All Eyes on--ME!? [Finished]

[Akira]

"Another, another, another!" chants echoed into the bar, failing to only drown among the crowd. Waitresses tended to the hollering pitches, moving their hips in perfect rhythm with the upbeat music. Whistles flew at such actions from drunken men whom sullenly were entertained by tight, leather, miniskirts. Said men who became grabby with each waitress passing. Such actions came to a sharp, pain wrecking, slap to the face. Next actions were the men sulking -- until the next girl came on by.

Conversations rivaled one another, covering a variety of topics. Anywhere from sex and booze to Pokemon and missions. Slur words came, with intoxicating breath, making most conversations irrelevant. Those who were still sober lasted only minutes before they, themselves, became trashed. The formally sobers stumbled and wobbled to the dance floor. Only to make fools of themselves. Oh well, not like anyone would remember any of it the next morning anyway.

Music at full blast made the dance floor vibrate. Lights jazzed, flickering a variety of shades. Woman degraded themselves as their staggered motions attracted men. The dance began awkward at first, then the rhythms were matched, the final stage came shortly afterward. The man, and woman, both would stubble off to a room. Where lips would meet, tongues would tangle one another, and the show would continue from there on.

Even at the bar such acts carried on right next to a single female form. Akira sat at the bar, nearly ready to tare the lip lockers a part. Kissing was one thing to her -- but making lip smacking noise was enough to drive her off the wall. With a swallow of anger, the lieutenant spoke through clenched teeth,"Martini. Make it quick, bartender! QUICK!"

Her rise in voice was unusual, for she always had control over emotions. Perhaps it was because of the alcohol that she had already ingested. With her voice the bartender's nose wrinkled, his reaction to not holler back at her. Smart man, or else he'd lose a customer. Or worse, his job. A ghost of a smirk came as he gave his attention to Akira. Even if he'd serve her, doesn't mean he'd give her exactly what she wanted.

"How about some water, instead, Miss?"

Orbs began dulling as the lieutenant was nearing her final nerve. A shake of her head, a small 'woah' as she rushed herself, and came a spat,"I want a Martini. You know, in a cocktail glass," An arm extended outward pointing, as to give an example, to the said glass, "Like that one there."

An exhausted sigh, as the bartender was defeated. Akira gave her own smug smirk as to claim her victory. As he twisted around, he became a whipped dog. Deciding to toy with the man, Akira listed random choices of other drinks only to deny them once he got hold of the containers. Oh, how she could have such fun! Famine lips smiled softly once the game was up and the glass was placed before her.

"Like making ladies wait, don't you?" the man rolled his eyes, choosing not to reply. Smart man. A dim chuckle escaped her thin lips. The glass was raised to the mouth. Taking a sip, Akira's tongue tasted the liquor firmly. An unique flavor, tangy if she'd really want to label it. Confirming she enjoyed the intoxicating mix traveling down her throat, she went for another sip--

--orbs flew open. Her hand was suddenly empty! A twist of expression came. Instantly the lieutenant's eyes scanned the area. Sure enough, she found what - whom - she was looking for. Holding onto the shelves of the bar was none other then Shinji, Akira's own aipom.

"Shinji!" hands hit the bar. Upon impact the smooching couple scurried on away in an alarming rate. Not that Akira mattered, for her attention was on Shinji,"Give me my Martini, Shinji!"

A small whimper came out as the aipom made her way over. Crawling in front of Akira, drink in her tail, Shinji gave a sadden look. Punishment was not fun from an angry master. Suddenly, the Pokemon tensed. The scent on her master's breath caused the aipom to smile wide. Right when Akira reached for the drink, Shinji jerked upward. The drink split just a bit splashing on the bar.

"SHINJI!" Another reach. Another jump. The lieutenant launched up and forward, arms stretched for the little monkey. At this point, Shinji retreated to the right. Muttering, the lieutenant pushed upward. Once more Akira launched forward, catching the primate in her feminine hands.

She stood,"Got you, Shinji. Now, I'm going to--"

Whistles cut off the threat. Akira cocked her head only to realize everyone's attention was directly on her. A tense, since she was standing on the bar itself. Akira shot Shinji a glare, knowing she had plotted this. Adjusting herself to face the crowd she gazed outward. Sure, she was in contest - she was a performer after all - but could she give this audience a show? Her orbs gazed out, observing if anyone in particular would give her a sign to continue or not...

