At the end of the day (Open)

[MUGEN SHI-RUDO]

Mugen was working tirelessly at the old family owned metal works store, and it was warm day like any other. Figuring to take advantage of a well-deserved break after making some good materials for customers or fix them. Either way, it was time to head to the local pub, where people gather to drink and be all marry but sometimes it can be a little chaotic for its own good, like pirates. Considering the era of pirate Mugen is living in, it was no surprise at all and even forced some Marines to inspect the places from time to time to catch those said pirates. In Mugen’s point of vision, it’s just another normal day in the life, but being a free person like a pirate sounds pretty interesting.

He walked in the bar and ordered his usual to the bartender, a club soda. It was nothing alcoholic, he didn’t like the taste of it and he had a slight suspicion it might make him seem all vulgar and crazy. It was not Mugen’s cup of tea that was for certain, he then also placed an order for pretzels before he made his way to the counter. He scratched his head as he sat down and looked around to see who is all here. There was no one specific on who he was looking for, he was just bored really. However, he kind of was hoping to see pretty lady or two, but Mugen didn’t too confident in that possibly as the chances of that happening in a murky island like this one is slim.

His order finally arrived as the bartender presented his items, and Mugen was quite delighted. He sipped the drink and crowed down on his snack in a small success in satisfaction. However, a simple meal like this isn’t going to cure the slowly growing gaping hole that’s yearning for adventure. Was today going to be something interesting or will it be just like the rest of them in a boring life?

[Zambezi Long]

He remembered his admittedly simple orders clearly. Whilst on the island, he was to do his rounds around the town and inspect the area for pirates and criminal activity. A simple enough job. All he had to do was keep an eye out. Wandering down the street, the rather unkempt, untamed look of the Marine made a few people do a double take as they saw how his hair was a ragged mess extending down his shoulders, or how his visible eye shone like a sharp dagger, or how his sharpened teeth fit together in his mouth like sheathed blades. Or maybe they were just curious because most of them had never seen a Fishman before. That was also possible. With a dorsal fin extending out a slit in the back of his white t-shirt, webbed hands and a few gills down his shoulders, he stood out from the rest of the crowd. His large height of six feet made him stand above most of the crowd, which just made him stand out even more.

Petty Officer Zambezi Long disliked it. He supposed standing out came with the job - Marines had to make their influence known, after all - but he wasn't exactly used to the attention. It made him antsy. He didn't know where to look, so his gaze wandered left and right across the street. Still, he had a job to do, so he made sure to keep watch for any sign of suspicious activity. He could see nothing down this street so far however - even as he looked in through the windows of shops along the road, he saw no sign of criminal activities going on. No sign of a pirate to be found. But of course, maybe this was a little too open. It wouldn't be surprising for a Pirate to have noticed the Marine ship docked at the bay by now. Maybe he needed to check somewhere else. Then of course, he saw it - a bar of sorts, sitting just down the street. Barfights were always something to watch out for. Pirates often caused them.

Taking a turn, he pressed his hand against the door and pushed his way inside. The moment he entered he felt more than a few eyes pass towards him - some looked away after sating their curiosity of knowing who was there. Others just stared. All in all, Zambezi simply ignored them, looking across the room. Then proceeding to walk up to the bartender, he stopped at the counter and gave a brief salute. "Nothing to be alarmed about. This is merely an inspection, nothing more" he informed the bartender. "But while I do my duty, might I have a glass of water?" he asked. With a nod the bartender left to get a glass as the Petty Officer turned back to the bar, his attention passing the young man known as Mugen.

[MUGEN SHI-RUDO]

In mid-sip of enjoying his club soda, the once somewhat rowdy bar came to a sudden standstill of silence. As if some otherworldly presence entered or someone of certain authority made its location known. Sitting in his seat still by the main counter, he turned to see what the attention was all about and to lode and behold, it was a Marine. He didn’t look like anyone of a high rank, he looked like a scout of some kind and there’s also another odd entity about him he was almost fish-like in some places. If what was he is seeing is true, this would be Mugen’s very first encounter with the race “fishmen”. Mugen couldn’t out figure out why people are just whispering in the background, making leering glares and having such disgusted faces. Was seeing another type of being that doesn’t look like a human bother these people this much?

