Trick 13: A Night on the Town


They had tried the whole team-play routine, and despite the struggle they had in the end come out on top. But should it have been portrayed as a team effort; the reality was that there was none what so ever. Nothing but independence, fighting for one's self, or perhaps, for the sake of another?

Still it was now time for them to go their separate ways and act of their own accord till otherwise. After all, going solo was part of the memo.


[Osaka - 19:00pm]

Amidst the high buildings of the early night he hurdled his way across the towered structures of the vast metropolitan landscape.

First night riding solo – It would stay this for as long as they consisted of three. He didn't mind so much in all honesty, obviously in his view it didn't seem likely that they would ever become an actual team. Supporting each other with the occasional assists yes, but working as a team, hah, it just didn't sound right. In fact it sounded so funny to him because it made so much sense; Taiga may be willing to become a team player but with his chaotic form it wouldn't be worth it. Mugen would complain about working together being pointless and that their fights wouldn't last long. As for himself he was for all the above but not without a second opinion; while the act itself could take them far beyond the standard format and revere them as a challenge of the highest difficulty, it could just as easily cause a major set-back for their morale, and that is something neither of them need and want. So yeah, independence is the best way to go, and speaking of ways to go, he didn't have a flying clue.

"Aargh, hmm, *sigh*" for about half an hour he's been riding around aimlessly, hoping soon to find some sort of sign that would lead him in the right direction, "And here I thought scouting up high was the way to go, sheesh." he moaned as he didn't seem any closer to finding an opponent for tonight, Kaen perches himself on the edge of a building struck by the emission of brightly green neon light from the attached billboard, narrowing his focus further out into the distance trying to get a fix on any form of irregular activity.

"Perhaps I should've waited a bit longer before coming out."


[Flashback - M.K Residence - 15:30pm]

"So these folded slips of paper each have a Class written on them?" Taiga asked receiving a nod from Kaen, "And there are several copies of each?"

"Yep." answered Kaen, he and the other two youths standing around a black cowboy hat held up by the ebony-haired teen, "Only from F to C." he states.

"Why?" Mugen drawled, veining a look of slight annoyance at his younger brother expecting him to have a very good explanation for his decision.

"Because jumping straight for the advanced Classes would be stupid at our current level." Kaen answered nonchalantly, jutting the slips of paper to shuffle them more.

"We're gonna have to go against them anyway." yawning out whilst rubbing the back of his neck, "All this does is delay the inevitable."

"Wouldn't you rather be safe than-" cutting off his sentence when the sound of his crux came to light added with the dry looks his two older brothers gave as they waited for him to think carefully about what he was about to say.

Sheepishly rubbing the back of his head at his lack of sense, "Right . . ." they had travelled the world, been in more dangers than the average person would ever have to experience, nearly - though not even close - had one of their own shot down by a crazed cop not long ago, and not to mention they were now partaking in one of - if not the - most dangerous sport ever and he had the gall to imply that it would be better to 'be safe than sorry'.

"Point taken,"

(FOOL)

"But we ain't gotta rush, why not just take it slow."

"Whatever." said Mugen reaching into the hat and picking out his 'choice', "...D." he announced in a flat tone.

Taiga went next making his draw, "...F."

"...E, not bad." said Kaen placing the hat on the kitchen table, "Well this is it." holding out his fist to Mugen and Taiga widely grinning in excitement, "Let's have some fun."

"Tch, that's my line" said Mugen chidingly letting his wolfish grin break through.

Taiga's own grin said all it needed to, all three of them now joining in a three-way fist bump.

"Show time."

[Flashback end]


He could've made life easier for himself and made a call-out on the P.W.F. Kami knows why he didn't do so - giving a mental slap for not thinking to do it - however relying on the forum every time would be boring (he only used it to check updates). Searching the old fashioned way was a better preference, plus he'd been gone for three years, he wanted to re-trace his roots.

*bzzz...* clocking on the electronic buzz he scans the area before locking onto a fast moving blur travelling along the opposite buildings.