---

"All eyes on me, in the center of the ring, just like a circus..." - Britney Spears; "Circus"
Sorry for the crappy, long, first post. =P
xD Ah, and also. Bar dancing isn't the same as stripping (will I get in trouble for typing that?). So don't expect that, no kiddies, not beyond PG-13. (Plus who knows if she'd dance or not)
If I catch anymore mistakes, I'll fix.

[/size]

[desatio]

(OOC: openings are always a little tricky, and nothing wrong with a little scene-building length.)

Michael walked in to the bar. Seemed decent. Not great, but Decent.

He smiled, taking in the scenery. These guys cut loose on a Friday, that was alright. He smirked as he saw one of them get on the bar, chasing an Aipom. Based on the grin on the Aipom and the cheering crowd, he was guessing it was a trap--an entertaining trap. He walked over with a weak smile. He sat right by where the woman was standing, grabbing a stool and nodding to the bartender, speaking rather softly for a his size. "I need a scotch, no rocks. Been a rough day."

The crowd didn't really have much of an opinion on this, not certain whether or not Michael was sane. I mean, there was a cute chick on the bar, and here he was pretty much ignoring the free show, while standing one bar stool to her left.Dhanus was right next to him, floating calmly, and Zinn took the seat next to him. "Bartender, I will have an oolong tea, no cream, but with honey if you have it."

Dhanus simply wafted slightly, somewhat in tune with bass line of the bar. He seemed to be looking around, observing humans like an outsider, which the solrock was.

He was pretty certain that all the noise had to do with the human mating process. And as much as he hated to admit it, that was one things about creature he didn't quite get, this whole sex and gender thing. Seemed like it ad to do with soft organ thingies that he didn't have. He was a boulder, after all.

[Akira]

I'm at someone else's house. I'll respell check and grammer check and such once I get home.

---

The crowd's roars egged the lieutenant to put on a performance. In which she would have if not for her crystal orbs catching drunks shuffling their feet. Apparently they were stumbling to make a poor excuse for a path. Lips pressed together as the lieutenant already knew whoever the path was for would be rendered useless-- after all a crowded bar was not an easy place to clear paths. Acting like a curious child she craned her neck outward.

Squinting against the rapidly, pacing, lights Akira failed to notice anyone. A swift shrug came as her thoughts concluded some loser was searching for his 'comrades'. Arching herself backward, the lieutenant's hands released the Aipom and rested on hips. In the time she leaned forward she caught someone new at the bar. With a fake yawn and fake irritation Akira's attention drew to the crowd. Few men spoke out demanding a show while few woman shot looks at her (as if she'd honestly want their men, really).

Forming a tunnel with her hands, Akira cried out,"Relax! A performer must know their routine by heart before reciting it!"

Within a split second after such words a bottle was thrown in the direction of Akira. Her arm extended out, allowing Shinji to maneuver on her skin like a tree limb. The Aipom clasped her tail about the pale, peach, skin and stubby arms clasped firmly. Akira withdrew her arm, smirking at the transparent (empty) glass bottle. She got her prop.

Swiftly she knelt, shuffling her hands under the bar. Finally, her figures clasped down on what she needed. Pulling out a small dust pan, Akira's gaze landed on her Aipom. Lips parted,"Shinji. Start getting ready, alright?"

Attention focused on the audience."I need a few of you to back off, safety matters maybe?" With that, orders were released, making a clear area on the floor (amazing they even could comprehend what she spoke). Once confirmed no one would be stupid enough to wonder back into he clearing, Akira let the bottle fly.

"Shinji, use Swift!"

⌈Gotcha!!⌋ came the primate's quick reply.

Said ape-like Pokemon launched from Akira's arm and flung her tail, releasing shimmering golden stars. The said diamond shapes came in contact with the glass, shattering it instantly. Moments before the collision Akira released Mimic out and released another order,"Mimic! Psychic now!"

⌈Wah!⌋ short reply for 'sure thing' as the Mime Jr.'s ability caught the glass. As if knowing what her Master wanted, the little Pokemon raised the shards into the flickering lights - allowing them to cast rays. Shimmering the glass made a fake like disco effect allowing for impact of 'oohs' and 'awes' from the crowd. A few danced.

