Birth of A Dragon

[theone]

Komodo - Post 1

....a Few Months Ago

Loguetown, the gateway to the Grand Line. Also known as the beginning of the end. These phrases, these words stuck in the young mind of the Marine recruit as he made his way through the main archway of the city-island. Those words, those titles, were grand in nature and they carried much weight, truthfully, could an island with a Marine base in the weakest Blue really live up to it? Draping his sack of essentials over his shoulder, Komodo strolled slowly through the wide busy streets of the renowned destination, eagerly taking in the sights of this new place. At the age of 19 the Kano country teen had only ever seen his home, and the Spartan surroundings of B-4, which he was given a controlled transfer from after his basic training was finished. The two places, Loguetown and Kano, couldn’t be more different. Sure, they both had markets, stores, bustling streets and large buildings, yet there was something quite distinct about this well known seat of the World Governement’s power.

The large Navy man stopped in his tracks, adorned in his civvies; a brown, Mandarin collared tunic, paired with a grey sash on his waist and dark pants. Atop his head was a white Marine cap turned to the back, his locks swaying lightly in the calm breeze that washed over the island. Chewing his lip in thought, it suddenly came to him. What separated the various places he’d been and this one, was the international feel of these surroundings. The difference in the peoples that passed was obvious, while in Kano, you could tell that everyone was pretty much from there. This was in part why Komodo stuck out on his home island, with his thick hair, strapping build and dark skin, the fact that his heritage wasn’t native to the place was easily seen. For him, it never really felt like home.

Ah, but here? Here he could get used to. Suddenly a smile creeped across the young Marine’s face, he had time to spare, not much to do, so he began to explore.

---

Two hours later, there wasn’t a food stall that hadn’t been sampled, or a merchant he hadn’t haggled with in all of Loguetown, at least to his summation. Resting on a stool next to a café, the teen finished the last gulp of a sweet, earthy blend of herbal tea and cream, a satisfied sigh escaping his lips. “I’m pooped. Who knew that having fun could be so tiring? I wonder if there’s anything else here I haven’t seen?” As he spoke to himself, his eyes caught the banner above a modest looking shop, it was an advertisement for toys. A toy shop huh, why not? As a craftsman himself, the former blacksmith was intrigued, maybe there would be some interesting insights to be had within the shop of a toymaker.

Rising from his bench, he threw his sack over his shoulder once more, which was a bit heavier from a couple hours before, mostly due to his lack of control in the markets. With a wide, confident gait, he pushed open the door and slowly entered the shop.

[pepsi]

"And that", he voiced in his mind, "concludes the chapter on rigid structures." He rested the pen to the left of the paper; with the other he closed the book, gently, almost like a caress. The fresh ink on the page reflected off the light of the sun - as it dried, the white-haired toymaker read once more. All very basic stuff, but it did give him a few ideas for more stable, more solid contraptions.

The business wasn't exactly flying, but toys were popular enough in Loguetown to keep it going. Just enough until the first strike is sufficient, Deman thought.

That was when he heard the door open, and in came a towering figure. Deman was taken aback by the sheer size of the person, and for only a fraction of a second his muscles tensed - as if he needed to get ready to battle. His behaviour turned around completely when his mind backtracked, and he realised the chance of him being an enemy were pretty low. Instead, he rested both his elbows on the counter and smiled at the man.

"Good morning, sir. How can I help you?"

He said, in a warm and soft tone.

The toy shop was chock full of toys, as could be expected. Below the counter, and on one wall, were the plushies; more complex wooden toys such as cars and other vehicles took another wall; in the higher shelves, intricate contraptions that looked more like machines than toys. On the table, in the very middle, were the five most complex and intricately crafted: a red bird, a black turtle with a snake wrapped all around, an albino tiger, a long cerulean dragon and another, golden dragon beside it.

[theone]

Komodo  - Post #2

"G'morning to you as well."

The strapping lad entered the shop gingerly, his step skipping for a beat as he noticed the shopkeeper's slight tension. Without pause though, he continued on his path, approaching the man behind his counter. He didn't pause to ponder the man's actions, nor did he want to try to figure out his motives, for now, all is well.

"How goes it today? Hopefully business is good. But judging by the quality of the toys in your shop...." Komodo glanced around the impressive store, giving a slow approving nod, "that shouldn't be difficult at all." The teen wasn't being facetious, the level of craftsmanship was evident in each and every toy. A young man of detail, he always looked for their beauty.

