Welcome to Tokyo, Japan. January, 1991. The world has entered the technology era, portable phones, home computers, internet, video games. Japan quickly became the epicenter of the latest and greatest. Companies and factories flourished. Where money was, people followed. And while many rose to live a comfortable, happy, and delightful life from this new found money... Others did not. You see, money has this effect on people that can't be outdone. People will do anything for it. And when it starts slipping into the wrong hands, it's impossible to stop. Benethe the day time laborers and the double-shift workers, a seedy underbelly of syndicates exists. Narctics, black market, organized crime, money laundering, you name it and it's been growing as fast as the upper world economy. While many do it just to stay alive, there's those who make it their posh lifestyle. Either way, there's only one question. What would you do if the money was good enough?
JAN 29 2021: Welcome!! ƎLEMENT has been open for two weeks now and we're so happy to see such a bright beginning! If you're new feel free to drop into the discord and say hi before joining.
Hikaru was all too content to just sit in the lingering silence as Leo scarfed down the food. He could tell how hungry the kid was, heart aching just a bit more at the thought. Poor guy. He didn't know what had brought him to Japan, what had prompted him to hop on that plane and fly halfway round the world, but it surely wasn't anything good. The idea of him sitting out in the Tokyo streets starving to death wasn't one he wanted to contemplate--it would surely ruin the mood--but the way he devoured that plate gave him the worst kind of ache. At least he seemed to like it and even before Hikaru could warn him to slow down, the kid had begun to savor the dish more. Good. As much as he would be willing to do it, he wasn't all that keen on helping some vomiting new acquaintance. [break][break] "Well, you've survived on your own, which is more than I can say for some strays I've found," he murmured, lips hovering at the rim of his glass before shooting back another quick drink, finishing off his second tasting in one fell swoop. He told himself to slow down as he poured his third, though the gentle numbness the alcohol wasp providing for his aching wounds was far too relieving for him to actually listen to his own sound advice. [break][break] "Ha, no, not a cop," he replied, swirling the newly-poured liquid before taking another sip. He reached over and snatched up a pinch of Leo's food, popping it into his mouth before any protests could be voiced. "Used to be, but I left a couple years back. Alley patroller actually works pretty well," and he snickered, taking the moment to decide how much he wanted to share. Kid certainly didn't seem like the type o go snitching about... "I uh... I didn't like how things were being run; decided I could do it better on my own. So now I scour the alleys of Tokyo looking for trouble. I think vigilante is the English term for it?" He shrugged nonchalantly, golden gaze watching the way his umeshu circled in his cup. "I just uh... I don't like seeing other people get hurt. Makes me feel better to be able to help out, ya know? Even if it leads to a few extra doctor's visits." [break][break] He said the final bit with a lilt of humor to his tone, flashing his companion an encouraging, upbeat smile. He'd gotta hurt plenty worse than that night since he'd started his little miniature crusade, becoming a bit of a regular to the hospital. Just bad luck, he'd always explain, that tension-easing smile and friendly disposition always enough to deter further questions. [break][break] "And that's not why I have a lot of friends," he added after a moment. "I have a lot of friends because I'm a nice guy. And speaking of which, you got a place to stay tonight? My apartment isn't much, but it's warm and a hell of a lot comfier than some alley concrete."
Hikaru all too easily notice that striking expression, that undertone of some familiarity of empathy. Just another piece to the puzzle, he supposed, holding back against the urge to pry. Leo seemed willing enough to chat about his life; it wasn't Hikaru's place to abuse that offering. [break][break] "First a cab, then a plane. Another cab after that." [break][break] The snort was involuntary, the cascade of laughter afterwards lighthearted and appreciative as he tried to clear his throat of the rush of umeshu that got caught there. He hit his chest with his less damaged hand, still chuckling as he righted his vocals, waving at Leo to continue. [break][break] "I dunno. Guess the stuff in America isn't for everyone. Food here is better, that's for sure." [break][break] Again, that intuition that there was so much more than was being said, but Hikaru wasn't about to press the issue. Leo clearly didn't want to talk too much about it, and if the blonde had his way, they'd have plenty more conversation opportunities in the future for him to delve deeper into that foggy past. And so instead of prying, Hikaru followed suit and finished his glass, grabbing up the bottle once Leo was done with it and pouring himself a refill. [break][break] "Fair enough," he replied with a languid shrug, popping the cap back on the bottle. "Never been to the States, but I know the food here is better than German stuff" A quiet laugh left him; his mother had been a wonderful woman, but not the greatest cook in the world. He took a sip of his refreshed glass. "So what's your plan then? Got any job prospects? Friends you can stay with?" [break][break] It was all asked casually, Hikaru relaxing against the bartop, eyes trained on his companion, watching each and every little movement and expression Leo surfaced. He wondered what the kid's reaction would be to an invite to his apartment that night. He'd seemed receptive enough to the offer of food and drink, surely some cushions and a blanket would garner the same response, right? A hot shower, too, Hikaru silently mused, trying not to laugh at the thought as he caught the smallest whiff of Leo's scent. Not the best, he'd admit. [break][break] "Ah, thanks Hoshi," he said, flashing an appreciative grin at the bartender as he brought over Leo's food. He gave the meal a quick, approving once-over and continued to nurse his umeshu.