The whole show lasted only minutes. For Mimic sent the diamond like shards into the dust pan. Please, Akira's orbs burned with passion. Something about contests always gave her a thrill, made her feel alive. Holding the pan with her left hand she propped her other to grab Mimic's Pokeball.

"Sorry, Mimic, but this is no place for a child. Thank you for the show." With that the red light caught the Mime Jr. and slowly dissipated once the returning was done. A press of the center button made the Pokemon shrink in size. Akira placed the ball on her belt and maneuvered herself off behind the bar.

Shinji dashed on and clinched to Akira's shoulders, enjoying the ride. Cool like a cat the lieutenant slipped on by the bartender, disposed of the dangerous glass and swiped a clothe. Instantly she began cleaning the spot were her drink as split and moved to the area in which she stood on. Coming across the figure she saw earlier.

"So, how'd you like the show?" she questioned the man, whom had a Solrock floating near him. Finishing her mess up, Akira discarded the rag quickly (along with a disgusted look for she disliked dirty laundry). Working her way back around the bar she found a place by the same man, hoping to strike a conversation.

Shinj released a snicker, knowing her Master was not so kind to people. She could be, but anything to Akira could have been an act.

"Or, am I going to get a lecture on how dangerous it could be?" fake innocence laced her words as a thin smile ghosted her lips.

---

Long, again. Sorry! But they'll become shorter now.
Pfft. A bit of exaggerated but what isn't with Pokemon? =P

[desatio]

Michael thought about this briefly. This woman was obviously a player who liked to manipulate people, and a bit of an attention getter.

He did enjoy the show, though. Then she walked up to him and asked his opinion. Well, at least she wasn't running away screaming about a hideous man wrapped in bandages. That was a bonus.

Then, she made the lecture comment. "Lecture? Am I dressed like an old teacher or something?" He gestured to the seat. "Regardless, it a nice trick. The showmanship was what really sold it, though," he said nursing his scotch cheerily. Good scotch, he'd have to ask what brand the bartender was using. "Care for a drink? Think of it as a good tip for your show," he said with a weak, but cheerful smirk forming across the bandaged face.

Dhanus just sighed. "You humans are always so strange. Seems like a lot of energy to put into one little stage act, if you ask me."

Mike saw an opportunity here. "Oh? and what would your big performance be? Telekinetic juggling? Or maybe guessing people's weight?" Mike decided to see if he could convince Dhanus t put on a show, it might be fun, after all.

Dhanus rolled his eyes. "No, I had something more subtle in mind. Doubt I'd get a volunteer, though."

Mike shrugged. "How unique is the plan."

Dhanus chuckled. "Just need the right girl in the right dress....hmmm..." he began scopign out the area.

Mike nodded, knowing he had successfully goaded the Solrock into doing something interesting for a change. "Pleased to meet you, by the way. I'm Mike, and this is Dhanus."

[Akira]

Lips pressed together, letting out a distant hum as the woman adjusted her weight on the stool. Allowing to peer a glance at this mans' Pokemon. Both look incredibly strong...a superior, perhaps? A quick thought that was pushed to the back of her mind. Clearly this man had to have some form of rank under his belt. She'd just have to figure it out herself.

Hearing his comment about being a school teacher, Akira let a dry laugh pass her lips. "Ah, I suppose a thanks is in order." Though there was a faint flash in her eyes, proving she enjoyed the spoken words. Her hand flew to the Aipom, brushing her fur softy with a stroking hand. Shinji relaxed to the hand and frowned once the hand retracted.

"A drink sounds nice, yes..." Allowing her gaze to hit his, she did her best to avoid the clothe. Yes, it was intriguing her but she wouldn't be blunt asking about it. Once more, her voice rose among the music,"...but you don't have to offer, Sir."

The lieutenant gazed toward the Solrock. Is he..mocking me? If she lacked control over her emotions, Akira would have been scowling by now. However, being as a manipulator as she was, the woman gave a weak smile. Hearing Mike putting in his input, Akira waited. Barely, she added in,

"I'm pretty sure the dance floor has plenty of those," a pause,"But...I doubt you'll get anywhere without their boy toys fighting to keep them."

