Who:  David (Diablos), Rydia of Mist, Delita, Gaff Gafgarion, Kawn, Number 076.
Where: The slums of Midgar.
Why:  A chance meeting between Delita, Kawn and Gafgarion with David and Rydia, with nearly disasterous results.
Date of log: August 2nd, 2000.






Well, according to information that Rydia obtained from a kindly weapons store clerk, it's time to head for Sector Seven, to see about the possibility of a bar there. Bars, pubs, the bastion of the rumor mill. Let's not forget booze. David leans against a pile of scrap that makes part of the wall separating this street from the sector five square. Why? Maybe he's waiting for Rydia to meet him here, after having to run and take care of some last minute business. Or maybe he got a little ahead of the young girl and is simply waiting for her to catch up. For all the world, he looks like a typical street punk. Hands shoved deeply into pockets, his gaze idly scanning the area around him. Currently, there's no one that seems to be bothering him. That's probably a good thing. His eyes fall on the Dark Knight Kawn for a moment, moderately interested. What /is/ with all these guys in armor coming into Midgar these days? A soft snort of amusement is his final, verbal response to thoughts that remain unspoken.
As his eyes wander again to see what else passes.

Dashing out of the slums *huffpuff*, Rydia is, indeed, trying to catch up with David. He got ahead of her, dang it, and all she had to do was run back to Elmyra's cottage to fetch her scarf. She'd forgotten it again, and was amazed she'd remembered it before they'd gotten too far to turn back. Trying to tie it loosely around her hair, she nearly stumbles and her arms flail out to help her keep her balance. Luckily, she doesn't fall, merely stumbling forward until finally able to right herself.
Looking at her leaves one with the immediate impression that she is -not- Midgarian. Though her outfit is stunningly adult, her demeanor is not. Innocence and -life- reflect in her green eyes and in her every mannerism, far from the desolate hopelessness of those who spend their lives in the slums of the city. On top of that, her hair is decidedly green, and though it's possible that it's dyed, it had to have been done very recently as she has no roots to be seen. "Daaaaavid! Wait for meeeee!" She calls, not seeing the strutting peacock that is Kawn, or any of the others yet. She's concentrating solely on reaching her friend, though he's not doing anything other then waiting for her.

Delita follows the 'strutting peacock' into Midgar, albiet with much less of a display. The only thing breaking the solid, melancholy expression on his face is the soft sigh breathed through his lips as he looks around the city once again. He shakes his head solemnly, reaching into a pouch at his side and nervously touching the object that lay within. But he won't take it out, not here, because coming back here is dangerous enough.../something's/ out there, looking for the Stones, and they ran into it last here. He keeps his face lowered, worried that someone might recognize him from his exploits in Wall Market, but he still looks up every now and then, because, well, they all need to be there. Aside from scrutinizing everyone and everything, however, he ignores almost everything going on around him. Just people's lives that he'd be helpless to change...

Gafgarion enters the city just behind Delita, walking at an easy, if slightly noisy because of his armor, pace. He pauses for a moment to stroke his white moustache... the only sign of his age on any of his face. He sniffs the air once, disdainfully, and resumes following Delita.

Lenny Yokum trods up the road pushing a rusty yellow wheelbarrow, grunting and panting and puffing behind the heavy load. A large burlap cloth labeled 'POTATOE' covers the wheelbarrow, but whatever's inside, it's big. A pair of metallic black-armor boots hangs out over the front, and two plated arms hang out lifelessly over the sides. "Ah'm-a gon' git mahself a ree-ward!" he drawls to himself as he sets the wheelbarrow down to take a breather, grinning like a fool and chewing on... something. Spitoo goes a blob of something black and foul-smelling from his lips, adding to the other black, foul-smelling things cluttering the slums of Midgar. (Hi Kawn!)

Kawn can't factor in all the variable of any given situation, for the nature of the universe is that things you can't account for will enter into play, thus only a fool would rule out possibilities which come to mind. YES! You may not think about possibilities, but that's ok, if you ignore those which enter into your thought patterns, you've already lowered your defenses by a degree, a marginal difference which MAY be enough to amount to something. Therefore, when a cheerful green haired girl comes into view screaming after some other individual it's no surprise that it's Rydia, because who else has such natural looking, unnaturally colored hair with a voice such as hers! And also, who's she referring to? Some guardian who's been hired to ensure her safety in a dire filthy under-developed place like this? (And just to tak on some more insults, this place stinks and isn't very promising for those growing up) Of course you wouldn't suspect David to be ssome spectacle guy who's skilled in the arts of flinging gravity spells around, so how can he know? He can't, but even if he could, do you think a threat would stop this relentless man from indulging in those fantasies of revenge?... NO! He's on a quest, he's captain Ahab out to hunt his whale, and it's kin when convenient- this translates to killing Cecil and friends! What an opportunity, he looks to Delita and says, "I'm not going to break ranks, I just can't resist a certain temptation.." while, oddly glancing at Lenny Yokum o.O he alerts Rydia, he beats the grass to startle the snake! "HEY RYDIA!!!!.." he recognizes her, very well.

