Hunter lead Konemi on a tour throughout the room and behind the bar, as well as briefing her on her duties. "Just keep up on the cleaning and make sure the customersare satisfied. If you can maintain the dance squares you can do that too but if not, don't even try."
Konemi nodded. "Thanks. I can manage."
Hunter looked at the girl. "Sure. Don't steal the drinks don't steal the food and sleep anywhere you want. As long as it's not here."
"Thanks for your concern."
Hunter studdied Konemi, folding his arms as he judged her by the appearence and attitude she carried with her. The girl was obviously young but had clearly had no primary experience with the streets. More likely a fresh runaway then anything else. "I get kids in here younger then you who come here. Kids off the streets many of who can't even afford a glass of water here. There are more people on this block who deserve a job a lot better then you. I'm giving you a chance. That doesn't mean I need to house you too."
"If they deserve it better, why not give it to them?"
"You got one thing going for you. As long as you have that damn chip You have something to offer for my troubles. The only reason your in this possition is the promise that you can deliver me better business, maybe so I can clean up this shithole. So you remember that."
"Okay, you don't like the idea but you have no choice."
"Now your seeing it my way."
Konemi nodded. "Think I'll find a place to stay."
She then nodded, excusing herself as she shifted the weight of her duffel bag and left the dance hall.
*************************
The first place Konemi stumbled upon was resembling more of a hole in the wall then an actual complex. Like the entire district the structure was falling apart, a fact that had been established much earlier. It was a tall story brick apartment building that was still left standing from the 1940's. War and age has seen it's mason crumble, the foundation still strong but the walls in an obvious state of disrepair.
"Hunter's a grumpy old ass, but he's decent enough. I'm even surprised he let you have a job."
Konemi glanced up at the older woman behind the desk. She was probably nearing 30, a redhead with an old faded green dress. "I guess I was able to appeal to his sensative side."
"Hunter doesn't have a sensative side. Theres concrete and glass. Either way your gonna hurt somethin breakin through. We don't get many travellers, expecially travellers with money."
"I'm not a traveller. I'm a resident."
The woman nodded. "Fine. Your in 4b. Skip on rent and I boot you out. Your allowed one month to get it together but make it a habit I'll have you tossed out on the street. Do you get it?"
"I got it."
"Alright then go kid, knock yourself out."
The room itself wasn't much, a bed and a bathroom with a small area which would barely pass as a kitchen, much less one meant to double as a sitting room. The entire area was cramped and uncomfortable. Yet, it was just the right size for one young girl living on her own and Konemi took itas her own place, setting aside her duffel bag to unpack a few of the meager possessions she had brought with her. She threw her coat onto the chair in the corner and laid her selection of clothes she had taken with her. A black skirt, jean shorts and two pairs of pants one of which she was already wearing were among them. Her choice of undergarments was few and she had only taken with her two pairs. There were only four shirts as well, a plaid short shirt, a dark purple longsleeve, a black one and the green one she was gurrently wearing. Her only shoes were the black ones she was now wearing and all in all the content of her duffel back was the bare necessities. She took out her brush and set aside her beret, brusing her short hair through slowly, taking her time. Doubts lingered in her head, her sudden decision to run. Well there wasn't much choice was there? Konemi glanced at the disk she had set down on the dresser. Well when Hunter figured out the truth about that She'd be forced to leave anyway. She just hoped she'd have enough time to do what needed to be done.
Setting her brush down she hid the disk under her beret, putting that back on before walking back out the door.
*******************
"You're early."
Konemi nodded. "There wasn't much to do anyway."
"Hmph. Well since you are early, you can get started moving the tables out of the way."
"What about the dance tiles?"
"What about the dance tiles? they're fine, just concern yourself with the tables, make a space."
"Yes sir."
Konemi sighed and went about her work as she pushed back the ebony tables, moving them out and arraingingtheir positions to create a larger opened area on the floor. All in all the effort made things crowded and eventually much of the furnature had to be moved out into the storeroom. When the first customers began to arrive at Dance Theatre Konemi had already noticed the long red cusioned couch that hugged the corner of the room. Those areas were taken up first. Almost immediatly the area was filled with the latest dance music. Hunter looked over at thearraingment then back to Konemi. "Alright, go on and manage the bar, make sure no one steals my drinks."
