Hoshī no Gunman! [ Not Accepting / Started / IC ]

[Mysterium Tremendum]

Albin sat emotionless as an obese man wearing a large red vest and blue pants sauntered down the nearby stairs and paused for a second. The man was somewhere in his mid-thirties with a small amount of hair protruding awkwardly from his head while his eyes held almost no emotion. The man stared at Albin for a few seconds before sitting in the chair opposite Albin with the same blank emotionless stare. Albin smiled in reaction to the fat man's presence, "I see the rumors weren't untrue after all, I'd heard that there was someone who lived in here, but I never actually believed someone would want to live in this place." Albin smiled, though he attempted to make it a genuine kind-hearted smile, it came off as being somewhat creepy. The man's eyes tighted lower, "Albin Hinderson, its nice of you to visit me. As it turns out I had 2 people about 3 monthes ago literally banging down my doors for information on you. I'm well aware of your small circle of contacts so I turned them away on the basis that they wouldn't even get close to you, yet here you are." Albin smiled once more, though this time he allowed his insanity to shine, "Oh really, perhaps some other time we can talk about those 2, but right now I have another problem." Albin paused, "I'm looking for a certain someone, this person is known as "The Red-Skinned Thief". I was hoping you might have some information on this man or mayber perhaps his next target. I'm willing to pay you very well for it." Albin finished but the fat man's eyes remained expressionless.

"Oh yes, I know very well about the "Red-Skinned Thief". Very few people have information on him, but I happen to know his next target from one of my contacts. However, this information will not come cheap. Due to the danger my contact got himself into, I'll have to charge you at least 300,000 Douploons for the information, info on him is hard to come by and my contact was almost caught in retrieving this information. I also ask that you pay me now, up front." Albin tried to keep his face clear and calm, but on the inside he was wreeling. Quickly he composed himself and thought fast, "Its unreasonable for me to pay you up front now. I can pay you when I've caught him from the bounty money. Besides, how do I know your contact's information is correct. I could be paying you and get nothing in return for it." The man showed no expression, "There is no guarantee that you will catch him. He is elusive and you don't know a thing about who you're going after."

Albin smiled, "On the contrary, I happen to know quite a bit about him. I also know a way to keep him from getting away from me." Albin's smiled widened, "Do not worry, I'm fully aware of who I'm chasing and know just the way to capture him." Albin took out the revolver he got from Desmond, "This revolver is able to cancel out his gunspell powers, all I need to do is hit him with this, and he won't be able to get away from me." Albin's smiled shrunk a little bit, "All I need you to do is give me his next target and I'll do the rest." Albin sat back in his chair a little bit, "I do have a proposition for you though, I have 90,000 douploons with me now, you can have that as a down payment, and when I've caught him, you will get the rest." Albin smiled while the man in front of him twitched a little bit, seemingly considering the offer. "Very well than, Deal." Albin smiled with glee and took out the 90,000 douploons he'd gotten a few days ago from the burning of the shop owner and paid it to the man, "The Red-Skinned Thief" is heading to steal a vase in a museum in Truade City as we speak. The vase was said to have been taken from the Mezora Ruins itself. Albin twitched an eyebrow at the mention of the Mezora Ruins but decided to contemplate it later and just smiled at the man, "Pleasure doing business with you." Picking up the weapons he'd laid on the floor, Albin walked out the door.

[Hotaru987]

OOC: Do you want me to bring Cheri in soon? Or will you be doing that?

"What!?" Katie almost shrieked but quickly regained her composure by coughing into her hand, and then looking at Flint incredulously. "Y-you're hungry again? But you just got finished eating! No wonder you're broke! And if this keeps up so will I." She said in a depressed mannor, head down and shoulders sagging. "But...I guess if you really are hungry....Just know that I plan on being paid back with any extra money from the bounty we collect." Katie stated now back to normal, and looking at Flint waiting for him to agree.

[.:Blu:.]

((You can bring in Cheri, afterall, you did create her. Also, you can bring her in at any time.))

"Hey, what can I say, I need my strength." Flint said happily, placing both hands behind his back. Hearing that Katie is expecting to be compensated with extra money from collecting the bounty, Flint smiled. "Hey no need to worry! You know I'm good for that!" Flint responded with a thumbs up and a huge grin. "But you know.... we're kind of a team now, so shouldn't your money be my money as well? I'm just saying, we're suppose to help each other." Flint proclaimed, his happy expression replaced by a semi-disappointed one. "Anyways, let's go!" Flint said as he regained his happy expression. Flint began to walk towards the restaurant again when suddenly he stopped and looked back at Katie. "I just remember something, didn't you say that Cheri was in Silver Town? How about we invite her to dinner?" Flint asked.

