Milo smiled at Vika, she seemed like she wasn't shook much at all by the events of Sunday. He hadn't actually thought much of Sunday other than the annoyance of his knee being sore the day after, those men had been quite rude and even malicious but at the end of the day, everyone was safe, no one was hurt, and it had just passed with out noise. She mentioned Shwarma and Milo realized he had worked through his lunch.

"Well to be honest, Sunday kinda fell to the wayside pretty quick, no one was really hurt, though I did make mention to an officer about those men, they always say chivalry is dead, those guys prove it." He chuckled a bit at the statement before continuing, "I love to join you, I actually haven't eaten today anyway, worked right through, got really into it again... and got lost... So I am afraid, you will have to guide us to the restaurant."

Milo Dismounted his bike seeing Vika hold out a hand, first, the diamond ring was stunning, this woman had a certain aesthetic she liked to exude and she does so with elegance, his own aesthetic was much less elegant, not shabby in the least, nice jeans and a dark button down shirt hidden under his black leather bomber jacket. Second, it was her left hand, but not a ring finger, though, he didn't think that she was engaged or anything, the kiss on the cheek and card in his pocket banished the thought. Milo placed his arm under the outstretched hand.

"Shall we then?"

you know, that's not the best way to meet women

“It’s workin’ pretty good right now.” Joel shot back with a sharp grin. He looked up and for a moment back at her. She had a nice laugh and it occurred to him it had been more than just a few days since he’d last had a real conversation with anyone, particularly anyone of the female camp. As usual, he was conflicted inside. There was a part of him that would live in that shop and roam the streets alone for weeks on end uncaring about meeting anyone or caring about much of anything. Frighteningly enough, sometimes he really liked that side of himself: It was routine and controllable. Women cost time and money he reminded himself, two of his favorite things. He could recall on past dates that his mind would sometimes drift back to shop and on what “productive” things he could be doing rather than going out.

“That out there is Frankenstein for sure...” He said matter-of-factly and glancing back down. “…But that’s what the guy wanted” He considered her comment about being careful of his own creations a little more than she probably knew. “If you’re around here on Saturday morning, you can see the Mona Lisa, though.” He looked up again meeting her gaze confident in that statement as well. He contined, “Can’t say I ever touched an ice-raft, but I did fix a SeaDoo a few weeks ago- That’s pretty close.” He grimaced a little at the memory. He didn’t know anything about jet-skis, but he’d figured it out and testing it out on the river had been fun. “So how’d you wind up in this neck of the woods? Since you’re clearly not from around here.” He said it partly as a jab at her distinct accent.

@PrinceAlexus

@Furiosa

Joseph looked up at the man who'd kicked him in the side, listening to what he was saying. After a moment, he recognised him as one of the people from Swan Song, the one who got tackle-kissed by the frivolously dressed blonde man.

"I'm... This is your yard then?" He asked, his voice little more than a tired rasp at this point. "Sorry, I hadn't planned to collapse here, but my legs kind of stopped working. I haven't really... eaten... over the last week. Like, at all... But assuming you're paying, I'd be glad to take you up on that. You know, so I don't die."

Shakily, he managed to push himself up off the ground, although his legs wobbling made it difficult.

"You're boyfriend won't get jealous and misunderstand though, will he?" He asked, the ghost of what might have once been a smirk on his face. "He seemed pretty clingy on Monday..."

"It is not my yard, but I do live in this building. At least you have good taste in where to collapse." Ren snorted. "But I can't be having homeless people dying outside my place, now can I. Get in."

He turned his back on the man and walked towards his car. The comment about a supposedly boyfriend caused Ren to stop dead in his tracks however. He turned around and stared at the man in disbelief.

"I beg you pardon?" His voice was strained, obviously trying to suppress an array of emotions. "I can assure you I haven't got the faintest idea what you're blabbering on about. The starvation must be affecting your brain functions."

Turning around once again, more abruptly this time, Ren stomped up to the car and got in while muttering something uncoherent about boyfriend, unbelievable and a selection of different swear words. After the stranger got into the car, they took off.

----

Well inside the warmth of the café, Ren was still rather upset. Is that the impression people got from the jazz night? It's all that blonde guy's fault - I've never even seen him before! How troublesome. The stranger and himself found themselves a table by the windows. It was crowded inside, but most of the customers, mainly students this early, were just here for the regular take-away coffee. 

"Since you're in no condition to stand up just wait here. I'll go order us something." Ren stood up, but paused before reaching out his hand. "I'm Ren. And you are?"

----

Ren returned to the table after ordering. Moments later one of the waitresses came rushing towards them with a full tray. Coffee for both of them, many different kinds of sandwiches, croissants and muffins neatly presented on the plate.

"Why don't you pay me back by entertaining me with your story?" Ren said as he helped himself to a croissant, dipping it in his coffee before taking a bite. Eyes carefully observing his strange company.

---

@Rabidporcupine

---

Sol City Cargo Airport . Wednesday Evening

---

Marinalia's evening shift was certainly turning out rather different than expected, it was a good excuse to get out the office though and with the schedule tonight things would not be exactly busy. There was the promo event, a few major flights inbound later in the week but other than that business as normal. he was a ass in a sense, but not a deliberately unkind one, least someone she could have joke with on a dull evening shift.

Yeah, it was definitely Frankenstein's monster, the problem was said monster did not exactly help the life of its creator in the book. The person who ordered that car must be a tad crazy, the machine was a monster and probably could outpace a light aircraft . And a event, oh, she knew exactly the event he meant, should she tell him or not? He seemed to deserve the surprise more.

Customer is always right... even when there wrapped round a tree

The race test? Maybe, i did get a invite. Always be team air though. We rule the skies.

Joking slightly she knew exactly the event, and what was planned. She had not seen her family in months and not entirely sure how she felt about it. Her Aunt, Mother, Father, Grandfather and Godfather had decided to attend, between them representing Polar Star and Olympus Heavy Industries. Marilania would have to find out when, and then there was the Gala coming up at some point too. This might be a interesting few weeks.

WHy did she do what she did. while that was a far longer answer than a warehouse and few crates would be the ideal venue for. Sitting down on a crate of granite slabs bound for some other airport, dangling legs slightly.

