Returning the Favor [Open]

[Baako]

Baako traveled through the streets of Ilia with a frown. This place was much too cold for his liking even with the proper clothing, but it wasn't just the weather that bothered him. The people here were oddly similar to the ones back home, fighters of all kinds walked the streets but the Illian guard was a familiar sight as well. Ignored the change in structures and the obvious increase in money to the region Illia was a lot like Bern.

"Oi Baako!"

Snapping from his thoughts Baako found the man he was looking for, "Oi, Jino." Jino, a fellow street dweller and friend was about two years older than Baako with short red hair and green eyes. They used to be in a sort of gang together, a brotherhood to look out for one another when things got tougher than usual. Now he picked up work which lead him to Illia, where he's been ever since.

"You haven't changed Baako, still the same rough looking kid with a naked blade hahaha!!" He was a cheerful guy, not really one for fighting but he had alot of connections back in Bern which Baako was sure only grew since then. It was Jino that they trusted to handle the money and the guard if people came poking around. "Yea i'm sure i'll grow eventually, maybe into a giant like you."

"Hahah Maybe, but only if you're a good boy! Come one lets get some food in you." They headed deeper into town, conversing on past events and catching up from the year they were separated. It felt good to talk with one of the old gang, especially since only the small fry are left in Bern with the other five scattered to the wind. "So what is you called on me for? Caused me a bit of trouble to come all this way you know."

"Ah yea i bet, specially coming outta Bern as it is now. Still you're the only one who still lives there and the others are impossible to keep track of." They turned another corner, avoiding one of the merchant crowds who seemed to spill his wares, "I've gone legit you know, opened up a weapons shop of my own and plan on making a killing off of all this violence. Trouble is there are some who want a piece of the pie. I've been approached multiple times by thugs wanting me to pay them protection, starting to get the feeling they'll take drastic measures to get it across. That's where you come in. I know they ain't nothing serious just some petty thugs that can't hack it on the battlefield, but i figure if you muscle up on them the next time in they'll leave well enough alone."

Baako nodded, it made sense that someone like Jino would want to keep his head down and earn an honest living for once, but it was eerie how he'd done almost like Borgus had done, only his wasn't a front for something bigger. "Well, I don't mind cracking some skulls for old times sake. Favor for a favor right?" It was how they worked. Gold was always nice yea, but there were times when a favor from a friend would need to be called in like now.

"Course, i ain't completely soft you know? All i ask is that you try to keep my business out of it when you come calling yea?"

[Deleted]

It had been a long time since Lucius had come to Ilia, it was still as cold and dreary has he had remembered. The Ilian occupation of Bern however was kind to his purse. Angry rebels and bandits made it easy to come across jobs worth good money. A merchant he was buying supplies from had been unwelcoming to him however and he was in a sour mood. "You are trying to scam me you puny spit."

"No sir, I assure you they are quite fresh top of the market. The best in town." The merchant was nervous. Lucius had a large build and scarred face. A testament to his years of combat.

"Then why is everything bruised and rotted!?" He challenged. "I'm quickly losing patience with you. Now you will either sell these at a discounted price or I'm going to ruin your entire stand!"

"No, please don't do that!" the merchant begged. "How about I charge you 90%!? Will that satisfy?"

Lucius pretended to ponder the offer. "90% huh?" The merchant began to relax and smiled nervously. "90%" He repeated. "Hey! Everyone! This man is going to sell me rotted fruit for 90% the normal price of fresh to average fruit!" Lucius had had enough. Placing his foot on the merchant's cart he let the crowds gather.

"Sir, please," the merchant begged. "Just take the produce and go."

"No, no, no. You are a swindler, and I'm going to make an example out of you." He turned to face the crowds. "A while ago, Ilia came to occupy Bern. Now your good money and taxes are higher in support of this. The Bermese have the gall to rebel and now your husbands go off to quell the fighting. I say to you how many have lost loved ones to the rebel tyranny? Come on don't be afraid, raise your hands. Raise them high." Lucius watched as at least a dozen wives bravely came forth.

"Here you go." He tossed pieces of fruit to each woman. "It's on him. But don't worry. It's no loss. Look at it. It is rotted. It is men like him who believe they can capitalize on others pain. But in truth it is the likes of him who make each and everyone of you suffer." Finally turning back to the cart Lucius whispered to the merchant. "Good luck talking your way out of this one." He overturned the cart spilling over all the man's fruit.

Shouldering his axe Lucius walked away and turned back to finish his speech, "If you want your husbands, and son's, and even your daughter's sacrifices to mean something don't let men like him do as they please." With that he walked down the street letting the crowd's rage ignite. He enjoyed the sight and frankly he didn't think the merchant would be coming out okay if the guards didn't step in.