"Bingo."


[Elsewhere - Namba Parks, Osaka]

Namba Parks; a large vicinity, well known as an office and shopping complex. Even with the urbanization a lot of greenery nourished the area; from groves to trees, lawns, rock clusters, ponds, streams, and waterfalls all levelled the outspread terrace. Highly visible within the settlement, a tall skyscraper - 45 stories (149 metres) in height - with 120 tenant shopping malls and a rooftop garden. Park Tower in all its glory.

Mugen traversed through the carved canyon-like path that resided beneath the park. The underground, filled with retail, entertainment and diners. He was a little skeptic about how quiet it was down below because even at this hour there should be more people journeying through the under-pass. He had passed a few people along the way and could hear voices that reached further in. Yet as he got closer the voices grew quieter until there was no sound given.

He continued down the same route when he stepped into a clearing. An empty intersection that split three ways, the only source of light came from above where the natural light of the Sky shone down into the wide crevasse where the surrounding upper buildings parted.

*Sniff* ". . ."

"Well, well, well, looks like we got ourselves a big one boys." shouted a voice from the dark, mixed in with the sound of numerous Air Treks circling the venue unseen.

Mugen just kept himself quiet and observed; there were eight of them in total, seven of which were circling him. They ranged from 5'7 to 5'9 in height he guessed, all wearing dark outfits to blend in with the darkness. Eight against one, he liked those odds - number-wise - though what mattered to him more was how well they would put up a fight.

"We weren't expecting to see one the, prestige rookies again so soon." spoke the leading voice again from his whereabouts.

As expected, they knew of him.

"You 'n your boys put on one helluva show the other week. Seriously I mean it, not bad for a couple of, hatchlings."

They acknowledged his (their) skills, jokes aside.

"But don't get too ahead of yourself now." said owner of the voice emerging from the shadows dressed similarly to the remaining seven Riders, "Let's see how well you do against us in combat."

And just like every other Rider out there, they wanted to beat him down, great.

Heaving a sigh followed up by a yawn feeling naturally tired as he always is still in the process of waking up as he'd taken a nap earlier in the day before ending up where he is now, he takes another look at his odds, clicking his tongue in dread for the outcome of this soon to be, skirmish.

"Guess it wouldn't hurt. At least we don't have to come to any sort of agreement since it's obvious what type of Battle this is, so let's see what you can do to satisfy my boredom." pocketing his hands in his jacket, "Whenever you're ready."

The leader of the group gave out an oppressive smirk, not liking the Enigma's quirk, "We'll see how relaxed you are when your head is caved into the ground." bristling when Mugen kept up his casual attitude and not getting any response irked him further, "You asked for it. TAKE'M DOWN!" the man shouted jumping back into the darkness and the Air Treks of the seven Riders increased their acceleration.

Mugen continued to wait till one of the Riders dashed out from the darkness at his left side narrowly cutting passed him and back into the dark over on the right. Then another Rider mimicked the previous, cutting passed him only this time from behind and jumping over him heading back into the darkness ahead of him. Not flinching at all from their fakes he patiently stood through the ordeal as all the Riders came at him at different timings continuing not to actually land solid hits on him but instead just narrowly brush by him. He may not be one hundred per-cent book smart - which there is nothing wrong with - but he was very astute when it came to combat, as well as sports. The moment he noted the Riders circling him in the dark he'd already caught on to their tactic and the constant 'assaults' just proved him right even more. A mixture of consistent drives done independently or in number which was used to rattle his attention. The purpose of their foreplay was to set him up; because they were all dressed accordingly and similar in height and were all moving fast at different high speeds - which is the key point here - it was to create the illusionary effect that one person alone was present and then he would have to pay extra close attention to figure out which of them was the real one, when in actuality should it already reach the point where the victim would forget, there were still several people from the start. And should the victim become too absorbed in his/her study, added with the paranoia and increased frustration caused by the illusionary effect, the victim would eventually become vulnerable enough where the Rider could deal critical hits thus ending the fight.