That's a long question for a more comfortable location.

Ummm, Ok... Short version. I kinda did not get on with my family when i was younger, family business and all was a tad tense.

Started flying for fun, kinda loved it. In the end i kinda did my own thing, flown on 2 continents, 8 ish years. Left Alaska because of some family issues, my dad caused a abit of stir .. Media, Kinda in a bad way, wanted a fresh start... Daedalus offered me a good contract and a nice sign on bonus... rest is well history.

Maybe when i know you better... Though my full name is Marinalia, Romus, Olympus.

It was very abridged, but it might take quite abit longer than was comfortable in a cold warehouse to explain fully and to someone she barely knew, Nope, well he would realise who she was on Saturday that's for sure. he's never work it out surely that Olympus was that Olympus...

---

Outside Old Starboard . Wednesday Evening

Victoria's evening seemed to working out better than her sisters, the Shawarma place and light lane was not too far away, a little side street lit by hundreds of little lanterns and dozens of smaller shops, mostly independents, family run and proper fresh cooked food. Smiling taking his hand with a little squeeze and leading the way to light lane remembering the map and one hand keeping her stable with the walking stick. short distances she could do without, not long ones though.

Its only a few minutes, Google is a lifesaver.

Yeah, Sunday was... different.. Marinalia contacted Police, for what its worth.

You a chivalry necromancer then?

Joking, the way to light lane was a fairly easy one and even at her slower pace it took under 5 minutes, Feeling slightly nervous, this evening had certainly surprised her, but in a good way.

Light lane, Swarma Palace . Wednesday Evening

Light lane was brightly lit by dozens of lanterns, often a haunt of young, old, the food loving and those who wanted some non chain food, many places where still open, smells of foods from all over the world, curry, Shawarma, Chinese, and many more were here. best food in the city.

Sitting down in a small Shawarma Joint, Several old joke Avengers items on the wall, a few posters and a quiet but lively background music, it was pretty quiet, 10-15 tables, a small bar serving mostly coffee and a few cheap canned drinks both soft and alcoholic. it was the exact opposite of the grander places at centre point.

Taking off a fitted coat revealing a more casual skirt and nice but not overly showy or dressy top. the coat she had "borrowed" off her sister and hung abit long but was ideal for keeping warm.

So, Shawarma Palace... Hope it lives up to review.

not quite so fancy but so much more fun. oh, my ring. Its not a... My sister has its twin, its a little thing, they always been worn by sisters for 3 generations. Her grandparent, Then mother, aunt. Kinda passes down when time right.

Family is a tad complicated...

Smiling and reading the menu, the list was not massive but everything was cooked fresh that night. No frozen. The place had a good reputation online and though it was not posh, no wine list or expensive vintages. Thr tables just wiped down, one set of spoons and only one type of wine glass that doubled up for water.

Slightly nervous unsure where to go now. Was it a date? A meal, dinner?

so, what brought you to Sol, apart from me of course and saving people from Jazz nights gone wrong?

I kinda came here to get a fresh start for abit... Kinda bit head off a journalist at Swan Songs... Tasted funny...

Adding the joke, trying to hide her nerves, it was pretty transparent but Better then nothing. She never planned this and things had taken there own direction naturally.

---

@Pilatus@RoccanIronclad

The walk down light lane was pleasant, the lanterns lighting the way. Milo was actually quite stunned by the beauty that this city held, his home had been far more dreary and had nothing like this. As the two came to the destination a small restaurant nothing overly fancy, but it was nice none the less, be it the location or perhaps the company, this place seemed bright. As they moved to their table and sat, they spoke for a bit, though it seemed that Vika must have noticed him glancing over her ring, it was a truly stunning piece, and made very clear the class difference between them, though she was still nice, but this wasn't the first time he had dealt with the upper crust types, many of his clients come from wealthy families, granted those particular times were never fun.

"Oh, my ring. Its not a... My sister has its twin, its a little thing, they always been worn by sisters for 3 generations. Her grandparent, Then mother, aunt. Kinda passes down when time right."

Milo smiled before replying, "Well, as far as heirlooms go, you seem to have gotten the good end, my Gran left me my Grandpa pocket watch that doesn't have hands anymore." Milo chuckled at the memory of the useless watch, "I actually am here in Sol for the same reason as you, fresh start, new town, new life, hoping to get a little more from it than the last time."

Milo could tell that Vika was a tad nervous, in a way he understood, in a way he didn't, sure the scenario was definitely not the easiest one to wrap a mind around, I mean they had a drink together once then all hell broke loose and now they are having dinner together, actually as he thought about it, no, this was a bit nerve wracking. Milo ordered something that he could hardly pronounce and just had water with it. When the food arrived it was quite delicious, kinda reminded him of a gyro.

"I haven't been here long but I have a good feeling that I won't regret moving here. Has it been worth it for you? Living here in Sol I mean."

@PrinceAlexus

@Furiosa

"Oh, no, I'm not homeless." Joseph said with a tired wave of his hand. "No, I'm a wanderer, like Kensh-... A wanderer."

He was significantly less worried about how late he'd been in cutting off his disgusting weeb-speak this time, mainly because his brain was having trouble regulating itself at this point.

When the guy reacted to his joke by saying the starvation was affecting his brain, he nodded, chuckling a little.

"Yeah... Yeah... It definitely is doing that..." He said with a sigh. "Not because I said that damned peacock was your boyfriend though, that was just because I thought your reaction might be funny. It's just that I'd normally never say it out loud, due to crippling social anxiety..."

As he spoke, he got into the car, nearly tripping as he stepped in.

This might be a bit more of an ordeal than he'd thought.

----

Joseph relaxed a bit as he sat down, giving a small chuckle as he looked up at the ceiling.

Looks like you won't be getting me this time, God!

He looked back down when the man offered to order for the two of them, and introduced himself.

"Joseph Moore." He said, taking the hand and giving it an understandably weak shake. "'s nice to meet you, Ren."

Sighing, he sat back up, struggling slightly not to overcorrect himself and slump over the table. It wasn't long before Ren returned, quickly followed by what Joseph could only assume was a reward from God for besting him in their little contest yet again.

Feeling it would be rude to ignore such a gracious defeat, Joseph took a sandwich almost immediately, his hand moving at a blur from the speed.

