As a warm gust of wind blew in through the open window, the woman with the mass of curly brown hair was just beginning to stir in her bed. As Xiu Qianru was starting to rouse from her sleep, the wind that flowed into the room caused some few strands of hair to brush against her freckled cheeks and tickle her into a conscious state. Her nose scrunched up and eyebrows furrowed before her eyes opened and looked around the space in a daze. The sudden light of the room caused her pale green eyes to flicker open and closed as they tried to adjust, and a yawn escaped the woman as her hands went above her head into a stretch, the sound of soft fabrics brushing up against one another was lost to the intensity of the yawn. In one smooth motion, Xiu was up and out of bed, pulling her robe closer to her as shuffled across the room to the window. Upon reaching the ledge, she huffed and rested her elbows against it, peering outside and allowing the warm air to further wake her. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she took in the beauty of her surroundings. It was quiet, serene, and even the maids and butlers that were bustling around doing busy work in the garden seemed to be glowing along with everything else. Xiu had no better way to describe it. It was all just... glowing, and she glowed right along with it. With one last final grin and a wave to a maid that had spotted her, she closed the window and retreated to the next room where she would prepare herself a bath. She had a big day planned, and Xiu was determined to look her best through it all.

After she would go through the motions of bathing and dressing herself, she would tackle the biggest challenge of all... with little luck. Despite all attempts to tame her hair, Xiu failed to do so and simply tied it aside as she always did. By the time she was done getting ready for the day, she was already due to be at work. She wasn't too worried about arriving late, considering what day it was. Her mother was capable of running the flower shop with or without Xiu's assistance. Though, with the thought of a scolding in mind, she picked up the pace and gathered her things before heading out.

She would stop off at her father's study first, knock a few times on the large door and then peer inside, only to find it empty. It wasn't odd for him not to be around considering he had an important position of work. Though she was a bit disappointed. It meant she wouldn't be able to see him until the day was practically over. Sighing, she retreated from the study and shut the door behind her. As she walked through the halls, she could see separate parts of the palace where the King and other Advisors and their families lived. With a space so big, even with the maids around, the place seemed so empty. There were just not enough people to fill it. As Xiu was lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear a light tapping sound of footsteps that mixed with hers in the hall. She hadn't realized she wasn't alone until she heard her name being called from behind her.

"Miss! Miss Xiu!"

"Yes?" she called, pausing in her walking and turning in the direction the voice was coming from. Her eyes brightened when she saw one of the maids who she was friends with. It was a woman a few years older than her who had spent more time with her than her parents ever did.

"Oh, Yuni! It's you." she greeted with a wave as the woman approached before reaching into her back. In a way, Yuni was like a big sister to her. She was considered Xiu's 'personal' maid, who tended to her every need and anything that had to do with her. She was like the sweet and caring big sister she never had. One thing they shared in common was this very special day. Xiu pulled out a small box and extended it out towards Yuni just as the woman did the same.

"Happy Birthday!"

"Happy Birthday."

The two blinked at each other as they said the words at the same time. A moment later, the two erupted into laughter as they exchanged gifts.

"Miss Xiu, you know you didn't need to get me anything." the maid told her, blushing and taking the gift. She pressed the box close to her chest as if it was something precious to her.

"How can I not? You're always so caring towards me. Even when I said I want nothing, you still go out and spend your money on me every year. I had to return the favor this time."

"It's no trouble at all. You turned twenty one today and yet you still have work. It's a shame... I wanted to get you something at least. Something one of a kind, just like you."

The words of Yuni touched Xiu and she stepped over, drawing the woman into a hug. "You're so kind, Yuni. Thank you. Though, it's your birthday as well and you need to work. I suppose today we're the same." she said with a grin.

"I suppose so. Each year I grow older and you grow more beautiful." she said, placing the small gift box into the pouch at her waist. "As soon as I have free time, I'll open it."

"Same for me." Xiu told her, placing her own gift into her bag. "I slept in very late today so I need to hurry over to the flower shop."

"Alright. I'll stop by the shop later and pick up some flowers for your room, how about that?" she suggested.

"That sounds perfect. I'll be seeing you then!" Xiu said, waving again before turning around and continuing on her way out of the palace. Yuni waved towards her retreating back before going her own way as well.

