Fur City[maturity optional]

[Ego]

Comic book style. No magic, sci-fi encouraged. No humans. Story never leaves city. Sex/language optional. Solomon thinks in bold, Simon doesn't.



They never should've took the headcage off. Solomon thought as he gnarled away at the brass bars.

An older institution, each standard cell was equipped with weaker materials. The 2x2 window was their only hope of freedom. Simon, who tried to repress every moment spent in the white hellhole, would have to cooperate with his nemesis.

Reason being, they were the same person.

Simon was a promising young jackal. Carreer in mind, he joined the military for college and soon found a lifestyle he fell in love with. Shaking off the social awkwardness of high school, he finally found friends, but wanted more. Being with accepting peers was the greatest feeling in the world, but when he should have stood with the crowd from church, he decided to explore.

Big mistake.

One night he met a girl. She promised him affection, he folded. With just one doubleshot(his first) the desires that accumulated during his life, though fought off valiantly, overpowered him. That night everything Simon wasn't, but was hiding, became one. Solomon.

Sol let out a cackle in his hoarse, raspy voice.

"Shut up!" Grunted Simon."They'll hear us."

Mouth full of metal shavings, The 6'2" black-backed jackal was hanging against the wall almost three feet off the floor. Having miraculously unbuckled the armstrap of his straightjacket, he was able to hold on, but not much longer.

One bar down. They haven't checked up on him in days, so escape might just be accomplished. As he hoisted himelf up to fill the new space he realized how famished he was.

"First thing I'ma do," promised Simon, "is eat a whole White Castle chain."
"Building, people, and all?" taunted Solomon.

Two hours later: two bars down. His mouth was past pain. Excruciating had passed at the same time his tongue blistered over. With just enough space to squeeze through, he contorted himself and spilled out the other side, falling two stories into a dumpster.

We're too lucky, how else would we be low enough, and a dumpster? he thought, too tired to speak.
Who the fuck cares?! Get outta here!

He ran as best as he could in the pounding rain, dead at night. Guards were yelling and shooting, but all he heard was muffled noise as he focused on a manhole, ripped the lid off, and jumped in. They were quick behind but didn't bother following when they noticed how fast the water was rushing by.

It echoed in the tubes as it carried him downtown. Fighting to stay afloat in the waste, he was able to grab onto a side walkway and pull himself on.

It won't be long, Simon bet as he spat out feces and caught his breath, until they follow us.
"AND WHAT IF THEY DO?" Solomon instantly growled.
"We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. I...had...my...life." Simon wheezed.
"Again with the same sob story. Get it through your head, it's mine now. Hehehehe."

He walked until he found a ladder. After climbing up and opening the lid, the sight would be of heaven. Bright lights that could not be more contrasting to the white padded rooms and gray stone cells, people everywhere, cars honking, tires sticking to the wet pavement. He didn't even notice the rain had stopped. People, PEOPLE. Foxes, frogs, scorpions, warthogs. LIFE.

He quickly ran into an alley after an old woman's scream shattered his euphoria. Still in the jacket, he tripped over the strap hanging from his right arm and landed on the floor. After the pain in his face subsided, he noticed an old switchblade behind a trashcan.

"Too lucky." Simon panted.
"Shut-up-and-take-it!" Sol retorted as he pushed Simon's body to stand. "This city isn't ready for us..." he stated with delight in his raspy tone.

An evil, toothy grin creeped across their face. Sol was about to have fun. Armed with just tooth, toenail, and blade, he began his insatiable quest for meyhem...

[Comedian]

The Comedian is a local bounty hunter who is looking for a good time in the right area of the city. He is egocentric, self centered, and only out for himself. He is good at what he does and the sad part is that he knows it. He is a brown and black Wolverine.

He sat atop a building waiting, the rain rapped lightly on his face. His mind was playing a tune he had memorized from listening to his ipod for so long. One song played over and over again.

"They say I'm cocky, and I said what, it ain't bragging mother fucker if you back it up."

He tapped the neck of his shotgun with his boot, his sights set on the being that just fell from the building. He considered shooting him or just letting him run for a bit. Good game was hard to find these days. No bounty meant no money, but fun was something The Comedian hadn't had in a long time.

He focused his scope on the head of the jackal and pulsed his middle finger on the trigger, but hesitated. He watched through the green vision as the furr talked to no one. No cell phone in hand, no blue tooth in ear, nothing.

"You are going to be a fun one."

Watching the furr talk aimlessly for a bit longer The Comedian holstered his shotgun and began running and jumping from building to building. He got just a bit in front of his prey and stopped just a bit above him as he picked up a blade.

(least now its almost a fair fight), Comedian pulled out a smaller handgun from his right holster and shot a warning shot next to the furr's foot. He sat glaring at his prey and spoke,

"Hello my dear, I am The Comedian, care to waltz?"

[Birdie]

Arishavin (Are - ree - sha - vin) is just your typical phoenix with large wings and jet black eyes. She's brainy, thick headed, and too curious for her own good some days.

Walking along the city streets this late at night made her worry that much more. She couldn't sleep and thought a walk might help her, You're seeing things everywhere you look. Get a hold of yourself chicka. Listening to the rain falling on her umbrella helped to drown out the thoughts in her head somewhat.

Stopping briefly to light a cigarette, a metalic scrapping noise caught her attention. Judging by the sound, deafened slightly by the rain and the buildings that surrounded her, and factoring in the wind ... she knew it wasn't that far from her, only a few blocks.

In a fearful haste that she had been found, Arishavin dropped the umbrella and took to the sky. A flash of lightning lit the rooftops up, causing her to panic when she saw someone else on the roofs, guns openly displayed on his person.

I knew it, they wouldn't let me leave quietly. I knew they were following. I knew it! I knew it! her panic thoughts kept buzzing around her head. Yet at second glance to this hunter, it was instantly obvious that he wasn't after her, but something below him in an alley.

He aimed a small gun and fired a shot. The ringing echo from the blast awoke something in her, no longer was she scared for her life, but scared for the life she knew nothing about. Anger seemed to stop the voice in her head telling her to run away fast, instantly fluffing up her body feathers through the soaked clothes she wore.

She could smell the air charging up. She would have to time this perfectly. BOOOOOOOOOOOOOM Thunder struck overhead. This was it, time to follow through with her plan or bail out like a coward. Arishavin balled her hands into fists, and took off towards the hunter like a bullet from his gun. Lightning struck again, hoping she was right and it would cause a blindspot right where she was. With her full force she was going to tackle the hunter, therefore knocking his gun away and the person below got away.

[Ego]

PLAAAKK. A gunshot took Solomon's smile with it as it passed their face and landed at their feet. Simon screamed and almost wet if he weren't dehydrated. He looked up only to see a looming figure with a giant wingspan glide over him. He didn't know who shot at him, but ran deeper into the alley. Aching, he stopped only when he ran into-literally-a lone cat who was obviously homeless.

"Hey man, WTF?" said the hobo as he stood back up.
"Help me, they're after me." Simon replied, not even apologizing.
Dipshit! Tell the world why dontcha? Like he knows anything!
"I can help ya, man. I got that good stuff." assured the alley cat.
"What? No. I don't want any drugs."
Sure ya do! Sol teased.
"I just need food. And water. And sleep." Simon pleaded.
"Haha, that's what they all say. And don't we all? Really, bro, check it out."

He pulled out a dirty syringe, looked up at Simon and grinned. But Simon wasn't there, and Solomon met the cat's twisted smile with his own. It'll give us energy., he reasoned.

