Texas Hold 'Em (David/GM)

[Mitsuki Park]

OOC: ...just going to assume the bike got fixed; will make formal money transfer request upon completion of thread w/ Clyde. Annnd, umm, I might request Leon to GM this thread because it is making alliances outside of California, 'less he gives someone else the OK to. Thanks. :)

The power her baby (motorcycle) had for being electrically run made Suki feel like a proud mother. Heh. She and David had rendezvoused in Yuma, AZ and, once darkness hit, drove straight through the night toward Texas by following the Mexican border, maintaining a steady ~160mph pace. The trip itself to hit the Texan border would be a little over 600 miles, which would take more or less ~4-5 hours including stops, if they ever needed to. To get into the heart of Texas would probably take another day.

Her attire was nothing out of the ordinary; beneath the leather jacket was the kevlar suit, and beneath that was a simple white v-neck t-shirt. Black skinny jeans hugged her lower body while combat boots - that once belonged to a rather infamous god - graced her feet. Other accessories adorned her figure, but nothing unusual; things she always wore. The only thing different would be the black backpack that held a variety of useful..."instruments" Mitsuki thought might be of use on this trip.

She started to slow down her bike upon seeing a rundown, battered, "WELCOME TO TEXAS" sign. If Texas was filled with resistance as Dion had said, she would not be surprised if she and David were to run into potential trouble soon.

[David B.]

Davids own bike rumbled beneath him, the high pace of travel almost delighting the wonderful machine. The jet black exterior matching Kias, her gunmetal almost a cooler, harsher extract. Their bikes, despite running at such high speeds, seemed nearly silent, flying along without revealing their riders. His helmet, also black, had the letters "SD" in white on the back. He wore glasses over his eyes and spoke little, trailing behind Mitsuki enough that he could get to her in short order, or stop if she wrecked. Still, it had been a while since they left and neither had eaten- so he would speak calmly, and she would hear as though he would next to her. It shouldn't startle as they had discussed it before hand, but still he would begin to slow just in case.

"Lets grab a bite to eat before going further. There are some things I need to discuss with you."

David would follow her to where ever she led him, killing his bike as they pulled into a lot before following her inside. He would look around himself, the two of them having stopped at a bar and resteraunt. Still, with so few bars left, this was bound to attract unwanted sorts. He would follow Mitsuki to a table in the corner, a little shadowed, where nbody really was as they wanted to be at the bar, and because it was so late. David would clear his throat as the waitress left them menus before heading away to grab beer for other people. David spoke quietly, but loud enough for Mitsuki to hear.

"So... I'm not really one to drag things out and I don't wanna terrorize our meal with talk about it so i'll hop to the point. I'm assuming our trip won't be butterflys and rainbows and candycanes. And i'm... Assuming you brought me along for a reason... That reason probably being my strength, right?"

[Mitsuki Park]

OOC: GM, feel free to join in wheneva.

She heard his words loud and clear- she slowed her bike down even further, eyes scanning around for a potential place to stop. When a bar caught her attention, she would drive her cycle in that direction before pulling to a complete stop in a lot. She pulled down her gas mask and was a bit hesitant in leaving her bike out in the open, but because it was run on electricity and she hadn't charged it in a while- they probably wouldn't get very far.

Once inside the restaurant, Mitsuki did a quick scan of those in the room. Save for the one waitress, a bartender, and cook, there were four men lined up all having a drink; three girls sat around a table, chatting about, and a couple enjoying a quiet evening. But upon their arrival... Heads turned to look in their general direction, some openly frowning at the sight of new faces. If they were to assume the worst, they would probably think Mitsuki and David were in alliance with Barker.

She went to the corner table. Waitress handed them menus and left; she took off her backpack and set it beside her, eyes scanning over the food. She wasn't hungry- she was rarely ever, but she knew she should probably eat something for the sake of preserving energy.

"Mm..."

Her eyes kept looking at the menu as David spoke. A small frown would appear on her face- not because she disliked any of the options before her, but because she didn't want David to think she was merely using him for his strength.

She was using him for his company too, duh.

"There are many reasons- strength being one of them, but certainly not the most important."

Her eyes flickered up at David.

"Though, you do make a formidable body guard."

[David B.]

He smiled- he knew what she meant. He was glad she didn't just take him as a dude who could throw a punch. He would clasp his hands in front of him and take a deep breath.

"Thats...actually what I wanted to talk about. See, you are Delilahs rep. Not me. People may wonder why I'm along. So, we need to give them a reason. I think telling them i'm your bodygaurd, pledged to protect you if you should need it will be reason enough. And...i don't want to lie. I don't want them to think that we are the types to tell them what might be convenient. So, as cheesy as it is I want to offer you a...well, pledge. That being wherever you go from now until our mission calls us home, i'll guard you with my life."

If she stared, laughed or brushed it off, he would continue regardless.

"It's not something i've done before and I don't do it lightly. But I think, in the end you will be a key in the war and leading up to it. My time is winding down, but that doesn't mean I can't serve you in it. You'll lead everything, and I'll do as you say without question- as long as it doesn't put your life in danger."

