Agent Orange

[Oya]

It had been a while since Oya had returned to Bern, and he was not here for pleasantries either. The pirate and his crew were preparing for something big. They needed supplies and resources for a siege, and Oya wanted Oil, and plenty of it. The pirate and his crew had stopped near a small deserted Island out at sea. The Island was relatively unknown and  Oya's mother has stored a large supply of Oil there for safe keeping not long ago. While Oya's men were loading the ship with their soon to be weapons of death Oya decided to visit the town on the main land. It was not far from were they had set anchor. Oya and a few men took a few boats and rowed to the main land. There they split up for a bit to do some personal shopping.  It had been quite a while since Oya had been in this portion of Bern and the young scholar wanted to see if he could find any information on his clan while he was here.

Oya knew a few of their relatives use to live here in the past and he wanted to see if they had records about them. Putting together a entire genealogy of his clan was oya current goal. That and determine if the violent streak he and his cousins seem to have is a recent thing, or if it follows them back into their history. It was not a easy task. As Oya needed to go all around Bern and other places and search through records and old folk tales, but the young man was determined to see it done.

As Oya entered the little town he began to get many of stares. At first Oya was puzzled by this, but soon realized that most people were looking at the weapon on his back. Xigshaw, was a massive rod of iron. The fact that it was being held by Oya, who was small in comparison to some men, made everyone stare. The massive weapon made Oya look smaller than he was and made him stand out like a sour thumb.

"Maybe I should have left Xigshaw on the ship", spoke Oya to himself. Suddenly the hammer seemed to weigh a bit more. "What in the world", spoke Oya. He was just starting to get use to this weapon. He heard that magical weapons had a personality of its own. He wondered if he offended Xigshaw some how.

[Mystigan]

Mystigan let out a low whistle as the teenager stomped through the street, every eye in the place was directed toward the red haired pirate. While the other civilians probably were just surprised at the youth's choice of weaponry, Mystigan knew the kid was a dangerous pirate. Not only that, but the red tressed sea rat also had a hefty bounty above his head. In fact, he was holding the paperwork in his hand. It gave a short description of the mark, and a long list of crimes committed. While normally Mystigan stuck to taking on less high-profile bounties, this one was right in front of him! He hadn't even intended on looking for the pirate, since Mystigan couldn't swim he figured hunting a pirate down would come with a high risk of drowning and he certainly didn't want that. But this was a golden opportunity he couldn't let slip past him.

Mystigan followed the boy, walking at a distance using crowds of peasants and sailors as cover. He nearly lost the kid following at a healthy distance did have its disadvantages, but this way the lad would hopefully not be aware of his stalker until Mystigan had obvserved him quite thoroughly. It was a habit of his, he wanted to know his target's habits, small quirks, and any other detail that could prove useful in taking him down. It was an invaluable skill he'd used to exploit any angle he could against his marks. Mystigan's eyes scrutinized the lad's image heavily, looking for jewelry, scars, unusual gestures or anything unique to Oya's person. Not every detail mattered, but if he could find something to exploit he may be able to take the teenage pirate down without much fuss.

He'd have to make a move soon. He didn't want to mess with the lad's entire crew. It was crucial the mark was alone, but Mystigan knew he had to be patient if he wanted to do this right, jumping in whilly-nilly was the fool's favorite way to die. And Mystigan was no fool.

[Oya]

Discomforted by the stares Oya took a turn off the main road and made his way through the back road. Oya had a general idea of where he was going. The town hall was always the biggest building. Well biggest building next to the church. Taking another left turn and a quick swoop back onto the main road and walked up to the big building. The pirate opened the door and walked inside. His presence caused a few people to raise a eyebrow. 

"May I help you", asked one woman as she walked up from one of the corners. The way she dressed told Oya she did not work here, but rather she was probably a regular. Oya wondered if she had family there or something. It was clear to him however. That people in the building were a bit intimidated by him. Walking with a big stick usually did that too people. The only one who had the courage to come up and talk to him was this lady. Which was a sad sign of the state of affairs for this city. Then again the guards here probably did not talk, but rather broke heads. The moment Oya walked in they began to tighten their grip on their blades and stare at him with caution.

