[Dion Ward]

[attr="class","shinigami"]

Stalking Prey

Dion limped down from the deceased monster’s skull, dragging himself towards the young woman who’d taken that blast.

”You surprised the hell out of me back there.” he nodded towards Jaida— the closest thing to praise that Dion could manage. ”Both of you can follow me. There’s a club nearby— should be empty right now. We can rest there for a second and figure out a plan.”

With his piece said, he’d offer a shoulder to Ghouligan and Jaida if either needed assistance. His movements were much slower than they had been during the fight as he led them both into a series of back alleys, sirens blaring in the background.

It was only fifteen minutes or so of stealthy and belabored walking before they’d arrived at a rusty backdoor with a keypad. Dion tapped in a few numbers and scoffed when the keypad gave an affirmative buzz, the door unlocking. ”Can’t believe those dumb motherfuckers still haven’t changed it.”

---

Dion had managed to find a first aid kit and the three were able to tend to their wounds, cleaning themselves up. Thankfully it seemed like they’d been light on physical injuries, though mentally…

It wasn’t difficult for the tiger vigilante to see how they were struggling. Hell, even he was feeling a little sentimental about it all, given their history together.

”His name was Ryuu.” Dion spoke, eyes cast to the ground. ”We grew up together in the same orphanage. He was a few years younger than me. Wasn’t always so dangerous, when he was younger, y’know. Good kid, just got caught up with a bad crowd. One day he walked out and no one ever thought to look for him. One less mouth to feed.”


Dion gripped his cloak. ”Never found him, but I heard what happened. Got caught up with a gang, got addicted to opioids, never really came back. I was hoping he’d make a change after the heroes caught him a couple weeks back. I kept watch over him…wanted to stop him before he slipped up again. I was hoping he’d turn things around.” he shrugged.

”Don’t feel bad. Only other bastards like me will even notice he’s gone. We did what was necessary to keep people safe.”

It was about as soft of a speech as anyone could expect from a cold-hearted, calculating vigilante, but there were flashes of it in his expression. Flashes of pain and sorrow.

@tagsomeonehere

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[Ghouligan]

Not only had Antoine taken the minimal damage he had also used minimal energy — the luxury of fighting at a distance. With the decoy nearly out of commission and the heavy hitter reeling from the fight, his responsibility was to help escort them to safety. Dion acted as a guide, and Antoine would act as Jaida’s crutch unless she wished to be carried in entirety.

Dion led the way. He knew a place for them to rest. And while he trusted his comrades, he was still paranoid of what was to come. Even the well-intentioned made mistakes. And with how compromised the group was, and the threat of heroes tailing them, Antoine was silent.

Then they sat down.

“Even without drug abuse,” Antoine began. “If he had lost control… as that.” Everyone knew what the hell they fought. “I don’t know if we would have been strong enough to take him down without killing him. Sometimes it’s what has to be done.”

A pause.

“Even if it’s something we don’t want,” Antoine continued. “Even if it’s the wrong thing to do.”

---

Dion Ward | Jaida Connor

[Jaida Connor]

template by Punki of Pixel Perfect

sling shot

Okay.

Full-disclosure...

Offering a thumbs up and a broken smile riddled with hope despite the traces of despair.

...she surprised herself, too.

It wasn't exactly something she wasn't totally sure what the outcome would be, but that didn't stop her from making the effort to try. "Same, man..." Letting out a little cough, beginning to pluck away at some broken glass out of her flesh near her eyes so it wouldn't get into em'. It didn't break too badly, but it was still enough to be inconvenient...

Nothing like the needles.

Although the tiger fella offered her help, he seemed to be in bad shape and...not like she was in much shape to help him either. Doing what she could in the moment to make it seem like she was okay enough to move on her own. Forcing on a smile and dismissively fanning her hand slowly...the moment he turned his back, she winced while trying to push forward.

No need to drag someone down...

