[ The accuracy of her shots, right out the gate, takes him by surprise. Not that he thought she wouldn't be capable. More that he was hoping he'd luck out and be better for once. The realization has him missing his first few shots, and she quickly takes the lead in score. ]
Damn it! Have you played this before and just didn't tell me??
Of course not. I've barely been here two months. [Bam, she gets another one!] Combat training, remember?
[Which meant firearms, too. Maybe the explanation she gave him at the time wasn't super detailed, but it was probably enough. Since they're on the subject, Kaname can't help but smile at him.]
It just means if we're even in a zombie apocalypse, I can help keep you safe. No need to worry.
[ Finally, he gets on the score board with a few well aimed shots. ]
Yeah well, I'm gonna keep you safe just as much--!!
[ The end of his declaration is interrupted by an actual gun shot. The fired bullet is just shy of hitting its target. Instead it whizzes between their heads, shattering the arcade cabinet's screen. Bandou spins around, only to find a pair of Green clan members there. One is pointing a handgun at them, obviously ready to fire again. The other wields a slightly less intimidating metal baseball bat.
Bandou jumps in front of Kaname just in time for a second shot to be fired. A bright red flame erupts from Bandou's fists, shielding them from the bullet. All other patrons have fled the arcade. ]
What the hell do you guys want?
[ For someone who's just been shot at twice, he sounds far more annoyed than scared. ]
[To her credit, Kaname doesn't scream, dropping the fake arcade gun and spinning around when Bandou does. Her eyes do widen at their appearance, going slightly wider at her companion blocking the shot. Hearing about their abilities and seeing them in action are two very different things.
She edges completely behind him, a hand falling to his back and gripping the back of his hoodie. She's fine, and she trusts him, he shouldn't worry about her right then. It's hard to tell where they're looking thanks to their helmets, but with him blocking their view of her, Kaname can get a decent read of their surroundings.
Blessedly nearby is an abandoned billiards table, cues and balls included. Maybe they could prove useful if needed-- not that either of them want things to go that direction. Beyond that lays the emergency exit, an almost straight line from where they currently stand.]
If we can distract them for a few seconds, we should be able to make a run for it. [Kaname keeps her voice low so only he can hear her, lightly tapping him on the side that's closest to their potential escape route.]
New mission. 3000 points for each minor Red Clan member incapacitated.
[ The Green with the bat pulls out his phone, bringing up JUNGLE's mobile 'game' and showing off the image of Bandou and his bounty on the screen. Despite the helmets, the guy's voice is clear, and oh-so serious. Bandou, on the other hand, is furious. ]
3000 points?! That's it??!
[ You'd think with Greens out looking to literally send him to the ER for a mere chance to jump up a level in a stupid game, he'd drop the pettiness. But apparently this is on the same level as shooting pixelated aliens.
It's then that he feels Kaname grip at his hoodie, and her whispered suggestion of how they could get out of this stupid mess. ]
You go. I'm gonna take these guys out.
[ Alone, they won't go after her if it means zero points on their end. The issue is if he's with her. ]
Just be careful, I'll be upset with you if anything bad happens. [She yanks the back of his hoodie for emphasis before releasing it completely and slowly edging away from him. Her eyes remain on the helmeted duo to make sure they actually don't care about her leaving at all. One turns slightly to look her way, but looks back to Bandou all but dismissing her presence.
When the three of them are continuing with their stare down, Kaname heads to the fire exit and opens the door, sound echoing throughout the now quieter arcade.
There's a little more back and forth between them when the one wielding the gun raises his arm to fire for a third time. Before any of them can do anything else, a pool ball (the eight ball, actually) flies in from the side, beaning the gunman in the side of the visor, causing him to stumble to the side and drop his firearm.
If Bandou looks over, he'll see a pool cue being tossed his way. Maybe a makeshift tonfa, or something more with reach for the moment. Plus, Kaname standing by the table, finally making her way to the exit for real this time. As long as he joins her anyway.]
[ The pool ball flying out of seemingly nowhere takes Bandou by just as much surprise as it did their targets. But it gets him to look towards the pool table in time to see Kaname tossing him the pool cue. He catches it easily and immediately, it flares up in a pulse of Red Aura. That's enough for the Greens, who obviously expected this mission to be a quick and easy one. But that's the problem with these lower JUNGLE clansmen. They think it's all just about the score until they come up against a real follower of a King.
