Realistic or Modern BADAZZ (Always accepting!)

[The Black Knight]

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[div class=tab style="border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;"]Akashiros

[div class=tab style="border-top-left-radius: 0px; border-bottom-left-radius: 0px;"]Gangs[/div][div class=tab style="border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;"]News[/div][div class=tab style="border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;"]Rules[/div][div class=tab style="border-top-right-radius: 0px; border-bottom-right-radius: 0px;"]Storyboard[/div][/div] [div class="tabsContent tabsContentAndromeda"]

Mayor: Kenichi Zuna

Population: 3,134,111

Currency: Credits

Location: City in Fictional Anime Japan; specific location is where Osaka, Japan would be.

Major Body of Water: The Diamond Sea - blue waters that twinkle like diamonds in the sun. The beaches are white sands and very popular during the tourist season. Heavy tourist seasons are June-August.

Transportation

• Hover Car
• Bullet Train
• Metro
• Monorail
• Regional Train
• Hover Bus
• Street Cycle

Major Telecommunication Companies

• Natsume
• iMobile
• Yamata

Government Entities

• Andromeda Intelligence Bureau (AIB): The intelligence entity in the city who work for the mayor. The mayor is at the level of a president/commander in chief despite his title merely being mayor.
• Andromeda City Police (ACP): This is the well-known patrolling entity. They are comprised of humans and service droids performing multiple tasks such as car chases, drug-busting, riot-controlling, traffic guidance, investigations, etc.
• Andromeda Reserve Guard (ARG): The city's security forces. If you ever see these guys, then you really know something is wrong.

Notable Districts

• Seifu District: The government district in the city where the headquarters of the ACP, ARG, AIB, and all government entities operate. This district only attracts tourism for there is very little entertainment in this district. It is a hot spot for government officials so the riff-raff tends to steer clear of this district. Only school students and many middle-class residents in Andromeda live in this area (if they can afford it).
• Goraku District: This is the entertainment district, equivalent to Akihabara in Tokyo Japan (IRL). This section is known as "Otaku Heaven." Video games, video game tournaments, arcades, electronic markets, music, movies, concerts, manga, action figurines, etc.--anything a nerd is looking for is located in this district. This district tends to be tourist heavy all-year round. This district is also home to the national treasure and singer, Natsume Miki, an A.I. pop singer who oddly became a national star.
• Yutaka District: This district is a high-rise above the rest of the city. It can only be accessed by a special elevator and the security surrounding that elevator are not only tough but plentiful. This isn't a stairway to Heaven. Why climb stairs when you have an elevator there? This district is exclusive to Noblesse. If you're not Noblesse, then you won't get in. You have to be invited and getting an invitation is not easy. An invitation is often a tournament prize. Even so, when you get there can you afford to buy anything there? Can you afford the luxury hotel? Maybe with the tournament cash you worked so hard to win. Many fighters have made the mistake of taking the free invitation to Yutaka and giving all that money back to Noblesse. Fame doesn't always equal fortune when greed is about. Very few people have ever seen the Yutaka District. From the skyscrapers, it gleams like a city built entirely from gold. There always seems to be activity going on there. Is it really a paradise?
• Kinrin District: If you're not living in Yutaka; if you're not living in Seifu; then you are living in the ghetto with everyone else. The neighborhood district also known as "The Hood" district is home of The Underground and all of its riff-raff. It is considered a forgotten district for there is little government intervention in road maintenance, keeping the streets clear of gang activity and drugs, and if you can't afford to send your children to the Seifu District schools, then they are in the Kinrin schools. Some of the toughest fighters have come out of the Kinrin schools simply due to "the struggle," but the quality of martial arts taught in this area is poor unless students seek to join an Underground-operated dojo or academy.
  • Konton Apartment Complex: Literally named "chaos" apartments. This wild haven is owned by an old woman named Haruko Mutsumiya or Baa-chan. (GM created)

Player-Created Locations

This is where player-created locations will be listed.

• The King's Door: A cheap all-you-can-eat buffet located in the bustling Goraku District. Eat like a king at The King's Door! (GM created)
• The Bleeding Dragon: A bar in the Kinrin District owned and operated by Aoki Heizo and Kei Matsubara. (Created by Tiramiisu)

Tag

Place this at the top of each of your IC posts.

[imageFloat=left][img](image url of character portrait. You can link the ones in the Characters tab if you want.)[/img][/imageFloat]
[b]Name:
Race:[/b] (Human, Cyborg, Attack Helicopter, etc.)
[b]Aura:[/b] (Color of your Fighting Spirit)
[b]Date/Time:[/b] January 1, 2025 (wrote it for you, the time will be whenever you want)
[b]Location:[/b] Where is your character? At a cafe? A whose apartment? And in what district?
[b]Tagging:[/b] This is where you tag @mention those your character is talking to directly, calling on the phone, or thinking about. If not, then write "Open" if you are open for interaction and "Closed" if you don't want anyone interacting with your character at this time or Closed only to those specified.
[divide=thick][/divide]

[/div] [div class="tabsContent tabsContentAkashiros" style="display: none;"]

Location: Kinrin District

Akashiro’s Restaurant is famous for the retired owner and legend, Koizumi Akashiro, more than its food. This doesn’t mean the food at the restaurant is bad. Akashiro gives it more fame than his cooking. Tourists visit the restaurant—some foreigners not even knowing that they are eating at the restaurant of the former world’s strongest fighter. His old title has long been lost with his declining fame. The new generation of fighters don’t even know about him. His fights are often highlighted on TV and on video-hosting websites, but his fame wasn’t what it used to be. Not even Noblesse sees him as a VIP anymore. He’s an old race horse, and the old race horse wants to live out the rest of his years in peace.

Every now and then, some thugs from the underground will come to his restaurant to try and provoke him to fight. Akashiro never rises to the bait, and the thugs usually end up wrecking the place as they leave. It costs the restaurant money, but what can you do? Unknown to everyone but Akashiro, there is a secret basement below the cellar, which resembles an old dojo with wooden floors. When Akashiro can’t be found, he is usually hiding there in silent meditation.

Open Jobs

These jobs do not have to be filled. If you want your character to work at the restaurant, then these are currently open positions. More can be added as we receive more characters.

• Waiter/Waitresses Zhèng Lūàng Aline Romani
• Delivery Musa Azuma
• Bartender
• Host/Hostess
• Kitchenhand
• Chefs

If your character is a regular, then they’ll be listed here: Zhèng Lūàng[/div] [div class="tabsContent tabsContentGangs" style="display: none;"]

Deathstalkers

Leader: The Emperor

Description: The Black Scorpions are the most famous and largest gang in the Kinrin District due to them having a loose application policy. If you’re tough, you can join. If you betray the organization, then they will find you and kill you. The gang likes to target weakness because the weak are the easiest to influence. They can get the weak to do almost anything for power, and they don’t always find it with Deathstalkers. If a weak recruit stays weak, then they are cannon-fodder and stuck doing the dirty jobs until they are either arrested or killed in action. The strong excel to higher positions, becoming assets to the organization. The strong are often recruited from the underground tournaments. All Deathstalker members tend to wear black and will have a black scorpion tattooed somewhere on their bodies—somewhere where they can show it if they need to. The Emperor is always present at the underground fights. Usually, he is the one who selects a potential recruit, and his lackeys will seek them out.

Specialty: Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) and other narcotics.

Noblesse

Leader: The King of Heaven

Description: While Noblesse would never agree to be compared to a gang, it is still an organization of mention. It is comprised of the wealthiest and strongest fighters in the city—supposedly. Money doesn’t always equal strength, but money does get you into the best government and Noblesse-sponsored academies. The wealthy live exclusively in the Yutaka District above everyone else who they deem trash and unfit to share the same airspace. No one has ever seen their leader known only as The King of Heaven. Because of the title “king” most assume the gender of the leader to be male, but nobody knows for sure.

Specialty: Recruiting champions to join them, corporate schemes, and lobbying.

Anima

Leader: Kupi Kuma

Description: Anima is a gang of disgruntled, fanatic rebels and terrorists. Every member hides their identity beneath an animal costume. Their leader Kupi is always in the media either on TV, on the internet, or on the radio voicing his disgust with the Andromedan government and his hatred for the Yutaka District. He has a cult following of mysterious fighters who also don animal costumes and join him during protest rallies or terrorist acts. ACP have been finding animal costume-covered bodies at the scenes of attacks and assassination attempts. They may look adorable and fuzzy, but some of them are actually tough.

Specialty: Hacking, sabotage, sedition, subversion, and terrorism.

More gangs will be added as they become applicable to the story. Writers are also free to submit a gang to be added to this roster. [/div] [div class="tabsContent tabsContentNews" style="display: none;"]

2/15/2019 - Two Deathstalker Gangs Defeated: 10 Deathstalker members are defeated at Akashiro's restaurant when the gang attempted to run the old man out. Mysterious vigilantes arrived at the scene to put the gang in their place, and were successful. We wonder now what kind of ripple affect will this have throughout the underground? How will The Deathstalker Emperor react?

[/div] [div class="tabsContent tabsContentRules" style="display: none;"]

OOC

• Communication. I do not need to know your business, but if you plan to leave for longer than a week, then please be courteous and let me know. I can accommodate for your absence and help you reintegrate back into the game when you return.
• PVP Etiquette. As before mentioned, if you plan to conduct PVP, then please maintain communication with the writer whose character you are challenging. Decide beforehand how the fight will go. If you plan to do a blind match, then please inform the GM, Co-GM, or both before starting the match. I understand that sometimes the story calls for “spur of the moment” decisions and not much may be planned beforehand.
• Character archetypes. This game is not about anime archetypes. It is about you role playing the character you want. As long as you are happy with what you created, then I am happy, and I am sure your peers will be happy too. Being happy with your character will lead to a pleasant role play experience.
• Frequency. At minimum, I only require writers to post once a week. I understand that work and college can get in the way. As long as you post once a week, then you are fine.
• Activity. If a writer disappears without communicating their absence, then the writer has 14 days to communicate their activity with either the GM or Co-GM. After 14 days, the character will be considered inactive, and they will be marked as such. The writer is welcome to return and resume where they left off. However, a GM decision may have been made for the sake of moving the story along. So be mindful of your activity. Communication is very important.
• Disputes. You are required to respectfully workout any disputes with another writer—preferably in a PM conversation. If you cannot do this and need a GM decision, then bring the issue to my attention. Understand that if you violate RPN rules, then the situation is no longer in my hands. Be mature, be an adult, and be respectful.
• RPN Rules. Be sure to follow them. Read up on them in case you forgot. You can find them here.
• Have Fun. As the GM, my goal is to regulate the game and make sure it progresses smoothly. At times, I will drop some GM plots into the game, but this game is mostly run by the writers. I cannot force you all to interact and create stories and character relationships. All I can do is create the universe and regulate it. Please interact and try to have a good time. If you have any issues whether it be with the game or other players, then please privately bring it to my attention.

IC

• Headers and Tags. I will provide everyone with a header that they should follow in order for everyone to keep track of their character’s location and who they are mentioning or talking to in the game. Please use the header so that there is little to no confusion.
• Keep OOC in the OOC. Please avoid posting OOC bubbles in the IC. The OOC interrupts the IC atmosphere like a fourth wall being broken. Please keep all OOC in the OOC, Discord, or PMs.
• Font Colors. If you are the kind of person who likes to color their character’s dialog, then please avoid using neon colors or colors that blend into the site’s background. No one wants to have to highlight your post in order to read it.
• Image Size. Be mindful of the size of the images you post.
• GM NPCs. These NPCs will be made clear to you when the time comes. The GM will introduce them in order to ensure the writers know that this is indeed a GM boss or mini-boss. Non-GM bosses or mini-bosses will be clearly explained to the writer, granting them liberties to take them down however they please.
• In-Game Reality. While this is an anime universe, please do not do anything that could have your character pegged as a terrorist. Also, do not try to blow up the planet. It sounds silly but you will be surprised. I tend to be thorough when it comes to character acceptance, but some characters still slip through the cracks.

If more rules need to be made, then this list will update as needed.[/div] [div class="tabsContent tabsContentStoryboard" style="display: none;"]

Started: 12/30/2018 Concluded: 2/15/2019 - Deathstalker Arc - Part One: A Deathstalker gang of five led by Hideki arrives at Akashiro's restaurant. The Deathstalkers desire Akashiro's restaurant location for a new nightclub they plan to establish and because the restaurant exists in Deathstalker territory, The Emperor wants it removed. Heroes arrive at Akashiro's restaurant and a battle ensues. Many heroes were knocked out, but ultimately, Hideki was forced to call reinforcements. A much stronger gang led by a mini-boss, Neiji, arrives. The Deathstalkers appeared to overwhelm our heroes until more heroes arrive. The Deathstalkers are defeated in the end, and the game begins with the heroes recovering after the ordeal. Unknowingly to them, an odd camera flew away from the battle site in the form of an insect.

[/div][/div][/div]

 

[The Black Knight]

Name: Koizumi Akashiro
Race: Human
Aura: Red
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 10:00 AM (Preparing for Lunch Crowd)
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District.
Tagging: Open

In the darkness of a square, dusty-old cellar, there was the rumbling of stone before a rectangular section of the floor was raised. Yellow light from a battery-operated lantern shined from the opening, revealing a man with stark-white hair and a mustache that resembled two curved dove wings. He set the lantern to the side after ensuring the stone slab was opened wide enough to permit his exit. Resting his hands upon the dusty floor, the man effortlessly hefted his weight onto arms as thick as palm trees. One hand walking forward at a time, the codger dragged his lifeless and thin legs from the hole before he turned onto his hip and rocked upwards into a seated position. Coughing gently, he raised his hand to fan some excitable dust from his face. It was going to be all over him as usual. He was meaning to sweep and mop the place, but lately, he hadn’t been motivated.