-Meanwhile-

In the desert region near Truade City, a man was walking calmly towards the direction of the city. He is wearing a large copper red robe, dark brown trousers, and a copper red hat. The man's skin color was quite unique. His skin color is reminiscent of the people of an ancient civilization that created gunspells. The man had a calm smile on his face. "You will be mine soon enough.... The Vase of Approciole.... A priceless artifact...." the man said, his face was revealed in the moonlight with a noticeably large scar over his nose.

[Cozmosus]

Upon entering the large, fancy building, John noticed that the place was completely crowded with gunmen of all shapes and sizes. the place was filled, and this was only the first floor. He imagined how many people were in the rest of the building, plus those that were out. Wow. Everyone was talking and moving around. Suddenly, he noticed a woman to his right stand up and shout. Apparently she had won, which according to on of the men she was playing with, she always did. She called to the barmaid who's name was "Luce", who then brought her a drink. John turned to his left and saw a young man surrounded by a group of girls saying something about giving them autographs. Suddenly, a large, muscular man with spiky black hair walked towards John. "Huh, I've never seen your face around here. Do you need help with something kid?" the large man asked. "I have just arrived here, and came to join the Sons of Liberty Gang!" John replied loudly. He noticed everyone in the room stop. Then they started laughing. "What did I say?" John questioned.

[Hotaru987]

Ooc: Sorry for the wait! I had been busy all day!

IC:

Katie scratched her head as she looked around a slightly sheepish look on her face. There was only one problem with Flint's suggestion, "I don't really know where she is. I only think I saw her. I mean they were only glimpses, so it could be anyone. Cheri might not even be her-"

"Kai! There you are!"

Katie tensed, and beads of sweat started rolling down her face. "I've been looking all over the place for you! How dare you leave without saying good bye to me!" Katie turned around and almost paled at the angry look on the young female's face. Her golden locks catching the sun's rays, though to Katie that only made her look as if she was on fire. So she forgot to say goodbye this one time! And this warrents Cheri to practically stalk her all the way here? After getting rid of the initial terror of being yelled at by a dainty looking female, Katie sighed, "Cheri, how on earth did you even get here?" Cheri ignored the question, "Don't changed the subject-Oh, Flint. I didn't see you there. How are you? Poor thing you look hungry! Have you been eating?" Katie almost faceplanted at how quickly her voice changed from "pissed-off-girlfriend-on-a-kill-streak-Cheri" to "angelic-sweet-Cheri".

Katie thought it would be her oppertunity to run from Cheri - an angry Cheri does not make for a happy Katie - but she was spotted, "And where do you think you're going?" Katie cursed under her breath, "No where...." So instead Katie stood there taking a scolding - for what she still hadn't entirely figured out - all the while thinking [i]Flint was right....I'm not that mean. Especially if the so called merciless Red Bullet is taking a scolding from Cheri....Though she is kind of scary when she isn't blushing like a love sick girl.[/i]

As Cheri got finished with her yelling she blushed heavily, and then began apologizing for yelling at Katie. "Kai I'm so sorry! I-i didn't mean it I ju-" Katie held up her hand, "Please-" She said with a desperate and deflated voice, "Just stop. Look why don't you come with us to dinner? To make up for whatever it was that I did."

"What!? O-ok!"

"Alright Flint use your nose to find this resturant." Katie said turning to Flint expectantly. "By the way, as to your statement about us sharing money....We'll have to see. Because frankly from what I've seen you blow through money way too easily. Though I guess because we're friends it should be a mutual thing..."

[Desu the Blue Nerd]

Michael was now just laying on his bed trying to fall asleep. He was still fully clothed although his belt with guns and ammo was on the desk. At that moment his stomach began to violently growl. "Gah." It actually caused a pain in his stomach. "D-damn...I've been doing to much training today...I'm Starving!" There was a bang from underneath him and a voice telling him to shut up. He jumped off the bed and onto the floor just to cause some noise. He heard a knock on the door. A voice from the other side said, "Sir, you're going to have to pay for that chair you broke."

A large sweat drop formed on his head. "B-but I didn't break it...it should be fine..." A memory flashed through his head. It was the chair slamming into the wall and breaking. "Oo-oops." A noise came from the knob. The innkeeper was unlocking the door. Michael rather not have to waste time esopecially when he was so hungry. He made sure his wallet was still in his pocket and escaped through the window as the innkeeper came in. "Don't worry old man. I'll take care of it," Michael said as he ran off. The innkeeper simply facepalmed.

Michael was now casually walking through the streets of Silver Town. "[i]Let me think...I could probably buy some more ammo. Stock up a bit while I have the money. Then i'll get some groceries...bread, vegetables, fruit, meat, and eggs. I wonder if I'm forgetting anything...oh well...If I am I'll remember.[/i] He found a weapon store but inside it he could see the twerps. He quickly brought himself up to wall next to the entrance and stayed as quiet as possible. He was happpy not to have been noticed. He went in and quickly bought his ammo. When he came back out it seemed like they barely went anywhere. In fact they were now talking to a blonde girl and from what she was saying (she was really loud) she and the female twerp were either sisters or lovers. "[i]Lesbianism for the wi-[/i] He cut himself off short. He began to slowly creep away to hopefully get away without a hassle.

