknob. Watching Red stalk into the dark lit room, she could only feel her anxiety rise. True, they might've just missed him but she didn't think for a second they had been that lucky. The assassin was out to get Red, after all. He would probably be expecting them, or Red at least for attempting to come after him in retaliation.
It all happened when Red decided to lower his guard. Speaking out to her about how it was a waste of time, a sudden explosion was set off. Now it wasn't a large explosion but it was a good one to startle anybody. It certainly threw Red away from her and that had been a terrible mistake. Now, she was left to cough as smoke billowed in her direction, forcing her to bring an arm up to cover her mouth. Her eyes squinting, though watery as she tried to locate Red. It wasn't working as she called out for Red. "Red! Where are you?!" she called out. She didn't see the assassin with the dagger through the smoke.
This was the ill fortune that had sprung up from this encounter. Jean couldn't always be springing into action to help Red all the time. With the smoke, she had been caught up in it and now couldn't see where the kid was. It worried her because, if anyone the assassin would go for, it would certainly be Red first. Red was his main target. "Red!" she called out again.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2011 12:37:41 GMT -5
Artemis smiled. The time had come at last. Artemis knew that eventually he would become the hunted. He had no knowledge of the man named Arnold, but he had set a trap that triggered when someone turned on the light switch. Artemis was an assassin. There was no way he would be able to sleep soundly if he didn't set any traps in this place.
He had been sleeping, but the sound of the turning door handle had sparked him away. Someone was entering his room. So he had sparked into action. He had leaped hung in the corner of the top of the room. Red hadn't noticed him as he had entered the room. When the explosion was set off he had made his move.
Now that Red was in his grasp, Artemis's dagger flashed as it flew towards his target's neck. At last victory would be his. Well it would have been, if Red's instincts had alarmed him to how close death was. The target had somehow managed to bring his blade out of its sheath. By doing this it threw off Artemis's stab and the dagger was pushed aside.
Rolling forward away from Artemis, the enemy forced himself to his feet. With his blade pointed at Artemis, the assassin knew that he could not let the woman join the fight. Her skills were perhaps equal to his when it came to swordsman ship, and he couldn't afford taking on the two of them.
Springing towards the opponent, Artemis's dagger struck right, then left, then center, then above, then right again. They were all quick stabs. The intent was to keep the opponent on the defense long enough for Artemis to find an opening in his defense. To Red's credit he parried each of Artemis's stabs. Still the difference in swordsman ship was quite obvious. Artemis was faster than the boy.
However Artemis underestimated his target. He was going in for another stab, when Red pivoted with his right foot and brought the hilt of the weapon smack first into Artemis's forehead. Forced back things seemed to slow down as the smoke finally thinned. Artemis's hood had been thrown back to reveal a teen maybe only two more years than Red. With jet black hair spiked and combed to the side and sharp green eyes, blood flowed from his forehead down the side of his face.
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 18, 2011 18:43:27 GMT -5
Jean coughed as she tried to squint through the smoke in the air. All of it was issuing out of the room, where she had been standing. It was no wonder that the smoke would issue out through the doorway since it had been one of the only openings it could go. She really wished it hadn't because now she couldn't really see what was going on inside. She could hear someone moving but who, she didn't know.
Wiping the tears that fell from her eyes because of the stinging from the smoke, Jean tried to figure out where the sound was coming from. Red, she hoped, was still alive. Fanning the smoke with a hand, she did her best to keep it at bay to make it stop clouding her vision. It didn't work very well so she was left worrying about what was going on within.
'I hope he's alright. I didn't see that coming!' she thought, looking around as best she could. Trying her hardest to locate him in the room. The smoke hadn't cleared yet but she thought she caught a hint of a shadow moving behind the smoke somewhere. The problem was trying to pinpoint where it was. On top of it all, she wondered if it meant they were an enemy or not. She didn't want to go rushing in only to accidentally stab Red if that shadow had been him.