"Yes", spoke Oya. "I wanted to know if I could look at some of the records."

"The records", spoke a man's voice as it came from the right corner of the room. Suddenly a jolly man with a wide gut and a monocle walked out. He was dressed like a penguin and had a very tall black top hat. If oya hod to guess he would say this man was the mayor of the town.  "Your wish to see the records", asked the man as he looked at Oya.

"Yes, I would", spoke the pirate as he struggled to hold back from chuckling.

"Well then I am sorry, but I am going to have to deny your request", spoke the man.

"Excuse me", spoke Oya. His expression soon turned sour and a jerk from his body put the guards on edge. Immediately they drew their swords and as a result oya touched the hilt of Xigshaw.

"Hold on a second", spoke the chubby man as he motion for his guards to put up their swords. "Now, now, there is no reason to be so rude to the young man." Following his instruction the guards sheath their blades, but kept a keen eye on Oya. "The young man was a bit upset, but there is no reason to draws swords."

"May I ask why", spoke Oya to the man.

"Why can't you see our records", spoke the man.

"Yes", replied Oya. Immediately the well rounded man began to chuckle. The very action was considered insulting to Oya. If he did not have armed soldiers around Oya would have probably cut him down for such a offense.

"Foolish young lad", spoke the man. "The records are for the people of this fair city", he spoke. "You are not from here and thus why would we allow you to see our records."

"I understand, but", spoke Oya, but the chubby man cut him off.

"Now now, I know you must have traveled a long way to get here and you are probably looking for information regarding one of the citizens or former citizen of this fair town, am I correct", he asked. Oya nodded his head and the chubby man continued. "Well I am going to have to tell you won't be getting any information from here. Well unless you merry into the town I guess", spoke the man in a coy tone. "However with a face like yours I doubt it", he spoke and then began to chuckle fiercely.

"Alright you fat old", spoke Oya before he was once again cut off by the jolly man.

"Now that is enough", he spoke with a seriousness that he did not have before. It seemed the words fat and old really got under his skin. "I said you can not see the records and you can not. If you will so kindly leave the premises, or I will have the guards escort you out", he spoke. That armed men turned their gaze toward Oya and the pirate realized he was not in a situation he could win.

"Very well", spoke Oya as he stared at the man. "Excuse my intrusion", spoke the pirate as he walked outside the building. Oya did not show it on his face, but he was as angry as a bull right now. If there was one thing he did not like and that was being denied information. Especially information that concerned his family. "That fat old pig", spoke Oya as he began to put his mind to work. 

[Mystigan]

Mystigan waited just outside the Townhall's door pretending to read his tome. He didn't have to wait long for the boy to come back out in a huff, Mystigan watched him out of the corner of his eye barely holding back a grin. He'd learned one very important piece of information, Oya was a tad shy it seemed. The way he purposefully bypassed the crowds to avoid their stares proved that much, and Mystigan knew Oya wasn't expecting any friendly gestures from someone in the city. In fact, Mystigan wagered a pirate with Oya's history of violence was planning revenge for his poor treatment by what sounded like the mayor of this place.

Greetings young one. Mystigan shut his book, walked toward the teen putting his hands inside of his robe's oversized sleeves and locking them together over the book, and finally gave a short bow. Please, allow me to show you some of my home's more hospitable places. I heard your argument with the Mayor, I'm sure you're thirsty after exchanging words with that oaf. He smiled at the teen, he gave off no sign of his true intentions, and by his clothing, he was clearly a member of the St. Elimine clergy, most likely an acolyte. Hopefully the lad would welcome a gesture of kindness, otherwise Mystigan would have to get straight to the point.

