Chapter 4: DawnVolta
The WhitePearl family was originally from France but immigrated to America in the early 1800's and settled in Louisiana. They were prominent financiers of the States new Turbine Ship fleet military and without their financial backing it would have been impossible for their army to keep up with the advancements in Europe.
Pride Falcon had had many relations with the WhitePearl family on his diplomatic missions as they had a great deal of influence within the American political arena. On one of his trips he brought his son, Edward, with him. Being only a teenager at the time, Edward hadn't been quite prepared the affect meeting the scion of the WhitePearl family would have on him.
At first all he saw was a young blonde with promising curves. Being a natural ladies man, Edward's first instinct had been to turn on the charm. It was about then that he discovered that Julia WhitePearl was a tad obsessive. For the rest of his stay in Louisiana, Edward Falcon was hunted mercilessly by this girl; who he had given the belief that it was their destiny to be together.
When it came time to leave Edward had literally hurled himself onto the boat at the dock and attempted to get it going before the passengers had arrived. Since then, he had done everything in his power to avoid going back.
"Young Master, come down at once." Apollus called up to the window above him and someone shut it. "I know you can hear me, you're just being paranoid sir." He was standing in the alleyway that marked the front entrance to Mel's book and food shop. A short while ago, Mel had placed a 'room to lent' notice in the window. Ayame was already in the process of taking it down.
"It's only paranoia when something is 'not' out to get you." Was the muffled reply through the window on the other side of the glass.
"Julia's a delightful young woman Edward. The equipment and man power she brought with her nearly have the manor repaired." The aging butler called up. "I can't see what you find so alarming." The window swung itself open and Falcon leaned out, his face a mask of panic.
"She was planning our wedding out in every detail when she was only fifteen!" He called down. Apollus scratched his head under his top hat.
"Frankly sir, I wouldn't mind seeing you settle down with someone like that. And so would your mother. The repairs to the manor are nearly complete and she's due back on the estate this afternoon." The Englishman shuddered.
"Oh heck." He muttered with a gloved hand on his forehead, before leaning on the windowsill.
"Now please young master, Miss Julia came all the way from the states to discuss business with you." Apollus insisted.
"Forget it." Falcon announced with repeated persistence. "I am not setting foot inside that house with that girl there."
"Now this has gone long enough." A voice stated. Glancing to the side Falcon saw that standing on the drainpipe just above his window, perfectly balanced on the edge was Ryoma. The samurai's arms were folded inside his blue robes and his face was set in a disapproving glare. "We have a task and we can not afford to be distracted by this nonsense." Falcon managed a short smile in response.
"Couldn't agree more! So let's fire up the Hockenheim and get after that next Power Stone."
"Miss Julia's business concerns the Power Stones." Ryoma replied sharply.
That being that, Falcon was almost dragged back to the estate grounds. It was only when Ryoma lost patience and drew one of his katana blades that the Englishman quickened his pace.
Sensing something was up, Ayame followed at a distance as to not alert the samurai to her presence. She had heard the word 'Power Stone' muttered in their conversation.
"Thank y'all for bring back ma sweet." The blond girl in question was there to greet them at the manor entrance, already back in her white dress with red trimmings. "I'll make sure he won't run away again." She added patting him on the shoulder and cast her eyes over his body.
"Help me." Falcon muttered weakly but Ryoma just ignored him. Eventually after getting the Englishman into the living room, Julia seemed ready to discuss her business. Wang-Tang was already there standing in the corner with his arms crossed.
"Now then, its come to ma attention that ya'll are lookin' for these little Power Stones." Edward began silently praying that she wouldn't ask to be taken along for the trip. "It also came to ma attention that you've been havin' some trouble finding these things." Falcon opened his mouth to say anything but Ryoma shot him a glare and the Englishman stayed quiet. "I can help you people with all that."
"Doctor Erode's been doing all that for us." Falcon found himself saying despite Ryoma's sharp glances. "He already found one for us in the east."
"Which you lost." The samurai reminded him with an angry expression. Falcon looked sheepish.
"Y'all could keep with that there doctor in London." Julia said with a wave of her hand. "But then it may take him a little bitta time to find them stones."
"I'll endure." Falcon replied flatly before Ryoma tugged him back down t the chair.
"But why go with him there when you can come along with little ol' me and go directly to them. I know where two of them are right now."