As the Solrock began his scoping, Akira perked to the male's words. With the sound of their introduction, Akira allowed her lips to curve upward,"The pleasure is mine-" was she playing the part of an intelligent woman? "-Mike and Dhanus-" a faint stumble, as she tried Dhanus name for the first time. His name gave a familiar tone to it..but where did she hear it from?

Mind quickly changed gears. Her hands clasped together, fingers interlacing,"Oh! I suppose I should introduce myself." Adding in a (fake?) laugh before adding,"I'm Akira. This here is Shinji."

At the mention of her name, Shinji sprang to life. Tail holding to her master's shoulder, the Aipom gleefully let out,⌈Hiya! I'm Shinji! Can I help with the show!? Can I, can I, can I!?!⌋

A faint slap to the Aipom's head, as Akira huffed,"Behave, Shinji. You know better the that." Another change in subject,"Mister...Mike, have I seen you before around here?" a faint click from her mouth,"Not the bar, I mean in Pravus all together?"

[desatio]

Michael chuckled softly. "It's no trouble, I'm still trying to find ways to blow off the moving stipend," he said with a smile. The Solrock seemed silent.

Zinn looked over at the young woman. She was like a snake. Good. It was about time Mike had someone who could keep up with his mental chess games. As much as the Medicham hated to admit it, he could barely keep up. "I'm Zinn," he said softly, peering over Desatio's bulky shoulder to nod at the girl eying them both.

"Sorry, old buddy," Mike said with a smirk. "You know how lousy I am with introductions." He then rolled his shoulders a little.

As the Solrock scanned the crowd and seemed to completely ignore the girl's comment, he floated off to see if he could "recruit" a young lady in a red dress.

"Sorry about Dhanus' attitude," Desatio said with a chuckle. "He's quite a strange fellow." He then listened to her question and her attitude. The laugh, the gestures, this girl was a pro. "I doubt it. I'm rather new. And you don't look like any of my assignments, at least the ones that came with pictures," he said, decidedly that he would bait the girl. If she wanted to play games, then he wasn't gonna lay all his cards out.

[Akira]

Akira adverted her gaze from the male. His vocabulary was a notch up from the standard drunks. Would she subject herself, now, to allow him to buy a drink? A hand was drawn to lips, cuffing her chin, as to think. If he had money left to spare, to spend 'Willy-nilly', and he offered... The lieutenant scoffed, mocking her own thoughts. A drink does sound spectacular though...

The female form shifted, pulling her weight toward the bar. A right arm extended outward on the cool, marble like, bar top. With a twitch of her wrist a walloping sound echoed into the busy bar. Catching the bartender off guard, Akira allowed a smirk slide across her 'innocent' features. Coolly, she slipped a faint order,"I'd like another Martini. Surprise me of what's in it."

She shuffled her gaze in Mike's direction, replying reluctantly. "No need to pay. Once more, thank you for the offer." With her distant attitude, Akira dared not to trend in waters she lacked trust in.

A faint silence fell between the Pravus members. It came to seem both were satisfied with it. Then came the soft, like crystal rain, voice. Drawing Akira's attention was Mike's Medicham. An illusion of innocent painted her face, as she blinked. Playing the part, the lieutenant gave a 'oh my, I'm sooo sorry!' expression.

The introduction ended. "Hello there, Zinn." If it were not for Mike's presence, Akira would have extended her hand outward -- as to prove she fully noticed Zinn. Instead orbs caught a movement. Catching the Solrock hovering to a woman, following Mike's apology, Akira let out a weak smile.

"It's not trouble a all." Her hand darted to catch the glass before the bartender could place it down. Once more, she caught the poor man by surprise. Releasing the man's, now abused?, hand Akira gave a sharp. "Aren't we all strange in our own way?" It was if she was pointing at her actions with the bartender. Was it all just an act? If so, just about anyone would mumble 'poor bartender'.