The old man’s chair was next to him, and he ensured the brakes were engaged before he rested his hand upon one of the armrests and his other upon the seat. He lifted himself and twisted his body around until he was properly seated. He disengaged the brakes and wheeled over to the lantern to retrieve it. Grasping the stone slab with one hand and wheeling backwards with his other, he carefully lowered his improvised hatch and then proceeded to roll toward a ramp. The ramp took him from the dark cellar to a gleaming restaurant with buffed wooden floors, cloth drapes, and red paper lanterns. The smell of hot meat permeated the air with the pungent aroma of garlic and onion. It was the homemade pork broth he left to cook all night. He being none other than a vanishing legend, Koizumi Akashiro.

His restaurant was named after himself because he couldn’t think of anything cleverer at the time. The restaurant, as famous as its name was at least, was not in the safest district. Tourists still braved the trek into the dreaded Kinrin District, but some didn’t make it. Gangs often mugged them and sent them running, and the ACP did nothing to help for they frequently warned tourists to steer clear of the district.

Employment at the restaurant was rough. When it first opened, Koizumi had a full staff, but then the gangs showed up, and one of his employees started stealing money from the restaurant for PEDs. It was too much drama for a retired old man to deal with. He stopped asking for help, and he stubbornly ran the restaurant by himself.

Koizumi, with a ladle, scooped the scum from the surface of the broth, and discarded it. The golden liquid was boiling vigorously, and setting the ladle down, he rolled over to the back of the kitchen to the refrigerator to retrieve two fresh cuts of marbled pork belly. As he was returning to the pot, there was the soft chime of a bell, announcing the entrance of guests.

Anosa! Anosa, anosa, anosa~!

Koizumi’s cumulus brows knitted with irritation over his intense-blues. His lips sank heavily into a frown as an exasperated sigh left them. He just had the restaurant refurbished from the last time they had visited—they, being Deathstalkers. They strolled into the restaurant as though they owned the place. There were five:

From left to right: Akinari; Fujio; Hideki; Chikao; and Helmet

Spoiler: Deathstalker Theme

• Akinari (Red Terror): He is boyish and excitable as well as the most destructive. He is like a child in a china shop, and will happily wreck any establishment or property he is ordered to. Preferred Weapon: Fists wrapped in steel chain.
• Fujio (Ash Tray): He didn’t just receive his nickname because he smells like secondhand smoke all the time, but he likes to beat his enemies to near-death and then twist out his cigarette on their faces. Preferred Weapon: Fists. He sometimes uses his cigarette as a distraction, stabbing it into his enemy’s eyes or flicking ash into their face.
• Hideki (Leader): He runs the clown show. No one really knows what happened to his left eye. He probably lost it in a fight or as punishment. Preferred Weapon: Hidden wakizashis up his sleeves.
• Chikao (Quiet): The quiet types are usually the worst ones. Chikao actually is a quiet sadist who likes to cut his enemies. He will cut them to death rather than outright kill them just so he can see them bleed. Preferred Weapon: Knives. He has them all beneath his robes, and he has plenty to not only cut with but throw.
• Helmet (Batter): Not even his fellow peers know anything about him. He is some dude who likes to wear his motorcycle helmet and won’t ever take it off. There have been whispers that something happened to his face, making him hideous to look at. The last guy who tried to take his helmet off got a spiked bat to the skull. Preferred Weapon: Spiked Bat; he also uses PEDs.

Hideki led his entourage as they started to fan out. Fujio, Chikao, and Helmet found a seat at one of the tables. Akinari followed Hideki to the bar counter and resting a hand on the counter top, he hopped it to start inspecting the booze. He grabbed a bottle of vodka and grinned ear-to-ear. Holding the clear bottle up in the air, he exclaimed, “Fujio-kun! Look! He has imports now!”

He recklessly tossed the liquor bottle across the room and Fujio calmly caught the bottle in one hand, while his other removed his cigarette from his lips. A trail of gray smoke left them as he read over the bottle through half-lidded eyes.

Hideki raised a leg and climbed onto a stool. He rested his forearms upon the counter top, interlacing his fingers as he smiled at Akashiro and watched him add the pork belly to the broth he was preparing.

“Mm, that smells good Shiro-kun,” he praised. “How come you didn’t greet your guests? We’re your best customers, Shiro-kun.”

Akashiro turned his back to Hideki and wheeled over to the refrigerator once more to gather ingredients for tare. Hideki pretended not to be offended. A fake smile stretched his lips as he continued to taunt, “You know I dislike destroying your restaurant, Shiro-kun.”

“Then don’t destroy it,” Akashiro finally spoke as he closed the bottom vegetable drawer.

“You know I can’t do that Shiro-kun. The Emperor would probably kill me.”

“Some of us would find that to be a good deed.”

Akinari’s eyes lit up and mouth fell open in shock at the comeback. “Ooooh~” he instigated. His hand rose to cover his slack-jawed expression.

A noticeable vein was pulsing on Hideki’s forehead as he ignored Akinari and continued his carefree façade. “Shiro-kun…have I not been respectful? I didn’t drive my car through your shop door this time. I had my boys walk in and calmly take a seat rather than smash your windows in…” He failed. His face flushed red as he slammed the palm of his hand down and growled, “The least you could do is show me some respect! AND LOOK AT ME!”

Akashiro set down some ginger on a cutting board and started slicing them into sheets. “Respect you? What for? You come here and destroy my shop. You talk to me as though we are friends. I’m not ever going to fight you, so why don’t you just leave and never come back? Tell your precious Emperor that this old man isn’t trying to get in the way of his business and that he should leave me be.”

The Deathstalkers laughed. If they ever told their emperor those exact words, then he would kill them all. After wiping a tear from the corner of his eye, Hideki refused, “Sorry, Shiro-kun. It is not that simple. Our boss is expanding his business and he wants this spot. He wants to turn this place into a strip club.”

Akinari whistled lewdly and started dancing as though he could already imagine the ambiance. Dimmed lights, red lamps and strobe! He made bass noises with his throat as he danced from behind the bar over into the kitchen behind Akashiro and pumped his arms behind his chair. Dropping his hands upon Akashiro’s shoulders, the red-head leaned over and said quietly, “I heard you were the World Champion back in the day. We should fight.”

Akinari removed his chains from the deep jean pockets of his pants and jangled them in the old man’s ear.

“I am going to ask you all one more time to leave,” Akashiro warned.

“Or you’ll do what?” Hideki exclaimed, throwing his hands into the air. “That’s right. I remember. You’ll do nothing!”

He then shot an ugly look over to Helmet who immediately rose from his seat with his bat. Giving it a few warm-up swings, he smashed the end of it through a restaurant window and continued to crack the frames. Akinari’s eyes widened.

“Oh! We’re smashing the place now?” he asked. He quickly pocketed his chains and ran back over to the bar to begin dumping the glass bottles onto the floor.

Akashiro turned from the cutting board and glared directly at Hideki who had his shoulders shrugged and hands in the air, inviting him to try and stop him. Fujio and Chikao remained seated. Fujio was watching Akinari spill alcohol all over the place, and he glanced at the orange tip of his cigarette, wondering how much damage they could really do this time.


GM Note: The five Deathstalkers are not going to be controlled by the GM. Therefore, whoever chooses to engage them can freely narrate the battle. There are five Deathstalkers total, and they are martial artists just like your characters. They are not the average human thug, so they should not be treated like chopped liver. There is a high chance that if several fighters show up to get in their way that they will call for reinforcements in the nearby vicinity. Your goals should be to protect Akashiro’s shop. If it is blown up, burned down, or destroyed in any shape or form, then you have failed. If the ACP are called for any reason, and they arrive, it would still be considered a victory because Akashiro’s restaurant survived. Main Goal: Restaurant survival.

 

[Ginko The Mushishi]

Name: Zheng Luang
Race: Human
Aura: Phoenix Fire Blue
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 10:00 AM (Arriving to Akashiro's for Lunch)
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District.
Tagging: The Black Knight

The young man of 19 was grinding on through the alleyways on his skateboard with such speed that it made him a white-flash among the human eyes. Only a loud, high-pitched scream of excitement proclaimed by "YAAAAHHHOOOOO~!" was what would signify this white flash as humanoid. This lively Chinese foreigner was none other than Zheng Luang, or one that is commonly known by Lu from friends and foe alike. On this fine day, Lu was making his way to Akashiro's Restaurant, the only place he ever ate at ever since he got to Andromeda. It reminded him of home, and of his Father's restaurant as well. One he would have owned if he hadn't closed it down to travel and seek answers for himself.

Stopping nearby the restaurant, Lu felt something was off. The restaurant wasn't as bustling and beautifully loud as he always believed it to be at this hour. Which tugged at him to investigate..

"HEYYY OLD MAAAAAN CHEEEFF!!!" Lu said as he swung open the door loudly, making a scene, he didn't let the door break or scratch the wall as he did. The place was so well-kept, he never wanted to bring harm to it. His eyes were closed, but he felt something definitely coming towards him at high speeds. Ducking, and grabbing his hat in a comical effort to save it as well, one of the liquor bottles smashed against the pavement outside..

Which then, Lu opened his eyes to see 5 goons, dressed up as if they were going to attend a greaser play. "Who let The Outsiders come to play?" Lu added in his cheery attitude. An insult nonetheless. One the goons would have definitely took notice of.

Hideki the leader, sneered at the entrance of such a fool like this one. He was lucky he even ducked when the bottle came straight at him. "Who let the foreigner in the city?" he'd reply, which made no effect towards Lu except raise his eyebrow.

"Why you guys wrecking old man's restaurant? C'mon, I know his food's amazing but you gotta have patience for food like his!" Lu said. Leaning against one of the bars. Twirling his base-ball cap in his left hand. All the while, all 5 circled around Lu. All of them weren't willing to deal with some kid today messing with plans..

"A 5v1? A little unfair dontcha' think guys?" Lu said. Examining each of them around the room, each seemed like a strong opponent.. But which one would be most easy to take out from the rest? The Red Head looked dangerous.. Possibly the one to deal the most damage to this beautiful restaurant. Looking around himself, he found some tables and some chairs. Enough to split each of the 5 apart and away from him while he dealt with one of them alone...

"You guys ever play Dance Dance Revolution?" Lu chimed in.

To the confusion of all 5, they didn't understand why the kid was bringing up that game. But maybe he was just so scared he didn't know what to say for his last words until...

Lu had grabbed a table with one leg, throwing it at Hideki, as he spun around in the air, he had lifted a chair with his hand and threw it at Chikao. Blocking them both off or at least distracting them.

Hideki punched straight through the table, although was slightly pushed back by the force of the throw. Ripping his arm out of the table he growled at the kid for having gained the drop on them. Chikao was a little less fortunate, having been too slow to realize the throw because of the table being thrown at Hideki, he was hit full on in the face. Sent reeling backwards because of the blow. Holding his head all the while.

This gave Akinari the chance to attack Lu though, and he did so with glee. Coming straight for him he would slide in to Lu as he was recovering from his landing, throwing his fist towards Lu's ribcage with his steel chain wrapped fist. Helmet threw out a mean swing with his spiked bat. Wanting to ram Lu's face straight in.

Lu was lucky to have missed the spiked bat by an inch, only scraping at his left arm with the spikes themselves, but was less lucky with Akinari. Being hit with the full force of his punch, Lu was thrown back a little. Regaining composure though rather quickly by exhaling and inhaling to keep himself pushing through.

Lu readied himself, and shot forward in no real direction, sliding under Akinari and Helmet. With Helmet in a blind-spot, Lu grabbed a table and threw it at the Motorcycle fanatic hoping to trap him and have him be sent towards Hideki who was coming in hot.

Success! Helmet was hit by the table with enough force to push him towards Hideki, who wasn't prepared to grab Helmet and was sent to the ground alongside his spiked bat buddy.

This is what Lu wanted.. A fight between him and red head. "Let's dance Chili Pepper head" Lu laughed, sticking his tongue out. Which angered Akinari. Throwing himself towards Lu and sending out a barrage of fists, some that connected because of Lu's initial confidence, others that were blocked with ease. Lu needed to find an opening, and fast. He wanted to take this guy out with one hit rather than a series of hits. Planning to use one of his signature moves "Mountain's Edge" would be perfect..

Akinari continued to throw the barrage of punches. "Don't YOU EVER CALL ME CHILI PEPPER HEAD AGAIN YOU LITTLE FOREIGNER FREAK!" He snarled, slamming his hands into one of the tables and throwing it at Lu. Who blocked with his shoulder and pushed it back to the ground. An opening? No..Not yet. Another insult would do the trick though.

"HAHA! Your face is getting red like a chili pepper! Maybe you really are a chili pepper!" Lu smirked as Akinari was wide open now. Coming to charge straight at Lu with all his might. Lu allowed Akinari to take his hit, and damn was it a good one. It sent Lu reeling, but that was just what he needed to make his come-back. Just what he needed to start the gyrating force for "Mountain's Edge". In an elegant fashion of hard-work, and endless training; Lu used the force of the punch he received to begin spinning, and as he did so he bent down low. Continuing to spin while crouched, Lu made sure to get in towards Akinari's chest. Bingo! Perfect timing. "MOUNTAIN'S EDGE!"
Lu roared out as he shot himself back up with the strength of his legs, back towards Akinari. Slamming the full force straight into his chin and chest and pushing Akinari up off the ground, into the air and with a nice thud, landing onto the ground. Akinari had just got the wind knocked out of him. Perhaps it would keep him down for good, but Lu wasn't that carefree, he was sure Akinari would get up at some point even if the power of Mountain's Edge did him a good hit... Looking towards the 4 other goons who had just recovered from their mishap, Lu sighed and slipped his base-ball cap back on. "This is gonna be quite a dance I guess...Didn't even got to bring any flowers either."