"Seen it." he said dryly with a dazed expression present on his face. Would this have been any other person then he may be interested to see how he or she would break free of the trap. But because Mugen was already familiar with such an approach this had no effect on him at all.

"What's wrong rookie, scared shitless." one of the Riders taunted amusing Mugen just a little (trash talk, classic).

From the flurry one of the Riders hidden charged at him 'making', Mugen step over to his left, then followed another Rider who sped towards him swinging his left elbow forward aiming for Mugen's head.

'Amateur.' catching his attacker first by spinning clockwise and striking the man's temple with the point of his own elbow, sending the guy to hit the ground and lay lifeless.

A chorus of Air Treks braking resounded as all the Riders came to an abrupt stop, silence now filling the area. They watched their teammate with shock and how the blue-haired rookie started poking the floored Rider's face with his finger before standing up and turning to no-one in particular.

"So who's next?"


INFINITUM


[Meanwhile - M.K Residence]

Sitting alone in the kitchen of his home smoking a cigarette, the foggy wisps being extracted from the room by the circulating air, pulling the white clouds outside the open window.

*Inhale . . . Exhale* tapping the length of the cigarette over a ceramic ash tray knocking the burnt shriveled crisps into its center. He brought the burning stick up to take another drag, but midway he stopped, his mind focused on other things, like what had transpired two days ago.

He knew Rinta would show himself again. It was only a matter of time. In the past the man always had something to discuss with him and his friends of old. However, this topic that was heavily connected to another wasn't something he wanted to discuss. Especially as to whom it revolved around.


[Flashback - Two days ago - Kyoto, Ryōan-ji(Zen garden)]

"It's been a long time since I was here. The Temple of the Dragon at Peace, fitting name wouldn't you say." spoke Rinta looking out into the setting holding his hands out made into a makeshift frame.

"You said those exact same words when we came here for the for first time years ago." Kiryu replied seated cross legged on the wooden surface of the veranda with his hands joined together.

"So I did." switching his focus between the large stones that nestled on the flattened gravel surface, "It's said that only fourteen of the boulders are visible at one time, and only through attaining enlightenment can the fifteenth be seen." Rinta spoke knowingly in his small lecture, his words sounding to have a depthful meaning to them, "Tell me Kiryu, do you know what the historian of this garden said what the garden itself symbolizes?" he asked rhetorically.

With his eyes closed the raven-haired male firmly gave his response, "The garden does not symbolize anything, or more precisely, to avoid any misunderstanding, the garden of Ryōan-ji does not symbolize, nor does it have value of reproducing a natural beauty that one can find in the real or mythical world. I consider it to be an abstract composition of 'natural' objects in space, a composition whose function is to incite meditation."

Rinta nodded twice before countering, he knew Kiryu knew the answer but it was always good to hear the man speak; he sounded so knowledgeable and wise, even when they were younger his words often spoke well above his age - like himself - a shame really now that he thought about it, would've been spectacular to have a partner or rival in the science department like Kiryu, yes... a shame indeed, "Researchers propose that the implicit structure of the garden is designed to appeal to the viewer's unconscious visual sensitivity to axial-symmetry skeletons of stimulus shapes."

"Always have something scientific to add don't you." said Kiryu rolling his eyes unsurprised by the man's choice of reply.

"Of course, I'm a scientist, it's what I do." grinning at his long-time friend.

"Is there a meaning behind all this chatter." facing Rinta with a stoical expression.

"Perhaps." rubbing the stubble on his chin in thought along with hearing an 'I thought so' from Kiryu, "Perhaps not. What, we can't have a friendly normal chat without there having to be some sort of involvement."

"There's always something involved when it comes to you Rinta." earning a mock distressed look from the man, "Now tell me, what is your reason for being here?" Kiryu voiced giving the man a sharp look wanting no more runarounds and to get straight to the point.

(Music: [Bleach] Burden Of The Past - Shiro Sagisu)

. . . . . .

. . . .

"Have you noticed anything out of the ordinary?" Rinta asked, calm and expectant with his question, all trace of his enthusiasm long discarded.

