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Post by WR Harthe on Dec 7, 2020 18:26:32 GMT
Where most people would probably flinch at the sheer power of Leon's punch, WR just stood in awe, watching the bag as it flew across the room. They wasted no time in turning back to him and answering his question.
"If you think I'm gonna run away because some dipfuck cultists are threatening to change everything I know, then you're dead fucking wrong my friend."
They'd turn toward another punching bag, mimicking Leon's blow to only a small fraction of the force, with twice the anger. "I'm nobody's puppet, so if they're gonna infect me with some superhuman virus, then I'm gonna embrace it and beat the fuck out of them with it."
After a lifetime of training, of course.
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Post by Leon on Dec 7, 2020 18:37:33 GMT
Leon would watch how WR reacted and seemed to take action. They had passion that was for sure, but the reality of the situation was something else entirely.
"Well you have the fire if that is what you are aiming for."
Leon would then sigh as he looked at WR.
"You don't have the skill or ability to stand up to them... Yet."
He'd walk over and grab his jacket and WR's to hand it over to them.
"When you decide you need the skill to face your opponent head on and destroy them, I'll be waiting... For now I just hope you understand your limitations and are able to stay alive."
He'd leave the gym and head for the car once more.
"Next stop is a soapland in Old Town that owes rent."
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Post by WR Harthe on Dec 7, 2020 18:44:48 GMT
WR just shrugged as they put their jacket back on. "I understand my limitations. Why do you think I write about the danger instead of running at it head on? I've got plenty to learn before I can use my 'fire', for lack of a better word." They'd open Leon's door and wait for him to get in before sitting down themself. "I'm angry, not reckless." They'd add with a lighthearted chuckle.
Ignition? Check. Mysterious boss man? Check. Destination? Check.
WR would rev the engine a few times before driving off, picking up more speed than they did before. Old Town was one place they knew inside and out, so it was kind of exciting to take him there.
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Post by Leon on Dec 7, 2020 19:00:01 GMT
"Noted."
Leon would say acknowledging that they were angry, but not reckless. It wouldn't take long honestly before they arrived at the building that displayed its self to be a spa. It had neon lights, signs, and people out front to greet and give out flyers for people. Though it hid a secret business, it was a soapland.
The signal was the pink and red lights and the fact that they only accepted male customers. As the vehicle pulled up a small entourage would come out to greet Leon with a small envelop.
"Chairman, thank you for visiting us today!"
The lady who seemed to be the owner would bow and hand over the envelop to the window where Leon sat. Leon would take it and nod.
"Well, you did report an issue. You are under my protection so I took the matter rather serious, so whats wrong?"
The lady would bow again.
"Pink Street has started to send people to our business with fake coupons. It usually wouldn't be much of an issue, but they appear to only be sending disrespectful customers. It's hurting business."
Leon would rub his chin, Pink Street was a rival soapland... They probably thought sabotage would be the best move for them.
"I'll handle it, please rest easy."
Leon would get on the phone and call someone.
"We have issues in Old Town... Pink Street is costing money... Right, I leave it to you."
After the conversation he'd nod at WR through the rear view mirror.
"Let's park near Pink Street."
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Post by WR Harthe on Dec 7, 2020 19:04:14 GMT
WR just sat patiently, their ears twitching as they absorbed the conversation around them. It probably wasn't much of their business, but what the hell else were they supposed to do?
Finally, Leon got off the phone, and WR looked at him through the rearview mirror when he gave them more directions.
"Right." They'd say, driving across the way toward Pink Street. It would only take them a moment to find a place to park.
"What now?" They'd raise a brow.
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Post by Leon on Dec 7, 2020 21:06:47 GMT
"We wait."
Leon would say watching out his window. It'd be about eleven minutes before two cars rolled in and a bunch of suits stepped out forcing their way into the building. After about ten minutes they would begin leaving and the apparent owners would be following after on their hands and knees. Finally one of the suits would whip out a cell phone and hold it to his ear.
Leon's phone would ring and he would answer.
"Yes I saw. Good job. Take everyone out for something nice to eat. They have learned their lesson."
He'd hang up and nod to WR.
"Back to Lightning Tower. I have a lot of paperwork to finish up today. Ugh."
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Post by WR Harthe on Dec 7, 2020 21:17:02 GMT
WR would raise a brow in confusion, but they would not argue. Instead they would stare out the window, pondering the things they could do to physically better themself. Once the vehicles pulled up to the building, WR would just watch, taking notes of what they could see through the windows. When the suits exited and Leon answered the phone, they would stare at him through the rearview with their head cocked, waiting for instruction.
So they were just there to oversee something that their comrades were already handling? Seemed like a waste of time, but they would not question it. Obviously Leon knew what he was doing. At word of direction, they would restart the ignition and begin the drive back to the Western district.
They would remain quiet until Leon spoke. They thought about their two stops today and couldn't help but feel like they had failed some sort of test. After all, the gym seemed completely targeted at them, and his charisma had sort of dropped afterwards. This left a sort of sour feeling in their heart.