Konemi nodded, glancing at the new arrivals before taking her place behind the bar. Three of these arrivals entered together. The first was atall woman, she looked to be in her early twenties. Her brown hair was pulled up in a long ponytail, held by a black band. Gold earings hung from herlobes. She wore short black zip up leather boots and a black miniskirt with a chain link belt. A black leather jacket went over her pink top That revealed much of her belly and make-up was applied, bringing out the green of her eyes as well as making her appear older then she probably was. The second was a man, probably a few inches taller. His hair was long, a wild shoulder length silver with bangs that fell over his dark eyes. He wore garmets of light blue, a style of loose fiting clothing that was worn by some martial artists several years ago. He wore no shoes and appeared not to be bothered by the fact that his feet were bare. The third man was much younger and shorter then his two companions and he appeared to be a teenager, around 16 or 17. His eyes were green. His short hair was a more neon green with a small patch of yellow near the leftside of his forhead. He wore a longsleeve black shirt. Over that was a leather jacket with rolled up sleeves that showed a black underside. The edges of the jacket were lined in black. His pants were yellow, with black shoes completing the outfit. All three settled into a couch against the wall. The younger boy looked over at thebar then glanced at the young woman. "I don't believe it. Hunter's got someone working here."
The woman, called Hawk, began to search the bar. "Where?"
"Right in front of you, the girl in the plaid beret."
"Thats intresting. Didn't you say he didn't hire Talon?"
The boy nodded. "Well I could've been wrong. I mean there she is. What do you think Nick? Or are you too concerned about getting those feet to match the blue of your uniform?"
The older boy rolled his eyes slightly, folding his arms. "Laugh all you want Talon, it doesn't change the fact I'm in better form then you. Unless you both want to continue in that diluded thinking That dance the form of combat our society will continue to pursue."
Hawk sighed. "Alright Nick, now your getting weird."
"Think about it Hawk, after centuries of war do you honestly believe we can suddenly change into a world without fighting? Dance Combat, it's only a dillusional way for us to believe that we are an enlightened civilization. If we hadn't run out of fuel 50 years ago we would probably still be fighting World War 3 and by the time we manage to complete the plasma drives, we'll be starting a new war withen that same year over one reason or another."
"Oh ye of little faith."
"Your naieve Talon. In all these decades and centuries we've learned nothing. All the countries in the world are still in combat, but now it's in dance. Fewer lives and higher stakes."
"So you say Nick, but give humanity a little credit."
"I will when I think we deserve it."
"You'll have to forgive my brother Nick, he doesn't understand your convictions. In fact I don't even give a damn. So shut the hell up and do something about it, or get your ass on the floor and start dancing. We all know you have it in you."
"Well you've made your point clear Hawk."
Nick stood up, nodding to Hawk and Talon before making his way on the dance floor. He waited a few moments untilthe next song began before he started to move. It was slow first as he eased into the beat but soon his feet moved in a smooth motion with perfect control. The discipline of martial arts had taught him to be limber with his body and soon the crowd had cleared a significant area for him to work. His moves were more swift and flowing, not too showy, for he didn't overdo it and only executed the most outrageous moves when the song seemed to call for it. When Nick finished the entire room seemed to agree with his skill and he sat back down with his friends, not even appearing to have broken a sweat.
Talon grinned. "Nice moves Nick. But you have no emotion."
"You don't need emotion to dance well."
Hawk raised her eybrow. "Others would disagree."
"And I suppose you might do better Talon? You have a long ways to go before your the King of DC."
"Well I'm no Louis Patriarch, but I can do better then you."
"HA. That Dance Fighter? I'd beat him hand over fist."
"Awfully sure of yourself. He is undefeated."
"And he's dead."
Nick looked at Hawk "really?"
"Just over a week ago. Accident during a DC."
"He was murdered."
"What?"
All three just stared at Konemi, who was now passing out their drinks.
"Louis Patriarch didn't die in an accident. He was murdered."
Noticing their sudden silence she lowered her head and disapeared back into the crowd, not wishing to draw any attention to herself.
