Day 2 after Fritz's death, early morning

The Vengeance Safe House

“The old man hasn’t been seen in at least a week, and even before his disappearance the rumours have begun to spread that he looked worn out. I talked to several people and all of them were certain that the old man was either dead or on his deathbed.”

Stalwart rocked back and forth in her chair. Her eyes were closed as she listened to the report given to her by the man who was her second-in-command. She wasn’t exactly sure how she felt about the thing she just heard.

“What do you propose Xeon?” She asked.

The man smirked. “It is simple. We need more resources and influence if we are to have any hope of challenging Mr. Shiro. I don’t have to tell you how juicy of a target the Asylum Island is right now, after years of people escaping to the safety of its neutrality, and we have one in a thousand chance right now to take it.”

“Oh? We do?” Stalwart raised an eyebrow.

“Yes! Shogun is busy devouring the Kingdom’s territory after King’s injury and Mr. Shiro doesn’t dare make any move that could weaken the White Blade after the Followers of Zig annihilated Braid’s gang. Veyles is the careful sort and he wouldn’t make the first move and Momo is not an expansionist. Besides those four and us, every other gang is too far away to really give a damn about the Asylum Island.”

Smirk was gone and in its stead the look of fierce determination appeared on Xeon’s face. “Just give me the word and you will have the Asylum Island by nightfall.”

Stalwart made a show of pondering the matter but the truth was she had already decided on her action before Xeon even said a word.

---

---

Day 2 after Fritz’s death, midday

The Asylum Island, outside of the Orphanage

Several men disembarked at the small pier of the Asylum Island. Neither of the bunch looked particularly friendly, but that was hardly an unusual thing in Yire-Alba. However, it was strange to see so many men who obviously were up to no good in the territory under the protection of the Old Man Fritz. Most of the island’s inhabitants who saw them come off the boat assumed that this unsavoury group would be trounced and sent packing as soon as the old man heard of their arrival.

The group made their way through the veritable labyrinth of passageways between shacks and other buildings. The complexity of navigating around the Dirt Town’s peculiar (and unstable) architecture had made the trip to the centre of the Asylum Island longer than one would assume looking at the size of the island from one of the river shores.

Once the men have reached the clearing around the orphanage the leader of the group, a young man who looked like he was fresh to the adulthood turned around towards the islanders who have by then gathered around his unfriendly crew – though they all still kept a safe distance, and shouted:

“People of the Asylum Island, from this day on this island is the territory of the Vengeance and its boss Stalwart!”

About 1 hour after Fritz's Death

Thames was still outside with Dodo, looking down at her in more ways than one as she squirmed around like a dumb animal, which she for all intents and purposes was as far as Thames was concerned. He sneered at her, turning away, but not wanting to look back at the orphange. That was when a puch dropped out of Thames's vest, falling onto the ground and unraveling, revealing a loaf of bread with a single bite on it. He looked down, awkwardly at the loaf. "Darn" he thought, quickly reaching down to pick it up before anyone else could snatch it away from him.

He hadn't eaten all morning and was famished at that point. He opened his mouth to finish what he started, before his conscience hit him. Thames turned back to Dodo and sighed before tearing his bread in half, with one side noticeably larger than the other. He reluctantly handed Dodo the smaller piece, then as he looked down at her, took the piece back. "Fine. Here." he said, handing her the larger half.

Dodo continued to peck at the dirt with her face; well she continued to until she heard the dropping of the pouch. She returned to an upright position as her eyes began to trace around the area where the sound seemed to originate from. But as soon as the object was dropped it was retrieved just as quickly. Shortly after that Dodo was offered the larger chunk of bread that Thames tore off.

"Pruu!" chirped up Dodo as she glanced at Thames with a wider smile. The birdcreature brought her wings closer together as she attempted to keep the bread up with the talons on her primary feathers. However the chunk of bread did not stay between those two bits and fell down to the ground. Dodo paused for a moment and lifted up her left leg. The bread was soon clutched between her talons. Shortly after acquiring the bread again Dodo sat down and moved the bread to a more advantageous spot to eat it. She began to ravenously gnaw at the bread, as unfortunately the varmint hunting was going poorly.

After taking a few more bites from the bread Dodo decided to stop. She began flapping her wings and squirming to remove her purse. Once it was now on the ground she used her horn to reach into the purse and move something out. She moved out a well worn, red, stress ball and pushed it with her head towards Thames.

"Mmrreu?" vocalized Dodo as she tilted her eyes focused attention between Thames and the ball.

~Senna~

Location: Main Hall, Dirt Town Orphanage

Day of Fritz's death.