Panicked, the conscious Green leaves his companion on the floor of the arcade as he tries to book it out the door. See, no loyalty or comradery. It pisses Bandou off even more, and he launches the pool cue like a javelin at the back of his head. It connects, knocking him to the ground, as well. And probably leaving one hell of a burn mark.
Finally, Bandou joins Kaname in the alley behind the arcade. He's fuming. ]
Assholes don't understand a damn thing about following a King.
[ When he sees Kaname, his Aura finally subsides and he approaches her to make sure she's not hurt at all. ]
I don't really understand it either. [It's not a hard admission to make, as the whole thing is still pretty foreign to her despite what just happened. Auras and Kings and whatever else still seems like a weird urban fantasy concept. Kaname'd bet her life could be considered some far out sci-fi to him in return.
She offers him a smile in return, still her usual composed self. It'll take more than two weirdos in helmets to ruffle her. One day she'll share some stories from home.]
Don't worry, I'm fine. [Now that he's calmed down as well, Kaname turns to him and gently pokes his forehead with her index finger.] But if you ever seriously tell me to leave again, the next shot will be right here. I've been through worse, so don't write me off just yet.
[It's all said with a lighthearted tone. The threat isn't serious, but the sentiment is.]
[ Teasing or not, Bandou still defends himself...just in case! ]
I wasn't trying to say you're weak or anything! I just didn't want you getting hurt if those guys tried to use you to get the hit on me!
[ She's right, though. If there's a price of points on his head, it'd be better to hide out and avoid any more assaults. Even if he could take them down. Keeping her out of it is more important than a brawl. ]
We could head to the bar. They'd be stupid to enter our headquarters.
[ Still doesn't hurt to peek out of the alley, before tugging her hand to follow him. ]
[Kaname shakes her head when he tries to explain, realizing she needs to clarify things herself.]
It's not that. You know more about this than I do, and I don't have any special abilities, either. Trust me to figure out what I can handle, especially when it comes to backing you up. I'm relying on you a lot, I'm going to help you out where I can.
[Sufficient enough for now. He receives a slight grin as she finishes, letting him know they're good. Nothing to debate here. Maybe she'll express it properly later, but Kaname does feel safer with him around, a level of trust in that she's comfortable with, whether he realizes it or not.
She doesn't notice him taking her hand until he's tugging at her to follow him. There's no particular reason to let go yet, so she follows, squeezing his lightly.]
Would they break into someone's place if they knew you'd be there?
[ He likes hearing all that. The devotion and loyalty towards friends and comrades is something he truly respects. ]
I've never heard of them doing it. But I wouldn't put it past any of them. Especially if they're desperate for points.
[ He's not noticing any oddly helmeted guys around. Or hearing any concerned shouts from people who aren't expecting everyday citizens from walking around with firearms. Pretty sure they're in the clear, for now at least, he leads her in the direction of Bar HOMRA. ]
I can explain more about all this later, if you want.
[He starts to lead, but Kaname stops, tugging him back by his hand that she's still holding. It's an effective hold and a little comforting. The entire thing hasn't rattled her, but she'll be the first to admit (again) that's she's out of her element and comfort zone.]
But my apartment's closer than the bar, as well as a different direction. Wouldn't they think that's the first place you'd go? What's to stop them from trying to cut us off before we get there? [Following his lead is good, but not without her making sure her input is heard.] That location's common knowledge, isn't it?
It's a r-- [Kaname's cut off by a loud noise coming from the arcade down the alley they just left. Her head whips around in response, then she looks back at Bandou.] Your call. A quick decision would be good.
[ He's hesitant to head to her place. Just as he was with her sticking with him in the arcade. He'd hate for them to find out the location of her apartment and her to be pulled into the situation further.
But she is right. The bar would be the most obvious place to find them. ]
Okay, your place, then. But, just for safe measures...
[ One good thing about dressing the way he does is that hardly anyone has seen what he looks like underneath it all. His hat, sunglasses and hoodie will be easy enough to replace later, so he'll quickly remove them and toss them out of sight behind one of the ally dumpsters. Incognito by being in just a t-shirt and jeans. Only Bandou could pull it off. ]
Speaking of safe measures-- [Kaname reaches out and catches the hat before it can join the other two items, promptly placing it on her head. She can pull off most hats, but a baseball cap is iffy. Not that fashion is currently a priority or anything.]
It doesn't back home, but I think my hair might stand out here, at least enough to warrant concern. [Now she looks around again, making sure the coast is still clear before nodding to him.] Lead the way, maybe a different one than we took on our trip here.