He placed a thick forearm on the counter, leaning onto the clean surface, and flashing a toothy grin; a genuine one in every way. "I'm not looking for anything special...." Though, he thought about it, it would be nice to get one of this craftsman's favorite works, an item he had pride in. "But in a way, I need something that'll sing to me. Something that sings to the soul, y'know?"

[pepsi]

"The business is running smoothly." He reciprocated his gaze, looking directly into his eyes as they spoke. Blue that meets blue, he thought; in the eyes of the man, he read honesty and seriousness. "And thank you. I put every part of myself into this."

He responded to his grin with an equally genuine smile. "Oh," he replied, "I see you're interested in the exceptionally rare." Something that spoke to the soul? He couldn't provide such a thing because he didn't know the person in front of him - that is, he couldn't speak to the guy's soul directly.

And thus, Deman figured, he'd let him in on something that spoke to his own instead. After frowning and thinking for a couple seconds, he wagged his index finger at the table in front of them. On the table were the five sculptures. As he walked around the counter, he explained: "These right here are my finest."

He stopped for a second, looking at them with nostalgia-filled eyes.

"They belong to my past."

---

"That's crazy, Dem. Howd' ya put together this thing?" The burly man with blue hair said, handling the long blue dragon toy.

"Master Bryn taught me pulleys and ropes. Here, pull this string." The toy started squirming and moving its limbs, mimicking the motion of an eastern dragon roaming the sky. "What do you think, Yamato? I wanted to apply the theory. So, I made Seiryu."

"Deman-kun..." the man said, grinning so wide even the scars under his eye curved. "... You're a blasted genius."

---

"The blue dragon is called Seiryu. Right next to it, you can see the red phoenix Suzaku, the black tortoise Genbu, and..." He stopped again before mentioning the last one. "... And Byakko. Byakko the white tiger."

Deman grabbed a wooden feather of the phoenix's tail and pulled; the bird opened its wings and mouth, ready to take flight.

"And the golden painted dragon there, is Oryu. Go on, press its head."

The white-haired toymaker started pointing at the various shelves in the shop. "Every toy here has their story. You have the bat born with too long wings; you have the princess doll that wants to be saved from the castle; you have the jaguar wishing one day to sprout wings and fly. Far-fetched stories indeed."

"And yet, they are all stories of liberation. And this is what the five represent, really. They are the finest of my craft because they tell the story of my liberation."

After this explanation, Deman turned to the man again and extended a hand towards him, going for a handshake. "My name is Deman, anyways. You're not from around here, right?"

[theone]

Komodo - Post #3

As the toymaker began to speak, the hefty teen swung the sack from his shoulder to rest on the countertop with a tame thud, Komodo then sighed, relieved of the added weight and content with becoming comfortable within the shop, ready to spend the rest of his afternoon there. With his clear azure eyes and stark white hair, the man, dressed in dark colors, didn’t seem like your run of the mill toymaker. He had an alluring charm to him, and below, hidden deep in those pools of blue, there seemed to burn an unyielding fire. Following him through the room, the young Marine’s idle thoughts switched as the focus was centered on the objects on the table in the center of the room.

He’d made note of them before, but only sparingly, now, he could see them for what they were. He nodded along with the clever man’s narration, “I know these legends, if only by different names. We have them on my home island of Kano.” The burly young man sauntered slowly around the table as peered intently at each. His gait halted at the yellow dragon, taking in its beauty. “Oryu, as you call him, was always my favorite. As you can probably tell.” Brandishing his bracers, which were embossed with intricate designs of the very same dragon. “Oh! I can touch it? Well, I think I shall".

Picking up the toy, he was immediately surprised at its heft, bouncing it twice in his hand to become accustomed to it. His eyes lit up as his other hand drifted towards the toy, pressing his head. The pearl within its talons and elongated in its serpentine coil. He muttered to himself, “Very nice.” He knew he he’d be taking it, but he wasn’t going to let the other man know that just yet.

Feeling like he’d begun to look foolishly childish, he placed the toy back in its rightful place and began to approach the other man, careful not to diminish himself in what his master had always instructed him to take seriously, the first impression. Placing his hand firmly within the other’s grasp, he tensed his forearm, placing a good amount of pressure on his grip. “Deman? It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Komodo, a Marine recruit, unless it wasn’t obvious.” He smiled at his own remark, making sure to let his intentions be known. Yet something the other man had said stuck in the teen’s mind.