(Click name for theme)

Tu Zin Settlement

The hot sand hit his skin like tiny darts as his front door swung open. Tikaani slowly opened his eyes to the flare of the sun, he quickly shielded his eyes, peeking through his fingers to see who had interrupted his normal daily sleeping schedule. He blinked rapidly as the rangy stature moved into the house. It was his father, Vulc Xio, some would say well respected, from what respect was in Tu Zin. There wasn't much in the settlement in ways of work or things that people could do for enjoyment. Most found joy in the laboring and their families. Tikaani and his father were no different, they found joy where it was to be found, for them it was in the hunt, providing food and clothes for the settlement. That's where they got their respect. Vulc was also a skilled technician, working on parts they find to build sets to watch the news, learn more of what it's like inside "the walls", as they call it.

Tikaani's father moved over to the foot of the bed, patting his dusty pant legs, Tikaani could see that he had already put in a hard days work in only the few hours of sun light they had for the new day.

"You know what today is son?" He asked looking off out the window, a gleam in his eye, the soft wind was knocking the wooden panel ,that was used to shut the window, on the stone wall.

"Yes, of course. It is the 100th year end of the Great War.." Tikaani responded evidently, looking at his father, running his mind of why he seemed bothered by the day. "It is a day of celebrating" He quickly added with a smile, hoping to lighten the darkness that seemed to have entered them. His father looked over at him and smiled.

"Yes, yes it is." He moved up and left, as soon as he had entered, the door shut and Tikaani was left. Strange, his father normally was so full of joy and excitement about every day jobs, he loved normal life and anything that hinted at life inside the walls, very strange.

After getting dressed, Tikaani opened his front door out to the dusty, sand covered street. The settlement was alive today, children were running, chasing each other and laughing, families gathered and prepared decorations and gossiped, smiling and conversing. Tikaani smiled, the thought of everyone in a village that every other day is low and struggling to get by in life can come together and be joyous made him equally happy. He looked down the street and pulled his bag up over his shoulder as he ran down the dirt walk way.

"Morning Tik!" A young boy yelled from a store as he raced past. The boy leaned out the window and tossed him a banana, Tikaani quickly snatched it out of the air and peeled it. "See you at the festival!" the boy shouted again from behind him. Tikaani just threw up a quick wave as he cleared the corner.

As he entered his fathers shop he threw his bag over the counter, just past his father who had beat him there. He moved the the back, setting down the now empty banana peel on the wooden counter and putting on a work apron. "What do you need me to do today?" He asked as he walked back around the corner, tossing his banana peel in the trash under the shop's main counter.

"Um" his father paused and moved some paperwork around. Tikaani cringed. Not more paper work.... he thought to himself as his father moved through files and stacks of paper that where yet to be organized. The front door opened and his mother walked in.

"Let the poor kid off today, we are supposed to be celebrating anyway Vulc" She said softly smiling at both his father and himself. Tianni Xio, most proud woman Tikaani had ever met, he had never met a more giving and kind hearted soul in his life. Though she does not do much of work with Tikaani and his father, she stays busy working in food shops, taking what they hunt and selling it, also cooking some so that both Tikanni and his father come home to a nice warm meal. He loved his mother very much, and respected her, and that is what was given back.

"Yes.. of course love." Tikaani's father responded, smiling and nodding at Tikaani, who jumped in excitement at the thought of a day off work. He ran back to take off his work apron.

"You should take the day off as well." She said, brushing the long dark brown hair from Vulc's forehead.

"I'll see to it that I get home early." He gave her a weak smile and returned to filing the unorganized paperwork that covered the wooden counter-top.

The door chimed as Tikaani and his mother left the shop, he smiled and breathed in the air. He felt like a small child again, ready to enjoy life without work, his spirit lifted already even more so. "What shall we do mother?" He turned and asked. but she was gone. He shrugged off her absence, as he felt she had higher matters to attend to with the festivities.

As he walked down the road he ran into another young man his age. "Why don't you watch where you're going Tik" the young man spat. Tikaani shoved him off.

"You are one to talk Romaw, you spilled three buckets of water in a day." he shot back with a smile and a laugh. The boy laughed back and patted him on the shoulder.

"Got today off it seems!" Romaw said excitingly.

"Yes! and I see you aren't allowed to work today!" He said in a laugh. The two young men walked towards the loud music and laughter from the festival street. Today was going to be a glorious day.

