Through the Fire and the Waves

[Greil9]

For the last four days Kenro had spent his time scrubbing decks and carrying heavy things not important enough to get the regular crew members out of their positions. Not that he minded, some hard manual labor had a certain feel where he constantly felt useful. Especially considering the near mirror-polish he left the decks at after practicing a few staff techniques in a different environment. But they had finally arrived at their destination at the last few moments of sunlight.

At the ramp off the ship, he was making the last arrangements with the captain of the ship. Their agreement was to just work to get to this island, whatever it was. His usual means of travel was picking a random ship and seeing where chance took him, no direction needed. What mattered was just seeing new places and meeting new people. This time it was just a slightly run-down cargo ship. It and the older captain gave the impression both had been through a lot on the seas, aided by the mans rather wide form that carried a certain air of strength. 

As the two shook hands for the seemingly last time while measuring one anothers grip, the captain asked "Sure you'd not join the crew and help out on the ship? Decks have never been cleaner than when you took care of it."

"Appreciate the offer, but I'm not really the type to join anything on long term. Just feels I'm shackling myself, so I'll just take jobs when I'm short on cash and otherwise go where the waves happen to take me. After all, only when he's adrift does a soul truly find its way in the world." Despite his attempt to sound deep, it felt like every time he tried to recite old wisdoms like his master, Kenro inevitably just sounded cryptic with no real meaning behind his words.

While seeming a tad confused about the last part, the captain still dug a small pile of cash from his jacket belt. "Speaking of which, I still owe you this. I even put in a little over what we agreed."

With the bills in hand, the traveler took a polite bow to his benefactor of the last few days. "Thanks, my cash reserves were running short so won't say no to this." With his small bag over the shoulder and an oaken pule secured on his back, Kenro left yet another voyage behind to see the world once again.

As his feet finally landed on solid ground again, the lone traveler stretched his joints for the days ahead, taking in the surroundings he had been brought to. Certainly not what he was expecting, but in the best way possible. Before his eyes opened a whole world of earthly vices, from drinking to gambling and some adult club to top it all off. Stench of alcohol mixed in with various bodily emissions gave the impression of a hole none would willingly seek, yet the advertisements all over were inviting any passing soul with almost a sirens call.

Much as he'd have liked to drown himself in the atmosphere for weeks, two factors stood in front of that plan. He never had more on him than he'd need in the next few weeks as a rule and allowing himself to follow all the temptations would easily ruin the five years of training he put in at the mountains. He was going to keep himself under check at all times. For the most part at least. "Well, master Akillan did tell me to avoid my vices in the future... but he DID also tell me to find balance in everything and avoid extremes. Wouldn't really be in balance if I forced the extreme of the mountain ascetic so... Sorry master, you got my hands tied."

Separating his money in two, the traveler pocketed his necessary expense money before heading in, trying to decide where to get started with the little he had. It couldn't hurt to indulge a little every once in a while.

[EJ]

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1

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When people said Serine City was for the cruel and heartless, they weren’t kidding! The sun didn’t even set good and one could already smell the bloodlust seeping into the streets! The brick city’s blocks were littered with small cliques of human scum; bandits, gangsters and pirates – oh my~! They all stood huddled against the claustrophobic buildings that were packed together like sardines stuffed in a can, eyeballing anyone unfamiliar to their trust or simply walking alone. Voices from various conversations filled the air, making the atmosphere a teensy bit more comfortable and common, but the groups of loiterers still made the average civilian uneasy as they made their way down Serine’s paved roads. Balenciaga Sapphira loved it!

Heads turned and men whistled, but the bewitching babe in the taut, little cut-out mini dress paid them no mind. In her hands was a map and her ebony eyes were glued to it. The men around her were such trash, and were most likely broke, so she had no interest in stalling what she currently had her mind set on for any of them. “The club should be around here somewhere~...,” Sapphira spoke to herself, clicking down the block in her pink lace up heels. Without so much as looking up from the parchment clasp between her fingers, she made a perfect left turn between two buildings, coming to a halt only when it seemed three men had obstructed her path.