“You mentioned your liberation, I wonder what y---.” The recruit was interrupted by the sound of a brass instrument blaring through the air. The fanfare cut through any and all commotion on the marketplace streets. Startled, Komodo moved towards the shop’s windows. Peering out into the roads of Loguetown, he called back towards the white haired man. “Is this a common occurrence here in the town? It almost seems like a royal procession back home.”

[pepsi]

The man immediately felt at home in Deman's shop. It was quite odd, seeing as the behaviour of most clients was just human enough to conclude a deal and scram with their toys. Instead, he didn't look like he was in a hurry - and this, made Deman very curious.

The white haired man was surprised to hear the other, too, knew about the legends of Shijin. His mouth relaxed into a smile, as he stated: "Understandable. Ōryu is a deity that only appears when a worthy emperor is born, and only to this rightful leader will it plead allegiance to. Remarkable, truly." He caressed the head of the white tiger, pulling on its fur. The statue changed pose, from idle to a prideful roar.

"I'm a little closer to the White Tiger, myself."

The man had enjoyed the secrets of the dragon toy, and then responded to Deman's handshake. His grasp was firm just enough, Deman thought - that was a very important trait in a man. "Yes, the hat gave it away." He smiled again to the man named Komodo, and lightly chuckled. "All kinds of people come to the shop, even Marines sometimes."

That was about when the fanfare in the street had gotten to the man's ears. Komodo couldn't have known, but Deman's hearing was aware of the situation well before him.

And there was only one possible explanation for the event, the White Tiger thought. He hummed to himself, and said: "Ensign Havard must be back."

He picked his black coat from below the counter, and slid into it in one fluid motion. He watched outside, and then looked at Komodo in the eyes.

"Come, it must be interesting to watch the victory parade of your superior."

He signalled Komodo to leave his stuff where it was, and then called someone else in the room to watch over the shop. But as far as Komodo could tell, nobody else was there.

There were two reasons why Deman picked that particular place for his toy store. First, the place was already a toy shop before it was closed. And second...

... It was very close to the Marine HQ of Loguetown.

In particular, Deman had the possibility to spy on the Marines right under their noses. And that Havard... Deman had had his eyes on them for quite a long time.

Byakko had no definitive proof to show it, but he was sure... the man was in the slave trade. He figured that if the man could fool the Navy, it must have been even harder for someone on the outside to prove anything about him.

But he was going to bring him down, one way or another.

"See the man clad in armor? He's Ensign Keith Havard. You might have heard about him." Deman subtly nodded towards the man at the very front of the small army walking and parading along the street. "He's back from a mission, and he likes to show off all of the criminals he caught."

Behind the first few lines, in fact, came a group of people in chains. Some of them were beaten, emaciated, and almost everyone had bleeding wrists and ankles from the cuffs. In other words, they didn't look like criminals more than stray puppies do.

"Look at them, Komodo. You're young... don't follow his example."

[theone]

The commotion coming from the street was enough to catch anyone's attention, and easily, Komodo's mind had been taken away from the thoughts of imaginary tigers and dragons. The peculiar gestures of Deman did not register much to the teen, but he did make a small note of it. I guess there's an attendant in the back. Shrugging it off, he accompanied the other man out of the door and into the crowded street that was surrounding the procession. "Ensign Havard? I've heard of him, but-"

The burly Marine's sentence trailed off as he caught his first glance at the man clad in his armor. He was proud, walking with a satisfied, sort of appalling smile pulled across his face. Behind him, aside from the fanfare and pomp, he could hear the faint rattle of chains, his eyes darted, trying to see where exactly this could be coming from. Slowly, Komodo's eyes began to widen as he found the origin of these sounds. Disheveled, beaten denizens of unknown origins were being pulled along, with an escort of Marine forces marching along either side. 

This.....wasn't what he was expecting his first sight of Marine strength to be. Criminals or not, to be paraded around after being vanquished was, deplorable. Deman's warning, Don't follow his example, reverberated through his mind. Was this what it meant to be a Marine? Before he could dwell upon it too long, a familiar voice filled his ear, "Komodo!" Swinging his view, knotted locks swaying in the island air, he could see a fellow recruit from B-4.  "Custard! What's up man?!" The other Marine was in a short trot and stopped just short, before clasping arms with the other man. "Good to see ya! What the hell ya doin' here?"