"Give me that shiiiiiiitt." Sol growled.
"Hey man, you got any moolah?" inquired the bum as he pulled away.
"I don't repeat myself." snarled Sol.

Before the cat could run Solomon pounced on him. They wrestled, fought, stabbed each other with the syringe, until the cat sprayed it's content's into Simon's eyes.

"AAAAIIEEEEEE!" he screamed and covered his eyes as the cat punched and kicked poor Simon until he was in the fetal position.

As the dealer ran away Simon was able to open his eyes. All he could see was a red sillouette dashing away.

"No, NOOO!" he cried.

Red. Everywhere. Red lights. Red dumpsters. Red concrete. There were no colors to be seen. Just shades of red.

"I like it..." Solomon grunted.
"I'm still hungry." Simon whimpered.
"There's a chinese joint right over there, crybaby." He waved Simon's arm in the direction of the take shop.
"How, are, we, goin, in, this?" Si looked down at his straightjacket.
"I'll show you." Sol reassured.
"No, no, no!"

Solomon calmy hobbled across a street, ignoring honking cars. The sun was rising. Their first in years, unable to be enjoyed due to the newfound colorblindness.

"You like symbolism. This red dawn must mean a new era." Sol decided as he pulled the door open.

Strange looks from customers didn't deter him from approaching the counter.

"Yeah, gimme some food." he demanded.
"Who you tawk to like dat?" the clerk replied.
"Just. Give. Me. Something."
"You pay?"
"I take." He shrugged.
"Get out here til you get sum munny." The rabbit pointed to the door. "I call the cops if you start trouble. You weirdo."
"OK. I'm eating."

Sol jumped over the counter, pushed the rabbit aside as it hollered at him, and grabbed anything that looked edible. Hands still in the jacket's sleeves, he couldn't take much. Chefs ran after him with butcher knives as he busted out the back door. The sun had almost finished rising.

We need a place to hide.

As a sign from Heaven, with the sun even shining behind it, was the elevated train line.

"YES!"

He ran onto the sidewalk and up the stairs. Jumping over the turnstile, the token booth clerk just saw a white blur. He made it onto the train just in time before the doors slid closed. Finally, a seat to rest and eat. He decided they could relax now.

"Wha diju jus do?" Simon asked as Solomon shoved rice down their throat.
"Feej ur ath." Sol answered before swallowing a chicken wing whole.

They rode the train until it ran underground. Still remembering the whole system map, they openly discussed the routes and what tunnels they could hide in. This only drew more stares. At the first underground station, they got off and walked into the tunnel. The train passed by and they were on their way...

[Comedian]

Forgetting for the moment that his prey was gone, he was now concerned with this giant bird that had interrupted his fun.

"If you wanted to play you giant chicken you should have waited your turn."

The Comedian grabbed the bird around the head with his right arm and shot at the wings with his left. He could hear the music in his ears as they slowly lost altitude. The two almost hit a building, but he kicked at his assailant to turn her a bit.

He looked down and couldn't see his new playmate, if he wanted to pick up the trail again he would have to get rid of the bird.

"Sorry lady, but no touchy on the first date, you are invading my bubble."

He holstered his gun and reached up at an incoming balcony, he strained his arm a bit as they spun upwards. The Comedian continued to hold on as they spun, her flight now useless. He let go as they got to the right spot for him. With her head still in his grasp they did a complete 360 until her head made contact with the metal of the balcony.

"Thats gotta hurt."

He looked down at her pained body and then climbed up the balcony to the top of the building, they had only flew a little bit before they stopped. He ran towards the original spot, he had been in the city slums a lot and had a good knowledge of the area. He jumped down to the city floor when he found a body. It was laying in a pool of its own blood, but still gargling air.

"Where did he go kitty?"

"Help me..."

"I asked you a question."

"Hel,"

Before the cat could finish the Comedian had him up against the brick wall with gun held out and ready to fire. Only this time the Comedian thought torture would be fun. He pressed the nose of the gun into a very fresh and bleeding open wound, inch by inch he could hear the screams of the cat.

"Remember the question?"

"What? AHhHH!"

He pressed the gun a little farther into the wound.

"Where did the fucking chia pet go?"

"That way."

The Comedian looked towards an old Chinese place that he had spent a few times in. He knew the owners daughter very well, very well. He let the cat fall down to the ground. He began to walk towards the place.

"Help me please."

Without looking the Comedian shot the cat in the head, holstered his gun, and walked on.

[Birdie]

Well, this is what I get for sticking my beak where it doesn't belong she thought as the man grabbed her by head and shot her wings. The pain was intense. It took over very thought in her mind, she could feel them falling, and yet knew she couldn't do anything. Struggle all she could, it was all in vain.

Suddenly she felt the world being turned upside down, followed by a shift and harsh bash to her skull. The world went dark.

How long she was out, she couldn't say. Her body felt like it was lit on fire, every nerve singed back to life, every muscle involuntarily contracting and relaxing again and again. Seconds seems like weeks to her. Ever so slowly the twitching stopped, the pain eased, her mind cleared. **{not magical in any way, is natural ability of a phoenix}**

Ooohhhh, my ... body. she groaned to herself as she gently got up, feeling the cold dampness of the ground. After finally getting to her feet and creaking her neck a few times, Arishavin looked around. Time to inspect the goods, see whats broken

Everything was still in it's rightful place, clothes were tattered of course, but nothing OH MY STARS!! she cried as she look a look at her wings. It seemed that as her body healed, it had unknowingly took fur left by that creature for what civilized person would ever shoot at someone??!! Each one of her soft elegant wing feathers were tipped with black. Her right eye twitched on it's own accord in the rage she felt at that moment. There was nothing she could do, she would remember that prick for the rest of her life.

There was no sign of the hunter, save for the dead cat in the alley. Horrified, Arishavin fell to her knees, tears falling from her eyes. I failed. I tried to help this man but instead I only helped his death.

The thought haunted her as she trekked home. The image of the body was stained on her memory for life, much like the now black tipped flight feathers. So consumed by grief, she didn't even notice where she was walking, and roughly bumping into a young jackal. "I'm sorry sir. I wasn't paying attention," she said before looking down the road at the building where she was a resident.

[Ego]

After walking in the tunnel for quite awhile, they decided to sleep in a crevice under a small metal work stairway. About five hours later, they resumed walking until Solomon wanted to eat again.

"You already caused enough trouble, just for scraps." Simon warned.
"But I still got you somethin', dammit. This is why I hate being nice. I don't know why you like it. Ungrateful bitch."
"And who shot at us, anyway?" Si inquired.
"I don't know. I don't care. All I know is they're trying to kill us, just like everyone else. So just dodge'em." Sol snapped.
"What about the bird? I mean, is that why we're still alive? Somebody saved our life!"
"You worry too damn much," Sol decreed, "good thing I don't. At all."

They crawled up onto the next station's platform and took the regular exit out. Barely making their way out of the subway entrance, they ran into-again-a giant bird this time.

"GAGAGAGA" Solomon bitterly spat as his neck twitched violently. "Oh, look at you, all majestic and everything." he quickly taunted.
Why are we on the streets in the daytime?! Si frantically thought.
Shut up! This guy could be useful! his rival silently answered.

The bird, a pheonix, looked puzzled. It apologized, and Simon recognized it to be female.

"I'm sorry, ma'am." he returned.
No, we're not. Hey! I got an idea! Ask her to join us and form a gang against the shooter guy. She did save us before, right? Ask her! Sol interjected.
"Excuse me, but was that you who flew over us in the alley?" Simon complied.
"Us?" she quizzically replied.
"Uh, uh, thank you! Thank you so much! You saved our life!"

