estoria | The first rule of fight club

Entry tags:

The first rule of fight club

Who: Zoro

yourotherleft & OPEN!
When: IC 5/4-5/5
Where: various places in the Pleasure District
What: In the process of becoming a bounty hunter, Zoro is about to stumble on something even more curious in the "underground" where criminals in the colony play.
Rating/Warning: none but lmk if that changes

[One doesn't have to hang around in the alley outside Novus/Replea to hear about the criminal underground of the Cerealia colony, but it helps. A chance encounter elsewhere has already turned Zoro on to the existence of alien criminal factions and their need to put prices on the heads of their rivals, but this is his first night actively haunting the dark side looking for someone to nab. His luck is unusually good tonight, he's already spotted someone whose photo he scored from a rough customer inside the club, now to trail him and see where he goes just in case he leads the hunter to even more high-priced bounties.

He has no idea where he is at any given time anyway, so tracking his quarry all the way from the entertainment district to the pleasure district doesn't faze him, it only results in a change of scenery. But the deeper he goes, stealthily following his bounty, the more Zoro uncovers.]

Scene I. Pleasure district, bars

[He's not at all interested in company, clothed or unclothed, living or robot, but the sake is pretty damn good down here. The alien with reward money on his head apparently likes the host clubs, though, so Zoro can be found parked on a bar stool in one, waving off the hosts and hostesses while running up a hell of a tab. The more he drinks, the more personable he is if anyone wants to strike up a conversation.

What they don't know is, he has no intention of paying that tab. But can he get out without causing a riot and tipping off his target? You, hey, you there - come here, let him talk to you so he can watch the bounty over your shoulder.[]

Do you work here? Hang on, that's not what I meant! I just wanna know where the back door is.

[what do you mean that is the worst question you can ask in a place like this?!]

Scene II. Pleasure district, brothel

[Well, shit, his target went upstairs, so how is a bounty hunter supposed to pass the time when he himself is entirely uninterested in what this place has to offer? But wait, there's a hell of a lot of noise coming from the next level down...

There isn't a stairwell leading down inside the building, but around back, there's definitely a side door and a set of steps, with two rather hulking thugs standing guard on either side of the door. Zoro isn't at all put off by their presence, but walking straight up to them doesn't seem to make them move to let him through. He can hear what plainly sounds like fighting and cheering, and can sense a lot of strong people down there. But he'll need a hand to get down there to see it for himself. What do you think, can you A, talk their way in, or is it better to B, fight your way in?

Spoilers, there's a fight club downstairs, and if you can get in, you might find yourself joining that club. Zoro's joining it, no matter what.]

Scene III. Pleasure district, spa

[The bounty money is good and all, and most of it is going to go toward food and booze, but as long as he's in the area, Zoro is up for checking out the bathhouse in the spa. Not for shenanigans, for a bath! It's a good place to meet people, they say, so who knows? Maybe he'll make a new friend, or find a potential sparring partner. Or, on the other hand, he might come to realize why bathing with others is not as much fun as it sounds on paper.]

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Well, well, if it ain't the Plecobait!

[Namur's gait is a little more lopsided than usual. He's favoring his right leg, but only people who know what to look for would notice... and that's pretty much everyone here. He stalks up and drops his long arm over Zoro's shoulders, leaning heavily.]

'S alright boys, smolt's with me.

[Neither thug moves, except for one that nods his head to the side, motioning toward the door.]

Fightin' tonight?

[Namur shakes his head, pushing Zoro forward.]

ViViD's bein' a ass 'bout givin' me shit t' Draw from, so I gotta heal the ol' fashioned way. Smolt here might be worth chuckin' a few creds at, though. Roronoa Zoro, aye?

[And then Namur's attention is back on Zoro.]

Or was y' jus' gonna watch this time 'round?

Edited (shhh I didn't forget a header shhhhhh) 2016-01-08 23:40 (UTC)

[Well hey Namur, fancy meeting you here. Zoro misses pretty much all of that conversation except the words fighting tonight, at which point he squints from the door-warden to the fishman]

Huh, what? What about me? Namur...