Peering back towards the disgusting procession, he saw a few women and even a small girl, walk by, her head almost touching the floor in embarrassment and despair. "Uhmm, I got a control transfer, just like you had. Heard they're building something astonishing there, so I'm heading to Tequila Wolf."

"Cool, well I'll see ya around, gotta get back with the unit." As he trotted back towards the hellish parade, Komodo felt puzzled. He stood there for another moment, truly pondering what this all meant, but soon he just averted his eyes, turning around completely. "Deman, I've grown tired of this, can we go back inside now?"     

[pepsi]

Deman watched the show unfold before his eyes, eyes filled with pain and empathy with those that were brought to the general public in chains, beaten, and metaphorically (hopefully so) spit and stepped on.

He observed a companion of Komodo come greet the man, as if they were good friends. Komodo mentioned "Tequila Wolf"; as chance would have it, Tequila Wolf was one of the future targets of Deman's grand plan to hit the World Government where it hurt. One day, he knew, his forces would be strong enough to strike - it was a nice coincidence, indeed, that Komodo himself would go there.

"If that is the case," Deman voiced in his mind, "I can turn this situation on its head".

"Yes," he said with a light smile on his face, "let's get back. I don't want to watch this myself." He opened the door for Komodo to enter, and took one last glance towards Ensign Keith Havard. One day, he thought.

Once back in, they were greeted by a girl with green hair and what looked like a green suit. She waved, and the things Komodo had brought into the store were on the counter where he had left them. "Hallo! I'm Phoebe!" Deman went around the counter, and unbuttoned his coat. As he rested it on a hanger, he echoed: "This is Phoebe, my assistant."

Deman let Komodo present himself properly; he was too grown up a man to be presentedby someone else, he wagered.

Coat off, Deman rolled his sleeves up to show his forearms and part of his arms. At the sight of his scarred skin, Phoebe yelped under her breath, and sighed.

"You're due an explanation, Marine recruit Komodo. My... 'liberation'."

Deman sat on the stool behind his counter, and took something from below it. A katana, complete with a black scabbard; it ringed when it touched the wood of the desk, as if waking up from a slumber. "I've been a slave. Those people you saw outside... I've been there. Are you aware of the stance of the World Government on slavery?"

"Yes, they allow it. Verily," he continued, "I hope every day that Ensign Havard doesn't find out about my past, and comes to me with a pair of shackles."

He sighed deeply, looking at his sword. "If that happens, if I fight, I will be found guilty beyond self-defense. If I don't fight, I will be put in chains once again. What should I do, then, Komodo?"

Phoebe looked nervous. She knew what Deman meant, she heard it times and times over already. "You're only a recruit, but before you begin your journey it is necessary that you consider what is in front of you. Adventure is exciting, and I concur. I'm only left to wonder if Havard himself has been offered this as food for thought."

"The Marines serve the Government. Do you?"

[theone]

Returning to the cozy interior of the shop, he was surprised, pleasantly, by the sight of a girl. She was quite different than many of the girls he'd ever seen before, the green hair and the matching, form fitting green suit fit her very well. His mouth puled a part slightly as he gave the girl a weak smile. "Hi Phoebe, my name's Komodo. Nice to meet you." 


So he did have an assistant. Komodo noted to himself as he grabbed for his sack on the main counter, leaning over onto the sack, admittedly drained from the deplorable display he and Deman had witnessed just moments before. Exasperated, he removed his hat, placing it away from him, the Marine logo embossed on it was bold and stood out in the teen's eyes. Shaking his head slightly he sighed as he ran thick fingers through his twisted locks, before returning his gaze to the enigmatic shopkeeper.

What he beheld widened the teen's eyes. Deman, had presented himself anew. Impressive, thought the teen, as he took in all the new features he had not seen before. This is a man who's seen his fair share of hardships. The real treat, however, was the beauty that the man retrieved from behind his counter. A blacksmith by trade only upto a few months ago, Komodo could appreciate the sword, but it would seem, that the man before him had something he wanted to say.

Remaining silent for as much as he could, Komodo stood patiently, soaking in what Deman was laying out. It was all very compelling, and thought provoking, but he didn't know truthfully what to make of it all.