"I said whatever you want, didn't I?" Hikaru shot back, matching that lighthearted tone as Leo began to peruse the menu. He watched where that gaze swept, trying to see if he seemed to recognize any of the dishes or words; some little attempt to detective-work the information that his companion had, admittedly, claimed he was prepared to give freely. With a nonchalant shrug he added, "It'd be rude of me not to buy a new friend a meal when he's hungry." [break][break] Probably a stretch; they were hardly friends, though if Hikaru had any say in the matter, that would soon change. He liked the kid, had an immediate interest sparked. The blonde wasn't quite the type to let something like that slip away. Life was too short and relationships too fickle to ignore even the slightest hint of a positive connection... even if it was cultivated on the battlefield. [break][break] The Japanese, though minimal, was a pleasant surprise. Unexpected; the guy didn't seem like he'd prepped at all for this trip. Probably just picked a locale and hopped on a plane, he silently guessed as he poured their first round from the delivered bottle. The sweet scent was enough to drown out all the lingering aches in his body from their tussle, umeshu one of his favorites, Uraraka's the best of those favorites. He was all too pleased to see his new companion so willingly lift it in salute. [break][break] "To back alleys and good timing," he agreed, mirroring Leo's movements and throwing back his first bit of that sweet nectar. He hummed appreciatively at the taste, golden gaze closed for a moment as he let his mind linger in those familiar flavors. He'd have to remember to grab a bottle for home before he left. [break][break] "So you're blond and you speak English. Where's that make you from?" [break][break] Hikaru chuckled, breaking out of that brief bliss and turning that bright-eyed gaze to his neighbor's form once more. It wasn't quite the topic he'd wanted to start with, but he wasn't about to act shy. Plus, it made sense wanting to know a bit more; he had just shown up out of nowhere, saved him, spoke his language, and then invited him out to drinks. Coincidences be damned, that one had to be a lot to take in. [break][break] "Right in here in Tokyo, born and raised," he replied, swirling his glass, careful not to lose any of that amber liqueur. "The blonde hair is from my mother," he further explained, running a hand through those golden locks, a flash of clear adoration in his expression. "She was a German exchange student. Fell in love with a Japanese businessman, had me, and stuck around until she passed when I was twelve. Really lovely woman; was the one who taught me English at first," a pause, expression comically darkening for a moment, "which my grandmother then perfected with horribly-painful daily lessons and discipline-heavy quizzes." [break][break] He took a moment, sipped at his drink, another faint hum of approval slipping from his lips as he stared down into that golden pool. There was some sadness there, lingering under that lighthearted visage, just barely recognizable should Leo take the opportunity to perceive it. It was gone in a flash, though, as he turned his attention back to the younger man, warmth from that liqueur mirrored in his soft grin. [break][break] "What about you?" he posed, perhaps a bit grateful for the opportunity to turn the conversation away from the souring taste of his family. "You're clearly a mutt like me; and one from America no less. What brought you to Tokyo?" He chuckled, the sound low and gravelly before he took another sip of umeshu. "I assume by the look of ya it wasn't a particularly well-thought-out endeavor."