He watched her, eyes waiting and expectant.

[Mitsuki Park]

A smile would twitch on her face as she sent him a, 'are you serious'-kind of a look.

Heh. But no, in all seriousness--

"You shouldn't be winding down."

Actually, he wasn't allowed to. She and David were the same age. There was no reason for him to start 'winding down' unless he was dying. That was her first comment upon David finishing his talk.

It was interesting because Mitsuki thought differently. If anything, David had the clear upper hand in both strength and tactile wisdom both on and off the field. Mitsuki, being short-sighted in that area, had right hand players that she sought to learn after because she was lacking. If anything, she was the expendable one, and he was far more precious. She should've been working as his body guard, except she wouldn't be able to because she'd probably only get in his way.

But...

"David, remember when I fell off the building as a means to measure trust?"

He should remember. She was pretty sure she had pissed him off that day with her obscene action, because if he hadn't caught her, then she would've suffered a considerable amount of damage.

"Everything from here on out puts us in danger. I trust you with my life- no doubt about it- but now I'll ask you to trust me with yours."

Jumping off a building as a dramatized version of a 'trust fall' wasn't what made Mitsuki trust him with her life. It was the consistency on his character that did.

"If there's ever a plan that the other doesn't know of, regardless of the situation or circumstance that it might entail, just follow through with it."

Meaning, if Mitsuki asked David to do something that would put her in immediate danger, to trust her enough with her own life and follow through. Although she didn't have much to live for, there still existed a reason why her heart was still beating. And, as difficult as it might be, she would at the very least try her best to do the same, trusting that David wouldn't make himself some sort of 'sacrificial lamb' because there was still so much to be done- and without his help, might not be accomplished.

"There is still so much work to be done. Death is not an option. So if you're going to guard me, do exactly that- but not with your life."

Guard her with death, or something.

[David B.]

David gave an almost sad smile, but didnt reply when she said he shouldn't be winding down. His smile would fade as she tried to lay out the circumstance of her words. He would think a moment to himself before nodding.

"I agree. But when a choice presents itself in which I can save your life, I will. That's my point- obviously, if I didn't know how something would turn out I wouldn't go with it. But when I can make the choice..."

He let it trail off there, taking a deep breath.

"I don't mean to make it sound like I won't give my opinion or try to stay alive. My words are really for effect and for you- to let you know of the stakes, and that I will always defer to your command. But Also that, from now on, I will play the part of your bodyguard, and will make sure others know it. I'll inspect your quarters before you sleep, i'll be at your side during meetings with these groups and i'll break someone in half if they touch you."

He chewed his lip a moment before continuing.

"We need to let them see that we take pride and care in you- enough to send extra protection- the political message it gives off is monumental. That we would send an Elder dragon to watch over you would show to them we take them seriously, and that they are important."

He grinned.

"After all, we both know you don't need a guard. They will know it too. It's all about the message."

[Mitsuki Park]

But that was her point. Regardless if he knew how something was going to turn out, to go with it- to have what little faith he might have in her, that in the end, if it was her life on the line to believe that she'd make it out just fine. She wouldn't purposefully place herself in danger unless there was a possibility of her finding a way out. Then there was the whole sacrificial lamb business, but it was way too early in the game for any of that sort to be happening.

"Can I get y'all something to drink?"

"Bottled water, please."

The waitress approached the two, pen and paper in hand. After Mitsuki gave her reply, she would wait for David's answer before taking her leave to get them their drinks. Mitsuki already knew what she wanted, but David hadn't even looked at the menu yet...unless he knew what he was going to eat...? But after the waitress left...

"The title of being 'Elder Dragon' would be void with these people..."

Or at least, it would be during first impressions- they probably wouldn't understand the weight of his title until after they've all gotten to know each other, whoever 'they' might entail.

This would be the most difficult aspect of the trip- the two had no connections within the rebel factions in Texas aside from each other. If Mitsuki placed herself in their shoes, she could definitely understand why they might be suspicious; Barker could pretty much do what he wanted, so what was stopping him from sending spies? Mitsuki was near 100% positive that she and David weren't probably the first to approach them with the reason of joining forces. The resistance in Chicago had already done so with neighboring states in the mid-west- other groups probably had the same idea.

PHS #259 was not the only school in the country that used corporal punishment as a means of keeping order. Some were more infamous than others, but that didn't mean individuals were allowed to undermine the strength of other schools. It could just mean that the pillar system was just that much stronger, which was...quite considerably a terrifying thought. The power of the Crows and Dragons and the Gods were nothing short of amazing- and Mitsuki was expecting similar levels of strength in Texas.

"But I do understand- the politics involved with having a body guard would enhance our chances at speaking with the directors involved in the movements here."

Rather than speaking with the grunts and making their way up, a show case of power - whether that be in a fight or just the mere revealing of one - might grant them access to the head honcho(s).

The waitress would return with their drinks.

"Y'all ready to order?"

[David B.]

David half-agreed with her.

"Same, please."

He would wait until the woman was gone before picking up.