Spoiler: Lu's Battle Theme

 

[The Black Knight]

Name: Musa Azuma
Race: Human
Aura: White (Currently)
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 11:00AM
Location: The King's Door, Goraku District (Lunch time!)
Tagging: Open

The King’s Door for being a cheap restaurant was always filled to the brim with tourists traveling on a budget. Its ingenious location in the Goraku District made it the go-to restaurant for a variety of Asian cuisine from authentic Japanese to foods from China, Korea, Vietnam, and the Philippines. There were even some Indian curries to appease vegetarians. Booths were plentiful, the restaurant owner realizing that humans were fond of a sense of privacy. They were quick to occupy a booth with high walls, but there were also center tables for groups and families. Circle and long tables were capable of being combined to accommodate large parties even if the private banquet rooms were full. The interior had an almost hotel feel with its solid-red carpets and waxed wooden furniture.

At the center of the restaurant were two tables combined to accompany a party of 20, but only one man had answered the reservation. The King’s Door had been expecting a family reunion when they adorned the table with what they called “bottomless” entrees, but as the minutes stretched on, they were beginning to suspect that maybe the family wasn’t coming. All that food for nothing, so they thought until they witnessed the man’s appetite.

The tourists and the King’s staff were spellbound as they watched a man—face obscured beneath a black hood, devour the platters, trays, curries, soups, and pastas that had been on the table. A young waitress stood next to him, holding a stack of plates that she was supposed to be taking to the kitchen, but she had become engrossed in watching the man eat. With her mouth agape in awe, she watched his maw part, and she couldn’t help but imagine a bear. Darkness and teeth were all she saw from his hood as he filled his cheeks with five sushi coins. Two per cheek and one in the middle. His cheeks were swollen to bulging, and she was surprised that he was able to close his mouth to chew.

At least he’s using utensils, she thought.

The stranger tipped his head back much like a water fowl. A stray strand of drool streamed from the corner of his rice-speckled mouth as the waitress watched his strong neck muscles swell and sink, an audible gulp sounding his ingestion. Bowing his head, he paused to grasp his glass of water and give it a sip before he abandoned the chopsticks he had been using to tear into a lobster with his bare hands. The crimson crustacean cracked apart, freeing its steaming and quivering pink and white meat that the man stabbed into a cup of melted butter before feeding it into his face. The meat was slurped up, the claws crushed in his hands and their meat brought to his mouth. Having not even finished chewing and swallowing his food, his greedy hands claimed a plate of butter chicken curry on basmati rice and was tipping the orange and white meal into his mouth. The waitress’s eyes grew as she watched the rice and curry slide off the plate into his mouth.

“Mitsume! Hurry and take the plates!” the other waitress ordered.

Mitsume jumped in startle and quickly raced to the kitchen, “H-Hai!”

The manager was watching from the kitchen entrance as the host walked over and asked, “Uh, sir, sh-should we uh…do something?”

The manager crossed his arms as he glanced from their unknown customer to the tourists who seemed to be enjoying his gluttony. Everyone in the restaurant wanted to see how long until his appetite was satisfied. “No; look at them. They love it. If our restaurant can feed an appetite like that, then we’ll be in the news. We’ll get even more publicity! Give him whatever he wants!”

The host gave the manager an awkward stare. As his employer’s glasses glossed over with aspiration, the grin that expanded on his face was concentrated with greed. “Uh…whatever you say sir.”

Meanwhile, from beneath his hood, there weren’t too many thoughts going through his mind. His hands felt mechanical, moving on their own. The food was just disappearing. Nine years…it had been so long since he had had good food. He was certain that such a cheap place didn’t serve the best his light wallet could afford, but it tasted like a thousand credits. His first bite had nearly made him weep. He gone some place in the first moment—a happy place. The true heaven. This was the taste of freedom, and no one was going to take it away from him.

Crispy fried chicken glazed in orange sauce, teriyaki bbq pork, and a tangle chow mein. The noodles hung from his mouth like hair and vanished into it like paper into a shredder. His appetite felt endless!

 

[Tiramiisu]

Name: Aoki Heizo
Race: Human
Aura: White
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 10:25 AM
Location: The Bleeding Dragon, Kinrin District; Akashiro's Restaurant, Kinrin District (Going on break.)
Tagging: The Black Knight , Ginko The Mushishi

A woman in her mid-twenties stood behind the vibrantly decorated bar, wiping a shot glass with a soft cloth. Her brows were tightly knit together as she concentrated on tuning out the various conversations of her patrons. The bar wasn't full during this time of day and she appreciated the calm environment, it was heaven compared to the night shift she had just gone through. If she remembered correctly, there were four drunken brawls in all throughout the night, two of which that escalated into the whole bar getting involved. Her arm was still sore from getting hit in her shoulder while separating the fight. She didn't hesitate to ban the men that caused the uproar from the establishment after the chaos had died down.

The woman let out a tired sigh, setting the glass down before calling out to her coworker. “Kei! I’m taking a break!”

“Okay, hurry back, Aoki!” Kei responded.

The woman made her way into the back room of the bar, retrieving her belongings and a pink oversized hoodie, wearing it over her dress. She walked out of the room heading towards the front door before she was stopped by Kei.

“Hey, Ai? If you’re going to Akashiro’s can pick up something for me?” He asked, leaning over the bar in an attempt to gain her attention.

Aoki briefly turned around to give Kei a quick thumbs-up before heading out of the bar and into the streets of the Kirin district. She took in a deep breath, grateful to finally see some actual sunlight instead of the colorful fluorescent lights of the bar. Aoki began her little journey to the most renowned restaurant in the district. She hadn’t planned on stopping by there today since she didn’t have that much money to spend at the restaurant. Her original idea was to spend what little money she had at the local gas station. But, she could never miss out on a chance for Kei to add onto his "I.O.U" tab and besides, it has been a long time since she had seen the owner of the restaurant.

I wonder how the old man is doing, Aoki thought as she crossed the street, approaching the restaurant. Probably dealing with an overwhelming amount of customers.

A loud crash snapped Aoki’s train of thought, causing her to begin jogging towards the restaurant to investigate. The racket of an ongoing skirmish got louder the closer Aoki got to the restaurant. This wasn't the first time she had heard of Akashiro's restaurant being ransacked. Working at the bar nearby, she was able to see the aftermath of what these goons were capable of, but she had never seen the actual harassment take place. There was a first time for everything. She stood near the open doorway, momentarily assessing the scene. There were four attackers in all and one civilian, who seemed to be holding his own in the fight so far. She also noticed the shards of glass all over the floor from the window and as well as the spilled liquor over the bar.

"Damn it, not the alcohol..." She muttered under her breath. She didn't have time to feel remorse for the expensive bottles before she was attacked. Aoki let out a surprised squeak, before narrowly ducking to avoid a spiked bat aimed for her head. The bat plunged into the wooden doorframe with a sickening crack, pieces of wood splintering away from the damage.

Hideki glanced towards the entrance of the restaurant, a deep scowl on his face at the sight of Aoki. Another parasite he had to deal with. He nodded his head towards Fujio. "Go deal with the girl." He ordered, going back to focus on his fight with Lu.

Aoki clicked her tongue as she lunged away from another bat swing. All she wanted was to relax from a night filled with stupid brawls and now she had to prepare herself for another fight? Perfect. Aoki pounded her knuckles together, a white flame-like aura began to glow from her hands. She knew she couldn't go overboard with her energy, she didn't want to risk burning down the establishment. Fujio ran behind Aoki, swinging his fist towards her. She crouched down, evading the attack and gripped onto his forearm. "DRAGON DROP!" Aoki tossed Fujio over her shoulder onto the floor with a heavy thud. He was momentarily down for the count, long enough for her to deal with the bat wielding maniac.

She stood up straight, wincing at the pain in her right shoulder. "Maybe I went a little overboard with that one."

Helmet rushed her once more, bat raised for a third swing at her. The weapon was beginning to annoy her since it gave her an unfair disadvantage in the fight. How was she supposed to use her counterattacks on a spiked bat? She backed away from another swing, the bat almost grazing her abdomen. "You just don't give up do you?" Aoki lifted one of the chairs, hurling it towards Helmet. He took a moment to swing his bat at the chair, splitting the wood in two. Aoki saw an opening and took the opportunity to clasp her hand together, forming a small ball of white ki energy between her palms.

She shot it towards the bat, watching as the weapon snapped apart. "Not so much without your bat, huh?" Aoki mocked, smirking at the sight of the bat.

Helmet threw the broken bat across the room, pulling out a shot with a bright yellow serum and quickly stabbing it into the vein on his wrist. He tossed the empty shot aside, lunging towards Aoki with a new found strength. The smirk quickly vanished from her face as she held up both her arms to block Helmet's punch with her forearm, causing her to flinch from the impact. He was somehow much more aggressive than when he had the bat. Helmet threw another punch at her, Aoki clasped his hand and kicked his shin, causing the man to lose his balance. She swung Helmet into some overturned tables, knocking the wind out of him. He got back up quicker than his companion and he hadn't seemed to have broken a sweat.

"Shit," Aoki cursed, taking a glance at the other foreigner in the room. "I hope you have enough stamina for this fight cause I don't think this psycho is going down anytime soon."

Spoiler: Aoki's Theme

 

[Nenma Takashi]

Name: Taiga Ryuzaki
Race: Human
Aura: Purple
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 10:30 AM
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District
Tagging: Tiramiisu The Black Knight Ginko The Mushishi

It was now dawning on Taiga that of all the things her mother was downright terrible at such as, cooking, cleaning, acting like a proper mother, and anything that wasn't fighting. She could now add 'giving directions' to this list as Taiga stared at the crudely drawn ink map her mother had made for her. The map was supposed to give Taiga a rough guess at where the most famous Dojos and Undergrounds were so Taiga could go there and test her fighting style. Taiga on the other hand was trying to use the map as a means of completely avoiding those locations as she had no intention of getting wrapped up in any of this nonsense. She just wanted to try and take this chance to live a normal life or at least as normal a life one could live in a city of martial artist. As she walked through the city she attempted to match places to the terrible drawings her mother made.

"This would be a lot easier if I could just ask someone for directions." Saying it out loud it wasn't such a bad idea actually. She could simply just find someone and ask them to point out the location after as bad as the drawings were they at least had the names written beneath them. Taiga wondered around some more in search of people to ask when she could see a restaurant, "Oh perfect I'll just ask if they know these locations." The moment Taiga set one foot in the shop she instantly regretted her decision. Before her was the exact thing she would've most liked to avoid a group of very dangerous looking men were pitted against two martial artist. A girl with a bright pink hoodie wrapped around her waist and a boy with a baseball cap. Hideki grit his teeth seeing her step in, just where the hell were this nuisances coming from.

Before he even gave an order to Chikao rushed towards Taiga who covered her face. Her amateur block was nothing when faced with a swift kick to the face that sent her to the right. When she hit the ground and didn't move for a second Chikao assumed he had just knocked out some weakling. While normally he'd take this chance to have some fun they had more important things to do. At least he thought he had knocked out this new-coming but he heard a voice behind him speak. "I'm sorry I didn't mean to interrupt you guys!" He slowly turned his attention towards her blinking a few times a bit surprised she didn't go down in one hit, he figured since she not only was hit by his kick but her block was less than amateur she shouldn't even be awake right now. Hideki sighed seeing the same scene, "Chikao now is not the time for you to be enjoying yourself! Take care of the punk and help deal with these damn pest!" Chikao didn't say anything he just nodded Taiga stood up she figured she just needed to walk out. After all this had nothing to do with her wrong place wrong time that was all, they'd understand that right....right? Looking at Chikao she could tell that they indeed would not understand his arm went up with one swift motion there was a slight gleam of light as he did. Taiga's eyes went wide for a moment as she tilted her head to the right just enough that a knife missed her.

Chikao was once again surprised she had done so Taiga's eyes then seemed to fill with fear as she realized a knife had been tossed at her. "Ahhh scary!" Chikao began to toss a flurry of knives and Taiga dodged each once this time her dodges lacked the grace of her first one. "Hey wait please maybe we can talk this out. This must be some sorta misunderstanding I really don't wanna fight you!" She begged as she dodged knife after knife, Chikao tossed another knife that Taiga ducked under covering her head in fear. "Ah!" She cried out as the knife instead almost hit Hideki who jumped to the side barely dodging the knife he glared at Chikao. "Oi Chikao watch where the hell you're throwing those damn things!" Chikao nodded his head narrowing his eyes at Taiga this girl kept getting lucky enough to dodge his knives but that luck was gonna end now. He closed the distance in a moment swinging a knife at her aiming to cut her face but Taiga stepped back falling back. Chikao then tripped over Taiga hitting his face on a table Taiga quickly rolled before he could land on her. "Oh my goodness I'm so sorry are you okay?" She got close enough to see if he was still conscious, Chikao saw this as a chance and tossed a knife at a distance he was sure was impossible for her to dodge. Taiga's eyes went wide once again and she tilted her body backwards the knife just missing her nose as she slammed her head into the ground grabbing the back of it in pain. The knife flew through the air until it found a home in Helmet's shoulder.

Seeing the knife he simply ripped it out like it was a bandage, Taiga on the other hand was rolling around on the ground thanks to the throbbing pain in her head. Or at least that what it must've looked like in truth Taiga was in no pain, her dodges were no accident. After all Taiga had created her style just for this purpose the Chuku Ha was created so Taiga could live a peaceful life, in other words she made it so she could appear to just be a simple weakling. When Chikao had kicked her she followed the motion of the kick to lessen the damage it did her so called lucky dodging, was in truth a result of all her training dodging was Taiga's specialty.

 

[Ginko The Mushishi]

Name: Zheng Luang
Race: Human
Aura: Phoenix Fire Blue
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 10:50 AM (Having an all-out brawl alongside Hot Battle Goddess, Magical Pacifist, and the Wild Foreigners)
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District.
Tagging: The Black Knight Tiramiisu Nenma Takashi Zamasu

And they said help never came in odd forms! At first, a Hot Battle Goddess of Destruction arrived just in time to take on Fujio, who was actually about to attack him before they had arrived. AND Helmet-head! She took down Fujio like he was a piece of trash, but Helmet-head seemed like a bigger problem. Especially now with whatever enhancement he took. He wasn't going to be playing around anymore. Sliding back-to-back beside Aoki he gave a slight chuckle. "I've got enough stamina to last me a 100 or more of these guys, trust me Ponyboy over there won't be able to make me break a sweat!" Refering to Hideki. "Look, helmet-head over there has so many blind-spots cuz of that helmet. I'm sure if we can open up his visor, and pour some of that sweet sweet alcohol in his eyes he'll have an even worse time trying to track us down with that brutish strength."