...though the pool guy seemed to be in a lot better condition to help and when he offered his shoulder? She leaned against him when she nearly lost complete balance, all while scooting along on her wheels. Part of her couldn't help but wonder if this was how old people felt, like when their body didn't cooperate with em' anymore and didn't want to move much? "Thanks.."

Man, it's a good thing her equipment crapped out with the wheels being left out on her boots, otherwise she'd probably have to get carried like a sack of potatoes or something!

...though she couldn't help but look over her shoulder and wonder what would happen.

The day was saved, but there was a chance whoever had to clean it up would try to find out how it died...

...that...would be a bridge to cross later if it ever came up, which she really hoped it wouldn't.

It could have been so much worse and it wasn't, so hopefully that's how the situation is perceived from the outside looking in.

Once they got there and the tiger fellow fussed with the door after getting it open, for a moment, she couldn't help but snort out a little chuckle, "Whaddaya mean they didn't change it, ya work here, don'cha?" With her secondary quirk of jumping to conclusions in a single bound, the dash of airheadedness shining through like the sun on a bright day, that is why he knew the code, right?

...cause he worked there, right?

Not because he was fired and these ding dongs couldn't be arsed to change the code...right?

....riiiiiiiiiiiight?

Well uh...sweeping that thought under the rug for now, she very carefully set her busted launcher down upon a table, took a seat and began unstrapping her boots. Though there were a few scrapes all over her and a few sharp debris poking out of her skin...it was more like a mild inconvenience. Pinching, twisting and gently patting the spots upon her body that seemed a bit more punctured.

Though she was about to break the silence, offer a suggestion that they give the departed a moment of silence...something...

...the tiger guy's words cut the air like a knife from the moment he spoke.

He knew the monster---the deceased man's name.

They knew each other...

...he tried to help him like she tried to help her sibling who was always getting wrapped up in trouble.

Feeling the words get caught in her throat, there were things she wanted to say, try to offer the poor guy some solace...something, but no. It was like taking pills without water, struggling to follow through. No one wanted to hear oh I'm so sorry in times like these, it was like trying to slap a band-aid on a gaping wound. The pain was there and although she was a bit of an airhead, that was something she wasn't blind to...

Though she couldn't help but frown when he subtly lumped himself into the pile of bastards who wouldn't be missed.

It was...always sad to hear people think of themselves like that.

Resting her hands upon her knees, gently gripping them as she let it stew for a moment as the other guy spoke up. Turning her bright, pink optics towards him...he...had a point. Well they both did, it had to be done and since Ryuu got mixed up in the wrong crowd, their shitty influence could have driven him to become a more violent sort with his quirk. Hell, if someone who knew him personally felt that was the only way...then it couldn't be denied.

Plus...there really was that chance they couldn't have handled things more peacefully, more people could have died...they all could have died. It was a tough, painful truth to accept...it was valid. Although she despised murder as the solution, it was something she couldn't be mad at. It wasn't something that was done for sport of fun like some shitty people out there do, but because there was a dangerous individual hurting others who wouldn't stop.

This would haunt her for a while....but that's okay as long as she reminded herself it could be so much worse.

The right thing to do was the wrong thing to do, but it was what saved more people...

"...yeah I...uh...I'm gonna be real with you guys, murder isn't okay and it will never be...but..." Taking off her gloves to set it on her boots, there were a few burns from the metal plates heating against her skin. Taking in a deep breath before heavy sigh passed her lips, "...it's true, there are folks out there who can't be stopped otherwise...like...Ryuu..." Furrowing her brows a bit, she carefully hopped out of her seat and she spoke with an air of tenderness, "...I'm sure he wasn't always like that, at least going off of what you said, big guy."

The next set of words she tried to find, she wasn't sure if they were gonna be the right ones or what, but... "...he's away from all the pain. No more suffering, sorrow, loneliness and anger...he's at peace. It's...sad that there wasn't another way to take him away from all of that but...we all did what we had to." With that, she offered the tiger guy a hug, with a couple of soft pats on the back. "...don't forget that you aren't alone, at least not anymore." Letting go she offered a thoughtful smile then went to grab the burn ointment from the first aid kit and began sliding it upon her arms.

