Vegabonds

[Gene Inari]

Gene's tail idly swayed back and forth as he walked down the old road, dirt and rock crunching under his feet. Today was a long, hard day and Gene was drained both physically and mentally. However, Gene felt a certain pride to the effort he put in to earning his keep. Earn his keep to stay in a warm bed and be under a roof, as apposed to roughing out in a hastily set up camp out in some side of the road. Gene could see the lights of the inn he was staying at through the distance of the night. Coming through the door, Gene greeted the inn keeper, a sweet raccoon girl.

Taking a seat in a quiet corner of the tavern part of the inn, Gene wondered where Shelia was.

[Kruger]

Sheila wandered around the town, taking in the night life. She enjoyed the night, now if only it'd rain. She was minding her own business, ivory bow slung behind her back, sword sheathed, and dagger sheathed behind her lower back. A lot would argue she's well armed for a wandering traveler. But she was no ordinary traveler; it's best if no one knows her true occupation. She strolled through the streets, enjoying the cool night air, and taking in the sights.

Someone was watching this beautiful black jackal from the shadows. Never before has he seen such an elegant bow, made out of a rare material he's seen only once or twice in his life. Not only that but her sword looked worth a lot too. The glistening gold hilt was distracting. The dagger was impressive also, with it's scorpion shaped handle. But daggers aren't all that valuable. An ivory bow would be worth a hefty sum. Especially a gold sword. The bow looked easiest to take. But risking your life against someone as well armed as her would surely be suicide. Though death sounds better than starving. With that in mind he made a dash for the jackal.

Sheila stopped briefly. Something smelled wonderful. But the next thing she knew she was on the ground and felt something being pulled from her back, then nothing. She saw someone run off in the corner of her eye and spotted her ivory bow in their hands. Frustrated, she got back to her feet and began to pursue. She had this whole chase planned out in a matter of seconds. Though she could easily catch this thief, she decided to toy with him. She'd run after him at a slower pace, then disappear. It was dark, therefore giving her an advantage. The thief dodged in and out of the crowd, and Sheila slowly fell behind. After letting considerable distance grow between the two she went to roof tops and pursued from there. She was surprised to see the thief still running, which didn't last much longer. The thief came to a stop to catch his breath. He looked around and didn't see the jackal anywhere in sight; after which he began to walk casually and examined the bow as if he owned it. But judging by the way he was dressed, he couldn't even afford something worth that much.

Sheila followed the thief until he made the mistake of entering an area with very little spectators. Without a sound she jumped from the roof and landed on the thief. "I'll take my bow back now, thanks." She said prying the bow from the thief's hands. "I'm feeling generous, and the fact that you even had the guts to even think about stealing from me; here." She dropped a small bag of money on the ground. "Take it and get out of here." The thief nodded, and frantically got to his feet, grabbed the bag of money and ran off. Sheila sighed as she watched the thief run off. She was just happy to have her bow back. She turned and headed for the inn. She wasn't exactly sure where it was, but it wouldn't be that hard to find.

Sure enough, after a few minutes of roaming around aimlessly, she found it. She entered and found Gene in a corner. She took a seat next to him and smiled. "Sorry about the wait. Someone tried to hijack my bow off me. He didn't get far though."

[Fluxy]

[Okay, I is drawn to this color crap, SO YAY PEER PRESSURE!!!!~]

Sounds of only the wind were really playing off at this time of night, as the town seemed to be rather silent, or at least, not noise or bothersome for some reason. This confused a great deal out of the fox roaming around, as this was news to him and it was only about to get more odd, and perhaps dangerous.

It only took the naive fox less than five minutes to be noticed by a few wolves coming from behind him, as if they were waiting for the fox to show his muzzle publicly. The wolves seemed much lower on the wealth scale to this fox, as they were dressed in a rather loose attire, allowing cuts and parts of their clothing to be raptured from them, or simply dangling off. They seemed to have malicious intent with the grins that were appearing as the quickly advanced to the fox with nothing but knives hidden in their boots, and claws drawn.

"Heya, small fry..." The seemingly alpha male quickly cut off the scared vulpine with great speed, to the point where he had to let out a pant; though it was in a rather deep tone so it only caused more fear to be stricken. "Where's the money you owe us?"