J I E
(MIDDLE RING - PARADE ROUTE)

There were about five people that continuously flowed in and out of Jie's line of sight, dusting her skin with various forms of makeup. She'd sat in the very same chair for a previous rehearsal only the day before. As always, they complained about how lifeless her skin had seemed to be, or that stress appeared to be getting the better of her. By the end, the girl would be plucked, shaved, and trimmed to absolute stardom. Her cheeks were painted in heavy rouge, and eyes sprinkled with a layer of coal-colored shadow. In short, she looked horribly overdone, which was the goal. People needed to see her from afar, and now they definitely would. The strong colors would distract from her dim pallor and hallowing cheeks, for which she was thankful.

Near the end of the night, Jie was to be one of the multiple performers celebrating the centennial anniversary of the Great War's conclusion. Before then, she was to parade around in a Satomobile's passenger seat. It was great publicity, and while the girl was mostly recognized in the Upper Ring, not many else knew of her. She was happy, and her agent was as well, considering the serious coin that had been spent for her attendance. There were other much more famous acts, but she was determined to outshine them all.

To counteract the anxiety of such a large performance, Jie had taken an exorbitant amount of Zen, and could hardly sit straight. There were rumors about her misuse, and the girl's agent had done all he could to silence the whispers. Most of the time, she could control herself, but preferred to impress those who could realistically help with her career. Therefore, the only times when she was actually alert were during public appearances. Except for today, and one could hardly blame her for it.

"Jie, you're needed for a rehearsal one more time," someone told her gently, snapping the girl into some sort of awareness. He was mindful of her tendency to space out when on Zen, and she was grateful to have someone watching out. It was a difficult habit to have, and the drug had horrid associations with her old existence. Though the lifeblood of the Lower Ring, it was sporadic to see it in the wealthier neighborhoods, and Jie had wished to dissociate herself from such low class behavior. And yet, there she was, almost completely out of it while being dragged off to the main stage. Jie was ashamed of the person she'd become, and no matter how hard it was, felt a sadistic need to be connected to something from her past.

After a certain amount of hesitation, her eyes focused on the man and his look of concern. It was a disgusting type of pity painted over his face, and one that she'd seen before. "I'm fine Kwan, I'll be as good as new in a couple of hours. Don't be such a downer," Jie whispered into her manager's ear.

"Get up, you're slurring," the man informed, rolling his eyes as he grabbed an arm. The rest of her outfit still needed to be completed, and all Jie wore was the thin dress she'd woken up in. Eventually, she'd made her way to the outdoor stage as hundreds of hands appeared ready to begin their various tests. And just as quickly has Kwan appeared, he had left, tending to some other important facet for the night. She hated acting that way in front of him, or anyone for that matter. But he was some sort of figure in her life, a person who had consistently been a steady presence.

As the cold hit her, Jie began to see the details of where she was while collecting her thoughts. The two had somehow gone from a dressing room to the venue, and she tried to hide the look of surprise about the time lapse. There were people already waiting along the sidewalk, and a few even waved at her in recognition. Her gaze scanned the various hints of what was to come, and she could recognize the bursts of color that trailed along the otherwise typical avenue.

Grabbing her microphone, she smiled and began to recite a familiar tune. Jie owned a strange sort of voice, a deeper timbre that went well with a large band. Unfortunately, as late as she was, most had refused to wait around for another temperamental singer. This was where she shined in any case, and was capable of holding attention by herself. Here, she knew what it felt like to be alive, and could almost feel the Zen rid itself from her system. This, of course, meant that she would need another dose later on. It was a necessary evil to forget, and when she was done, couldn't wait to finally be home for a refill.

---

“You want to see it again!?” The loud, booming voice of a tall blonde shouted from the top of an apartment building in the Lower Ring.

Down below gathered a crowd of several dozens. Every single one of them, on top of their lungs, shouted “YES! YES! YES!”

“I CAN’T HEAR YOU!” The blonde shouted back at the crowd.

The crowd from below repeated themselves, but this time to deafening volume level. The blonde cracked a smile as he took a few steps back, removing himself from view. The crowd stood at the bottom, staring aimlessly at the edge of the building. He had them eating at the palm of his hand.

Meanwhile, up on the roof of the run-down, dark brown and red building, the blonde took a deep breath. His trademark red hoodie was zipped up and he had the hood covering his head.

And then his body came to view, soaring off the building.

