Roronoa "do you even own a shirt" Zoro (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
yourotherleft) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
estoria2016-01-07 11:26 am
yourotherleft) wrote in estoria2016-01-07 11:26 am
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.]
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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[Namur leans in conspiratorially, whispering.]
'S where they summon spirits a the dead an' demons right outta Hell itself.
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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.
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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.]
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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...
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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?
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What's in it for me?
[besides a good night's exercise. He's not a gladiator, he won't fight without a prize.]
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I'm in. Get me in there.
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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.
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[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.
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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?
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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!
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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.
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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.
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[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?
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[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?]
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Well, if yer ready, let's get y' out there, eh?
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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."]
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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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[shades of Luffy all of a sudden, as Zoro finds himself launched all the way in from the sidelines. At the last second he tucks, rolls, and comes up on his feet, a little too close to the center and the Good Sir Cleaner, salvaging what could have been a truly embarrassing entrance. He boggles for a second at this moron in a maid's dress before shaking it off and pulling two swords.
The force field doesn't bother him, it just gives him another wall against which to fling his opponent if necessary. The difference in their sizes already has the audience clamoring for the house favorite - never mind that the other guy's just some newbie, he's smaller and isn't wearing anything special. T-shirt and haramaki, what kind of costume is that? And who carries three swords? That's just weird. He's clearly being bet against as the underdog, which is just fine. More money for him in the end. He ignores any of Mr. Cleaner's bellowing trash talk, right up until the countdown to start. A dangerous smirk, a low comment only Zoro's opponent can hear:]
Nice legs. Too bad I'm gonna cut them right out from under you.
[Someone behind him bangs a huge gong to signal the fight's start. Zoro doesn't move right away, letting the other guy advance before easily darting past him, deflecting a swing of the mop with one slash of Kitetsu and circling around to wind himself up for a big warning shot. A quick 72-Pound Cannon from clear across the ring, blasting into him and throwing him into the wall.]
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[Mr. Cleaner hits the force field and drops into a crouch. Sure, he got thrown back, but it wasn't enough to really do anything other than flip his skirt, giving a tantalizing peep show of manly, hairy knees. He clicks the safety off his automatic shotgun as he lands, and sprays the ring with bullets generally aimed in Zoro's direction.]
[If nothing else, Namur's enjoying himself as he yells.]
AW C'MON SMOLT! WHAT'S A LI'L AUTOMATIC FIRE T' Y' HUH? DODGE THAT SHIT! HE'S THROWIN' Y' SOFT PITCHES!
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He can see that Mr. Cleaner's string of bullets is winding down to its end, he's going to need to reload pretty quick. Zoro waits for his moment and then rushes in again, zipping easily away from the last round of bullet spray and then throwing a hard Nigiri point-blank at the man. He brings his gun around to block the hit, and for a moment they struggle, pushing against each other, until Zoro disengages and comes back in hard, saving the big moves for later and just slicing at him, left and right, high and low.]
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Mr. Cleaner parries expertly, eventually reaching back to grab the titanium mop holstered on his back. Looks like he's going on the offensive. Was it mentioned that there were switchblades in the soles of his maidenly combat boots?]
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Well it's a good thing there are no rules restrictions on weapons, huh?
Zoro's already had enough of playing around, so he takes a moment to pull Wadou Ichimonji and jam it in his teeth before settling into a new stance, ready to flip the momentum back around again. The crowd clearly thinks it's a hoot, watching this guy wield a sword in his mouth, and even his opponent laughs a bit, but Zoro wipes that grin off his masked face pretty quickly. He races for Mr. Cleaner and gets in close before striking again, faster, almost too fast to deflect. Almost. His opponent is startled, and then grows grim as he has to actually put effort into fending off those swords. He lashes out with another kick, and this time Zoro catches it with the sword in his teeth before it can connect.
That's right, fight-night crowd, he's holding off a kick with a sword in his mouth. Look on and wonder.]
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