[.:Blu:.]

Flint listened to what Katie had to say, but then, an angered, feminine voice caught Flint's attention. Flint turned around to see Cheri, whose facial expression caused Flint to become unnerved. Flint was glad however that he was not the one being yelled at, and so Flint simply stepped back and left Katie to be at the mercy of Cheri. "(Oh man.... Do I feel bad for Kai....)" Flint thought to himself as he continued to watch Cheri as she yelled at Katie; all the while a large sweat drop on Flint's head. When Cheri turned to Flint to address him, Flint tensed up with nervousness and fear. However, his tension was relieved when he heard the sudden change in Cheri's tone of voice. Flint smiled pleasantly before answering. "I'm fine, but I am a bit hungry." Flint responded in a tone as if they were all having a pleasant conversion.

As Katie tried to escape another inevitable scolding from Cheri, Cheri quickly spotted her and the scolding continued. Flint's smile was still on his face however. "(Wow, they really are like a couple aren't they?)" Flint thought. Flint remained mostly in the background as Cheri's scolding transformed into an a apology. Katie then proceeded to ask Cheri to dinner, and at that moment, everything seemed well. It was a lucky thing that Flint didn't spot the gunman from before or another conflict would've undoubtedly broken out. Once Katie asked Flint to use his nose to find the restaurant, Flint livened up. "Alright! You can count on me! Meat paradise, here I come!" Flint rejoiced. Flint then turned back to Katie as she responded to what he had said from before. "Hehe, now that's more like it! Your money is my money, and my money is your money! Now let's go!" Flint responded before walking off with a spring in his step.

The three soon arrived at the restaurant with Flint prepped and mouthwatering for some delicious steaks. Flint clapped his hands together with a huge grin shown in his face in preparation for the meal ahead. The same waiter from this morning soon arrived at the table, noticing Cheri was now apart of the group. "Good evening, I see that one o you fine gentlemen has gotten yourself quite a lovely date." the waiter teased. "Hehe, yep! Kai over here sure is lucky to have Cheri as his girlfriend!" Flint proclaimed rather loudly. "Very good, now, may I take your order?" the waiter asked. "I'll have that platter of steaks like this morning! Oh, and a glass of your best apple cider please!" Flint said.

-Meanwhile-

Wes had just finished laughing before he answered John's question. "Haha, I see, so you want to be a member huh? By the way, don't worry about the laughing, they're just happy to have another member aboard. Anyways, the name's Wesley Evergreen, but everybody calls me Wes. Nice to meet ya kid." Wes said with a large, friendly grin. Then, Darla approached John and Wes. "I see, so we have a new recruit. It's a pleasure to meet such a handsome young man. I'm Darla Hardin. So new recruit, you've got a name?" Darla asked. Wes's facial expression changed from being happy to being rather annoyed. "You know Darla, maybe you should go back to DRINKING YOURSELF TO DEATH!!!!" Wes shouted. A vein then popped up on Darlan's forehead. "Arrg, what did you say Wes?! Maybe you should go and grow a pair, and stop complaining like a damn woman!" Darla shouted back. "What did you call me?!" Wes asked. "You heard me!" Darla responded. The two then got into a fight, only to be stopped by Lucy. "Alright, alright you guys, stop fighting please!" Lucy pleaded as she stepped in the middle to stop their actions.

Wes and Darla simply crossed their arms, and looked the other way, leaving Lucy standing there with a sweat drop on her head and a nervous smile on her face. Lucy then looked at John. "Hello, I'm Lucy Harlett, I'm the barmaid here. Please don't mind their fighting, they do it all the time." Lucy proclaimed. "So kid, you got a name or what? We can't let you become a member of this gang if we don't even know your name." Wes said.

[Hotaru987]

It took a while for Katie to process what Flint said, but once he did she yelled, "But you never seem to have money!" Without thinking she grabbed Cheri's hand and started to run after the boy who had gotten a head when she while thinking. Cheri was blushing the entire time staring blankly at her and Katie's hands. "Cheri I hope your father-Cheri?" Katie looked at the female confused as she looked totally out of it. She sweatdropped when she realized the problem. [i]I think I've been masquerading as a boy for too long....[/i] When they got to the resturant Cheri was further embarressed by Flint - very loud - procclimation of her being Katie's girlfriend.