Just as he finished the possibility of that plan, a new-comer arrived...Someone Lu would now consider the Magical Pacifist.

Luck might have been on her side most of the time, but Lu wasn't so dumb he couldn't understand what the girl was doing. It was clear, she was avoiding the fight at all costs. He could understand that belief, at least considering it is looked down upon to use the 3 Opened Heavenly Gates Style so freely. Lu cut out of character, and began clapping and rooting for the girl. "Nice dodge! Woo! Awesome job!" He'd yell out, throwing his cap up in the air when her dodging became close calls even to add to his excitement. When one of the knifes went haywire and stabbed into Helmet-head, Lu laughed hard. "Now that is funny!"

All hell broke loose it seemed, as other foreigners like himself arrived. Possibly for a bite to eat? One seemed to be willing to jump into the fight, the other stand off-ish. Hideki made a comment about foreigners, which Lu would like to have added in. "Hey, that's rude you know. Yeah I'm a foreigner but at least I'm not as ugly as you with your outdated fashion sense either-WOIAAH HOLY SHIT!" Pointing towards Cherie, his eyes went wide. "SHE JUST TRANSFORMED RIGHT BEFORE MY VERY EYES!!"

In the mix of confusion, Lu decided to help the Magical Pacifist, and straight up high kicked Chikao, aiming for the head.

Considering Chikao wasn't paying attention to Lu at all, he felt the snap of Lu's kick right in the back of his head, with such force he was thrown down to the ground and knocked down quick. Holding the back of his head in pain, he wondered if any of the others were going to call in for back-up yet...Things had already grown complicated as is. What was Hideki doing? He needed to make a judgement call here...Suffer being beat up by a couple of kids or make sure they fear the name of the Deathstalker Gang.

Spoiler: Lu's Battle Theme

 

[Tiramiisu]

Name: Aoki Heizo
Race: Human
Aura: White
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 10:50 AM
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kinrin District (Attempting to save an ex-legend's restaurant)
Tagging: The Black Knight , Ginko The Mushishi , Nenma Takashi , Zamasu

"Sounds like a plan!" Aoki snickered at the foreigner's response before she blocked a kick to her left side from Helmet.

The helmet-clad man was more focused on Aoki than anyone else in the room and she was certain it had something to do with causing his bat to burst apart. She dodged another attack, taking a moment to distance herself from Helmet. She heard Hideki shout orders to one of his goons, who now began to fight with a newcomer. For a brief moment, Aoki was able to see a girl successfully dodge most of the attacks coming to her, but seemingly by accident. Either she was just very lucky, or really skilled at making herself look like a clutz.

Either way, Aoki didn't have enough time to think about it before Helmet charged into her, finding the perfect opportunity to attack while she was distracted. Helmet pinned her onto the wall, his arm pushed up against her throat leaving Aoki struggling to breathe. He reeled his arm back, ready to launch a powerful punch to end their little skirmish. A knife suddenly lodged itself into his shoulder, giving Aoki enough time to kick Helmet away from her and dropping her onto the floor. She let out a strained cough, gripping her throat and stood up.

Helmet had casually removed the knife from himself, probably not even feeling any pain from the wound. Aoki heard Hideki shout, sounding even angrier, but she decided to not get distracted again. This time her focus was entirely on Helmet as he dashed towards her. Aoki blocked his punches and attempted to gain an advantage by using her Shifting Scales counter, but the man was able to deflect her each time. Aoki decided to take the foreigner's advice and dodged one of his attacks by ducking towards the left taking a moment to bend his arm back then used her free hand to smash his visor onto the side of a table. She heard the glass shatter and Helmet managed to flip himself, kicking her in the abdomen to force her away.

Aoki clutched her stomach, taking in deep breaths. She could scarcely see the whites of the man's eyes, blood trickling down his neck from the glass cutting into his face. He still didn't look as though he acknowledged the injury. That sort of disappointed her, but at least now she knew her strikes were dealing some damage, he just couldn't feel it. Aoki groaned, feeling herself beginning to grow weary of their back and forth struggle. As much as she hated to admit it, Aoki knew she needed to fight dirty if she intended to win.

She clasped her hands together, tossing another ball of ki energy directed towards Helmet. Aoki knew he would either dodge it or absorb the blast and that's exactly what she wanted him to do. Grabbing one of the foreign bottles that hadn't been damaged, Aoki raced towards the man, smashing the beer bottle into the open crevice of his visor. Helmet stumbled back, his hands moving to cover his eyes due to the burning alcohol. Aoki kicked Helmet onto the floor once more, clutching her arms around his neck and wrapping her leg around his torso in a choke hold. She waited until he stopped struggling before she rolled off of him and quickly checked his pulse. Still breathing, just unconscious. She didn't think she had it in her to kill anyone, but it was always a good thing to check. She stood over him, breathing heavily before she clicked her tongue in annoyance, kicking the man's side.

"Bastard." She muttered as she stumbled towards the edge of the room and slid down into a sitting position and allowing her energy to fade away from her hands. Aoki knew a small group of a girl and three foreigners could hold off the remaining gang members. One of the foreigners could apparently transform, which was impressive on its own, and the rest of them were decent fighters. The throbbing ache in her shoulder got worse and she could feel the fatigue in her muscles. Including this and the fight she had the night before, Aoki was worn out. She just hoped that the drama would end soon so she could call it a day. She deserved to go home and take the rest of the week off.

 

[_Line 213]

Name: Aline Romani
Race: Human
Aura: ???
Date/Time: January 1, 2025 10:51 AM
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District
Tagging: The Black Knight , Ginko The Mushishi , Nenma Takashi , Zamasu


"...Jeez, it's cold out here...Happy frickin' New Year to me..."

A sneeze. Then, a heavier one; as far as Aline was concerned, she simply wasn't built for this weather. Many days had she listened to her father's tales of life in warm climes, and many days had she hoped to retire to a tropical paradise of her own.

Times like this, however, were only going to get worse heading into February, especially if she didn't have lodging lined up until then. A week of searching for jobs and sleeping by exterior vents had already wreaked havoc on her immune system, leaving her sniffling and shivering no matter what she did. She shook her vigorously, head with a disgruntled whine, banishing a memory of sneezing all over a potential employer two days ago. Needless to say, she didn't get the job.

At this point, she didn't even know what district she was in, the mild rows of businesses and restaurants lining this latest street seeming interchangeable with any others--all the way down to their complete lack of "now hiring" signs.

"What I'd give for a bed and a space heater," she griped, pressing one nostril closed with her finger as she blew the other out into the street, only to immediately wrap her arms around her midsection, rubbing herself as if she'd die otherwise. The music pouring from her headphones was all she had going for her, but it wouldn't be the first time. If anything, there was a comfort to it, just the knowledge that no matter what happened, she had solace as long as she could reach an outlet at the end of the day.

The current song brought her slowly through the streets, sighing, picking up her pace as if double-timing her walk to the ballad-esque tempo would somehow help her outrun the cold.

Maybe it would have, if she had somewhere to go.

A loud, ugly sneeze interrupted her music, the forward lurch forcing her headphones off her ears and sending them clattering onto the ground. "Aw, man," she muttered, acting as if the minor inconvenience had cost her an entire day's worth of something. She bent down and picked up her gear, brushing it off as she checked for any fresh nicks in the cheap plastic--only to whine in further distress as she noted several. Her ears now free to the world, the girl turned toward what could only be described as a catastrophe of sound, blinking as she peered in through the window of a restaurant right before her.

"...In the middle of business-hours?" she commented, entirely to herself, at that, "this entire city must be fighting-crazed..." The longer she watched, the more it became clear that those inside were pretty serious about it all, too. Her initial confusion slowly gave way to a pained grimace; if this is what a casual street-fight looked like, then the competition itself must be a whole world of pain. Considering she never actually had the opportunity to watch it, she had no idea what she was really getting into.

Quickly, the girl glanced up and down the street. This wasn't the sort of thing that she could help with. Hell, this wasn't even the sort of thing she wanted to be near. Maybe she should just...be on her way. Yeah, that seemed like a good idea, didn't it?

 

[Fearmonger]

Name: Addison Jose Alexandros
Race: Human
Aura: Bronze
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 6:30 AM to 10:52 AM.
Location: Home, Kinrin District to Akashiro's Restaurant, Kinrin District.
Tagging: _Line 213 (Short and pretty in Addison's words), The Black Knight , Ginko The Mushishi , Nenma Takashi , Zamasu ,

For Addison today started out as any other day would. He woke up and began his training doing three hours worth of exercises, his training consisted of four stages. The first his warm-up which is one of two things that changed daily and today he felt like going out for a run. The run went well and he was rather surprised that he managed to stay out of trouble in the Kinrin which was a rare occasion, returning home he began his next stage which was the full contact karate stage of his morning training. To say the least, Addison is a man who believes that if you don't have a solid base everything will come crumbling down and as such he performs standard karate punches and kicks each and every morning for at least an hour. The third stage of his training is the most exhausting and 45 minutes out of the hour is used solely to rest, this stage is where he practices his special techniques. He starts with all three of his stances before moving onto his Phalanx techniques and to say doing this takes around three minutes Addison can usually only just get five repetitions before his body feels the impact and he stops out of risk of injury. The final stage is as expected a cool-down stage to which Addison, as usual, did some stretches.

After his morning training was done the time now was 9:30 AM and Addison had gotten the message he had been waiting for. It was a message from Tanaka Mard the leader of Red Settlers Gang and the message was very simple. "He owns a restaurant you idiot, you could have searched for it yourself rather than getting us to do it for you." Now for some context, this said message was the response from a message Addison had sent the night before. "Find me Koizumi Akashiro." Not in those exact words but that was the main point of the message. Going back to the current day Addison replied with "K thanks bye." before putting his phone on silent.

So now he knew just what he was doing with the rest of his day bugging the legend Koizumi Akashiro but before he decided to do that a shower was in order. Removing his workout clothing he quickly showered, got out and brushed his teeth before getting changed into his usual outfit or at least the top half of it consisting of a grey jacket and a white tank top. The bottom half was a little more difficult but after quickly checking the weather he found that his usual shorts would be fine, now this didn't mean it was hot in fact it was rather cold Addison just found that it wasn't too cold for him to wear his usual black shorts. The final part of his outfit was the most important bit his glasses, while he doesn't fully need them he struggles to see at long distances which has proved near fatal in the past. Now they were just one thing left to do leave.

Addison left his house at 10 AM locking the door behind him and at this rate, he would be able to make it to Akashiro's Restaurant just in time for the lunch service which was the plan. It took him fifty-two minutes to get to the restaurant and once again, strangely enough, no trouble happened to find him he began to wonder if he should leave the house in the morning more often, but that thought was quickly crushed as he looked into the restaurant to see a rather large fight taking place which just caused Addison to smile. "God this place has some great entertainment." Addison said aloud noticing another bystander seemingly watching the fight. Well, watching seemed to be a bit of an overstatement it was more like she was looking for a way to get away which meant one thing Addison might be able to have some fun with her.

"Yo short and pretty let's grab a bite to eat I've heard this place is great." Addison said looking at the brown haired girl in front of the store before stepping into the door of the establishment. "Don't worry about these lot they are just the entertainment." Addison spoke his voice one full of confidence despite this being a blatant lie. "I'll pay." Addison said trying to sweeten the deal, either way, if she followed or not Addison took a table in the corner of the establishment trying to stay out of the fight as much as possible. He quickly picked up the table, two chairs, setting them before taking a seat and looking through the menu. "Could I get some recommendations please?" Addison shouted trying to get the attention of a server...or perhaps the man himself Koizumi Akashiro and DEFINITELY not the attention of those fighting.

 

[The Black Knight]

Name: Koizumi Akashiro
Race: Human
Aura: Red
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 11:00 AM
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District.
Tagging: Tiramiisu Nenma Takashi iijora Zamasu Elenion Aura Fearmonger _Line 213 Ginko The Mushishi Xale

From left to right: Akinari; Fujio; Hideki; Chikao; and Helmet

Spoiler: Deathstalker Theme

• Akinari (Red Terror): He is boyish and excitable as well as the most destructive. He is like a child in a china shop, and will happily wreck any establishment or property he is ordered to. Preferred Weapon: Fists wrapped in steel chain.
• Fujio (Ash Tray): He didn’t just receive his nickname because he smells like secondhand smoke all the time, but he likes to beat his enemies to near-death and then twist out his cigarette on their faces. Preferred Weapon: Fists. He sometimes uses his cigarette as a distraction, stabbing it into his enemy’s eyes or flicking ash into their face.
• Hideki (Leader): He runs the clown show. No one really knows what happened to his left eye. He probably lost it in a fight or as punishment. Preferred Weapon: Hidden wakizashis up his sleeves.
• Chikao (Quiet): The quiet types are usually the worst ones. Chikao actually is a quiet sadist who likes to cut his enemies. He will cut them to death rather than outright kill them just so he can see them bleed. Preferred Weapon: Knives. He has them all beneath his robes, and he has plenty to not only cut with but throw.
• Helmet (Batter): Not even his fellow peers know anything about him. He is some dude who likes to wear his motorcycle helmet and won’t ever take it off. There have been whispers that something happened to his face, making him hideous to look at. The last guy who tried to take his helmet off got a spiked bat to the skull. Preferred Weapon: Spiked Bat; he also uses PEDs.