Shit, y' wasn't here for a girl, was y'?

[Awkwaaaard.]

Of course not! [arglbargl!] Do I look like a fancy-pants cook with an obsession for skirt-chasing?

...what do you know about this place?

[Namur scratches his head.]

Dudes, then?

[He won't judge!]

Look, y' wanna go downstairs or no?

No! [smack in the arm!] I just wanted to know what's down there. It sounds like fighting.

Right? Good cover, huh?

[Namur leans in conspiratorially, whispering.]

'S where they summon spirits a the dead an' demons right outta Hell itself.

[deadpans at him]

Yeah, and I'm the king of Alabasta. C'mon, Namur, level with me. My haki's good enough I can tell there's something really interesting going on. If you know something, spill it.

[Namur's hands fly out wide, demonstrating his innocence and open nature.]

Been spillin'! But shit, since y' already know so damn much 'bout it, what the hell're we doin' jawin' 'round out here? Dive on in, let's go! Sheheheheh!

[He pushes Zoro toward the door. The thugs barely acknowledge the encounter, except for one of them rolling his eyes and hiding a grin.]

[He has no idea how they got to this point but Zoro isn't arguing. He got in, didn't he? That's all that matters.

And what a sight this is. All the spectators and bettors hidden by the darkness, all the blood in the ring. It stands as stark contrast to the soft and fluffy brothel above their heads. Best place to hide something like this, it seems.]

Damn. Look at this place...

[In Namur's opinion it's not really well hidden, but then there's not a lot of reason to be too discrete. CERES hasn't been that vigilant in enforcing much in the Pleasure District, but they still do raid on occasion. Confiscating stolen goods and bet money, then slapping hefty fines against what perpetrators they can find can be profitable, after all.

As they move into the crowd it becomes pretty clear that there's a lot lower ratio of humans to non-humans. Not an even split by a long shot, but there's definitely a lot more physical variation than usual- and the different groups aren't mingling as much as one might expect. Namur dives through some groups, but skirts around others. Once, in the middle of a group that seemed to be giving them more dirty looks than usual he stops midstride and grabs Zoro's arm, pushing him abruptly in a different direction.]

Sorry 'bout that, smolt. Forgot that bunch hates humans more'n the bitter boys in the Fishman District. Could probly take any one a 'em, but all twenty in the middle a this crowd? Sheheheheh!

[The chuckle isn't lighthearted, and Namur shakes his head. They're slowly making their way up toward the front, but not toward a better view of the ring. There's a clear space with some tables set up just behind the dais housing the announcer and some modest sound equipment. A weasely looking man sits behind one with several ledgers, tiny round spectacles balanced precariously at the end of his long nose. He doesn't look up.]

Betting or entering?

Who y' got fightin' t'night?

[He finally glances up, clearly annoyed.]

As you and I have discussed before, my purpose here is not to provide advice, but ensure transactions are recorded accurately by a neutral party with absolutely no interest in this mess whatsoever.

[Ohhhh the pointed look he gives. Namur cocks his head to the side.]

Sound like I's askin' advice? Jus' wanna know who the hell's on the lists.

[The weasel-man's whiskers twitch, but he flips one of the ledgers to the front and turns it toward them. Namur hums as he looks it over, fingers trailing absently over the tattoo on his neck. Then he nods and looks at Zoro.]

Couple a boys on there might give y' some trouble but y'll win a few 'fore y' get knocked int' next month. Wanna give it a try?

[Zoro's been taking everything in, he doesn't need to be told to figure it all out. But being offered the chance to fight right off the bat, he wasn't expecting that. He looks sharply to Namur, and then back at the ring, a bit of a smirk starting to grow on his lips.]

What's in it for me?

[besides a good night's exercise. He's not a gladiator, he won't fight without a prize.]