Sparing a glance towards the guy who could probably whoop all their asses at a game of pool, "That goes for you too..." Looking to the both of them, she gestured towards herself, "I'm here for both of ya if ya ever need it, yeah?" It was sincere and honest as could be, but it was a matter of them actually being receptive towards it...can't exactly be there for folks who genuinely don't want you around, after all.

She liked to lie to herself that Riley actually enjoyed her company and her sibling was just going through it, being stubborn.

Better to think of it that way.

[Dion Ward]

[attr="class","shinigami"]

Stalking Prey

”Yeah, something like that.” he answered half-heartedly. ”All that matters is we’re safe.”

For now.

”Right and wrong aren’t always so simple. A better barrier is what’s necessary. I- we, did what was necessary.” he answered, nodding sagely at Antoine.

Dion bristled at the sudden touch. For a moment, everything seemed still— as though one wrong move would usher in chaos. As the seconds passed, however, he began to slowly relax. His breaths were deep and heavy, chest heaving as she pat his back.

After a few moments he’d snap out of whatever trance he’d found himself in, gently grabbing the scrawny girl’s head and setting her down.

”Dion.” he said blankly. ”If either of you tell anyone, you’ll regret it. The name the streets gave me is Stalker, but you two can call me Dion when we’re alone. You can usually find me in Kabukicho– reach out if something comes up.”

He didn’t know what the hell he was doing. Giving out his name to complete strangers? Telling them where he operated? The tiger vigilante had never so much as shared a patrol with someone before, let alone give out his personal information. Perhaps it was the adrenaline or the unexpected kindness, but he’d surprised even himself.

As soon as the offer was made, he stood up and walked towards the window, pulling down the blinds just enough to look through. ”I think we’re clear to split up– just try and stay inside. Make sure you’ve got an alibi too.”

With his piece said, he’d start packing up the first aid kit and prepare to leave.

@tagsomeonehere

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[Ghouligan]

“I won’t say a word,” Antoine said. “Ghouligan.”

Despite their comradery, he still kept them at an arm’s distance. It was important to keep his identity secret. If he were to compromise his brother’s well-being before meeting him, then he’d never forgive himself. It was the only reason in Japan. Everything else — his new job, his new “friends” — were happenstance.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be in Japan, but I’ll keep in touch.” He continued. “And if you need me, just ask around. Word will get back to me.”

Antoine had no guarantee that would happen. But he didn’t have a way to communicate with people in this country yet. After his conversation with Megumi, having met these two, a few ideas manifested in the back of his mind unbeknownst to him.

“I’ll head out first,” Antoine moved out. “If there’s trouble I’ll double back. If I’m not back within ten minutes, then you’re safe to go.” On second thought. “As safe as we’ll ever be doing this kind of work.”

Truth be told, his time was running out. The language barrier would return and he wouldn’t be able to share another word with these people for an hour. And with the bubbling in his chest, he knew the slug was ready to crawl out. Another two, three minutes at most before he’d have to spit it out.

“Stay safe.” A final goodbye. “I’m glad I met you two.”

---

Dion Ward | Jaida Connor

[Jaida Connor]

template by Punki of Pixel Perfect

sling shot

Well getting grabbed by the top of her head and removed from a hug to comfort someone who literally had to endure a sudden loss was...different?

Weird flex, but it's not like he was hurting her or anything, no malicious intent just nothing hostile as far as the highlighter haired vigilante could tell. As she tended to her burns to make sure it would heal as good as it could...despite her weird ass biology, she was a little surprised to hear a first name slip into the air.

...did he mean to hand out his first name?

Though with the follow up...yup...he...totally meant to do that. Whether or not she could fully trust these two with her name and such...it's...not like she always looked the way she did. In fact, when she was doing the normal people thing, her hair color was like a confused bleach or dye job. Was she born a blonde or red head?

WHO KNOWS!


