Sharpening the Blades (Open.)

[Deleted]

Kaden had been walking most of the day. He was allowed to just...go anywhere. Do anything, when he wasn't on the job. And much of this new world confused him. Automobiles were nothing new, but they looked so different now. And music had changed so much. Television had replaced radio. Movies no longer were "Stay as long as you want", once the feature ended, you were out of there. Not even any more cartoons after the movie, and those had been Kaden's favorite part.

It was all confusing, but Kaden was nothing if not adaptable.


In any case, he had heard that the children of one of his comrades had opened a shop that sold custom made weaponry. They mostly did display pieces, but by special order you could get combat worthy stuff made. Carrying his swords on his back, he was hoping they could sharpen them. After seventy years of being stuck in a box somewhere in storage, they were about as sharp as bowling balls.

When he walked into the shop, it was very...well, japanese. Suits of Samurai armor and katanas everywhere. He was used to eastern designs in sword shops, he had spent some time hunting kappas in Japan. But it was a little strange to find one in America. Then again, the place was as culturally integrated as the Vatican had....not been, back in his day.

Suprisingly, the music playing on the...what he assumed was a radio, was unlike what he expected to find in a Japanese style shop. It was....somehow nordic sounding, and the singers were gorwling instead of singing. Something about being "Guardians of Asgard".

He kind of liked it. It was certainly much better than the gospel he was forced to listen to for 70 years.

As he walked to the counter, the man behind it seemed to recognize him.

"Well, the amulet seals it.....Grandpa told us stories about you before he passed, Kaden....and what they did to you. It's good to see you free."

Kaden was taken aback.

"It's..ah...good to be free. And your grandfather's death saddens me. Takezo was a good man."

Despite not having much integration in Kaden's day, the Vatican Knights had been made up of monster hunters from all countries and all walks of life. Takezo Kensei (Roughly translated to Takezo The Sword Saint) was Kaden's most trusted ally in those days, and meeting his grandchild nearly brought tears to his eyes.

Granted, the guy was a little bit rotund. Glasses, round face. He didn't look like much of a fighter. But Kaden could tell he was a good kid, at the very least.

Your eyes really are like a cat's! Is it true you fought a giant psychic monster?! I have so many questions! But, you must have had a purpose for coming here, so I won't bother you any more than I can help."

Kaden barked a short laugh.

"Listen, I just came to get my swords sharpened, and if I wouldn't be bugging you while you were working, I'd tell you all about how your grandpa and I used to fight demons in Japan. I'll tell you what...when I'm settled in, I'll buy a round of drinks, and tell you all about it."

The guy nodded, and gave a wide smile.

I work with European style swords sometimes, too, so I can sharpen your swords, Kaden. I imagine after a hundred years, they are not very sharp."

"Actually, it was only seventy, but thanks, kid."

He handed over the swords, and the kid went to work. He took them in back, and Kaden could hear the grindstone working against the metal. He knew no grandson of Kensei's would screw it up, so he walked outside, and removed a pack of cigarettes from his jean pocket, and began to smoke, leaning up against the wall next to the door.

[Deleted]

“Anthony, quit it!” A playfully shrill giggle echoed through the Shopping District of New Orlands. A woman in her early twenties as well as two other maidens were clinging hungrily to a man in black jeans and a loosely buttoned shirt, which the women clawed and tore as if trying to strip him right on the sidewalk. There was a blonde, brunette, and a scarlet all circling this individual ‘Anthony’ like hungry vultures, ready to take a bite.

“Quit doing what?” The young man retorted back, grabbing the brunette woman gruffly and pressing her strawberry-scented lips to his, immense passion between the two. His hand gliding along her perfect curved figure and within moments, he pulled back suddenly and began to flail a frilled cloth above her head. “Taking things off?”

The blonde and the scarlet gasped in utter surprise as the man waved their friends... undergarments in front of her face and they began to squeal in ecstasy, questioning the man on how exactly he had done such an impossible feat. The victim began to pull frantically at her dress, which did little to cover some of her exposed rump. “Anthony no!” The brunette hollered as she retreated to a nearby alleyway, trying to cloak herself from the questioning eyes from the locals. She raised her hand and beckoning Anthony to return it, “Give it back Anthony!” She whined, the other girls continued to laugh at her unfortunate predicament.

“Give what back little bird,” The Ifrit asked, spinning the kinky underwear on his finger before placing it in between his unbuttoned shirt, “I have nothing on me!” He chuckled as he returned her calls with his own tempting wave for her to try, just try to take it.