The blonde’s arms were extended in a V and his legs straight. Being in the air like that was one of the best feelings in the world for him. Being able to defy gravity, this man - this legend - was the center of everyone’s gaze. Even as he would tuck his body and come down, the blonde was taking it all in. When his arms caught one of the cables connecting one building to another, he controlled his body in such a way that allowed him to flip and flip and flip around that one cable was still being able to keep his entire body straight.

As he brought his body around and landed his feet on the cable, the blonde saw the arms of the many below trying to grab at him, but he was still several feet above them. He smiled, giving them a wave.

And then the blonde jumped, flipping his body several times.

As his body descended at a rapid rate, he landed on a post with one foot and flipped sideways in the center of the masses. Just seconds after that, cheers of deafening levels came into the blonde’s ears and he gave them a bow. Following that came dozens upon dozens of bronze coins, to which surrounded the blonde in a sea of burnt orange metal.

As the blonde stepped up on a platform, he grabbed the microphone from the stand. “Ladies and gentlemen, that concludes the Jaakuna Hinoko Sky Show. Please come by again tomorrow and see what wonders I will do for you.” Jaakuna said, giving one last bow to his fans before they dispersed and went along their marry way.

Jaakuna began to pick up all the coins as fast as he could. There were several dozen of them, which meant good news for him and his siblings. It eased his heart that Jaakuna was able to make enough to get enough food for the week. Suddenly, he heard eerie, slow clapping.

“Well done, Mr. Hinoko. You truly are a gifted performer. They say you’re one of the best.” An older male said. He stepped forward from the company of two others.

Looking over, Jaakuna’s excited and positive vibes were replaced with anxiety-filled nervousness. “Zang, what are you doing here?” Jaakuna asked nervously, holding his money close to his chest.

“It’s alright, Jaakie-boy. I’m not interested in your money.” Zang said, giving Jaakuna ease that he wasn’t after his money.

Jaakuna cringed at that nickname. “You know I hate being called that.” Jaakuna said.

“Yes, yes you have told me plenty of times.” Zang laughed.

Jaakuna eyed him. “I know you didn’t come watch my show just for me. You want something.” Jaakuna was right, you know. “So, tell me why you’ve shown your face to me? What do you want?” Jaakuna asked almost in a demanding way.

Zang closed his eyes and laughed. He snapped his fingers and one of the bulky men behind him handed him an envelope. “I need you to do something for me.” Zang said.

“I don’t work for the Triad anymore, remember?”

“Yes, I know, but you see, this is something you might be interested in.”

“And what might that be?”

“Getting revenge on The Republic of course.”

Jaakuna’s face fell flat. “Okay, you got my interest."

Zang smled. “Good. Now, if you will, follow me to my place. We got much to discuss.”

---

“God-fucking-damn-it. I can’t believe I walked right into that one.”

As he went from rooftop to rooftop, Jaakuna was cursing himself. It wasn’t for how he blindly accepted an unknown job from the Triple Triad solely based on the premise that it would get him one step closer to getting revenge for his parents death and destroying The Republic, but thinking that it was in any way optional. He foolishly had it printed in his noggin that, because he did such a great service to the Triad, that they would at least let him accept or deny jobs that they asked him to complete, but noooo.

“I just can’t believe that they’re using my siblings as leverage to have me complete this. They’re going to pay!”

Jaakuna was furious, but he couldn’t’ do anything about it. He knew what his assignment was. He had to remind some people at some soup kitchen that the money they owed the Triad was due.. Jaakuna hated the feeling he had in his gut. He wasn’t a bully or a thug. He might be a part-time troublemaker from time to time, never a straight-up thug, though — but , his siblings were in danger by being held “hostage” by Zang’s men. Jaakuna had no choice but to go this soup kitchen.

“First this soup kitchen, then Zang ass.” Jaakuna nodded, as he arrived at the soup kitchen. "Isn't that right, Nekohi?" JAakuna said to his fire ferret that was hanging around his neck, simply looking at him. Jaakuna knew that face. "Yeah, I know, this isn't going to be pretty. Just remember, we're doing this for Maku and Gan." Jaakuna had to reassure himself that he wasn't doing the wrong thing here.

And with a thrust kick, he broke the door open with great force. It was probably too much force as Jaakuna had blown the doors completely off their hinges. No doubt there was a lot of attention on the shirtless, red jacket-wearing Jaakuna Hinoko. He stood there, looking at everyone looking at him. Some of them simply stared with a fearful expression on their faces, while others stood up defensively. Jaakuna sighed. He didn’t want to do this, but he had to.