Katie glared at Flint, who wasn't helping her future delima in the slightest. Because of Flint some of the heads had turned to look at Cheri, which warrented a glare from Katie since more than most looked very unsavory. She may not have liked Cheri in that sense but she wasn't about to let some creap just walk all over her. Cheri noticed and blushed taking Katie's look as posessiveness. Katie noticed and turned her head away; which of course she took as embarressment. She was making this hole deeper and deeper.

"Can we just order please." Katie asked tiredly, seconds before Flint ordered. She wanted to hit him just for ordering what he did. Of course he'd order stake again, and no vegetables. Though from what happened before she supposed it was a good thing. "I'll just have tea since we DID just get finished eating." Cheri then said, "I'll just have a salad, and water." But Katie added, "And some chicken."

[.:Blu:.]

"Very good. I will be back with your order shortly." the waiter bowed before taking his leave into the kitchen. Flint then turned to Cheri. "You're just going to eat some vegetables? That's not food, you need some meat." Flint commented, flabbergasted by the fact that a human being can eat something like that without ordering any meat to go along with it. "Ehh, if I was stuck in the middle of the desert with nothing but vegetables to eat, I think I'll just kill myself...." Flint proclaimed, with the thought of having to eat vegetables making him sick again. Flint then just remembered something, and once again, faced Cheri. "Oh, by the way Cheri, why did you even come here for? It's really dangerous getting here by yourself. How did you managed to do that?" Flint asked, his curiosity kicking in.

[Mysterium Tremendum]

It took Albin awhile, but he eventually was able to find the map to Truade city. Unfortunately, he found it was quite a long way from Silver city on foot and he would need to walk through a tough desert region. Rolling the map and putting it away, he took out and readied the supplies he'd gathered. Catching this man would be no easy job and Albin was one to always come prepared. The revolver Desmond gave him and his regular guns were all tucked away neatly inside his jacket along where he could easily draw them should he run into trouble. The rations he'd stocked were covered in a green plastic to keep sand off of them and lastly, he kept 2 skins full of water. With his pack and bearings ready, Albin walked away from Silver City under the cover of night toward Truade City.

[Hotaru987]

Cheri simpy smiled, "I enjoy vegetables, and I don't exactly care too much for meat. Besides, I recently became a vegetarian. After witnessing the slaughter of a poor cow up close I couldn't bring myself to eat meat ever again." Katie looked at Cheri in slight surprise not having know that. "So tht means.....I ordered chicken for nothing..." She mumbled causing Cheri to smile apologetically. "What about you Flint? I didn't hear you order any vegetables. You wont grow if you dont eat healthy."

Katie tuned out the conversation until Flint asked Cheri how, and why did she come down here in the first place. She was curious as well, but didn't get the chance to ask earlier because Cheri was too busy yelling at her to answer any questions. "Well...One of the main reasons I came down here...Was because I wanted to see Kai again, but...To be honest...I really just wanted to travel. I was in West Town for all of my life, always seeing people come and go but me staying there. After seeing how young you were Flint, and the fact that you still followed your dream I had made up my mind. I never thought there were other young gunmen like Kai. So after you two left, I snuck away from my dad a few hours later with some money to get a ride down here. Since I got here I had been looking for you two."

Katie simply shook her head, "You have no experience away from West Town. You can't even handle a gun, let alone travel." Cheri looked down very put off by Katie. "True...But I mean I'm not completely unskilled when it comes to using a gun. No where near as good as you two, but I can shoot one fairly well. My father taught me." Katie sighed but didn't say anything. "I'm not useless." Cheri said again, but Katie doubted that. Cheri was just too...Too much of a girl to be out in the real world. She would be chewed up and spit back out if she tried, and thats what Katie believed.

[.:Blu:.]

[center][size="5"][b]CHAPTER 4: CRADDLE OF REASON[/b][/size][/center]


"Umm, me and vegetables don't really see eye to eye...." Flint said, a nervous smile on his face. Flint listened to Cheri's explanation closely. Flint was a bit surprised when Cheri said that she snucked away. Flint then listened to the brief conversation between Katie and Cheri before he said anything. Flint was a bit saddened by the current mood at the table. Flint also felt that Katie's words were a bit harsh, but Flint knew she was right, even though it was all correct to Flint. Flint then looked at Cheri. "Even though Kai's wording was a bit harsh, Kai is right. You don't have any experience travelling under these conditions. The Great West Plains can be quite a dangerous place, and if a girl like you is not careful, anything could happen. I know Kai sounded harsh, but he's just trying to make sure you're safe from harm's way." Flint explained.

"Also, sneaking away from home like that is not the right thing to do either. Your dad is probably worried sick about you right now Cheri. You could've at least left him some kind of lettr." Flint said. Though Flint may not be the smartest or wisest person in the world, he does know how to give advice to a person. Flint then smiled calmly. "You know what Cheri, you can come with us." Flint said. "If you want, we can all travel together to Doblin, and join the Sons of Liberty gang together. You may not be a gunman, but I'm sure there's always something you can do for the gang. So what do you think?" Flint asked. Flint, in his mind, knew that Katie probably wouldn't be the first person to agree with Flint's idea, but Flint felt that it would be good for Cheri to travel a bit.

