Tick-Tock!

Finishing the breakfast, Wilfred slid down the angled portion of the roof towards the edge where he sat with feet hanging over the edge. Looking to the left and then the right Wilfred couldn't see much throughout the streets other than the regular citizens of the town going about their daily lives and a rather good looking young lady with a cart of goods to sell.

Taking his time to look around and figure out who else if anyone was after the loot Wilfred spotted another person atop the roof of a bar opposite him. Smirking he leapt from the rooftop landing on his feet on the ground.

It seemed the others who would be attacking were either in hiding or still asleep. Motioning towards the rather attractive looking lady with the cart Wilfred searched his pockets for beli, the more he had the better things he could buy.




Genzo hadn't ever thought about what Annie might've looked like under the suit, but when she did remove it, he was already in place beneath the cart and only saw how her legs suddenly became much thinner and the suit drooped down below the edge of the cart before it was snatched back up again.

Shrugging Genzo tapped the bottom of the cart.

"C'mon Annie, it's time we make our move."

Moving out into the town's long stretch of high street he could feel the heat beginning to get to him with his fingers beginning to sweat and discomfort making itself known. But he wasn't about to give in.

Looking around he could see citizens of this town already going about their days this early in the morning and spotted a couple making their way towards the cart to make some purchases. Muttering quietly beneath the cart Genzo struggled to keep himself in place. Tapping back on the bottom of the cart he was trying to hint to Annie to move and stop selling the goods. They needed to have some to sell to the one with the loot aboard.

"Hi miss, what have you got?" a voice asked Annie. Looking towards the man's feet Genzo rolled his eyes. All he could see was a set of black militant looking boots.

Little did the trio who found themselves on the high street know however was that the carriage had already begun it's journey down the high street and was already in sight by the other bandits looking to get their hands on Genzo's precious loot.

Annie heard the tapping below the cart and was about to move away only to hear a voice ask what goods she had. She turned towards the source fully intending to say that the rest of the goods were spoken for only for her voice to die on her lips as she laid eyes on the figure.

Her heart pounded as her eyes traced the scars that covered this stranger and felt a dusting of a blush heat her cheeks slightly. Annie knew art, she could name any color in the spectrum but never...never in the darkness that was her life had she thought, that the human body could become such a beautiful canvas! The scars he had Annie would come to realize everyone was a one of a kind masterpiece. The chances each would he got would heal in such a way? He was truly living breathing art!

She snapped out of this thought her shock had only lasted a second at most before she reached back into the cart and pulled out a dark red apple about the size of her fist and offered it to him.

If he were to take it and offer money in return shed refuse it with a shake of her head "No Sweetie that's a freebie" She says with a wink. She giving him a wave before she started turning the cart around and made her way back up the road seeming to be looking for delivery addresses but way making her way to where the carriage was going to pass by ready to charm the marines once close enough. All she had to do was get him close enough to it, then she could actually have some fun!

As Wilfred stood before Annie and asked what they had she seemed mesmerised by his torso. A little confused as to why due to the horrible scaring scattered over his torso, Wilfred saw that she reached into the cart and removed an apple. It was pretty large too. Grinning at the sight of it Wilfred handed over a few coins. He didn't really have much but he hoped it'd be enough. This is when Annie's voice suddenly spoke up to which she mentioned it was a freebie.

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth Wilf slotted the coins back into his pocket happily. Still a little confused about Annie's gaze he nodded to her and took a bite from the apple very much so appreciating her kind offering to him.

"Okay, perfect. Thanks I'll take it."

Heading off into an alley near by as he chomped down on the apple Wilfred enjoyed each and every bite of it as he finished it off quickly Wilfred reached for his scalpels and begun spinning them between his fingers preparing himself for the assault on the carriage. It had made it's way a quarter way along the high street and thus far it seemed no one had made a move for it yet. Climbing to the rooftop Wilfred saw his chance. The carriage was only a few feet away from heading beneath a wire between two buildings opposite one another. He could use this wire to drop down on to the carriage.