Standing over Joanna, Hideki glanced away from Cherie to watch Aoki rise after putting down Helmet. He recalled having watched the junkie PEDS-up and even those hadn’t been enough to stop this gang of meddlers. Turning an eye over his shoulder at Akinari who was slowly recovering, he ordered, “Call Neiji!”

Akinari was rubbing his chin soothingly when his eyes widened with fright at Hideki’s command. “But we can take them! If we call Neiji, it’s gonna make us look bad!”

Hideki scowled, feeling the sympathy pains and embarrassment already. “I know, but we’re drawing too much attention. We need…help.”

Akinari couldn’t stop staring at Hideki’s back. He couldn’t believe his ears. Since when did they ever need help? I should have joined Neiji’s group, Akinari thought to himself as he removed his cell phone from his pocket and started to call this Neiji.

Elsewhere

Seated on a black leather couch with his booted feet kicked up upon a coffee table was a young man with teal-green hair, spiked upon his head with styling gel, and steel-gray eyes. The lower half of his face was hidden behind the high black collar of his undershirt when he brought his cell phone to his ear.

“Ah” was all he muttered.

“Uh-uh, Neiji-san, this is Akinari. We’re uh…having a little bit of trouble destroying the old man’s place. There’s some guys who are getting in our way and well…I mean we got this! But…yeah we could use some help. They just keep coming. I’m wondering if the old man hired some bodyguards.”

“How many?”

“Seven.”

Neiji’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. Since when did anyone get in the way of Deathstalker business? The old man had to be up to something. “We’ll be there soon.”

Neiji ended the call and immediately opened a messenger app called Neko Chat. The app customized with adorable cats and cat mascots opened to a group chat that he immediately started typing in:

We got work.

Meanwhile, back at Akashiro’s, Akinari returned his phone to his pocket and rose to his feet. “He’s coming!” he informed Hideki.

Fujio recovered to his knees and glanced about the restaurant seeing that more nosy chumps arrived. This was getting ridiculous. They lost focus on their one mission, which was to trash the place and get the hell out. He procured a pack of cigarettes from his inner jacket pocket while everyone was engrossed in their battles. Discreetly, he lit the end of the cig with a lighter, maintaining his low silhouette. He then glanced over to the bar where the thick vapors of alcohol permeated. Holding the cig between his thumb and index finger, he flicked it over to the bar as a devious smirk cocked on his face.

There was a white blur and a gentle breeze spilling over the counter into Fujio’s stunned face. Behind the counter with the thrown cigarette butt caught between his own thumb and index finger was Koizumi, staring down at the shocked smoker. Tipping the cig, the old man extinguished it against the pad of his thumb. Fujio quickly rose to his feet and quickly fled over to Akinari to regroup.

Hideki watched Fujio flee passed him and growled before his eyes went to Chikao, “Chikao!”

Chikao lowered his knives and scowled. Whatever. He didn’t like playing with his current toy any way. He raced over to Hideki. The leader stepped away from Joanna, joining his group in the back of the room so that he could better assess the situation. It was four of them versus seven of them so it seemed.

“Helmet is down,” Hideki informed the others. “That brunette beat him.”

Akinari blinked. “You mean the babe from that one bar?” All three Deathstalkers glared at him and Akinari held up his hands, “What? She’s hot!”

Chikao informed, “The weak one I was fighting is skilled, but she didn’t try to attack me.”

“What about the two who just arrived?” Hideki asked.

None of the Deathstalkers had any comments about them. They seemed to just be customers.

“The two Lesbians…there’s something odd about the one girl.”

Akinari clapped his hand against his knuckles and threatened with a smirk, “It’ll be her face once we’re done with them.”

Akashiro had wheeled back into the kitchen and returned with a broom to begin sweeping up the glass behind the bar. As he swept, he asked, “Are you finished?”

Hideki glared over at the old man. “You shut up coward. We have more guys coming.” He then looked to the rest of the fighters. “You all made a grave mistake. We have another group coming, and if you think we’re tough, it’s only about to get tougher. You should mind your own business and leave, and maybe the Deathstalkers will let this vigilantism slide!”


GM Note: There are four Deathstalkers left, and they have reinforcements on the way. The next group will be tougher than this one and will have the first mini-boss who will be GM-controlled. The goal is still the same. Good job with your fights and team work everyone! Main Goal: Restaurant survival.

 

[Nenma Takashi]

Name: Taiga Ryuzaki
Race: Human
Aura: Purple
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 11:00 AM
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District
Tagging: Tiramiisu The Black Knight Ginko The Mushishi Zamasu

This whole situation had now spiraled completely out of hand thanks to Taiga's luck she had stumbled into the worst scenario. These men knew her face they also associated her with the others here which meant if she ran now they would most likely just come searching for her later, after all with a name like Deathstalkers there was no way they were gonna let any of this slide. She felt like there was a huge weight on her back as she fell to her hands and knees. "My peaceful life is ruined." She cried, "This is just awful I hate fighting." Akinari let out a laugh seeing Taiga begin to cry. "If you hate it that much should've let when you had the chance. You can kiss that peaceful life of yours goodbye." As the words left his lips the air around Taiga began to change and she stood up standing with a different posture then before. "We should end this before the others arrive otherwise this will just become more troublesome." Akinari mocked Taiga by wiggling his fingers at her. "Ohhh scary you gonna get serious now?" Taiga didn't respond the tension between the two groups was thick but Taiga was sure of one thing, if they simply made the first move her group's win was guaranteed. They had the numbers and they clearly outclassed them in technique as well, so without hesitating Taiga took a step forward. Maybe it was due to the tension in the air or maybe he was just itching for a fight but Akinari lunged forward towards Taiga. Swinging chains wrapped on his fist he made contact with her face sending her into a table. "Ha all bark no bite!" Taiga then proceeded to simply stand up looking at Akinari. "Was that all?" She questioned rubbing her cheek where he had struck her.

Well so this weakling thought they could mess with Akinari The Red Terror? They had another thing coming he'd pound their face till it was red as a chili pepper. Thinking that he recalled the insults Lu had thrown at him before which only made him more angry. He charged Taiga but this time when he swung he missed her everytime. She stepped back with each of his swing all of which barely missed her, as she stepped back to dodge again her back hit a wall. "No where left to run!" Akinari cocked his fist back this time he'd take this punk out no more of their dodging bullshit and they sure as well weren't gonna get up from this one. He swung his fist forward that's when Taiga's arm came up and struck Akinari in the center of his chest. He could feel it the wind left his body all the air in his lungs was gone leaving him gasping for a moment. Taiga hadn't expected Akinari to even be on his feet after such a blow she had clearly underestimated him, he did however stumble backwards. Taiga took a step forward and slammed the palm of her hand into Akinari's face yet to her surprise he didn't flinch. "It's gonna take more than a weak ass hit like that to take me out!" Taiga knew this was bound to happen her style was meant to be used on weaklings, thugs who would attempt to pick on her while she lived her normal life. People like Akinari who had so actual martial arts training and lived to cause trouble were exactly the type of people she would've avoided at all cost normally.

Yet there was one move she had that might do the trick but at the same time she wasn't sure how it'd affect herself. More were coming but the others seemed capable enough besides she would have to use this if she was to do her part. Akinari swung fueled by his rage hitting Taiga on the cheek once again this time felt different though it was nothing like before. He could tell before he must not of hit her completely dead on but this time he definitely did a smile spread on his face that his punch connected. It even was strong enough to cause the weakling to spin, "That'll teach you to mess with-" Akinari never got to finish his sentence as the back of Taiga's hand slammed right into his cheek. This was Taiga's trump card Seppeku, the damage Akinari had taken up to this point wasn't huge yet it added up and now on top of all that Taiga had now hit him with this move. Taiga was not built for power but this move made up for that as she had used to force of Akinari's attack to hit him with two times the force he hit her with. Akinari spun from the impact and fell face first onto the floor Taiga stood over him blood dripped from her mouth and she felt her legs wobble slightly. She had tasted the full force of his hit and she could now see that Akinari was definitely not lacking in raw power. She leaned her back against the wall behind her in order to help her stand. Hopefully the others could take the rest before help arrived and hopefully Taiga wouldn't have to tank another hit like that again.

 

[The Black Knight]

Name: Musa Azuma and Mitsume Ito
Race: Human
Aura: White (Currently)
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 11:30AM
Location: The King's Door, Goraku District (Lunch time!)
Tagging: Open

An empty bowl of what used to be soup was set on the table. The stranger’s cheeks deflated as the broth was gulped into the pits of what many believed to be a bottomless stomach. A sigh of satisfaction burst from the man’s mouth as though it were an old steam train having come to a halt. He lowered his arms from the table, hands resting upon a stomach that appeared unchanged after the thousands of calories ingested. The staff gawked and didn’t move. The tourists watched from over their booths. A green-haired waitress blinked and glanced around at her frozen peers, and then she decided to take the initiative. She marched over to the man’s table, her hand dunking into one of her apron’s pockets.

The pits of the manager’s shirt were soaked. Ever since he told his staff to let the man eat, he started to fear that he would never see this moment. He was done! He was actually finished. He dabbed some sweat from his brow with his tie. And here he dreaded he would eat them out of business.

The waitress stopped before the man’s table and removed the check she held secretly in her hand. Her hands crossed behind her back as she gave the man a cheerful smile and asked, “I hope you enjoyed your meal, Sir. Here’s the-”

“Do you guys have any dessert?” the man asked.

Shock shot around the room like a bolt of lightning. The waitress’s face paled, and the entire restaurant exploded with:

The manager slowly slid down the wall until his bottom met the floor. His arms crossed upon the tops of his knees as he watched his waiting staff begin to set the table with cakes, macarons, sundaes, and cobblers. He felt like a shriveled husk as though everything was sucked out of him. His host walked over and peered down at him in concern. “Sir? Are you all right?” he asked.

Without looking up at the host, the manager muttered, “How much is his check?”

“11.95, Sir.”

The manager suddenly tipped over onto his side in the fetal position. The host’s eyes widened in fright. “Sir? Are you all right? Sir?”

While an ambulance was being called, the stranger was scooping the remains of a strawberry-vanilla rabbit-designed sundae into his mouth and cramming his cheeks full of brown, yellow, green and pink macarons. Mitsume approached the man’s table and took the empty sundae glass into her hands. She stood there, watching him again—watching him cupping a slice of shortcake in his hand and finish it in three bites. A plump strawberry had tumbled from the cake almost as though it had rolled to evade being eaten and tumbled toward the floor. Mitsume felt her heart skip as she suddenly found herself making a motion to catch it. In that moment, it was as though she was having an out of body experience. She heard her conscience ask as her hand reached out for the falling piece of fruit: What are you doing?

Before her eyes, the stranger’s hand had darted down. His hand had moved faster than hers. He had caught the strawberry in a closed fist and Mitsume paused, gazing along his outstretched arm and up at the man’s face. From her hunched over position, she could see his face. He was gazing at her from beneath half-lidded eyes. There wasn’t a smile or a frown on his face, and he didn’t gaze upon her awkwardly. She could see the blades of his hair just touching his brows and his eyes were blue like the sky. They were nice eyes. He was handsome.

The man opened his hand and flicked the strawberry into his mouth in which he expertly caught, and without further delay, he was back to stuffing his face. Mistume slowly straightened. Her heart was racing and she could feel her cheeks burning.

“Mitsume!” the other waitress from before called. What was she doing standing around?

“H-Hai!” she squeaked and frantically turned.

Upon passing the other waitress, the other waitress scolded, “Get your head out of the clouds!”

“Hai!” she chimed again. I can’t.

Once she was in the kitchen, she set down the empty sundae glass and leaned against the wall. She rested a hand against her chest, feeling her heart racing, and then brought the back of her hand to her forehead. Was she sick? She couldn’t have…she couldn’t have liked him. Mitsume clapped her hands against her face and folded over in embarrassment. No, no, no, no! This couldn’t be happening. She doesn’t even know him. He eats like a pig! But it was so fascinating to watch. Suddenly, her imagination began showing her in the kitchen, cooking up a feast that she was setting before the man who was happily eating her cooking. Shaking her head wildly, Mitsume squealed, “NO! Ugh!”

“Mitsume!” the other waitress marched into the kitchen and set down the dishes she retrieved. She faced her and rested her hands upon her hips. “What is going on? You have been zoning out a lot today.”

Mitsume lowered her hands and tried not to look at the other girl’s face. She knew if she did, she would probably start blushing in her poor attempt to keep a secret. “I know. I just…I’ve just never seen someone eat so much.”

“Yeah, well, the manager is being taken to the hospital. When he found out that he was only paying 11.95, I mean…that’s how much we charge per person, he fainted and hasn’t woken up. We just lost a lot of money. I don’t think the manager is going to let him back here.”

Mitsume’s eyes widened. He wasn’t going to be allowed back? “But isn’t this a buffet? We couldn’t have lost that much money. The King’s Door gets hundreds of tourists a day.”

“Well, he’s eating over a ‘hundreds of tourists’-worth of food!”

Mitsume glanced dejectedly at the floor and grasped her apron. “Well…then why don’t somebody ask him to leave?”

“Are you kidding? Have you seen that guy? (Yes!) We think he might be a thug from the Kinrin Distirct. I don’t think I could ask him to leave without risking getting punched.”

“Are the people from the Kinrin District that mean?”

The waitress arched her brow at her. “Girl, you need to get out, but not there. Don’t ever go there. But to answer your question yes! They’re killers!” She rested a hand upon her chin and narrowed her eyes at the purple-haired girl. “Now that I think about it. You’re a nice girl. You look innocent. I don’t think anyone would ever want to hurt you. You also have a gentle voice. You should do it Mitsume.”

“What!?” Mitsume’s eyes swelled to the size of saucers.

A waiter walked in at the end of the conversation. “Do what?”

“Mitsume’s gonna get rid of the human garbage disposal.”

Mitsume’s mouth fell open.

“Wow; what a brave girl, and here I thought you were a wimp. I’ll be rooting for you Mitsume!”