In a crazed commotion, the three women began to chase Anthony all over the sidewalk, trying to grab hold of their friends underwear, but it was to no avail. The brunette charged, still trying to keep herself covered and Anthony only responded with a powerful grab around her waist and raised her into the air and perched her beautiful form over his shoulder like some medieval wench. “Got ya!” He mocked and he raced her exposed form into the alley again before grabbing her undergarment and putting back in its place as the brunette screamed playfully as she threw her arms in every direction, begging Anthony to release her. The other two women cheered and laughed as their friend continued to be taken advantage of by this sexy beast, and as far as they knew, they wanted to be treated like that too.

“There ya’ go little bird!” He hollered, placing the women back on her feet gently and guiding her back out to the nightlife of New Orlands. This was how Anthony would spend his nights. Beautiful women, drinks all arounds, and a wonderful nightlife to welcome him. As he strolled with his harem, he noticed a few stores ahead was a very interesting shop. Swords of Japanese descent were littered all over the store and Anthony felt the itch suddenly grow. He knew where he was coming back to later tonight, for he saw a wonderful katana in the window and he knew he had to have it! Of course, he would never waste a penny on it so he knew what his assignment would be later on. First however, he had to feast upon the sweet fruits of the night, and it had only just begun.

As he passed, he noticed a rather strange individual posed mysteriously near the store, smoking a cigarette. The strange man was quite the anomaly for the first thing that caught his attention were his golden feline iris’ which even shrouded by the smoke were bright like the sun. Anthony wondered what was this man’s deal and he was curious why he was waiting outside the shop. Should I...? Anthony questioned, for he rarely enjoyed sharing his spoils. However, this guy looked quite intimidating and Anthony was sure he could maybe something out of him even though this man looked like he could get hit by a car and he would rise unfazed.

As he watched, one of the ladies had taken notice of Kaden and began to pull at her ‘master’s’ shirt. “Anthony... can I?” She whispered to him, nibbling on his ear playfully. “He’s... interesting.”

It irked him a little that this lass was preoccupied with this new man, but even Anthony couldn’t deny that there was something about it him that even he could not ignore. With a sigh, he nodded in response to the ladies question and the scarlet dove scurried over to Kaden, adjusting her dress as she stood before him.

“H-Hello there handsome. What are you doing here by yourself?” She asked, her voice moaning with pleasure as she hoped he would find her interesting. She batted her bright blue eyes at Kaden and was subtle in her physical advances as she pressed her arms together promiscuously, exposing some cleavage in the process.

Anthony and the other two, who were underneath the Ifrit’s strong arms, watched and waited to see what transpired.

ooc; hope this is alright.

[Deleted]

He could still hear the music in the shop, it sounded like...fighting music? Is that what you would call it? He didn't exactly know what "Metal" was, in the musical sense, but he liked it so far. HE didn't know it, but what he was listening to through the closed door was Killswitch Engage's "Daylight Dies". It was so much different than what he was used to, but if that was what the kids listened to these days, who was he to judge? It was better than that rap shit he had heard back at the PIDA base.

Kaden looked up at the sky for a moment, took one last drag from his smoke, and tossed it on the ground, stamping it out. And then there was someone in front of him.

Calling him handsome.

He tilted his head in confusion, before a familiar scent hit his nostrils. An Ifrit was nearby...in fact, standing right over there, with his arms around two women. Based on this woman's behavior (Calling, of all people, KADEN handsome) this was likely a test of some sort. Luckily, Kaden didn't much care for redheads. His mom was a redhead, and his hair had been red before his mutation. It was just awkward.

"Listen, lady. I ain't handsome, and you're not fooling anyone."

She was acting like a slut. And hanging around an Ifrit? Probably was one, or under some kind of charm. Not like his amulet was trembling or anything, though, so he couldn't tell. In any case, for now it wasn't his problem. He wasn't getting paid to save random sluts from magical enslavement, or whatever was going on. Based on the shrill laughter and giggling he had heard from a distance among the muddle of shopping center crap, they weren't with him unwillingly, in any case.

The door opened, and the kid came out with his swords.

"Mister Kaden, your swords are ready!"

He turned his attention to the kid, as he took his swords, and went for his wallet. He was pretty much just going to ignore the shameless redhead.

"Never caught your name, kid."

"Hiro Kensei, and you don't need to pay. I am happy to sharpen the blades of my grandfather's leader any time, Sir!"

Kaden actually smiled, this time.