He knew what the scientist was referring to. It was a critical topic that needed to be discussed whenever the time called for it, or when something happened that the topic needed to be brought up for future sake.

"Other than the level of maturity which I expected, no..." he answered, obscurely, which did not go unnoticed by the scientist as he urged him to continue, "He's mellow... as in he's experienced more than he should, or what we would've liked for him to. His body language says one thing but his eyes tell an entirely different story. Those aren't the eyes of a boy Rinta, a seventeen year old one at that." taking a deep breath and calming his nerves before speaking again, "Is there something I should know about." it wasn't a question, but more of a demand, mixed with anxiousness.

"Nothing for now." Rinta said removing his bowler hat and placing it next to him on his left, his shaded eyes downcast.

"Do they know?" the raven-haired male inquired.

"No. I needn't say anything to them."

"They have a right to know Rinta."

"I know. The last thing I want to do is cause worry. Me not saying anything will surely raise suspicion however they know as well I do, as should you, that it is inevitable. *Sigh* But we still have time."

Both men looked out into the gravel, sitting in silence as they needed a moment to themselves.

. . .

"It's like it's being relived again through him." said Kiryu quietly.

"Makes sense, no matter how one may not want it to." said Rinta scratching his head.

. . .

"Don't worry Kiryu. Everything will be fine."

[Flashback end]


"That's what you always say." pressing the bud of the cigarette into the dish feeling no need to smoke anymore.

That man had a nag for being right, and it was quite daunting to, for not once since he's known the shrewd and mysterious man, has he ever been wrong.

. . .

Especially, when it came to . . .


INFINITUM


[Dōtonbori, Osaka]

Kaen had pursued his target all the way into Dōtonbori, a large-scale single street that ran parallel with the canal that resided between Dōtonboribashi Bridge and Nippobashi Bridge. And just like the cityscapes of Osaka the substantial site of Dōtonbori was too brimming with colour and entertainment all around.

He landed on one of the building rooftops and surveyed the area below where the long street was, jam-packed with pedestrians all huddled up amongst themselves going in directions opposite from the other.

"Is there something I can help you with?"

Spinning around the ebony-haired teen comes face to face with none other than the owner of the voice and his target.

A young women, rather tall - standing at 5'7 - and dark-skinned. Her hair short and white, eyes maroon in colour and her lips glossed in teal coloured lipstick. The young women wore a black cut-off sweatshirt that advertised some midriff, displaying her toned abdomen and curved sides. Around her neck was a green checkered scarf that reaches down her back. Black fingerless gloves, cream coloured pants that fit snug around her hips, and full black Air Treks with a grey checkered pattern and teal wheels.

The women gave Kaen a raised brow waiting for him to speak.

"Oh I was just out and about till something fetching caught my eye. So I wondered if my fellow Rider would be interested in a race." he told, smirking deviously at the mocha-skinned beauty in front of him.

Said beauty brought her right hand up and ran her fingers through her white locks, "Hm~ I dunno, it's getting awfully late, and I'm quite tired." smiling at the young man before her cheekily, "Beside, you came all this way just to see little ol' me and ask for a race. I don't even know your name," leaning forward placing both hands on her hips, "Is it not customary for the man to introduce himself first upon greeting when in the presence of a lady."

Oh he liked her, cheeky alright, and the girl had spunk, "Heh-heh, true, where are my manners." placing his right hand on his chest, left arm brought around behind his back and bowing down, "Thy name is Kaen, and yourself milady?"

The girl muffled a laugh at the teen's antic but decided to play along, curtseying for her introduction, "Jazz, it's a pleasure to meet you good sir."

"Likewise." both teens standing back at full height again, "So how about it?"

"I guess it wouldn't hurt, you gonna make it worth my time Hotshot?"

It was funny to hear that nickname again. she was the second girl to call him that - In Japan anyways - and the recurring trait was that it was always women who said it.

"I'm sure I can make this race worth your while." he replied turning away from her, facing the long distance ahead of him.