Senna waited longer than she should have for a reply, really. Some misguided sense of sentimentality, perhaps? She couldn't help it. She desperately wanted some plan to help these fools stick together, she really did! But realistically speaking, staying here was going to be nothing but trouble, and she didn't fancy working for any of the more abusive gangs. Upon receiving no reply from Sai, or even Ansgar, Sen simply smiled sadly.

"Don't get a girls hopes up. That's mean, you know." She replied with a soft chuckle. Oh sure, she could lead them, she was fairly certain she could, at least for a time, but eventually she'd get bored of it. There was no denying that. She was already tired and bored of this conversation, for example. Stepping back from the two boys Sen headed for the exit of the orphanage. "I'll stick around for a few days and see if you can pull a miracle out of your ass, but after that...I'm gone."

With a flutter of her wings, Sen left the two where they stood.

---

Day 2 after Fritz’s death, midday
The Asylum Island, outside of the Orphanage

The past two days had been rather eventful for Sen. Weighing her options, deciding what she should and could do, and what would obviously be a bad idea. She thought about running, perhaps throwing her lot in with another of the gangs for a bit before going solo, or just going solo. Staying, talking with both Mary and trying to keep the little kiddos that remained from dying of fright. Surprisingly, most of them seemed rather content with her around as well as taking orders, or at least suggestions from her. It was amusing how much sheer confidence and words could be used to sway and manipulate people into doing things.

It was also rather sad, considering they must really have no one else to really cling to besides Mary if they were willing to listen to her of all people.

Almost made her feel a tad bit bad about having decided to jump ship later that night. Ah well, not her problem. Little kiddos need to learn not to rely so heavily on something other than themselves. Of course, on the second day it looked like something interesting was going to happen, no? Several men, likely from one of the gangs decided to show up on the island. The assumption of which was quickly confirmed by the mans words.

Senna watched from an open window, humming thoughtfully to herself as she tapped her fingers lightly on the open windowsill.

Vengeance, eh?

Now what did she know about the gang? Information was key in knowing how to best combat something after all. Vengeance was the smallest of groups - created after their leader split from Mr. Shiro and his White Blades, as well as the most immediate threat to the island in her opinion. Old Man Fritz had to really do a number on him before he decided to accept the treaty. Now the question here, what was Vengeance intentions? They could be good, or they could be bad. More often then not, it was definitely not the former. That was just what experience had taught the young girl.

Now, she could play the good guy here and try and appeal for everyone...or she could go for the most self-beneficial route here. Both had their pros and cons, as well as their risks. Trying to fight off every single gang in the area by themselves? Absolutely ridiculous. Ah, if only Momo had decided to be the one to show up. It'd make this somewhat easier, though Sen had always been suspicious of the gangs seemingly friendly nature. A friendly smile was just as dangerous as a knife to the back, sometimes even more so.

Well, it didn't seem like anyone else was going to be doing some talking, and the urge to meddle was getting quite a bit irresistible. With a smirk, Sen leaped out the window, wings fluttering playfully as she approached the group. First things first - find out what the enemy knows. If one was open to discourse, then one could be...swayed.

"Ho, that is a rather...quick assertion to make." The young girl giggled playfully. "Or perhaps you forgot what happened to the last person who pissed off Fritz, hm? Or are you just into having an old man beat you up? Kinky." She grinned impishly. What? She couldn't not just make a quick little joke or not get on someones nerves just a little. Wasn't like her. "Sorry, sorry, can't help but to joke a little." She continued with a somewhat more serious expression.

"So do tell, what exactly is Vengeance planning here? Fritz isn't going to be too happy, you know."

She asked for a number of reasons. To see what they knew, and if she could possibly use it to her advantage, as well as maybe sway them to leave without too much of a fuss. If not, at least if she knew what plans Vengeance had for this place it'd make gauging their threat a bit easier.

Two days had passed since the Keeper of Kids had passed on. Dodo had much time to draw a very important conclusion; Asylum Island had its fauna, particularly the rodent population, succumb to a noticeable population decrease. Without rats to chase and feast upon Dodo had come to a quick conclusion. The orphanage was no longer a suitable habitation to primarily roost at; perhaps if she found herself nearby and it wasn't that far of a flight she would consider stopping back there.

Due to lack of varmints to hunt, Dodo decided to venture out into the rest of the northern part of Dirt-Town in order to find more suitable mice to feast upon.

Her flight for food took her to the region known to be under the control of the 'Streetwise Samurai'. Surely this region led by expansionists would be full of varmints to feast upon. Dodo flew above an inconspicuous street nestled between many shanty buildings. Descending Dodo kept her eye focused for any skittering prey.