The waitress rested her hands on Mitsume’s shoulders and turned her back toward the main room. “You got this!”

Mitsume gazed at the rest of the restaurant, and then over to the table where she could see from the kitchen door, the man hunched over and rapidly scooping an apple cobbler into his mouth. She started toward the table—face pale, shortness of breath, palms that suddenly broke into a sweat; was she going to faint?! She took baby steps across the room all the way over to the man’s table. When she finally reached it, she watched him grab another fistful of macarons.

“Um…” she began, and then fell silent. Her head snapped over her shoulder to gaze back across the room to the kitchen. She saw the waitress and the waiter both smiling cheerfully and giving her a thumbs up. As soon as she glanced back at the man, she was met with his eyes. He was staring right at her. A pink macaron was clinched between his teeth. It was in that moment, she realized she couldn’t do it. She suddenly felt light-headed. “Ano…a” Was she even making any sense? She suddenly saw the ceiling. Why was she looking up there? Her arm went taut. Someone was holding her wrist. The hand was warm, rough, and the grip was firm like iron. She realized that she was falling but not as fast. The hooded man came before her eyes. The macaron he had clinched between his teeth fell and struck her in the forehead, and the last thing she saw was his eyes widening with an oh shit look before darkness consumed her vision.

 

[Ginko The Mushishi]

Name: Zheng Luang
Race: Human
Aura: Phoenix Fire Blue
Date/Time: January 1, 2025.
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District. (Doing God's work by taking out the trash)
Tagging: The Black Knight Tiramiisu Nenma Takashi Zamasu

Lu adjusted his base-ball cap, while talking to Joanna. "I think our best course of action is to take this outside, but we need them to follow us. Clearly they were here for some home remodeling. Considering when I came in here first, bottles were being thrown. I don't want Gramps' Restaurant getting any more damaged through this fight. It would be a dishonor on him and all of his hard-work here.Not only that I think I can see my dad glaring down at me from above.." Lu chuckled lightly as he scritched his chin. "Time to get serious, anyhow!" With that, Lu's expression darkened under his cap. Cracking each bone in his body with a little bit of a warm-up. He looked cool, almost terrifying as he did so...Until his stomach started growling, and he held it in sorrowful pain. "Awe man..I really wish I could have eaten before we fought...Can we all take a lunch break? I'm starving here.."

It seemed like his request fell on deaf ears, considering Akinari had been taken down by the Magical Paci- no. Not the Magicial Pacifist now, she was now the Scary Badass Lady. It was kinda cute when she got serious though. Almost like a chibi ready to go into battle. Except that chibi could break all the bones in your body. Perhaps worse? Maybe. Definitely. That didn't stop him from trying to be friendly though. Kneeling down next to Taiga and held his hands out behind his back "Piggy-back ride?" He simply announced.

His newest request needed to wait, at least. Hideki gave the team an ultimatum. Which Lu chuckled about "Nah Cyclopes, I think we'll stay here. But I bet you're too chicken to fight us, that's why you had to call back-up! Even if you did though, you guys will be sent home with your tail between your legs!"

Hideki's anger flared more than it ever had. This Chinese Foreigner, dared to mock the strength, the abilities of him and his men? He dared to make fun of them...He already hated having to call in back-up, but this pushed it too far. In a flare of anger, Hideki charged towards Lu. Both Wakizashi's out and ready to stab into Lu.

Lu was quick, but not quick enough. To ensure Taiga wasn't hurt, he slid her aside next to Aoki with his leg. While he knew saving Taiga meant he would be open, he tried his best to twist his body so as to not let the Wakizashi's impale him. Luckily, the Wakizashi's only sliced his hands as both men were moved outside. As Hideki began his assault, Lu could only manage to block and dodge.

His wrists were sliced as well from Hideki's fury, Lu grimaced as the pain flashed against both his hands and wrists. He shot out a kick, which Hideki was able to block, Lu shot out a fist, his hands clenched tight. It rammed into Hideki's face and he reeled back a little, regaining composure, there was fire in Hideki's eyes. "YOU INSOLENT FOREIGNER..I'LL TEAR YOU TO PIECES FOR THE DISRESPECT YOU'VE THROWN. WHERE'S YOUR HIGH AND MIGHTY JESTS NOW HUH!?"

Lu wasn't going to use the Opened Gates Style yet, it was too soon. Too dishonorable in the name of his Father. But he wouldn't just let Hideki keep coming at him. "SORRY FOR THE INCONVENIENCE, WE'RE BACK WITH SOME NEW MATERIAL!" Lu yelled out to Hideki with a coy smile. "You should work at a sushi restaurant, your cutting skills are great! Could be better though~!" Lu spoke in a tune, his voice going high and low to tease.

Hideki roared out and went in for the kill, to stab Lu right through the heart if need be, but this was his big mistake. Too much force being thrown into the stab he didn't make sure he could re-adjust if need be. That's when Lu took the opening, letting his arms slide into Hideki's, he strengthened his wrists and pushed both Wakizashi's away, Hideki recoiled from the pressure of the parry. Lu's stance grew firm, as both his palms waved around like the ocean. "HEAVEN'S PALM!" He roared out, and slammed both palms into Hideki's chest, a nice crack that was sent throughout Hideki's rib-cage was heard and he was pushed into the wall of another shop, a small cracks in the walls being formed from his body slamming into it. Hideki's sight began to grow dark, Hideki was blacking out...Damn it..He knew he was going to get his ass kicked when the reinforcements came..

Lu returned to the Restaurant with blood leaking from his arms. "Aye gramps! I'll make sure to give you the money I've accumulated today and yesterday for the repairs of your restaurant. Sorry we've ruined so much of it already. I hope you'll leave a steaming hot bowl of Ramen for me later though!" He smiled waving his hands at Akishiro. "Now, I guess we got those two left." Lu smirked, flicking his nose.

 

[_Line 213]

Name: Aline Romani
Race: Human
Aura: ???
Date/Time: January 1, 2025
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District
Tagging: The Black Knight , Ginko The Mushishi , Nenma Takashi , Zamasu , Fearmonger


...Who is this guy, exactly?

Initially, the new arrival didn't even register in her senses--at least until he spoke. She should have been thankful, if anything, that he appeared harmless. If she were another gang member, or of some similar breed, her misery might have been ended right then and there--unless they decided to leave her breathing for the sake of compounding it.

A shiver went up her back. Perish that thought.

As the stranger's words filtered in through her mind, it became clear that what he truly wanted was a lot more benign, and...puzzling. "You...wanna take me to dinner?" she said, blinking; the compliments (though most would probably read them as pick-up attempts rather than anything else) seemed to go completely over her head in the face of food. She glanced back to the restaurant, mouth twisting in discomfort as she took stock of the violence within. Yet, at the same time, she was being offered a quality dinner.

For free.

She lapsed into a set of stammers; on one hand, she should really, really be one or several blocks over at this point; there was no way that any of this was going to be anything other than bad news. But on the other hand, she hadn't eaten properly for at least, what, four days? This was the tightest she had ever been on money in her entire adult life--even if that hadn't been very long in general. She didn't even notice she was salivating until she felt a path of warmth cut across the unflinching cold of her lower face.

"U-Um--" she quickly moved a hand up, dabbing away the excess, somewhat unsightly saliva, "i-in there? Like for real? Right now? I-I mean I'm just asking because what's going on in there doesn't really read like 'entertainment' to me--"

The unfamiliar man, of course, was undeterred, instead slipping inside of the establishment before Aline could even finish her complaint. "I-I mean, okay..." She paused at the door, even as the man slipped right inside, managed to navigate through the violence, and sit a table and prepare to order.

He's serious?! The girl thought, blinking in no small amount of surprise as he took stock of the man's attitude. And here she was, barely even to take more than a single step past the doorway. Her heart leapt as a portion of one of the walls all but caved in, solidifying her desire to stay right where she was. Her other ear was met with sounds of death--and someone enjoying it--locking up her desire to even run. It was if she'd die if she moved at all.

"W-What is this place's deal!" she shouted to herself, her mind threatening to quit on her entirely. Sure, the offer of free food was definitely worth it, but at the girl's current rate, she wasn't even going to reach the table by next week.

 

[The Black Knight]

Name: Koizumi Akashiro
Race: Human
Aura: Red
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 11:15 AM
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District.
Tagging: Tiramiisu Nenma Takashi iijora Zamasu Elenion Aura Fearmonger _Line 213 Ginko The Mushishi Xale

From left to right: Akinari; Fujio; Hideki; Chikao; and Helmet

Spoiler: Deathstalker Theme

• Akinari (Red Terror): He is boyish and excitable as well as the most destructive. He is like a child in a china shop, and will happily wreck any establishment or property he is ordered to. Preferred Weapon: Fists wrapped in steel chain.
• Fujio (Ash Tray): He didn’t just receive his nickname because he smells like secondhand smoke all the time, but he likes to beat his enemies to near-death and then twist out his cigarette on their faces. Preferred Weapon: Fists. He sometimes uses his cigarette as a distraction, stabbing it into his enemy’s eyes or flicking ash into their face.
• Hideki (Leader): He runs the clown show. No one really knows what happened to his left eye. He probably lost it in a fight or as punishment. Preferred Weapon: Hidden wakizashis up his sleeves.
• Chikao (Quiet): The quiet types are usually the worst ones. Chikao actually is a quiet sadist who likes to cut his enemies. He will cut them to death rather than outright kill them just so he can see them bleed. Preferred Weapon: Knives. He has them all beneath his robes, and he has plenty to not only cut with but throw.
• Helmet (Batter): Not even his fellow peers know anything about him. He is some dude who likes to wear his motorcycle helmet and won’t ever take it off. There have been whispers that something happened to his face, making him hideous to look at. The last guy who tried to take his helmet off got a spiked bat to the skull. Preferred Weapon: Spiked Bat; he also uses PEDs.

Akashiro had been cleaning up the spilled alcohol behind the counter when suddenly the fight in his bar became a nightmare. He could hear a knife crunching away at flesh through a bout of hysterical laughter that made his skin crawl. Setting the mop aside, his blue eyes shrank in fear as he quickly rolled out from behind the counter to stare with his mouth agape at the mutilated corpse that was now on his restaurant’s floor. He gazed at the two women, mainly the unhinged one, and his teeth came together in a frown.

“You commit murder in my restaurant? If you have to resort to killing someone in order to stop them, then you are not a martial artist. Killing is not martial arts. It is weakness! And my restaurant will not service murderers, rapists, or any other scoundrels on your despicable level. GET OUT!” Akashiro boomed.

Fujio was bearing his teeth like a wild dog upon seeing Chikao dead. The Deathstalkers weren’t going to forget this. Akashiro looked to Fujio and growled, “Take him and leave.”

Fujio glanced over at Akashiro and quickly went to kneel next to Chikao to gather his body into his arms.

That won’t be necessary.

The welcome bell chimed as a man wearing a crooked-brimmed hat leisurely walked in. His hands were comfortably tucked into his jean pockets, and over his jeans were a pair of tan leather chaps. Beneath thick, twisting tendrils of aquamarine hair glowed a single unveiled azure eye. The corners of his lips were sliced all the way back to his jaw hinges and mended gruesomely with stitches. His skin was sickly-pale and lacking in the warmth of life. The man glanced about the room, seeing body after body of what remained of Hideki’s gang. He then raised his thin wrist, his body was so lanky that it didn’t look fit for combat; and he peered down at his watch. “Fifteen minutes and they’re already gone? Heh.”

Fujio scowled at the man who walked into the door. Neiji’s gang was here.

From left to right: Fedora, Neiiji, Jesus, Pretty Boy, and Tensai.​

• Fedora (Copy Cat): Her perception level is superhuman. She has the ability to learn her opponent’s movements, improvise them, and use them against them. Solo, she is impossible to take down. She is a quiet one and never speaks. Preferred Weapon: Knuckledusters.
• Neiji (GM-NPC/Leader): He is the leader of this gang and despite having many rivals within his own Deathstalker group, the other gangs cannot deny that Neiji is a frightening fighter. Not much is known about him, but those who have seen him fight show him nothing but respect. Preferred Weapon: Unknown
• Jesus (Deadman): He doesn’t fight. Why fight when there are others to fight for him? Literally. He uses his ki to resurrect fallen fighters, and they will do his bidding. They will protect him fiercely making it almost impossible for anyone to lay a finger on him. Preferred Weapon: Downed fighters.
• Pretty Boy: Everyone has called him “Pretty Boy” for the longest time that they don’t even know his real name anymore. Behind those shades is a man…or a woman…what? His androgynous features make his gender hard to distinguish. He is very vain, but supposedly, no one has ever managed to damage his moneymaker (his face). They say Pretty Boy can enter a fight with multiple opponents and still emerge beautiful. Thus the name. Preferred Weapon: His vanity and a steel comb that acts as a knife.
• Tensai: The nerd is a genius. Like Fedora, he will study his enemy’s movements and knows exactly how to penetrate their guard. He will bob and weave, lean and dip, and make his hits count in the most sensitive of places. He uses pressure point techniques, and if he wants to, just for fun, he’ll use his skull-shaped bo staff to break bones. Preferred Weapon: Brain and bone staff.

Jesus walked over to kneel next to Helmet. He rested his hand upon his chest and a green ki oozed from his sleeve to seep into his body. Helmet’s chest inflated with a sudden gasp. His mouth fell open and eyes widened to reveal that they were glowing green. Jesus then stood and started walking over to Akinari. While he was checking on each of the Deathstalkers, a young woman dressed like a classic 1930s gangster entered the restaurant. Her solid-grey, pupil-less eyes darted between all the occupants as two men entered the restaurant behind her.

One was a blonde who was busy combing his hair. He passed a shiny, silver comb through it several times as he gazed at the group within with indifference. “Looks like we have in here a bunch of kids. Minus the old man of course, heh.” He lowered his hands and tucked his comb away inside his jacket, and then glanced to his right to see Helmet sit up with an enraged growl. Pretty Boy wrinkled his nose in disgust when he saw all the glass stuck in his face. “Oh no boo boo.” He raised his finger and swayed it around with sass. “If any of you scrubs do that to my face, you’re gonna die. I ain’t even playin’.”