Well, it was a blur to him. Yes, so was just about everything else that was moving even slightly, but he preferred to think it was just his superhuman speed.

One thing that was somewhat superhuman was the fact that he damn near swallowed the thing whole, taking just two bites to finish it.

He blinked as Ren asked him what his story was, demolishing a second sandwich in the time it took him to ask.

"Well, its not that interesting, but if you really want to know, I guess I'd better start way back with my parents story." He said, wondering to himself if Ren might already be regretting asking. "So, when they met, dad was fourteen and mom was fifteen. She'd just snuck out of her parents mansion again, because apparently she did that quite often, and she'd found herself surrounded by your everyday, generic thug-type characters. That was when dad, a poor kid with an abusive mom and a dad he'd never met showed up. Apparently, he was a bit wierd back then, but still a good kid, and ran out to try and defend her. It took less than a minute for them to beat him up."

He sighed, staring out the window at nothing in particular, as a small smile appeared on his face.

"As it turns out, being the only child of two of the richest people in America had its perks, and she'd taken classes in about half of the forms of martial arts under the sun. Dad always used to say how beautiful she looked when she broke the leaders legs... Anyway, she grabbed him and they escaped together, and they became practically inseparable. Moms parents always seemed to approve of him outwardly, but they said it never seemed genuine, like there was always resentment just below the surface. Dads mom, on the other had, didn't even care, preferring it when he was gone. Either way, they both began to feel differently about each other around a year and a half into their friendship, even though they've both told me it started a lot earlier than that, but neither of them really realised the extent of it until then. After keeping it quiet for a few more months, they finally confessed, and it was apparently adorable. Then they went to tell Grandma and Grandpa, and that's where things went to shit."

Pausing for a moment, he grabbed a croissant, and he wasn't sure if it was because his mind was in story mode or not, but he swore he heard the sound of a wood chipper when it entered his mouth.

"Anyway, Gramps got real grumpy, rejecting it immediately, and Grandma apparently didn't seem to pleased with it herself. So they made the stupidest decision they'd ever made, which I can tell you now is quite an achievement, and ran away to Canada to elope. They changed their identities and everything. That's where I come in, with the two of them still only eighteen and nineteen. And despite their ages, and their wierd personalities, they were somehow the best parents I could imagine having. I was pretty shy and withdrawn, but things were good when they were around. That was until my only two friends moved away, and I pretty much withdrew completely to anime and my writing. Still things weren't bad, and they were always supportive."

And then his smile turned to a small frown.

"And then they died. Car crash. This left the socially defunct idiot that was sixteen year old Joseph by himself, with a less than stellar mental state, crapping his pants over the possibility of being taken to grandparents who most likely resented him because of his father. Seeing this as a decidedly bad option, I decided to run away before the government could come and take me, and I've been homele-WANDERING... ever since. I'd probably have to save those stories for another time though, because most of them are unbelievable, and I've been talking longer than most people can pretend to care..."

He grabbed another sandwich, his appetite having calmed down enough to eat it somewhat normally, and took a bite.

"Well, now that I'm finally done, what about you? I bet you've got a pretty interesting story with your fancy clothes and flamboyantly dressed admirers..."

Light lane, Shawarma Palace . Wednesday Evening

---

Victoria's evening seemed to working out, sure it was random and things where definitely unplanned but it was nice. Well it was Marilania family mostly, they had the money, the Romus side was not as wealthy. Her fathers job meant they where comfortable but a ship captain did not earn like a industrial company.

He seemed to be taking things well. Food was good and evening seemed to have been a good choice to randomly wander by. Of course it was. PA. She ordered in a rather bad pronunciation of Shawarma, a few bits on the side and a cheap beer from the fridge, it was cheap but hey.

Laughing as the beer nearly went everywhere, fizzy, had someone shaken the fridge... The food was great though if abit beery...

my sister did. Half sisters. Things get complicated. Same Father. We only met like 8 years ago ish... You know... Family never easy..

Well too a fresh start then and new freinds then.

Raising a rather sticky sided can of beer, she normally did not drink it but from the looks of him it might be the better choice and fit in more with everything. With a slightly embargoed laugh.

Worth it.? Well this is my first week. I landed very early Monday. Still getting used to it. My job is my laptop so no real barriers.

Dads at sea, home was... Quiet. And.. My obvious well, health ... Safer with Mali.

Things got a little uncomfortable in UK. My sister offered, booked a ticket and well now I'm eating Shawarma with a blacksmith. I'd say it worked out.

Feeling abit more relaxed as some of the beer kicked in, alcohol was handy at times. He seemed kind, more relaxed, he must think she was a nervous wreck or something! Yeah, she was not exactly entirely the vision of health. Most people should not be a ghost. Good days was fine, bad days it was easier not be living alone. That was one thing she could gloss over. It was obvious, pale as a ghost, walking stick and only in her 20's, cycle back a few years she was normal. Now...

so, you have a intresting story I'm sure? You know me and I barely know you

Smiling slightly more confidently, though eating did wonders to hide the odd nerves and hand fidget n shake. Thr food was great and vanishing at a good rate, company good and the beer was too fizzy!

---

@RoccanIronclad

---

Well there it is, they always want to know eventually, Milo knew it was silly of him to think he could just let the past fade and die but it never stopped him before, and she was right, she had told him about her, so it was only fair that he let her in on the life he had lived. Milo almost could feel his mouth drying out, thinking about the past year or two, really those were the only parts he didn't want to talk about.

"Well, my family used to run a pretty nice steel mill back home, it was where I got my start in smithing."
Milo swirled the water in his glass then asked a waiter for a beer as well, when it arrived he took a drink and then looked back.

"I got into a lot of business in the competition market, people wanting me to forge weapons for tournament use, and I still make them, weaponry while to some seems uncouth I see it as an expression of ones emotion, however I do also do any and all metal working needs. I have made fences and gates, backyard grill sets, to civil war recreations."
Milo knew that if he stopped without explaining why he was here she would only press him for it, why would he leave that life there otherwise.

"I was also a competitor myself, I fought with the longsword, but I was unable to continue, I was in a car accident about two years ago, was hit while riding my bike, my legs were pretty badly hurt, I...I couldn't walk for months."