[When he does, she decides to follow silently for time, making sure they're not drawing unwanted attention.]
[ Whether she thinks she can pull off a baseball hat or not, Bandou can't help grinning about it. Mainly because it's his baseball hat! ]
You look cute like that.
[ Just a small flirty compliment before he's casually blending them into the busy streets of down town Shizume City. Running would look suspicious. So would taking any random side turns. For now, he figures trying to look as mundane as possible might be their best bet. That and any JUNGLE members with some sort of sense to them would be wise not to pull out semi-automatics in such a large group of people. ]
What-- [The reaction is immediate. Kaname stops to look at him, blinking. Congratulations, Bandou catches her off guard, a bit of red dusting her cheeks at the suddenness of the compliment. Give her a moment.
She clears her throat, following him into the main street, a little thankful to not focus on what he said too long. That's for another time. Maybe. Moving between people doesn't take much skill, so it's easy enough to follow his lead.]
I think it should. You remember which building I'm in, right?
[Seeing as it's a busy street with lots of foot traffic, Kaname reaches forward and takes his hand again so they don't get separated. She's confident she could get back on her own, but running into anyone else solo isn't a chance she's willing to take.]
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no subject
Damn it! Have you played this before and just didn't tell me??
no subject
[Which meant firearms, too. Maybe the explanation she gave him at the time wasn't super detailed, but it was probably enough. Since they're on the subject, Kaname can't help but smile at him.]
It just means if we're even in a zombie apocalypse, I can help keep you safe. No need to worry.
no subject
Yeah well, I'm gonna keep you safe just as much--!!
[ The end of his declaration is interrupted by an actual gun shot. The fired bullet is just shy of hitting its target. Instead it whizzes between their heads, shattering the arcade cabinet's screen. Bandou spins around, only to find a pair of Green clan members there. One is pointing a handgun at them, obviously ready to fire again. The other wields a slightly less intimidating metal baseball bat.
Bandou jumps in front of Kaname just in time for a second shot to be fired. A bright red flame erupts from Bandou's fists, shielding them from the bullet. All other patrons have fled the arcade. ]
What the hell do you guys want?
[ For someone who's just been shot at twice, he sounds far more annoyed than scared. ]
no subject
She edges completely behind him, a hand falling to his back and gripping the back of his hoodie. She's fine, and she trusts him, he shouldn't worry about her right then. It's hard to tell where they're looking thanks to their helmets, but with him blocking their view of her, Kaname can get a decent read of their surroundings.
Blessedly nearby is an abandoned billiards table, cues and balls included. Maybe they could prove useful if needed-- not that either of them want things to go that direction. Beyond that lays the emergency exit, an almost straight line from where they currently stand.]
If we can distract them for a few seconds, we should be able to make a run for it. [Kaname keeps her voice low so only he can hear her, lightly tapping him on the side that's closest to their potential escape route.]
no subject
[ The Green with the bat pulls out his phone, bringing up JUNGLE's mobile 'game' and showing off the image of Bandou and his bounty on the screen. Despite the helmets, the guy's voice is clear, and oh-so serious. Bandou, on the other hand, is furious. ]
3000 points?! That's it??!
[ You'd think with Greens out looking to literally send him to the ER for a mere chance to jump up a level in a stupid game, he'd drop the pettiness. But apparently this is on the same level as shooting pixelated aliens.
It's then that he feels Kaname grip at his hoodie, and her whispered suggestion of how they could get out of this stupid mess. ]
You go. I'm gonna take these guys out.
[ Alone, they won't go after her if it means zero points on their end. The issue is if he's with her. ]
no subject
When the three of them are continuing with their stare down, Kaname heads to the fire exit and opens the door, sound echoing throughout the now quieter arcade.
There's a little more back and forth between them when the one wielding the gun raises his arm to fire for a third time. Before any of them can do anything else, a pool ball (the eight ball, actually) flies in from the side, beaning the gunman in the side of the visor, causing him to stumble to the side and drop his firearm.
If Bandou looks over, he'll see a pool cue being tossed his way. Maybe a makeshift tonfa, or something more with reach for the moment. Plus, Kaname standing by the table, finally making her way to the exit for real this time. As long as he joins her anyway.]
Come on! Hurry!
no subject
Panicked, the conscious Green leaves his companion on the floor of the arcade as he tries to book it out the door. See, no loyalty or comradery. It pisses Bandou off even more, and he launches the pool cue like a javelin at the back of his head. It connects, knocking him to the ground, as well. And probably leaving one hell of a burn mark.