Spotting the man on the opposite side of the rooftop once more and making eye contact with him Wilfred raised his hand giving him the finger. He didn't have much to else to say without giving away that he was in this to get the loot.

As for Genzo who hung from the bottom of the cart Annie pushed along he could see the carriage coming into view and feel his hands and limbs beginning to ache ever so slightly. Ignoring the pain to the best of his ability he gritted his teeth as best he could. The carriage begun to slow down as it closed the distance. One of the horses at the front with a soldier atop stopped firmly and reached for his rifle which was pointed at Annie.

"What is it you are after civilian?" the soldier spoke in an authoritative tone whilst the second horseman at the back did the same. Both with rifles pointed at Annie it was beginning to seem like things had gotten perhaps a little out of hand?

Feeling the cart had stopped Genzo took this to be his chance and quickly shifted his position from beneath the cart to under the carriage. Grinning as he did so he made sure to quickly make a small hand hold for himself to stop him from falling from under the carriage. Using one of his swords to quickly act as something to lie on he pinned it between two parts of the frame beneath the carriage. Now Annie could leave if she pleased, the sooner the carriage started making sounds again the better things would be.

However not all plans work out quite how people expect.

There was a loud bang heard echoing throughout the high street and blood which was seen to splattered which was sent in Annie's direction as the first horseman's body fell limp with to the ground no longer with a head. It seems the festivities had begun and someone else was already out to get their hands on the loot one way or another.

As the blood splattered over Annie she froze before slowly something happened, tears overflowed from her eyes, mixing with the blood turning them red before she let out a scream, loud and full of agony like none had ever heard. Pain shot through her brain in such powerful waves a normal person might pass out.

Hands pressed to her face she fell back falling from her seat on the cart to vanish from view into the back of the cart among the stock she had. If the other marine were to attempt to help her being the good boy scout he was, he would meet his end. The last sight he'd see would be the large bat that swung out to meet him turning his face into a crushed bloody mess. Annie would appear, fixing the bear head over her own before she jumped down from the cart, she had gotten back in her suit as quickly as she could once she had fallen out of view. THIS is why she hated being out of her suit!

Annie was mad now, she was in pain, blood covered her skin and clothes and now she had killed someone but no time to eat them she HATED wasting food! As used the carriage for cover her anger started to boil all the more as she didn't know where the attack had come from.

  "What kind of idiot sends two guards with loot like this down a street with such high buildings...that's crazy even for me." She muttered to herself before she rushed towards the front of the carriage. There was no way she could get to the rooftops if she was pinned here by an unseen sniper, and she couldn't leave her partner on his own, as much of an ass he was they had made a deal..So pissed that she was Annie decided if others wanted this stuff so bad they would have to work for it! Dashing forwards she jumped into the driver's seat of the carriage and pushed the body of the guard out of the way but using his body as a meat shield in case someone tried to shoot again. Before she grabbed the reins hand with a harsh snap sent the horses racing down the road.

Watching as gunfire opened up Wilfred shook his head indicating his disappointment at the gunmen on the opposite roof. He'd given himself away as well as the fact that this was where shit would begin to go down for the delivery and the various other outlaws waiting to get their hands on the loot. Realising it was now or never Wilfred stepped forward to feel something gripping his arm and pulling him back wards.

Turning to glance over his shoulder Wilfred could see a man larger than himself, almost double in height with a large thick set of muscles over his body. As he was pulled backwards Wilfred watched as a much smaller individual than himself past him quickly and slid down the wire like a zip line. The individual was a red headed looking sociopath with what appeared to be numerous devices on his back attached to his backpack. Seemed that others were getting involved and it would begin to prove a problem.

"I don't know who you guys think you are, but you've just made your first mistake."

Without a second thought Wilfred used his spare hand to reach for one of his scalpels. Plunging the blade into the lower part of the half giant's neck as he leapt upwards and towards the torso of the half giant Wilfred tilted the scalpel in the wound he created digging the scalpel in deeper. Using it as a lever he attempted to place the scalpel against the foe's collar bone.