"Oh~?" lips flashed a smile at the next statement. The spider spun his web, but was Akira caught? Placing the cocktail glass down, Akira allowed her fingers to (once more) interlace. Elbows resting on marble, questions would appear to come in a frenzy,"I hope you don't mind me asking a few questions? Oh! Look at that, I already have!" Another fake sugar coated laugh,"Sorry, sometimes cannot help myself...I just get, intrigued so easily~"

Within moments, however, Akira's lips gave a sinister smile."I'd looove to hear about your line of work, Mister Mike~" Eyes flashed venomously -- yet interesting to know -- at him. Seconds later, orbs kept luster for only his story. "Since, someone had to jump ranks quickly~ You seem like the well educated man~" The tease was back.

I'm no falling that easily...but I will admit, Mike, you almost had me. You're good~ I like it. Let the games begin~

As if she was waiting for a story, Akira focused her attention on the man. Giggling, she released a,"I'm waiting. Please tell me the story on how you became successful~?"

With a shift of her weight, Akira's hand stroke Shinji's fur once more. Just like her master, Shinji was waiting or this story to fold out. Leaning into the glorious petting, Shinji made herself at home in Akira's lap.

A man of rank, he was, but how quickly did he rise to that rank? More importantly...how? Akira desired to know. Why? Perhaps because of the saying; "Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back." Or, perhaps it was simply because Akira desired ranks? Who knows...

[desatio]

Desatio smirked. To be honest, he wasn't even certain how in the hell these people found him, much less why Winston was so certain he was perfect for this job. He did know how he accepted it, though. And why.

"Quite a bit of it is mental," mcihael said as Desatio sipped his tea with a nod and smirk.

Zinn was honestly impressed with this girl. It was about time he did what he did best--which was probe minds.


"My work," Michael said, "is very much in the realm of mindsets. My specialty is talking down and negotiating through hard situations. I guess the people upstairs realized that I was ideal for the position because of my personality. Just like a lot of the grunts are going to maintain grunt status because they're good at it, and may or may not be all that good at the next level."

He nodded. "Yeah, most of us are strange in some respects. Dhanus is however a truly unique kind of strange," he said as he looked ad the bartender. "Leave the bottle. It appears I'm going to be engaged for a bit." He said, still leading her in. To be completely honest, once he explained that he was a shrink, he figured she'd probably either want something more confidential, or run off. And he was having too much fun to deal with either of those options right now.

He then smiled.

Dhanus had decided to pull a grandiose show of telekinesis, catching the girl and letting her glide across the room, slowly twirling in her dress across the room. Mike laughed. "Weird, Dhanus usually isn't the competitive type. You seemed to bring something out in him."

[Akira]

Sorry for the delay, crappy, reply.

---

Once more silence broke out, leaving both members in thought. While Michael's mind was were no one dared to trend, Akira's was shifting through her own conclusions on how he received his rank. Oddly enough, some were wild, like a prince saving a princess. ...alright, maybe not that far fetched but you got the idea!

"Oh~?" came the interest factor. 'Mental' must dealt with a form of science. The lieutenant's thoughts swirled about the man's rank, science and non science field. The hand ruffled the Aipom's fur, soon soothing the purple fuzz afterward. This act was just enough to rip the woman out of her world. Just in time, too, for the elder male spoke up.

Her lips put on a thin smirk as the woman found interest into the words. Indeed he was, clearly, in the science department. Her conclusion; a shrink. With ease the twenty one year old allowed her legs to be crossed. The movement caused Shinji to venture up on Akira's shoulders. The monkey-like Pokemon once more gained its focus on Michael. The cheeky smile spread as Shinji believed this guy worked with complete nut cases.

Meanwhile, the woman's smirk had dissipated slightly. Replacing faintly with a displeased expression. Grunts will stay that way, yes, but... A flash of weak anger rushed in the veins of the woman - yet no such facial expressions. ...is he referring to me as well? An instant, Akira's expression grew distant; all emotion absent for the sheer moment. The rush faded, as the woman gave an inaudible laugh. Psh, rubble. Even if I'm a lieutenant for life...I'll live with it.

Instantly a laugh. Fake? "I guess you're right, there." Once she fell silent, the other's words came once more. Making note on strange aspects, Akira's old tone was back. "But of course! Being normal is far too boring!" Once his attention hit the bartender, so did hers. A, soft, sinister laugh left her lips as she revealed an innocent smile.