"-opened up a weapons shop of my own and plan on making a killing off of all this violence. Trouble is there are some who want a piece of the pie," said a man in passing Lucius. This sounded interesting to Lucius. A job perhaps? Biting into an avocado he took from the merchant he decided to follow from the distance to learn more before offering his aide.

[Baako]

The two of them made it through undisturbed and arrived at a worn little building tucked away from the main roads in town. The building wasn't anything pretty, worn tiles and dusty windows that spoke volumes of its vacancy, "Doesn't look like much eh?" Baako was never one to dance around with his opinion and it was no different with an old friend.

Jino for his part just laughed it off, "Yea she'll need some work, but she's mine. Its actually cleaner than it looks, i just haven't gotten around to cleaning the windows or fixing the roof. Come on i'll show you inside." As they approached Baako couldn't help but notice that the door looked to be brand new, standing out against the contrast of everything else. Jingo had not spared any expense on security at least, behind the dusty window was a set of iron bars, and the lock on the door was new as well.

But true to his word the inside of the store was a lot nicer. Display cases sat un-stocked but clean and polished, while the walls were bare save for a few lamps. It wasn't the most spacious store he'd ever been it, but all things considered it was a hell of a start for someone who'd come from nothing. "I'm calling her The Fighting Chance. I think it fits our situation well enough. In a couple of days the stock will be in and our little store will be open for business."

[Deleted]

The two talked business like old friends coming to a run down building in a desperate state of repair. "What a dump," he muttered. The two went inside. A new door? Must be getting worked on. He waited outside for the right time to enter. The fighting chance? He laughed at the irony. "He has a good naming sense, I'll give 'em that."

"Time I made my entrance," Lucius said to himself before swinging the door wide open so that it slammed into the wall behind it. Strutting in axe over his shoulder he quickly noticed he was the tallest and strongest in the room. "Good afternoon gents!I like the place you've got here. 'The Fighting Chance' is it? I wanted to make an inquiry as to what you deal in?"

[Baako]

The sound of the door caused Baako and Jino to jump, the first whirling around with sword in hand while the latter simply took a step back. Before them was a man of impossible stature, at least impossible for two kids barely into their teens. He was older, much older with an ax on his shoulder, scars on his frame and a voice booming with power. Jino was the first to speak, to answer the strangers question, "Well the thing is we aren't open yet, but once we get our shipment it'll be weapons and shields for all kinds."

Baako watched the man carefully, had he been following them or was this one of the people Jino had hired him to deal with? If he was Baako knew he'd have his work cut out for him, this man was obviously experienced. Jino however just kept on, "Sadly, as i said before we aren't open for business now, but if you come back in a week we'll be happy to serve you."

[Deleted]

"Not open yet eh? Pity," Lucius glanced at Baako and continued walking examining the shop. Stopping at a display he rubbed it for dust and grit between his fingers. "I see you keep it nice and clean. That's good." The look in the dark skinned boy's eyes was sharp and stern.

"You have a good look. I like that. You've seen hardships. More than a simple noble could bear." He leaned back taking another bite out of the avocado. "It's a shame you aren't open yet but you say you will deal in weaponry? I like that. And, judging from your attire I'd guess you are from Bern." If he was lucky he could use this store to handle in a great number of arms. To ship to Bern as well as to Ilia. Of course the silver for Bern and the Iron for Ilia.

[Baako]

Jino exchanged a glance with Baako, apparently he made him uncomfortable...Baako had to agree. He didn't seem to take the hint to leave, instead he settled for walking further in and making small talk, not that there was anything wrong with that but doing so with an ax on shoulder wasn't exactly a good sign.

Baako chose to keep his silence, he didn't know or trust this stranger and making small talk was not his strong suit. He seemed to be sizing him up, which was never a good thing. Keeping in mind that he couldn't very well wreck Jino's shop, Baako realized his silence was probably the best course of action so he let Jino do the talking, "Yes--well, i do take pride in her. It'll be even grander when you return, but for now i have to insist that you depart."

There, he spoke it plainly now. No reason to stick around in a store with empty shelves.

[Deleted]

Lucius grinned at the timid shop owner. It was a dark grin, one you'd see from a wild animal before it ripped something to shreds. Suddenly he burst into a booming laughter. "You are a scared mouse and yet you may just have brass. I'll tell you what, I'll get straight to my point." He set the axe down on a case as to show he wouldn't be assaulting anyone soon.

"I am going to be running some operations here in the very near future. Part of the weapons trade. If you are willing to work with me I can buy in large quantities so long as you will supply. Since you are from Bern, I feel I can trust you with some knowledge. I intend to bring weaponry to the rebels. They will pay well for the steel and in turn you will be paid well. With my aid they are less likely to have all their supplies cut off."

