The Hunter Becomes The Hunted

[mildofthewild]

It had been a perilous journey, making it through the East Blue. He had been hunted quite a few times by the Atla family, made to fight off would be hunters and assassins wishing to lay claim to the title of "The One to Kill Mr. 58." Well, that should be Mr. 65 now, judging from what he's had to go through. 

Yes, it had been the trek, but he made it. Somewhat. Mr. Atla's influence wasn't quite as prevalent in the West Blue, but there would surely be eyes everywhere. If he wanted to continue enjoying his relative solitude until he arrives in The Grand Line, he had to keep moving. Unfortunately, to do such a thing would require money. Luckily, this little island had just what he was looking for; supposedly, there was a reward to be claimed here in Strawberry Hill. Gamulo Yupyup. 

Unbecoming. Slovenly. And quite the odd chin (almost looked like a whole butt on his face) but the reward was enough for another ferry out of here. Perhaps even enough to buy a trip to the Grand Line.

And so, Remulo Bogs arrived on Strawberry Hill, wary of the numerous children wandering about while looking intently for his prize. He didn't need a challenge, not after the hell he's been through; he absently rubs at the bandages along his abdomen, their phantom sting pushing him on. The Grand Line...if I can get there, I can really start to make a trade out of this. Learn something useful, like that Bukbuk had. I just have to keep moving; I'm not going to die to some Fishman Head collector. 

His search took him to the central hub of the Island, the residential stores greeting him with an assortment of crafts, foods and appliances at the entrance of Mario Gate. Normally he wouldn't have paid it any mind...but crackers and mice could only fill one up for so long. 

A few questions and responding shrugs sent Remulo down East Street towards the residential districts, hoping to find some lead on Gamulo's whereabouts. 

You'd think a man with a butt for a chin would be easier to find...well, at the very least I seem to be relatively safe, so I can afford to take my time. I can't imagine Atla has much influence here, not when it's such a thriving economy. 

[Vio]

^{Courtney #1}

---

Shick… The gentle sound of crispy flesh being cut by the sharpened steel of a knife’s edge was a familiar and welcome one to the girl known as Borden Courtney. Keen metal carved with precision through the polished red skin of an apple, pinching the shred between her forefinger and the flat of the blade as she came to the end of the cut. In one smooth motion, almost rehearsed, she raised the knife to her lips and gently drew the piece into her mouth.

Strawberry Hill and its inhabitants had unwittingly become something else. The island was now a hunting ground; the people the game. The hunter, however, was the least conspicuous entity you could ever have imagined. For who would qualify such a girl as this as a monster? Very few. Luck would have it that, despite her days spent in the country, Courtney had not yet settled on a prey item to stalk. There was nobody unusual or different to become her next test subject and, to be perfectly honest, she wasn’t really looking for one.

Another piece of her apple was cut.

Thus far, Miss Borden had kept on the move since her departure from her homeland. It was a matter of necessity. One tricky little Marine had just so happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, ruining her plans, and thus resulting in her identity as a criminal. Hindsight was twenty-twenty, yet she only somewhat regretted what she had done on that fateful eve. Looking back on it, she perhaps should have been more swift about the ordeal, but what was done was done. As it was, she was merely walking down East Street, lingering and waiting.

---

Borden Courtney ❘ #de3163

[mildofthewild]

Wanted:     Gamulo Yupyup

Bounty:    7, 000, 000 beli

Crimes:   Trafficking, Illegal Smuggling, 1 count of murder

Not the most prolific, but it'll do, Remulo thinks as he rolls the poster up. He has to keep his posture casual; no need to arouse much suspicion...

Taking a look up, the towering orphanage above seems almost like a beacon to draw him in. If he couldn't find the man working in the merchant stalls and stores, there were a few places he could very well be; this orphanage might be a prime candidate.

Secluded, has a bit of renown behind it. I'd wonder how he gets a job there, but it's the only real lead so far. Besides, orphans can't learn much from a butt face.