She landed down on a pole of one of these buildings and knocked down a paper lantern. Roosting upon this pole Dodo continued to look around for potential prey. "Pruu!" Dodo chirped out.

An Hour and Maybe Twenty Minutes After Fritz's Death

Thames rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for your childish games." he scoffed, before putting his hands in his pockets and heading off. He paused for a moment, resisting the urge to turn back, before stepping off toward the island proper.

In spite of his time spent in the orphanage doing his research and tinkering, he had very little by way of actual resources, especially to reconstruct his caretakers. After several years, it was unknown as to whether or not they were even still there. As a child, he was forbidden from leaving the island. After all, it was dangerous to leave, though that was where his home was for more than half his life, not that his life was too long.

With his fellow orphans not liking him too much and with Mr. Fritz out of the way, there was nothing keeping him from leaving the island. Though, with all that was out there, it was far too dangerous. Thames could find himself killed. Though, it was also dangerous on the island. There was nothing keeping the other orphans from seeking out and killing him. He realized the world was unsafe.

Lucky for him, Thames had a unique power. Thames slept with his powers on, time slowed by a moment, allowing Thames to sleep for a bit longer and extend his life by a few moments. The distortion in time allowed him to slow down any night assailants- for the most part being mosquitos which he could trap in a time-bubble, giving him just enough time to smash them before returning to sleep.

Two Days Following That Past Day

With no one to look out for him and no actual survival skills, Thames was forced to steal in order to survive. He was not a particularly good thief. It was true he had special abilities, though it would be far more useful had others too not had abilities of their own.

In other words, Thames was starving to death. He managed to steal himself a tart out of someone's home. It was small, but it was also his breakfast, keeping him alive at least until he could somehow manage to snatch himself another meal. It was midday, and there was commotion.

Thames had snuck around, avoiding a group of people marching, according to Thames's calculations, toward the orphanage. He tried to remain undetected, of course ready to stab whoever was around with a mechanical push-dagger he managed to jurry-rig out of his stop watch along with various bits of discarded metal he found while digging for food. While he followed them, Thames counted exactly how many were there, planning to discover their actual intent.

---

The Black Tongs, usually lively with the clangs of metal against metal, was dead silent as its two occupants mourning the passing of a great man. Garrett was a world weary man of great stature, matching Trog in height and nearly in width, who had come to respect Old Man Fritz deeply on a professional level and took the news of his passing with a heavy heart. The forge merely embered as neither of them could dig up the heart to work, instead sitting in a contemplative silence that made Trog itchy.

A deep sigh left Garrett as he dragged his hands through what little hair he had left before speaking for the first time in what felt like an eternity, "So lad, what are you going to do?"

It was a simple question and it was one he didn't really have an answer to. The Orphanage was Trog's home, no question, but he didn't know how much longer that would be the case. Trog may not be the sharpest knife in the kitchen but he knew that without the threat of Old Man Fritz guardianship that all the other gangs, and anyone else for that matter, would be gearing to take what they wanted. Like rats stalking a sick dog. Talks were apparently had between some of the older kids, but Trog wasn't apart of them and didn't know the outcome. Ultimately, Trog's choices were fairly limited.

"I guess I stay 'ere sir... I don't 'ave anyplace else to go." the words came out evenly, most of the grief having emptied out last night and left with a dull acceptance of his lot.

Garrett gave a slight nod, as if he'd already known what Trog was going to say, but soon his attention was stolen as someone began to yell outside.

“People of the Asylum Island, from this day on this island is the territory of the Vengeance and its boss Stalwart!”

The words immediately changed the tone from one of silent mourning to high tension energy as the pair were stunned. It hadden't even been a full day since the Old Man had died and already there were vultures at the gate, and boy did it boil Trog's blood. His breathing became heavy as he began searching for a weapon, or anything he could use as one. Garrett opened his mouth to say something before swallowing it, one look at Trog made it clear that this wasn't going to end pretty. When Trog found a suitably heavy hammer and stalked out the door all Garrett could do was switch the sign to "Closed" and retreat to the back room, as far away as he could possibly go from the coming storm.

As much as he wanted to charge into the fray, yelling curses and stomping heads, Trog held back the Itch as he stalked forward only barely acknowledging Senna's presence. He moved silently but purposefully towards the gathering of Vengeance thugs, meaty fist tightening around the handle of the hammer he held and visions of violence dancing across his mind. It wasn't until he came upon them that Trog betrayed his presence, the last couple of steps being loud stomps. His eyes embedded in their sockets, Trog holding as much of himself back as he could in his current circumstance.

"Yer not wanted 'ere," he said, venom dripping from his words like a drooling snake and the threat of violence pulled taut against tense muscles.