Simon fell at her feet. She began to cry as she described that someone died because of her, and she didn't feel like a hero at all. The only reason her tears stopped was her new curiousity.

"Um, did you you say 'our life'? There's only one of you." she politely asked.
"Wait. Who died?" countered Simon, now curious himself.
"An alley cat. I know he probably wasn't a good person, but I still never wanted it to happen. He was shot by some one, some kind of hunter I suppose."
Holy shit. A bounty hunter? thought Si. A bounty hunter is after me?! His face sank.
Which means he's hot on our trail, genius. confirmed Sol.
"Heeeeyy." Solomon growled as he stood Si's body up, trademark grin already blaring. "We-and I mean you and I-are gonna need more force. This guy, I mean, he's after us, right? We gotta stick together. Is that your place? Just down the road?" he bombarded her.
"Wait a minute. Who are you?"

She stepped back to look at his filthy fur, under an even dirtier straightjacket, of all things to wear.

"I'm..." I'm not going to like this. Sol dreaded. "I'm Simon."
"Why do you sound different from just a moment ago? And who said I'm taking you home?" she interrogated.
"Goddamn with the questions, lady." he gnashed. "It's not just gonna be us. Y'know, if we, we get some people together, we could fight this guy off." he tried to dodge her questions.
"First of all, you're going have to come clean about who you are and what's going on. And if you want to go anywhere I suggest you do it fast before someone around here calls the cops."

Solomon's rage was rising, and if their vision weren't already impaired, he'd be seing red. It was a shame they couldn't see her vibrant colors.

"Can, I just, stay, at your place, for a moment?" he requested.
"Are you going to be nice, and shower?" she bargained.
"Oh, please!" Simon finished for Solomon and dropped back to her feet.
"I'm Arishavin, by the way..."

[KuroCoon]

The sounds of shots and screams echo on the crusty streets and walls of this broken city. Pain and suffering are the namesake of its sin filled buildings, alleys and gutters. There isn't a single spot left stained, save for one.

Lights flickered faintly over head of a green weather beaten door, no windows display the insides but the sign next to it makes the establishment's reason for business very clear. The sign reads:

"In this establishment, there is to be NO fighting, NO bloodshed, and NO arrests.

All may call this place sanctuary, and are safe from harm and the laws outside these walls.

Welcome to..."
And a dim light shines through a small screen that casts an inky black lettering under the sign, spelling out "The Shadow's Haven" underneath the sign.

Any who opens the creaking doorway notices a long, unlit hallway that appears to end in a very dim red light that looked to be 50 to 100 feet deep within the corridor. The hallway is so dark the narrow walls give the illusion that it is a empty 100 x100 foot room.

Braving the length of hallway shows the light to be a video camera, and another door. Upon opening this portal you step into a very comfortably dark bar, lite only by flickering lights to simulate candles. There is not a patron yet insight, the center of the room appears to have a 360 degree stage. Off to the left, and a few steps down a completely black alley cat stands cleaning dishes, getting ready for a busy night of drunks and vagabonds looking for solace.
Aside from a chunk taken out of his right ear that looks to be a bullet hole, and an eye patch over the opposing eye, he seems to be wearing a very form fitting white dress shirt, and that is all that can be seen, the rest covered by the height of the bar. Behind the Cat is a door, a terminal, a painting, but not a bottle in sight. On his shirt is a pin with a strange mark on his collar of the shirt, and a name tag that says "Kiaro"

((never did forum RP before, hope i dont suck XD))

[Birdie]

"I'm Arishavin by the way ..." BAKA! Why did I give this guy my real name. I dont know him, he's wearing a straitjacket for creeps sake! Too late now."Follow me."

She led the way only a few short blocks from where the were. Her mind suddenly lit with ideas on this "Simon" person and who this hunter could be. Bipolar? Nah, different personalities and actions. One side seems sweet and almost naive, the other hyper aggressive and controlling. They didn't speak much as they walked, just a silent understanding.

They entered the building, three floors tall, two apartments on each side. The went down a short flight of stairs to the first floor, taking a quick left to her front door. Keys quickly in hand she unlocked the door and allowed this stranger into her home, her safe haven, her nest.

A simple one bedroom apartment, no TV but a futon for a couch. Several book shelves decorated the room, some filled with books, others with mementos. A bookworms house as it were. Her computer desk was against the back wall near the A/C, papers littered around the moniter. "Heh, you live here?" that snide voice said.\

"Well, if you prefer to go back out to the street be my guest," she said pointing to the still open door. She watched as his eyes shifted a bit, his shoulders slumped slightly.

"No, it's a nice place you have," Simon said. Aaaah, the one called Simon is the sub part of his conscience. Must remember that. she thought as she walked around the corner to her linen closet.

"Here," she said, tossing him a dark blue cotten towel. "Bathrooms on the right, and under the sink is fresh bar of soap since I dont think you want to walk around smelling like Cherry Blossoms. Clean up and I'll cook something up, you look like you haven't been eating right for sometime."

Simon nodded as he rounded the corner. Arishavin could hear the lock clicking on her bathroom door. *sighs* I can hear my brother now ... "Taking in another stray are you?" And what would you have done dear brother...wasn't it you who said you could change someones life with one kind act?

She quickly started boiling two pots of water. In one she threw in a package of frozen hot dogs, the other she threw in the noodle for some quick Mac & Cheese. As everything sat there cooking, she went into her room, touching the photo of her brother briefly. She rubbed her feathers lightly, annoyed still about her feathers now tipped black.

Opening her closet she dragged out a small cardboard box marked, "Zavier." A stray tear fell down her beak as she walked to the bathroom. The water was running so she rapped lightly on the door. "Hey, I found some ... old clothes. I'm not sure what will fit you or not, but its better than just walking around in that dirty jacket you have. I'm leaving them by the door for when you are finished."

Turning away before she could get a response, Arishavin returned to her cooking, her mind filled with questions about everything in the last 24 hours ... and if it had anything to do with "them."

[Comedian]

He walked into the Chinese joint, he could smell that the jackal had been here. The same scent that was on the dead cat in the alley was on the boy now. He would be a hell of a lot easier to track.

"Hey Bun, did someone not tip again?"

"Ferri vunni Comedian, des azzole com end ere n wrak mah sop, stole food, didn't eben pay. He ran out back."

The Comedian walked to the counter and sniffed the area of the broken glass and ruined rice. It was red with blood and black with dirt. He picked up a hand full of the rice and put it in a small bag around his belt. The scent of blood and sweat was strong.

He walked out the door and then around the bend and looked up as the Inner City Liner went by. The only fastest way to the other part of town. This kid was desperate to get away. This was going to be fun. He walked back into the joint and laid down a twenty on the counter.

"I'll find him, but first thing is first. I will need an order of General Tso's Caribou, two orders of Sweet and Sour Moose, two chop sticks, a two litter of voltage, and your daughter to go."

"Fine, fine. Bine, Comedian ere."

The Comedian walked out into the night with a bag of Golden Bun's in hand and Bun's daughter around the other. He would pick up the trail of his prey in the morning. No sense in rustling his fur over an empty stomach, plus the caring touch of Bine would make his strained arm feel just the more sweeter when he woke up in the morning and left.

He woke up that morning still partly clothed except for the waist down. He slowly stood as to not waken Bine. Rummaging around his apartment he found his clothes and began to rerobe. His guns back in their respective holsters. A shot gun on his back, two small handguns at his sides, a mini-revolver at his right boot, a combat knife in his left, a machete hidden behind his back, and a but load of other supplies that would make bat-man look like a member of the boy scouts.