"Any particular reason why you're suddenly so interested with my work at the firm?" [break][break] Hikaru was supposed to be good at this, wasn't he? He was supposed to be able to keep his cool and maintain that suave, friendly countenance through any sort of scenario. He'd managed it--usually--well enough when he was on the force; why the hell was it so difficult now? Because she's not some scumbag lowlife, he silently mused, that gut-wrenching guilt hitting him once more. [break][break] "Not that I mind it, but there's a reason why we're meeting years after the last time we saw each other. Right?" [break][break] The blonde paled, clearly caught in some act he thought thoroughly heinous. He ran a hand through his golden locks, sheepishly glancing away from Seiko's younger form. [break][break] "Heh, you're going to be one hell of a lawyer," he murmured, distracting himself momentarily by watching the waitress behind the counter give their order to her coworker. [break][break] After a moment, though, he knew he had to come clean, the visage of embarrassed submission as he turned back to her. He raised his hands in some mock surrender, a playful grin surfacing amidst that sheepish expression. At least she didn't seem mad. Maybe he'd underestimated her maturity levels; wouldn't be all that surprising considering how he remembered her from years past. [break][break] "Ya caught me," he relented, hands returning to the table after a moment as a gentle sigh left him. "Like I said, I left the force a while back. Been doing odd jobs around town since, but more so uh..." He paused, lips pursing in contemplation of how to proceed. "Did you ever watch Batman? I'm kind of like that. I didn't like how the law was being handled and so I started uh... taking it into my own hands. I guess you could call is vigilantism... I suppose..." Another pause, still a bit uncomfortable with the term. "So anyway, my big focuses are on getting at the bad guys that are wrongfully let off and getting at the bad guys that let those bad guys get away with it." He grimaced, realizing he was perhaps saying too much, letting his nerves cause a bit of rambling. "Look, I remember you being... a really decent sort. I thought that maybe you'd be willing to help me get a bit of... information from the firm your working for. Names, addresses, records; that kind of thing." He rushed on, waving his hands in front of him in some feverish effort to quell any innocent concerns she might have. "This will by no means be able to come back to you! I absolutely guarantee that I won't let anything bad happen to you! And I'm willing to return a favor for a favor, obviously. Maybe you've got someone that needs roughing up? Or maybe uh..." He contemplated offering some wine-and-dining type of thing, but remembered her mentioning a boyfriend; probably not the best course of action. "Anything that you could maybe need me for, I'd be happy to help out!" [break][break] Finally, he breathed, a hopeful smile on his face as he waited for her response, ready to get the hell out of dodge if she came back, as he expected, with some offended or terrified rebuttal.
Had the pain not been so sudden and so great, Hikaru would have shot that pretty, battered face a smile as he was sent careening. As it were, all the blonde could focus on was the sudden spike of shock that came with that kick, his vision blacking out for a moment as he went tumbling. It came back a moment later, just quick enough for him to register that another was coming. He braced himself, trying to catch his fucking breath so he could actually do something, when that little porcelain figurine started moving, interrupting that second kick. [break][break] "Sh-Shit..." he stuttered out, blood dripping from the corner of his lips, already seeing how the act would play out even before that bastard sent the kid flying. He tried to crawl over, tried to get his limbs to fucking move but he was still sitting their slumped when Em was tossed. Shallow breaths permeated the air as that creep stalked over, spitting curses and threats. [break][break] "I'm sorry..." [break][break] There was a story Hikaru's mother used to tell him, about a great ancient hero who saved the land's princess from certain doom because his rage and power were fueled by the tears she wept for him every time he fell. In that moment, seeing really nothing other than those pretty sapphires coated in tears, Hikaru felt he understood that story far more than he ever had before. Something switched off in his brain, some cohesive thought process, and instinct fully took over as that choking sound echoed through the alley. [break][break] "Get the fuck off of him!" [break][break] He shouted it in English, unsure why, though it managed to confuse the bastard enough to draw his attention. Too late. Hikaru was on him before he could manage to make a move, the blonde a blur as he tackled him. Em went falling, though Hikaru was far too distracted to take note, getting on top of the other man and with unrelenting force crashing his fists over and over again into that bastard's face. [break][break] "I. Won't. Let. You. Hurt. Him. You. Fucking. Piece. Of. Shit." [break][break] Each word was punctuated by a new punch, Hikaru hardly even registering the pain in his right fist from that wound, knuckles bruising and busting as he mangled and battered every square inch of the man's face. By the time it was over, the alley looked worse than most of the homicide scenes he'd investigated while on the force, blood splattered everywhere, that man's body twitching and moaning but surely not long for the world if he didn't get immediate medical attention. [break][break] Not that Hikaru was worried about that. [break][break] He stood, somehow getting to his feet with little issue--adrenaline was a hell of a drug--and turned that pissed-off, blood-splattered expression to the scrawnier man. He didn't even have to say anything; the punk was running off before he'd even fully stood, blades dropped in his scramble to escape the same fate as his comrade. [break][break] It took Hikaru a long moment to come down from that rush, quickened, shallow breaths slowly fading into something calmer as he stepped away from the body and turned to that "whore" the men had been harassing. Shit! Even in the aftermath of that chaos, Hikaru managed to realize how terrifying he must look. Quickly, he stripped off that bloody jacket and revealed the only slightly-less-bloody t-shirt beneath, stripping it off and using it as a rag to wipe the scarlet from his face before wrapping it tightly around that large gash on his palm. [break][break] "Hey," he said, putting on a smile, a habit he'd carried away from his trauma-care in the force, as he headed over and knelt down in front of the guy. He was wobbly, having to catch himself with his goo-- his less-bad hand on the brick wall, trying for a chuckle at the move as his gaze flitted over the other's form, finding a roost in those baby blues. "You okay?"