This was the worst time of Milo's life, but from what she had talked about she may understand it.

"I became pretty depressed, I thought I had lost everything, I started to lash out at my family and friends. When I started to recover, I tried to mend things with people, but they had had enough, I figured if I could leave, I should. Now here I am, Sol city, with my own shop, my own place, and on a date in the first week, not bad I guess."

Milo finished the story with what he hoped looked like a smile, but it was still pretty fresh for him, all the wounds he left, they weren't healing seeing as no one from his past has called to see how he had been since leaving, honestly outside of clients, the only person he has spoken to in almost a week has been Vika.

@PrinceAlexus

“’Team Air,” He laughed. “That’s cute… You’re pretty good at bringing me parts on time, kudos there.” He said beginning to put everything back together. He was momentarily satisfied with what he he’d found and glancing briefly over his shoulder at the second container, decided he wouldn’t put her through another one. She’d been a good enough sport to get this far, but what she’d said before that gave him a pause that he did not show outwardly. What did she mean by invite? Normally the first practice was pretty drab. Do a few laps, check everything out, nothing exciting and certainly nothing worth spectators. Tommy had always wanted to pursue “bigger” sponsors for the car, not that Footsteps and Apex Designs looked bad, it was just the fact that the car competed against a lineup of some of the biggest motorsport teams and manufacturers in the world with its primary decals being a local sports bar and one-man speed shop. Joel knew he was right. They needed something a little more grandiose, even if only for presentation’s sake.

His gaze switched between her and putting the crate back together, something about her name was familiar, but he couldn’t place it. He knew he’d heard it somewhere. It was an inkling that would bother him until he could figure it out. “Geez, that’s a mouthful,” He said referring to her full name, “Why don’t we just stick to, ‘Mali’?” Since she already had an, “invitation” to Saturday morning a second date was practically built in. How convenient. Inwardly, he weighed how much he was interested. She seemed to be a tad on the high-maintenance side and he shrugged a little to himself. His mind was still working on the name. Some nights he simply stayed up, drank coffee and read Wikipedia and other corners of the web absorbing information for hours on end. The feeling seemed to be leading him back in that direction. Alaska, media, family problems… He was making mental notes. He didn’t want to feel like a stalker, but on the other hand, she somehow had an invite to what was now an event, starring himself, that he hadn’t even known about.

He set the lid back and snapped the buckles with an affirmative, thwack! He was considering his words from a number of angles and drummed his fingers a few quick rounds on the top the crate giving the appearance that he was indeed, perplexed… which he was. He wanted her to feel like she had a leg up on him… which she did apparently and that was as far as his thinking was taking him. He hated surprises. He looked back at her, narrowing his glance slightly, ”So why is it that ‘Team Air’ is interested in coming to a race test on a Saturday morning? Just curious.” He said, keeping a playful yet inquisitive tone.

Sitting in his storage unit he uncovered a few of the tarps that covered crates that sat within the darkness, fumbling around a little bit he reached up and grabbed a hold of the string that controlled the single overhead light that swung up above his head. Pulling gently down on the string, the room was lit up with a bright white light. What was in front of was crate after crate of firearms. Some hand guns, some rifles, some sub machine guns, and various small explosive thrown about in different spots. Kei let out an audible breath and gathered a few of the padded gun cases he stored within the storage unit. He walked throughout the room and began to slowly grab some of the most prominent pieces of weaponry that was usually popular with his buyers. He ensured that he got a good mix of all the wares he could offer to the next potential buyer. Picking up a FN Five-seveN from a case to his left he effortlessly slid off the slide from the rest of the gun and gave it a quick inspection.

「As clean as ever.」

After the small little remark he slid the slide back onto the gun and put it into the case of the wares he was going to take with him. Once he was sufficiently content with what he was taking with him he walked back over to the case of pistols and grabbed another FN Five-seveN for himself, he was in a dangerous business, he had to make sure he was at least protected in some way since he was a lone wolf and never actually went with any sort of protection unit. With that thought in mind he strapped into a pistol holster, he slid the pistol in his hand into the left hanging holster and then some extra magazines into the maganize holster to his right side. Once he was all set and loaded up he slid into a wind breaker jacket and zipped it up part way, just enough to where he still had easy access to his own firearm just in case things decided to go south.

Once everything was nice and loaded up into his vehicle he went and closed up his storage unit, ensuring to lock it tight before leaving it. Back at his car he opened the driver side door and plumped down into the seat. Before heading off to the meet he let out a loud sigh and placed his head against the edge of the driving wheel.

「This is a pain in the ass, why did I ever get into this business exactly?」

He quietly questioned his sanity at that very moment, but very quickly shook off the thoughts. Getting back into his normal midn set he reached out to the key that was stuck in the ignition and turned it on, bringing to life the vehcile he was sitting in.

Seeing as the drive from the storage units he used was not far from the meet spot he arrived rather early to the meet location, THe Nova Wave Arcade. Seeing as the parking lot was huge and it was dark out he was able to park a good distance away from any security cameras.

He sat and waited for a good few minutes as he waited for his contact to show up. Kei wanted to get this deal done as fast as possible and then possibly blow some steam off at the arcade, after all, Kei was an avid gamer and loved the old school crude coin operated aracde cabinets that was availiable at the Nove Wave Arcade.

Sol City Cargo Airport . Wednesday Evening

---

Marinalia maybe had overplayed her hand there, surely he knew about the event though, it was his event, he was inviting her.

There had been a invite to two sponsors, it was a pretty small event and no one had invited or set up anything like the extreme events, race tracks and concerts some of thr largest teams threw. They spent millions to get there names in the media, top the rival with a bigger star. It was all a giant game.

Olympus and Polar star where minor sponsors, nothing like the giant companies and they only did thr Sol City, and UK leg of the race seasons. The rest was not worth the many millions it cost a race to have your name seen by the world.

Mali works for me.

Family thing. My grand fathers even more fun at Maxamillion. I'm named after my grandmother.

Shrugging, there where at least 5 other m`s in the family. Marla, Milo, Maria, Mike...

my father works for one the companies as a ships captain, I got his +1 ticket. Meet up after, catch up abit before he has to leave for Russia.