=========================
Some FYI here
DC-Short for Dance Combat
Louis Patriarch-The best combat dancer in America. A legend all over the world.
Konemi nodded. "Thanks. I can manage."
Hunter looked at the girl. "Sure. Don't steal the drinks don't steal the food and sleep anywhere you want. As long as it's not here."
"Thanks for your concern."
Hunter studdied Konemi, folding his arms as he judged her by the appearence and attitude she carried with her. The girl was obviously young but had clearly had no primary experience with the streets. More likely a fresh runaway then anything else. "I get kids in here younger then you who come here. Kids off the streets many of who can't even afford a glass of water here. There are more people on this block who deserve a job a lot better then you. I'm giving you a chance. That doesn't mean I need to house you too."
"If they deserve it better, why not give it to them?"
"You got one thing going for you. As long as you have that damn chip You have something to offer for my troubles. The only reason your in this possition is the promise that you can deliver me better business, maybe so I can clean up this shithole. So you remember that."
"Okay, you don't like the idea but you have no choice."
"Now your seeing it my way."
Konemi nodded. "Think I'll find a place to stay."
She then nodded, excusing herself as she shifted the weight of her duffel bag and left the dance hall.
*************************
The first place Konemi stumbled upon was resembling more of a hole in the wall then an actual complex. Like the entire district the structure was falling apart, a fact that had been established much earlier. It was a tall story brick apartment building that was still left standing from the 1940's. War and age has seen it's mason crumble, the foundation still strong but the walls in an obvious state of disrepair.
"Hunter's a grumpy old ass, but he's decent enough. I'm even surprised he let you have a job."
Konemi glanced up at the older woman behind the desk. She was probably nearing 30, a redhead with an old faded green dress. "I guess I was able to appeal to his sensative side."
"Hunter doesn't have a sensative side. Theres concrete and glass. Either way your gonna hurt somethin breakin through. We don't get many travellers, expecially travellers with money."
"I'm not a traveller. I'm a resident."
The woman nodded. "Fine. Your in 4b. Skip on rent and I boot you out. Your allowed one month to get it together but make it a habit I'll have you tossed out on the street. Do you get it?"
"I got it."
"Alright then go kid, knock yourself out."
The room itself wasn't much, a bed and a bathroom with a small area which would barely pass as a kitchen, much less one meant to double as a sitting room. The entire area was cramped and uncomfortable. Yet, it was just the right size for one young girl living on her own and Konemi took itas her own place, setting aside her duffel bag to unpack a few of the meager possessions she had brought with her. She threw her coat onto the chair in the corner and laid her selection of clothes she had taken with her. A black skirt, jean shorts and two pairs of pants one of which she was already wearing were among them. Her choice of undergarments was few and she had only taken with her two pairs. There were only four shirts as well, a plaid short shirt, a dark purple longsleeve, a black one and the green one she was gurrently wearing. Her only shoes were the black ones she was now wearing and all in all the content of her duffel back was the bare necessities. She took out her brush and set aside her beret, brusing her short hair through slowly, taking her time. Doubts lingered in her head, her sudden decision to run. Well there wasn't much choice was there? Konemi glanced at the disk she had set down on the dresser. Well when Hunter figured out the truth about that She'd be forced to leave anyway. She just hoped she'd have enough time to do what needed to be done.
Setting her brush down she hid the disk under her beret, putting that back on before walking back out the door.
*******************
"You're early."
Konemi nodded. "There wasn't much to do anyway."
"Hmph. Well since you are early, you can get started moving the tables out of the way."
"What about the dance tiles?"
"What about the dance tiles? they're fine, just concern yourself with the tables, make a space."
"Yes sir."
Konemi sighed and went about her work as she pushed back the ebony tables, moving them out and arraingingtheir positions to create a larger opened area on the floor. All in all the effort made things crowded and eventually much of the furnature had to be moved out into the storeroom. When the first customers began to arrive at Dance Theatre Konemi had already noticed the long red cusioned couch that hugged the corner of the room. Those areas were taken up first. Almost immediatly the area was filled with the latest dance music. Hunter looked over at thearraingment then back to Konemi. "Alright, go on and manage the bar, make sure no one steals my drinks."