They still had quite a bit before they made it back to the tower.
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Post by Leon on Dec 7, 2020 21:20:05 GMT
Leon would break the silence.
"Something on your mind?"
Leon wondered at what WR might be thinking at the things that happened today.
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Post by WR Harthe on Dec 7, 2020 21:25:29 GMT
For once WR would not shrug at his question, and instead would look him in the eyes through the mirror.
"Yeah, I'm puzzled. What the hell did we go to the gym for? Seemed like you had something planned until we talked about my plans. Not to mention your earlier question about my fears." They wanted to call him out for bullshit, but bit their tongue. It probably wasn't a good idea to curse out their boss.
"And the other stop seemed a bit redundant. It was hyped up as super important and then we did nothing and left." They'd add, flicking their eyes back toward the road.
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Post by Leon on Dec 7, 2020 21:44:11 GMT
Leon grinned and nodded.
"Oh? The stop at the Gym was to see where you stood physically and mentally to see if you could be pushed to realize your potential and be a force to be reckoned with. Your anger is dangerous, and while you are not reckless you seem too straight forward to deal with the things that need to be dealt with in this city. Which is fine, in my opinion I'd rather young people like you stay out of it and the old fools like me try to prevent the old days from returning."
He paused to reach into the cooler in the back seat and pull out a Dr. Pepper.
"Orochi, RIOT, Raijin, Nocturne, Cambion, and some psycho paramilitary organization. The last time things of this scale came to a head, I lost three close friends over night... Seven more over the course of the year... Then even in peace time a simple mistake and my son was killed. Working for me beyond the capacity of a driver would be too dangerous without commitment to the one truth of this world."
He would drink before speaking again.
"Conflict promotes growth. I don't mean mindlessly fighting, I mean facing problems. Arguments, disputes, a game of wits, a fight, a hunt, studying. Everything has the essence of conflict within it, and that is the key to growing more powerful. People like you have the potential to surpass even me with commitment to it. The Gym was to see what you were ready for, to see if you would be ready to experience a piece of the world that must be contained."
He'd think about it and scratch his chin a bit.
"Are you disappointed you weren't part of the action on our second stop?"
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Post by WR Harthe on Dec 7, 2020 21:54:56 GMT
WR sat in thought for a moment as they blankly stared at the road, listening. Leon was an infuriating individual sometimes, but he was wise, and that was one of the things they respected the most about him. Being told they were not ready for commitment was a hard pill to swallow for WR, but they did understand, even if it hurt their pride a bit.
But hearing they had potential to surpass the baddies of the city was a nice feat.
"Disappointed? Nah." They shook their head, returning their gaze to him as they hit the highway. "I think observing and taking notes from a situation is just as important as the action part of it. I know where my flaws are, and while it hurts to admit I fully accept the fact that I'm not ready to take on certain challenges. I lack experience...and cause even, ya know? I'd just killed trying to compete with someone like you."
They'd dart their eyes for a second as they thought, then focus back on Leon.
"But at the same time I'm not completely oblivious to the world that will become, and I want to be prepared for it. I know what I want to do with my life, but being told I'm not ready is a punch in the fucking gut."
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Post by Leon on Dec 7, 2020 22:12:35 GMT
At least WR was willing to listen and deal with what Leon had told them.
"I will never lie to you and I expect the same treatment from you."
He'd take a drink from his can before burping and excusing his manners before continuing.
"While I can tell you aren't ready, the only one who can say you are ready is you. It's a decision you have to make, not a mentality, or a physical training exercise. It's a choice to walk forward no matter what, to reach out and Strike the obstacle."
Leon would grin reaching out with a fist before giving WR a thumbs up through the rear view mirror.
"When you make that decision, I'll be there to help."
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Post by WR Harthe on Dec 7, 2020 22:20:24 GMT
WR would smile at his words of encouragement, then turn back to face the road. This gave them a lot to think about, but they were definitely ready to take the path that allowed them to step forward and make that decision for themself. They would think on it for a moment while they pulled onto home stretch. The tower was just around the corner.
"I want to take that step, and I'm going to as soon as I feel ready." They'd pause, turning around to face him as they pulled in front of the building. "Which will be very soon. Hope you're ready." They'd scoff off their half joke as they got out of the car to open the door for Leon.
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Post by Leon on Dec 7, 2020 22:24:29 GMT
Leon would smile and nod as he got out of the car.
"I look forward to it."
He'd start to walk away before snapping his gloved finger and turning to look at WR.
"By the way, the car is your responsibility now. It's registered in your name as well as the insurance and such, so it's your car. Think of it as part of your uniform."
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Post by WR Harthe on Dec 7, 2020 22:26:28 GMT
Their ears would perk as they faced toward Leon again, shaking their head with a smile.
"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?" They'd roll their eyes, glancing at the car before turning back. "I'll take good care of it."
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