"Leaving without saying goodbye Comedian?"

"Don't I always?"

"Will I get a goodbye kiss this time?"

"Do You want me to show you how the door knob works too? I have work to do damn it."

He left her cursing him and nearly ducked a shoe flying at his head. After exiting the room he made his way across the city back to the Inner Liner passing a strange bar with a very welcoming sign on the front.

"I wonder if I would be welcome."

He noted in his head to visit their latter for information, he walked up the steps to the platform and the train road off. He reached into his pocket and pulled out some of the rice, he sniffed around until he had a faint scent of the kid. He looked around the train and walked until he found where the kid was sitting. One of the best and dirtiest things about the Inner Liner was the lack of cleaning. The same blood and rice were right where the kid was sitting. He sat down and waited for a conductor to walk past. Biding his time The Comedian took out his ipod and began listening to gODHEAD.

[Ego]

"Thank you so much." Si gasped as he motioned to hug her.
"Uh, uh. Dirty boy. You're already leaving tracks."

Once inside her bathroom Sol felt too lazy to even stop by the sink. Immediately turning on the water, Simon had to convince him to take off the jacket. Hands now free, they grabbed the first bar of soap they saw and washed everything. Afterward the only piece of clothing they tried was a pair of baggy white painter's pants. Through their red vision, it was one of the only definite colors, other than black. This'll match. figured Solomon.

What are you thinking?
You of all people should know.

They stepped over to the table where the food had been left after cooking. Grabbing the bowl of Mac & Cheese with both hands, Si greedily hounded it down.

"Why did you put that back on?!" shouted Arishavin , referring to the now clean straightjacket. She had just returned from her room.
"It, defines me." quipped Sol.
"But I gave you clothes. Didn't anything fit?"
"Yeah. These pants...thanks."

He had to push that last word out. By now he was swallowing the hot dogs whole.

"What's that fruity smell? You makin' dessert?" berated Solomon.
"No, that's you. You didn't check the sink like I told you to." she sassed back.
“Aaaawwww, sshhhaaaatt.”

Their 2 ½ inch long fur reeked of cherry blossoms. Every square inch of it. The jacket was of no help either.

Great! Now that guy’s gonna find us even faster! Simon feared.
So?
“So anyway, uh-thanks for the food by the way-on the train, I saw a place called ‘The Shadow’s Haven’.” rushed Sol. “I don’t know what it is, but I like the word ‘haven’.”
“It’s a bar. Now can I ask some questions?” She was losing her temper.
“Sure, I just wanted to know what kind of place it was.”
“As you can tell by the name,” She knew where this was going. “it’s a place for strays at night. And we’re not going.”
“What? Come on. We gotta get a group going, ya know? I mean, he did something to you for helping me, didn’t he?”

Arishavin tenderly felt the spot on her head where it made contact with the balcony. It still hurt. The sun was going down now, which meant the bar would open.

“No. We’re staying out of trouble.” she resisted.
“Come oooonn.” he persisted. “I’ll bet you know the place well enough to hustle me in, rustle up a gang, and, hey!, that guy’s following me, right? If he’s there, we can both get him back.”
She gaped at him, beak open in shock. “You expect me to fall for that?! To just ‘go’ and kick this guy? And do I look like some ‘gang leader’ to you?” She waved around her apartment.
“Uh, yes?” Sol cheekily smiled. “Except for the gang leader thing.” he quickly followed.
“Uh, yeah! And what, am I an alcoholic now?”
“No, no, no.” Simon softly said, waving his arms in front of him as to fend off attack.

Then Sol pulled a fast one on her. Using Si’s voice,

“Look, I’m sorry for coming in here and being rude. I’m just looking for people who can have my back(a phrase Si doesn’t use).”

She debated it for a while.

“We go. But for 1 hour. And no drinks. I do know the owner, but that’s about it.”

He smiled and clapped giddily.

“Now you have to tell me what’s going on.”

On the trip over to the Haven, both Si and Sol recount their escape, locations reached, assaults, etc. in their own points of view. By the time the bar was in sight they were arguing, out loud, in front of Arishavin.

“What was that you were holding back at the apartment?” Simon asked. “Just curious.”
“Something of my brother.”
“I see.” He didn’t want to push her. He probably died.

Once through the front doors, she led him quickly down the dark hallway. He didn’t know what it contained, she didn’t care to remember. Beyond the second door, the bar quietly waited for them. Arishavin ignored as many of its inhabitants as she could and went straight to the counter. Si couldn’t take it in fast enough.

“What are you bringin’ me now? As if the usual crowd wasn’t weird enough.” nipped a black cat as he filled a mug.
“We need your help. You know a lot of these guys,” she gave a quick wave to the general area. “and I don’t know what they do, but I’m sure they can help him out.” pointing at Simon.
“I do have connections, Shavi, but I’m not the street rider I used to be. You’ve got to forget that part of me.”
“You know I don’t like it when you call me that. And there must be something you can do.” she pleaded.
“I can loosen you two up.” he joked.
“You mean liquor us up?”
“Okay, sorry. But I can get him somewhere safe.” he granted.
“Thanks, Kiaro.” as she hugged him over the bar. “I can always count on you.”
“I’ve got something you’ll like.”

He pressed a button and lights above the stage slowly illuminated to just brighter than the rest of the tavern. This revealed a microphone, karaoke machine, and two folding chairs.

“I love karaoke!” she exclaimed.
“And I love alcohol.” Solomon muttered.
“Well you’ve come to the right place.” assured Kiaro.
Hmm. If I let her have some fun, she probably won’t notice me have a shot or two. the evil ego schemed.
“Come.” Sol grabbed the tip of Arishavin’s wing. “We’re singing.”
“Really?” her excitement clearly audible. “Are you sure? If you don’t feel alright, I mean, you did get stabbed by that needle all those times.”
“And I also painfully lost my colored vision, but I’m never better.”
What are you doing?! You know I don’t sing! I can’t sing! I’m not getting on that stage.
You will if I want to. Hell, you’ll even dance. Try and stop me.
Dammit, Sol!
You know you wanna.

They made their way onto the stage and proceeded to sing Sonny & Cher’s I Got You, Babe. As this roused up some of the crowd, a familiar face just noticed what landed in his lap.

“You’ve got to be shitting me.”

The Comedian was sitting at the bar after a long and fruitless train ride. In and around his right hand were bottles of vodka and gin accompanied by shot glasses; while his left arm was in and around some young blonde’s shirt. A cigar took residence in the corner of his mouth, of course. Simon’s scent had died out in some far part of town, only to be replaced by cherry blossoms.

So someone took him in. Most likely a chick. And is that the damn bird that tried to kill me?

He looked around for what he could assume to be an accomplice. Suddenly his luck took a low blow. The television above was showing a news report about Simon.

“…police are looking for a mentally deranged jackal. Male, six feet, two inches, approximately 195 pounds, light brown fur with black back and tail. He escaped from the local psychiatric unit less than 24 hours ago. Responsible for the petty robbery of Huni Bun’s restaurant and believed to be involved in the killing of a homeless cat. Last reports claim he was unarmed but extremely dangerous. He was last seen wearing a straightjacket. Responds to the names ‘Simon’ or ‘Solomon’ Antoniro. Cash reward begins at $10,000…”

There was no point in listening any longer.