"You do?" It was only now that Falcon's curiosity was peeked. Julia smiled and nodded, a mischievous look on her face.
"But I ain't going to telya where they are, you'll just fly off in that plane. Y'all gotta come with me to them." She hung her arms around Falcon and help him close. "That way we can be together." Falcon looked like he was on the verge of crying. "Oh this is what I've been dreaming for all my life." The girl muttered into his scarf. "…a chance to ditch modern life and ride out on a romantic adventure with my one true love."
"Now do you see what I have to work with?" Falcon silently asked Wang-Tang by mouthing the words at him. The boy had a hand over his mouth to prevent himself from laughing.
"Which Stones are they?" Ryoma asked without looking up. Julia cast him a confused glance. "Which elements do they contain? We have already encountered those of metal, lightning, wind, water and fire. There are only earth, wood, darkness and light left. Which are these two you speak of?" The girl shrugged.
"All I know is that their owners use them for things that make them stick out a bit."
"They already have owners?" The samurai asked himself looking thoughtful. He didn't expect to find a Power Stone lying on the ground somewhere but the fact that they had owners made acquiring them before Kraken did more difficult.
Ayame had been listening intently to all that was being said from her hiding space within the shadows. Two more Power Stones? That was of great interest.
"Why should I?" Falcon asked his voice hinting at anger.
"Your mother is due back home within the day." Apollus replied calmly. Edward stalled, looking suddenly panic stricken.
"We make the stops, pick up these little sparklers and you get ya little jewels." Julia insisted. "Now what can be so bad about the idea of a long romantic cruise in-between?" She ran her fingers across his jacket with a seductive look on her face.
"Everything." Falcon replied with a worried expression.
"Falcon, whether you go or not is of little consequence. Either way we're going." Ryoma stated with a hint of irritation in his voice.
"I'm going." Wang-Tang spoke up.
"And so is Ayame." The samurai added, glancing in the direction of the window. The ninja girl froze at hearing her name, sudden panic crossing over her face. "You may as well come in, there's no point in hiding. England is neutral territory for the both of us." Wang-Tang pushed over the window and pulled back the bushes underneath, revealing the ninja girl just sitting there. She was silent for a moment, before she laughed sheepishly.
"Why are you hiding in the roses?" He asked with a puzzled expression. Ayame tried to think of a decent reply, but finding none she just sat there in silent embarrassment.
"One problem is I had planned on a big meal for us on the journey but my cook couldn't come with us." Julia muttered almost in passing.
"Oh no…" Falcon and Apollus began simultaneously realizing what that meant. Thedoor to the room suddenly flung it open and Gourmand almost hurled himself into the room, a frying pan in his hand. His chefs hat almost flying from his head as he somersaulted through the air.
"Miss WhitePearl, allow me to present my credentials." Julia looked a little stunned as the fat man bowed low before her. "Gourmand, twelve generation professional cook and caterer." He took off his hat in a sweeping gesture of his hand. "I humbly request to be your needed ships cook."
"Oh how splendid." Julia stated despite Falcon's repeated silent gestures for her to decline. "Sure, I can't see why not." The Englishman smacked a hand into her forehead in despair.
"Ah good to hear, I'll have a feast ready for the maiden voyage." The fat short man declared rubbing his hands together with relish. Apollus and Falcon cast each other a nervous glance.
Since Ryoma's sword blade could not be argued with, that was that. The tip was set to begin within a few hours and they all took the opportunity to pack. Edward was resentful of the fact he was going to have to leave his precious Hockenheim behind.
"Apollus, how long have you and I been friends?" The Englishman asked as he pushed his things. The old butler hesitated, suddenly looking puzzled.
"Well sir, I've been your families servant ever since you were born." The English nodded and continued rummaging around in the large trunk he had on his bed.
"And I'm grateful for that. As such, I'm going to save you."
"Save me young master?" Apollus asked with a raised eyebrow. "Save me from what?" Falcon straightened up and a smile widened across his face.
"My mother." He replied. "I'm insisting that you come along on this trip with me. Neither of us is going to face the old battle axe upon her return."
"Young master that is a disgraceful way to talk about your own mother." The butler said forging an unimpressed expression. "But…er thank you for the consideration."