Pulling down and forwards whilst tightly gripping the scalpels as much as he could Wilfred heard the sound of grunting and felt the spill of crimson which begun streaking down his arm. Landing back on his feet Wilfred watched as the half giant whose weight was far too much for Wilfred to handle came crashing over his shoulder. The momentum he'd created was enough to send the foe off balance and drag him over him.

Launching the giant into the wire it quickly tore itself free from the buildings and the half giant was sent crashing down to the ground below whilst his colleague was seen falling from the wire. Despite this though he would still have landed near the carriage. Shooting a glance towards the man on the rooftop opposite Wilfred reached for the second scalpel.




It seemed things had gone from bad to worse. As the second marine was met with Annie's club to the face and the carriage was quickly snatched up by Annie things had quickly escalated to much worse and Genzo could tell despite being beneath the carriage. Watching as the carriage started speeding off away from the one Annie had been pushing Genzo shook his head angrily.

He heard the sound of grunting followed by people cursing. Looking behind the carriage he could see that two people had fallen from somewhere. One being a half giant and the other being much much smaller with red hair. The next sound he could hear and he was certain Annie would hear next was the sound of gunfire. However this gunfire was in quick succession and very all aimed at Annie. nine shots were launched off with eagle eye precision in quick succession followed by another nine after a short moment to reload. However the second nine were aimed at the front left wheel.

"Turds!" the man with red hair called out. Before Genzo knew what was happening gunfire was tearing through the carriage from the back as well. He wasn't entirely certain as to why but figured it was something to do with the red haired man. Indeed it was as he had unleashed a hailstorm of lead.

Using his right foot Genzo begun trying to kick the bottom of the carriage in. With such difficulty he managed to create a small crack, but nothing that would aid him all to well.

"Annie just what the hell have you done?" Genzo muttered to himself as his plan had already gone to shit.

Annie cruses filled the air as shots were fired at her, feeling a few hit the bear suit's arm and legs that only by pure grace of...someone because she was sure it wasn't God, that the metal plating in them stopped the bullets but the pain still can causing her to cry out in pain just as the left wheel was shot making the whole carriage buckle. Annie wasn't sure what to do, she was being shot at from rooftops and now some ass was shotting at her from behind. It was looking bad like she might have to break the deal she had made as much as she hated doing so when she saw it. An Alleyway! It looked to be just the right size for the carriage too! So with a grunt, she tugged hard on the reins she held tightly to and sent the horses turning down the alley. The sides of the carriage scrapped against the walls making her flinch at the sound of the left wheel gave another buckle and groaned. They had gotten away from the bullets for now but with how that wheel sounded and how hard the horses were breathing she wasn't sure how much longer they'd be moving.

Watching as the carriage took a barrage of bullets from the red haired man who seemed to have some contraption fitted with automatic weaponry Wilfred gripped his scalpels tightly keeping his eyes fixed on the man opposite him on the rooftops. It seemed he was looking to get his hands on the loot without indulging in close combat. And that worked perfectly for Wilfred.

He had just fired off nine shots and seemed about to fire off another in Wilfred's general direction. Not ready to take any lead to the torso Wilfred sprinted along the rooftops parallel to the carriage making the marksman's aim a little more difficult with a moving target.

Seems it wasn't going to throw him off as he followed Wilfred easily with the barrel.

Drawing close to the edge of the rooftop Wilfred prepared himself to take a leap. Increasing the pressure in his legs Wilfred seconds later found himself propelled from the rooftop towards the middle of the street.

However one more additional detail came with it. A trail of blood spilling from his left shoulder.

Grunting as the lead bullet tore through his shoulder Wilfred shot the gun slinger a glance. He'd attempted to take his head but missed unable to figured out he was to jump. It stung like a bastard, but Wilfred wasn't about to let this small injury stop him.

Crashing down towards the carriage Wilfred watched as the carriage drew closer. It was when the carriage took an unexpected turn that Wilfred watched the ground come speeding towards him and smack him in the chest.

Hitting the ground hard Wilfred grunted in agony as he watched the carriage speed into an alley. It sounded like it was beginning to slow down though due to how narrow it was.