Creds, dumbass. Get more people t' bet on y', get paid better. Percent a the winnin's go t' yer pocket. 'S basically the people makin' money off y' payin' y', catch me?

Oho. [yes, that sounds great. Zoro's smirk revs up straight into a grin] So you do get paid to fight. I can get with that. Probably makes more than the weak-ass bounty upstairs.

I'm in. Get me in there.

[Namur passes him a pen, and the weasel-man flips to a new page in the ledger.]

Sign your name at the top, state your species, age, weight, height, and weapon of choice. No magic allowed. Prep rooms are to the left. Keep the fighting in the ring, please, or you will forfeit all matches as well as all winnings. Oh! And one more thing...

[The weasel adjusts his glasses, eyeing Zoro shrewdly.]

Try not to die. There's a 150% processing penalty that will be collected from any living friends or relatives, forcibly if necessary. The paperwork is ghastly, you see.

Psh.

[die, him? Never. Zoro fills it out, guessing on his weight since he never checks, and ignores any funny looks at being a mere human.]

Don't worry, I don't have any powers.

[he gives Namur a quick smack on the shoulder, as high as he can reach] Don't pull me out before it gets good. I've been training, I'll be fine.

[Weasel-man takes the papers back and starts copying things into other ledgers and doing a series of calculations.]

Your first match will be against Mister Cleaner. Don't keep the crowd waiting.

[Namur nods appreciatively, ushering Zoro down the hall to the prep room. Once they've got some semblance privacy, Namur scratches the back of his head.]

Shit, we're gonna make bank t'night, sheheheheh! Cleaner's a pushover. Weren't kiddin' when I said there's some that'll wreck yer ass like a Tenryuubito wrecks a slave, but ain't none a 'em on the lists. But listen.

[Namur straddles the bench, facing Zoro and blocking others out of their conversation with his mass. His tone is hushed, but not necessarily a whisper.]

Haki ain't magic, but full on Armament Haki looks close 'nuff t' make the refs flip their shit. Gonna lay it on thick somewhere, make sure 's under yer clothes, or put it on yer swords 'fore y' draw, so they jus' think y' got black blades. Might be overkill right at first, but y' are gonna need it if yer gonna go all the way t'night, catch me?

[And then it occurs to him.]

Uhh. That is a thing y' know how t' do, right? Coatin' yer blades?

[The digs aren't pretty but eh, he's seen worse. Zoro doesn't have anything to prepare, anyway, he just slumps onto an adjoining bench and digs a finger in his ear while Namur talks. He won't take the assistance for granted because really, he could have come in here and made a mess without a guide. Still.]

Yeah, I do. I shouldn't have to go that far, I only need Armament against Devil Fruit users. These jokers won't be so bad. Besides. [he drops his hand to his hip and uses his thumb to flick one of the swords loose from its saya, just enough for Namur to see the flash of the blade in the light] Shuusui is a black blade already. If it comes to that, I'll use haki on it alone.

[and then he slumps with his arms in his lap.] Man, how come you didn't tell me they had shit like this around here? I'd have come down to fight a long time ago!

[Namur nods. He's still pretty sure Zoro's going to have a harder time of it than that, but he trusts Zoro'll figure it out when he needs to. He leans back some, swapping into a louder, more conversational tone.]

Jus' found out right 'fore the ghosts all showed up. Done a couple fights with my arm messed up but Rip got her fangs in me too so I called it after the first couple a rounds when I started gettin' dizzy on account a bein' low on blood. Quittin' when y' know yer at yer limit's more acceptable here than other rings cuz a the way they do payouts. Bettors'd rather have y' win an' call it good rather'n keep goin' 'til y' get thrashed with their creds on the line. But anyway, right after's when I couldn't feel nothin' cuz a them damn ghosts an' I wound up breakin' my shitty leg. Been comin' down t' see who's who an' what's what since, but honestly I only know 'bout the gangs cuz they sometimes come t' make a fuss at the club.

['quitting while you're ahead' is not a phrase found in Zoro's vocabulary. Thrashed or not, he'll have to be carried out unconscious or worse before he'll stop.