"That's... I paid you the money three days ago!" The small fox, who stood at around five foot two exclaimed. He was dressed in a very elegant manner, to save the long description on his attire, a swashbuckler's stereotypical look would be suffice. He also had a well made, masterwork some would say, rapier at his side; the fox's hand was easily on it by now, his fingers quivering as he grasped the handle. "You promised to leave me alone! And Helena!"

Laughing at the small one's comment, the alpha male looked down at him, an easy foot taller than him to say the least. "Well, if Helena was as short as you, and didn't wield such a big ass sword, we would get on her case, now wouldn't we?" He said with a growl, leering into the eyes of his prey. "But your a man, so you should already understand that we have to hurt you first."

By this time, the fox darted off, using his hind legs to only half of their ability to get away from the threat, as his hands were still shaken with fear. If there was anything he could do well, and even possibly best, it was his acrobatics and running. But this did not stop the wolves at all, as they had one last trick up their sleeve; A hidden member was ready for this, as it had already happened three times before.

The next thing the fox knew, he was close lined, falling to the ground as he grasped his own neck to try and regain control of his inured trachea. The sly wolf there waited for the alpha to come, and when he did, he grabbed the fox by the throat, and lifted the poor choking fox. "Oliver Lambert, I'm done playing with your shit. I'm killing ya, and taking in all your inheritance!"

Suddenly from the inn door, it slammed open, as Oliver was thrown into the inn and onto the ground, the fox landing his muzzle into a simple wooden chair as it broke on the major impact. Oliver groaned as he slowly tried to stand from the overwhelming strength as he looked to the dangerous looking wolf outside.

"Back off, Dalirus!" he shouted, attempting to go for his rapier, still trying to stand at the same time as the four wolves slowly entered.

[Gene Inari]

Gene stood up from the chair he was sitting in as a fox about his size was thrown through the door and loudly crashed into a table and chairs. He watched as the fox tried to pick himself up and four larger wolves came in and stood arrogantly in front of the downed fox. Gene could tell instantly they were up to no good. Gene cursed, he was completely unarmed and armored except for the small dagger he kept on himself all the time, his gear was left safely in his room. Of all the nights I choose to forgo my sword.... They were too far to be of any use. Gene gave Shelia a glance before he quietly rushed forward to help.

The wolves that were on their way in failed to notice Gene coming from the side, they were too focused on their prey. Taking the initiative, Gene went for the wolf standing farthest in the back. Gene clasped both his hands together into a large ball and swung his arms hard into the rear wolf's gut. Doubling over from the strong strike the wolf didn't expect, he could barely start out a groan of pain before a hard knock came to the top of his head and he blacked out.

Only then did the band of trouble notice that they had trouble of their own, but Gene was quick. He was moving to his next target. Gene pulled out his dagger as he kicked the knee out of the next wolf. As the wolf's leg gave way and he fell to a kneel, Gene also gave this wolf a hard knock to the back of the head before locking him in a headlock and holding the knife to his neck. With one down and one hostage, that left two; one for Shelia and the last one for this stranger Gene decided to help.

[Kruger]

Sheila sighed as a small fox was thrown through the door of the inn. "More trouble..." She stood up as Gene rushed forward to help. In a short amount of time, Gene was able to knock one out and the lock another in a head lock. Sheila didn't move. Instead, she stayed where she was, bow drawn and aimed at one wolf. She made herself known by firing one arrow at the wolf, intentionally missing. After the first shot got the wolf's attention she had another arrow aimed right for him.

She was planning on going for a headshot, but had a change of heart. She grinned slyly and aimed downward, then let the arrow fly, right through one wolf's knee. The wolf fell over in pain clutching the arrow with both hands. Sheila approached the wolf, still grinning. She kneeled down beside the wolf. Her grin faded as she drew her dagger and held it to the wolf's neck. Three down, one to go.

[Fluxy]

The alpha still looked down at Oliver, growling as his ears fell back from the others being taken down. "Grrrr... You got lucky; Real lucky..." The wolf could only growl as he turned and booked it, going out with a great haste as his speed was abnormally fast as well. And as soon as he was outside, the wolf was already taking side alleys for his own little hidden base, leaving the other wolves behind.

The setting was rather quite, even for the loud mouthed wolves as they were all either taken into submission, or unconscious. This gave the smaller fox a breath as he took a stand, using his knee as a brace for standing up.