Alas, in Mugen’s mind this invisible problem is yet another one of many, many, many things that was kept from Mugen ever since he was child. In spite of not knowing he’s gained something else in return, a true neutral curiosity that sets apart any discrimination values. With that held in the very depth of his consciousness, he welcomes anything even other races. That was proven when that person sat down next to Mugen after he spoke with the bartender. The Marine gave Mugen a friendly nod and in return he gave a smile back at him as he raises his glass. Now, while that may be Mugen’s way of greeting a stranger there was no telling what the crowd all around the bar has in mind. He decided to pay no mind to it and let go about its jolly way, but in life nothing is ever so simple.

It wasn’t even hard to ignore some of the devious laughter coming from the back right corner of the bar. Mugen knew without a doubt that they were plotting something sinister and it was just obvious what their target might be. He hoped still that nothing would ever happen, but he can hear from the silence they were making their way across the creaky wooden floor. Right towards the main counter and everyone that feared for their life decided to back away as fast as they could without giving any group notice. It wasn’t looking good and Mugen knew he had to do something.

[Zambezi Long]

So far, so good. He heard hushed whispers from around the bar, but they were no different to other whispers he'd heard before. People surprised by his appearance, wondering who he was and what he was planning to do. Of course, he ignored that - he favoured listening out for actual signs of trouble. Sitting down at the counter of the bar, the bartender fetched him his glass of water and he began to sip it. He disliked anything alcoholic - he felt it was improper for him as a Marine to get drunk and go to work with a hangover the next morning. So his first preference was water. He always felt more relaxed with it - Maybe it was because he spent so much of his lifetime in water. He wouldn't be too surprised himself. All he knew was that he wanted water.

A sinister laughing rose up from the back as he turned to look around the bar. A collective group of people were making their way up and the Fishman chose to set his glass down again. Were these just drunks, looking to pick a fight? Or some gang of thugs? He wasn't too sure, but the one thing he could be sure of was that they certainly weren't friendly. Standing back up off of the seat by the counter, he decided to remain on two feet in case this went where he thought it was heading. Keeping a cool face devoid of any sort of worries or fears, he stood before them and folded his arms, watching as they drew closer. He'd been right - they were definitely interested in him, for whatever reason. Everyone else in the bar was backing away. He was certain of it - these thugs or drunkards were going to pick a fight.

"Do you have some business with me?" he asked cooly, as if in pretense of not knowing what they wanted. A couple of chuckles met him from some of the group at the back. The man at the very front just kept a grin plastered across his face. It was the kind of grin that meant one or two things - either A) this man was an idiot who thought he could take on a trained Marine or B) this man knew exactly who he was picking a fight with and knew he could win. As one might expect, Zambezi certainly would have preferred it to be the former. The kid by the counter was probably the only person who didn't move yet. Was he looking to get involved? Or had fear paralyzed him to the spot? Zambezi certainly didn't want any civilians getting in trouble, so he mentally prepared himself. If this was going to become a fight, so be it.

[MUGEN SHI-RUDO]

Mugen was so worried on the outcome of this encounter and considering his active imagination he figured the worst case scenario. He thought of a possibly that a death of a Marine would start a big vicious cycle of hate to the island. This idea showcased where the Marine patrols are increased, more outbreaks in violence, more blood and more death. It may be a farfetched idea, but Mugen wasn’t going to take the chance. He decided to step up from his seat, putting his drink aside and made his way over between the thugs and the single Marine. He looked at the biggest one of the thugs that seemed like the leader of the pack in a cheerful manner before he spoke. “Hey there, you look like you’re thirsty, why don’t you sit down and I can order something.”

He decided in his brave attempt to calm situation with a simple bribery of the pint. However, the other male didn’t look too keen on the idea as he was just aggravated by the suggestion and looked like to want to remove Mugen from his way. The other male clenched his fist and that alone gave Mugen the desired answer to his generosity. Mugen exhaled a sigh of disappoint toward the thug’s decision and replied quickly. “I see how it is, I’m sorry.” He looked apologetic for some reason, even he did nothing to the thug first as if he was apologizing for an action he was about to do.

The thug readied his big right fist and lunge it upon Mugen’s wellbeing. The attack came closer and closer, but all Mugen did was simply lean back for an evasion. This was needed for Mugen to launch a suitable counter and hopefully this one strike will silence the cruel intentions.