The sound of fists crashing into a man’s body like a heavy bag echoed alongside grunts and sobbing before a voice cried out. “Miss!” The victim of the assault wailed, the two men going to town on the poor guy stopping to look in the direction of the aqua green-haired vixen. “Please!! Go call for help! My gang should be right around the corner!!” Sapphira looked up from the map, eyes widened with a child-like inquisitiveness as they scanned over each fellow in front of her. “Hm~?” The bombshell hummed, looking at her surroundings. The two men dressed in all black laying a beating on the gangster remained silent, pondering to themselves if they had to drag a beautiful lady into their mess in order to keep things under tap. “Wait a minute~ This is an alley~ I was supposed to make a turn on the next street~!” Miss Balenciaga spun on her heels, casually walking out of the alley and back onto the road she was on as the thug screamed in anguish and his beating resumed.

After getting back on the right track, the long-haired fox found herself standing in front of the club that she was looking for. The venue was everything she expected it to be from the outside with its grandiose entrance, sporting a red carpet rolled out from the door to the street and two spotlights – that were turned off because it was daytime – sitting at opposite ends of the building. The flamboyant sign in neon lights hung on the front of the club was so bright that you could still make out its yellow glow, even with the sun’s bright orange rays overtaking the city as it slowly declined beneath the horizon. “This is it~,” Saph bubbled with excitement. “The Golden Siren~! Time for me to make my debut and show these amateurs what a real dancer looks like~!”

The vixen flung the map out of her left hand to flutter in the air before landing on the ground somewhere prior to running her right hand through her aquamarine vibrissa, flipping it with attitude and strutting into the high-profile shake joint.

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[Greil9]

Choices of venue were many in Kenro's new destination. Much as he'd have liked to just take this day and sample all the venues for a short while, his thin purse meant he could only enjoy one, maybe two of these places unless he wanted to live off the land for a while. While possible in theory and something he had to do as part of his training, it was never something he'd willingly seek. He'd just need to hold his worse nature in check and make a choice. One he'd clearly suffer with considering his usual tendency to put no thought into his direction and do as he pleased.

For now that's all he could think of to make a decision. Not to mention he didn't really know the place at all so it wouldn't be a waste of time to try and make a mental map of the place. Perhaps even locate a place to spend the night. Though how well he could sleep considering the locals being of the shadier kind was another matter entirely.

Casual walk was most he could do around the cramped streets. With the buildings packed so tight and more people than the streets would comfortably fit, most arranged in small groups. From a glance Kenro could tell which ones just tried to stay out of the way and which could be trouble. For the latter he'd just look for people he'd have dealt with three years ago. Not that he really minded any of them, even if some were measuring him up with their gaze. In fact he made himself chuckle at the thought of repeating his first meeting with his master, only on the other side of the fight.

Without even realizing it, Kenro had directed himself off the streets and towards back alleys. Not that he had another direction, but he'd hardly find an inn around alleys like these. Rather, this was just the kind of routes he used to take for the longest time. "Well, guess old instincts don't die so easy. Just gotta have some direction in these kinds of places."

However before he could find a direction to get back to the streets, he heard noises coming from the alleys a bit further. While it wasn't easy to tell from a distance, it seemed like someone tried calling for help. Not wanting to waste time pondering whether or not he heard right, he immediately took off running towards the source. Thankfully he wasn't too far, arriving at the scene less than half a minute later. 

Apparently he heard correct, as two black-suited men were kicking down on a man in similar outfit, yet with enough subtle differences to communicate these men weren't on the same side. While in places like this there was no telling which side, if not both, were the offending party. Still he wasn't fond of violence against the defenseless for any reason, so he decided to intervene. So far it didn't seem any of them had noticed him. All the better as he quickly walked behind one of them, gently kicking the black-suited man in the back of the knee to drop him on his knees. While he was still too stunned to react properly, the traveler placed his palm on his back before giving him a strong push, sending the man flying a good five meters past his victim.

By the time he had managed this, one of the men had turned around and pulled a knife on him. "I don't know who you work for, but you better piss off right now. You don't want to mess with us."

Despite now being against an armed opponent, Kenro didn't really feel worried. Fighting against armed opponents was basics with martial arts and in some cases the reason such a style of fighting was developed. Still, better they focus on him rather than the injured man. Pointing at the man the two were beating just a moment ago, he replied "Well, that'd hardly be fair. How about this: I piss off with him, you piss off with your friend and we all just forget this whole thing."

The comment didn't seem to go too well with the man, as he seemed to only get angrier at how lightly the situation was being treated. "Funny guy." Without any chance for further conversation, he lunged forward with the knife in hand.