Looking now upon the Jackal and other fox, Oliver smiled and walked over to them, sheathing his own blade; glad beyond anything else he did not have to use it on anyone.

"Thank you both so much, I don't know how I can repay you for saving me." Oliver looked to a vacant chair at this and deqipted his blade and few pouches onto it; The weight was getting to him for some time, and relaxing his muscles would do him good.

The fox seemed rather happy natured, his tail flickering from side to side. He came off looking like a youth almost as well, looking the age of sixteen. If it wasn't for his more refined maturity and way of handling things, many would mistake him for just a naive boy.

[Gene Inari]

Gene's gaze did not move from the last wolf, who made an unceremonious and hasty retreat out. With their leader gone and no real reason to hold his hostage any longer, Gene clocked the wolf he was holding hard in the top of his head with the grip of his dagger. Gene let him fall to a heap on the floor as he was knocked unconscious, the wolf would probably wake up with a nice concussion. Gene heard Shelia do the same thing to the other wolf she had shot in the leg.

"Think nothing of it." Gene said plainly, "Bandits and thugs are a common run in with us. They are a cowardly lot, as you no doubt saw." Gene shook his head, looking down at the three unconscious wolves. Why is it always wolves? Damn their sense of pride. Drives them to banditry like moths to a flame... Gene took it upon himself to remove the wolves from the tavern. Despite Gene's small size, the smallish fox hefted one that was flat on the ground and over his shoulder. Taking him outside, Gene rather lightly dumped them just outside. Hopefully they would wake up and be too afraid to bother them again.

Gene came back for the second wolf and dropped him next to the first. For the third, before removing the bandit wolf from the premisis, Gene disappeared to the upstairs rooms for a brief moment before coming back down with bandage wrap. Without any hesitation, Gene removed the arrow still half-lodged in the wolf's leg and promptly bandaged the wound as he laid on the ground unconscious. After that small courtesy was taken care of, Gene picked him up and took him to the other two who were still knocked out cold.

[Kruger]

Sheila smiled at the Fox and sat back down in her seat. "Name's Sheila. That's Gene." She motioned towards the red fox removing the bodies from the inn. "Gene's right though, we tend to run into bandits quite a bit." She put her bow on the table. "I'm just glad we were able to help." She watched Gene silently. She didn't quite like the fact that one of the wolves was still at large out there. If he was the leader of a small group, chances are he won't hurt anyone for a good chunk of time. But, if he's part of something larger, he'll be back with reinforcements. Reinforcements... I could do with some action.

Sheila crossed her arms over the bow. She looked at the fox. "Question, why we're they after you? I mean if you don't want to tell me it's fine. Just curious really."

[Fluxy]

"Ah!" The fox said, smiling a bit wider as his tail curiously flickered in the air behind him. Oliver nodded with a sense of appeasement and joy; He just got saved, saw his enemies throw out, and didn't have to pay for it; This was a large morale boost the rather small vulpine most desperately needed.

The sense of thanking once more came to Oliver again as he went to their table and sat down with a smile. "Well, if you would allow me to sit, that would be greatly appreciated." The fox said in a rather medium vocal tone, as was his voice. Looking to the table, and then back to the other two saviors, he decided to explain the reasons beyond the odd assault.

"Well... That was Dalirus, the older brother of one of my friends, Mitchel." The young fox started, sighing as he looked down again, just in remembrance of all the past memories. "Actually, to make a rather long story short, I basically ended up taking Mitchel's position as an assistant captain to the 13th court guard, as my leader, Baligard, felt I was more worthy. Mitchel got really angry, told his brother, and now his brother and his friends have a thing for making me pay them 'Protection dues'. Basically, I pay them to protect myself from their claws. And keeping Helena out of it is all I can do really, so I keep making all the payments, and don't let her know about it."

The fox's ear then twitched as he chuckled and looked up to Gene and Shelia. "Not that she couldn't handle them, heh. Just that, you know, once you hurt one, the whole pack comes running. And she can't run as fast as me."