Next to him was a young man holding a staff with a skull on the end. He pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose as he squinted at the group. “I was awakened for this?”

“If you weren’t up all night playing video games, then you wouldn’t feel so tired,” Jesus reasoned.

Tensai frowned and whined, “You don’t gotta tell me. Let’s just hurry this up so I can go back to bed.”

Outside the restaurant, a teal-haired man was peering down at the limp form of Hideki. He knelt before him and reaching into his coat pocket, he removed a syringe that he stabbed into the man’s shoulder. Hideki’s eyes flew open and he started to cough, his breath damp with blood. The PEDs had just been enough to wake him. Hideki looked at Neiji and laughed softly. “Now you show up.”

“Fifteen minutes,” Neiji muttered in his short and sweet mannerism.

“I think my ribs are broken.”

Neiji stood. “Rest.”

The teal-haired man then walked over to Akashiro’s restaurant and entered behind the rest of his group. The place was small, but it didn’t matter much to him. It’ll be bigger soon. They were going to bring down the house.

“No one leaves,” was all he ordered. Everyone in the restaurant, whether they were innocent or guilty, was now fair game. They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Hideki’s outside,” Fujio told Jesus as he came around to Chikao.

Jesus smiled cheerfully. “Gracias amigo.”


GM Note: Things just got more complicated with the arrival of the Deathstalker reinforcements. Jesus is reviving old enemies, and Neiji wants everyone in the restaurant to suffer. Neiji is a GM-NPC so anyone who engages him will be engaging the GM, and therefore, PVP rules apply. Trying to leave the restaurant and trying to enter the restaurant (for those not already in it), will be engaging Neiji who is blocking the door. Read the Combat Guide to refresh your memory. This is the last group and the first mini-boss in the story. Good luck! If you've been holding back, now may not be the time to do so with so many of your peers already roughed up. Also, you can use the GM posts to help you keep track of the in-game time. The in-game time is displayed every GM post. Main Goal: Restaurant's survival.

 

[_Line 213]

Name: Aline Romani
Race: Human
Aura: ???
Date/Time: January 1, 2025
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District
Tagging: The Black Knight , Ginko The Mushishi , Nenma Takashi , Zamasu , Fearmonger


Before she could offer any further reactions to what might as well have been called true carnage at that point, the old man had practically gone ballistic, shouting at some unseen figure in the restaurant for doing exactly what Aline had assumed they were doing. Of course, having a vivid picture shoved into her mind by virtue of the elder's brief description certainly didn't make things any better for her practically overloaded psyche.

The door crashed open, and several more figures stormed inside, the forward-most gang member shoving her aside with little care as they entered the restaurant. It was if she wasn't even registered as a threat to them, and likely for good reason; her panic was nothing if not evident. One quick look was all it took to confirm that she was practically as hardened as an unboiled egg.

No one leaves, came the command of their apparent leader, a mere words sending a white-hot shock up and down the foreigner's spine. Entering was a mistake; one of the truest rules of life was that there was no such thing as a free lunch, and it seemed that where strangers might forget to hold up their end of that promise, the universe itself was more than happy to step in and restore the balance. The girl pushed herself to her feet, nearly flailing with panic as she ran for the doorway. "Let me out! I'm not even involved in this, I just got here!" she shouted, only for the man at the door to press his palm to her head, shoving her backward.

Aline's breath left alongside the sensation of proper footing a moment after her initial stumble; the man's casual retraction of his leg was the only parsable indication of what happened to her. Her path through the air was a blur at best, hard contact with the wooden floor snapping her back to reality in the worst way possible. She curled up, winded and quivering as a result of the impact. She didn't even have it in her to roll and cry with pain, merely forced silent by a level of pain she had never even imagined before. She couldn't even decide what thought she wanted to fixate on; "so that's what that feels like," "I've never seen stars before," and "oh, god, I'm going to die," all seemed entirely apt at that particular moment. Even when one was chosen, her focus didn't last long, instead clouded over by the sharp, unignorable pain spreading across her body.

 

[Ginko The Mushishi]

Name: Zheng Luang
Race: Human
Aura: Phoenix Fire Blue
Date/Time: January 1, 2025.
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District. (Doing God's work by taking out the trash)
Tagging: The Black Knight Tiramiisu Nenma Takashi Zamasu _Line 213 Fearmonger

His usual cheeriness had turned to downright horror as he watched Cherri murder Chikao right in front of everyone. A sight not very nice upon the restaurant that is Akashiro's. At first, he would've tried to stop the girl from going any further..But the other girl, who seemed to be in a relationship with the one who had just stabbed the man to death calmed her down to some degree. Lu felt at fault for letting things get out of hand like this for Akashiro..He was sure his father would be upset with how things were going here. He was sure the old man was also disgraced by such an act in his restaurant. Evident by his demands for the two females to leave immediately...Until the reinforcements came.

Lu turned around to meet all of them, one at a time as they came in. This was not the time for jokes now, Lu had completely thrown that stuff out the window for now. This was truly time to get serious. He would NOT let this restaurant go down in flames. He'd protect it with his life if need be. Hell, he could possibly get a job here too, considering he never saw any around when he ate here..Maybe the old man had openings?

No less these new reinforcements didn't look like pushovers.. Lu had problems with even Hideki and the others, but these guys seemed on a whole other level... Lu was definitely sure he'd have to use the Heavenly Gates Style here. It would be the only way he'd fight these guys. Lu turned his attention to Aoki and Taiga. He hoped they could fight too, Lu wasn't so sure he'd be able to fight all of them on his own.

The new girl who wanted to leave was just shot backwards, Lu couldn't grab her in time to blanket her fall, but he did help her up, and moved her towards Akashiro, letting her rest in the kitchen where it would be safe for her, especially to be out of the line of fire. "Sorry you got caught up in all of this, It's my fault for letting things get this far.." Lu bowed to Aline and Akashiro, and then returned to the battlefield. "We've got to stop them...They're here to kill this time."

 

[The Black Knight]

Name: Musa Azuma
Race: Human
Aura: White (Currently)
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 11:40AM
Location: Outside The King's Door, Goraku District, on the Metro headed to the Kinrin District
Tagging: Open

He couldn’t believe it. He helped save a waitress from eating it on the floor, and then he gets kicked out of the restaurant. The stranger, the bottomless pit customer, was a former convict who was released a week ago from nine years in prison. Musa Azuma stood on the sidewalk outside The King’s Door with a lip turned up in disgust at his treatment. It wasn’t like he tricked the place into thinking they had 20 reserved guests so that a proper table would have been ready. Now he had to find another cheap joint to eat at, and it had taken him a few days just to find one with the cheapest food and decent quality.

“Tsh!” he scoffed, glaring back at the place. There was then a low grumbling sound from his stomach. Musa hunched over, arms wrapping about his midsection as he winced. “I forgot I was wearing those.”

Straightening, he grasped his jacket and raised it up, flaunting a wall of rock-hard abs to passerby. A few school girls stopped behind him to gawk at his chiseled physique. Their cheeks pinkened and they covered their mouths to stifle their naughty giggles. Musa started by grasping his belt and loosening it, and then his hand went to the wrappings about his abdomen. As soon as he loosened the tension, like an airbag, a round quivering orb of flesh expanded like a beach ball around him. Resting his hands upon his large globular belly, he eased his head back and sighed in blissful relief, while the school girls’ faces went white in horror.
[IMG='width:233px;']https://i.imgur.com/BTwLvao.gif[/IMG]“Aah~ that feels so much better,” he sighed as the girls fled his presence before they were discovered. They couldn’t believe that they were into that.

Grasping his jacket, he tugged it down over his stomach, and the material oddly stretched to accommodate its girth. Glancing over to his yellow moped, Musa walked over to it and mounted the bike. The chassis sank to the street and then suddenly there was a loud pop as the rear tire exploded. The fighter paused, his eyes large in shock. Did that really just happen? A few tourists briskly walked by giggling as Musa peered down at the tire and clapped a hand over his face. Really?! Not only would he have to replace the tire, but now he had to take the metro. He hated taking the metro!

Metro

“Mommy?” a kid whined. There was a big, round gut smashed against the kid’s face, pinning him against the shaking subway wall. Everyone surrounding the fighter seemed to be crushed within his orbit, feeling the gelatinous walls of his stomach molding around them. They were packed inside the car like sardines, and at every stop, it became even fuller, but if there hadn’t been a fat guy in the middle of the car, then they all might have had more room to breathe!

There was an irritable frown weighing on Musa’s lips. People were touching him more than he would have allowed, but there wasn’t anything he could do about it. It wasn’t their fault. They had only been trying to get to their stop. The yellow moped was situated on his shoulder. A few people were staring up at him, marveling how he was carrying the motor vehicle so effortlessly. There was a low squelching noise rumbling from Musa’s gut that made the passengers surrounding him tense in fright. With a gurgle, Musa’s stomach suddenly shrank a few inches, causing them all to collapse closer and gawk at what just happened.

A morbidly obese man blinked at Musa’s shrinking stomach and he grasped his own rolls, staring down at them as he thought, WHY WON’T YOU DISAPPEAR TOO!?

Musa’s metabolism was twice as fast and being a martial artist, it was no surprise that the food he had consumed was already being rapidly converted into energy and nourishment. But it didn’t happen without consequences. Musa’s lips tightened a little as his eyes discreetly peered down at all the people surrounding him from the shadow of his hood. There were so many people and…I got to fart so bad… he thought nervously.

The pressure was tight in his stomach, painfully so. He couldn’t even force it all into a belch if he wanted to. It was already at the backdoor. He had to try not to think about it. The subway stopped. People got off and more got on. Some of those that got on were thugs from the Kinrin District, heading back to their den.

“Ora! All these damn tourists everywhere!” one thug screamed. “What you lookin’ at punk? Wanna get cut?”

“Ah ha ha ha!” the other obnoxiously laughed.

A girl who was sitting in the pregnancy seat—but wasn’t pregnant—and was too selfish to give her seat to an elderly woman, sat comfortably with her creamy leg crossed over her other leg in her short-shorts. She was on the phone and talking to her girlfriend, “Oh my god! So there was this guy starin’ at me. He was a complete weirdo. He came up to me and asked me for my number can you believe it? He looked like some loser from the Kinrin District. No girl; I told him no. Like he was gonna get this. Are you serious?”

The noise they were all making. It was all so annoying. One kid started blasting hip hop music on his phone not caring who all wanted to hear it. He started bobbing his head to the music and rapping along. Musa closed his eyes—clenched them until his brows started to shake. How could anyone concentrate in all this noise? This was exactly why he hated the metro. The worst types of people rode it.

Screw this! Musa thought, and he let it rip.

The entire subway fell silent. People were wide-eyed and stunned until a hot and rank odor began rising into the airspace. The Kinrin thugs were livid.

“WHO THE HELL DID IT? I’M GONNA KILL-” the thug started coughing. “It got in my mouth!”

Chaos erupted in the car as people started screaming and jostling about. They couldn’t escape it. When was the next stop!? Musa brought his sleeve up to his face to guard his nose. That one had been rotten, and normally he would have felt ashamed or embarrassed, but these people were so deserving of it.

“Oh my god! (cough cough) Somebody just farted on the metro! (cough) I-I can’t talk. I gotta go!” the annoying girl hung up her phone and dug in her purse for a tissue to cover her nose and mouth with. As soon as the metro arrived at the next stop, the entire car emptied as though there was a bomb on it. Musa sighed in relief as he set down his moped and took a seat upon the comfy seat. He crossed his arms before his chest and comfortably eased his head back against the subway wall as he rested the whole way to the end of the rails.

 

[Fearmonger]

Name: Addison Jose Alexandros
Race: Human
Aura: Bronze
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 11:18 AM
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kinrin District.
Tagging: _Line 213 , The Black Knight , Ginko The Mushishi , Nenma Takashi , Zamasu , Tiramiisu

Addison watched as what seemed to just be a simple fight turned into all hell breaking loose. First of all his possible date had frozen at the door most likely due to the fact that a murder had just taken place in the resutrant...or maybe it was just the fighting itself that was the problem for her, after all, it was getting worse and worse, it's a shame as well to say she actually looked like she was about to come and join him as well. Second well the aftermentioned murder didn't make the situation any better, who the hell murders someone in the middle of a fight how boring, to kill someone is easy an untrained child with a knife could kill someone a martial artist should never resort to killing without a better option.

It was at this point that Addison was about to join the fight on the side of the Deathstalkers mostly because the girl that had killed someone was on the other side. Addison slowly rose to his feet until he heard a loud voice booming, it was from a man in a wheelchair to which Addison guessed that was the man himself Koizumi Akashiro. Addison slowly sat back down he had no reason to get involved it was just a simple gang fight. From watching the fight bother sides were holding out but it was clear who was going to win and it wasn't going to be the Deathstalkers but of course they had reinforcements on the way which could change everything and oh boy it did.

As the reinforcement arrived everything had changed. It was now ten vs seven not including how many were out of commision but for Addison what had changed was that he was not allowed to leave which just caused a deep sigh to escape his mouth before his usual smile returned, it's not like he planned to leave before he got food anyway so he was more than happy to wait it out and that's when it happened. The girl he had invited inside for a free meal got injured which was completely Addison's fault since she was looking to get away from this place but not Addison just had to try and get her to join him for a meal despite a fight going on.

Addison's usual smirk disapperard as he rose to his feet, his face now covered with a deadly serious expression his eyes locked directly onto each of the Deathstalkers members one after another slowly. Removing his jacket and walking towards the kitchen and right up to the girl who he got dragged into this situation he simply placed his coat next to her, placed his glasses on top and said a few simple words. "Sorry, you'll be out of here soon." After which he gave her a light pat on the head before leaving the kitchen. "Congratulations Deathstalkers You've managed to piss me off." Addison said before giving them the come get me sign with his hands. Since Addison's preferred style is defensive in nature and fights from a rather static fighting style he finds trying to egg his opponents to come and fight him is much easier.