Hikaru wasn't quite convinced by Leo's assurance, perfectly confident in the entertainment value of the kid's story. If he was being honest, he had a soft spot for travelers, some shadow of his mother's influence. And while Leo was more than a little different than his mother--the young German woman certainly had never found herself in a back-alley brawl--it was difficult for the blonde to leave someone foreign struggling in that much-beloved land. A brief but wholly affectionate smile flitted across his features as he tossed is depleted cigarette away, thoughts of that adored woman circling his mind. [break][break] "Yeah, actually, in my spare time. Seems to work for me." [break][break] Another teasing response, another airy laugh from Hikaru's lips. He continued to chuckle as he held the door open for Leo, following him in a moment later. He was pleased enough to see Leo's casual manner of moving about, taking it and the lingering memory of that smile from earlier as some indication that he was managing to get through the guy's barriers, even just a little. [break][break] As they mad here way across the space, Hikaru nodded and waved at a few different groups he recognized. He was never one to spend a night drinking alone, always finding someone to toast with, and in a place like this it meant he was plenty familiar with the regulars dotting the space. It also meant that the bartender knew him by name, the guy shooting him a friendly, welcoming grin as he plopped into the stool beside Leo. The two older men exchanged a bit of a shared, quiet humor when Leo tossed down that ID. [break][break] "Bottle of the house umeshu and two glasses, on the rocks," he said, slipping back to Japanese, all too enthusiastically meeting that little grin with one of his own, golden gaze trained on the younger man even as he placed their order. As the bartender moved away to retrieve their drink, Hikaru's attention never leaving that ragged form at his side, he posed, returning to English "I assume you've never had umeshu before? It's one of Japan's specialties, and Uraraka in the back makes the best of the best here in Tokyo." A pause, contemplative, as he mirrored Leo's pose, cheek propped up on his fist, blonde brows knitting for a moment as his gaze drifted across the other's form. "You hungry?" he finally posed, golds flitting back to the other's darker eyes. "I assume by the look of ya that you haven't eaten much recently. Feel free to order whatever ya want."
"If I make it thirty more years, maybe. Lotta shit that'll probably kill me first." [break][break] A kid after his own heart. Hikaru snorted a laugh at the comment, appreciating the honesty if nothing else. He couldn't quite argue with the opinion either; Leo definitely came off as the type to get into trouble a bit too often. Hikaru had a sneaking suspicion that had something to do with the fact that he was there in Tokyo in the first place... alone... on the streets... looking like a grease monkey. [break][break] Hikaru didn't mind the lack of a thanks--again, he'd mildly expected it--but his brows did raise in surprise at the immediate acceptance of that lighter offer. Amused if nothing else, curiosity just further peaked by the kid and what had brought him stumbling into that back alley, Hikaru matched that eye contact right up until the moment Leo pulled away to take that first inhale. He mimicked the move, backing away and slipping the lighter into his pocket as he let that first rush of nicotine spiral down to his lungs. [break][break] "So you help everyone in back-alley brawls around here, or just the ones you think'll take you up on the offer for a drink?" [break][break] Another laugh slipped from the blonde's lips as they began their trek again, embers at the ends of their cigarettes lighting their way to the bar. He actually took a moment to contemplate the question, letting it linger in the silence between them before answering. [break][break] "Bit of a trick question, honestly," he finally replied with a carefree shrug. "I do have a tendency to stick my nose in places it's not supposed to be; doing my part for the common man and all that. Doesn't really matter who it is needing help... I just like doing my part." A lighthearted laugh slipped from him, shooting Leo a similarly friendly wink as he took another drag from his cigarette. "Don't invite them all to drinks, though, just the one's that seem like they'd have a fun story to share." [break][break] Out in the open now, Hikaru noticed a few bits of blood splattered across Leo's neck, motioning to the area on his own body as some indicator for the kid to wipe it up. No need to cause any of the public to freak out. He took a moment to wipe at his own face as well, hands depositing crimson onto his tshirt. It was dark--people probably wouldn't notice the signs of their little tussle, but it was better to be safe than sorry. [break][break] "What about you?" he posed after another few moments, pointing out their destination as its sign popped up across the street. It was a subtle-enough place, locally owned by an ex-weapons dealer who used to work closely with the Ajiwau. Nice place, balancing the excitement of a party stop in the front with the quiet of a dive bar in its back room. "You make a habit of getting your ass beat in back alleys of foreign countries? Your method of getting asked to drinks?"