Shit. he pondered. If anyone in here gets word of this I’ll have competition. I could blow him away in here, and fight to bring his corpse in, or…

“Why so quiet, hun?” the blonde asked.
“I’m thinkin’. You should try it sometime.”
“I ain’t dumb!” she retorted.

Already blocking her out, he continued to reason.

I can draw him out with no force. He shouldn’t recognize me from that one moment. And I’ve got just the stuff. “Everybody likes booze.” he declared.
“Sure do!” piped his companion.

Solomon, now bored of singing , suggested Arishavin continued with Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody. She thought it was a great idea, then asked why he wouldn’t.

“Trust me. I will. I just want to check this place out.”

She sang on, keeping the attention of the bar. Solomon walked by the counter when The Comedian waved him over.

“Hey, buddy, want a drink?” he offered.
“No, I know-“ Si tried.
“We think alike.” Sol stated.
I sure hope not, freako. thought the wolverine. “Have a shot.”
“Damn. You’ve got the big guns. Gin and vodka? You’re not mixing those are you?”
“What, you’re not man enough?” challenged The Comedian.
“Fuck yeah.” Sol raised the glass to their face.
“No!” Simon refused and went to put the shot back on the counter.
“Wait a minute,” interrupted the bounty hunter. “Didn’t you just say you would? You backing out on me?”
“No, I just don’t think I should be here right now.”
“Quit being a pussy!” shouted the blonde.
“You gonna let a chick call you a pussy? You walked your ass over here.” The Comedian instigated.
“I’ll give you a kiss.” pushed the girl.

That was the deathblow. It was like déjà vu. He hadn’t felt the soft touch of a woman in years.

God, don’t let me regret this.
You’ve said that before. What good did it do you? ME.

Si pounded the death mix and was immediately passed another. When asked about the kiss, the blonde gave him a peck on the lips. He was played.

“I’ll give you a real kiss for this one.”

Sol didn’t need a reason. The fuel was already flowing through their vains, so he took the next without question. Within minutes Si felt the effects.

“Nooo. I’m gonna get stupid again.”
“Quit being such a bitch!” demanded The Comedian.
“It’s all his fault. Everything. It’s all his fault.” blamed Simon.
Good. He’s cracking. “Who’s fault?”
“Solomon. Heee’sssssssssssssss the reason I’m, I’m in trouble. He does the bad stuffff. I don’t wanna rob nobody. Or hurt.” Si admitted.
“Who’s Solomon?”
“The bad guy. He makes me do stuff.”
I’ll take that as a confession. Maybe I can bag that bird who helped him too. “Let’s blow this place. She wants to show you somethin’.” nodding to his girl.
“Okay, I gotta tell Shavi first.” Si instructed.
“What-“
“HEY SHAVI, I’M LEAVING WIT DIS GUY AN HIS GIRL AN-“ Solomon interrupted.

Arishavin looked over from the stage and felt her heart sink.

“SIMON, NO! IT’S HIM!”

Instantly The Comedian wrapped his massive right arm around the jackal’s neck and pointed one of his handguns to its temple.

“Make a move and the kid gets it.”

He stood up and began to drag Simon. Seizing the moment, Kiaro ran up behind them and smashed a bottle of whiskey on the hunter’s head.

Money well spent? wondered the cat.

The wolverine was a brickhouse. He didn’t fall, land on the counter, didn’t even budge. Instead he just stared openly into space. In that time, Solomon grabbed the gun, ran back to the stage and took a dominant stance.

“Do you know who I am?!”

The audience barely stirred. They’ve seen worse.

“I’M THE JACKAL, BITCH!”

With that he put the rear of the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger with his tongue, since his sleeves rendered his hands almost useless. People ducked, including Kiaro, behind his lead-lined counter. The bartender pressed another button, this time calling his bouncers. Fortunately, the bullet hit no one as it dug itself into the wall… right past The Comedian’s face.

“THAT…WAS…A CUBAANNN!” cried the wolverine over the smoldering stump protruding from his lips.

But that wasn’t it. Sol ran around and kept shooting. In circles. Taking random shots, if everyone didn’t clear out it would be because they needed some excitement.

“That’s it. No more Mr. Nice Guy.” quoted the Comedian as he pulled out his shotgun and followed Sol around the stage with his barrel. “But first, PLAY SOME REAL FUCKIN MUSIC!”

The jukebox in the corner sang nothing similar to what was on his iPod. With that stroke of genius, Arishavin noticed a rowdy bunch of Southerners taking up three tables. Swooping over to the jukebox, she typed in the most backwood, hick-style banjo solo that came to her mind.
PLLOOWW.
The bounty hunter already fired his first shot. Into some yokel who stood up right between him and Sol. The last thing it did was smash a chair on one of their tablemates after screaming YEEEHAAWWW. It was an all-out barfight. The Southerners fought each other then fought the yuppies who fought the bikers who fought the bankers who fought the hippies who fought the soldiers, etc. etc. Kiaro’s bouncers arrive.

“GET THAT LUNATIC OUTA HERE!” he pointed at the stage.

Three six foot-something penguins wearing all black ambush Arishavin and-at the time-Solomon. They tie her wings behind her back and strap Sol’s sleeves together. He dropped the gun from his mouth. Both are gagged, blindfolded, and rushed out amongst the ruckus. They were taken out the door behind the counter and thrown into an all-black older model van. It was having trouble starting up. One of the penguins stood behind. The other two drove and guarded their captives to a location only Kiaro knew. He would meet them there later. Back in the bar…
PLLLAAKKAA
Brandishing his own shotgun, Kiaro silenced the commotion that was his bar. He had enough, and the place was trashed.

“OUT. EVERYONE. OUT!”
“Let me ask you a question.” mumbled The Comedian to Kiaro as he lit another cigar-a Dominican this time-standing two feet away from the last bouncer. “What kinda bar runs outa alcohol?” he waved a broken liquor bottle. “ Ever?”
“Apparently any one you step into. Now leave.”

The wolverine fired a shotgun round into the ceiling to spite the bartender, grabbed a keg in one arm, a girl in the other, and left through the front entrance after retrieving his handgun. Once outside he noticed the van screeching around the corner and off into the night. He didn’t need x-ray vision to know what was inside.

I still got ya, punk. he smiled as he memorized the license plate number. 2XJ19L7.

The cigar went out. Considering what was more important, he dropped the girl to relight it. As the van could barely be seen anymore, he summed up the night in one sentence.

“Of all the days to leave my bike in the shop…”

[Birdie]

Why did I bother to sing?! I dont sing, I dont dance, and I certainly don't drink. This jackel is pushing too deep into who I am. He's got some nerve asking me about Zavier. When I get out of this ... I'm going to skin him. All I wanted to do was figure out if I could separate that wolverines gene strand from my own so I can go about my life, but NO! I got dragged to the bar, sang Sonny & Cher (a shiver went up her spine on that thought) and Whitney Houston?!. Arishavin thought as the ride lasted longer than she thought it would. Panic had been replaced by anger and rage, something she began to notice was happening more and more. She groaned softly, the most simple answer was the one she feared most. If I start drinking, cigar smoking, and have a love of guns I'll never forgive either of them.

Kiaro was going to cause her to molt the next time she saw him. He understood her need for secrecy and a quiet place to do what needed to be done. Kiaro didn't ask too many questions, and left what vague answers she gave him alone. Showing up to some strange and random bar in town just before close, Arishavin had just ducked in to hide. Dressed in nothing but a hospital gown, Kiaro took pity on her. She had asked for his help twice now, and a third time was not an option for her.