Adverting her gaze to Michael, she chuckled."If a male of such science status would chat, I suppose we'll be stuck for awhile~"

Her own smile was, now, flashed in his direction.

Interesting, interesting~ came her thoughts while watching the show. She was amazed, truth be told, for she never thought a Solrock would entertain people. Her sugar sweet laugh echoed into the bar after Michael's response,"I have that affect on people~"

"Never understood why~" a shrug. "Maybe, just maybe, he just wanted to try something new~?" With a laugh, she added in. "Well, isn't there a saying about; 'You learn something new each day' or something like this?"

[/blockquote]

[desatio]

(OOC: No worries, we all do it sometimes)

Desatio smirked. This girl was arguably one of the most mentally walled-up people he had met yet. She wasn't quite on par with Dragunov, but that was another discussion for another time. But she did seem to have one trait he noticed...a competitive streak. Maybe that would prove entertaining. But if she was the right one to drag in, he needed to make sure she was stable. Damn stable. So, maybe if he pulled out an old card. Or the one he already set in motion.

"Miss Akira, if you were to check your back pocket, you'd find a card," he said with a smirk. "Now, I'll make a little bet with you," he said with a smirk.

Zinn raised an eyebrow. Already to the betting phase? that was fast. But then again, Mike definitely needed the help.

Mike grinned wickedly while the Sorock floated back. "I suppose I'm gettign to old to dance with yougn girls anymore," Dhanus intoned softly.

mike finished his offer after hearing talk of learning. "I've got a riddle for you. You give the right answer, I'll happily let you keep that card, and I'll owe you a favor to call in latert. I win, you seriously consider a job offer, weird as it sounds. And to sweeten the pot, I'll throw in the deck of tarot cards as well," he said pulling out a coin absentmnidedly.

[Akira]

Music began its fade out, allowing a pause in the atmosphere. Few in the crowd began dispersing, allowing tongues to begin another show. Intoxicated men began their scouting mission for the perfect woman. Laughter rag over the temporary silence. Odd, as it was, for the music to pause so long.

Perhaps, it wouldn't feel like an eternity if Akira kept her interest. Ever since the show was put on - even if her eyes focused on Mike - she had casual began scouting the crowd. Unlike the drunken males, she was not looking for a one night. Indeed she was looking for a male - to entrances, yes - only to drag off somewhere. Her prize, however, would lack such physical contact. Perhaps a jump to allow Shinji to swipe what was valuable on him.

A moments notice, she found the opposite sex she desired. A gentleman - clearly one rank below herself - whom could hardly lift his feet at all. Snickering, she found herself already plotting vigorous ways to play. Though interrupted, once her current conversation returned. Eyes flashed with excitement as her body leaned forward - much like an eager child.

"Oh ho~?" Instantly she threw backward, hands instantly clasping together. Holding her smile, orbs held luster for some entertainment - even if it wasn't her original plans. Pearly whites glisten while she spoke,"This "job offer"..will it be less then my current rank~? 'Cause if so -" she sifted in her seat, allowing her faint leverage. " - that'd be too cruel for something I've worked for~"

Her small hand found its way to her glass. Digits tranced the faint transparent ridges of the container. The liquid had a murky red appearance which would resemble blood. A faint laugh, funny how liquor in various forms could be linked to such gruesome aspects in life. As her hand left the glass, the pale flesh ghosted across the bar. Soon Akira lifted her hand, the bony digits aiming to wrap themselves around the coin. Her habit of not trusting people, often made her check various things - like seeing if the coin was double headed or not.

"Well~" a giggle as the woman faintly stuck her tongue out, clearly playing a child of the bet. Unlike her, during such daring situations. The fingers were removed, allowing the woman to realize clothe (apparently) was what the man had for a full-coarse assumable.

"If I won't lose my rank to go lower, Sir, I'll be glad to play~"

Perhaps, victory may grace me. Hm~ But this is much more fun then having Shinji perform another show -- right now, at least~

With that, the betting game was on it's way.

[desatio]

Desatio raised an eyebrow as she took the coin. "I don't believe it'd be a loss of rank, just a change of duties," he said with a smirk. "That coin," he began softly, "Belonged to a man who loved his work. He fought often, but eventually, his work was bringing peace."