"Don't mention it." Falcon replied turning back to his packing. "Besides if you think I'm going on this trip with Julia alone then you've got another thing coming." He grunted loudly. "Simple Cruise my foot! She'll try and drug my food and while I don't know what's what she'll be dragging me down towards the alter." Ryoma who travelled with little anyway was already standing on the bow of the Royal Heaven when Edward pulled his truck up the gangplank. Ayame and Wang-Tang were already on the deck and Julia was talking to the captain nearby.
"Er… Young master." Apollus began, tugging on the Englishman's sleeve as soon as they reached the top. The butler sounded worried. Falcon followed his gaze to see that heading up the road towards the estate entrance was a car. It was a car he was familiar with. It belonged to his uncle. Even from here he could see a woman in a green dress sitting in the passenger seat.
"Oh god its mother, she's back early!" He hissed with a sudden panicky expression. "Julia, can we get going now?" The young woman gave him a seductive eye from further down the deck.
"We can get going any time." She whispered to him with a short wink that made him cringe. "But if y'all anxious to get along, I suppose we move it up." She waved down to the men at the bottom of the gangplank. They all glance dup when they realized she was trying to get their attention. "We're casting off, y'all get a move on."
"Aye aye miss WhitePearl." One of them replied and the other hastened their work, moving the last of the supplies up the gangplank. As soon as they were on deck the plank was cast off and the anchor pulled up from the ground. The sails were unfurled and strained out either side. A loud blaring erupted from the funnels running along the ships spine and slowly the fans under the hull began to turn. Once enough force had been gathered a thick blast of compressed air shot out through small holes in the hull of the vessel, propelling it up above the rooftops of the manor.
"Hard to port; south by south west." The captain called out and the man at the helm complied, the ship turning in mid air to face towards the river. By now the car was pulling up the drive and the woman was shouting something up but the sound of her voice was drowned out by the roar of the fans.
"Sorry Mother dear, I can't hear you." Falcon called down as the brunette stepped out of the car. By now the ship was so high up all he could make out was the green dress. "See you in a month or so."
The trip across the Atlantic was surprisingly quick. The Royal Heaven Turbine ship was able to move at speeds unknown by any vessel before it. As the ship roared out across the ocean the sight of the English Coast was soon lost on the horizon.
"I've never been to America before." Ayame admitted as she stood on the bow and watched the ocean far below flying underneath the air born ship. There was nothing for miles but ocean all the way up to the horizon. The sky was cloudless and the smell of salt water fresh in the air. The spinning fans underneath ship churned up foam on the waters surface.
"Neither have I." Wang-Tang replied as he stood next to her, his arms folded on the rail. "I've only seen pictures of it in books."
"My grandmother says it's full of devils." The ninja began, her face growing slightly trepid. Wang-Tang chuckled.
"So do some of the monks at the temple where I was raised, but they say that about everything beyond the national border." Ayame blinked and looked up at him. "I travel alone and I get to see the world first hand. It's a wonderful place full of people. They're all different in shapes and sizes, with different cultures and practices. That's what makes it so wonderful, the diversity." His gaze wandered down to her and their eyes met. He smiled before glancing up towards the horizon. "America's no different."
"So perhaps now we can find out what our destination is?" Falcon asked. Julia smiled and gestured to the man beside her, who handed her a rolled up piece of paper. This she straightened out to reveal a map of the United States.
"South of the border, Mexico." She stated gestured to the land just below the states. A dot had been drawn on a peninsula on the western coast. "A little minin' town called Dawnvolta."
"And who has the stone?" Ryoma inquired. Julia shook her head and wagged her finger,a wide smile across her face.
"Sorry but I can't y'all about that just yet; ma darlin'll just run out on me again." She cupped the Englishman's chin and gazed deeply into his intensely worried eyes. "And we can't have that now can we?"
Falcon pleaded silently for sympathy from the samurai. "I'll let y'all know when we get there. But until then…" Her fingers tiptoed across Falcon's chest. "How about we retire to a cabin for some rest?"
"It would be wise to rest from the journey before we go about acquiring the stone Englishman." Ryoma began almost slyly. Falcon whirled on him with an exasperated face.
"Why are you all on her side!" He demanded angrily.