[Vincent]

Vincent wandered the streets of the town looking for any interesting characters. It had been months since the attack on the road and he was lost. Was he headed south, north, either? He had no map, for his friend had carried it. Upon finding the town he wanted to find his bearings and knew only he was in Bern. Passing what he thought looked to be town hall he saw a young man leave with a large weapon on his back. Could anyone possibly carry that he wondered?
About to enter the building he noticed a man carrying a tome confronting the boy. Was that a magic tome? Maybe those two aren't from here. Cautiously Vincent approached trying to find the right words. If they were mercenaries he could be on the right track to finding Ash but even if they weren't maybe they could still help. Standing across the street from them he practiced what to say earning an odd glance from a passerby or two. Looking up he noticed at least one one of the men knew he was looking at them.

[Oya]

"Greetings young one", spoke a voice from Oya's side. The pirate turned and looked to see Mystigan walking toward him. The man began to speak to him, but Oya drowned out his words. He was far too angry to listen to what he was saying, but his eyes however were more keen to Oya's situation. At first Oya threw him off as a priest. However his muscles and superior physical traits told the young lad something more. Their was no way a brother in the church would be that strong. They were more into prayer and reading than physical training. No this guy had to be something else, something more. Maybe he was a mercenary. Maybe he was a temple guard. Either way Oya did not care what he was saying nor was he interested in him.

"Bugger off", spoke Oya as he turned and began to walk away from the man. Oya looked at the side lines as he walked and noticed another person staring at the two. His attention seemed focus. A bit too focus. The direction of his eyes and his facial expression told Oya that there was something more to the conversation that he and the acolyte had. He did not look at them as if a warrior was standing in front of a defenseless. No he stared on as if two tigers were staring at each other and talking. But why is that. Thought Oya. The man was unarmed and he had a gigantic weapon on his back. The only reason he could think that, thought Oya as he suddenly turned around and took another look at the man. Maybe there was something he missed the first time. Maybe the priest had a tome. If so Oya would need to reevaluate his hypothesis on the man.

[Vincent]

Vincent watched the two men from the safe distance. It was clear the two didn't know each other and the confrontation was making him uneasy. It was like either would lash out at the other at any moment. Exhaling he clenched his fists and approached the two men. "Good day gents," he managed trying to act casual. In all reality though he was nervous and ready to run if they were violent. "You look to not be from here. Obviously-" he gestured his clothing, "neither am I." He felt crushed under their gaze. Loosening his cape's collar with his finger he continued, "Would either of you happen to be mercenaries?"

[Ryuzaki]

"There. And now, we follow. We watch, and... We wait. We hunt. Soon, the kill will be ours."

Lovingly caressing Gemini, the thief let his fingers lay on the sword's handle for a brief moment before moving quietly after the orange haired bounty hunter. He would have to strike quickly and quietly, take the man's cloak or head, and get out.

Moving onto a low-hanging roof, the thief looked down at the situation. There was the mark. Michigan, his name was, or something like that. And there was another one, probably his mark's mark. But then who was the third one? The whole situation seemed tense, and Ryu capitalized on his opportunity. They'd be paying attention to each other, and not expecting an aerial assault. Good.

With nary a sound save a nearly-inaudible swish, the thief drew the Gemini blade(s). His scythes were safely back at HQ in Lycia, and his iron sword had been successfully converted to a hidden weapon and defense mechanism. His throwing knives were safe in their bandolier, and everything was set.

The thief leaped.

Noiselessly taking to the air, Ryu somersaulted and brought Gemini down, only realizing once he was airborne that he'd made a small gaffe. The sun was coming from behind him, and while his shadow hadn't protruded while he was staking out the scenario on the roof... Once he leaped, it had appeared directly over his target.

As he descended, in the brief shades of a second that he had, Ryu cursed himself. Well, he was no assassin yet. Soon. He'd make the most of this situation, though. He would not let his mark escape.