Its mostly so sponsours can see the car, there's no real detail on thr invitation . . The big Italian race team have a full blown mini concert, stars and all.

She only knew it was a small local event, nothing major. There had been some suggestions of some stunt plane, yes she could fly... It was only her commercial liscense that was grounded. But hered no more it.

OK, she was holding some back but did not quite feel ready to admit exactly who she was. Her trust had taken a knock this week, part truth would do.

So, see you there then Groundy?

Joking slightly, the whole team air vs team ground crew was always a source of jokes among the staff. There even was a seperate sports team at Deadalus.

---

Light Lane, Shawarma Palace . Wednesday Evening

Victoria felt mixed, Milo had opened up which was good sign but the story was not the happyist. Hers was hardly a fairy tale but she thought for a second pretending to read some compatiton on the beer can buying some time otgonising her response.

How much to tell him?

Well he had been pretty open, his tale bore some similarly to her own in some sense. She had been alot younger though, a blessing and a curse. In a very careful voice, unsure how far to go and treading lightly.

well... Time away and all. Things night calm down with space.

I kinda grew up with... Well arms trade. A few swords and axes are not going to put me off any time soon.

Thinking, she defenitely knew what hospitals where like. Her own recovery had taken over a year, and longer than that to return fully to education, being younger she had alot of support bit also lost so much.

Gesturing to leaning walking stick and a skin tone to rival Elsa from frozen, it was not exactly normal was it.

I think i can understand a little. I was not,...

Words where never easy, how do you explain when you where normal and ended up looking like a ghost, least Frozen was less popular now. Year in hospital, semi experimental treatment, a while at home under care, it was not a easy time.

Its taken me years to recover, I was in hospital for about a year ish... Damage is done. I'm still fuzzy on early on. I can, t explain it exactly.. I was tanned with darker hair... Track athlete. Bit of a change...

Smiling slightly and trying to turn it to happier thoughts.

how about to a new start then and new freinds and maybe more.

I'm glad I took a wrong turn on the way to light lane put it that way.


Joking slightly and raising a beer, it seemed fate was throwing them together and deciding that it would bang them up abit on the way there before hand.

---

@Pilatus@RoccanIronclad

A new city, a fresh start.

Olivia had arrived to Sol City earlier during the day, having traveled a long distance. She had traveled alone which had made for quite the lonely trip, yet soon enough she had arrived within Sol City. From the start, it was a place of wonder and mystery; the city's atmosphere being entirely different than what Olivia had experienced in the past. Olivia had seen tall skyscrapers and busy streets plenty of times outside and inside the hospital, but Sol City had felt like there was something more. A pull that beckoned all to come. The city had been alluring, distracting Olivia from the fact she had no idea where she was going.

She was, after all, a newcomer to the city, and Olivia was more than lost with her directions. Olivia was told that her grandmother was going to pick her up once she arrived, but before that would happen, she would have to visit the city hall to retrieve some papers detailing Olivia's stay within the city. Medical mumbo jumbo and other important documents that Olivia was no stranger to, and there was often a lot of it. However, despite her current medical issues, Olivia had a bigger problem--finding her way to said city hall. Olivia had been using her phone to find her way, but GPS maps were not always perfect.

The GPS had laid out the map for Olivia, but it was often recalculating. One moment it would say go right, and then go left the next, and Olivia was certain she had passed to same restaurant several times. Letting out a frustrated sigh over the failures of modern technology, Olivia turned to strangers for help, but to no avail. Most were apologetic, saying that they would love to help but they needed to be somewhere, while the rest simply ignored Olivia as they walked by. So much for a fresh start, Olivia thought, sitting on a nearby bench as she weighed her options. Nonetheless, moments later Olivia had shook her head and slapped her cheeks.

Moping around wouldn't fix anything, and Olivia knew such words like the back of her hand. Olivia needed to focus and take the day into her own hands, rather than stay reliant on a piece of technology that couldn't make up its mind or nearly accosting random strangers on the street for help. There was more that Olivia could do, but it was still best to regroup and think her next steps over. Deciding to enter the cafe she had passed many times earlier, Olivia went to take a seat at the bar seats to refresh her thought process over some warm food. Her luggage bag sat next to Olivia as she glanced over the menu, before eventually deciding on a crème brûlée.

After eating a few bites of her meal, it became apparent to Olivia that the waitress might know the correct route to the city hall. Waiting until the waitress was done serving other customers, Olivia went to ask one of them about the route. "Excuse me," Olivia spoke, her tone implying politeness, "Do you happen to the know the way to the city hall? I'm supposed to meet someone, but I can't seem to find my way there. If you could help me, it would be appreciated." Olivia went on to finish, hoping the waitress had some insight that could provide helpful to allow Olivia to reach her destination.

Milo chuckled at the her flippant disregard of a couple swords and axes, he should hope that she wouldn't be scared off by it, seeing as even as they shared a pained moment, his mind raced with ideas, somehow he was sure that there was a design that would embody what she was, and better yet, who she would be. As she talked about her illness, Milo knew that his pain was not the same, she had lost it all like him, but she seemed to be having a harder time coming back from that, he had been lucky, his injuries were healing well, he may even be able to compete again someday, Vika didn't seem so far along. Milo recalled something he had said to Vika at the Swans song, there is nothing so fragile about us, an adamant believer that if there is a will there is a way, Milo couldn't help but wonder...

Vika raised her drink and Milo followed suit, "To those that can't be broken" Milo smiled, a shared bond set in the pain of their pasts, how odd, who could have guessed that this was the future that he found after leaving home, this girl, this town, it was madness, like there was something in the air that made everyone so gung ho about everything, but damn if it wasn't exciting. Milo had never had much of a life back home, so having this moment meant a lot to him, though he would never say it out loud, his time back home was always work and practice, even still he works and practices, but it's times like this when the freedom to just stop catches up to him and he can't help but smile.

Starbucks

'It was a peculiar development, for sure. Seeing that hand reaching out, old decrepit and gray, Angelo recoiled with fear now emenating from the base of his spine. Indeed, he had been told of a darkness hidden within, but never had he believed it. Skeletal, and clawed, digits longed for the flesh of living warmth, an ancient evil roaring for the light of life. All in an attempt to strangle the faint ember known as..-

"Winter?" A voice broke through, bringing dark eyes towards the shape now sighing in front of a young man's gaze. Beautiful indeed, it was one word commonly associated with Yuna's splendor, eyes like a raven's meeting her younger brother's as his attention seemed to return. "You there?" She asked, crossing her arms. 