[Gene Inari]

Gene settled back in, finished with the chore of removing the wolves, "So... What is a lieutenant to the captain of the guard doing being extorted? Shouldn't someone like yourself be able to take them on? Be able to call on the very guards he serves?" Gene asked, sounding somewhat critical. "I see that sword of yours. Why do you not use it to protect the ones you care for, to protect your honor, your title? Or are you really not deserving of that sword and the responsibilities it entails? If you cannot protect yourself from a band of thugs bullying you for your coin, what can you protect with that sword?" Gene's gaze was set hard on the other fox.

[Kruger]

Sheila looked at Gene. "A bit harsh?" She looked towards Oliver. "Now that I think about it though, Gene's right." She never would have thought of the situation in this way, and quite frankly, her mind was more interested in a different question. "Anyway, I'm more interested in something else. These wolves, are they a part of something bigger? Possible crime syndicate or something? Or are they just a small group?"

[Fluxy]

Sighing as he looked down and to the side, taking his rapier and setting it on his lap, the fox took out his rag and started to wipe his blade. The rapier had some slight and smaller engravings on it in something that appeared a more elegant language; or at least manuscript if anything.

"I do deserve it, the spot that is." Oliver started, looking down at his blade some more, sighing yet again. "Just... I have my own personal codes, that I choose to only share with myself." The fox now started looking up to Gene mainly, as he was the one to be so critical. "I don't pull a blade on the likes of them; they are not worth it. If they are no harm to anyone, then I won't. If they are, well then..." Oliver said, a small spark of fire eliminating from his thumb for just a split moment as he sighed and closed his eyes, soon re-opening them again. "I'll take care of them."

Oliver then looked to Shelia mainly now, a soft smile coming to him. "I was given my position more so for my mind and athletics rather than overall strength. Speed and endurance, as well as precise placement; That's what I do well in overall.

"So you can decide whether or not you can see that worthy to some degree, but I know Baligard gave me my position because he knew I was best for the job. Either that, or Helena. But she is a loose trigger."

[Gene Inari]

Gene shrugged, it made no difference to him. "Whatever suits you." Gene's tone was clipped and short. "So why are you here? Did they chase you here?"

[Fluxy]

The fox blinked at such a concise answer; but he counted his blessings at all the other things Gene could have said.

"Well, I hate to sound rude, but I am here, as I was properly slammed through the door by their leader..."

[Gene Inari]

Gene shook his head, and waved his hand at Oliver, "I did not mean, 'why are you here at this inn,' I meant to ask, why are you here in this sleepy little town? I doubt someone like the Lieutenant to the Guard would have any reason to be here, wasting their time in a place where nothing happens." Gene paused, shaking his head again, "It is no matter, forget that I asked. It is rude of me to demand so much information from a stranger. And even if I were to know, I will not be around long enough for it to make a difference."

Gene stood up from where he was and made his way to the stairwell to the rooms, "Shelia. My sense of wanderlust is getting the better of me." Gene started, though what he meant to Shelia was that his kitsune spirit was starting to influence him. "And the bandits we took care of made a scene, best not to stick around too much longer." With that, Gene headed up and out of sight.

[Kruger]

Sheila nodded as Gene disappeared. She looked back at Oliver. "You never did answer my question." She grinned as she stood up. "Doesn't matter. If they are part of something bigger, and a threat, I'll find out." She grabbed her bow and slung it around her back. "Well, good night." She then headed up the stairs to join Gene.

[Gene Inari]

When Shelia opened the door to their room and closed it behind her, Gene was standing facing the wall. His left arm was held out straight, hand splayed out as his other hand was clenched tight. Gene's head was held low, staring down, ears down and back, tail curled close. Gene let out a breath and everything shook. His breath shuddered, his shoulders quaked, a chilling spark dragged itself down his spine. Gene could feel it everywhere, that chilling, haunting sensation. The sensation he was losing himself, being forcefully dragged down into that black prison Kin currently resided in. Kin's natural influence flared on its own, the fight only fueled the dark flames residing within him. Not here, not now. Please.

Gene's arm buckled, and while he spun on his heel, he slid rather ungracefully to the floor with a dull thud. Then, a set of pale, yet bright and full blue eyes met his own mismatched green and golden eyes. It was Shelia, who was knelt down on her knees beside him, taking one of his hands. Gene felt a worried, protective squeeze, "Gene? Are you okay?"