Desatio smiled, deciding to enjoy telling the story. It was his after all. "He leoved brining peace and strength to others, so he did. Some called him teacher, others doctor, and one person even called him master."

Zinn sipped his tea, while Dhanus just seemed to stare vacantly. Dhanus liked this old story, but he wasn't the type to look at the storyteller when the story was good. Zinn was more bout the future than the past, but this was till a good tale to reflect on.

"The man had won that coin in a bet. It's worthless, but quite a piece of craftwork, an old sentimental piece. He kept it around his neck until he died," Michael continued. "He died doing the thing he loved, but he failed. He was killed by the one person he couldn't help."



"The odd thing about the old fool who wore this coin, is that he came back from the dead," Michael said as he poured himself some more scotch. "Now here's the real question, the real riddle: When the fool com back from the dead, does he do what he loves, or does he run fro the world, cursing off the whole business of helping people?"

[Akira]

Once more, sorry for the delay....

---

"Changing of duties could also mean I lose what little power I have..." The words came out as if the user was in a state of sorrow. Wish-washy emotions were disregarded as soon as they came. Arching her back upward, she held her dominate posture. Despite lacking trust within others...Akira felt the presence of fire coarse through her veins. Something, deep inside, was itching to take the challenge.

When ears received the soft, spoken clearly, words Akira found her veins slowly freezing over. Pale, thin, lips arched upward as she found interest. Akira found her body arching forward, desiring to hear more. How easily it was for her to be entertained or - a smirk etched her worn, pink, lips - perhaps her actions drove others to reveal themselves? The twisted mind - currently dubbed as "Akira"in this situation - had momently halted the grinding gears. Crystal blue orbs batted, listening to the story.

A male creating peace through his work. A negotiator?

Whom was loved and praised. Clearly, a high rank position...

Whom died. ...died...

Yet came back. ..came back? If I were too crack a joke, it'd be a lame zombie one. That's for sure~ Mmm~ The riddle began?

The riddle sank in. The body found itself adjusting to lean. Elbows propped themselves up on the bar, fingers interlacing, and having hands allow a cradling position. Akira's chin found its resting place on the said cradle. Now or never, it was. Eyelashes clasped down - Akira's eyes closing, resembling a martial artist whom was meditating. Lips - once holding smirk - curved upward (no smile, however) as a reaction her thinking process.

"Well," she began, closed eyes."If I were the man...I'd run, for sure." Not because I'm a coward, but because...people aren't worth trusting. A harsh exhaled staled the air, as the woman could hear the pouring of the liquid. As she inhaled, the faint scent liquor in the air. One more exhaled, as she re-spoke."HOWEVER. My word means nothing since..."

Slowly, the sea-filled orbs flashed vigorously. The pupils found themselves traveling to focus on the man. A typical look from the corner of her eye became another wave of thoughts. Thin digits drummed, what little they could, on her porcelain complexion. As if the owner was doubting her own words, the reluctant response came;

"My words mean nothing, since I still see you're here." A faint narrow of her eyelids came, as if the lieutenant was still (attempting) to read the man. Calm sea-like eyes borrowed the best they could into the rock, working slowly. "Since, Sir, it appears to me you've found a loop hole." Her head moved, allowing her right hand to extend and allow her pointer finger to twitch. "You like helping people - yet you're running and hiding." A faint indication at a bit of his clothe. "Pravus gave you another chance...by taking you...after...whatever happened."

Suddenly, the serious attitude faded. In the distant background the music suddenly faded (replaced shortly with another tune). The emotion master instantly flung her body off her stool, almost taking it down with her. Placing her hands on her hips, she let out a laugh. Allowing a stray hair slip in front of her eyes, the lieutenant chuckled out;

"Odds are, I lost this game. If sooo~" her hands went to clasps the mans' again. "Before I'm stuck doing whatever I'm supposed to do~" A childish smile slipped her face as a giggle was stifled out. "I'm going to dance -- since I requested this song awhile back -- care to come? You don't have to dance~" The lieutenant focused on the dance floor. "Take a next to it~? So, we can chit chat as I enjoy this song~"

The upbeat music blared, revealing a few chorus lines of ~"She's my che..."~ Either way, the woman was making her own way to the floor. The night was drawing to its curtain, best wise to have at least one dance in.