He did answer when he was questioned, sure that he was being led in this conversation to a specific destination."If you're to be imprisoned either way, then logically you would fight." Deman continued along, laying out some very specific details. Finally, he asked what Komodo realized was THE question.

The Marines, serve the Government. Do you?

What to make of this? What was he to say? Sighing he rose from his leaned over posture and took a few steps away from the counter as he mulled over his answer. After a few moments he nodded to himself, satisfied with his approach. "As a Marine, I do as my superiors ask of me. In my mind they should be filial and pious, servants first, enforcers second." Taking measured short steps back towards the counter his gaze shifted between both the toymaker and his assistant as he continued. 

"I may be a teenage hick from a far off island, in a different Blue, but I'm not so naïve as to believe that there are not some things about the World Government that are......regrettable. But without them in place, chaos would ensue, their strength ensures safety for many of this world's citizens." Biting his lip a bit, he continued. 

"So to answer your question, I serve the people." He let the last syllable hang in the air momentarily. "But I have a question for you." Springing into action, the burly young man placed a hand on the counter and kicked off the ground, launching himself into a corkscrew in the air, before landing, heavily, on the opposite side of the counter, only inches away from the white haired man.

"If the World Government were to fall, do you have the strength to support the world, to protect all of her children? When there is a force to challenge you, can you overcome it?"

[pepsi]

Phoebe waved her arm wildly in an attempt to greet the man; she must have thought that the bigger the person, the bigger must also be the greeting.

Deman tapped his lips rhythmically with the index finger. "It's true that without the rules of the current government, chaos would ensue. But it is not the case that there either must be those rules, or no rules at all." It was some form of logical fallacy to suppose that was the case - called "black and white fallacy", it is mainly a way to manipulate an argument to make two mutually exclusive possibilities look like they are also the only two possibilities. Is a color either light or dark? No, as long as grey exists.

"Indeed, it is possible to do better. Much better than allowing slavery for those with power, for example."

Then, Komodo did the unexpected. Deman watched, his muscles instantaneously twitching as if they had to respond to a sudden attack; Komodo had decided, of a sudden, to fly over to his side. Was it only a coincidence, or did he really think that it was worth to, figuratively, come closer to his side?

The Marine stopped only a few inches from Deman's face. Byakko didn't retract, nor did he move away from the man, his deep blue eyes firmly lodged in the other's. Then, Komodo asked a question so profound, Deman was actually surprised.

The dragon was spitting fire - but he, he would roar back.

"I lived under the whip for the largest fraction of my life. If it's to make sure that nobody else in this world goes through the same pain... I'd take down the government myself, let alone constitute a new one."

He smirked, chuckling softly, looking to the side. "If I have the strength?..." He stopped for a second, gathering his thoughts; and then, with an even brighter fire in his eyes he turned back to look at the dragon.

"I was forced to carry weights far above my capacity, under the threat of a hundred whippings and no food if I dropped as much as a gram. What's carrying the entire world to me, now that I'm free?" The warmth of his tone had turned into something deeper, more vicious, more animalistic. Like the roar of a tiger.

"A king that endured the pain of the lowest in society... They would protect the people at all costs. They would push far beyond their limits to find the strength to do so."

He concluded.

"And so would I."

And then it was physically audible: the roar of the mighty tiger. Except it wasn't a tiger, but Phoebe's stomach. "Demmie," she announced, quietly, as if trying to communicate weakness, "I'm hungry.."

Deman pushed his head back, cackling. He shook his head, and responded: "Right. Komodo," he called, "we can continue this on our way. Do you propose a place where to eat?"

[theone]

Orbs of cool blue fire were ablaze as Komodo peered intently at the man, intensely focused on Deman. His nerves were all heightened as he awaited the response of the other, prepared for any and all reactions. The young Marine had laid his feelings bare, just how would the toymaker take it?


The subject matter was strange, and truthfully he hadn't been challenged like this since the times he had spent with his master in the martial arts, Ma Po. 

---

"Will you fight, or shall you turn coward, in the face of true danger?" A jian, or straight sword was held inches away from the throat of a boy no older than fifteen, a single, thick bead of sweat cascading from his caramel skin on the cold steel of the blade. The sword's wielder was ancient, with flowing, thick robes, the overwhelming power in the man evident in his relaxed, yet poised posture.

The neck it was exposed to was known other than Komodo.