[Hotaru987]

"You can't be serious Flint." Katie said not liking the idea of Cheri joing a gang no matter what their reputation. But then again....Who was she to tell Cheri what to do? True she saw her as a really close friend, but Cheri's life was her own. Katie just didn't want her getting hurt. Cheri was always nice to her, and ignored the rumors about her. "I simply want to return the favor." Katie accedentaly mumbled out loud, though it didn't seem as though she was heard. Cheri was too busy smiling happily at Flint, glad to be invited to travel with them just as she had hoped, and reasily agreed to go with them. Though the guilt she felt about leaving her father without telling him surfaced when Flint mentioned that.

"I planned on sending a letter once I got here...But I don't have any money for a post. I mean I spent the whole 1000 daploons traveling here." Katie frowned, "You paid a 1000 daploons for a trip here? You were completely swindled by whoever brought you here." Just another reason why she shouldn't be traveling...But if she was with them then Flint - who other than Cheri she would say she trusted - could watch her too. But if she went to Doblin that would mean another 10,000 daploons for a ticket. Katie was staring at the table deep in her thoughts. "Wait-" Katie suddenly said, "So where do you plan on staying?"

"I...Really don't know." Cheri blushed. "I'm completely broke." Unlike Katie's previous unwilling of spending money with Flint she offered - more like stated - that she would pay for a room at the inn they are staying at. "I can't have you sleeping on the streets...."

[Mysterium Tremendum]

Step by Step, Mile by mile, Albin trekked through the sandy desert. He'd walked till almost high noon of the day when he came across a small oasis. Albin replenished the water he'd used up and continued on the map, using the landmarks that the map mentioned to guide his steps.

Albin slept in a cave that night after traveling throughout the entire day, he'd been lucky to find shelter from the cold. When the sun rose up once again, Albin set out immediately. Albin thought sluggishly as he trekked through the sand, "Heh heh.... the map says I'm almost there. Just a few more miles and I'll be at Truade city where..." Albin perked up when he thought of his own answer, "where I can fulfill my destiny." Energized by his own answer, Albin trekked forth with more vigor than he'd had before. It lasted another few hours, but eventually, Albin saw Truade city from the edge of a sandy cliff and smiled as he thought, "You can run "Red Thief" but now you can't hide." Albin's smile took on even more malicious glee.

[.:Blu:.]

"But I am serious. It would be really fun, the three of us travelling." Flint responded with a smile. When Cheri told Flint and Katie that she would've sent a letter back to West Town for her father once she got to Silver Town, but she spent all her money on a ride here, Katie told her that she had been swindled. Flint didn't say anything, he just continued to listen. Finally, Katie, in her own way, told Cheri that she would pay for a room for her, which for Flint is basically telling Cheri that she can come along with them. Flint smiled widely when he heard this. "Well that settles it! Cheri, you're gonna be part of the team." Flint proclaimed. "Oh, and don't worry about the money needed to send a letter to your dad, Kai will take care of that." Flint proclaimed without even consulting Katie first.

Soon, the waiter arrived with the food and placed it on the table. "Hehe, now let's enjoy the food shall we?!" Flint said before digging in. Flint didn't wait for anybody when it comes to food, especially when there are plates of steaks in front of him. "Umm, delicious!" Flint said.

-Meanwhile-

Truade Museum, a large museum holding many mystical artifacts and weapons said to have been used by some of the greatest gunmen in history. During the morning, the museum is always busy with many citizens and tourists from all over the world. At night however, the museum is a quiet place, with no signs of activity. Even so, the museum is highly guarded with gunmen who are hidden in the shadows waiting to strike at any moment they spot an intruder. However, for someone like the "Red-Skinned Thief", entering into the museum is as easy as sitting down. The thief finally arrived at the museum, and was ready to make his move. "Security around here is pretty tight.... but that's nothing that my gunspells can't handle...." the thief proclaimed.

[Hotaru987]

Cheri was in shock at the way Flint eat, diplaying the minisule - if any - table manners he possessed. "Doesn't he...Chew his food?" She asked in disgust. Katie sipped her tea before saying, "I really don't know." Seeing that Katie wasn't disturbed by Flint's actions, Cheri tried to ignore it as well. Occasionally she would look up at Flint in either awe or disbeliefe - she wasn't sure yet - from the amount of food he ate. After a while Katie said, "Flint can you at least try to act civilized? We do have a lady at the table."