The choice for Mugen’s counter is basically put the thug into an optical illusion. Firstly from his evade he would ready his right fist for a normal attack back at the thug, but that wasn’t the case. His aim for that fist is when that fist gets even remotely close he would just open up his hand and move it along by the thug’s eyes. His aim was to make thug’s eyes follow that open hand. All of this was for a preparation for a second lunge from Mugen’s left hand that’s aimed at the thug’s face. At the moment when Mugen is about to launch that second lunge his demeanor would change drastically from calm to downright determined.

That very determination was born from his strong feeling to protect. What drove this behavior in the first place was because he was told the meaning of his name. He was just child at the time when he first heard it, but those words stuck with him, “Infinity’s Shield”. He interpreted that meaning as the shield that protects everyone and felt somewhat obligated to do just that. Although, growing up with only fiction books about heroes to keep him entertained didn’t exactly quell that need either. He had to believe he was doing the right thing. Hopefully his choice won’t have a high cost.

[Zambezi Long]

Taking the hit cleanly the thug staggered back. But now there was more chaos. The Petty Officer frowned as he saw the other thugs begin to move. This kid had just done something risky and stupid, getting involved in this fight. He hadn't wanted to fight either, but nevertheless as a Marine he knew it was his duty to quell these kinds of matters. If it came down to violence, so be it. But by drawing the thugs' attention on himself, the kid only endangered himself. Come to think of it, there wasn't even a point in him getting involved. He had nothing to do with this. But even so, Zambezi was a Marine. It was his duty to take care of anyone threatened by danger of criminals or Pirates. He clenched his fist. As another one of the thugs swung at him, he snapped his fist forwards first and slammed it into the man's jaw, sending him toppling over.

Hitting the ground, the man was dazed for a second. But now two more of the thugs were on the move - one of them brandished a knife. With his hand the Fishman deflected the man's stabbing motions at the wrist, turning the knife off course whilst simultaneously focusing his attention on the other. Raising his leg, he sent a roundhouse kick into the other man's side, causing him to stagger back. Looking back to the man with the knife, keeping his hand around the man's wrist, he deflected a punch the man made with his free hand and punched him square in the face. Twisting his arm underneath afterwards, he grasped the man's shirt and hoisted him over his shoulder before slamming him back to the ground. The knife man was now unconscious.

But the first man, the man he'd knocked down, was now back on his feet. Smashing his forearm into the back of Zambezi's head, Zambezi now fell to one knee. A second kick to the side caused him to fall. Rolling onto his back so that he was looking up at the man, he kept up a defensive stance. He frowned. There were too many of them, even in this small, cramped space unfavorable to group tactics. "If that kid's managed to escape, I've done my job at least" he thought to himself, frowning as he saw one of the men raise his leg to stomp down on him. If he grabbed the Baby Den Den Mushi in his pocket, could he call the other Marines before they took it off him? He wondered.

[MUGEN SHI-RUDO]

Mugen got his first strike on his target, but instead on being a finisher to the fight, it gave the opposite effect and became a grand ignition. On the Marine’s side it was looking dire as Mugen’s situation was as well. Not only is the guy he punched half conscious and still able to fight back, two more of the thug goon squad popped up. In retrospect at this point, someone should have yelled at Mugen right about now for the decision he made and looks like that truth is going slap him in the face tonight. However, there’s one question that comes mind from all this. Does he really regret it? The answer for that, not one bit.

From what Mugen could gather on the two new thugs that stood before him. They were big, muscular, brawn bound, and they look like twins. Thankfully they don’t look too smart either. That duo was at Mugen’s left side and those two didn’t look too happy to see what Mugen has done. Mugen took note of that dissatisfaction quite quickly as he looked at them and it appears they were about to bring out combined tackle. It didn’t take a genius that a full on hit from those two can put a normal man to sleep or worse.

The two were on the warpath and Mugen just couldn’t trust the risks and so he had to evade them. In this attempt of evasion, he just used a simple dodge roll to the lift side or backward from Mugen’s original position. However, there is going to be a devastated target no matter what Mugen would do. In spite of this proposed dodge, it was aiming right at the counter where Mugen placed his drink and even from behind the counter there was a small brewery on the wall. What happened with twins? They crashed through everything even to a point where they almost a gaping hole in the wall.