"Ah, actually the 'We don't know you' bit MAY not be true- and I don't mean that in a self-gratifying way. But when I was an Elder for the gang, we had plenty of intel on faces in New York Chicago, Miami, Seattle. As resistance groups go, information travels fast, at least regarding key players or people of significant merit. There were some we had heard ghost whispers of, but never any names, as the people wanted to remain in the dark. Others we just hadn't gotten around to profiling, as might have been the case for you and your group. I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest if many have at least heard our names, and if not then the title. Still, you are right. We probably shouldn't count on it, just in case."

He would look up as the woman walked over again and asked if they were ready. He would nod before gesturing for Mitsuki to take first dibs.

OOC: Sorry it's a little short.

[Mr. Kaar]

Not but a few seconds later three guys and two girls would walk into the establishment and grab a seat, all wearing leather vests with a large yellow lightning bolt across the back. Two of the males wore some sort of rank insignia on their shoulders. One had a silver lightning bolt clip, the other a sapphire blue clip.

They sat quietly looking rather tired. All except one of the females. She seemed fresh and worried about the others. They shoo'd the waiter for now. Soon three males would wander in as well wearing a phoenix on the leather vests. A similar ranking system with the shoulder clips it would seem cause one wore a red flame. They pulled up chairs and joined the others. Talking in hush tones.


Mitsuki would be able to feel Qi.

[Mitsuki Park]

Mm, but that couldn't be- at least, not in Midwest, especially with the network of connections she had. She was a part of one of the larger rebellious factions within the city of Chicago and they had largely no information about anything from the west. Word fell through from the east merely because there weren't canyons and days worth of dangerous travel separating them. Had she even heard a slip of the word 'Dragon' and 'California' matched together, Mitsuki would've instantly known of the group simply because of the history it had even within school walls of #259.

And this newfound information on David's part may have upset her a bit, but showed nothing. If they had intel on such groups covered all over the States, then why weren't they doing anything about it? The logic of Californians (sweeping generalization) seriously confounded her. She understood why the 'higher ups' might not have been able to partake in this action because Barker's presence in California was significantly larger, but if they had the resources to 'profile' all these groups, then...?

Aside from Mitsuki not having heard of anything concerning the Dragons despite being in a well-developed resistance group herself is that she knew that there were people just as strong, if not stronger than those in California. They existed, but their whereabouts and identities were unknown... Either they went through great pains to conceal themselves to the general public, or words got lost in the wind.

But... Texas was closer to California than Chicago. So who knew?

"White toast with butter, please."

Bread and butter...probably something Mitsuki could eat forever. Not exactly 'filling' to the average person, but for some reason she really enjoyed the taste. Yum!

Her eyes flickered to the door as five people - a rather large group - walked in wearing the same jacket. While the waitress's attention was turned toward David, Mitsuki briefly closed her eyes before turning her gaze back to the new group of three that had just entered and joined the other five. Had her eyes been open, David would have seen her orbs flash a brilliant silver.

Lightning and fire- two very interesting combinations. The insignias clipped onto their shoulders also proved of some significance; as silver is generally seen as more precious than sapphire, she assumed that had to do something with the rank. The wave of Qi that washed over her made her just itch in desire to just copy someone. After the waitress would leave, she would keep her gaze on them, as if wanting them to notice her and David. If she made eye contact with anyone, she would hold their gaze for a brief moment before turning back to David. He probably sensed their presence as well, by now.

She took a sip of her water. She didn't want to start trouble...just interest. The two were new faces, after all.

[David B.]

David looked to the waitress, ordering a chicken ceasar salad and some onion rings, with a pink lemonade. The woman seemed to take it down without a problem, which told him volumes about the people here. No major food shortages, it seemed. He would then turn his eyes to Mitsuki, who was staring at the men across the room intently. David would look over at them as well, waiting for someone to notice. When Mitsuki looked away, so would he, and unlike her would not look back if there was a need.

However, if anyone did approach, they would find Davids eyes snap to them immediately, body tightening and coiling like a snake. He would act according to how they approached, but hopefully it would go smoothely.

[Mr. Kaar]

They would find success in the attempt to gain attention as one or two did glance over, still discussing among themselves, but the subject matter changing slightly. They would shortly get the food they ordered and be left alone. Though they had struck interest with the two gangs Mitsuki and David had just gotten themselves on the watch list.

[Mitsuki Park]

When the waitress returned with their food, Mitsuki would quietly ask-

"Sorry- my friend and I are new to the area. I was wondering if you could tell us what faction the people who just came in are affiliated with?"

Because those that had just walked in looked like regulars. Her question was deliberately specific. She hadn't asked for the general, 'who are those people'...but rather, she wanted to know what the big name gangs were before starting some more...research.

[David B.]

As the waitress brought their food, David deliberately removed his sword from his back, still in it's sheath, and placed it between his legs, handle up. He would smile at the woman and take their food, allowing Mitsuki to do the talking.

[Mr. Kaar]

The waitress turned and looked then looked back at them.

"Well the boys wearin the fire are part of a group calling themselves Wild Fire. The others are remnants from an older Gang that used to run this area... Their old leader showed up one day and started killing members or something like that. Either way there aren't many of them left and the leader fella went north."