Gods, if there was one thing Hikaru liked in a companion is was snark, and this kid had an overload of it. He barked out a laugh at that scoffed remark, already far more endeared to his new comrade than he probably should have been. Honestly, the moment he'd heard that first smartass remark his interests were pricked. After all, what superhero didn't need a wisecracking sidekick? [break][break] And it seemed like that was the trajectory they were on, some flood of please exhilaration rushing through the blonde's form as Leo took his hand. Start of a beautiful friendship, he jokingly mused, grinning like the devil at that firm clasp of grips. The moment would have only been made better if Hikaru could have flung an affectionate arm around the younger man as they trekked to the bar, though he was sure Leo would've been opposed and, besides, walking together was enough. He even slowed his pace after a moment so that they were walking side-by-side as they exited the alleyway. [break][break] "You smoke?" [break][break] Hikaru's brows rose in mock surprise, that teasing curvature back to his grin. [break][break] "That shit'll kill ya, you know," he mused, but after a moment of digging in a pocket of that beloved olive jacket he tugged out a small half-empty pack. "I usually only reserve them for special occasions or when I'm drinking; suppose this is a bit of both." [break][break] He popped out two, passing one over to Leo before slipping the other between his lips. The lighter came out as that box slipped back into his pocket, Hikaru lighting his cancer stick first before holding it out to Leo, pausing in their strolling as he silently offered to light it for him. Normally, he'd have just handed the lighter over, but there was a part of him that wanted to see if the kid would lean in, would partake in what could debatably be considered a friendly--if not intimate--move.
Well at least she was smiling; that was a good thing, right? And laughter too. If nothing else, the gestures made Hikaru at least a bit calmer, knowing he could still elicit the reactions from the young woman. It did, however, also further increase his anxiety, knowing what he was shortly going to ask of her. [break][break] Before that moment, though, he allowed himself the time to revel in her company, to justify that incoming request by listening intently and with authentic interest to her explanation. He laughed along with her, admiring the way she managed to maintain that regal, controlled air even when joking around. He almost wished he'd actually just called her out for a quick catch-up. Not like this has to be the only time you see her, he silently noted, though in his fretting he had the sneaking suspicion that she wouldn't want much to do with him after a deal was struck, especially considering he viewed this little request as more an act of manipulation than anything reciprocal. He hid as much of that lingering anxiety as he could, though, behind an endeared smile, hanging on each of Seiko's words, nodding and chuckling along. [break][break] "Sounds like you're kept pretty busy," he replied, authentic admiration coating his tone and expression. "You're kind of amazing, aren't ya, Seiko?" He chuckled, flashing her a playful, affection grin. "Though I guess I shouldn't be surprised; you Murakamis have a tendency for success." Finally, glancing at his discarded menu on the table, he confirmed, "Yep! Ready when you are!" [break][break] As a follow-up, assuming she knew what she wanted, he flagged down the waitress and with a pleasant, friendly smile, ordered his cappuccino and panini. He looked at Seiko expectantly afterwards, fully intending to pay for her order, the idea of using that moment as a segway into his request coming to mind. He needed just a bit more, though... [break][break] "So how has interning been? Enjoying it?" he questioned after their order was placed, trying to act sly, perhaps not doing the best job of it.
While Hikaru was a bit preoccupied with his own scuffles, he had a chance amidst the flurry of chaos to catch a few moments of his unexpected ally's moves. He couldn't help the pleased grin that spread across his features at the scrappy young thing, amused, if nothing else, that he actually joined the fray instead of darting off. He couldn't stay distracted for long, though, as he unwillingly took on the role of punching bag. Gritting against the pain, Hikaru flailed around that grimy back alley, managing to catch his bearings once he partner tackled the bastard. A few more swifts kicks, a couple of rough hits, and Hikaru's final target's face making sharp, violent contact with the edge of the dumpster, and the blonde was stumbling to his feet, spots of blood and a few new bruises littering his visage. [break][break] The pain and new indicators of those hits did little to lessen that smile, though, his grin broad as he wiped a drip of crimson from the corner of his mouth. While his companion snatched up his knife, Hikaru made a point to go around, nudging each of those groaning men with the toe of his boot, just to make sure they weren't going to hop up and try anything funny. [break][break] "Fuck." [break][break] A hearty, amused bark of laughter left the older man, golden gaze flicking to that approaching form. For as much as the kid looked like a scrawny ragamuffin, he definitely had held his own, Hikaru's gaze alight with the peaked interest that came with the adrenaline-spiked appreciation. [break][break] "Hikaru," he replied, holding out his scarlet-streaked hand for other to take, trying not to laugh too much at the "not a kid" comment. "And you're welcome." With another lighthearted chuckle he added, "Though you definitely seemed to have them right where you wanted them. Clever, pulling them into a false sense of security by letting them beat the shit out of you." [break][break] The sarcasm was clear in his voice, tone lilting with the playful tease. If Leo actually took his offered hand, he'd provide a firm squeeze and an affirming not; if not, well, Hikaru wasn't one to get caught up in missed opportunities like that. He'd simply shrug the move off. Regardless, once his hand was freed, he stretched both arms about his head, a satisfied groan slipping from his lips as he assessed their work, those broken bodies littering the alleyway. [break][break] "Decent job though, really," he noted, entwined hands fitting snuggly behind his head amidst that wild field of gold. "How 'bout an post-battle drink? My treat. You can tell me how an American ended up fighting for his life in some Tokyo back-alley." [break][break] Without waiting for a reply, Hikaru spun on his heels, his countenance casual, as if they were just old friends heading to catch up over a few drinks. He gestured over his shoulder for Leo to follow before slipping his hands into the pockets of that beloved jacket and sauntering on his way to the nearest dive bar that wasn't in the thick of Tsumaru territory.