He smiles thinly as he starts off, never really having much for a sense of humor before now. Maybe the burden of being chased all the time had its own part to play in his infatuation with life. Maybe...

At any rate, his walk takes him further down East Street, noting the unbecoming nature of everyone here. He shouldn't
stay here too long; with his stature, Mr. Atla's family or even anyone looking to make a name might see this as a target being painted on his back. At any rate, the sooner he finds Gamulo, the better. 

Arriving at the gates of the orphanage, Remulo takes a peek to the yard on the other side, curious about the types of children on display. If Gamulo considers this place to be prime real estate for trafficking, he'd have to find some truly strong kids worthy of a slavers interest...

"Can I help you?" 

Jumping slightly, Remulo turns to see a rather old caretaker, wrinkles forming the forefront of their face and visage, so much so it was actually difficult to tell if there were a set of eyes in there...

"Uh, yes, actually," he begins, cursing himself for getting snuck up on before digging out the wanted poster. "I'm actually a bou...working with the World Government, though I'd rather my presence be kept in top secrecy. I'm actually looking for this individual, we have reason to suspect they've washed up on these shores recently." 

It might draw less suspicion and ire to be a government working man, though that was a coin flip seeing how so many people regarded the W.G. At any rate, the woman seems to buy it as she looks over the poster...painfully slowly. Seems she didn't quite know if she had eyes ei-

"Ah yes! Yes, I know this man, they're actually working at the hospital. They see to some of the children here, though between you and me, I don't think he's very good at his job. This might explain why..."

Hospital, huh? Interesting...suppose I'll need to find out a work schedule. I should head that way...

"Thank you very much, I'll be happy to look into it. Though I will need some assistance." 

"Oh? What kind of ass-"

SHWIP!

"Mmm? Mmm...MMM! MMMMPH!" 

"Sorry, it's federal business. I'll return it, I swear to you." Not a lot of good it'll do for me, but I need to replenish anyway...

Within Remulo's palm sits a rather crusty, deflated mouth, a tongue lolling out the side almost as if this mere act of thievery left it out of breath. Pitiful...

"Maybe I can find a dog somewhere, at least. Something with teeth..."

[Vio]

^{Courtney #2}

---

Everyone’s the same here, Miss Borden thought to herself, observing passers by as she slowly meandered. None had yet caught her interest — not a soul had revealed themselves to be out of the ordinary or worth her focus. She was surrounded by average men and women living average lives, going about average days in a decidedly average town. It was almost oppressive as to how simple and mundane life here seemed as she watched it pass her by, chipping away further slices of apple to the point where it now seemed to wear a smiling face.

Bright blue eyes raised to glimpse the street once more.

“Hm?” she grunted lightly, attention captured by a figure almost skulking away from the gates of the orphanage. Closer on the spectrum to two metres in height, with broad shoulders and a professional look about him. A businessman, perhaps? He certainly looked the part — slick and clean. But as far as her eyes could tell, he was different from the standard suits that walked Strawberry Hill. She had been here just a few days, but Courtney could already identify him as out of place.

The apple slipped from her grasp.

Her heart skipped a beat. That sensation — that excitement. Though she had not been seeking it, fresh quarry had stumbled into her path. With steady speed, Courtney pulled her hood up and over her head, shadowing her facade as she watched the man on the move. It seemed he had a destination in mind, though she had to admit she was still rather unfamiliar with the isle’s geography, natural and urban alike. With a very slight spring in her step, and a small but shy smile on her face, the girl began a slow and methodical pursuit of new prey…

---

Borden Courtney ❘ #de3163

[mildofthewild]

Meanwhile, an unsuspecting Remulo continues his plan...

Remulo took this time to mentally prepare himself; it's not so easy to simply traipse through a hospital and make off with a target, contrary to popular belief. He wouldn't make it very far, and the attention it would bring...it wasn't ideal. Job rotations, hobbies, favorite meals, passtimes...all of these needed to be discerned, and the only true way to undertake this was a stake-out.