"Answer boy, quickly." The warning was stern, yet in the eyes of the young boy, all that could be seen was his determination, his own posture tensed and unyielding. In fact, more than determination, his eyes told the story of his conviction. "I shall not run. But I will not fight either, I would rather endure, then learn." The boy's words pleased his would be master, a renowned Kano swordsman.

"Good young dragon, good. However, be careful, a man of no action, with no stake in his situation is a man whose mark on this world will never be made." 

---

Komodo had always toed the line. He was between sides, not willing to endanger the people, yet not content with their treatment either. Was this the best way though? Was there something more that he could do, could he be accomplishing more for the good of the people? Flames lowered as his cerulean gaze softened, just as another fire arose.

Deman's response was quick, and ferocious in its nature. His own convictions, his own past and the fervor those events gestated within him, stoked his passion. He had chosen his path. Could Komodo do the same?

The two men were locked in eye contact as the conversation was interrupted by the growl of the cute girl's stomach. "Kekinkinkin!" Komodo snickered loudly at the earnestness of the two. He smiled widely as he addressed the other man. "Baihu, you're a good man." Turning to the counter, he sprung out of his place, easily bunny hopping over the counter. "I'm afraid however, that you have at a loss, I don't know the good spots here in town." The burly teen's brow furrowed in thought, yet lifted in excitement as he came to a sudden remembrance.

"There was this place I saw, but didn't stop at earlier. The sign outside said they had the best pork buns and fish cakes in the city! Why not try there? The name was uhmmm, Sanzo's!"

---

Moments Later.....

Amongst the eateries in Loguetown, Sanzo's was unique. They had completely renovated the original space to have an authentic Oriental flavor, bright red wood lined the inside while wooden tables littered an emaculate floor. Near the back of the shop, was a man you would assume to be older, fidgeting away his calculations on an abacus. Thin, long nailed fingers pulled slightly at a chin mole as thin eyes slitted even more in scrutiny.

"Three rather....... interesting customers have entered. Hpmh. Mother, send Kagome." From behind the main counter, a thin, polite woman walked lightly towards the trio, before bowing slightly. "Welcome to Sanzo's, your seats are this way."

[pepsi]

His mouth opened in a soft grin after being called that name. "Baihu..." he knew that was one of the many names for the White Tiger. It was incredible how accurate the man had been, maybe even without knowing, in calling him that. It was a name that stuck to him like blood sticks a wound and cloth together; he was branded "Byakko" ever since the first spark of the revolution had begun on his island.

Deman was basking in the sweet memories of his homeland, when suddenly Komodo managed to draw from his memory just the right place for them to eat. "Yay!" Phoebe yelled, still not quite sure what they were going and what she was going to eat. But as long as there was food, it was probably fine by her.
"Let's go then..." Deman said, grabbing his coat and clutching his sword.

"... Oryu."

The place was completely different that what Deman remembered. There must've been a change of ownership, he thought, for he couldn't even recognise the decor. "Let's just hope that the food is nice... or Phoebe will throw a fit." Deman sighed, and went to talk to the woman at the counter; they were all intercepted by another woman, the one who would show them the seats. Deman's ears had picked up on the name of the woman, earlier, as well as the comment of the other, but he made sure not to say anything about it.

They sat around a oriental-inspired table, complete with decor such as ideograms inscribed on the plates, and candles. Deman flipped through the menu, while Phoebe patiently waited for him to tell her something she could eat - she was never good with lists - because after all, by then he should have known what her tastes were. And truth be told, he wished he didn't.
"You can order what you desire, Komodo. Lunch is on me." He waited a few seconds, before clarifying with a smirk: "Within reason."

Midway between their lunch, their table was approached by a pair of people; they had the oblong eye shape typical of the others in the same restaurant, but they didn't look like employees: both pretty tall, dressed quite elegantly with grey suits on red and green shirt respectively. One of them fiddled with dice in his left hand. "Would the gentlemen play a few rounds of dice?" The other said, with an affable grin drawn on his face. He nodded towards a table on the other side of the restaurant, one that looked like it was made specifically to play something on.
Deman looked at them for a few seconds, and smirked lightly. Then, he turned to Komodo, and asked: "So? What do you think?"

[theone]

Relief washed over the burly teen as he saw the girl in green, Deman's plucky, cute attendant, squeal with exuberance at his suggestion. Her joy was contagious, and Komodo smiled brightly in kind. The teen would be lying to himself if he said that he wasn't enjoying his time with the two toymakers. He knew that there was much more than what they seemed, but in truth, so was he. 