"No." Gene's voice came out weaker than expected, it was barely an audible whisper. Gene shuddered again, his body trembling. Shelia moved in closer, only for Gene to push back and stiff-arm the jackal. Gene's body lurched forward, letting out something between an angry groan and an anguished cry. Gene's arm went slack as he curled into himself, whimpering, drawing his knees in, head held low, raven colored bangs concealing his eyes.

Undeterred, Shelia came closer, pressing her hands into Gene's shoulders. Sitting the redfox up straight, Shelia brushed aside Gene's black hair to that same pair of odd colored eyes and held the side of his head. She breathed an inward sigh of relief. Kin was not one to let an opportunity idly pass him by, but Gene kept him in his place. Shelia felt a cool hand clasp over the one she held steadfastly to Gene's cheek and looked back up. Gone was the pained expression, the unleaded fear and the abject terror. Gene's one green eye was a pure, piercing emerald, no longer a muddled hazel from Kin's encroaching influence. "Let us get to sleep. I am much too tired..." Gene said. His tone was no longer sharp and clipped. It was now much softer, familiar, almost musical to Shelia's ears. The deep set scowl and frown from earlier was replaced by a weak, tired half-smile.

"Yes. Let's..."

The mercy of sleep and warm, close company was well received by Gene.

[sorry for the slightly drawn out post, but I was feeling... creative.]

[Fluxy]

Oliver had a more than stereotypical sweat drop as he blinked to himself; Thinking on what truly just happened. Was he clear to go? And more importantly, were they expecting him to stay?

It all really didn't matter to him until he stood up. "Agh!" The fox yelped, realizing he had pulled a muscle, precisely his thumb muscles, as there are three different ones that coordinate it, and all three were injured at the moment. Feeling he could keep going on, he moved and stepped away from the chair, only realizsing that he was not safe like this. His main function of defense was his rapier. Without being able to use it properly, he was almost rendered helpless to anyone with speed like his.

Sighing, the distraught fox took it upon himself to get a room for the night, getting a room on the second floor; All the while, being unaware of what was going on between Gene and the surprisingly good looking jackal.

[Gene Inari]

Gene blinked himself awake, feeling rather well refreshed compared to the last week or so. Sitting up in the bed, blankets slipping off his shoulder, Gene noticed he was the only one in it. The open space next to him was still somewhat warm, Shelia must of just recently woken up. It was early morning. Gene stood up and stretched, pulling a simple cotton shirt from his bag and throwing it on.

Gene headed down to the tavern part of the inn to look for Shelia, maybe see that Oliver fox and possibly apologize for his behavior last night.

[Kruger]

Sheila was out and about, looking for that wonderful smell she picked up the night before, before she got a face full of dirt. The only problem was that she wondered around aimlessly last night. She didn't pay attention to what was around her, not only that, but the chase also put the layout of the town out of kilter for her so everything seems to be in different areas then she previously thought. She walked around for what seemed like hours, which was only mere minutes before she picked up on something. It smelled just as wonderful. Slightly different, but wonderful nonetheless. She followed the scent, hoping it was possibly a bakery.

She found the source of the smell and it was indeed a bakery. She was happy to find that they were open, tending to the breakfast crowd. Sheila entered. The proprietor gave her a friendly wave and smile as he cared for another customer. She browsed the various baked goods until she decided on what she wanted. She made sure to get enough for her and Gene, and a little extra for the one they saved the night before. The proprietor smiled as he filled her order. Business must be great...

She left the bakery happy, and with food in hand. And she payed attention to where she was going this time around, making the trip back to the inn easy, and quick. She entered the inn and sat down at the table Her and Gene sat last night. She set the food in the middle of the table and waited patiently for Gene, or Oliver to wake up.

[Fluxy]

Stretching his arms and giving off a yawn from waking up finally, Oliver looked to his hand and his thumb was feeling slightly better. "Hmmm... I really should be getting back... Helena wouldn't too much like it if I was gone this long." He said with a nod, one that no one could see of course, as he got up and re-dressed into his more formal clothes once again. They were still in great quality condition, with the exception of the tarnishes from the insident of the night prior, but still better than what most wore usually.

He casually placed his sword at his side, and one last time stretched, focusing mainly on his back, before heading out into the halls, and eventually heading downstairs, and into the main part of the inn to check out, and head back on his way.

'I wonder where those two went....'

[Fira-Astrali]

(locked)