 

[Tiramiisu]

Name: Aoki Heizo
Race: Human
Aura: White
Date/Time: January 1, 2025
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District (Attempting to save an ex-legend's restaurant)
Tagging: The Black Knight , Ginko The Mushishi , Nenma Takashi , Zamasu , _Line 213 , Fearmonger

Aoki was on the sidelines, focusing on stretching out her right shoulder in an attempt to stop the searing pain. The fight seemed to be going well from her point of view. The clumsy girl from before had broken out of her shell, revealing her true nature. The foreigners were holding their own pretty well and two more civilians showed up, which was strange on its own. She honestly had no idea why some people decided to flock into the restaurant while there was a fight going on. The food must have been worth it for all this. Aoki stood up from her spot, preparing herself to help out in the remaining fight until she heard hysterical laughter and a horrifying crunch sound. Her eyes widened at the lifeless body of Chikao, the blood pooled around him on the wooden floors of the restaurant.

The mood instantly shifted within the building and Aoki didn't know how to react. She knew murders happened almost daily in the Kinrin district, but to view one right in front of you? Even if the individual is downright evil, she didn't feel right having to decide whether or not they should live or die. Getting their ass kicked is a given, but death lasts forever. With the fight ultimately dying down, Aoki turned to an enraged Akashiro to pay her respects before she heard the door chime once more. Five more goons showed up and one of them began reviving the previously defeated gang members. Her heart sank when Helmet rose up, green eyes automatically glaring towards her. If looks could kill, she'd definitely be dead right now.

Her right shoulder was still sore, but she could push that pain aside to fight. It was a 6v10 fight now, that one of the newcomers joined the fight, and they were still clearly outnumbered. But given their skills, Aoki knew they could at least hold them off long enough to not bring the restaurant down on top of them. Aoki readied herself, hitting her knuckles together to have her ki reappear around her hands, engulfing them in the white energy.

The thought of calling Kei for help crossed her mind because after all, it was sort of his fault that she got dragged into another fight in the first place. She shook her head, instantly getting rid of the idea. This was a gang fight, she didn't want to drag him down that path again. Besides, she was perfectly capable of holding out on her own and she had other people with her. Aoki went to rejoin the group.

"We could knock them down all we want, but we won't get very far without taking down that healer," Aoki stated, her eyes focused on Jesus. "If we can just have an opening to get to him first, taking all the others down at once would simple."

 

[Nenma Takashi]

Name: Taiga Ryuzaki
Race: Human
Aura: Purple
Date/Time: January 1, 2025, 11:19 AM
Location: Akashiro's Restaurant, Kirin District
Tagging: Tiramiisu The Black Knight Ginko The Mushishi Zamasu

Crack. That's the sound Taiga heard it wasn't a sound heard from within the restaurant it was a sound heard from within Taiga. It was the sound of her peaceful life been broken like a twig. Ending with the life of Chikao you would Taiga would hate the crazy knife girl but instead she was just more focused on the fact she had lost her chance to have a normal life. Maybe winning this fight would change that maybe if they could just pull off a win her chance would return. She balled her fist and stood aside the others ready to fight it was very subtle but her right leg wobbled just slightly still a bit hurt from Akinari's attack. Yet it was a sign of weakness that this pack of animals didn't miss especially Tensai who lunged for Taiga who jumped back to dodge. Tensai's attack missing Taiga felt on the opposite end of her previous strategy to control the battle by making the first move. It was now the Deathstalkers who made the first move each dodge Tensai's attack got closer and closer to hitting Taiga. Yet she didn't fear an attack from him she could keep dodging all day and that meant one less foe the others would have to face. If push came to shove she'd use Seppeku on him like she had with Akinari.

Suddenly Tensai's attack stopped coming and he simply stood before her his face blank, until a smirk spread onto it. "I get it now. All these dodges but not a single counter. Dodging must be your whole thing well." His movement was sudden he spun on his heel his bone staff smacking the side of Taiga's head she never saw the attack coming, just as Tensai had planned. Taiga hit the ground not moving Tensai took one look at his staff then back to Taiga. "Get up that trick won't fool me." Taiga felt her heart stop upon hearing that standing up her question of how was answered before she even asked it. "That hit didn't feel right, you must've jumped in the direction of the attack before it made full contact. Nice reaction time I gotta say but if that's all that's to the trick then." He lunged forward punching forward but Taiga would not be surprised this time she titled her head to dodge his punch just missing her, just as he had planned once again. Tensai brought his arm back grabbing hold of Taiga's shoulder, before she could do anything to counter his grab he drove his knee into her stomach. Taiga dropped to the ground just seeing her move once he already found the perfect counter to it. Taiga can't lessen the damage if she can't move on her hand and knees Taiga attempted to regain her breath. 'He's too strong my style it's not fit to fight people like this. It's just as mother said,' "You movements are impressive but a style like that can not hope to defeat a strong martial artist." 'I didn't care at the time, since I figured my biggest obstacles to having a normal life were common thugs. I made a mistake a huge mistake. My biggest obstacle to having a normal peaceful life wasn't common thugs it was the strong.' She looked up at Tensai as he brought his staff up and hit Taiga like it was a golf club sending her rolled across the ground she struggled to her hands and knees again. 'What's gonna happen if we lose, are they really gonna kill us? Is this really gonna be the end of me? Am I gonna die here?'

Taiga struggled to her feet Tensai walked slowly towards her giving Taiga just enough time to get to her feet. 'I can't die here! I refuse to die here! I refuse to lose my shot at a peaceful life so soon! I refuse to lose!' Taiga readied herself for another round with Tensai but the only question was, how was she to take him down?

 

[iijora]

Name: Juro Gouki
Race: Human
Aura: Vermillion
Date/Time: January 1, 2025
Location: Kirin District, Akashiro's Restaurant
Tagging: The Black Knight

Juro strolled down the street with one hand buried deep in his pocket, the other holding a folded scrap of paper. He grumbled to himself as he checked the address yet again. He'd been looking for this restaurant for over an hour! How he'd gotten lost he had no idea -- well... maybe he had some idea. He'd always been kind of shit at following directions and getting lost was pretty normal and a frequent occurrence. Juro honestly was more bothered by all this damn walking, it was so boring! He had no music to listen to, only the thoughts that swirled around in his head. A place which he usually tried to avoid, as it didn't take long before the memories of Shao started rolling and his eyes would grow angry and hot. The last thing he was gonna do was breakdown and cry on some random street corner for his friend, he was tougher than that. Or at least he'd like to believe he was. His eyes would drift back towards the page before sighing in exasperation and tossing it over his shoulder.

"Fuck it."

Stuffing his hands back into his pockets he took a street at random only to instantly be met with what he was looking for. Before he could celebrate however, Juro quickly noticed shit was hitting the fan. The windows to the shop were busted, and through them he could somewhat see that the rest of the shop had gotten pretty trashed as well. Not only that but a small group was making their way inside the building, with a teal haired individual following at the back. Juro could see it by the way they dressed, the way they walked and how they carried themselves, they were probably gangsters or at the very least up to no good.

Before he even realized what he was doing, his feet were pounding up the asphalt at a breakneck pace towards the shop. Juro's pulse was already racing as he heard the sound of his own heart pounding in his ears. He could feel the corners of his face lighting up in a grin. He barely needed an excuse to fight on a good day, so this was a real special occasion. Still charging towards the shop, he leapt in the air his momentum still carrying him forward towards the exposed back of the teal haired man. Turning his body slightly, he would tuck his knees up towards his chest before shooting them outwards in a drop kick aimed for the back of the leaders head! "A-BOMB!"

 

[Xale]

Name: Jean-Victor Corbin
Race: Human
Aura: Light Purple
Date/Time: January 1, 2025,
Location: Apartment in Seifu District to Kinrin District, Outside Akashiro’s Resteraunt
Tagging: The Black Knight iijora

JV has been trying to work up the nerve to go find Koizumi Akashiro for almost a month now. His burning desire to avenge his masters, the Titanic Three, was only met by his fear to actually take on Noblesse. It hadn’t taken much work to search the Internet to find that the former champion fighter had a restaurant in Kinrin District, it wasn’t exactly a secret, however it seemed he now wanted a quiet life. While JV could respect that, he still felt the need to find guidance in his planned war with Noblesse. This conviction had solidified the night before, New Year’s Eve. It had been a tradition in the Corbin household to declare a resolution for the New Year, and JV did not want to break that tradition his first New Year’s away from his parents.

Thus at 11:57, JV had decided that he would proceed with his chosen quest, the first step being to learn from Akashiro. So upon waking up at 7:40 on New Year’s Day, JV prepared to get ready to head down to Kinrin District. It was a place he had been before, but if he had the option to avoid that neighbourhood he generally did. It was also the place in which he had briefly died. So a lot of bad memories. He decided to dress in cheap clothing, making sure not to wear anything valuable looking that might prompt a mugging. So he set out from his home in Seifu District wearing a gray hoodie and sweat pants, with his pair of baston hidden away in a black gym bag.

The subway ride from Seifu to Kinrin was not too long, but it seemed a world apart as JV got off at the station. The Kinrin station had walls covered in graffiti and had a distinctly odd smell. JV quickly got over the minor culture shock as he exited onto the street. According to the Internet, Akashrio’s restaurant was not too far from the subway. JV checked his phone, noting that it was just after 11:00 and that the walk would be about twenty minutes. JV put his phone away as he began his trek toward Akashiro’s.

JV kept to the main streets, avoiding alleys and other poorly visible areas. Fortunately the only people accosting him were some beggars. He felt bad as he hadn’t any credits to give them, but he knew it would most likely go to drugs in a place like this. He was still mulling over it when he spotted the neon sign for Akashiro’s. JV immediately switched to excitement as he dashed toward the restaurant. As he got closer he noticed that several windows were broken and that the sounds of a fight could be heard inside.

“Ah man, guess I got to save the day,” JV smiled.

He rummaged through his gym bag, pulling out both wooden sticks that were his baston. He realized that the door was on the other side of the building, so he ran toward it, the smile on his face getting bigger. As he turned the corner the smile faded. Guarding the door was a muscular man in black. JV recognized the colours; the Deathstalkers. Besides Noblesse these were the one group in Andromeda that JV feared the most. He quickly steeled himself as he knew people were in need.

JV ran toward the teal haired Deathstalker, “Out of my way creep or I’ll-”

Another man came out of nowhere, leaping into the air and aiming a kick at the gangster’s head. JV froze as this newcomer at started the fight for him. JV was unsure of what to do as the attacking man rapidly descended toward the Deathstalker.

 

[Elenion Aura]

Name: Kuron
Race: Humanoid Android
Aura: Yellow
Date/Time: January 1, 2025
Location: Kinrin District; Outside Akashiro's Restaurant
Tagging: The Black Knight iijora Xale

Diagnostic scan complete. All systems nominal. Ready to proceed.​

Kuron opened his eyes to a world enshrouded in darkness. A familiar sight. One by one, the rows of fluorescent ceiling lights snapped to life, bathing the lab in their otherworldly, blue-tinted glow. Kuron did not blink. Instead, he rose from the chamber which was his bed and stepped, fully clothed, onto the sleek lab floor. He was alone. This was unusual. Typically Dr. Fischer accompanied him on routes through the city. Today was a special day.

"Is this thing on? KURON, can you hear me?" The voice of a man far away echoed inside his mind.

"Affirmative." Kuron responded.

"Excellent! I see... Everything appears to be in order. Shall we be off? When you are ready, stand over on the platform like usual and I'll activated the lift."

Kuron did as he was bid, gathering his cap and his large officer's jacket, throwing the latter over his shoulders and pulling on a pair of gloves before coming to a halt atop the raised panel in the floor that served as the only way in and out of the secret bunker. A soft mechanical whir alerted him to the activation of the lift's hydraulic systems, and before long he was rising steadily upwards, toward a similarly sized panel above which opened just in time to usher him out of the unnatural death light of the lab and into the warm light of day.

Sunlight was trickling in through the entrance to the sewer. It was late morning. Kuron followed the light, and it lead him into an alleyway in the Kinrin District of Andromeda city. He shouldered his way past droves of people moving away from the very place he was seeking to reach.

"KURON, report." Chimed the Voice Inside His Head.

"On approach. High activity. I will have visual soon." Before he could see Akashiro's Restaurant, his auditory sensors picked up something. Very soon he could hear it. The sounds of commotion. Idle chatter of the crowds parting in his wake told him enough to fill in the gaps. He kept what he learned to himself. Soon enough the whole truth of the matter would become clear. As the sounds grew closer, his pace quickened, heavy boot-falls muffled by the sounds of chaos just around the next corner.

When he came to it, Kuron stopped short, on high alert, the edges of his officer's jacket billowing up beside him. The signs of an altercation were clear. The restaurant's windows had blown apart. Through them he thought he could make out vague silhouettes, one of which appeared to be in a wheelchair. Several of these figures were locked in pitched battles both inside and out. The Voice of Dr. Fischer broke the silence of his mind.

"Hm... Looks to be a bit of gang activity. Roughing up the former World's Greatest! Shameful."

That was all. Nothing more. The Voice had gone silent, and the sounds of the nearby fight had flown back to him to fill in the space that its absence left behind. The three closest combatants appeared to be relative newcomers to the fray. One was attempting to attack the other from above, while the third watched, possibly searching for an opening himself. Kuron gazed from across the street as the action unfolded before his eyes.

"Permission to engage?" Kuron requested of his handlers in a dull voice, already pulling his gloves off one at a time. There was a distinct pause before The Voice answered.

"... Denied."

"Understood." He stopped what he was doing and stood there, as still as a statue. And all the while, the storm across the street raged on.

Scanning... Scanning... Standby.​