"Yeah," a soft, raspy voice came to meet Yuna's ever present gaze. It was one of compassion, not annoyance. One of sympathy, and perhaps even remorse. She was aware of her brother's struggles, his resignation to a dark corner known as his apartment. Somewhat fitting, the harmonic tune of rain drops were constant outside the café, adding a layer to the windows which blurred the outside world in a way most mysterious. "Something, something, mom and dad," Winter shrugged, lowering his eyes to the notebook on his lap. 

"Did you get their letter, yet?" Yuna repeated, leaning across the small, circular table as a cup now half empty brushed against her exposed forearm. 

"Yes, I got the cash," Winter responded, somewhat distraught by the answer leaving his lips. The young man did not rely much on his parents, but he wasn't willing to let money go to waste, simply because it was they who offered it to him. It was a way to keep him bought, so to speak, a way to keep him quiet. As long as they kept giving him an annual paycheck close to Christmas, they could convince themselves of a truth Winter never intended to break, no matter what they did. As long as they kept paying him, they were under the delusion that he would stay hidden. Winter had no intention of using the Everdale name. It dripped with venom. 

"And..?" Yuna continued, turning the flat of her hand towards his forearm. 

"It's fine." Winter shot back, his silent voice now somewhat flustered. 

"Show me," his sister insisted, placing a pale hand on top of another, before gently pulling his sleeve up. Several old, now healed scars donned Winter's forearm, causing the woman to inhale a sharp breath. She had seen them several times in the past, but every time was an unwelcome addition, for sure. "No new ones?" She asked inquisitively, moving her eyes towards the remaining arm before inspecting that as well. Yuna was met by the same sight. "Good," she sighed, "at least you haven't kept this up." 

"Want to check my thighs, too?" The young man raised an eyebrow, earning a glare from his sister. 

"You know I will." She spoke back, nearly a hiss. 

Lowering his gaze, unable to maintain the contest of raven orbs, Winter pulled his sleeve back down over his arm, the over sized fabric covering his fingers. "It's fine, alright?" He tried, lightly clenching the pen in his hand. 

"Alright," Yuna nodded, "but I will still check in on you." She assured her younger sibling. Indeed, for the past two years, Yuna had been meeting up with Winter, and often times came by his home to keep the aspiring author company. She worried for him, as any older sibling would, and attempted to push him out of that personal bubble where he maintained all of his time. One day, perhaps she would succeed. "How's Hades?" 

"Still a brat," Winter's demeanor shifted somewhat, managing a soft smile, at the thought of his cat. 

"Well," Yuna chuckled, "I can see where he gets it from." She winked, seeing how Winter raised an eyebrow in turn, before managing a chuckle, as well. 

Light lane, Shawarma Palace . Wednesday Evening

---

Victoria raised her drink happily and smiled, finaly someone who seemed to understand her.

They where both broken, they both had not had the easiest of times in life. He would recover fine she was sure. A limp but still able. Hers was far more complicated, her damaged in a different way. Some damage did not repair, you just had to the best with what you had.

She did not want to ruin the mood, some injuries where done and full recovery was impossible. Good days she could do short distances unaided, almost pass for normal. Others barely get up and inbetween. Such was the life of Victoria Romus.

With a near perfect russain pronunciation though the accent needed work , a old phrase Ivan taught her kinda always summed things up quite well , having formed a close bond one summer with her father and Godfather. She had been weaker, learning Russian was somthing she could do, and helped her gain confidence.

Для нас не было земли за Волгой

My Godfather is Russain, I learned it in the summers with him and my father.

The evening had gone rapidly, everything was not quite making sense and her mind. Things seemed just flow, add beer and good food things had moved faster than she thought though things felt right. Jeez. Was she 18 again or somthing.

Smiling and nudging a small foot under table and playing abit flirtatiously, it was fun, and for first time in a while things seemed to be happy.

at last. Someone understands me. It's rare.

Much as sounds forward.. Got tickets to a upcoming event. Week or two. I might not be a very good dancer, you know working legs kinda help... but I'm good company.

Giving a teasing smile, she was not quite as innocent as some people judged.
Looking over, light lane was still busy and the venue was lively, a cold wind was blowing in the night and a cloudless sky with a bright moon hung lazily above.

The last joke would probbly be cruel to some, but it was life for her. Some times you just had to joke about things, it was that or cry about them and she had done plenty of that over the years.

call me sometime, it can be a lonely city when you Don t know many people.

---

@RoccanIronclad

Starbucks

Though their conversation had reached darker depths as it proceeded, trailing along Winter's less favorable habits, as was a commodity when assuring oneself of his health, the two then continued with more lighthearted banter. Hades, that was a cat ready to lighten even the darkest of hearts, and a companion Winter had not only grown attached to, but also viewed as a beloved member of his ever severed family. "Oh, I heard about that," Yuna spoke, motioning towards the television hung for all to see during a rainy afternoon, as they bathed in the warmth of serenity offered by a hot cup of chocolate and carrot muffin. "Geez, that must have been horrible." 

"Why poison?" Winter asked curiously, his slender fingers resting against the warm surface of a porcelain cup. 

"What do you mean?" Yuna turned to meet him once more, shifting her gaze from the flat screen for but a moment. 

"Why poison?" Her younger sibling repeated, sipping from the chai latte he had ordered minutes before. "It would have been easier to stab her," he shrugged softly, "but making her imbibe poison? That's a statement." Ever the author, Winter was less than able to view events unfold without finding an analysis of the scenario playing on repeat within his mind. There were many ways of neutralizing that woman, each of which appeared more practical than a forceful intake of a poisonous substance. Scratching the back of his head, Winter proceeded to take note of current affairs. It would be a lie to claim that he wasn't somewhat intrigued by gritty scenes, such as this. 

"Does it really matter? I mean..," Yuna sighed, turning back to the television, "they ask the questions when they catch him." 