Dawnvolta they saw, at least as the ship approved from the sea and above in the air, was spilt into two halves. One was the town itself, a port city nestled on the coast with a multitude of tankers and other vessels waiting for their cargo before they could leave. The other half was further inland, up the steep climb into the mountains and nestled into the rock. This was an industrial centre where all the buildings were built in someway to aid the smelting plants and ore mine there. Smoke and other fumes were steadily climbing from the funnels that lanced up from the factories.
The town was surrounded by a pine forest in all directions and had to be the only settlement anywhere near here. The terrain looked far too rugged and untamed for it, a mountainous region coated in evergreen forest.
The Royal heaven slowly began to descend towards the port half of the town, the rotation of its fans slowing down as it neared the ground. From here, Falcon could see that a specialized platform was waiting for them. A large oval shaped patch of ground that had been cemented over. A large 'T', meant to symbolize 'Turbine Ship' was readable even from this height. The landing struts were nosily deployed from underneath the ship as it prepared for landing.
Gently it touched down, but the shock was enough to force Ayame off her feet and back into Wang-Tang's arms.
"Alright, y'all wanna follow little o' me." Julia announced to her passengers, waving like some enthusiastic child. The gangplank was lowered as soon as the fans came to a complete stop.
"I'm not sure I want to travel like this young master." Apollus stated, trying his best not to look incredibly sick but failed miserably.
"Nonsense Apollus, Turbine Ships are the future of aerial transportation. You'll adapt I'm sure of it dear chum." The Englishman replied heartily, slapping the old butler on the back playfully. Apollus tugged down his top hat to prevent anyone from see just how green he was turning.
Waiting for them at the bottom of gangplank were several black cars. Men in suits were climbing out of them. One of them was a large man whose suit barely contained his bulky frame.
He was tall with very broad shoulders. His muscles were very extremely well built and showed even through his suit. His shirt did little to contain or conceal the clearly defined chest and arm muscles. The hair was blonde and cut short to an almost army standard style. His skin was tanned showing he had spent a good deal of time working outdoors quite recently. His face was wide and the cheek bones very well defined. What caught Falcon's eye was the golden chain that hung around his neck. A spherical ruby the size of a closed fist hanging from it.
The two of them stared at each other for a brief moment.
"Ah, good to see you again Miss Whitepearl." He said in greeting. "I take it these are the guests you told me to expect." Julia nodded and almost pulled Falcon forward beside her.
"You betya, this here's mah darlin'!"
"I've heard much about you young Edward." The man stated offering his hand forward. Falcon glanced first at it, then up at his face. Slowly he put his own hand forward and accepted the handshake. "Your father speaks very highly of you."
"My father?" Falcon repeated. "You know my father?"
"Quite well. He and I have met several times within the political arena." He replied. "My name is Seliuos Valgas." The very sound of that name went a wave of uneasiness passing through the Englishman although he could not place why.
"Roman name?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I'm proud of my imperial heritage." Valgas replied and for a brief moment, Falcon was certain he saw the man's eyes turn a darker shade to almost blood red.
"Dear ol' Mr. Valgas has been supportive with the money to fund ma little trip." Julia told them.
"We're very interested in what the Power Stones are capable of." Valgas replied looking Falcon in the eye. It was un-nerving. "My government would also like to thank you for efforts in locating those already unearthed."
"I didn't think the Americans knew the Power Stones existed." Ryoma muttered under his breath.
"We're not stupid." Valgas replied, catching sound of it anyway. "You think that we sit here twiddling our thumbs all day accepting those lame excuses for cover stories about the events in Manches, Bristol and Mahdad? We've been keeping tabs on all of you." He added, casting a glare in the samurai's direction. "Officially our position is that we believe all that crud, but I've been tasked with the mission of investigating the Power Stones and establishing whether they are a threat to us or not. To that end we've agreed to finically support Miss WhitePearl in her expedition." A strange silence endured and he coughed lightly as if to try and regain he composure.
"Your reservations at the Crescent moon hotel have all been arranged." Valgas stated. "Please, allow my aids to take your bags." Before any of them could open their mouths to say anything let alone argue, Valgas' two stooges took their things from them and began piling them into the back of the two cars.
"V.I.P treatment, very nice." Falcon remarked nudging Ryoma in the ribs with his elbow.
"Nothing else for the guests of the WhitePearl family." Valgas stated. "This way if you please." Julia was already in the enthusiastic process of herding them into the cars even as he was speaking.