On the way to the Orphanage

As Thames sneaked behind the newly arrived group he managed to count exactly seven gangsters. None of them looked particularly older than Thames himself. By his reckoning they were all at about Mary’s age, give or take a year or two. The group was quiet, but from time to time there would be a noticeable nervous glance casted in the direction of the group’s leader. The impression Thames got from most of them was that they didn’t want to be here. Probably the only thing keeping them on the Island was the confidence their leader displayed and maybe the fear of punishment that would follow if they attempted to skedaddle.

Outside of the Orphanage

Group’s leader gave Senna a measuring glance. His eyes flared up for a moment but he quickly managed to acquire an unimpressed demeanour. At hearing Senna’s words a mocking smirk appeared on his face and he invitingly spread his arms.

“He is free to come, if he’s able. But you coming to meet me instead of him has confirmed what I suspected before I came here.” He lowered his arms and put his hands on his waist. His left eyebrow arced as he continued speaking. “Tell me, is he dead? Or is he too weak to move?”

At his words the clearing exploded with voices.

‘The old man’s dead?’
‘Impossible!’
‘No way…’
‘I wondered why he stopped appearing.’

Many more reached Senna’s ears from the onlookers who followed the gang from their landing on the island to this clearing, but they all held two common emotions: disbelief and fear.

It is at this point that Trog made his appearance.

The leader’s face twisted into snarl, though it was hard to determine whether that was because of the anger at Trog’s threat or disgust at the huge orphan’s monstrous appearance. Other gangsters in the clearing readied themselves for a fight.

“I don’t care about your welcome freak. This island is now possession of my gang, and if you want to get violent I will be happy to do the world a favour and rid it of your ugly mug.”

---

---

The Streetwise Samurai territory

The new territory was rich in vermin, but not of the kind which Dodo tended to find palatable. Although she came across one or two critters which would be a good prey, the overwhelming majority of the region’s inhabitants were humans who went about their daily lives, whatever they might be. The place stank, but then again, so did the entirety of the Dirt Town.

Perched as she was on the pole, Dodo was clearly visible to most passersby. They all chose to pretend they didn’t see anything than acknowledge the preying stare of the weird humanoid bird.

Well, all but one.

A young man appeared before the pole Dodo was roosted on and pointed at her with his finger.

“Hey, who are you? I didn’t see you around here before! This area is under my jurisdiction by the command of Shogun. You don’t look like you are up to anything good. State your business!”

Location: Main Hall, Dirt Town Orphanage

Day of Fritz's Death

Oralee listens, hiding in a corner, as Fritz dies. Tears silently fall down her cheeks. What's going to happen to us now? We don't have his protection anymore, and most of us are still learning things... The ten year old, being mature as always, doesn't make a sound, as she wallows in sadness in silence. She didn't want to burden the others. They all cared about Fritz, and they all needed support, but even if she was small, and only ten, that didn't mean she could be immature about it.

She grew up on the streets before Fritz found her, welcoming her into his family. She didn't know what a family was, before finding Fritz, but that didn't matter. She didn't want her family to break apart. They had to stick together. That was the focus of her thoughts. We must stick together if we're going to survive... Even though her heart was breaking, it just reminded her of how her heart broke at every mean word her mother sent her way.

Oralee heads back to her room, wanting to sleep the pain away. Maybe she'd feel better in the morning. She still remembers the day her mother kicked her out. It took her weeks to recover. She was stronger now, though. She knows what love is, and how it feels. She knows what she has to do to survive, and she knows that they were stronger together.

---

Location: Outside the Orphanage

Day 2, After Fritz's Death, Midday

Oralee wakes to the sound of unknown voices. Rubbing her eyes, trying to get rid of the sleep in them, she heads for a window that looked out to the front of the Orphanage. There, she sees Senna, and some unknown people gathered. She listens to everything that is being said, and frowns.

“People of the Asylum Island, from this day on this island is the territory of the Vengeance and its boss Stalwart!”

"...This is not good..." she mumbles to herself. Her frown turns into a glare at the leader's words to Trog. "No one is allowed to hurt Trog's feelings!" She concentrates hard, as she tries to form a mirage of Fritz at a window that the gang could easily see. There was no way she was going to let them off easily. If she could use her powers to their advantage, then she would.

She focuses hard, and is able to manage a 30 second flicker of Fritz, looking out at them, glaring. Taking a deep breath, she focuses again, this time sending the mirage to a different location, still of a glaring Fritz. She continues this for two minutes, trying to scare the gangsters away from the Orphanage. She didn't want Senna or Trog to get hurt. As she focuses on her power, she doesn't realise that her wings emerged from behind her hair, and were raised, as if she were ready to fly, much like an angel.