Recap of old(Shugo)

[Orion]

OOC: You told me to make the thread... well here it is.

IC: Orion had decided that today he would go to Paladin territory today. See if there was anyone still running this area. If not... The Experiments had a new foothold. If so, then he could secure some peaceful relations early. That completely worked either way. So Orion went through the territory, his halberd on his shoulder, a backpack of gear with him. He was looking down at a map that was highlighted in various places. Let's see... their stronghold was right on this street, left down this alley.... Pause. Look up.

Gape.

"Seriously..."

Orion only knew one person who would have a mansion that opulent in the middle of a war zone. OR a mansion that opulent in California, period. Rolling the map up and stuffing it into his backpack he approached the door, and started banging on it.

"SHUGO! OPEN THE DAMN DOOR YOU LAZY BUM!"

[Date Masamune™]

The Paladin territory was unlike much of the rest of California. Shugo and the rest of the refugees had already begun cleaning the area out. Much of the rubble was stocked up together. The roads, while not properly repaired, were cleared and easier to walk in. Broken buildings looked like they were beginning to be repaired, and right in the center of it all was the fortress. A giant wall surrounded the Mansion and there was still an extension being built to the wall to enclose some of the new territory that Shugo's refugee camp had begun to enclose. A few minutes after the shouting Orion would be able to hear gears shifting behind the steel gate that he was pounding on.

"Hey there kiddo."

Shugo stood by the gate, beckoning for Orion to come in. It had been quite a while since Shugo had seen Orion and he wouldn't just force him to stay out there. If Orion followed behind Shugo and entered the enclosed space within the wall, the gates would close and lock behind him. Inside of the walls, there were a few different fields, some for vegetables, some for fruit, and an adequate amount of space for farm animals.

"So I know you didn't just come here to catch up."

[Orion]

"Aiya... such an elaborate door..."

Orion came in, staying in step just behind Shugo as the door closed. Shugo commented that he wasn't there just to catch up.

"Your right. I was wandering this area, seeing if the Paladins were as dead as rumors said. Judging by your presence, I would say it's not. Since that's the case, my mission changes from one of exploration to one of diplomacy. But before that..."

Orion would smile at Shugo, though Shugo was facing away from him.

"It would be nice to catch up with my old mentor. How have you been?"

[Date Masamune™]

"I've been... alive. How about you?"

Shugo's words seemed a bit ominous. It was true though. it was all the boy could do to keep himself and his people alive. It was getting harder and harder for them to grow their own food since the cold weather was starting to set in. They were starting to depend more on the supply drops they had been receiving.

Shugo was a bit skeptical about Orion's offer. Shugo knew that Orion was a good kid, but looked out for himself and whoever his gang was first. Shugo recalled at one point it was him that Orion pledged his allegiance to, but he knew that was no longer the case, so Shugo would stay wary of his attentions. Especially since he was obviously interested in the territory.

[Orion]

Orion shrugged.

"Well... I lost all memory of my time here when the school was still built. Beyond that... I found a new force to go to. The Paladins had broken up with Jaus's death and your reclusiveness; plus, many had disappeared. I couldn't fight Barker myself, and the factions that you know of... well, the Dragons I doubt would accept me, I've had past issues with Kiyoshi, and the Rogues... well, they're not a friendly bunch. So imagine my surprise when the Free Experiments contacted me. In a roundabout way. I saved one of them, and joined them. They gave me this weapon that I'm carrying now."

Here Orion shrugged his shoulder, to point out his weapon. It wasn't wrapped in cloth right now, so all of it was visible.

"And... that would be it. A few brawls with thugs, but those ended quickly. I've gotten a bit stronger, but not enough to fight at the same level as monsters such as you or Leon or Kiyoshi. Hence why I simply serve as a diplomat."

[Date Masamune™]

~The free experiments... heh... Well I guess I'll just have to see what they want.~

Shugo stayed as silent as he listened to Orion. Sounded like Orion had had a rough time here while Shugo had been in New York. The boy would fold his arms across his chest as he listened. One thing kept coming back, this talk of diplomacy. Shugo knew he was one of the smaller territories in the area with less man power than the others. When a larger territory went to a smaller territory on a mission of diplomacy, it was usually less of diplomacy and more of an order.

"Well then. What's this diplomatic meeting you wanted to have about in that case?"

[Orion]

Orion smiled at him.

"Put simply? The experiments are strong. We have about as much territory as you do, but we have more numbers. The issue is, the populace don't like us. Maybe because of their past with Barker, maybe because of the shadow organization in there; it doesn't matter. Point is, we need people to see that we can be trusted, can be relied upon in this battle."

Orion paused, considering.

"As well... if the people are to stand a chance against Barker, we need to be united. Crows, Dragons, Rogues, Experiments, Paladins... whatever. We must be united against Barker. Before he takes over the world on us and all that fun jazz."