Watching them from afar was a solitary figure, silhouetted against the setting sun as it crouched on the ragged cliff top. A pair of sea blue eyes under the rim of a hat watched the cars driving away down the road towards the town. He pulled on a pair of fingerless blue gloves over his hands and tightened the hold the canvas drape over his shoulders had on him.
"So it has begun." Their observer began with a hefty sigh, heaving himself to his feet clicking the spurs on the back of his boots. "Figures it'd happen in my lifetime." He added in a tone full of irritation. "Well Valgas, you're not the only one who can pull strings." With acrobatic grace he slid off the edge of the cliff, dropping several feet before landing on the seat of a motorcycle concealed in the foliage. No one noticed the rev of an engine or the sound of the lone vehicle on the twilight road.
Being a natural wanderer, Wang-Tang had left the hotel when the stars stared to peek through the mists above. The town itself was far more alluring than the hotel was and venturing out into the night air, he found the wafting combined smells that promised new experiences far too alluring to resist.
The hotel itself was a large multi-storey building that sat at the edge of town. It was the type of place he had seen often enough in England and had no appeal to him. Leaving, he ventured out into the streets. He found that by now they were still bustling with activity. Crowds were going this way and that, the people brushing against each other.
Wang-Tang had never been to this continent before and relished in the opportunity to explore. Before he could head off, he suddenly became acutely aware that he was being watched. He glanced back over his shoulder towards the hotel, but saw nothing but the hotel itself.
Giving it no more thought, he wandered off into the crowd.
Dawnvolta was a mining town, but that was not its only source of income. The streets of the portside town were lined with inn houses of all kinds. Being the only settlement for miles, the town had to accommodate all the travellers moving from the north to the south and back again.
Brothels were fairly common as well, along with gambling stations and fist fights held for the spectators to bet on. Neon lights laced through town and blocked out the night sky. Wang-Tang found himself unable to enjoy his exploration as that peculiar feeling of observation refused to leave.
Ducking into an alley way, he concealed himself in the shadows and counted silently in his head to ten. Then he stepped out of the alleyway and found that running into him was a young Japanese girl.
"Ayame?" He asked. The girl looked up at him sheepishly. "Why are you following me?" Ayame coughed into his hand and rubbed her foot on the ground looking away.
"I thought you were up to something, like going after that Power Stone Julia mentions." It was a lie but she wasn't prepared to tell him she had been stalking him since he left the hotel.
"Well I'm not." He stated putting his hands on his hips. "I just like to explore new places." Wang-Tang managed a soft smile. "So why not come with me?" She looked a little confused. "Come on, let's go see what the American's do for fun." Without another word he walked off and Ayame had to jog to keep up with him.
Their trip through town lasted some time and leading her through the neon light lit streets, Ayame could only gaze up in wonder at all the strange things around her; so different from what she was used to seeing at home.
Eventually, Wang-Tang decided that he wanted to see into one of the inns and made his way towards one with a sign hanging outside. It had an anvil icon on it and words written in English that she could not understand.
Nevertheless she followed him inside. Dozens of men were sitting around circular tables inside, large glasses full of alcohol placed before them. By looking at them, Wang-Tang deduced they were all workers from the smelting plant.
Walking in the boy could feel a lot of eyes on both him and Ayame. They were both very different from the usual customer. Still, no body did anything about it and left them the courtesy of going with harassment.
"I'm not sure I like this place." Ayame muttered. Someone rose out of their chair sharply and knocked the girl forward by accident. She in turn fell into Wang-Tang, who lost his balance and knocked a large man sitting in the chair nearby playing poker. Whole glasses of bear were spill across tables.
"Mah royal flush!" The large man declared finding his cards had been soaked.
"Ah too bad Gunrock, can't play it now." Someone at the far end of the table chuckled. Wang-Tang gulped as the man turned around to face him, anger clear in his expression.
"You got a lot of nerve kid!" He towered over them both, his small eyes squinting at them angrily. "I had a perfect hand going!" The entire place went quiet, faces turning to stare.