Konemi nodded, glancing at the new arrivals before taking her place behind the bar. Three of these arrivals entered together. The first was atall woman, she looked to be in her early twenties. Her brown hair was pulled up in a long ponytail, held by a black band. Gold earings hung from herlobes. She wore short black zip up leather boots and a black miniskirt with a chain link belt. A black leather jacket went over her pink top That revealed much of her belly and make-up was applied, bringing out the green of her eyes as well as making her appear older then she probably was. The second was a man, probably a few inches taller. His hair was long, a wild shoulder length silver with bangs that fell over his dark eyes. He wore garmets of light blue, a style of loose fiting clothing that was worn by some martial artists several years ago. He wore no shoes and appeared not to be bothered by the fact that his feet were bare. The third man was much younger and shorter then his two companions and he appeared to be a teenager, around 16 or 17. His eyes were green. His short hair was a more neon green with a small patch of yellow near the leftside of his forhead. He wore a longsleeve black shirt. Over that was a leather jacket with rolled up sleeves that showed a black underside. The edges of the jacket were lined in black. His pants were yellow, with black shoes completing the outfit. All three settled into a couch against the wall. The younger boy looked over at thebar then glanced at the young woman. "I don't believe it. Hunter's got someone working here."
The woman, called Hawk, began to search the bar. "Where?"
"Right in front of you, the girl in the plaid beret."
"Thats intresting. Didn't you say he didn't hire Talon?"
The boy nodded. "Well I could've been wrong. I mean there she is. What do you think Nick? Or are you too concerned about getting those feet to match the blue of your uniform?"
The older boy rolled his eyes slightly, folding his arms. "Laugh all you want Talon, it doesn't change the fact I'm in better form then you. Unless you both want to continue in that diluded thinking That dance the form of combat our society will continue to pursue."
Hawk sighed. "Alright Nick, now your getting weird."
"Think about it Hawk, after centuries of war do you honestly believe we can suddenly change into a world without fighting? Dance Combat, it's only a dillusional way for us to believe that we are an enlightened civilization. If we hadn't run out of fuel 50 years ago we would probably still be fighting World War 3 and by the time we manage to complete the plasma drives, we'll be starting a new war withen that same year over one reason or another."
"Oh ye of little faith."
"Your naieve Talon. In all these decades and centuries we've learned nothing. All the countries in the world are still in combat, but now it's in dance. Fewer lives and higher stakes."
"So you say Nick, but give humanity a little credit."
"I will when I think we deserve it."
"You'll have to forgive my brother Nick, he doesn't understand your convictions. In fact I don't even give a damn. So shut the hell up and do something about it, or get your ass on the floor and start dancing. We all know you have it in you."
"Well you've made your point clear Hawk."
Nick stood up, nodding to Hawk and Talon before making his way on the dance floor. He waited a few moments untilthe next song began before he started to move. It was slow first as he eased into the beat but soon his feet moved in a smooth motion with perfect control. The discipline of martial arts had taught him to be limber with his body and soon the crowd had cleared a significant area for him to work. His moves were more swift and flowing, not too showy, for he didn't overdo it and only executed the most outrageous moves when the song seemed to call for it. When Nick finished the entire room seemed to agree with his skill and he sat back down with his friends, not even appearing to have broken a sweat.
Talon grinned. "Nice moves Nick. But you have no emotion."
"You don't need emotion to dance well."
Hawk raised her eybrow. "Others would disagree."
"And I suppose you might do better Talon? You have a long ways to go before your the King of DC."
"Well I'm no Louis Patriarch, but I can do better then you."
"HA. That Dance Fighter? I'd beat him hand over fist."
"Awfully sure of yourself. He is undefeated."
"And he's dead."
Nick looked at Hawk "really?"
"Just over a week ago. Accident during a DC."
"He was murdered."
"What?"
All three just stared at Konemi, who was now passing out their drinks.
"Louis Patriarch didn't die in an accident. He was murdered."
Noticing their sudden silence she lowered her head and disapeared back into the crowd, not wishing to draw any attention to herself.
=========================
Some FYI here
DC-Short for Dance Combat
Louis Patriarch-The best combat dancer in America. A legend all over the world.