“Okay, listen up! No one’s going to get hurt, so just sit back down and enjoy your meals. Whomever is in charge, get your ass out here right now. It’s time to talk payment.” That sounded real tough — and mean.

Yup, I’m going to hell.

---

Yan rolled to his side, coughing himself into consciousness. He was naked, though at least mostly covered with a stained blue comforter. He opened one eye, with an audible crackle as his sand-caked eyelids separated, and looked at his surroundings. Keeping an eye open always helped him adjust to waking up, after all. There was a stain on the ceiling from a persistent leak that had now grown into a crimson-brown splotch that hung ominously above him, threatening to break open and soak him in stagnant rainwater at any minute.

He folded himself up, leaning against the wall his futon pressed against, collecting his thoughts for the day. First order of business, as always, was breakfast. Yan leaned across his futon and sprawled over the comforter, letting a few stray rays of sunlight that had escaped through the closed blinds touch his skin. He began to rifle through what appeared to be a pile of trash, looking for something with a ferocious intent. He had been sleeping for about 13 hours, and because he hadn't yet figured out a way to do drugs in his sleep, that meant he was already starting to feel the effects of minor withdrawal. Irritability. Stress. A lack of focus.

He overturned a small soiled napkin, and found his well-earned prize. A small, clear plastic bag, the kind that would have normally held earrings or loose gemstones, filled with hot pink dust. Though Yan didn't smell it, it carried a distinct chemical smell not unlike ammonia, and though the room he was in was dark, it still sparkled amidst the shadows. Yan stood up and cleared his throat, spitting on the floor as he held the bag in the sunlight. After a few moments of inspection, Yan plopped down on the futon once more, pulling the comforter over himself out of decency and setting the bag in front of him. Next to the futon, beside a skunky-smelling empty glass, was a small pistol-like device, holding a vial that had been caked in chalky pink residue. Yan unscrewed the vial from the device and carefully tapped half of the bag's contents into the vial, before screwing it tightly back on.

With a satisfied chuckle, Yan ran his fingers through his wild, uncombed hair. He had earned extra Zen by being paid for information, a practice he occasionally dabbled in -- This time, he had given a triad member's location to an RSF officer. He wasn't on either side. He was on Yan's side. He chuckled to himself again, stabbing a vein in his foot, and squeezing a small trigger.

---

Yan sat motionlessly on the subway, staring out of the window. The lower ring wasn't much of a sight to see normally, but he wasn't quite in a normal mindframe. He was on his way to a local soup kitchen. The noodles they used were always too thick and the broth was always too thin, but anything would've tasted good to him. Arriving at his destination, he stood up with a groan, as if he held a tremendous weight on top of him. His feet slid towards the door step by step like a deep sea diver's, and he looked like he might have fallen over at any second.

"You alright there, son?" An elderly man asked him, stroking his beard pensively. "You look a little green." He was short and portly, and his black beard was forked in two. The subway slid to a complete stop, and the doors opened with a hiss.

---

Y̔҉̙̹o̺u̗̭̣̮͇͈͌̽ ̟̹͉̫̮͈̯͋ͩ̊á͙̗͙̯̖͍̿̊͑͋̚l̏̋̒ͣ̇͂r̩̙̹̹͖̫͉͛ͦ͐ͯ͗̊ͤï̼͊ͭͤg̙̹̰̯͈͒ͥĥ̶̫̟̩̩̃̈́͆ͦ̿t̢̘̫̙̦͕̺̤̃͐͊ ͈̝̭̰͐ͩ͊̕t̯̖̞̩̖͍̠ͧ͐̏̾͋h̡̩ͧ̃̉̃ͯ̃̌e̶̪ͩ͌̑ȑ̬̯̜̼̟̫̈́ͭe͖̳̪̪͎͋̃ͦ̅ͧ̒,̙͎̺̻̬̔̃͟ ̳͙̬̙̱s͔̦͔̅͒͋̌̄͗o̴ͥͨń͋ͪ́ͭ̔̍?̬͈̙̏͌ͯͅ

A lizard sat across from Yan, flicking his black forked tongue at him. His eyes were beady, and a distinctly reptilian yellow. He grinded his teeth impatiently, and the sharp edges seemed to sparkle in fluorescent lighting of the subway. Yan paused for a moment, trying to decipher his strange, garbled words. Before he could, the lizard hissed loudly, which Yan took as a clear sign for him to leave.