The smell of alcohol was incredibly strong from this man and Wang-Tang could instantly see he'd had one too many. "Nobody spoils a night of bettin' for me." A thick gloved fist almost the size of a torso closed in front of him in an act of intimidation. "Nobody…" He was tall and bulky with muscles developed by years of hard toiling. His skin was dark tanned, almost a light brown. He had a thin black moustache and equally small beard. A blue bandana was tied around his head and he had an orange poncho that looked like it was a size too small. He hadn't any shirt, only a large belt holding up a pair of military green pants. His boots were thick leather brown and judging by their size this man had to have a foot bigger than Wang-Tang's entire head.
"Now Gunrock you knows I don't like any fightin' in ma place." The man behind the bar called out. Jabbing a finger at the scene.
"Fine." Was the reply. "Then we take this outside."
Wang-Tang rolled to a stop just outside as the door flung itself open and Gunrock stepped outside after him, flexing the muscles on his arms. Spectators came out from the other buildings to watch and form a circle around them, cheering them on and relishing in the prospect of an entertaining fight.
Gunrock cracked his knuckles intentionally loud as he towered over Wang-Tang like a giant. Judging by the expanse of muscle across his entire body, the Mexican could probably summon a great deal of strength and in his drunken state he clearly wasn't thinking rationally.
"Look I'll pay for another drink." The Chinese boy began, before dodging a fist as it soured through the air.
"Don't try and talk your way out of it." Gunrock spat. "Now stand still and take your lumps like a man!" Wang-Tang dodged the next swing and Gunrock struck the wall behind him. It broke apart, sliding to the ground beneath in a pile of bricks. Grabbing two of them between his hands, Gunrock used them as projectiles and tossed them forth. Wang-Tang ducked under each of them, realizing it was speed that was going to help him avoid injury.
The Mexican snorted and raced forward with his arms outstretched. Wang-Tang dodged around the lunge and dropped down, swinging his leg around sharply to knock Gunrock's feet out from under him. His attempt didn't even make the Mexican flinch and Wang-Tang quickly found himself grabbed by the shirt. He was lifted up off the ground and held close enough for the hot smell of alcohol from Gunrock's breath to nearly choke him.
"Leave him alone!" Ayame called out, but was hurled back by the spectator's who was enjoying the entertainment too much to allow her to ruin it for them.
Wang-Tang reached up and smacked the side of his hand against Gunrock's shoulder. The precise strike caused his hand to loosen its grip and using that, Wang-Tang twisted himself free and while falling, smashing a kick into the Mexicans exposed stomach. Staggering back, Gunrock nearly tipped over and only managed to right himself by grabbing hold of a street lamp.
Before the fight could continue, the crowds suddenly broke apart yelling loudly as a object shot past them and screeched to a halt within the area circle. There was a sudden click and two bullets rang out, impacting the ground near Gunrock's feet forcing him to back off.
"That's enough." Wang-Tang looked up to see a motorbike. He had seen such vehicles before but not one of this style. A man who couldn't be much older than himself was sat upon it, his left hand raised with a pistol in his hand. His face was observed by a canvas yellow poncho, a mask across his eyes and a cowboy style hat. "Gunrock, go home to your kids and sleep that devils liqueur off." The new arrival stated glaring at the Mexican. There was no room in his tone for argument, but intoxicated by so many drinks Gunrock didn't notice.
"You can't tell me what ta…" Another shot rang out, this one passing by Gunrock's ear; missing it by an inch.
"Don't argue with me." The gunslinger said sharply. He shot a glare back over his shoulder towards the spectators. "Go. Now!" He barked in a voice that seemed to echo by itself. The authority in that one command refused to be argued with and quickly the small crowd began to dissipate, slipping back towards the inns and taverns. Ayame watched them go, amazed how a few words from this new arrival could command such obedience from them.
Gunrock remained for a brief moment, before he spat on the ground and wiped his lips with the back of his hand.
"I'll remember this gunslinger. You too china man." The large Mexican muttered and he staggered off, swaying unsteadily on his feet until he vanished into the night. The bike rider sighed and slid his gun back into the holster by his side.
"You'll have to forgive Gunrock." He stated, turning to give Wang-Tang a look. The Chinese boy could only see the eyes through all the measures taken to hide the face. "He's a good man. Works endless hours to provide for his family, but his weakness for alcohol and gambling gets the better of him often enough."
"That I understand." Wang-Tang replied, pausing to dust himself off. "I thank you for your assistance." He bowed low in respect. Ayame picked herself back up and watched as the stranger slid off his bike.