PANT PANT PANT PANT

"**sigh**...I forgot how annoying this could be..." 

The dog's mouth on his chest continues to pant, slobber dribbling down his bare chest as the assassin absently dabs at it with his business jacket, mumbling to himself as he keeps an eye on the Hospital's 3rd floor window. Gamulo...there he was, changing sheets and looking utterly miserable while doing so. About 3 hours since he first managed to spot him...whether a break was in order, Remulo couldn't be sure, but already he was finding himself starved for some new piece of information to broker forth...

Is this really what I've been reduced to, covered in slobber and waiting around the clock on the schedule of some fool?


The shifting of a door on hinges, the puff of air as a body exits the building. Gamulo was on the move...and so to was Remulo. 


His movements were slight but methodical; anyone paying just a slight modicum of attention could perceive the game being played. Staying far enough back not to arouse that prickling sensation on the base of the neck, drifting left or right to remain outside of peripheral view. Remulo busies himself by pretending to peruse merchant store fronts and grocers, much to the seller's chagrin (he was forced to buy an apple for taking a bit too long). Anything to keep the target comfortable...a happy target is a lax target, and a lax target is the perfect target. 

Soon, Gamulo's seemingly endless wandering presented its stunning conclusion: a bar. 


How original. Feel like I've seen nothing but bars recently...


A dangerous and critical error could be to enter the restaurant and bar and arouse suspicion, so he does the next best thing: waiting in the back alley. 


Tapping a shoulder here and swiping a mouth there, Remulo manages to grab at least two more, taking a seat on a shop rooftop through a simple jump while examining his current reserves. 


"What I wouldn't give for a giant or Fishman's mouth...*sigh* What's life going to be like in the Grand Line?" He muses, waiting for his target to satiate himself as he ponders his potential future. 

[Vio]

^{Courtney #3}

---

They’ve been standing there for a while now, Courtney noted, having briskly pursued her target through the streets of Strawberry Hill. A young girl of seemingly shy demeanour never aroused the suspicions of the average townsfolk, which had most definitely worked in her favour. Are they following somebody? The question almost danced off her tongue as she noticed her quarry’s movement from her place of cover, leaning against the corner of a building and doing her utmost to avoid direct eye contact on the odd occasion that her prey turned his head.

She followed suit, almost skipping.

Th— They are following him! W— Why? Perhaps ignorant of the bizarre mirror of habit she was watching at work, Miss Borden pondered her prey’s decisions. Weaving back and forth, both she and he followed an almost bizarre routine of browsing storefronts and vendors’ stalls, looking busy whilst shadowing their respective targets. This wasn’t typical behaviour — this wasn’t what she was used to seeing. Gritting her teeth slightly, the maniacal maiden hastened her pace, breaking her trailing habits.

Why is he following that guy…? Eyes lingered on a man with a rather funny looking jawline; a man she had sighted walking this very street each day, though had no particular interest in preying upon. He was a nobody working at the local hospital, though he certainly didn’t hold the aura of a doctor. Perhaps kitchen staff? Something janitorial? It was nothing relevant, save one thing. What was his connection to her prey? She double-checked her pathing, her target’s, and his target’s. The lattermost meandered into a bar. His pursuer did not.

“If he’s so interested in him, then,” the pink-haired predator whispered: “I guess all I have to do is have a talk with Mister Buttface~!”

Such a chase was different to the norm. It was exciting — the tantalising proximity to her prey was like balancing on a knife’s edge. Admittedly, she was none too keen on having to approach somebody separately just to further her own goals, but that in itself had a certain charm. More than could be said for the bar itself as she meekly entered. Something of a dive, the place reeked of rum and other hard, cheap liquors, to which she felt a need to cover her mouth and nose just to prevent a coughing fit from the airborne burn.

There he was, sat on his lonesome at a table, drink in hand. It was almost convenient how isolated he was as she made her approach, though Courtney had to admit to herself that this was a risky venture at best. Maybe it was the fact that this was her way which allowed her to make such an educated guess, or maybe she was entirely wrong as she quietly walked up and shyly cleared her throat.