An animated wince left the blonde as that sucker punch made contact, Hikaru having to stifle a bitter laugh at the scene. Whoops, my bad... he thought, guilt starting to brim in his gut. He stood up a bit straight, popping the pocky box into his back pocket and prepping himself to join in the fray when-- [break][break] "What? You all gonna fuck me at once? Isn't that kinda gay?" [break][break] Gods, was there ever a time he was more grateful for Grandma Ichika's forced language lessons? A cacophonous laugh rushed from him, the English taunt clearly flying over the thugs' heads. Thankfully, they were so preoccupied by the clear insult thrown their way--obvious even with the language barrier thanks to that snarky, snapping tone--that they seemed to miss the chuckling blonde behind them. He was wiping a patch of brimming tears from the corner of his golden gaze when the kid finally called attention to him. [break][break] "Fuck. You- Help me!" [break][break] That request was, really, all he needed to hear, Hikaru's grin turning particularly devilish as he started rushing at the four. Adrenaline spiking, Hikaru didn't slow down as those four faces turned, confusion lacing their expressions. He used the force of his running to guide is fist into one of the bastard's faces, sending him sprawling. An exhilarated little laugh slipped from Hikaru's lips as he turned his attention to the others, if nothing else allowing a distraction for the kid to either run off or get his act together and help out. [break][break] "Took you long enough, kid," he chided in English, the faintest, oddly enough, German accent to the voice. He said it just as his elbow found the gut of one of the other men, Hikaru using the contact and his larger body to thrust him back into the bricks, a satisfying stuttered gasp rushing from the guy. Pleased as hell with his work so far, Hikaru turned to make another comment when he found a fist in his gut. He doubled over, briefly, though the assailant seemed confused enough by the sudden sixth guest to the alley that there wasn't as much force behind the hit as there could have been. Hikaru was fine enough, in fact, that he managed to dodge out of the way of the subsequent knee aimed at his face. [break][break] "I suggest you either help out or get the hell out of dodge," he managed to shoot to the battered lad, dodging another fist and going for some discordant, slightly off-kilter leg sweep before the guy he'd bashed against the bricks got his bearings.
There wasn't much better for Hikaru than an evening out scouring the streets for some back-alley entertainment. Unfortunately, Tokyo was all too forthcoming in that regard, the streets constantly echoing with some case of late-night violence. Be it some small-time kleptomaniacs nabbing big-ticket items from a local shop, a middle-aged sleazebag with disgustingly-roaming hands, or a high-ranking official abusing his power in some unsavory method, the Tokyo streets were always providing the young man with a plethora of lowlifes to let out his frustrations on. [break][break] "Call me the Japanese Batman!" he chuckled to himself, popping a fresh pocky stick between his lips, his enjoyment of that comparison far too apparent across his features. [break][break] So far, the night had been particularly... boring. Nothing much going on, restless spirits clearly finding their methods of violent relief behind closed doors. Hikaru was just contemplating slipping into some nearby club, figuring he could at least grab a drink between his strolling, when he heard the telltale signs of a scuffle. [break][break] Exhilarated grin splitting his features, hands slipping into the pockets of that patented olive jacket, he made his way down the alley towards the rough-and-tumble sounds. He moved casually, excitement building with each further step, that most recent pocky stick disappearing as he rounded the final corner and spotted the crowd of miscreants tucked away behind some restaurant dumpster. He didn't immediately intervene, one golden brow cocking as he observed the scene. [break][break] Four-on-one doesn't seem all that fair, he mused, trying to get a good look at the guy getting roughed up. The four surrounding him were mildly familiar--he was pretty sure he'd seen them scurrying around Tsumaru facilities at some point--but the kid getting beat on didn't spark any immediate recognition. Oh! He's not from around here, is he? he mused, finally catching the poor kid's eye through the four bodies surrounding him. Hikaru plastered on a quick, friendly grin, shooting him some playful wave before lifting his fits in some mimic of a fight; a silent question if he needed any help.