Mugen looked on at the damage and another no brainer came to mind, he wasn’t going to be drinking here ever again. Waiting for the twin’s return, he had a brief moment to confirm the situation. There a pair that wants to take Mugen down for assaulting their leader, the leader is trying to get his head still, and from just one look behind himself, he sees the Marine in another tight spot. Mugen needed to form up a plan and he had to do it quick.

[Zambezi Long]

One of the two remaining men he'd been fighting continued to stomp down, but he'd be damned if he was going to let that keep happening. He was a Marine - letting these thugs get the better of him was shameful. As the foot came down again, rather than simply blocking it as he had been so far, he caught hold of the foot by the ankle and quickly rolled his body on the ground, twisting the man's leg and pulling him downwards. The man let out a yell as he crashed against the floor as the other, realizing what had just happened, now tried to come to his help. Unfortunately, Zambezi was now on his knees, giving himself a better chance of fighting back. Blocking the man's punch, he proceeded to slam his own fist into his stomach. With a moment to recover, Zambezi pushed himself up onto his feet once more and smashed his fist into the man's face.

"That's another one down..." he thought to himself with slight annoyance. The thug he'd tripped was now climbing back to his feet, more pissed off than anything. Growling irritably, Zambezi raised his guard as the man attempted to punch him in the face again. Unfortunately, this man was a little cleverer than that - rather than follow through, it had turned out to be a feint, and now a solid punch landed in Zambezi's solar plexus. Suddenly feeling like all the oxygen had been knocked out of his body, Zambezi stumbled back as the man attempted another hit. Whilst he tried to regain his breath he could only barely deflect the man's next punch - or in other words, he was only able to just redirect where it would hit. Instead of hitting him directly in the nose, the punch ended up striking his eye, causing the Fishman to recoil slightly. But he was done messing around.

Zambezi's fist swung around and crashed into the man's liver, causing him to howl in pain, now suddenly staggering once more. Recovering just a little bit, Zambezi drove another punch into the man's face before slamming his knee into his gut. Out like a light, the man hit the floor whilst Zambezi stood over him, wiping the sweat from his face. How long had it been since he'd been in a brawl like that? He turned towards the kid, only to frown. There were still five guys, including the leader. How many had been in that gang anyway? He growled again in an animalistic way as he walked over to the kid, standing by him as he raised his arms. There wasn't much else to do than fight and hope he could keep the kid safe long enough. Someone had probably called for Marines to help assist them. No point calling the Baby Den Den Mushi now - he just had to worry about these guys.

"This isn't your fight" he told the kid bluntly. "You realize it's supposed to be my job to protect the people, right? There's no need for you to risk your life to protect mine". Honestly, he wasn't exactly fond of the idea of the kid jumping into this fight. It was a reckless, risky and stupid idea. "Nevertheless, you've helped a little with the numbers problem. So I'll forgive you this once" he told the boy. Little point arguing it now - they'd have to work together to take out the rest of this petty gang of thugs. Cracking his neck, Zambezi prepared himself - this was going to be some brawl.

[MUGEN SHI-RUDO]

Mugen was planning a way for both him and the Marine, but soon learned very quickly that the Marine didn’t exactly need help. He laughed to himself a little when the Marine made his way over to him. He listened to his lecture pretty clear and all Mugen could do was just smile happily. He actually to the Marine’s lecture too in the same cheerful manner he had. “Just write me up as a concerned citizen who hates bullies.” That’s right, he is literally enjoying himself having to help someone and not as doing for some kicks, but actually feeling good about himself. Now, with his mind refreshed it was about time to change the tide of this battle.

Inspiration struck like lighting after taking that small break, he formulated a plan to take at least three of these thugs down. He took note of the twins’ relentless charge and their point of aggression of harming the leader. So, he thought maybe, he could use the twins’ strength to his advantage, but he would some help in the aftermath and that’s where the Marine comes in. However, since this plan strictly needed communication and Mugen knew he didn’t have much time to spare as those twins could get up at any second. “Hey, I got a plan, but I need to take care of those big guys after I’m done.” As soon that was said, he could hear a crackle in the broken wall’s wreckage, the time was now.