He made his way out of the subway station, limply dragging his feet through inky, polluted puddles and scattered bits of trash. The sky had soured to an unpleasant gray that suggested a storm to come, as well as the possible rupture of the crimson water stain above Yan's nest. The people around him seemed to move infinitely fast, as if he were covered in molasses while his fellow pedestrians skated through the pavement with ease. Luckily for Yan, he usually went unnoticed in the lower ring. Zen-Men were a dime a dozen, and this afforded Yan a level of anonymity. He arrived at the soup kitchen surprisingly quickly, opening the door with a grunt. There was a man in front of him in a red jacket. talking loudly. Yan couldn't understand him and the loud noises frightened him, but he was not going to leave without his soup, whether or not this guy moved.

"'Scuse me. You in line?"

Chiahru had the opportunity of living in one of the best apartments one could get in the Lower Ring. It was big enough to have a small living area, a tiny toilet and two small bedrooms. They had heating, but it was hand-charged or powered by kinetic energy. Pushing aside the white comforter, she stumbled out of her futon, walking slowly towards the toilet. The tiny room had just barely any space left after the toilet bowl and the washing area.

The rudimentary heater was installed outside the toilet and one had to actually crank it up to power it before it could be used. Ah, the life of poverty. Considering the fact that most of the people living in the Lower Ring lived in far worst conditions, she actually thought herself pretty lucky. If not for Hiro, she would still be wandering the streets and depth of the slums. She shuddered at the thought, shaking it from her mind.

Clutching the crank handle, she winded the heater until it gave a ring signifying that the heater was sufficiently charged for use. Getting into the washing area, Chiharu filled up a bucket full of water and began soaping and washing herself down. When she was done with her washing, she dressed and made ready to leave.

The day started very early in the Lower Rim and a vast majority of the people woke and prepared for their day ahead long before the sun rose. Hiro had already finished with a consignment of pots and vases ready to be delivered when she woke up. Putting on and readying the vase carrier backpack on her shoulders, Hiro began to meticulousy place his goods in an organised fashion to minimise breakage.

When he was done, she was off, ready to deliver the goods. Chiharu navigated through the vast multitude of levels, making her way out of the maze of apartments that made up the majority of the Lower Ring. Her olive skin shone in the early morning sun, beads of pespiration appearing on her skin.

All she had was the address, which she input into the small datapad that she shared with Hiro. It had taken them quite a while to save enough to buy one but it was defintely worth it as it made their job alot easier. When she made her way to the intended delivery location, Chiahru banged on the door of an apartment, shouting her intent.

"Vase delivery!" The door opened, and a middle-aged woman came out and accepted the goods, replacing them with the money agreed for them. Collecting the money, she began the journey home, and decided to stop by the Soup Kitchen she frequents for a tasty meal on the way home. Walking into the eatery, she smiled at Lea as she said "Hi Lea! The usual please!" Chiahru was getting hungrier by the second as delicious aroma of food wafted around in the air. Those piping hot noodles that Jun's Soup Kitchen was famous for just simply delicious.

Her food arrived soon enough, the steam rising out of the bowl of piping hot noodles as she lifted it up with a pair of chopsticks. She had barely taken a mouthful of delicious noodles when the door burst down with huge force, sending it crashing down onto the floor. Turning to see the source of the noise that almost caused her to choke on her food, Chiharu saw a shirtless, red jacketed blonde man standing in its place.

The Kitchen's patron's eyes all shifted to him, including hers. The man then spoke in a very gangster-like fashion. He wanted to know who the one in-charge was. Chiharu sniggered. The guy didn't even know who was in-charge here. Time for some fun. The young woman stood up, raising her voice to match his. "Me. I'm in charge here."

For that brief moment of silence, Jaakuna saw the worry and anxiety on the faces of those that were sitting down and eating their meals. Jaakuna saw that his presence shook them to their core. He saw that they were gripping those closest to them as if Jaakuna himself posed some kind of danger to them. Truth was, he kind of did. Even though he could fight—and rather well, but he preferred not to unless it came down to it. So, the fear of enhanced vocal intimidation would have to do.

It was going so well. At least, until some idiot decided to open their mouth, declaring that they were the one that Jaakuna was looking for.