Evenings like this were made for walks, the warmth radiating from the crowds and the buzz of neon so perfectly contradicting the brisk chill of the night air. Hikaru breathed a deep sigh, his form lazing through the streets, his grandfather's coat keeping him safe from any particularly powerful icy blows. He normally would have been out looking for trouble, maybe staking out a new place, perhaps doing a bit of cop-stalking to ensure they did their goddamn jobs correctly. Instead, he took a sidestep towards a particularly heavenly-smelling stand, a skewer of Dango and a warm cup of ginger tea his new companions as he continued his pleasured little stroll. [break][break] He was halfway through both when he heard the scream. [break][break] "Help! Anyo--" [break][break] It was faint, a few alleys over, but it was clear as day. Hikaru froze, golden gaze sweeping in the voice's direction, his gut tensing at the sound. English; American accent... It took him less than a breath to start sprinting, half-empty skewer and dropped tea the only signs he'd actually been there in the first place. [break][break] He wasn't quiet as he approached, half of him hoping whatever culprits were ahead would run, the other half craving just a bit of violence to echo that panicked cry. It didn't take him long to arrive; it took him even less time to understand at least the basics of the situation. [break][break] "...can't trust you to keep that pretty mouth shut." [break][break] Hikaru charged, unthinking, eyes on the older man's hands even as he dived at him. Bodies collided, careened, a pained grunt escaping the blonde as he tackled the assailant to the concrete. It was a blur of flailing limbs for a moment before Hikaru managed to get his knee to make sharp contact with the bastard's gut, a satisfying wheeze rushing from his lungs in the same moment a bark of laughter escaped the blonde's. He used the momentum from the move to roll off of the guy, some wild exhilaration in his gaze. [break][break] Okay other gu-- [break][break] Hikaru froze, brows knitting in some dark glare as his gaze fell on the smaller assailant. The little scuffle with the first man had apparently not been distraction enough for the guy. The poor kid they'd been roughing up was propped up in some uncomfortable-looking half-sitting position, a fist in his hair, some glinting blade at his throat. [break][break] "B-Back the fuck up!" the scrawny bastard shouted, Hikaru's hands instinctively raising in some show of giving up, golden gaze flitting between the clearly-terrified expression of the captor and the porcelain features of captive. [break][break] "Hey, hey, hey," he replied, voice as calm and soothing as he could manage as he slipped back into Japanese, a friendly smile on his face, as if he was just talking about the weather. "Let's not get hasty, man. No one else needs to get hurt." His gaze fell to that poor, frail form at the man's fingertips, his smile, his reassurance for him even as he spoke it to the Aijiwau. "Not gonna let anyone else get hurt, okay? We can figure this out." [break][break] "Sh-Shut the fuck up!" the man shot back, Hikaru's features darkening just briefly as he spotted the tip of that knife eliciting some droplet of crimson from the man's neck. "Wh-Who the f-fuck are you?!" [break][break] "Just a concerned citizen wanting to help you not make anymore mistakes tonight," Hikaru replied, that soothing tone back in his voice as if that wince had never happened. "Let the kid go, walk away, and we don't have to--" [break][break] "Fuck off, asshole." [break][break] Shit. Hikaru'd let himself get distracted, had focused too much on trying to diffuse that he'd ignored the fact that those groans of pain behind him had stopped. He threw himself to the side, anticipating the blade aimed at his back, managing to avoid at least the more deadly blow. Crimson spilled from his side, a large tear appearing in that beloved jacket, a hiss of pain leaving his grimace as he rolled across the dirt away from the attacker. [break][break] "Bastard..." he grumbled, stumbling to his feet despite the gash in his side as the larger man rushed him. [break][break] He braced himself just in time, managed to knock that blade-wielding hand off its course as their bodies met again. For as unskilled as that business suit would suggest, the guy had a decent amount of size on him and practiced-enough hands, the breath leaving Hikaru's lungs as he was bull-rushed into the brick of a nearby wall. Another gash, blood spilling from the new wound across his palm as the two wrestled against the edge of the alley. Hikaru was able to get a few good hits in, the Aijiwau bastard spitting blood by the time he managed to get a handful of gold and bash Hikaru's head against those same bricks. [break][break] The world began to spin, Hikaru's body crumbling against the wall as the other man stumbled away, shallow breaths leaving them both. Hikaru's gaze quickly fell on the victim, that American fellow with the fluff of white hair. That's a unique look... his mind mused, the faintest of smiles gracing his features as he tried to steady his vision. It was taking more effort than he would have liked, more time than he would have liked, that battered bastard managing to stumble over and snatch the poor kid from his compatriot's hands and drag him over to where the blonde sat. [break][break] "You an idiot or something?" he shouted, spitting blood and saliva at the ex-cop, using his grip on Em's hair to vigorously shake him in Hikaru's face. "Trying to die for a little broken whore?"