"And how'd they find him," Winter added, "without understanding his train of thought?" The aspiring author reached a slender finger towards his temple where it proceeded to lightly tap the side of his head. "You have to look past the morality of this, and think like he would. He forced her to choke down poison. He wouldn't just have done that, at random," Winter nodded, "I mean, you have to be pretty creative to mix together a venomous substance, or buy one, for that matter." 

"So, tell me." Yuna pitched in, leaning back in her chair, "why didn't you pursue that police school you had your mind set on?" 

"Look at me," the younger of the two offered quietly, his voice casual but brushing against a tone of melancholy like it did, ever so often. "Think they'd want someone so physically inept, a twelve year old would win in a fight?" 

"Come on," Yuna sighed, shaking her head. "Give yourself some credit, brother. Use that head of yours for something other than coming up with fictional stories." 

"Why?" Winter raised an eyebrow, lowering his gaze towards the notebook on his lap. His fictional stories were the only reason he could fight through the thoughts otherwise lingering, never to leave his side. They were the reason he could wake up every morning, and go to bed at night. Without them, he was nothing more than a depressed shell, a castaway too afraid to reach out. 

"Because you could actually help someone in need, if you put your mind to it." She elaborated, "being an author fits you. Though, I don't think it should be your end goal. You know, like in Murder She Wrote?" A good show, for sure. An author aids the authorities in finding villains, in all the darkest corners of our minds. Worth a watch, indeed. 

"You're getting ahead of yourself," Winter stopped her, "I stated a few obvious facts, hold your horses." He raised a hand and shook his head, in turn. 

"Alright, alright," Yuna yielded. "Be that way, but remember something, alright?" She spoke, "within that little body of yours, there is a whole lot more than you're letting out. One day, you should stop forcing it all in." Yuna finished, meeting her brother's eyes for a moment before he, like always, averted his gaze.  

Ren watched in slight fascination and slight disgust at how somebody could possibly shove so much food into his mouth in such a short period of time. Joseph talked about his life as requested and Ren had never felt more like a sheltered toddler in his entire life in comparison of everything Joseph had experienced.

"That's quite the tragic backstory you've got there. Next thing you know you'll be fighting crime in a back alley wearing tights and a cape." The mental images of the rather tall guy running around in a homemade superhero costume almost made Ren laugh out loud. Almost. Ren didn't really feel like he was in any position to comment or say something sympathetic to him either. He's just met the guy after all and it was not in his place. He brought the cup up to his face, enjoying the scent of the brew for a minute before drinking. Joseph asked him about his life in return.

"I am pretty sure my life is nothing of interest. It's just the story of another privileged boy following his fathers foot steps because of his own indecisiveness."

He sighed, and took a small bite of a sandwich. Carefully chewing and swallowing while looking around the café. The line had cleared out, and there were a couple of other people occupying several other tables. A very petite, browned haired girl was talking to some of the waitresses, but it was too far away for Ren to overhear the conversation. Not that he particularly cared. @Poi

"I'm in my first year at the university here, aiming to be a doctor it seems. My father would be outraged if I even considered anything else, so... It's easiest this way, I think."

Ren was saying this as much to himself as he was to Joseph. Clearing his throat, he continued.

"And as I've already told you before - I have never seen that person before in my life. Besides, I'm not - it's not like I... I'm not ga- Ugh, shut up."

Ren was getting tongue tied. This was a subject he normally avoided. He had been suspicious that he didn't care much for girls for a while, but dating had never really been an option for Ren when he lived at home under strict supervision of his parents. Now that he was free to do as he chose, it was a topic he was too scared to explore. He was expected to take over the family pharmaceutical company one day, but before that he was instructed to get a proper degree. Nothing about his upbringing had been up for discussion, and Ren was the person who had the least to say on the matter of his own life. Dying to change the subject, he grabbed a napkin and scribbled down his phone number in barely readable writing.

"Well, wanderer, if you're ever in the neighborhood again and settling down on my doorstep, just text me instead. I can almost guarantee that my sofa is more comfortable than the pavement." Ren slid the napkin over the table in front of Joseph while avoiding eye contact. Ren would rarely engage with other people. Why did he bother to be nice with this guy? Maybe it was the association of a wounded animal that pulled on his heart strings. It's not a crime to try to be friendly every once in a while, is it?!

“Welcome back to STUDIO 198.9 with the one and the only Brother Brutus, the man who puts the bass in your face. That was 'Have You Seen Her' by The Chi-lites. Stay tune for more of Sol city’s best selection of funk, jazz, soul, and disco…”, the disc jockey faded out and was replaced by an overeager salesperson hocking mattress or some other accoutrement.

Sasha tuned out the onslaught of garish commercials and focused on his emery board, scratching his nails into fine points. It had certainly been an intriguing last few days to say the least as yesterday after the ill-fated jazz shindig the cops took Lupe into custody for allegedly violating his supervised release, while also picking up Khorshid for questioning over some incident involving the woman that so rudely interrupted their fun. It was quite amusing to watch a team of police officers bust up early morning tea at Lyla MacConnel’s place; that sweet old lady sure had a mouth on her and Sasha was certain that she already at the courthouse with her legal team following through on her profanity-laden threats to entangle Sol City and its police department in another frivolous yet lengthy lawsuit. Despite the protests of his chimp who screeched loudly at the cops Khorshid was escorted out in his glittering pink pajamas (due to the fact that as a holder of dual citizenship the police more than likely considered him a flight risk), while Lupe was dragged out by a plethora of officers as he blabbered something about police brutality. The police searched the premises for Bob, but having made himself scarce after Monday’s events it was no surprise that he eluded capture. Sasha merely provided the card of his lawyer to an officer.

Though his Khorshid possessed a childish ignorance and Lupe was a hothead Sasha truly believed his cohorts knew when to lawyer up considering this was not anyone’s first rodeo with the law. Sasha had really no recollection of what occurred on stage after he had that hunk of a man pinned under his body…needless to say he had other tantalizing thoughts occupying his mind at the moment. It was quite the shame that the sprinklers caused the crowd to panic interrupting their tender moment, Sasha was so looking forward to being further acquainted with the object of his desires. Staring down at his nails as he admired his handiwork, though he despised how his cuticles tended to dry in the winter months. He made a mental note to stock up on some La Mer’s hand treatment.