^{“E— Excuse me,” Miss Borden uttered:
“C— Could you help me…?”}

---

Borden Courtney ❘ #de3163

[mildofthewild]

Ahhhh, the joys of a cold, frothy mug of beer. Liquid amber, take me away to reaches of the mindscape long-since thought passed, and embrace me with your bitter gateways into unfelt bliss-

"Huh?" 

Gamulo Yapyap is a simple man. Sure, there's a spot of bother with the whole "trafficking" thing, but it's not as if he was denying people of living. If anything, he had just been contributing to the natural order! Nobles needed slaves, orphans need a home/purpose, and he needed money! It was simple, and frankly it was almost criminal that he should be judged so harshly for such a deed! Did not the World Government even allow the use of slaves?! So what if they were a few kids?! Little brats like that would just prove a nuisance in the long run. 

Indeed, Mr. Yapyap saw himself as the last honest man on these ocean waves, and honest men apparently have to run from the conceited and hypocritical world government! Of course there were several pirate crews looking to wring his neck for selling their members, but surely they knew the risks of travelling these waters! Why must he be the source of discourse when he was only observing the unruly laws of the land! Indeed, pirates and the like were the most hypocritical of all! He wasn't the bad one for simply abiding by the self-made rules!

However, these were mere thoughts, a source of woe as he found himself stranded on an island with an assortment of speci-err, subjects for future trade deals. Strawberry Hill certainly has the infesta-drat-the influx of rather unfortunate children with no future besides being some merchant stall! At least he could provide a purpose for them...perhaps even for this child...

"Help? What do you need me for? Young lady, I'm enjoying a quiet drink after my shift, no no no, I'd prefer not to be bothered by the likes of you! Are you even old enough to be in this establishment, I must ask that you remove yourself from my presence at once! I am not in the mood to be trifled with, indeed, harumph and good day!" 

I might need to keep an eye out for her in the future; I'm sure a noble woman would pay handsomely for someone like her as a hand maiden, but as for now I can't have such temptations! It's bad enough I'm working at the hospital, surrounded by that gold mine of opportunity...

---

"...Hmm, this could take a long while..."

Remulo lies back against the rooftop, studying the bar intently, grimacing as the dog mouth only continues to dampen his undershirt with saliva...

Pulling it away, he lays it against the cool stone of the rooftop beneath him, the mouth whimpering slightly from the mere absence of touch. 

"Borderline useless, I hope he's not the type to just drink the night away...maybe he's secretly a genius. The perfect way to ward off assassins..."

[Vio]

^{Courtney #4}

---

Somewhat taken aback by the man’s retort, Courtney visibly winced, almost like a misbehaved child fearing being disciplined. He was rude, though she wasn’t entirely sure if that was due to the alcohol in his system or not. If it was the case, he obviously couldn’t handle his drinks, but she doubted that was the cause. Worker’s fatigue, perhaps. It seemed a more likely answer, given that he wasn’t even halfway through his beer. Either that, or he was just the rude and arrogant sort. Still, she wasn’t here to judge his character.

“I— Um,” she began, piecing together her words. She couldn’t exactly outright tell him she thought somebody was following him. The suspicion would be too great towards her — it would put him on edge. No, she had to try and persuade him otherwise. Knowing nothing about him made this a little more difficult than she might have liked. “I th— think somebody’s following me,” Miss Borden stuttered meekly, feigning fright, “and I just want to get home safely. So, I— I was hoping I’d find someone strong and brave who could help me…”

Sucking up to this man almost was cringe worthy. If anything, she was just hopeful that this would work. If not, she would have to rethink her strategy, or perhaps just be a little more upfront.

---

Borden Courtney ❘ #de3163

[mildofthewild]

Strong? Brave? Me? Oh...well...when she puts it that way...