[Mystigan]

Some peoples children...Mystigan muttered as Oya turned his back on him pridefully. He closed his eyes and sighed. MYstigan had a clear shot at the teen's back. He had the warrant, he had the opportunity, he had his mark. He'd just about drawn his hand out of his sleeves to cast a lightning bolt towards the pirate when oya turned around. Mystigan was no longer smiling, but he certainly wouldn't look threatening. If anything he looked a bit frustrated. The bounty hunter looked the kid in the eye and grinned when the newcomer entered the conversation, asking of Mystigan's and Oya's professions.

Young one, why would you think such a thing? Now there was an innocent involved. He appeared to be shy, alone, and scared. He looked like an orphan. All thoughts of Oya the pirate vanished as Mystigan looked toward the cowering boy. It took some real courage to swallow your inhibitions and face someone down... that, or some serious desperation, and Mystigan could respect both. He left the notion of the bounty behind for now and his gaze softened at the lad. My name is Mystigan, what's yours?

Though when the shadow of what seemed to be a large bird, or maybe even a man passed over him, he was put back on edge. He had a murderously angry pirate on one side, a seemingly defenseless kid on the other, and now a very ominous shadow had passed over him specifically. Perhaps fate would be unkind to the travelling acolyte today, it certainly seemed to be shaping up that way.

[Vincent]

"My name is Mystigan, what's yours?" the kindly acolyte inquired.

"My name is Vincent Clark, and I could tell you were not from here. Perhaps asking if you were a mercenary was presumptuous of me," he laughed nervously one hand behind his head. "But in a shortened version of a long story I've been looking for my friend and I was hoping taking jobs would help me to find him."

As he spoke a shadow loomed overhead. To Vincent it went unnoticed but the acolyte was suddenly on edge. Vincent had long been bullied as a child and the note of tension put him on alert, but from what? "Is something the matter sir?" he asked glancing around but nothing of note was out there. The assassin in hiding went unseen. Vincent shrugged it off and continued, "Plus I'm quite inexperienced with a blade and I could use a teacher."

[Kyle]

Here it was, the first bounty he'd tried after the disaster in Sacae because of Orcleous or whatever his name was and it was already in danger of being ruined. He had spotted Near on the rooftops earlier. Great. Whenever Near was around things went wrong. The expedition in Bern, the job going to Nabata, well not this time. He had saw that there was a bounty on Near, not nearly as much as his target, but it was enough to get the guards' attention. And that it did. Kyle went to one of the guard stations and reported that Near was in the area and where he was last. A quick easy capture might still save enough face for the real target, but he had his doubts about Near giving up so easily.

Getting back to where he last saw HIS mark he was relieved to see that the character was still around, though something looked off; it had to be that axe on his back that seemed large enough to be comical. It was an interesting weapon to be sure, he wanted a closer look, but looks are for later. After the mark is down.

Then Kyle saw it, Near about to pounce on someone. No, not now, the mark would get away for sure. Why would he attack in the middle of a town? That guy didn't even appear to have a bounty, well maybe he changed his face. Could people do that? Oh well, But he was just close enough to do something. Walking by the apparent target Kyle tripped with a force of a tackle towards the man to knock them both to the ground and away from Near. All the while keeping his face hidden from Near.

Standing up and brushing himself off he stuttered out some words of apology."Gah! I-I'm sorry. I seemed to have tripped, are you alright?" I seem to have tripped? Why did he have to say that? Why couldn't he be better with words. And hopefully the guards would show soon.

(Even if you dodge the trip Kyle still will hit the ground.)

[Oya]

Oya was on edge he was sure that this man might have been some kind of danger he had missed, but when the boy walked up to them and began to talk all traces of that vanished. Maybe Oya was being far too careful. Maybe his skill at reading people was not as good as he thought. Or maybe the boy had changed things. Either way there was not situation here. Oya was about to take his leave when suddenly a dark shadow appeared over him.

 Immediately Oya went on the alert and drew his weapon. He knew something was wrong. As he drew the great axe from his back he looked up and saw a man flying through the sky. A assassin, thought Oya to himself as he swung his axe at the direction of the man. Oya had seen many of them out at sea. Over the years for some strange reason assassins have been moving into the seas of pirates. Their reason Oya only wondered. However they were still threats to any pirate captain, or merchant fleet.