Fighting against the pain and possible broken rib of two Wilfred picked himself up quickly refusing to take another bullet to his body. Coughing a little holding his torso Wilfred heard the thunderous footsteps behind him and peeking over his shoulder caught sight of the half giant ready to take another swing at him.

"Really? You wanna try this now?"

It seemed that luck was on his side however as three gun shots echoed through the street and blood splattered towards Wilfred through the half giant's upper torso where bullets had found their home.

Grinning Wilfred took this chance to follow the carriage down the alleyway where it appeared to be coming to a halt.

"You'll be mine soon enough."



Continuously kicking through the bottom of the carriage Genzo found himself a big enough hole in the bottom of the carriage. Climbing up he felt a sudden shift in the direction of the carriage which threw him into the back of the carriage.

Grunting as he hit his back Genzo sighed. This little skirmish had proved to be a bit of a problem more so that he'd planned, but he wouldn't let this stop him. Spotting the crate fixed to the wall Genzo grinned.

It seemed it was time to claim his prize and get out of here. Stepping forward with one of his swords Genzo jammed the blade in the crate and started using it as a crow bar to lever the crate open. The sounds of wood shattering and splintering only pushed that grin to grow larger.

Soon the crate was cracked and what stood before him was the graded sword known as the Areta rōtasu | Ravaged Lotus. A katana with a silver blade with three thin pink stripes towards the bottom of the blade which were diagonal cutting across the blade from the front down towards the hilt. The top of the hilt sat a small circular protector with a gold trim around the outside and inside where it met the sword as for the colour of the actual protector between the gold bits was a dark red colour. The hilt itself was wrapped in leather the same dark red colour with a gold lotus imprint on the bottom of the hilt on either side.

This was said to be a potentially cursed blade which had brought ruin to the owner's life by taking everything he ever had in life from him.

Good thing Genzo had nothing in his life to lose.



As nice as it seemed things may have been going for Genzo inside the carriage Annie was having a much more difficult time with the carriage beginning to fall apart and the horses beginning to tire.

The alley unfortunately came to a point where the horses could continue but the carriage could not and due to the extensive damage the carriage had taken it was prone to breaking apart. The walls which closed in on the carriage tore the front left wheel which had already taken a battering off and the entire carriage jolted forwards dipping down due to lack of a support.

The two horses tore free from the carriage and started running from the violence and terror behind them. Sprinting out of sight and down the alleyway the horses where on their way to a better life free of such nightmarish sights and encounters.

But the carriage was now left in a ruin with many men after it's belongings. In pieces and now immovable it was just a barricade against whatever might come chasing after it.

And already there was one person coming for the carriage in the alleyway and he was armed with two small blades and blood dripping from his shoulder.

Annie had almost fallen off when the left wheel had fallen off the carriage, something that if she had would of no doubt been her demise as the carriage would have crushed her. She watched the horses continue on their way making her chuckle before she started climbing over the top as getting around the sides was out. As she jumped to the ground then her bat in one hand she couldn't but blink in surprise at the figure before her. She felt her heart pound faster felt the burning of her cheeks once again as behind her bears head her eyes took in his form, his scars and all that to her were the most wonderful masterpiece. With one paw she waved at him silently as she leaned on the carriage, her bat tapping twice against it as she silently told her partner inside to hurry up and move his ass.

After a moment's appreciation with the graded sword Genzo stood tall and proud within the carriage and slid the sheath on to his belt. This would be one of the swords he'd carry with him throughout the ages. Reaching for a cigarette and sliding it between his lips Genzo quickly lit the tip which is when he heard the sound of footsteps above.

Something was clearly going on and after the raucous sounds of destruction from outside and the vibrations which had echoed throughout he was certain the carriage was now useless.

The next sound which triggered him was the sounds of horses fading. Now it was just him, a trashed carriage, Annie & his beautiful beautiful masterfully crafted new sword.

Inhaling Genzo felt the smoke fill his lungs and a sense of joy rise within him. It was time he showed these amateurs just what a trues swordsman could accomplish with such a blade.