[Desu the Blue Nerd]

Michael was now walking out of the street market carrying what seemed like a leather bag on his back. It was actually a new thing called a backpack. It was made of leather and could hold alot of stuff. He was using it to hold the newly bought ammunition and other food. He had bought some, vegetables, fruit, meat, and a new thing called slice bread. It almost made Michael s*** his pants. There was still room in the backpack. And best of all is the backback wasn't hard to lug around.

In a few minutes Michael was back in his motel room (he snuck in through the window) and in a few more minutes had everything laying out on a table including a sandwhich which he prepared with some of the ingredients he bought. He ate it but then made another one since he still hungry. "That was the greatest thing he said since slice bread," he laughed at the joke he made about his sandwhich and the amazing new sliced bread. After finishing the second sandwich he layed down on the bed to just relax.

[.:Blu:.]

((Hotaru, after this, you going to need to look for Michael to discuss about the bounty))

When hearing Katie said that, Flint stopped in his tracks, after swallowing what he had in his mouth first of course. Flint placed his hand behind his back and smiled nervously. "Oh, hehe, sorry Cheri. I guess my eating habits are a bit, distracting huh?" A bit distracting was an understatement. Flint's way of eating caused everyone to look over to the table. However, it doesn't seem Flint noticed any of the stares. Flint looked back onto his plate with one steak left. Flint just continued to stare at it, having no ideas on how to eat it. "(Alright, here goes nothing!)" Flint thought to himself as he grabbed a knife and, dramatically, stabbed into the cut of meat. Flint then, as if he were a doctor performing surgery, slowly cut the steak into smaller pieces.

Without saying anything, Flint took his fork and stabbed it into one of the smaller pieces; finally proceeding to eating the piece slowly and calmly, unlike his normal way of eating. After swallowing the piece, Flint looked at Katie and Cheri, and smiled. "Hehe, that wasn't so tough. I guess all I really needed to do was try." Flint said, half of the people in the restaurant comically fell oto their heads with their limbs twitching when hearing the simple statement that Flint made. They are probably all thinking, "Why didn't he do that before?!" Soon, the three had finished with their meal, and Katie payed for the food. Outside, Flint stretched his arms high into the air. "Man, I haven't eaten like that in a long time!" Flint proclaimed, even though he had the same meal earlier today.

"So, I guess we should be heading back to the inn right? Or do any of you guys want to take a stroll around town?" Flint asked, curious as to what was the group's next plans.

[Hotaru987]

Ooc: Kk

IC:

Cheri giggled at Flint's behavior, while Katie only sighed - something she seemed to be doing a lot of lately - and continued to sip at her tea. Before she knew it they were finished, and her wallet was even lighter than before. At Flint's question as to what we do now Katie said, "I guess it wouldn't be a good idea to postpone getting a room for Cheri at the Inn we're staying at. There may not be many left considering it's cheep, and most people don't care about luxury but rather how much the lodgings cost." Katie said as she walked back to the Inn to purchase yet another room and private bath for Cheri. When they got back to the Inn and Katie brought the room and bath for Cheri she also asked about the boy from earlier. The innkeeper told her that he had left his room earlier by jumping out of the window, and he hadn't seen him come back through the front door. He also pointed out that he didn't pay for the broken chair, but Katie wasn't about to offer up any money.

After she got the information she walked back over to Cheri and Flint. "Why don't you two go do something. I have something I need to take care of alone." If they were serious about catching this bounty then whether she for Flint liked it or not they was going to need help. Especially if Cheri was coming with them. They needed the 30,000 - 60,000 if they could bring the three in alive. If they wanted to do the latter then they would need to even up the playing field. Katie was sure that having Flint with her when she went to talk to him would only cause them more problems seeing as they only faught when they saw each other.

"So yeah...I'll see you guys later." Katie mumbled handing Cheri 500, of her 2000 plus daploons, before heading upstairs and to the room the innkeeper told her he was in. Once at the door she knocked on the door. "It's Kai.....I think we need to talk..."

[Desu the Blue Nerd]

Michael was just about to fall asleep when he heard the knock on the door. At first he thought it was the inkeeper asking for the money again but then the person said his name. It sounded like a guy but not like the inkeeper so he decided to check on it. All he knew was that it was defiantly familiar. He got out of his bed trying not to make to much noise as to alert the others that he was their. "I'm coming I'm coming." He walked up to the door and took a whiff. Something smelled like crap. He smelled his armpits and they smelled like s***. "[i]I'll need a shower in the morning.[/i]"

Michael opened the door to see that it was twerp #2. "Yo. It's twerp #2. Is there something you want or are you just here to give me the poster?" He stepped out of the way to motion that she could come in. "If you need to talk then you can come in. You don't seem like a person who likes to leave everything in the open." Michael didn't really like the girl but if he wanted to get that poster then he would have to try something different...being nice.