“Oh, so you’re in charge, huh.” Jaakuna stepped forward, walking closer to the female.

Gauging her body head to toe, the blonde had to admit that she was easy on the eyes. Her olive-colored complexion gave her an exotic look. If it didn’t, her long, black hair and hazel-colored eyes demanded Jaakuna’s attention. Further down to the torso, Jaakuna caught a glimpse of her curves that were perfectly complemented by her midriff. Even though she was a bit on the short side, Jaakuna couldn’t take his eyes off of her. It was almost as if he was mesmerized by her beauty.

But all good things had to come to an end, right?

Jaakuna shook his head, getting his hormones in check.

“Alright, listen up, hotcakes.” JAakuna said to her, giving her a cocky smirk, “I come representing the--” Jaakuna hesitated, feeling a strong amount of disgust that found its home on his tongue. It refused him to say their name,”—The Triple Triad and they want their money.” Jaakuna said clearly, but he still felt the tinge of revulsion in his mouth.

God, Jaakuna hated being like this. If it wasn’t for fucking Zang. If he would have just left Jaakuna alone, if he would’ve left Gan and Muku alone, he wouldn’t have to be forced to play the gangster act on, who he had to assume were good people. Hell, they were in a soup kitchen for god’s sake. How could they be bad?

As he was somewhat stranded in his own hatred for what he was doing, Jaakuna was starting to show it slightly on his face. He didn’t know it, but surely the desirable female in front of him would see it. That is, to say if she could spot those little hints of facial expressions.

When I’m done here, I’m going to kill Zang—or maim him. Whatever doesn’t get me hung or worse.

Tikaani was lost in thought as he walked along next to Romaw, the hot sun burned the back of his neck and arms that were left uncovered from his cloth clothes. He jumped as his train of thought was broken from the yelling of his name.

"Of man! the hunt I forgot. I think my father forgot as well..." Tikaani answered the mans question, many people would bet on Tikaani and his father as hunting was their job, but no one was ever more reliable to know they are bet on than Numa. Man has a lot of trust in their ability to hunt it would seem. "Let me run and remind my father before the hunt begins" Tikaani flashed Numa a quick smile and turned around back towards the shop he had just left.

"I'll come with, but I am hungry as hell, you are buying me food after" Romaw said with a grin as they walked quickly back to the shop.

As they came around again through the door of his fathers shop, the bell gave a chime and his father looked up from the stack of paper work his was still working on, looked as though it hadn't even moved in the some hour he had been gone already.

"Father, the hunt" Tikaani said quickly and simply. His father laid the paper work down that had been resting in his right hand and gave a huff.
"Numa has money on us again and it is not fair we not even participate.. We can win this year" Tikaani moved in and smiled at his father, who he could see was stressed beyond relief of a day off.

"Yes..Yes, I will meet you out at the festival." He paused and gave a quick smile at Tikaani and Romaw, who was still standing by the door, holding it open and watching people down the street that were heading towards the festival. As the boys left Vulc looked down at his paper and held back the sweet release of tears he had been holding back for the week prior to the event. "Perhaps the hunt will help get my mind off things.. and get him away..just in case" He whispered under his breath as he watched the boys leave his sight around the corner back heading to the festival.

As the boys arrived to the sound of loud music again Tikaani smiled and moved over to a food stand just outside the large crowd of people.

"Really think you will win this year?" Romaw asked as they waited in line for their fruit. Tikaani turned, smiled and gave a quick nod.

"Wait, so you're not the—oh, son of a bitch." Jaakuna cursed loudly.

Looking away from the exotic woman for a moment, his attention came to the one that was behind the counter. She seemed dainty and rather fitting to be working at a soup kitchen. Jaakuna found her posing no threat to his life. To be quite honest, Jaakuna didn't think that she had it in her power to stop him from doing whatever was necessary to get the money. However, as she would state rather clearly, it wasn't currently present at the soup kitchen.

"What did you say?" Jaakuna echoed her, his words slow and face long. "What do you mean the money's not here?!" Jaakuna yelled, approaching the counter to which the lady was speaking behind from. "It has to be here! It just has to!" Jaakuna said even louder.

By the time Jaakuna finished talking, he was leaning against the counter-top. His hands were on it, looking at the woman dead-straight in the eyes. This was not the look of a man who was trying to bully his way to get fast money or collect a debt. The look that Jaakuna Hinoko had in his eyes were that of a desperate man. His eyes and facial expressions bled of utter disbelief, for without the money, his siblings might not see him again.