"Can I add to my order? These I insist on paying for. Two practice swords, no edge on them."

"Yes sir! That will be one hundred and fifty dollars."

Kaden took out a hundred and fifty dollars of the money he had been provided by the PIDA, and paid Hiro. He was likely being undercharged, but he really didn't want to ruin the kid's day. He slipped an extra ten in as a tip, though, and the slightly rotund Japanese guy ran back into the store.

He noticed the woman was still there.

"You're still here?"

[Deleted]

Anthony observed the situation in utter bemusement as the mysterious man rejected Scarlet Bird’s sexual advances and it left the young woman extremely offended for she was legitimately interested in this exotic form leaning calmly against the wall, just finishing his cigarette like a bad boy from the fifties. With a huff, Scarlet Bird frowned and stomped her foot in agitation as the man continued to ignore her, “Hey, how dare you speak to me like that!” She really had not predicted such a response, all men loved a woman who made an impressionable first move right?

Anthony felt his Blonde and Brunette Bird slip from under his arms and clapped their high-heel shoes to their friends side, who was greatly distraught by Kaden’s cold shoulder. Oh boy, this was going to get out of hand really quick, for these lasses were feisty and drunk off their asses so something like this would require some careful handling, for he didn’t want to lose his fun for the night! The other girls were beginning to share their feelings very loudly and incessantly, which Anthony was getting rather annoyed with, because now all attention was drawn to Kaden (even if it is negatively) and Anthony! Then, just as he was observing, a small asian fellow sauntered out of the store and placed a plethora of weapons into the mystery man’s hands and the Ifrit was immediately interested again in this man. So many things... so many armaments Anthony wanted to take off this man but Anthony could tell instantly that Kaden was not to be trifled with, for he had a peculiar aura which drove Anthony to the edge. No matter, at least he had the store to steal from!

“Girls, girls!” The Ifrit interrupted as the vicious felines hissed and spat at the man as he retorted at them, questioning the Scarlet Bird why she was still in his presence. Anthony warm touch coursed through their veins as he placed a relieving hand around their waist, pulling them to him like a child with his stuffed toys. “Calm my birds.” He never referred lasses by their names for it was too much to remember, especially when so many ladies came back for repeating helpings, so his solution was simple nicknames like lass or bird. So much easier.

“My apologizes sir, my little Scarlet bird was interested so she just wanted to possibly quip your interest. Perhaps a quart of some spirit is in order for an apology if you would like to join us tonight?” He rarely did things like this, but this man was a curious thing and Anthony didn’t want pass up possibly impressing the girls with his charm and superiority.

“Does that sound okay lasses?” He glanced to each girl, who huffed in mutual agreement of the situation.

“Your lucky you’re hot!” Scarlet hissed, folding her arms before tucking herself into Anthony, who stroked her hair gently to help clm her erratic emotions.

“What’s it to you?” Anthony questioned Kaden again.

ooc; hope this is good lol

[Deleted]

Kaden, ignoring everything around him for a moment, partially unsheathed both of his swords, and tested them on his thumb, running his thumb along the edges. He didn't do it hard enough to draw blood, but just hard enough to test the edge. They were sharpened masterfully.

Once that was over, he turned his attention to the Ifrit and his...for lack of a better word, whores, after slinging the swords over his back. He had no idea these girls didn't know he wasn't human, though he didn't suffer the illusion that all humans had senses like his. He just figured he was using it to impress them or something, like a lot of nonhumans did back in his day. Back in his day...it felt so awkward to think that.

"No, Ifrit, I think I'll pass. I've got things to do. Y'know, better things than to spend my time with any woman who will open her legs for me."

Hiro brought out the practice swords, gave a polite bow, sensing the tension in the air, and retreated into the shop.

"Besides, hundred dollars says you don't even know their names."

He barked a laugh, and began to walk off. He didn't actually have things to do beyond enjoy a bite to eat and his freedom, but why tell this guy that? He considered it a much better thing to do than abuse his body with alcohol. Granted, he drank from time to time, but always in moderation, never enough to get drunk. It was bad for your liver.

He paused as he walked away, waiting for an answer. Yeah, he was kind of a dick, but he didn't care. He didn't like to associate with this kind of guy, or whores in general. He could go to a brothel and spend less than it would take to keep a whore like one of these girls happy.