The tapping on the carriage irritated Genzo interrupting his moment with the Ravaged Lotus.

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" he shouted in frustration to which he would then reveal himself in a blast of glory smashing his way through the back of the carriage with a swift shoulder barge. It wasn't as if much was still holding the carriage together anymore.

Arriving besides Annie with the new blade sheathed and the two other blades in hand he passed a glance towards Annie and then the gentleman making their way towards him.

Exhaling Genzo slid the cigarette to the side of his mouth.

"Good news Ann, the sword is mine and we can go our separate ways."

A real charmer of a man. Not a complete asshole at all.



Closing the gap between himself and the carriage Wilfred watched as the thing fell to pieces. As much as he wanted to get his hands on the loot and some more beli a certain sign of concern fell over him. He was a pirate, but first and foremost he was a doctor and one who would treat the patients first.

Taking a quick glance behind himself he couldn't see anyone yet, but he could hear their footsteps and yelling. Sliding the scalpels back into their holsters he charged towards the carriage. He watched as a person in a pink bear suit ran over the carriage landing at the back of it with a large spiked club and another man appeared having barged his way out of the back armed with two swords.

Raising an eyebrow Wilfred quickly realised these two weren't injured at all. Aside from maybe some light bruising or a few cuts they were actually perfectly fine. Smirking at this he realised maybe he wouldn't need to be a doctor just yet.

Looking behind him once more Wilfred figured out a plan. But it would only work if they were quick.

"Oh thank goodness you two are alright!"

A little stunned and shocked by this Genzo was thrown off guard. He'd expected this new comer to be another crook out to get his beloved sword. Not someone concerned with his well being.

"I was worried you two would be injured from the crash."

"We're fine old man. Now leave us alone!"

"I would happily leave the two of you to it, but I saw that there is a large army of people coming your way and wanted to help you both."

"We're perfectly capable of dealing with them ourselves thank you!"

Motioning closer with each word Wilfred tried to play the card of concern but it was becoming harder with each second that passed and each foot step which drew closer.

"Oh I don't think you are." Wilfred replied reaching for his scalpels realising very quickly that his plan was failing. These two clearly didn't want his help.

"Take another step and you'll be my new blade's first victim!"

New blade? Was that really the loot? A nice shiny new sword?
A graded one maybe?

Feeling a little disappointed Wilfred lowered his guard. He was hoping for something a little more exciting like money or jewels something that would fetch a high price. But instead it was just a weapon nothing of which was any interest to him.

"Back up old man!"

"And here I was hoping for chests of money & jewels beyond my wildest dreams. Hahaha!" Wilfred started laughing. He wasn't bothered about pursuing this anymore if that's all it was.

Turning his back and heading back down the alley he was ready to take his leave.

Raising an eyebrow curiously at this lunatic's actions Genzo lowered the blades and looked at Annie with confusion.

"What the f-"

Turned out the midget however had found their way to the alley and the midget with red hair had a a score to settle with Wilfred and the owners of the new blade.

Rēru Rēru: Red Flag

A strong punch was launched into the face of Wilfred sending him shooting through the air more so than he would've liked. The force was incredible for someone so small and it felt as if his skull had nearly been shattered by the sheer force.

Finding himself speeding past Annie & Genzo from the force Wilfred hit the carriage landing in the main body of it where Genzo had burst free from.

"No body steals my shit!" said the little red haired man who placed his hands on to his belt which looked like a familiar jolly roger to Genzo.

Seconds later there was a hail of lead headed straight for them from the built in machine gun on his back in the disguise of a backpack.

Annie had turned back from Genzo shaking her head only narrowly dodge as Mr. Masterpiece was sent flying into the carriage flinching a bit at the sound of wood cracking. "You alright there Sweetie?" She asks before again she heard something whiz by her head and look back at the smaller man a beast like a growl, Annie hated bullets, one she found it much more satisfying to fight closer and two she found it a bit of a cowardly way to kill someone. Three she hated digging bullets out of the flesh just to have a meal. "I don't see your fucking name on it!" She shouted out form her cover.