[Baako]

A brow raised the two long time friends exchanged a glance, that was a bold set of business plans to talk about with someone you just met, especially in the country that could take it as betrayal. Were they in Bern Jino would have probably taken the man up on his offer, it would probably be profitable but more importantly since the rebels were a little more organized it'd be more protected from the nobles. But here, in the heart of the beast it had a good chance of blowing up in their faces, and even if he wanted to take the risk Jino was just trying to run an honest business. Trying to help the rebels, no matter who they were, would get in the way of that.

"Ri-right. Sir i'm in no shape to help anyone, and while i can't say what you do with the weapons when they leave my shop, i will say that any coin is welcome here. I'll pretend you didn't say anything, i have no need to cause trouble for either of us."

[Deleted]

Lucius grinned darkly. He could tell they were surprised. Picking up his axe he headed for the door. "Very well. When you get your shipments in I'll stop by again. You'll be seeing me soon. Naturally as you said yourself this conversation never happened. But if you ever change your mind just let me know." Lucius walked out with a dark laugh. In time he would have his war. It was inevitable.

[Exit Lucius]

[Baako]

Jino let out a sigh as the giant finally left the shop without any more prompting or violence, "That was close, felt like things might have gotten ugly there. Do you think he meant it, the deal i mean? Seems kind of suspicious for someone to make such an offer to complete strangers like that."

Baako was also grateful that things didn't turn violent, that man would be trouble to fight on his own but at least now they had their privacy again. Letting his sword fall back to his side, Baako kept his eye on the door as he answered his friend, "Yea, that was odd. I can see why you'd want some extra muscle around this place, especially if there are people like him wandering around. I wouldn't get involved in anything like that if you want this place to be honest. He might even be from the town guard coming to test your loyalty or whatnot." Baako wouldn't put it past the kingdom to do such a thing, not with the rebel threat growing stronger by the day.

It made him wonder how that giant knew they were from Bern? Maybe they had an accent that neither one of them realized, but in any case it was true that Jino was probably being watched from afar by those in power. But there was no time to ponder possible conspiracies, Baako had a job to do and he intended to have it done, "So tell me about these trouble makers."

"Yea, like I said they're rowdy but they aint that tough. Leader goes by the name Justice, a real stupid nickname if you ask me but apparently he thinks himself a dark knight of sorts, forcing his brand of fairness to the common folk. He usually just picks on immigrants, people who the higher ups don't know or care about, so getting him in jail is a long shot. I figure you'd been swinging that sword around for so long that you'd be able to drive them away."

[Baako]

Baako and Jino spent a few more hours catching up, the upstairs of the shop was where Jino planned to sleep after he transferred the remainder of his possessions from the local inn. As it stood now it was just a bed with very few furnishings. Across the hall was a bathroom, which wasn't much but at least it was functioning. Jino had errands to run, he still held a job making ends meet while his real money maker was being built up. So now Baako sat on the bed alone, his thoughts far and few as he simply enjoyed the silence.

He didn't know when he dozed off, it felt like he'd just closed his eyes a for a moment, but the sun was hidden now and the only light came from a waning candle. But it was the sound that awoke him, a savage pounding on the door below that echoed forcefully through the shop. Placing his feet on the floor, Baako reached for his sword to see just what in the hell the commotion was about. He didn't have to wait long though, he'd barely made it to the stairs before the shouting started, "GET YOUR ARSE OUT HERE JINO, THIS NEW DOOR WON'T SAVE YOU!" Apparently the men who've been troubling his frineds had arrived.

Taking the stairs two at a time, Baako arrived at the front door in just a few strides. He got there before any serious damage could be done and with a few flicks the door was unbolted and thrown open. What stood before him was a man not much older than he with long brown hair and a very ugly face. Behind him stood three more smirking mugs, each one uglier than the last with various scars on display. Two of them held swords, the apparent leader was one of them while the other had axes, "You ain't Jino. Where the hell is that puppy hiding, somewhere inside?" Baako didn't waste time, with talk, instead he kicked the man with all his force, an action so sudden and unexpected that his opponent had no time to dodge. The kick sent him sprawling to the ground, a shot to the gut that sucked the wind out of his lungs and the bite from his tone, "You don't get Jino, you gotta deal with me." Even though he said the words The black haired boy did not like these odds, they out numbered him and looked plenty tough. He'd have to use his head if he wanted to see the next sunrise.

[Deleted]

To test the limits of his fire he told himself. What on this good earth had he been thinking? This place was an icey hell. It was any wonder how such strong and rugged fighters were bred here. Looking at the road before him it was unsearchable. No dirt, no stone, only a good foot of snow. His brown shoes sunk in deep, the light material made no buffer against the cold and melting ice seeped inside. It'll be fine though he told himself. The coin flip had decided his path here.