A soft, affectionate smile overtook Hikaru's features as he listened to her recounting of the previous days' events. There was something so wholly comforting about the moment, about this woman, about his familiarity with her presence and the portraits of moments her explanations provided. He made a mental note to bring some little congratulatory gift for the girl with the skates, to offer it up to her dad the next time he spotted the pair walking through that expanse of green. [break][break] He was lost in thought on the subject, brain hopping between different gift ideas, when his all-too-astute companion made her all-too-accurate assessments and jokes. The faintest embarrassed tilt curved through his smile, his cheeks alighting in some soft coating of pink as he sheepishly glanced his golden orbs astray. He looked like a kid caught in some mischievous act. [break][break] "Oh, just forced myself into a situation I probably shouldn't have," he offered; it wasn't quite a lie, though certainly not the whole truth. As if to reassure her, he flashed an innocent-enough expression and added, "Nasty habit of mine; nothing to worry about." [break][break] In some attempt to contradict any lingering doubts, he began to mirror her stretches, doing his damnedest to work those aching muscles with as few winces as possible. He actually had done a few minute stretches before leaving his apartment... he just had stopped because it hurt too bad... and he just probably shouldn't have been out and about in the first place. Another day spent lounging around his apartment sounded like absolute hell, though, and was particularly out of the question. [break][break] "I'm fine, I promise," he assured her, expression some cross between sheepish embarrassment and gratitude as he added, "though I suppose walking would probably be a better option... all things considered... Don't let me slow you down though if you want to get an actual workout in." He added that last bit in a slight hurry, much preferring her company over the alternative, but not wanting to be a bother. With a teasing lilt to his expression, gesturing for her to lead the way whenever she was ready, he joked, "If you want, you could jog circles around me while I walk; show off how physically superior you are to all our fans." [break][break] He laughed, light and airy, theatrically gesturing to the park around them, their "adoring fans" a few uninterested park-goers and a family of ducks making their way from one shallow pond to the next.
It wouldn't be a stretch to assume that Hikaru's favorite time of day was when he was able to go for his morning jogs. Tokyo had been his home all his life, the city's vibrancy and life a large part of why he joined the police force in the first place; his loyalty to the citizens the ultimate reason he left. His mother had always gone for jogs, that beautiful blonde with the cherubic smile and the rough accent; moving through those familiar streets, breathing that familiar air... it was like returning to the company of that adored woman. [break][break] Unfortunately, Hikaru had been a bit worse for wear the past few days, some scrap in a back alley with a few Tsumaru thugs leading to a few good days locked up in his apartment recovering. He still had a plethora of scrapes and bruises to show, but he was at least able to stand and move around now. He moved perhaps a little slower than normal, wincing every now and then as he jogged towards that familiar expanse of greenery, but he was determined to return to that beloved routine. [break][break] It helped knowing he had someone waiting for him. [break][break] He didn't know her name, hardly knew anything more than her running schedule and where she liked to get coffee, but there was a certain exhilarated, warm feeling that washed over him as he spotted that familiar head of emerald. The feeling only intensified as she turned towards him, small smile and wave a welcome distraction from the ache of his wounds. Amazing, how familiarity can breed affection. [break][break] "Welcome back." [break][break] "Happy to be back," he returned, bright grin greeting her advance. He ran a hand through his bangs, pinning them back with a few clips from the waistline of his shorts. Popping a few into his mouth as he worked, speaking around them a bit difficult as he continued to grin, he added, "Did I miss anything exciting? Major drug bust along the trail? Dead body in the bushes? Miss Goyza lose track of her seventeen dogs again?" [break][break] He chuckled, light and airy, the sound interrupted by a quiet curse as he dropped the last of the clips. One hand still in his hair, he reached down to snatch up the lost thing from the concrete, a wince, clear as day, crossing his features for a brief moment before he popped back up to his full height. He finished the pin job, righted a little wrinkle in the hem of his t-shirt, and flashed a warm smile at his companion. [break][break] "Stretched before leaving, so I'm good to go when you are!" He paused, brows furrowing in a brief contemplation before adding, perhaps a bit sheepishly, "I uh... may be a bit slower than usual. Still recovering just a bit. But I'll be able to keep up no worries."