Jazz did the same and moved herself so that she stood 3 metres from his side, "What are the stakes?"

". . . I'll think about it after, you know what you're betting?" he asked, receiving a slow nod from the girl, "First one to pass Nipponbashi Bridge wins." revving up his ATs along with Jazz as they were about to get the race under way.


BATTLE

E-CLASS: HURDLES

KAEN VS JAZZ


Ready in anticipation as they waited to get started and make a quick dash for the other end. Most commonly in E-Class Battles Riders would have to upscale buildings before travelling the roof distance then descend back down to the ground and repeating the procedure till either reached the end first. As of now though the circumstance were different; the gaps between each building were much shorter compared to other layouts, so the act of riding down a building was neither required until they reached the last one. Quite large but gaps were sizable that Kaen and Jazz only need to make straight jumps across at each interval which gave the course more the feel of an actual hurdles race.

'I can't afford to let up for even a second against this guy.' Even though he had struggled Jazz saw how Kaen managed to turn the tables when he raced the blonde GG several nights ago back in Shibuya. Heck, to her him struggling wasn't that much of a deal, in all he was doing fine in his set until they made the switch back at the terminal. Given more time and Kaen would become an even greater challenge in the future. His natural talent was exceedingly high for him to be seen as your average green horn, and the fact that he has and affinity for one the eight Roads already, wasn't exactly pleasant for most. Definitely, the rookie was not someone to be underestimated, 'But still I hoped that I'd get to Battle him... I'm getting excited, I think I've got Goosebumps.'

"Here it goes."


[Jet Set Radio]

(Music: Funky Radio - B.B. Rights)

. . . . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . .

. . . . .

"THIS IS YOUR VERY OWN GUERILLA BROADCASTER,

JET SET RADIOOOOO!

USE THIS CITY AS YOUR CANVAS AND PAINT US SOME VIBES FROM THE STREET!

WE'RE COMING TO LIVE FROM THE HIGH-LIGHTIN' DISTRICT OF DOTONBORI WITH A RACE FOR YO EYES TO SEE!

MAKE SURE THOSE LENSES ARE PEELED WIDE,

AND SEND ALL GARBAGE TO THE SIDE,

COZ YOU DON'T WANNA MISS THIS RIDE!"


3

.

2

.

1

.

GOOOOO!


*sssSSS-* Kaen and Jazz discharged and sped off at full force trekking down the length of the first rooftop before leaping off into mid-air and landing onto the next roof and dashing onward.

Jazz was doing well in keeping up her pace and handling it as their overall speed was slowly increasing at a progressive rate. Her speed was very good, if a comparison had to be made between her and the blonde GG then Jazz was surely faster out of the two from an initial standpoint. Plus the dark-skinned teen's handling on her jumps was done very well in fact; from the start she had immediately thrown herself into a rhythm. Depending on how fast she approached the end of a building she would time a her jumps to a count.

'Five, six... five, six, seven...' to the count, before hitting the end she made a quick step then jumped across the open gap landing safely, her balance firm and stable, following with a kick-off getting herself back into a count yet again.

'One, two... One, two-' *Jump*


[Jet Set Radio]

"ALMOST HALFWAY AND INTO THE FRAY!"


'One, two, three-' *Jump*. . . . . .'One, two, three-' *Jump*. . . . . .'One, two-' *Jump*. . . . . .'One, two-' *Jump*

Concentrating, staying focused, eyes ahead, keeping count, sustaining her rhythm and becoming in-tuned with it.


[Jet Set Radio]

"SHE'S RIDIN' HARD AND SHE'S RIDIN' SMART,

S'RIGHT GIRL KEEP DOIN' WHAT'CHA DOIN'

STEP TO THE BEAT

*Tap - Tap*

STEP TO THE BEAT

.