The talons on her hand grew longer and sharper, mini daggers tipped each of her fingers now. Swiftly she cut the ropes that tied her wrists and wings. Removing her blindfold she sat up in the back of the van, enjoying the shocked faces of the bouncers. She held out her hand towards one, who snorted briefly before handing her a cell phone.

"Now look, that bastard took a keg outta here after you were taken. Shavi I think I know what's going on here and let me just ..." Kiaro started ranting.

"I'll pay for the keg. It wasn't like this was meant to happen. And for once I don't even know what's going on here. This is just soo ..."

"Confusing for you. I know. You being so methodical, logical, and organized to the point of OCD, this scares you. But think of it this way: Didn't you all ready do this once? Alone and scared with no one to turn to and bounty hunters on your tail feathers?" Kiaro said.

Arishavin smiled briefly, over time she had began to trust Kiaro with small bits of info that wouldn't cause any harm or distress. "You're right. But this time I'm not alone, you're helping me and then i got this ... psycho." She looked at him, anger filling up inside her and the urge to kick him where he lay.

"Yeah, but he reminds you of Zavier. Which is why you're helping him. Not that it's a bad thing, but Zavier he's not. Save yourself a headache and when he's safe go back to your life. He's got a $10,000 bounty on him. You know, that may just pay for the damages and keg to my shop," Kiaro pondered.

"I know he's not Zavier, and I know you wouldn't turn him in either. If I had just ... ya know. Zavier would be here and not still there. You thinking redemption syndrome?" Don't talk to loud about Zavier or Solomn or Simon may start asking questions again .... BAKA! she scolded herself. She calmed down enough to say thank you to Kiaro before hanging up the phone and handing it back. She shrank her talons back to normal size, there was no need for them and Simon/Solomn didnt' need to know about them. Yet, or at all. I don't like where this path is leading me. she sighed.

Without much thought she untied his ropes, setting them both free as she wondered which one was in control of him. She leaned against the van wall, refusing to look at him for a minute while thoughts whirled around in her brain. Kiaro's men would take them somewhere safe, but after that they were on their own, and she needed at least three possible plans once the ride stopped.

[Comedian]

The scent of blood was dead, but that beautiful smelling aroma wasn't. He had picked up the trail of the blossoms when the original scent lead him to the birds house. It was easy to break into the door and loot around a bit. He left everything where it had been before except the amounts of cash he found, a few valuables, and what was left of the food.

The Comedian told the girl to scram and let his nose do the leading for him. He walked a few blocks until he came across a sports car with two Cranes in it. He could smell the new paint job. He pulled out his hand gun, loaded a new clip, and rapped it lightly on the window. It was so dark that the Crane thought that it was a flash light. He rolled down the window with a confused look on his face.

"Can I help you officer?"

"First thing is first, officer, I'm flattered, second, didn't anyone teach you that you never lower your window for a complete stranger?"

He pulled the trigger with ease and opened the door to let the body fall out. He looked over at the Crane's now shocked girl friend. She had tears in her eyes and was afraid to move.

"Ever been kidnapped before?"

She shook her head no.

"Then I promise not to kill you when you get the fuck out of my car."

She opened the door and began to run in the other direction, The Comedian thought on this for a second, pointed his gun in her direction and pulled the trigger again.

"Whoops, had my toes crossed, silly me."

The Comedian got into the car and shut the other door, throwing the keg in the backseat as he entered. He kept his window open and could still smell those blossoms. He drove off into the night not even getting out to pick up the bodies.

I support foreign labor, I litter.

"There we go."

He could see the van off into the distance. It was driving slowly as to not cause a disturbance, but disturbance was The Comedians mo. He got a little closer to the vehicle, pulled out his shot gun, and shot out the back right tire. The van squealed on its right back side with no more rubber to support it. The Comedian drove the car up to the right side of the van and made a circle motion with his arm.

"Pull over!"

The penguin in the front seat fumbled with a small handgun trying to get it to aim and fire, fire he did, but it only broke the window and hit the top of The Comedian's car.

"That is a new paint job asshole."

The Comedian cocked and aimed his shot gun. He lightly pulled the trigger and turned the penguin into a nugget. He decelerated on the gas, moved the car to the left of the van and accelerated.

"Pull over!"

The other penguin nodded. He slowed the van to a halt on the side of the road. The Comedian stopped beside the van. He aimed his shot gun one more time and pulled the trigger.

"Thank you."

He got out of the car and traveled around the front. He put two rounds into the engine of the van and walked around to the back. He half remembered there being three penguins. He positioned himself to the back of the metal monster, reloaded more rounds into his gun, aimed it at the window, and pulled the trigger again. Satisfied that there were only two, he shot at the lock and opened the doors.

"Looks like I was wrong."

A large blue and red mess fell out of the back of the van as he looked on at his bounties, covered in blood and shaken with terror. The one almost looked as if he was going to pee himself. The Comedian laughed and pulled out a green ball.

"Now children, as you will see in my hand is a live grenade. Any moves in the wrong direction and I will let the pin fly, we die. Now if the two of you will please exit the van and sit on the curb we can talk about the two of you being nice for ole Mr. The Comedian."

[Ego]

There was no time to think. The following would take action in the lapse of six seconds. Arishavin bolted upward, her beak nailing The Comedian square in the chest. As he fell backward, Simon jumped up, snatched the grenade and threw it into the van. It inflated as the blast escaped out the back, knocking him over and just singeing The Comedian's nose. Arishavin cut back around, dived, dug her talons into Simon's shoulders and jetted away over a phone pole, past a streetlight, and around the corner.

"GOD-DAMN-YOU, MOTHERFUCKERCOCKSUCKERBALLTUCKER..." The Comedian ranted, still on his back.

He jumped up and ran back to the stolen car, hitting the gas. They were nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, Arishaven was scouring the area below her for a good place to land after flying for so many blocks. Ignoring Simon's howls of pain, she decided on an abandoned warehouse. Upon descending onto the roof she immediately dragged him down the stairs.

"I've had enough! You think you can just drag me into anything? Look at us. There's blood, everywhere. I just watched the people who tried to help us die. Doesn't this bother you? Does it register Simon? or Solomon or whoever!"
"Of course it does!" Si retaliated. "Do you think I enjoy watching those bouncers, or that cowboy get blown away? Honestly, I'm sorry but it's not my fault. I wouldn't even be here if-"

Before he could finish they walked into a large, open area. The top floor was empty save for some couches and makeshift tables. More important were the unwelcome glares of nine roughly built warthogs, some armed to the tusks. Out of all the graffiti around, a large piece bearing 'STREET HOGS' explained it all.

"What tha fuk you think you doin her?" mouthed one.
"This ain't gonna be good." Sol noticed.
"Shut. Up." Arishavin growled.

[Comedian]

The Comedian could still smell the blossoms in the air so he turned the car every which way he could to get the smell stronger.

"Who the in the hell do they think they are? Haven't they heard of The Comedian? I am a fucking legend in this city."

He continued to drive until the smell got so strong that the car smelled like a Rat Whore House. The Comedian parked the car in a lone alley and walked to the front of a large warehouse. He knew the area was owned by the Street Hogs. He had done some work for them in the past, but ever since he boned the leaders sister they haven't really been on good terms.

He shimmied up a ladder at the side of the warehouse until he got to the top. There was a few guards at the top, two to be exact. He used his boot knife to take out one guard and ran towards the other. This one attempted to yell something, but The Comedian drop kicked him. The guards tusk broken now, he got up to try and yell again, but The Comedian grabbed his tongue with his free hand.