Peering back towards his sack, he shrugged, knowing very well that he'd be back for it later. Excited for food he followed the duo out the door and took a short, delightful stroll to Sanzo's. 

At about fifty yards away from their destination, Komodo knew that he had made the right decision. The intoxicating smell of searing meats, drowsed in succulent sauces, and seasoned with exotic spices and herbs, filled the air, eliciting an audible growl from the tall Marine's gullet. Caramel cheeks flushed crimson from embarrassment, as he tried to shrink himself while they were being ushered to their seats.

In front of them, were placed decorative menus, and the young man's eyes filled with wonder and anticipation. Deman gave him the go ahead, and Komodo went in, ordering a smorgasbord of items that the trio could all enjoy. The former blacksmith was familiar with this style of cuisine and so he leaned into his expertise.

Satisfied, the Kano native sat back in his chair, he hadn't given much thought to what Deman had mentioned earlier, but now he pondered it. 

"Oryu."

That was what the fierce tiger had called him as they left for Sanzo's and Komodo hadn't heard the term much, but he knew of what he was referring to. Chewing his lip, Komodo went to bring the subject back up, but then they were approached by a duo. A game? Of course the young Marine was down for a game. 

"I'm down for a quick game. Let's go." Raising from his chair, the thick man strode toward the dice table ready to participate. "Gentleman, welcome. We, the house, are pleased that you've agreed to enjoy a game of dice. Wish to try your luck?"

"Baihu-san. As my senior, wouldn't you like to go first, so that I may follow your lead?"

[pepsi]

-- CHAPTER 0.5 // BIRTH OF A DRAGON

"Ah, don't worry. We'll play it in two teams. Your names, gentlemen?" The man in red asked; without the hint of esitation, Phoebe shot up a hand and declared "I'm Phoebe!". A much more collected and warm voice followed, saying: "There are some who call me Baihu." He looked at Komodo with a slight smirk on his face.

"I'm Zhu Hong. Say, do the gentlemen know of Liar's Dice?" the man replied, leading the three to the table. They all sat around it, on shallow pillows on either side of the small table; it did look the part and make the atmosphere even more exotic. "I've never heard of it!" said Phoebe, tilting head and body to one side.
"Well," said the man in red, "I'll promptly state the rules. We are given a pair of dice each, and a cup each. We shake the dice within the cup, and then place it on the table."
As the man explained, Deman and Komodo were handed the cup and the two little cubes; they were made out of wood, and the numbers on it painted in gold. Zhu Hong slammed the cup on the table, and revealed the content by lifting it a few seconds afterwards. "Then, we look at the numbers. Be careful not to reveal them to your opponent."

He went on to explain: "Then, the first player shall say one number from one to six, and how many he believes are on the table. Say, I might state that there are two fives. I might also choose to lie." Indeed, there were two fives on his side of the table, but there might have been more on Deman and Komodo's side if they had rolled the dice as well.
"The other player must then either accuse the first of lying, or say a higher number. You gentlemen might then say that there are three fives instead, or four fives."
Deman scoffed lightly. "That would be quite the lucky combination," he stated, his eyebrows furrowing a little; "that's rarer than one in a thousand."

Zhu Hong continued, seemingly not giving too much weight to the white haired swordsman's words. "The first player can then call the other a liar, or increase the number again. When a liar is called out... We check if the deception is real or not. Successfully calling out a liar will ensure victory." The affable smile on Zhu Hong's face was almost hypnotizing. "Everything clear?"
Deman nodded, and Phoebe nodded even faster. Nobody knew if she did actually understand, maybe not even herself.

"Let's begin, then!"

ぴたん!

Deman and Zhu Hong slammed their cups at almost exactly the right time, and the loud noise helped set up the tension of the moment. With that kind of dramatic action, the game had a certain impact to it. Baihu, then, lifted the cup.

A two, and another two.

"What do we do, Oryu? Do we call two twos, or something else?" Deman's eyes latched on to Komodo's. Mind games and mathematics were definitely Deman's cup of tea, that much was certain: in his eyes, the confident light of an already prepared answer. It was clear, however, that he had the intention to test the man's wits, and maybe even his luck.

-- NAME // Deman Reeves

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.

-- NAME // Phoebe Von Kessler

-- CLASS // E

-- TECHS USED // None.