Everyone has a weak spot. Some small crack in the armor through which any might be able to hammer at and expose the soft underbelly of the ego underneath. Gamulo has only one, though it is a rather obvious crack; he was prone to compliments. 

Courtney's praise of a strong individual to protect her already played beautifully against his self-imposed chivalry when it came to auctioning off defenseless children to be slaves; why, indeed, he was doing them a favor by giving them a chance to live (nevermind the fact that such a life couldn't possibly be worth living.)

"Being followed you say? Well, say no more! Forgive that rude outburst, young lady, it was a hard day at the hospital, where I work to save lives mind you!" Gamulo says, building himself up even more as he hops down from his table. Courtney would notice the man wasn't that much taller than her, though he was a great deal wider, which was demonstrated by his rolling gait as he hefts one foot in front of the other. 

"I'd be more than willing to help you home, of course! If need be, I'd be more than happy to offer my services as a doorman as well! No one would be able to sneak in with myself on the job! You'd have my word on that!"

Why was this man so helpful? Well, part of it could be attributed to Gamulo not really believing it to be a serious threat; had he known that there was in fact a trained killer waiting outside to ensnare him, he might not be as eager to accompany Courtney. Rather, he might be just as quick to use her as a shield. Of course, there was also the added benefit of finding where Courtney lives so that he might use such knowledge for when his business ventures start back up. Chivalrous, indeed. 

"Well then, we haven't a moment to waste! This way, this way, my dear, we'll leave through the back alley!" 

---

"...Have I really gotten so rusty in only a few weeks? I should've brought cards or something..."

Remulo continues to sit and wait, noting the loss of light as the sun begins to set behind the purple curve of the bobbing sea horizon. It could provide some needed cover, for sure, but it also meant that if he wasn't careful, he might find himself losing his target...

CREEEEEEEEAK

And just as the door slowly turns on its hinges, Remulo's gaze shifts back to the opened yawn, the remaining sunlight glinting off his eyes as he waits patiently for his prey to show itself. Wanted alive, of course...but he might have to rough him up just a little for wasting so much time...

[Vio]

^{Courtney #5}

---

Were she not feigning innocence, a twisted smile would have readily formed upon Borden Courtney’s face. She had succeeded in digging her claws into the man’s pride, exploiting him for her own gain. Unbeknownst to him, he was bait — something to lure another into a trap. Of course, neither was a particularly benevolent soul. Neither knew the truth of the matter at hand.

^{“We haven’t a moment to waste,” Gamulo announced:
“This way, my dear, we’ll leave through the back alley!”}

Perfect… Showing no outwards sign of betrayal, Miss Borden simply nodded shyly and followed in the man’s wake as he guided her towards the dive’s rear entrance. Strangely enough, the scene didn’t seem to bother any of the other patrons. That being said, most of them seemed too sauced to even put together a coherent thought. Hinges creaked as the door opened into the evening air, sunlight fading to reveal an eerie twilight shade entrapped between the architecture of Strawberry Hill. The temperature had dropped a few degrees, somewhat chilly, but by no means cold.

“M— Maybe you should check the alley first,” she suggested at a whisper. “J— Just in case,” the sinister siren added for good measure. Such a charade was already beginning to show its tedium. If this dragged out much longer, she might just have ended up putting the man down there and then. Alas, live bait was more interesting. For all her tendencies, she held no actual contempt nor interest in the man with the cleft chin. Hidden in her pockets, fingers gently wrapped themselves around the grips of her knives. The eve was cold — their steel was colder.

---

Borden Courtney ❘ #de3163
Gamulo Yupyup [NPC] ❘ #e68c19

[mildofthewild]

What? A girl? Who is that? Dammit, I won't get a clean shot at him...

"Why certainly, madame. After all, this is but a happenstance for one as brave, solid, and capable as myself. Leave it in my hands!" Gamulo says, all the while snickering to himself. Children were so easy to impress; merely play the role of a knight and their trust is all but guaranteed! Yes, she'll be a fine shipment once he's managed to wrap up here. There were still many noteworthy buyers, after all! 