He accepts the explanation with a lazy little nod. Fair enough.]

Yeah, the gangs at the clubs is how I ended up down here, too. I was following a bounty, he left the Nova place and decided to come down here to drink and stuff. Then the noise got my attention.

That sucks, though, breaking your leg. You're up and around pretty quick, looks like, but I guess I'll just have to take over you for now. The more I win, the more they bet, and the more I'll get in the end, right? We really need it. [he catches himself, looks away briefly, and then figures it's fine to tell Namur. He's from home.] Cook's gone. It's just me and Luffy, now.

Edited 2016-01-10 04:20 (UTC)

Dumped a shitload a cure spells on it, but they'll only get y' so far. 'S a bigger problem so I'd need a bigger spell t' fix it, but ViViD ain't been givin' me nothin' with the bigger spells in 'em so I jus' gotta wait.

[He shrugs. He'd have to wait a hell of a lot longer back home, so he doesn't mind it as much.]

Lost one a yer crew, huh? Thinkin' we lost one a ours, too. Ain't the first time Marco's gone an' disappeared on us, but 's the first time he's ever been gone so long without a word. Jus' me an' Thatch now. An' Grell, but...

[Namur pulls a face. The situation with Grell is complicated. He waves his hand dismissively, then chucks Zoro on the arm.]

Look, know shit'd be differnt if we could get ourselves ships an' set sail. Wouldn't have t' worry 'bout no shitty rent or nothin', but that ain't the case here. Ain't no shame in doin' what y' gotta in order t' survive. Really, 's what pirates do, first an' foremost. Keep strong 'til we find a way t' be free 'gain, aye?

Yeah...

[Namur makes sense, and he knows it, it just helps sometimes to hear it from someone who really gets it. Someone who also knows the bond of crew and why it sucks to have it violated by something out of your control.]

I know. I got it.

[Shit, Marco, though. He'd actually talked to him. Ugh, damn this world. He slaps a hand to his knee and pushes himself up to his feet.]

It'll be fine, I've been through far worse. This is nothing.

[always manning up, clamming up on his feelings. Better to shut it down and just go out and fight. That should let off plenty of steam. Is it time yet?]

[Namur smells those emotions getting bottled up, and raises an eyebrow. People'd get a hell of a lot more off their chests if they just opened their mouths and said it. Namur chuckles, clapping Zoro on the shoulder, then using it as leverage to help himself up.]

Well, if yer ready, let's get y' out there, eh?

[Oof, Namur. He's a good man and helps, and then steps out ahead of him to go and get this show on the road, rolling his neck to loosen up his back and shoulders. Time to watch a Straw Hat in action, Namur, and see why the New World whispers about the monstrosity of that crew.

He doesn't twitch so much as an eyebrow as he hops into the ring, introduced as a newcomer and a human. He's more interested in his opponent than the crowd, and squints into the lights to have a look and size up this "Cleaner."]

[That's Mister Cleaner to you, bucko, and don't you forget it. The announcer thunders the name into the microphone as a tall, totally ripped man with a mask and a maid's smock steps into the ring, his whole being glistening from the rowdy applause.

Naturally, he's also armed to the teeth with an array of guns, knives, and what looks like an ordinary cleaning mop, though the shaft might actually be made of solid titanium.

Namur grins, yelling just loud enough for Zoro to hear over the crowd.]

Look borin' as hell compared t' that guy, sheheheheh! Go win 'em over!

[Namur lifts Zoro with his good arm, and when the announcer calls out Zoro's name with a tone of bewilderment- what the hell's a Roronoa Zoro, that's a lame stage name- Namur chucks him high above the ring. Landing it- and looking cool when he does- is gonna be up to Zoro. The moment he hits, a slender young woman next to the ring raises her hands to the sides and brings them together above her head, a translucent force field covering the ring. Namur salutes sloppily, throwing his hand up in a fist after, then disappears into the darkness to make his first bet of the evening.]

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