"Are you part of those who arrived on the Turbine ship earlier today?" The gunslinger asked, his gaze darting from the girl to the boy and back again.
"We are." The ninja girl replied. This answer had a mixed reaction. The stranger appeared to be both pleased and slightly worried at the same time in an expression neither of them had seen before, his blue eyes alight with a private knowledge.
"You have met the man called Valgas I take it?" Wang-Tang simply nodded. "Do not let your guard down around him; let me give you that piece of advice." The boy raised an eyebrow questioningly along with an expression that begged for further explanation. "He's an actor, capable of hiding his view true face. Beware what he says and how we say's it." Ayame and Wang-Tang exchanged confused glances. "We will meet again when the time is right." Before any of them had noticed, the stranger was walking back to his bike.
"Wait." Ayame called out. The stranger didn't reply, instead he simply swung his body over the cycle and put himself in the seat. "At least tell us your name." He glanced back over his shoulder, his face hidden behind the red mask. Strands of dirty blonde hair hung down over the sea blue eyes that despite the darkness gleamed brightly. He tipped his hat down in a polite gesture.
"I don't have a name." He stated. "Wandering gunslingers aren't allowed them." He put his hands on the handles and revved the engine. "But y'all can call me Accel." The wheels spun rapidly sending up a spray of dust and smoke. Wang-Tang and Ayame had to look away. When it finally settled, the bike was a blinking dot on the streets horizon fading into the cities darkness.
-
Discovering that the Crescent moon hotel had a gym and in order to avoid sharing a room with Julia, Falcon decided to spent the late hours sending some of his best punches into the hanging sandbag. As the night drew on he found himself the only one in the large room, the other exercise equipment empty. The gym also had a large pad for wrestling to take place on
As the punching bag swung back into place, the Englishman paused to catch his breath and wipe his forehead with the back of his sleeve.
"Not bad." A voice began. Turning, Falcon saw that sitting on a bench behind him where he had gone unoticed was Julia's friend, the man called Valgas. Without his shirt Falcon could see just how well developed his muscles were. A wet towel was draped over his broad shoulders. Still that golden pendant hung around his neck, the large ruby gleaming in the semi light. On each hand was a large white glove with arched cuffs. In his left hand was a large dumbbell with the number fifty engraved in it. "From our intelligence report about you, I saw you are a talented fist fighter Mr. Falcon." Valgas stated without looking back as he dropped the lifting weight on the floor with a loud thud. The room shook slightly in response. "Underground boxer and skilled in many forms of unarmed combat I take it?"
"I don't like to brag." Falcon replied, which of course was a blatant lie. He loved to brag and did so often enough, but he didn't want to make a spectacle of himself in front of this man. Valgas smiled, straightened his shoulders and stood up.
"Well then, perhaps you'd like a little sparing practise against me." The Englishman raised an eyebrow questioningly as Valgas turned around to face him. "I use the martial arts myself, but it can get tedious for training purposes to fight against punching bags."
"Why?" The Englishman found himself asking. Valgas' face twisted into a thick smile in response.
"Far better an opportunity to train with another who shares my passion."
"You any good?" Valgas just grinned in reply and gestured to the equipment around them.
"I was in here a few minutes before you." Falcon glanced past him to the equipment. Now that he observed it more closely he saw that it had been used. Some of the punching bags were on the verge of falling apart and the weight lifting equipment had been bent in places with large hand prints. Had Valgas done that? "Of course I'd have to insist that we fight without using a Power Stone." He added, glancing to the jacket pocket in which the Englishman kept his stone.
Falcon was silent for a moment, before a smile slowly spread across his face. Without a word he undid his scarf and took off his jacket, dropping both down on the floor beside him. Valgas' smile widened and flexed his arms; almost purposely to show his developed muscle as a means of intimidation. He was extremely toned, the blood vessels sticking out under the skin.
Falcon started things off by side stepping forward and throwing a punch. Valgas blocked it by absorbing the strike with his forearm, before going on the offensive himself with a kick. Falcon ducked under it before trying for an upper cut. Despite being large and bulky, Valgas proved himself to be extremely fast; not only dodging the hit but managing to deliver his own blow while Falcon was still moving up.