"Listen here," Jaakuna said, leaning in as close to the lady as he possibly could, "I need that money." Jaakuna said urgently.

He was trying to make her understand that this wasn't just him acting like a bully(which he totally was). He had to get that money.

Her little plot seemed to be going along fine. She saw the blonde hooligan staring at her, eyeing her to see if she posed any potential threat. At least that's what she thought he was eyeing for. She had no idea what he was actually staring at her for. He called her hotcakes and said he represented the Triple Triad and he was here to collect protection money. Chiharu was about to proceed with her ruse, and continue fooling the guy, but it all fell to pieces when Lea put a stop to it, shattering the illusion of deceit.

She gave the girl away by saying that she was not in charge, and Chiharu raised her hands at Lea at displeasure, as just like that her fun had evaporated into thin air. Lea then went on to say that the owner wasn't here and neither was the money. She knew Lea had her interest in mind, and didn't want any innocents to be hurt, but that wasn't exactly the smartest thing to do. What was she expecting? For the thug to say "Oh alright, I'll just come back when the owner comes back then?" Obviously not. Chiharu's palm quickly met her face she face-palmed.

Lea wasn't build to take on the guy with her skinny muscle-lacking build. Not like she was any better of course, but while she may not be as strong, she bet that she was a lot quicker and flexible than the guy. Speaking to Lea, she said "I'm fine Lea." And soon enough, the blonde hooligan began putting on his routine tough-guy act like all of them do. He's going to try shaking Lea down for her money right about now. She sure as hope Jun was on the way here. In the mean time, Chiharu had to think about something that could prevent the situation from getting any worse. The only thing the guy wanted was money, that was what it was seeming like to her.

She came up with a plan. It could very well prove to be a incredibly stupid plan that could get her into trouble, but it was the only one she had now. She fished out the cash payment she received from her delivery earlier, and waved the notes in the air. "Hey tough guy, if its money you need, come and get it!" Chiharu would wait for the guy to be fixed and fully focused on her, and when he was, she was flee, running out of the kitchen and into the streets, hoping he'll leave the kitchen alone.

J I E
(MIDDLE RING - PARADE ROUTE)

Patterns of color formed unnaturally at every angle. They followed her line of sight, creating auras around each stranger and object. It was a beautiful spectacle, and zen would never cease to dazzle Jie when in the right mood. Though she could feel the hazy edges of reality growing sharper, the drug still held an obvious hold. It had taken increasing amounts to subdue her, and would surely damage any novice who was willing to try. Of course, as the singer continued, the world only grew more lively. Out of her errupted a crowd of strangely formed creatures, all eager to listen. A cat the size of a Satomobile had draped itself along a tree as if weighing nothing, while ghost-like lights filled the rooftops. Equally happy to entertain, she continued her performance until a large and menacing shadow approached in the distance.

Jie had always seen it very infrequently, a monster that would hide at the edges of her buzz. It was large with the body of a centipede, carrying multiple faces as if they were trophies. It would shift its appearance at every blink, and could hold the likeness of almost any animal as well. In her lucidity she could contribute it to zen, having heard stories of Koh the Face Stealer as a small child. Her sister would pass down such stories, attributing the tales from those of their parents. Too young to remember the two, they lived through lore of far-off lands and times of what the world had been like eons before the Great Panic. She could hardly believe of fabled monsters from the spirit world, though as she aged, their contents traced into Jie's view almost daily. Even small, insignificant-seeming beings such as frogs or lemurs would take impossible shapes.

The girl had tried her hardest to only take zen when unemotional, as her most murky hallucinations would become drawn to the slightest of upset. Monsters like Koh would appear, whispering about all the misdeeds that they were willing to do. Most sat at the horizon however, and always present no matter her mood. Though Jie had become used to them, it was nevertheless jarring to see stranger visions crop up.

"-off the stage," A suited man ended, pulling the girl out of her stupor. He was tall and covered the black shadow that eyed her from far away, for which she was fearful for. Even as she moved to regain her original view, the creature had vanished, as had most of her other friends. "Naughty boy," Jie said steadily. Though it was clear to anyone that she was on a heavy dosage of something, the girl still attempted to keep up her playful act. "If you wanted a signature, you could have waited...You can't get special privileges, handsome!"