Sasha was truly unsure where Khorshid’s manservant was and perhaps that was for the best. Come to think of it after all these years Sasha came to realize that he did not even know Bob’s last name. Though if he had to hazard a guess if Bob was not holed up with one of the Indian’s old lady admirers he was on the lam elsewhere. Sasha was not privy to the inner workings of Khorshid and Bob’s odd relationship and was unaware if they had some kind of plan for situations like this, but regardless Bob had proved himself rather resourceful in the past and perhaps the workhorse was relaxing on some undisclosed beach sipping a Bellni glad to have Khorshid out of his hair for the time being. While, most people would be under immense stress with the law breathing down their neck like this, Sasha was nonplussed as these events certainly paled in comparison to the clusterfuck that was the group’s excursion to Cabo San Lucas last August. The fact that the trio, Bob, and ugh…his stupid ex-boyfriend managed to sweep those “shenanigans” under the rug only served to further highlight the impotence of the proverbial long arm of the law when it came to dealing with fiscally enabled people.

Sasha made a sour expression as he had not thought of his former flame in a few months, when Curtis walked out shortly after Cabo it left a gaping hole in his soul that he has yet to fill. Damn that…umm… Marcella? Marcy? Maranda? Maria? No, wait was totally Marilania Olympus, the very same woman from the Old Starboard. Well ain’t it a small world after all. Well damn that bitch for making him recall that slut Curt. He tossed his emery board aside in frustration.

“Is there a problem Mr. Kuznetsov?” slyly asked the woman driving his 2017 Lykan HyperSport.

“No”, he sternly retorted.

If being reminded of his former fling wasn’t bad enough due to this irritating investigation he was forced to be escorted around by his nemesis of sorts. Tanja Danka Struna was the Tallyrand to his Napoleon in the sense that she was a thorn in his side that he could not fire as she not only worked directly under his prestigious uncle, but she was held in great regard by the old fool. He was did not care what her actual title in the Vencorp International was, it probably something verbose like Senior Security Consultant when it should be ‘Buzz-killer’ or ‘Female Version of Zazu from Disney’s the Lion King’. She was nothing more than an over-glorified babysitter who was occasionally brought out by Aleksey Petrov to watch over his wayward nephew in times of trouble. It was clear that this waste of space would be staying for the foreseeable future as Sasha had never seen his favorite Uncle so angry, provided Aleksey was still unaware of the goings on in Mexico or this measure would have been implemented earlier. Perhaps his uncle was enraged about all the negative press his company received over the Jazz fiasco; there was even concerning article from The Blaze that attempted to link Vencorp International to the legal arms trade in Africa.

Though the writer of that particular piece seemed to be remorseful about how the hunt for the truth was a double-edged sword and no matter what the outcome was in cases such as this ripple can be damaging for generations. The article goes on to say, “…unfortunately in cases such as these determining copiability in such acts can be a philosophical conundrum. If one unknowingly eats from the table of an exploiter are they inheriting the host’s immorality? Are the sins of a relative your sins? I honestly do not know, but after my confrontation with Ms. Romus perhaps I have been thinking perhaps it should not be the job of the press to determine such things…”

Tanja was there to ensure Sasha was actually showing up at his cushy job, to reign in his exuberant spending, slowly ween him off illicit substances, and steer Sasha away from the spotlight...certainly all weighty tasks. The raven-haired nag was certainly an obstacle to overcome in his pursuit to living life at the limit, but his Uncle could not keep him on probation forever and once this blows over Sasha was certain things would return to normal.

Sasha hated actually having to show up at the office and deal with the peasantry, it was utterly exhausting. Pedantic meeting after pedantic meeting. What a snore. He could not even fit in a game a Squash in as he only had a measly hour lunch. What a joke. He utterly loathed the Rat Race and the nine to five life was certainly not for him. Working in general was certainly not for him.

“For dinner I was thinking that we should stop at the Shawarma Palace….”

“The Shawarma Palace!? Surely you jest. You know that my refined pallet cannot handle such slop. I thought I explicitly instructed you to make reservations at Hideaki.”

“The price for dinner there is approximately $600 per person, not including beverages and tax. That is completely out of your Uncle’s proposed daily budget.”

“Per person. Ha! You honestly expected that I would further ruin my day dinning with the likes of you. Please. Since it been what…nine or ten years since you last had the pleasure of basking in my presence perhaps you’ve forgotten that the help stays in the car. You’d do well to remember that. Now take me to Hideaki you stupid cu…”

Tanja slams of the brakes of the multi-million-dollar car bringing them to an abrupt stop and causing Sasha to lurch forward. “Hell to the no. You won’t be addressing me such disrespect boy. Yes, I called you a boy because that what you are a twenty-six-year-old boy. You’d do well to remember Sir that I work for your Uncle’s company as do you. As for help, the kind of help you need is certainly outside my parameters. You know the reason I am here to bring your spoiled ass back to reality and this isn’t nine years ago. Now your Uncle approved emergency measures to combat your irresponsibility. You ever hear of failed states. Well right now in the eyes of the board of directors you are failed person. While, your Uncle is in good health the board is spooked by the whole Gaétan Cyrille situation; no one wants a power vacuum like what happened at Visionetworks. To put this simply you stand to inherit everything should your Uncle become incapacitated and the board members fear that despite the safeguards as owner and majority shareholder you’d ruin the entire enterprise into the ground like the Cyrille heirs did. This is your last chance to shape up Mr. Kuznetsov. Now let’s be adults and enjoy a nice meal at an affordable price.”

“Fine…whatever. I am not in the mood to argue.”

As the car sped off towards the restaurant the wheels in his mind were already turning. The Perfect Posse might be broken today, but Lupe was already on the fast track to being released as once the charges against him were dropped by the journalist he had battered the state would most likely drop the criminal prosecution. Khorshid was probably already released as the cops could not hold him indefinitely without pressing charges, they would probably just monitor his passport and whereabouts. If Bob could stay hidden for the duration of public interest in the Swan Songs debacle he could just resurface at a later date and claim through a lawyer that the woman in question asked for the drugs. Soon they would have their revenge and Perfect Posse would be stylin’ and profilin’ once more.