The guy knew at least a little bit about fighting with a knife, using the reach for his advantage and trying to stab while keeping his arm hooked enough to easily draw back. However the difference was too great, as Kenro didn't try to back off, but rather stepped closer in an evading motion. Before the man could retreat himself, the traveler had wrapped his arm around the arm holding the knife in a flowing motion, now supporting it against his side. Once it was held tight, Kenro tensed his muscles for a brief second while tightening his grip, feeling the bone crack slightly beneath the pressure of strength unbecoming of arms with that level of dexterity. As the thug screamed in pain, Kenro followed up with a palm thrust in the face without letting go as to maximize the force behind his blow.

The single blow was enough to end this fight, the now bleeding man just falling to the ground once his opponent let go. His friend also seemed to finally be climbing back to his feet. Though he was less inclined to fight, having both felt the last blow and seen how quickly his friend went down. Seeing a second chance at the earlier suggestion, Kenro said "So how about this: I piss off with him, you piss off-"

Before he could even finish, the man interrupted him to agree as he already shuffled towards his comrade. "Oh I hear you, I'm right there with you. Best that way for everyone."

Slinging the man the two were beating up over his shoulder, Kenro happily replied "Good, glad we could come to an agreement without any more fighting." Though he wasn't sure the man was listening, as he was already running away as fast as he could. Now Kenro just had to find out if there was a hospital in the city to get the injured man some treatment.

[EJ]

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2

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Upon entering the establishment, Sapphira’s sweet, honey complexion was bathed in soft hues of blue, pink and aqua from the club’s erotic lighting. The walls and floors were of a dark color that looked to be midnight blue, but the overall ‘cool’ tone of the neon lights that designed captivating patterns along the border and ceiling of the room could have played into an illusory effect on what was otherwise simply black. The place was of a modestly big size, looking as if it could seat about two hundred people comfortably. Following the path a few feet from the door met those who entered with a small set of three steps flanked by two circular stages on each side, with poles extending up from the middle all the way to the ceiling. Down the stairs was the floor in front of the main stage, which had a short catwalk extending out between a set up of tables and chairs. The canvases of the three stages were lit up in seductive glows that drew attention to them even without a piece of eye candy swaying back and forth atop them. Miss Balenciaga’s heels clicked across the polished floors and down the steps, approaching a man sitting in a chair directly in front of the main stage. A cigarette equipped between his fingers and a drink sitting on his table, the primly-dressed male watched as a beautiful woman performed a routine she had been practicing to the song that was currently playing throughout the club.

Hearing Saph’s heels resounding powerfully across the floor, the olive-skinned man blew a puff of smoke into the air before speaking. “We ain’t opened just yet,” he announced, never once taking his eyes off the dame in front of him. “Form a line outside. The bouncer will let you know when to come in...” The cerulean-haired madam stopped behind the man’s chair, a bit offended that he didn’t even turn around to be graced by her presence! Painted lips forming into a smirk, the voluptuous doll’s ebony eyes met with the woman’s on the stage, giving the girl a haughty look. “I believe you want me here~,” Sapphira’s eyes rolled from the dancer to the ‘big shot’ in the chair – who, after hearing the tone and attitude of her voice, saw it fit to look over his shoulder and see what woman would dare come out her mouth and talk to him that way.

“D–!” the man’s eyes widened in surprise as he rushed to put his cigarette down in his ashtray and swiftly make a shot of liquor disappear down his throat. “Diamond Doll!!” The man stood up with arms stretched into the air. “Wassup, girl?! I’m glad you made it! Show me some love~!” Seeing his arms extended for a hug, Sapphira huffed a short, “Hmph~,” before leaning in slightly, allowing the man to embrace her for a bit as she extended one arm to softly pat him on the back.
“As bourgeois as ever, I see,” the baby-faced man said with a smile.
“Johnny~! You know I’m a girl about her business~,” Saph replied, folding her arms across her torso in a way that pushed up her plump bosom. “Annnd~! You totally disrespected me when I walked in~!”
“Wha–? Nah, nah! It wasn’t like that! I didn’t think you were even coming anymore ‘cause it’s almost time for us to open.”
“You can’t rush perfection~!” Diamond Doll posed with a sideways ‘peace sign’ over one eye as she made a “winky-face.”
“Wohoho!” Johnny bellowed heartily. “You right, you right. Well, ready to step in the back and give me that, uhh...” The suited club owner looked Sapphira’s gorgeous figure up and down before finishing the rest of his statement: “Audition?”
“I’m ready, big boy~!”
“Alright then! Follow me!”