Oya swung the massive axe with one arm. The weapon barely missed the assassin. Mainly thanks to his target not actually being Oya and the space the pirate was between the two of them. Even though Oya blow missed it did not stop his axe from putting on a show of force. As the weapon slammed into the earth it let out a loud roar as the massive hunk of steel slammed into the stone road with incredible force.

"Crap", spoke Oya as the dust cloud dispersed. "I missed".

[Ryuzaki]

The flight just got more and more interesting. All in the span of a second or two, as he descended, some very bemusing developments occurred. First his target noticed his shadow, but stupidly refused to move. His only saving grace there was some idiot who'd run into him. Damn, what luck. And then the other man, who seemed to be Michigan's target, attacked him. Some guy.

Tucking into a roll and landing safely and softly on the stones, the thief stood up, pointing Gemini at his target as he spoke in a chillingly detached and icy voice.

"I have no quarrel with the axe-man, the sword-fighter, or the one laying on the ground. Leave now. Your lives will be spared, unless my employer wishes it to be otherwise.

Michigan, bounty hunter... It is time you met your maker. Make your peace with your gods; you'll meet them soon enough."

The kid who'd run into his mark sounded familiar when he talked. Where did he know that voice from? It would come back to him soon enough, but now there was a job to do.

Swirling Gemini around in an extravagant taunt, the thief then sprang forward, pouncing and bringing his weapon forward in a lunging attack. If he missed, he was ready to swing the blade to his left as well, allowing him to strike again in quick succession.

[Mystigan]

Well, I'm no swordsman, but I'm sure I could help you find one!-- Whoa! Mystigan was shoved into by an unknown person from behind. He stumbled forward, but he was already bracing for something bad to happen, it didn't take much effort or time to regain his footing. He could hear someone apologizing for tripping into him nearly simultaneous to the sound of Oya's axe crashing into the earth. Mystigan would have been killed had it not been for the clumsy man's shove, without it he would not have turned to see the blue clad figure rolling to his feet.

Mystigan had no time to respond to the figure's unnecessary speech, but he had plenty of time to stop his initial thrust. The acolyte moved nearly as fast as his own lightning magic as he sidestepped away from the initial stab and ducked under the follow up slash. Mystigan was pretty fast, and what more was that he had experience fighting melee combatants, and even more helpful was that his assailant had given him plenty of warning with the initial "edgy" greeting and sword taunt. After ducking under the slash, he used the moment of opening left by the assassin's transition from his missed slash to jump backwards and put a bit of distance between them. He'd need the second it bought him to gather the magical essence of light. A second was all he needed to do it, Mystigan had his left arm in the air, and seemingly pulled a bolt of lightning from the sky and let it fall in Ryuzaki's general location. He hadn't had enough time to make the bolt have a lethal punch, but boy would it hurt if it hit. Even if Mystigan's assailant managed to dodge it, the brightness of being so close to the light magic would be enough to momentarily daze him. That would give Mystigan a few seconds to run to a lesser populated area. For Elimine's sake, they were in the village's square!

Mystigan may have been the target of the attack, but it seemed like he was more worried about the lad, and whoever it was that tripped as he purposefully positioned himself between the blue-clad assassin and the two bystanders. What he failed to remember was that Oya was there too, and the man attacking him had called him a bounty hunter. He still hadn't made any comment toward his foe, it was as if he had nothing to say to such a bully in the first place.

[Vincent]

Vincent struggled to keep up with all the things happening at once. One thing was clear though, he was in the middle of something dangerous. Who was hunting whom? An outcry from an assassin in blue had set everything in motion. The very few things he knew was he had drawn his sword, everyone could be an enemy, or they could entirely ignore him.

He prepared to defend himself trying to get out of the semi ring of combatants. In a flash, somewhat literally, the acolyte leapt into action and began combat with the man in blue. He was ignored aside from a glance from the acolyte and so he backed away and found himself against a wall. Turning he realized it wasn't a wall but Oya.