"Now, I shall begin with the customary sweeping of the pistol. Pay attention now, sweetie, you may have to take this on your shoulders some day! Notice that I keep my pistol in front of me at all times; this is so no ruffian can enter my blind spot."

Oh give me a break...dammit, I didn't want witnesses, but I guess I don't have a choice...

Inching over the lip of the alleyway, Remulo holds his arm out, the slobbering dog muzzle still nestled on it as it releases a loud BARK! The sound bounces off every conceivable nook and cranny, causing Gamulo to leap in the air and even drop his own weapon, much to his embarrassment. 

"O-oh my, s-s-s-seems it was just a dog, hehehehehe...ugh. Come, perhaps it's in need of a trip home as well?"

I'd just as soon kick that little mutt, but there's no need for such violence, not with miss gold mine here. Just play it cooly, Gamulo...

Signalling Courtney to follow, Gamulo takes a slow, tentative step towards the fork in the alley, taking another creeping sweep of the area before proceeding down the path where he heard the bark. No surprises here, after all...

Of course, as the wretch makes his way forward, Courtney could see something fall from the rooftops. No, not fall...more like descend. Almost like a cloud of ash that floats down from the roof, billowing onto the ground and bobbing into the shape of a crouched man. THE man. The one she had been following...

"Leave." He says, barely above a whisper as he follows behind Gamulo, figure melding into the overcast shadows, providing the perfect camouflage. That mask he had...

It almost seemed inappropriate. Real "midnight" life kind of stuff...

Gamulo continues his way along the path, getting turned around every which way by the high contrasts, increasingly alarmed by the infrequent glittering that led him deeper into what he was starting to suspect was the belly of a very hungry beast. 

"Okay...I-I think that's enough, sweetie, the d-d-d-d-dog must have run off I suspect...L-let's just head to your home to-"

A kick. Hard. Stabbing and blunt all at once as it rams into his portly middle, lifting the man off of his feet and sending Gamulo head first into the brick wall next to him. Stars pop in his vision as he levels his pistol, a swift CRACK following afterwards. Ha! Serves that bastard right! Now all he has to do is...hmm...strange, he can't feel the gun...

The cold numbness slowly creeps up his wrist as he finally realizes the truth. That crack was the splitting of bone in his wrist, his hand currently bent at such an acute angle to his arm that the very sight only caused the man to see more stars; anything to relieve himself of such a disgusting sight. The gun had, of course, fallen from his grip, under the well polished boot of a...thing. That was all that could really describe it...a parody of a human face etched out in zippers stares back at Gamulo as he's lifted up to level with it, a cool, dry breath blowing from it. 

"Gamulo Yupyup?"

"I-I-I-I-"

"You're wanted by the World Government for human trafficking. You're also wanted by several pirate crews for selling off their members. I wonder which one will pay more..."

"B-b-bounty hunter?! W-wait! Wait, d-don't turn me in! Please! Look, if it's money you want, I can give you money!"

"To be honest I just need enough to make it to the next island, so I'm not terribly interested." 

Gamulo panics, his writhing body helpless as Remulo returns to the bar's back entrance, casting another glance at Courtney. 

"Are you hard of hearing, I said leave."

"S-sweetie! Sweetie, don't let him take me! I, uh...oh, get help from in there! There's all kinds of figures-"

"Do that, I'll kill you and whoever steps out." Remulo says, glaring daggers at Gamulo and shaking him before turning his back on Courtney....

[Vio]

^{Courtney #6}

---

Brave? Solid? Capable? Despite Gamulo’s best attempts at seeming it, fate was conspiring against his bravado in every conceivable way. Something about him seemed rather seedy, shady, and untoward, but none of this really deterred Miss Borden. If anything, this charade was playing right into her hands, albeit not exactly as she had assumed it would. As she dared to step out into the cool evening air in the wake of her escort, fate’s whimsy had sealed the deal in her favour as a shadowy figure descended from the rooftops.

“Leave,” was the only work the masked figure uttered.