Johnny turned to lead Sapphira into his private quarters in the back, telling the dancer on stage to take a break as him and the charming cutie slipped away. About thirty minutes later, Sapphira strutted out of the room, flipping her long, aqua locks. Johnny followed closely behind her – bright red hearts dominating the entirety of his eyes!
“Damn, Diamond Doll! You really know how to get a man goin’ in the dumb way~!”
“Falalalala~!” Sapphira laughed. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, Johnny~! Dancing’s in my blood~!”
“Hey, feel free to help yourself to anything at the bar, on my tab, as I finish getting things set up for opening. Tonight’s gonna be a special one!”
“Now, you’re being more gentleman-like~!”

Diamond Doll made her way up the short steps to the first level of flooring where more chairs and tables were set up in a horseshoe fashion going around the room. From the door, the bar was along the left wall of the club with appealing lights illuminating the shelves of different drinks they had to serve. The madam took a seat and ordered a little something to sip as she waited for potentially fun people to start spilling into the club.

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[Greil9]

While the man was badly hurt, it didn't seem like he was bleeding badly. Hopefully that meant he wasn't in immediate danger of dying, at least until he found a hospital. Problems being Kenro didn't know the island at all, nor was he sure it'd be easy to find one in the kind of city he had come to. On some level he wasn't even sure helping a man seemingly involved in some kind of gang business was the right thing to do. Then again he'd have wanted this kind of treatment a few years ago in a similar position, so it at least felt like the right thing to him at least. 

While it took the better part of an hour to find a place to care for the guy, at least he got to see the city while looking for one. In fact he made a note of one particular crossroads that seemed to be drawing a good amount of people going both in and out of the few dozen venues built both next to and in some cases on top of one another. 

Much as he'd have liked to just take this day and sample all the choices for a short while, his thin purse meant he could only enjoy one, maybe two of these places unless he wanted to live off the land for a while. While possible in theory and something he had to do as part of his training, it was never something he'd willingly seek. He'd just need to hold his worse nature in check and make a choice. One he'd clearly suffer with considering his usual tendency to put no thought into his direction and do as he pleased.

However he did have one means of delegating this task to still put no thought into it while getting a solid direction. First step was mentally assigning a number between 3 and 18 to each building he had the slightest interest in. Second one was taking a set of three dice from his vest pocket, crouching down to roll them at the edge of the street. Random chance was just as good a means of decision as any other to him. After confirming the result to be an unusual 18, he pointed his finger at the location he earlier chose with no thought. On further reflection he wasn't sure if this was a good or a bad thing: number 18 was a place called The Golden Siren. A strip club if the bright orange neon sign showing crude representations of certain human body parts was to be believed.

Despite having no hang-ups about any of his actions in the past, training far away from civilization for 5 years had planted some shame into him when it came to that issue. For a brief moment he considered re-rolling the dice to choose a different destination. However some small part of him, a mix of curiosity and commitment to the mentality of never directing himself to or from a place had him still stick by the decision. "Well, eighteen has always been my lucky number. Never steered me wrong before, shouldn't do it now either."

Once the dice were back to his pocket, the traveler took a deep breath before heading in. While a small line was starting to form at this hour, the bouncer didn't take long to inspect anyone in the line so the wait was a quick one. However once Kenro was about to enter, he was briefly stopped by the bouncer stepping in the way as he said "Performers through the back, sir."

As much as this might have offended some, Kenro merely found it amusing. It might have been unusual for someone to bare their chest in street clothing, especially in the usually cold North Blue, and he most likely had a physique one would appreciate in such a joint, but still from someone to make the presumption was new. With a rather audible laugh, he replied "No, I'm just a customer. Besides, isn't it better for me to be the one paying you?" 

Whether humorless or just somehow used to this situation, the bouncer simply stepped aside to allow him inside. Not that Kenro himself was interested in dwelling on it either, though still debating if this was a moment to be shared when recounting his tales to anyone or to take the secret to his grave. For now he just wanted to enjoy the rest of the day.

Once inside he was greeted by dancers of various kinds. Different sizes, genders, even few of different races. Somehow the latter made sense with how many people he heard consider mermaids extremely attractive. Audience seemed equally diverse. "Well, guess they cater for all kinds, with all kinds. Won't hear me complaining." Though as much as he already had an eye for a particular dancer and the desire to get closer, first thing he needed was a drink to overcome the last of his reservations. Eyeing the beauty of the human body all the way, the traveler sat down at the counter with a handful of berri at the ready. Slamming his palm on the counter, he yelled out "Hey, I'll take a shot of the strongest stuff you got. Don't care about taste, just that it can hit someone with an iron stomach."