[Deleted]

Anthony felt his insides sizzle as this... man if Anthony could manage calling Kaden that right now, punched him straight into his egotistically pleasing face. His hand slithered into his pocket where his lighter settled comfortably the whole night however now the Ifrit was so close to just throwing it out and exposing himself right now. He didn’t give a shit, this dude was asking for it! However, he began to question his position right now, knowing that the second he exposed himself, the PIDA would be on his ass for the rest of his life. They really had no reason previously to bother him but if he bothered with this abomination, he would be spending the rest of his days in mandatory solitude, or worse. Also, this fellow looked like he had seen his own fair share of battles the way he was armed, so Anthony also didn’t want to find out the hard way, no again at least. The deep scars on his back began to ache at the thought of being defeated again, something Anthony had never wanted to feel his entire life. Damn you Ezekiel... The Ifrit growled, the temptation to light up the night growing more pleasing by the second.

“Well quite the attitude you little shit.” His voice stung the air around him, the little birds tucked under his chest drew back in fear as Anthony’s voice reverberated overwhelming anger. His hand encased itself around the lighter and he began to remove it slowly from its resting place. Raising it in front of him, his face smiled as he flicked the lighter open to reveal a beautiful spark which awoke Anthony’s burning Ifrit spirit.

“You’re on.” He challenged, closing the lighter violently, as if the sound was the bell ringing to the challenge. “I’ll raise you another hundred, and if I win, you have that drink with me...” Although these were the strangest of terms for he had never asked someone to join him after a win, but Anthony wanted to know more about this man for he was someone that Anthony craved for... a challenge he had not had in a long time.

“What say you?” Anthony questioned defiantly, awaiting Kaden’s response.

[Deleted]

"I've actually got something better in mind. I'll raise the stakes to a thousand, if you can take me in a knife-edge fistfight."

He hadn't had a good fight in such a long time, and he really couldn't remember what an Ifrit was capable of in one, so why the hell not? It could prove to be fun, and he had at least fifty grand left in his account. The Vatican had given him a monetary settlement as a sort of "Don't kill us" gesture. The cheap bastards had only given him sixty thousand dollars, though.

In any case, Kaden had two knives hidden away on him at all times. It was sort of a thing with him, never go unarmed. He smirked, turning back to the Ifrit, as he waited for an answer. He decided to throw out a few taunts at the arrogant creature, just in case he was chicken. And also explain the rules of the fistfight.

"Knife edge fistfight is like this. I put two knives in the ground, we take off our shoes, and each of us puts one foot against a knife. We beat the tar out of each other, first one to fall or take their foot off the knife loses. No weapons, nothing but our fists."

He laughed.

"You can chicken out and I won't think any less of you. It's hard to think less of you than I already do."

His smile was genuine, and he had a certain glint in his eye. Maybe, just maybe, if this Ifrit impressed him, he would have that drink with him regardless. Hell, he'd be mildly impressed if this loser agreed to the fight in the first place. He seemed more intent on preening and talking the talk.

"One more term. Loser buys the drinks."

Kaden pulled two knives out of seemingly nowhere, and waited for the man to agree, or chicken out.

[Deleted]

Anthony listened as Kaden raised the stakes of this man-on-man challenge. Listening, the Ifrit allowed a amused smirk to slowly spread on his perfectly formed visage, which his birds purred at the sight of the man’s seemingly perfect form. Anthony was raining money so a thousand dollar loss was absolutely nothing to him but it didn’t matter because Anthony Balder never lost. He would show this human not to mess with him and he would make absolutely sure that Kaden learned a proper lesson in picking the wrong fights.

“Me? Chicken out?” The thought alone made he explode with laughter and he almost clutched his side as he cackled more and more with disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me? Miss a chance of making a fool out someone, I would never miss out.” As he spoke, he gently guided his birds away, positioning them to wait patiently after this brawl.

“But Anthony!” Brunette Bird whined, beckoning the Ifrit over as they began to stroke each other promiscuously, begging for Anthony to just let this waste go on his way. “Just forget it!”

“Hush birds!” He snapped, flinching his lighter in irritation as he began to remove his shoes and placed them neatly on the sidewalk. This would be a piece of cake, for nimbleness was his expertise so this would be a simple point right? I mean, this guy was just human... right? “Agreed.”

“So, get the knives ready!” Anthony huffed, reaching out his hand to take the weapon and place it where it need be. “I’m ready to kick your ass.”

ooc; short post!

[Deleted]

Surely, the Ifrit thought him to be a normal human. Kaden was about to prove him wrong.

Each of these knives was made of Mystril, an experimental form of Aclhemical Silver that was ten times harder than steel. It even held an edge better. However, it was extremely hard to shape, and anything larger than a knife was completely out of the question, at least back when Kaden had gotten these knives.