Staggering back at the strike to his side, Falcon paused for a moment to study Valgas' form. He was a professional fighter there was no doubt of that. His fighting stance was almost flawless, his speed was impressive and with raw strength to call on, Valgas had the potential to be near invincible in one on one combat.
Despite his size and bulky muscles Valgas was incredibly fast. Whatever punches or kicks he sent Falcon's way were like flashes of lightning, striking so fast the Englishman didn't even get a chance to see them coming. Unable to dodge, Falcon's only option was to go on the offensive first. Striking out with a left hook he tried to strike Valgas across the shoulder, only to find that his opponent dodging around it with near inhuman speed before bring a large fist up sharply.
The upper cut caught Falcon across the chin and he was sent flying backwards to strike the floor hard.
"Come now, that can't be all you have can it?" Valgas asked flexing his muscles, his face set in a grim smile. "I'd heard you could fight better than this." Falcon growled and rubbed his sore chin with the back of his sleeve. Ignoring the numbness he somersaulted back to his feet.
"You heard right." The Englishman, stated, throwing himself into a fighting stance before flying forward to land a punch against Valgas' face, The strike did not bring him any satisfaction however. Seeing how fast Valgas had been able to move before, it seemed impossible he wouldn't be able to dodge. "You let me hit you?" He asked, glancing up. Valgas' face, despite having a fist still clamped onto the cheek, was set in a wide grin.
"I wanted to see what kind of strength you could summon in a strike." He stated, slowing turning his neck so his head was straight; the sheer force of muscle pushing Falcon's hand back. Valgas' smile dimmed a little. "I'm actually not all that impressed." A hand lashed out and grabbed hold of Falcon's arm, drawing it backwards. Falcon tried to fight against it, but Valgas was simply too strong.
Too strong and too fast. Combining those two attributes with mastery of martial arts, Valgas had made himself a formidable opponent.
Backing off, Falcon threw some punches to cover his retreat. Valgas blocked all of them before jabbing forward with a kick. Falcon parried it off with a flick of his arm before ducking down to try and swung his leg around to knock Valgas' legs out from under him.
Valgas jumped up and while in the air he did a flip, the tip of his foot smashing itself across Falcon's chin. The Englishman staggered back, the beginnings to tears welling up in the corners of his eyes. Valgas followed through, using the opportunity to go on a staggering offensive, dozens of punches landing themselves against Falcon's chest knocking him sideways; spiralling backwards. To finish off, a kick was thrown forward with such force that it literally knocked Falcon across the room. He crashed to the floor and rolled to a stop a short distance away. "You lack heart young Falcon." The Englishman's opponent stated, pulling his gloves tighter over his hands.
"Heart?" Falcon asked pushing himself.
"You understand the martial arts; you respect them and have dedicated the necessary attention to their development." Valgas continued. "But in battle you fight as if it's a chore. No combat should be undertaken with such an attitude. Passion, throwing your heart into the struggle and using you're imagination in the fight is always what will determine whether you win or loose." He smiled and his lips spreading to show strangely sharp teeth. "In laymen's terms you simply don't put enough into it."
"Watch it mate, I've won every major fight I've ever been in." The Englishman argued back, wiping the sweat from his brow.
"Oh?" Valgas asked, his smile not leaving his face. "And how many of them were close calls? How many of those opponents could you say threw their heart into fighting rather than their anger?" Falcon hesitated. In truth, he had had many close calls in his fights and those opponents had been near homicidal. None of them were fighting for the sheer fun of it; they lashed out guided by their anger and hatred. "According to the legends, the Power Stones respond to the emotional turmoil of their user. If you don't put yourself into a fight completely you can't possible hope to unlock the stones true power."
"True power?" Falcon repeated. "What true power?"
"The Stones are elemental forces of nature." Valgas continued. "But their power is not limited to just that. When all nine are combined and utilized by one who is set on a goal they are capable of altering the very nature of existence. They can grant any request, any desire. Why do you think Kraken want's them all so badly? He knows that with all nine of them he can remake the entire world in his image." Falcon sat there looking thoughtful. Suddenly he blinked and glanced up.
"Wait…just how do you know all this?" He asked. Valgas was silent for a moment; he stretched his muscles and pulled the white towel back over his broad shoulders.
"I read a lot." He replied before walking off. With a wave of his hand he added; "Thanks for the work out."