Either way, it wasn't super often she met someone with an American sounding name...it made her feel less isolated out here. Things were still a wee but of a cultural shock at times, but she rolled with the punches and did what she could to learn here and there. It's all she could, or anyone else in her position, could do. Though it sounded like this wasn't some one-off deal, they were both offered his help if need-be.

Offering a gentle smile and couple of nods, "Secret's safe with me!" Offering a thumbs up, it was like a soft couple of brain cogs clicking before realizing there was no guarantee or promise that she could actually reach the dude without proper contact info...

...same with the pool guy--erm! Ghouligan! Yeah, Ghouls! He didn't have contact info offered out the gate, either!

WELL SHE HAD THE POWER OF A BURNER PHONE!

WITH SUCH A GRAND DEVICE, SHE WOULD MAKE SURE TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION!

Which she would totally use...soon enough.

"Name on the streets is Gadget! I ain't exactly some popular sensation, so it's not like anyone will know who you're talking about and that's fiiiiiine, however, full disclosure--" Flipping up her visor, she flashed off a grin and smiled, "This ain't even my real face! Or hair color...erm! Colors cause ya know, highlighter blue n pink! BUT! I sound like this when I'm not doing stuff like this...usually! H-heh! So if my voice seems familiar out there one day? Try asking for Jay!" A nickname, a common enough one so they could properly get to know each other if they ever met out there.

Flipping her visor down, she blinked a couple of times and took in a deep breath before exhaling softly, "Hollup..if either of us gets mixed up in somethin'---" Patting her pockets, she began pulling out her phone, "--we gotta be able to contact each other some how..." Once she brought out the phone that felt a lil funky, she held it up and--- "Fffffuuuuuckin' fudge biscuits on a graham cracker...right." Shoving the useless for communication chunk into her pocket, she skittered around the place figuring out an alternative...

...THE ART OF WRITING THINGS ON PAPER!

Having burnt off her finger prints before heading out on her cryptid to recruit search, it wouldn't leave a damn thing, swooping up a pen and snagging a piece of paper, she knew what had to be done. Resting the paper upon the top of her hand, she pinched the corner with her thumb to keep it in place, writing her contact info with her e-mail and a number that connected to her burners. After that? She plopped the pen back down where she found it and ripped in half, being quick to hand out a half to each of them. "That is for the future! All the stuff on me's busted, but! Drop me a line so I can get a hold of you two later!"

When would she see them again?

She didn't know, but she certainly didn't want to be strangers at the very least...

Her smile was sincere as could be, but it seemed a little less bright and more hopeful, "A-and you be safe, too...both of you. Let me know when you get somewhere safe n' sound...I'll reply when I get home, whenever that is..." Letting a sigh escape her, she grabbed a few trash liners and spoke up calmly...yet with a dash of sternness to it, "I'm gonna do a security check, tidy up any footage of us I can find to clean our tracks a lil', then find my way..."

Walking off in her kitty socks, she'd break down the launcher so it could fit in the liner, then enough to make it sturdy and after that, working it into a makeshift bag. Shoddy, but enough to do what it needed to. Knowing she'd be more than likely be wandering around solo for a bit after they depart, she wanted to make sure that busted piece of equipment would be easier to lug around. She'd put her wheeled boots on later, for now, she wanted to make less tracks...literally...while checking around for a computer to check security footage for this place then follow through with what she said.

At least her nerves were nice and awake, phew!

Making sure she did her part to cover their asses after finding a computer, getting into it and going over security footage to bury their tracks as best as she could with the time given to her. Once that was all said and done, waiting until they got the it's safe to proceed for sure signal, she got her belongings and headed on out with her wheeled boots. Skating off to try and find her way back as best as she could, following a path of familiar enough landmarks while still trying her best to be careful.

To her, this wasn't good bye...it was until we meet again.

[Matsu]

☆ MISSION SUCCESS ☆

7.500 EXP!

tag: Jaida Connor Ghouligan Dion Ward