"I like you, I want to remember this moment."

The Comedian ripped the hogs tongue out and then drove his machete into the hogs chest. Knowing that he was alone now he retrieved his blades, pick pocketed the wallets from them and entered the door to the lower parts of the building. He glided down the steps slowly. Noticing another guard, The Comedian waited for him to turn around before he guillotined him with some wire. Letting the guard slowly go down he looked from the balcony at the two fuckers who almost blew him up. The hogs were surrounding them.

"Hey, I know this kid, I saw him on tv. A ten thousand dollar bounty on his head."

The two barely spoke as the hogs surrounded them with various lead pipes, chains, and small arms fire.

Fuck that shit, no one else is going to get my bounty.

The Comedian pulled out his shot gun from his back holster, attached a scope to the middle and began to clean house. He shot the leader of the hogs in the middle of the skull, his brains on the one beside him. The two in the middle looked up in his direction as he saluted them. He shot the next pig that was about to hit Simon/Solomon with a chain. The bird launched herself at another that was trying to flank her from the left, much like how she tackled The Comedian. He shot one more that Simon/Solomon was trying to attack.

"Make your way up here kiddies!"

"How can we trust you?" the bird yelled.

"Like you have a fucking choice!"

The bird looked at Simon and with ease she picked him up and flew to The Comedians position.

"Well that was easy."

The Comedian shot another that had climbed up the ladder, that one knocked the others down too. They moved up to the roof and was standing at the top, he could hear the pigs getting closer to the door.

"Lets go jump."

"I'm not fucking jumping you loon," Simon yelled.

"Don't be a pussy."

With that the Comedian pushed Simon and jumped himself. They landed in a dumpster right next to each other.

"That wasn't so bad."

The bird jumped, but glided down.

"Show off," Solomon said.

"Thank you," she replied.

The Comedian did get a good look up her skirt when she glided down, she wasn't half bad.

"Okay kids in the car."

"Fuck you," said the bird.

"Fine Big Bird, i'll let them have at you."

A few shots pinged down from the top of them, the two ducked down, but the Comedian just stood there.

"Follow me."

[Ego]

That building was an army base for all they knew. Thirteen floors of hogs everywhere. Their only resort was blasting and bopping their way down just the alley back to The Comedian's stolen convertible. Just as the three were close enough to unlock it with the sensor key, a small missile plummeted into the hood.

"Ha ha ha! Take that mutha-fucka!" yelled a pig from a window.
"FUCK! My keg was in there!" The Comedian grieved.
"Who cares?! Where are we going?" shrieked Arishaven.
"I love public transit." vowed Simon as a city bus turned around the corner just yards away.
"Follow me!" the pheonix ordered as she grabbed The Comedian's shotgun with her feet and took off in flight.

Holding it with one foot and firing with the other, she cleared a path for the wolverine and jackal. As the bus rolled up Simon jumped in front of it while The Comedian Busted through the front door when it stopped.

"Get out." he told the driver.
"What are ya doin'?" the old toad yelled as he was throw down the steps.

Simon jumped in and Arishaven secured her talons into the roof now holding the gun with her wings.

"Let's go a'plowin!" squealed the current driver with glee.

He literally mowed down about fifty hogs, most of them shooting and cursing. Some were hanging onto the sides, breaking windows and threatening the already scared riders. Simon let Sol take over and brutally fight a gang member that made its way onto the moving mass. Anything else in the way was taken care of by thier new shooter.

With their own cars, some of the pigs gave chase and successfully ran The Comedian into a support beam of another elevated station. Cut up but not broken, he jumped out the mangled bus to pick up his gun while Arishaven took Sol and flew up to an oncoming train.

"These fuckers don't know when to quit." panted The Comedian, jumping up the steps with his weapon drawn.

The train waited long enough for him and the last batch of warthogs to pile on board.

"You pussies want me? Then fight with your hands." he dared them.

The cars started moving and threw some of them off balance, giving an advantage. As he duked it out with two, the other four climbed onto the roof to meet Arishaven and Solomon. Moving through the city at 40 mph and 50 feet above ground, all that was relaxing was the breeze. The middle of a ten-car train provided plenty of room to move about.

"Take two!" Sol hollered to his partner as he planted his foot into one's chest.
"Comin' your way!" she returned with tossing another pig at him.

CRASH.
The Comedian threw another out a window from below. Back on top the two fended off their assailants not too badly. Arishaven had learned some moves from Kiaro in his younger days. Solomon practiced in his cell whenever he wasn't restrained. Thier relief came when a low-lying bridge approached.

"Bridge!" warned the jackal.

She jumped and glided over it while Sol ducked to dodge a punch. The concrete structure was unforgiving. All four gangbangers were wiped off of the car.

"WTF. You had a party without me?" asked The Comedian who just joined them.

For once, they all shared a laugh.

"What about that last one downstairs?" Arishaven asked thier new company.
"The riders kept talking about 'cruel and unusual brutality' the whole time I was whacking him. It was annoying."

They were jolted to a stop when the train arrived at its terminal. The lights from a gigantic ferris wheel brought tears to Simon's eyes and he was instantly on his knees.

"Get up. It's just Culver Island." commanded the bird.
"Just Culver Island? This was my childhood."

An expansive amusement park sat on the waterfront as it did for 80+ years. Simon immediately jumped down onto the platform and made his way down the station.

"Sol, wait!" screamed the pheonix as she chased him.
"I'm not Sol!" he corrected.
"I don't care who you are, you're a pile o'money! Now get'cher ass back here!" ordered The Comedian.

Si leaped, weaved and slipped through the heavy crowds of natives and tourists, something else he was good at. It was still night and the park was alive. He reached the mile long boardwalk to enjoy the ocean, then the hot dog, burger, and pizza shops. He couldn't even hear the noise of all the rides by the time he was running past the candy shops, taking it all in and ignoring more stares.

Where'd he go? wondered Arishaven as she circled above the rides.

Meanwhile, The Comedian was having a hard time sniffing down Simon with the smell of pretzels, corn dogs, and funnel cakes in the air.

"Damn, I'm hungry." he muttered, pushing his way through the crowd. He hadn't eaten since his last train ride to the Haven.

All three separated, the pheonix and the wolverine returned to their original motives...

[Kiwi Tryst]

Kiwi is a panda-skunk mix with a sweet smile and a bad attitude. She's grey and white tall for a girl, but also thick.

"WHERE THE HELL IS THAT SELFISH ASS-HOLE" Kiwi Stomped around the unfamiliar City Looking for her "sometimes" partner known as "The Comedian". She walked through the back alleys looking for anything rowdy and exciting, he'd surely be there.
But she must've been in the wrong part of the city, because She heard police sirens in the far off distance and nothing more.
"He's not cuttin me outta my half this time, I swear if i gotta charge him for my purchases like last time I'll do it. who charges into an unfamiliar city and leaves their partner to find their own way???UGH!!!"
She Kicked a can into the fence far back in the alley and Climbed the nearest fire excape, carefull not to slip off of the rain drenched metal. 'At least up here i can find him faster' She hopped a few buildings untl she head a great mass of commotion and headed right for it.
She looked down in time to see two others separating from him and sat on the edge of the building chuckling as she watched a poor unsuspecting mugger try and sneak up on him. "This outta be good" she smiled and Jumped down to a lower balcony to watch....

[Comedian]

The Comedian stood next to a pit caribou stand ordering a large with fries. He had decided to take five from the bounty and eat while he could again. Simon said something about this being his childhood so he knew the kid wasn't going anywhere. He was handed his order and decided to take a seat on one of the benches around the carnival. Just as he was about to dig into the caribou he felt a knife poke him in the back of the neck.