He thrust each knife through the concrete of the sidewalk, a foot apart from each other, as he slipped his shoes off, and sat them next to the door of the sword shop, along with his swords. The concrete hadn't even cracked, if you looked closely at the knives. Mystril was like that. He didn't know how far Vatican magi-forging techniques had come, but he planned to find out some day.

Somehow.

In any case, he placed his foot against one of the knives, and waited for the Ifrit to join him. What was running through the big man's head? Not much but the desire to test his muscles out on something worthy. Something that would fight back.

He hated uneven fights, really, and hoped this guy could stand up to him.

[Deleted]

Anthony leaned on his hip in impatient annoyance, awaiting Kaden to grant him possession of the knife so they could begin this interesting game. He had never recalled such a challenge in his entire life on this bountiful world, so it was exciting to participate in something so intriguing, but hopefully Kaden would pick up the pace. The Ifrit peered as the human removed the daggers from his large plethora of armaments and Anthony waited to feel the cold sizzle of the magical Mystril steel. However, Anthony felt a small knife shoot beside him, striking the concrete without making any sort of dent on the blade, drawing in Anthony curiosity even more. The fire genie had witnessed plenty in his long, pleasant life, so a human with seemingly bewitched weaponry did not surprise him, especially from this man. Maybe there was more to Kaden then Anthony could see, even with the mystery man’s golden iris’ gazing deeply at the Ifrit, who had yet to position himself against the blade. He would have to be extra careful with this one.

“Be careful love!” The beautiful birds chirped in unison as they watched this magical moment begin to form, their hands clutching tightly to the bottoms of their dresses in anticipation. Anthony never lost, but to them this Kaden man was different from the rest. He had openly insulted Mr. Balder’s pride without a second glance and he didn’t seem to take any interest in them, so the little Birds only watched in wonder as Anthony began to prepare himself against the blade.
The Ifrit could feel the painful itch of magic scratching at the arch of his foot and Anthony only smirked. Obviously enchanted. He muttered to himself, sensing the Mystril affects trying to reach out for his magically susceptible skin. This was definitely going to be a interesting fight.

“Well, I’ll allow you the fair grace of going first.” He mocked. “Give you at least some sporting chance.” He continued to feed his ego, however making sure to keep him mind on the fight. He may be all talk on the outside, but inside he was ready. He was always ready for anything.

[Deleted]

Letting Kaden go first was this idiot's first mistake. Kaden was what was known as a "Pressure" fighter, when he couldn't just rely on his brute strength. He would normally keep up a steady stream of blows to test the opponent's guard, and then use them to find weaknesses in it. If he was fighting something intelligent enough to guard.

In this case, he launched a fist into Anthony's gut, as hard as he could. He wasn't one to underestimate people, and never really tended to hold back unless he was training someone. As soon as the first punch landed, assuming it did, he would plunge his other fist into Anthony's right cheek, again as hard as he could.

The bone crushing force of each punch likely would have killed a normal human outright, but this was an Ifrit he was dealing with. He assumed he could take it, and more. If not, he had just made some money.

Kaden had obviously been underestimated. He would take full advantage of this fact to beat his opponent into the ground, as he launched a third punch at the Ifrit's solar plexus. This was gonna hurt like a bitch.

[Deleted]

Anthony observed intently at Kaden’s attack as it sped toward the Ifrit’s gut like a bullet shot out from a gun. If Balder had been human, he knew he would have been thrown off balance definitely, Kaden taking the win in second. Thankfully for Anthony he was not human and with exquisite prowess, the Ifrit threw out a palm at Kaden’s wrist area and gave a violent shove, trying to throw the human’s attack from its track. As he did so, the next flurried assault rushed at Anthony again, who retreated with a graceful duck, Kaden’s forceful punch just barely cutting across the top of his head.

Okay this guy is definitely not normal. Anthony retorted to himself, but he was not at all worried. Hell, he was actually more excited now and the thrill in his soul was obvious in his egotistical expression which he was giving Kaden. He wanted the man to know how much fun he was having and take make sure how much of a shit he gave when the man continued his barrage of fists.

As Kaden was dealing his third strike, Anthony retorted to the violence with a vicious chop movement directed at the collar bone dealing the final punch. The speed of his hand was unnatural for the skill of thieving and the endowed abilities as an Ifrit made everything easier. He was prepared to take the hit, he had taken much worse.

Besides, he was a big boy. He could take it.