STEP TO THE BEAT

*Tap - Tap*

STEP TO THE BEAT"


Olympic Hurdlists needed to be fast, not just physically but mentally. They needed to be equipped with a sharp sense of timing in order to make successful strides. Most don't really seem to understand just how crucial it is to get the timing right. Hurdles are a very rhythmic race so you need to be astute in order to make the strides. You have to practice and practice and practice so that it becomes easy. That isn't to say that the succession rate is 100%, even the best sometimes screw up, anything can disrupt the person's flow and deny them a chance of redemption, because as soon you clip that hurdle - or for our two Riders, the edge of the roof - then it's game over. And falling down in between the buildings would cause and even greater defeat for the misfortune.


[Jet Set Radio]

"SO INTENSE,

GOTTA BE FLY,

WANNA MAKE THE FENCE,

KEEP Y'SPIRITS HIGH!

KEEP IT CALM,

RIDE YOUR BEST,

GOTTA GET THAT HEAVY,

OFF YO CHEST!"


She kept herself going, kept pushing herself further and further, doing all she could to make herself go faster and faster to get as far ahead as she possibly could. But her effort seemed naught, for her opponent, Kaen, was in full stride and was increasing the gap more and more with each passing moment.

He was fluent, controlled, consecutive, never before has she seen a Rider move the way Kaen did right now. It was clear how far he was set out from others. The way he motioned his body for the jumps - before and during - the way he maintained himself both on the ground and in the air with the consistent switching of movements plus the fact that his speed was getting higher. This level of experience was adverse to her. She couldn't understand how he did it.

This... was it like his race against the blonde GG where he managed to pull a lucky win out of the hat... though calling it lucky would be pretty irate of her, because no matter how she looked at it he had managed to do the impossible back then when it seemed assured that he was going to lose. No, he didn't make the impossible happen because he was lucky; he made the impossible happen because he could make it happen.

Perhaps he, right now, was ignorantly gaining experience as the two of them raced, which for most it would be inconceivable to learn how to engage and E-Class Battle such as theirs so suddenly and so quickly. To learn how to overcome your shortcomings as if it was easy to breach, making a breakthrough in a matter of time, seconds, when there's a lot more to go through, yeah, inconceivable would be right choice of word.

. . .

Or maybe, it was neither of them, and the reason for his expertise, the reason why he was so cool about everything that was happening, was, because he has already dealt with such a scenario, many times, therefore there would be no reason for him to struggle.

Question is though... where had he learnt to handle something like this?


[Jet Set Radio]

"HOME STRETCH COMIN' UP!"


Scurrying almost desperately along the last of the rooftops giving it her all to stay as close as she could to him, because the finish line would appear before they knew it.

She is no quitter, but as the revelation came to light she knew that this was a losing Battle and that she didn't stand any sort of chance at beating Kaen. That didn't mean she would just let the remainder of the race become obscenely one-sided that it wouldn't have looked like a race anymore, she wouldn't tolerate that.

'Guess it's over.' Jazz thought to herself as she landed on the last building only to see the Trickster forcibly drop his speed to the barest minimum - with incredible leg strength - igniting sparks from the searing friction, hopping over the edge of the building and drop down escaping her sight, now hearing the sounds of the youth's Air Treks scaling down the tall structure. It was like music to her ears.

Clutching the edge she swings herself over and drops down, wall-riding quickly, though by that point Kaen was low enough - (shockingly fast she thought which she also thought that her finding it shocking to see him already below halfway was bizarre considering the speed the ebony-haired boy travelled at when they were at top) - dismounted and made one final dash.

As she reached a suitable distance from the ground Jazz jumped off of the building, skidding on the concrete surface to control herself and with a final push the travelled the rest of the distance at top speed, whizzing her way over Nipponbashi Bridge - that ran underneath a railway - and emerged out onto the other side where Kaen waited for her.


FINISH

WINNER: KAEN


"Heh... you, beat me..." Jazz spoke, gasping for breath as her better glided over to her, showing no signs of fatigue, looking as decent as the moment they met, "Alright Mr. Hotshot, name it."

Ah yes, his earning. He had forgotten about that long ago - before that not thinking of anything specific he'd want - he supposed now was as good a time as any to say what he wanted.