[Mysterium Tremendum]

Albin ran through Truade City, taking every turn and back alley he could. To anyone who happened to see him in the dark of night, he would appear to be only a slight blur as Albin seemed to make every turn that he came in front of him. Albin hated asking for directions, but he thought how hard it could be to find a museum, it had to be one of the most historic-looking buildings. It took a few minutes, but eventually Albin found the building that matched his description. The building looked a little old, but that added proof to Albin's theory. Silently, Albin hid in an alleyway that was a few yards away from the museum and thoughts rushed through his head in silence, "If I'm going to catch this "Red Thief", I'm going to need to draw him out. I have no doubt there must be some kind of alarm system in the museum, but he probably won't set any of them off. The Ruin Gunspells allow him to teleport so any guards they set up won't have a clue that he's in there. I'm pretty late, so its almost positive he's either inside or getting ready to invade, probably from a more discrete entrance." Albin mused to himself silently, "If he won't set off the alarms, than I will. It will put the guards on alert status meaning it will be much harder for him to get the vase and I can sneak in and flush Thomas right out from under the rock he's hiding. So long as I can evade the security guards myself it shouldn't be a problem causing a little bit of chaos." For the last time, Albin smiled ruthfully, "And I know just the Gunspell to do it."

It took a minute, but Albin was able to find a small black straw hat that he put on and pulled it over his left eye so only his cerulean iris shown in the thick of night. Drawing his signature rifle; Silverite, Albin set about causing what he liked to call; The Perfect Panic and left the safety of the alleyway.

[Hotaru987]

Katie nodded at the boy, silently surpressing the urge to shoot him for calling her a twerp, but she knew that shooting him wouldn't be in her favor. Not if she wanted his help on this bounty. "No I am not handing over the bounty to you. Like I said, I came here to talk." She walked into the room ignoring the pungent smell in the room. Though she'd need to take a bath after this. "First of all I would appriciate it if you would refrain from calling me twerp, and call me Kai instead. So whats your name?" To be honest she really didn't care but again she had to be nice. Ater he told her his name - or maybe not - she continued, "I wanted to discuss this bounty that you and my friend seem to be fighting over."

Katie hesitated a bit with her next sentence, "I was thinking...The three of us...We should work togetherm and help each other out. Flint and I won't be able to take out the Solem brothers by ourselves, not when there are three of them....And no matter how much of a big shot you think you are, you'll be murdered in a second if you tried to taken them on by yourself." Katie shifted from one foot to the other, and repeatedly tapped her foot as if she was annoyed by having to ask for help. "You saw it yourself it's a 30,000 reward, but what you didn't read, is that if we bring them back alive the reward doubles...."

"Trust me, I wouldn't ask for you help if I didn't think we'd need it, and I can tell that you're a good gunman from the way you carry yourself. Strong, independent, but very cocky." She shrugged, "At least that's what I get from looking at you. So....Are you in or out?"

[Desu the Blue Nerd]

Michael sat down on a nearby chair. It was the only chair in the room so he wanted to take it. He listened to all of what the female twerp had to say although he really didn't want to. There was an annoyed look on his face. "Quite frankly after hearing you talk I like you even less than your boyfriend. I don't even understand why I'm needed. There are other gunmen in this town. Plenty of them. On another note: You make a good point in saying that taking those three by myself would be nearly impossible. Although I've never had to or wanted to have a team but against multiple enemies with a large bounty one would be useful. 30,000 is high dead. I'm guessing that must be because they're strong-ish. 10,000 a head isn't to much."

He really wasn't worried about a one on one confrontation when just the other day he had taken a 40,000 daploon bounty so he knew it'd be very advantagous. "60,000 when they're dead. Must be because they know something." Michael wondered if getting this information would be good to sell to others or possible to have future use. He stood up and walked over to the door. He opened it and motioned for Kai to get out. "I did say I didn't like you so I do want to get you out as soon as possible. Not only did you interupt my sleep but you're kind of a bi***. I'll give you my answer in the morning after I'm well rested and got this smell off of me. Oh, and my name is Michael Baxter."

[.:Blu:.]

((NoBeginning, try to lighten up and make negotiating easier would you? Or else we would have to spend more time trying to convince Michael. Oh, and it's 60,000 if they're alive not dead. Hotaru, I'm going to be controlling Cheri for this post only.))

Once Katie had left to take care of her personal business, Flint looked to Cheri. "Hmm, I wonder what could Kai be doing? Oh well, I guess he got his own things to take care of. I don't want to butt into his business, afterall, curiosity killed the cat." Flint said with a smile as he placed both hands behind his back. "Hmm, well actually I'm not even a cat.... Ehh, oh well...." Flint then said. "(Hmm, Flint as a cat?)" Cheri pondered the idea as she placed one finger on her chin. The image of Flint as a cat was pretty amusing, and for Cheri, rather cute. She imagined a reddish orange kitty with the same hairstyle as Flint playing with a ball of blue yarn. Just the mere thought of it made Cheri giggle. "Hmm, what's so funny?"" Flint asked curiously. "Oh nothing. So, do you want to go somewhere?" Cheri asked.