"Give me your wallet."

With his mouth half open and drooling with caribou he turned to his assailant. The being was a coked out rat with a glassy gaze to him, why he almost fumbled the knife when The Comedian looked back to him. The clothes on him were dirty and he could tell that he was just looking for a path to his next fix.

"Can we continue this in like five minutes, I would like to finish my food here asshole."

"Stop the bullshit and give me all you got."

"Listen here bub, I'm going to give you a pass just this one time, because I love carnival food and I haven't been to one since I was a kid. If you keep fucking with me, I am going to make you eat that knife with your butt."

The rat just stood there and poked the Comedian again. He sighed, took a bite from his sandwich, sat the food down next to him, and stood up. He now felt the knife in his back. The Comedian was easily two feet taller than his assailant, he could also sense the now discouragement in the rat. The Comedian cracked his tensed up neck, grabbed the rats arm with his left arm, took the knife with his right hand, spun around, and jabbed the knife right up the rat's ass, blade first of course.

"Try and shit that one out."

The Rat ran off into the crowd crying and complaining. The Comedian sat back down to his food and resumed eating. He was about half down when he smelled a familiar odor coming from above him. His nose told him to wait for a few seconds. The being came down and was walking slowly behind him.

"Took you long enough sugar."

"How the hell did you... never mind, your the Comedian."

The Panda/skunk sat down beside him and tried to score a fry, he snapped his mouth at her hand so she pulled back quickly. She made a sad face, but he ignored her.

"Where have you been, I found a new bounty for us."

"O O OooO where is he?"

She began to jump up and down and do a sort of happy dance which include the wiggling of her tail, which also included her butt, she was good eye candy, which is probably why he hasn't turned he in yet for the bounty on her,

Another ten gs added to it and I will consider it.

"Sit down and stop waging your ass in my face and I will tell you."

"Yes Sir!"

She sat down with big eyes now staring at him. He threw her a fry, which she gobbled up very fast. He said fuck it to himself and handed her what was left. Taking another bite of his sandwich he mulled over telling her about it or just leading her away.

"His name is Solomon or Simon, I don't know, one of the two. He is a jackal with a bad attitude, you will see him walking around taking in the sites of this carnival like he is reliving his past. He smells like cherry blossoms, so its the same shit that you used to use. So have at it."

Looking up with fries in her mouth, "Have wut."

"Go get him, I have done this much waiting for him, I am tired and am going to sit here and listen to my ipod. You start looking and i will catch up."

"Fuck that you come help!"

He put his ear phones in and drowned her out, he closed his eyes and drifted into the music. He felt the vibrations of her get up and smelled her scent slowly drift away. Then he thought if he should mention the big bird that was with him.

"O Well."

[Birdie]

"SIMON!!" she called out as he darted between the carnival goers. Screw it, let him go. I have things that need to be done and ... OMG!! Arishavin facepawed softly shaking her head I forgot about the timers! If I dont get home soon the ENTIRE experiment will have to be redone.

Looking around briefly, she saw Comedian walking towards a caribou stand without even looking in her direction. Barbarians, she thought to herself. Always fighting or eating, no real brain power in them. Seeing that everyone was giving her a wide area, Must be the blood on my clothes, I'll have to burn them later., she cracked her neck before taking off and up into the night sky.

The air was crisp and cool up here above the hustle and noise of the streets. This was the best thing for her, to be able to think without distractions, without the world getting in the way. In the distance she say the red flashing light atop the radio tower near her home. Its going to take a while even at top speed. *she sighed softly* Might as well get this started.

With a final look below, she noticed a female sitting next to Comedian, and she saw Simon over by a candy shop, an innocent smile displayed on his face. Giggling to herself she turned toward the tower and headed home. Things seemed somewhat back to normal.

Alone she was up there. With no one but her own thoughts to keep her company, her mind wandered like it always did. There had been a definite change in her - fighting, guns, so much blood. It didn't bother her anymore. Gotta be the alien DNA, there's no other reason for it,she decided. Arishavin worried that she didn't have the resources in her tiny lab to have an experiment set up to isolate and hopefully remove the wolverine's DNA from her.

Her thoughts were scrambled and followed no path. From Comedian, to the experiment she was running, to Simon/Soloman, to Zavier, and back. Time seemed to slow down for her, but finally she landed on the roof of her building.

Hopping down to the ground, she took her keys to a dark door in the back by the fire escape. She locked the door behind her, not even bothering to turn on the hall light. Making her way down a small set of stairs leading to her lab. Now her mind could focus on something, and not run a muck. This made Arishavin smile brightly as she turned the handle and walked inside.

[Kiwi Tryst]

Kiwi Snickered as she sauntered away from the comedian. 'you just keep thinkin' I'll do all the work for half. I'm not as sweet as I look' she thought bitterly. 'I'm sure he'll turn me in once they up the bounty so I can't trust him long....' she cracked her knuckles and subconsciously ran her hands up her legs and counted her knives. 'once I find this guy and the rest of my work in this town I'll have to disappear for a while.

She thought back to how she'd met Comedian. He'd had to put her through the embarrassment of saving her from her own bounty when she was new at this. Boss T.Wittacker Had never minded hiring her as a wanted criminal, This string of the business is mostly under the table anyway. More than half her current bounties were from "private" investors.

She turned a corner and sniffed at the cool autumn air, focused distractedly on the past. She saw a jackal muttering to himself walking around the corner and licked her lips. 'he should be the only jackal around here for miles' She flicked open one of her M-techs and turned it in her palm, considered throwing it.....but She didn't. 'Bounty's usually bigger for gettin' em there alive anyway.'

She walked around the corner with her hands empty and smiled sweetly at the jackal, who seemed a bit too skittish to make friends off of a smile. She quickly changed to look around the unfamiliar area. "e-excuse me? are you from around here? I'm looking for someone" He looked her up and down with out saying anything for a moment, tho his lips were moving from time to time. "I'm Kiwi tryst" She offered.

"......Simon. I'm Simon" he said after a moment. Kiwi smiled and walked behind him, cuffing both his wrists and hitting him sharply in the back of the head with the handle of one of her biggest knives before he could react. "Yeah that's one of the Names I was lookin' for." With a bit of difficulty she picked up his limp body and started half dragging half pulled him in the direction of the van she brought to pile up the bodies.

'I gotta get back in shape...' She huffed. From the busier past of the street she saw another face she knew was worth money. A female bat Named Lacy Dupont, wanted for murder at the highest and grand theft auto at the lowest. she looked between the two sources of income for a moment and texted Comedian with her coordinates. He'd know what they meant. She bent to un cuff one of the Jackals hands and re cuffed it around a thick pipe. "you're not goin' a place. You better hope he's not still pissy when he gets here..." She trotted after Lacy a few paces behind and felt fingers around her arm.

"I recognize your face. you're worth a small fortune around here" Kiwi watched Lacy walk out of sight and wrenched her arm out of Whom evers grip she was in. She turned to look and saw an older woman, an otter to be precise. "Oh you gotta be shittin' me. Is this whole city full of nothing but bounty and hunters?" She took the woman's wrist and twisted it around a few times before flipping her on her back and sitting cross legged on the woman's torso. "Listen here sweetheart, I got ALOT of work to do and what amounts to having no partner, so, needless to say i'm in a foul mood. Your options are leave now, or die now, but either way, i'll be going momentarily.