. . .

"Nothing."

(Cue sweat drop)

Jazz blinked owlishly, not sure if she heard him correctly.

'Did I hear him right?' "'Cuse me?"

Kaen just grinned at her, acting all jovial throughout her confusion expecting such a reaction.

"Nothing. Well, nothing in the means of parts at least. I wasn't really aiming to earn any kinda parts with this race. Just winning it and knowing I enjoyed myself is enough for me, so, yeah, ha-ha-ha."

She didn't know why exactly she was so dumbstruck by his reason but, she was so dumbstruck, she wasn't quite sure how to process this bit of news. All he wanted - mainly - was to have fun. Would she be correct in assuming it was the main and only priority? Yes. Even if he said it the notion of winning the race seemed to be the last thing on his mind.

Ever since she became a Rider, no matter the scale of the prize, has she ever seen/met a Storm Rider decline an earned AT part. So long as it was salvageable, every part, every piece, rarity aside, was valuable - each with their own set of value - and to deny the chance of obtaining something of unknown worth was... was . . .

'I don't know whether to call him selfless, or a complete idiot.' she chose the former.

"What Class are ya by the way?" Kaen asked.

"Huh, oh, mid E-Class." she answered, unwrapping the scarf from her neck letting the cold air hit her skin.

"Heh-heh, then this win automatically shifts me up to E-Class." smiling with another grin at the dark-skinned girl who felt amused by his vigour.

"Certainly does."

"Let's go." throwing an arm around Jazz's shoulder and pulling her along.

"Huh, where?" she asked catching herself on his open shirt as the jovial boy guided her to their next destination, unsure as to why he was making her follow 'Clearly I don't have a say in the matter.'

"Grab a bite to eat, starting to get hungry again." on cue his stomach growled.

"You got cash?" Jazz asked, causing the young man to stop abruptly in panic, patting down his pockets - going as far to take off an AT - before heaving a huge sigh of relief knowing he still had money on his person, "Alright then let's go." grabbing him by the shirt to now take the lead herself, Kaen hopping along trying to fit his AT back on his foot, "Wha!" he exclaimed.

She stopped, spun around and pressed her body up against him, looking into his onyx eyes with her endearing maroon ones, giving him a saddened look, "You're not gonna make me pay are ya Kaen?" pouting, and the final move, a blink.

. . .

"*Sigh* Fine." he said, Jazz throwing her arms around chanting a 'thank you' before pulling him again.

"C'mon Hotshot times a-wastin'."

Believe it or not he was gonna pay for the two of them whether she accepted or declined his offer.

'Hope she doesn't have an appetite like mine.' he thought. Laughable... but scary.


IFINITUM


[Namba Parks, Osaka]

Eight bodies scattered around like lifeless corpses just waiting to be packaged in a body bag each, figuratively I assure you. Nevertheless it wouldn't come as a surprise. Although there weren't puddles of blood the scene itself spelled 'beat down' if it was any indication to the event that transpired not long ago.

He had no expectations of this fight - if could even be called a fight - they failed in satisfying his boredom, though not intentional, and therefore this team whoever they were failed to make this, exercise, worth his time. God he was pissed. They gave so much big talk yet their skills were just couldn't back-up their bravado. Wait, rewind, their 'big talk' wasn't even remotely big in the slightest, they were just chatting air; nothing. If this was all his competition had to offer then the Road ahead didn't look so promising. It would be wrong for him to give up hope on the first go, but if guys like these were representing Storm Riders just a little, then he was not amused.

*Yaaaaa~wn*

He didn't even know what Class this team was. Oh well, a fault on his part for not asking, so he just left it at that. Remember to ask the next time he battles and hoping - not finding the point in it though - to get a better work-out.

Feeling a sense of want he decides to scour his way around anywhere, or perhaps just gallivanting aimlessly to pass the time.


[Nearby, vantage point]

Above the area two characters had surveyed the ended skirmish and now watched as the blue-haired Enigma left the intersection leaving the broken bodies behind without a care.