Wait, who is he?! Courtney startled, unaware as to the true identity of such a person. The figure she has analysed and anticipated had been replaced with something altogether more menacing in its design — a masked marauder with little more than a twisted representation of a human face upon an otherwise featureless headpiece. Keeping silent, this time out of legitimate shock, she meekly nodded and slowed her pace until she felt herself a safe enough distance. Blue eyes analysed that which she could see.

^{“S— Sweetie!” Gamulo whimpered:
“Get help from in there…!”}

“I’ll kill you and whoever steps out,” the night phantom retorted, still suspending the wretched sod. Perhaps unbeknownst to either, the wide eyes of the Borden girl were doing more than just watching in shock. Knowledge. Knowledge was power. Knowledge of the bodies of humans — how they moved and functioned and fuelled themselves — was the power at that horror’s disposal. Lips curled into a sinister smile.

Steel flourished. Eyes sharpened.

Thwip! With swift movement, a single combat knife was hurled from the pocket of the pink-haired predator and towards the shadow’s shoulder — the very one through which he suspended his own prey. Her intent was not to stab the arm, no. Rather, so long as he never moved, the blade would simply cut through the fabric of his sleeve and nick at the flesh. It was bound to embed itself just an inch from Gamulo’s head. A test, if anything, but she was sure; by bodily proportions and movement, this bizarre apparition was none other than the very soul she had been hunting.

^{“You’re a bounty hunter~?” Courtney giggled:
“Well isn’t this an interesting turn of events~!”}

---

SPOILER: Click to show

{Pyaansaann sai Saintone}
_{Courtney flings one of her knives at an opponent, aiming the blade as such that the edge scrapes across the target’s flesh as the entire knife flies past, the tip just about cutting enough to draw a small amount of blood. It will also readily cut fabric and hair. The secret of the technique is that any attempt to parry the blade can result in a far more serious injury — the best thing to do is keep perfectly still.}

---

Borden Courtney ❘ #de3163
Remulo Bogs ❘ #bcda5e
Gamulo Yupyup [NPC] ❘ #e68c19

[mildofthewild]

It was swift, clean. A beautiful calculation that sliced through the air with utmost precision, slicing clean through Remulo's suit and licking at his skin before finding itself piercing the mortar above Gamulo's head. Neither man could react until the move had already been made, Gamulo gaping like a fish on land before floundering all the same in the wake of the attack. 

Drip...drip...

A small bead of blood rolls along that perfect edge, building into a fat, glistening bulb before falling to the ground below, a thin coat of crimson blood painting the stone. His blood. 

It was only a minor nick, the only lasting damage being a thin red line that could heal over in the span of a night...but it was a nick that he couldn't prevent. The inside of the mask grows hot once more, sticking to his face as he takes slow, careful pulls of air, avoiding anything that could visibly show panic. Thankfully his eyes were covered, because there would be no way he could hide the rolling fear ebbing into them from her. 

She...she threw that...to kill me? No...no...she didn't want to. She wanted to see if she could...she can...

"Hahahaha! That's it, sweetie! Y-yes, it would appear the tables have turned most fantastically! Now, you ruffian, I think it best you put me down now before you get little more than your suit ruined!" Gamulo's shaking was replaced with a hesitant smirk, the man still not entirely certain what might happen next. There was something about her giggle...something about that look. Could he truly be safe?


"Quiet." 

Against his better judgement, he couldn't play the statuesque hunter. Not around her...he had to see. He turns his head, ever so slightly, his jaw set and his eyes refocusing so he could look her in the eyes...


And what he saw proved it. 


A killer. 


"You're not in the position to tell me what to do, not now that my friend there has you corn-"


"She's not your friend," Remulo says, his voice hard but with a slight waver as he processes what's to come next. Too many scenarios play out in his head, most of them playing a reality where he winds up dead. "She'll kill you without even a thought. But she doesn't want to kill you...do you?" He asks, trying to stay focused on every fidget, every slight movement. He should be in control here...but that knife...there was nothing he could do about that knife. She had thrown it with the precision to be sure of that...