"Huh, let me see...." Flint began to ponder. "Hmm, I can't really say that I have somewhere that I want to go. I've spent quite awhile in rural and wild areas so being in more urban environments really doesn't suit me." Flint explained. "I see, well do you have any hobbies or something?" Cheri asked. "Hmm...." After a moment of thinking, Flint's face lit up with an answer. "Bison hunting! I love to go hunt bisons for their meat! You wanna go?" Flint asked excitingly. A nervous smile and a sweat drop formed on Cheri. "Hehe, I don't think that's such a good idea...." Cheri said. "I know, how about we go browsing for a bit?" Cheri suggested. "Umm, alright. I guess we can do that. Although, I don't think it would be much fun without any money." Flint responded. "Come on, let's go." Cheri eagerly said before walking towards the night market.

Flint followed swiftly behind. Soon the two arrived at the night market. It was a rather stunning sight to behold as the whole market was quite lively. "Whoa, there sure are a lot of people at night." Flint said. "I'm guessing at night everything is just more beautiful. Like the bright full moon or the splendid stars." Cheri said. Flint looked up at the night sky and noticed the moon and the stars. "Hmm, you're right. The moon and stars are quite beautiful, but I'm more of a day person." Flint responded. The two spent quite some time just browsing through the market area. Then, something caught Cheri's eyes. It was a man blowing a stream of fire into the air. "Hey Flint look!" Cheri said, pointing to the man.

"Hey, that's pretty cool! I wonder if he can use gunspells, and fire-based ones at that." Flint said as the two walk over to see the performance. "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce to ya'll a person known as Gregor the Magnificent! Feast your eyes on gunspells lost in time! The famed Ruin Gunspell known as Nova Eater gunspell!" a large man explained, causing everyone watching to look in awe. "Nova Eater? What's that?" Flint asked. "That's a good question young man. The Nova Eater gunspell is a Ruin Gunspell, gunspells said to branch back all the way to the creation of gunspells, or to be more exact, the creation of mystical powers in general. Ruin Gunspells nowadays are the rarest types of gunspells, and only one out of 1,000,000 people will have the ability to use Ruin Gunspells." the man explained.

"Whoa, really?!" Flint asked in awe. "That's right, and the Nova Eater gunspell is one of the most powerful of the Ruin Gunspells. The Nova Eater gunspell allows its user to be able to absorb heat, fire, and any heat energy and use the absorb energy to heal their wounds and strengthen them up. Gunspells that fall under the category of Nova Eater are also extremely powerful in their own rights. What's more is that the Nova Eater gunspells' powers reflect the emotions of the person using them." the man explained. Everyone seemed fascinated about the story, especially Flint. "Of course, Gregor here is not a full power user of Nova Eater gunspells, but still, he's one of the few that possess this unique power." the man said. After Flint and Cheri had finished watching the performance by Gregor the Magnificent, they walked back to the inn, and awaited for Katie to show up.

-Meanwhile-

By now, the thief has already made his way into the museum. Walking along the halls, the thief had made quick work of the security within the hallways, and did it with ease. The Red-Skinned Thief was already powerful enough with his teleportation abilites, but the Red-Skinned Thief has other powers up his sleeve. Due to the fact that his ancestors were the creator of gunspells, the Red-Skinned Thief is quite well versed when it comes to gunspells. Making his way towards the area that held the vase, the thief smiled calmly. "At last, the vase will be mine along with all of the secrets the vase holds, hehehe." the thief said, a feeling of overwhelming craze for power can be seen in his eyes.

[Hotaru987]

Katie forced herself to not get angry at the boy in front of her. For one he didn't even tell her his name, and secondly he couldn't even respect the fact that she had to choke down her pride to come up here and ask him for help. Her! [i]The Red Bullet[/i]! She even tried to be nice about it and he goes and call her a b****! Ok so maybe when she speaks, she comes off a bit blunt and crude, but she can't help it. She's still getting used to conversing with more people, let alone conversing in a less rude way. But instead of going off - like her female hormones was screaming at her to do - she surpressed the urge and simply scowled. "Those other gunmen hold no intrest to me. They simply look the part, but don't walk the walk."

When he stood to let her out her scowl deepened, as did the dislike for the boy. Through gritted teeth she forced, "Fine...Just...Think about it...We could...Could really use your help."

Katie started walking to the door but before she was fully out she stopped, "I have...One more question." She once again hesitated before asking. "Earlier...When you grabbed me. You apologized for that...Yet you don't seem like the type to apologize, and you seem adament on repeating Flint is my boyfriend. Why? Do you suspect that I am gay? Or is it..."