So, staying put, all she could do was hear clashing from weapons inside the room. It sounded like Red was preoccupied. The assassin was probably trying to get him but Red was putting up a good fight. Since the smoke was still thick, she couldn't see the identity of Red's foe or see that Red's arm was actually skeletal. The arm would surely surprise her though once the smoke would settle, which wasn't happening anytime soon.
Soundlessly, Jean waited where she was in case someone came at her from nowhere. Her sword unsheathed with her one good arm for now. She realized that she had forgotten to heal her other arm. Oh well, it could wait until this skirmish was over. Coughing a little from time to time, she glanced this way and that. She could hear their weapons but it wasn't easy to pinpoint where the sound was coming from just yet.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 18, 2011 19:01:54 GMT -5
Gaining control of his movements, Red waited to see what the assassin was going to do. Smoke was still clinging to the sides of the room, and it was making things harder to see. Still the person behind the hooded cloak, surprised Red. He had expected a master. Someone at least in his middle twenties. This assassin wasn't much older then him.
His eyes locking with the assassin, he called out to Jean. "Are you ok?!" Keeping his sight locked on the assassin, Red watched the assassin twirl his dagger in his hands. The only way out of the room was through the door behind him. This needed to end.
Red had a few tricks up his sleeve. But all of them usually ended up turning out destructive. Yet there was one technique that the assassin would not expect. Red moved and when he did the assassin moved with him. He placed his weapon back in its sheath, disarming himself. While this occurred the assassin charged.
Stretching out his skeleton hand, Red pulled on the dark energies from around him. He pulled on the darkness in his own heart, the darkness in Artemis's heart, the darkness from anything, even Jean if she had any, that was nearby. As he did it formed a ball of dark energy in front of his out stretched hand. Rising his palm, the energy shot out at a surprised assassin.
The assassin was fast, but he had not expected such an attack. And so when it hit him square in the chest it threw him violently into the wall with a boom. Falling to the floor, Red could make out an indent in the wall where the assassin had hit it. It was enough to knock out any man, and as Red waited for the assassin to rise, he breathed a sigh of relief when he didn't. He knew the assassin wasn't dead, but he was knocked out.
"Jean get in here already."
|
|
|
Post by Sprow on Mar 18, 2011 20:49:53 GMT -5
The smoke was steadily growing clear for Jean. Now, she was able to make out the silhouettes of Red and the assassin. Red was alive, or at least she thought so. Unless another foe were in the room too? Red's voice calling out to her though assured her that he had not perished. "I'm...fine!" she answered him. Her words had somewhat faltered but it had been because of some of the smoke she had inhaled.
"Are you alright?" she added but he was probably too busy to answer her back. "Damn smoke!" she muttered. A strange, tingling feeling took over her then. She had no idea what Red was doing in the room. That and because she hadn't been exactly innocent, there was some darkness that had been pulled on in her heart.
Her darkness wasn't as dangerous as it would be for those who were completely dark. The darkness wasn't enough in her to overcome the light side of her. There was a strange vibe in the air, as if something were being created out of thin air and causing that tingling sensation.
Without warning, there was quite a noise and she watched as one of the figures that tried rushing the other get hit with it. Jean's heart leapt at the thought of it being Red but hearing his voice call out to her again assured her the one that hit the other good was Red. Even as he said it, the smoke had gone out of the room enough for her to finally see him as she wandered toward the only figure she could see.
Sure enough, there was Red standing there. Seeing him, it wasn't hard to spot the skeletal arm he had. "O-Oh M-Minerva! Did he...did he do that to your arm?!" she exclaimed. Jean didn't know that this entire time, Red's arm had been that way. It just looked as if maybe the assassin did something to Red's arm. Once she would find out the truth though, it would become more clear to her why his arm had seemed so thing earlier.
Looking for the guy he knocked out, she spoke. "Is he out cold or is he dead?" she inquired as she turned toward where she had seen the figure go flying. The smoke had cleared out for the most part and now she was able to see the assassin slumped on the ground where he landed. A dent in the wall lay behind him where he had made impact with the wall. He looked to be unconscious. His face was out in the open too.
"Huh, he's quite young."
|
|