Why did he believe in his Lady Chance so much anyway? He wasn't one for religion and faith, nor was he much of one for deeper understanding and knowledge. Yet here he was with all the faith of a saint in his luck and pursuing proof of it. He simply shrugged the thought away and attempted to warm himself with his fire to no avail. The winds and cold blew it out before his eyes. He was miserable.

Arriving at a village he ran to the gates with as much gusto as he could muster. They looked oak he thought. "Gatekeeper!!! I require aid!!!" he called. Soon a large man with a large belly in armor two sizes too small appeared. Not a sight for sore eyes he thought with a cringe.

Scratching his gut the guard held his lance and looked down upon the mage. "I'l let you in. But if you cause any trouble here I'll arrest ya on the spot. We already had one loon destroy a man's fruit stand. Almost got the man mobbed too."

"Don't worry, I won't be a problem maker. You have my Sacaean word." He was born in a border village and didn't deal with the tribes often. Many times people had said he was no true Sacaean but he still held pride in the fact. Who would do that to a man he wondered? He must have been a complete lunatic.

The soldier scrunched his face contorting at the mention of being from Sacae. He kept his mouth shut but he ensured the gate was painfully slow to open. It creaked an screeched horribly, like nails on a chalkboard. Merric frowned at the obvious discontent and petty actions. With an overly audible sigh he entered into the town.

Where to, where to? Suddenly a group of thugs shoved past him knocking him to the ground sending his tome flying out of his possession. "Watch where you're walking dumb ass!" One carrying an axe yelled before noticing the tome. "Eyy! You're a mage?" A momentary fear eclipsed the thug's eyes. He swooped in taking the tome for himself and to keep the mage powerless.

"NO!!! I need that!" Merric valued his tomes as much as his luck coin.

"Too bad. It's ours now. Hmm, I can't read it. Guess we'll just pawn it off. Or maybe burn it?"

"Please don't!" Merric dropped all pretenses of his regular bored attitude in sudden desperation. He moved forward to get his tome back but was jabbed by a sharp elbow sending him doubling over gasping for air. He watched helplessly as the thugs bagged his tome and strutted away. He would have his tome back and he would see his revenge. Following the robbers they came to a rundown looking building.

"GET YOUR ARSE OUT HERE JINO, THE NEW DOOR WON'T SAVE YOU!" the bandit screamed before sending the door open. They must have quite the vendetta against this place he thought.

From his hiding place he noticed he couldn't hear much else said but he could see it all. First the squabbling and then the surprise kick. The bandit was sent crashing into the ground and Lady Chance smiling on her blessed one his tome came flying out of the satchel.

His chance now found he came rushing in and dive rolled for his tome nimbly maneuvering around the other bandits. "You want to play with fire? Be prepared to get burned." A wicked smile crossing his face he stood next to Baako. "I don't know who you are but I'll help you out. This is about my revenge now too."

[Baako]

Baako for his part was surprised by the arrival of another, apparently cheerier stranger with blond hair and yellow eyes. The boy didn't really know what the score was between the group of wannabes and this guy, but he didn't mind the extra hand in dealing with these goons, "Right, don't let them into this place." Baako didn't have time to say much else as the men started charging. They passed their fallen leader and came right towards the door with the intent of using their numbers to their advantage.

Baako hoped the man knew what he was doing, as for himself he had to bring the fight to them and not get bogged down with one opponent. Using his size, Baako slid between the rushing swordsman's legs, the gravel from the alley hurt, but he imagined the feel of iron slicing into the calf would hurt a lot more. One was down, but now Baako had to contend with the leader who brought his ax down to cleave him into.

[Deleted]

"Don't worry, they won't." Merric would see to that. Striking balls of flames to his sides he laid out a barrier of sorts. It wouldn't last very long. He wasn't that powerful and the cold was too much but it would delay them. The boy moved with impressive agility and skill, a fine display, but now was his turn.

He charged his first bandit ducking beneath a swishing ax blow just above his head, then rising into an uppercut. It was a weak blow with little power but in the bandit's moment of confusion he unleashed a ball of flame into his face leaving him with burns and in a flash no hair.

Spinning around to the thug's back he moved with him. The thug was blinded and lost. He wouldn't be a problem now. Noticing the boy taking on a stronger opponent he leaped into the bandit sending the both of them crashing into the ground. Quickly rolling out of it he let out a breath of pain. He had hurt his shoulder and crushed his arm against a steel plate. "OWWW!!!" He backed against a wall. He was enjoying himself. Luck deemed he come here so what did he have to fear? Nothing, that's what. He fought with no regards to his safety. It was his strength but also his weakness.