Finally, Bandou joins Kaname in the alley behind the arcade. He's fuming. ]
Assholes don't understand a damn thing about following a King.
[ When he sees Kaname, his Aura finally subsides and he approaches her to make sure she's not hurt at all. ]
You okay? That was a pretty awesome shot.
no subject
She offers him a smile in return, still her usual composed self. It'll take more than two weirdos in helmets to ruffle her. One day she'll share some stories from home.]
Don't worry, I'm fine. [Now that he's calmed down as well, Kaname turns to him and gently pokes his forehead with her index finger.] But if you ever seriously tell me to leave again, the next shot will be right here. I've been through worse, so don't write me off just yet.
[It's all said with a lighthearted tone. The threat isn't serious, but the sentiment is.]
We should probably go before they regroup, huh?
no subject
I wasn't trying to say you're weak or anything! I just didn't want you getting hurt if those guys tried to use you to get the hit on me!
[ She's right, though. If there's a price of points on his head, it'd be better to hide out and avoid any more assaults. Even if he could take them down. Keeping her out of it is more important than a brawl. ]
We could head to the bar. They'd be stupid to enter our headquarters.
[ Still doesn't hurt to peek out of the alley, before tugging her hand to follow him. ]
no subject
It's not that. You know more about this than I do, and I don't have any special abilities, either. Trust me to figure out what I can handle, especially when it comes to backing you up. I'm relying on you a lot, I'm going to help you out where I can.
[Sufficient enough for now. He receives a slight grin as she finishes, letting him know they're good. Nothing to debate here. Maybe she'll express it properly later, but Kaname does feel safer with him around, a level of trust in that she's comfortable with, whether he realizes it or not.
She doesn't notice him taking her hand until he's tugging at her to follow him. There's no particular reason to let go yet, so she follows, squeezing his lightly.]
Would they break into someone's place if they knew you'd be there?
no subject
I've never heard of them doing it. But I wouldn't put it past any of them. Especially if they're desperate for points.
[ He's not noticing any oddly helmeted guys around. Or hearing any concerned shouts from people who aren't expecting everyday citizens from walking around with firearms. Pretty sure they're in the clear, for now at least, he leads her in the direction of Bar HOMRA. ]
I can explain more about all this later, if you want.
no subject
[He starts to lead, but Kaname stops, tugging him back by his hand that she's still holding. It's an effective hold and a little comforting. The entire thing hasn't rattled her, but she'll be the first to admit (again) that's she's out of her element and comfort zone.]
But my apartment's closer than the bar, as well as a different direction. Wouldn't they think that's the first place you'd go? What's to stop them from trying to cut us off before we get there? [Following his lead is good, but not without her making sure her input is heard.] That location's common knowledge, isn't it?
It's a r-- [Kaname's cut off by a loud noise coming from the arcade down the alley they just left. Her head whips around in response, then she looks back at Bandou.] Your call. A quick decision would be good.
no subject
But she is right. The bar would be the most obvious place to find them. ]
Okay, your place, then. But, just for safe measures...
[ One good thing about dressing the way he does is that hardly anyone has seen what he looks like underneath it all. His hat, sunglasses and hoodie will be easy enough to replace later, so he'll quickly remove them and toss them out of sight behind one of the ally dumpsters. Incognito by being in just a t-shirt and jeans. Only Bandou could pull it off. ]
no subject
It doesn't back home, but I think my hair might stand out here, at least enough to warrant concern. [Now she looks around again, making sure the coast is still clear before nodding to him.] Lead the way, maybe a different one than we took on our trip here.
[When he does, she decides to follow silently for time, making sure they're not drawing unwanted attention.]
no subject
You look cute like that.
[ Just a small flirty compliment before he's casually blending them into the busy streets of down town Shizume City. Running would look suspicious. So would taking any random side turns. For now, he figures trying to look as mundane as possible might be their best bet. That and any JUNGLE members with some sort of sense to them would be wise not to pull out semi-automatics in such a large group of people. ]
This way works, yeah?
no subject
She clears her throat, following him into the main street, a little thankful to not focus on what he said too long. That's for another time. Maybe. Moving between people doesn't take much skill, so it's easy enough to follow his lead.]
I think it should. You remember which building I'm in, right?
[Seeing as it's a busy street with lots of foot traffic, Kaname reaches forward and takes his hand again so they don't get separated. She's confident she could get back on her own, but running into anyone else solo isn't a chance she's willing to take.]