Mugen had to act quickly if his plan was going to work, and the first he needed were a few throwing items. He ran off and picked three of the closest things to a weapon he could find. As to what he found they were a broken wooden table leg, a silver serving tray, and an empty bottle. He threw the bottle and the leg at the other thugs. The leg hits its target and the bottle missed, but they it did the job of getting attention. Mugen knew he angered those two goons greatly, and practically see the anger on the faces. It was just what Mugen needed and now fish were starting to bite on the fishing lure.

The two were pursing Mugen, and with a silver tray in hand there a certain destination Mugen wanted to reach. That very place was behind the dazed leader and once the group reached there, Mugen had to trap them in just for a moment or two. Off the top of his head, he decided to kick over some table that was by him to slow down the two thugs and there is one thing he had to double check on, the muscle twins. He looked back at them for moment, they were about to be mobile again. There also another fact that was for certain, this group certainly Mugen hates now.

He looked back and forth, to make sure everything all prepared and once he felt confident he ran over to where the twins were. But he just stopped in place to a point where the twins could see and Mugen was smiling. The twins were back up on their feet looking at their prey with such intensity, but it seems the prey had a tick up his sleeve or in this case a tray. With a quick toss of the wrist, Mugen tossed that tray that was aiming for the dazed leader's head. It didn’t if the tray hit or not, all that mattered was that twins witnessed it. As for those twins, they weren’t happy campers.

The twins made their charge right at Mugen, and all Mugen did was run right at the leader. To what Mugen achieves at this end? He is going to use that leader like the object he is now and make him a launch pad to evade the twins strike. In doing so, Mugen hoped for a domino effect, of the twins just tackling their leader but the other goons as well. The inspiration for this idea, was all because Mugen witnessed the wreck ball force the twins had and like all wrecking balls, they destroy everything in their path. There was a downside to this plan, he had to get everyone in the right and keep them, until he can get the twins charge through. Also the risk on Mugen’s evasion was quite high he had to climb on another person’s body just to be at a vantage point to move over the twins and he had to risk that a limb or two can be caught in the charge. This plan itself is pure crazy, but he knew had to take a shot because it felt wrong on not doing anything and just giving up.

[Zambezi Long]

Once again the kid was rushing ahead, leaping into danger. The Petty Officer wasn't exactly amused. He didn't get angered easily, but he was a bit annoyed that the kid was taking such risks. Still, if he wanted to take down the rest of these guys, working with the kid was probably his best chance. At the very least, he was a competent fighter. He ran ahead, quickly regaining the attention of the two musclebound twins as he made another assault on the other men and their boss. For a moment he wondered what the kid's insane plan was, but then all became clear - leading the twins like enraged bulls, they tore a path ahead of them, charging straight towards the kid - and their leader. With force and speed like a wrecking ball, the two alone knocked down their leader and the other goons with him, letting them smack down on the hard, wooden floor. As for the kid?

The kid had launched himself overhead, using the dazed leader like a springboard. Jumping over the twins' heads, Zambezi fully understood what he meant when he said he'd need the Fishman's help afterwards. Taking his Marine cap, he tossed it to the ground and ran forwards. He wasn't going to sit out the rest of this. Aware of their mistake, the twins now looked even more furious, if such a thing was possible. Their faces were literally red, their eyes seeming like they'd gone completely blind to anything out of pure anger. With a mighty roar they charged again for the kid, but Zambezi moved quick to intercept. As one came close, he swung wildly in a rage. But like this, his moves, though fast and powerful, were so well telegraphed that Zambezi moved effortlessly to deflect his fist. Bringing his leg in, he swept out the man's legs from beneath him, sending one of the twins toppling to the ground. Turning, he glared down the man with his visible eye, baring his teeth.

"You'll have to deal with this guy's brother!" he told the kid as he stared down the other twin. As he picked himself up, Zambezi moved in and slammed his fist into the man's jaw. The twin almost fell over again, but Zambezi wasn't done. Punch after punch was thrown at the man's face. Roaring more like a beast than a man however he brought his arms up in a block against Zambezi's punches before forcing himself up and tackling Zambezi. Slamming the Fishman against the wall, he pulled his arm back. Wasting no time, Zambezi punched him in the face in retaliation. Just how tough were these guys? He could feel his knuckles bruising from punching him so much. The adrenaline must have made him forget about the pain. Or perhaps it was a side effect of flying into such a wild rage. Whatever the reason, Zambezi knew he had to end this quickly.