"Reminds me of the day you first came to Japan. Not even a day and you were ganged up on, yet you took care of those guys very quickly." spoke the voice of a female, who said female was none other than Swallow a.k.a Simca.

"Guess history has a funny way of repeating itself." spoke the second individual, male, looking upward in thought reminiscing on the past encounter, "Good times... good times."

"So what do you think?"

"What do I think? Ha, what do you expect me to think? It was no contest. The fight was over before it began, or should I say," pointing at one of the floored Riders, "When that guy got downed." said Rider being the first who had gotten himself an instant K.O when attempting to strike the Enigma from behind, "Man that was cold."

"Oh I know that, I meant what are your thoughts on Wolf-kun." Simca clarified, also thinking back to how the bluenette handled his attacker, laughing to herself when he started poking the guy's cheek like a curious child who'd discovered something fascinating.

". . . He's not normal I can tell you that." the male said.

"Obviously, even I could've told you that." Simca replied waving off his remark.

"I think my definition of abnormal is very different from yours Simca."

Said girl looked down to her acquaintance who was squatted on their platform.

The man wore; a black zipper hoody - hood worn up - with zipper pockets on his sides; black gloves; blue jeans; and jet black coloured Air Treks with dark blue lining that was difficult to view. The base goldenrod yellow in colour and the wheels also jet black with a dark blue ring design that again like on the 'boots' were difficult to view.

"What strikes me as odd, or what I don't get, or what I find myself asking is . . ."

"Yeees?" leaning in closer the hooded man.

Crossing his arms and cocking his head a little to the side.

"Why the heck is that guy wearing ATs? Hold up, let me rephrase that, why the heck is someone like him a Storm Rider? Just, doesn't make sense."

"Why do you think that?" Simca asks, inwardly befuddled and equally curious as to her friend's thoughts.

"Wouldn't you like to know." he says in a low voice, a whisper, standing to his full height looking at Simca directly.

Added with his Air Treks he stood around 5'10-ish, without he'd be hitting around 5'9 at best.

Simca stared at him. His face was hidden by his hood, it was like a void that swallowed everything. Not even the surrounding light managed to show anything. But what managed to break through the darkness, were dimly lit lenses, depicted as eyes; quite large and had a bit of a yellow tint.

"Well I'm outta here." he suddenly chirped swing his head away from the pinkette.

"Already."

"Yep, gotta make sure I catch my flight home tomorrow so Imma snooze some till then."

"Well this was a short visit, even shorter than the last one." said Simca watching as she watched him hop on the spot.

"Fear not mademoiselle, for I shall return." giving a mock bow before raising himself up again.

"I'm sure you will." Simca said knowingly, he always did come back at some point.

"The sooner I get back the sooner I can check-in-"

"With your gii~rl-friend."

"-Before she tears me a new, damn queen... HEY!"

"You should invite her sometime." Simca suggested.

"I bet you'd love that wouldn't you." he deadpanned giving her an empty look.

Simca laughed, "I haven't a clue what you mean."

"Suuure. Besides I wanna check out this new kid whose been kickin' it live back in the states." the hooded man added.

"Anyone I might've heard of?"

"Nah, too fresh to be getting recognition down these parts yet."

"Fair enough." she'd find out soon.

"See ya." leaving the pinkette behind as he scaled the surrounding walls high enough before jumping through an opening and disappearing from view.

She wondered to herself; her interest was very annoyed with his exercise, looking melancholic approaching half way through the ordeal and no better afterwards. Maybe, she'd help him out a little?


'Kay! Another chapter finished at last, and a long one to - aren't I kind - plus we have a new character entering the story; Jazz from 'Jet Set Radio: Future' (another lost soul I will have to tweak to my liking) along an unknown character who you will have to wait to see again. Can ya take the suspense? Well can ya? Ha-ha, relax yourselves, but yes that is all for now and 'Trick 14' will up and loaded, again, whenever, though most likely starting from the new year. Y'never know.

Till then, Keep Trickin!