"Yes. I am a bounty hunter...are you?" Was she with Atla? There was no way someone could have been waiting for him here... 

[Vio]

^{Courtney #7}

---

Though his eyes were hidden, the phantom’s gaze was upon her, analysing her almost as she had done him. She had his attention, almost entirely undivided, with the one exception of the man with the ridiculous face. The latter seemed suddenly rather confident in his chances, but the words that escaped her prey’s mouth quickly made it clear. Indeed, as he asked those crucial questions, she already had another knife drawn, rolling it in her grip.

^{“No,” Miss Borden answered, eyeing Gamulo with disdain:
“I don’t kill just anyone… there’s nothing to learn from it.”}

She stepped forwards, knees bending.

“And, no, I’m not a bounty hunter either,” Courtney added, flipping the knife into a reversed grip. Her eyes were wholly focused upon Remulo at this point, body ready to spring into action at a moment’s notice. The alley’s shadows were distorted by the twilight pall that spread itself across the sky, with only minutes remaining before the sun completely set over the horizon. The nightly chill crept upon them like deathly claws.

^{“My name’s Courtney,” she smiled:
“And I want to see how you work~!”}

Whoosh! Within the second, she was in motion, arm raised as she rushed directly towards the two men without any signs of halting her advance. Each stride taken in merely a third of the time of an average sprint, she was almost a blur as she came upon them, putting herself into her prey’s reach as she swung towards the shoulder. Fast and accurate — an almost perfect combination should she have wanted him dead. But death could wait. She wanted to experiment. She no longer had the element of surprise, but that suited her just fine.

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SPOILER: Click to show

{Poutkwal Danrar}
_{Courtney delivers a swift, deep stab to the opponent, targeting an area of muscle density. Shortly after the blade is withdrawn, any sudden movement of the target area causes extreme stress on the wounded tissues, triggering a rupturing of blood vessels and sudden blood loss. Though the attack is damaging, the aftermath worsens the injury substantially, forcing the target to choose between greater injury and relative safety.}

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Borden Courtney ❘ #de3163
Remulo Bogs ❘ #bcda5e
Gamulo Yupyup [NPC] ❘ #e68c19

[mildofthewild]

The burst of speed was enough to trigger his survival reflexes, Remulo fully identifying this "Courtney" as a threat. Gamulo wasn't in her sights, so luckily he could just kick the man to the side for now. 

"THIS ISN'T HAPPENING! OOOOF!" 

The rotund business dealer spins across the ground, smacking face first into the brick wall, a thin trail of blood from his now broken nose trailing behind. Knocked out, for now-

SCHWICK!

"GRK!" 

What?! She...she was fast...he had calculated everything in his head, he should have had time to move out of the way, but she blitzed through all of it, delivering a deep stab into his shoulder, his arm immediately stiffening as a sharp yelp escapes his lips. No one...no one had ever made him scream like that before...

It was enough to make him lose his temper.

The eyes remain hidden, but the pure fury pouring from his stature could portray all of his darkest thoughts. This girl was a killer...it was time to treat her like one.

Straining from the wound, Remulo turns his arm over, palm facing her stomach, along with the gaping, toothless mouth he had stolen before. Thankfully elderly skin could be stretched...

Bringing his free fist up, Remulo shoots a punch...into his own mouth?! As it disappears behind the zipper teeth of his mask, a slight puff of wind blows from his red-stained fist below...

Like a bullet of its own, another fist flies from his hand; his own fist. Normally he wouldn't play his fruit so early, but this girl was dangerous enough to land a deep blow on him. Now was not the time to play stingy with secrets...

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SPOILER: Click to show

{Kuchi Kuchi Pistol}{Kuchi Kuchi Pistol}Utilizing the interconnected network of his mouths, Remulo can effectively "shoot" his fist through one and put the other, giving him extended range of offense provided he takes the time to set the maneuver up.

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