[/blockquote]

[desatio]

Like I'm gonna pick on a Poison fan for punctuality? Here's to Brett Michaels.

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"Even if it took you some time, you did get the right answer," he said with a smirk. "I'll be happy to share a dance, though. Just to warn you, it's been a few years," he said with a smirk.

Zinn clapped. "First time I've seen someone get it right," he said as he sipped some more tea. Anyone who had known him for any number of years would know this was his "I'm impressed" voice, but learning to read the old Medicham took forever and a day.

Michael followed her to the dance floor, maneuvering with surprisingly good grace for a man his size. He always was light on his feet, even for a ponderous behemoth.

Dhanus simply floated and watched. The girl was good and clever. Hell, Dhanus didn't even get the riddle the first time he heard it. The Aipom was Mischievous, and would probably get along with Sackeim all too well. Then again, maybe Al and the boys could keep the little monkey in line, who knows?

Michael smirked. "I don't think I've heard this song since college. Nice choice," he said with a laugh, dancing with her cheerily. He had only had two scotches, so why was he acting so...cheerful? Normally he was a moody punk at places like this. First Madd, now this girl...were all the women in Remoor goign to be completely unafraid of him? Maybe he was luckier than he thought. Or maybe this region was scarred to the point where he was normal. That was kind of worrisome in itself.

[Akira]

"Wow~!" The woman's voice rang above the chipper crowd. Stealthily she dodged the drunken mob. Her lips released a dim whistle as she spoke up again."I'm amazed~ Typically I'm the slowest with getting anything right~!" Still clinging to her arm, the Aipom released a high pitch laugh-like noise. As if on cue, a small hand gave a light swipe to the Aipom's arm; and instantly shutting the Pokemon up.

With a gaze over her shoulder, Akira observed Mike past the purple fur. His words didn't take her by surprise, yet she didn't expect him to admit such a thing. A smile phased her lips, a soft real one - most rare for the lieutenant, as she replied."Not a problem~! Not like I get out much!"

She swiftly took a place near the edge of the dance floor. Releasing the male's larger hand Akira placed a thin distance between them - allowing room to maneuver both body forms. Swaying her form came, matching the rhythm - in her own unique way - of the song. Words filtered out, both from speakers and humans alike. Akira's eyes had scouted about - was it really that shocking for them to be dancing? Worse - gasp! - against the law? Ha, not like anyone here never broke it.

As the lieutenant fluently spun, Shinji took the time to climb her arm. Realizing Shinji's motives, Akira allowed her arm to drop down. The Aipom instantly sprinted back, toward, the bar. The lieutenant chuckled."Shinji wants to make friends, apparently. Good, since she needs some~"

The little monkey-like Pokemon found herself climbing the barstool. Taking a seat next to the tea-sipping Medicham, the Pokemon released a chipper tone. ⌈Ya don't sound very impressed, Mister!⌋

The Aimpon's tail gripped the glass Akira had sipped out of earlier. Pulling it close, the Pokemon sniffed it. Revolted, Shinji instantly shot it back on the bar. The paw-like stubs instantly brushed where the nose was at. ⌈Ew! Yuck! It burns! Why does it buuuuurn!?⌋ Quite an over reaction, but what did one expect from a performer?

The body of Akira continued to sway. She caught it - though took a few glances - whom was staring at her. Mike's own Solrock, it was. With a shrug the woman released another laugh. Oddly, enough, Akira's previous thoughts had all vanished. Strange...did she honestly trust Mike so soon? If so, new record! Perhaps such thoughts were best left to be. Hearing his words she replied coolly;

"Ah~ Why thank you." She released a faint whistle."Really? Well, then you get the pleasure of hearing the song again~?"

Something strange she caught in his eyes, clearly revealing his own thoughts. Normally - not one to pry - the lieutenant spoke out,"Something troubling you? It isn't the Privates here, is it? 'Cause if so, Shinji and I will put them in place!" With a laugh, not many would see the lieutenant was serious.

---

"Something about me has got you hypnotized, examine my body like you're the science guy, watching my every move you anticipate, what ya thinking about, boy I can recreate..." - Danity Kane; "Bad Girl"
Don't know HOW that inspired me... XD