Interesting procession. But David's attention is momentarily taken away from it as Rydia catches up. "Finally, there you are." he calls to the young girl who's approaching. Shoving off his leaning post by using a casual movement of his shoulders and back, the man turns for a moment to face the approaching girl. "Ready to go, Ryds?" Then the shout behind him. Slowly, he turns around, one boot grinding a bit in the dirt from the casual motion. Oh, that guy in armor again. "Speak up." he calls out with a mild, sardonic voice, "I don't think she heard you." one hand leaves David's pocket, rising to rub a knuckle against his ear, as if to emphasize his sarcasm. His gaze falls on Lenny and the 'barrow for a minute, his expression changing. Those looking at Dave might be under the impression that he's struggling not to snigger quietly. Who says he can't be polite when provoked?

"Yah, ready," the Caller chirps as she skids to a halt at David's side, a giant ball of eagerness to get going further on their grand adventure. After all, that's why she ran off with David from Baron, to see the world without being coddled and protected every step of the way by Cecil or Edge. She quickly reaches back to make sure the scarf is tugged tight and won't fall out. However, hearing her name suddenly shouted across the slums makes her nearly jump, whirling around expectantly. 'Ohmigaw, it's gotta be Edge, or Cecil, I'm in *so* much trouble.'
However, her eyes widen as large a saucers as she realizes it's that whacked out Dark Knight who tried to kill Cecil, the very one Edge captured. She reaches for David's arm, trying to get his attention as she says, "David... this guy's -really- bad news." in a breathy whisper.

Delita frowns, wondering what Kawn's up to /now/. Given what he said about temptation, that worries him. Kawn's temptations probably don't bode well for the young woman, and whatever the case, he'd have to cross that guy she's with. Delita might not really live up to the ideal of a Holy Knight ( just look who he's hanging around with ), but he isn't about to help this companion of his hurt some girl he saw on the street in Midgar. They might be friends, but given her expression when she saw him, that's not very likely. He looks from Kawn, to Rydia, to David, to Kawn again, saying quietly, "Now what?" First he attacks Alys, then Hikari ( not that Delita minds THAT ), now...what?

Gafgarion assimilates the situation rather quickly, for the same reasons as Delita. What Kawn said about temptation, and the girls expression. He thinks quickly in an effort to head off any fight that may be about to occur. He clears his throat and speaks. "Kawn, I hope you remember that we are not under contract to you, and therefore we have no obligation to help you do whatever you are planning."

Lenny Yokum continues to wheel his 'harvest' on up the street, heading for the highway to the train station, same direction as... "Well, lookee there! Mo' metal trousers, hyuk hyuk! Ah wonder if they bein' row-bots too... ah could bag mahself ~three~ shiny new pitchfawks if'n ah be bringin'em all in!"
Lenny Yokum hustles toward the two men in dark armor...

Kawn doesn't know David's name, doesn't care, his destination unknowingly is probably the same, or similar- at the very least they're both heading deeper into Midgar. To emphasize that he's not especially concerned with David until he proves his worthiness, no heed is paid towards the sarcastic remark directed to Kawn, and he doesn't respond. If David believes what is between Kawn and Rydia is his bussiness, the said dark knight won't be held accountable for what he might have to administer in his effort to satisfy his craving for blood. But Rydia's intuition serves her well, and although it seems apparent that she's eager to be accompanied by one who isn't to 'protect and coddled' every step of the way, how ironic that when her convictions are put to the test, she almost sintinctively grapples another person's arm for that added sense of security and 'protection'. True freedom includes the freedom to be royally screwed over, it seems she's overlooked this little detail, but extremes can be bad, for example... being TOTALLY independant, and vunerable as she would be otherwise, if not for her constant companion. Kawn knows none of this either, nor can he hear the whispers and warnings, all he knows is what he wants, and.. eww, it dawns on him that in his excitement, he neglected to wipe the glop or whatever off him! Disgusting x.x; His gaze falls upon Delita and shakes his head, "I won't sidetrack us today, I was just expressing my feelings of anticipation! Besides, you seem more than willing to abandon me whenever I'm not around, and I've never had any problems in shouldering my burdens... alone. Besides, *I* concocted this scheme, what logic is there in devising a plan and then side-questing?" which, IS true! Afterall, how many times has Delita gone ahead while Kawn stayed behind to tend to bussiness of his own, and never demanded, or even asked Delita to help! He continues, "Besides, I would think you'd think more of me after I prevented that robot from stealing your little prize?.." he reminds Delita of the debt- not that it means anything. As for Gafgarion, he could care less what the man's opinions are, he never officially formed an alliance with Gaf, just Delita... Gaf should feel fortunate Kawn is sincere enough to act, nuetral towards him, since Delita employed him recently as well. Though, distracted AGAIN by this redneck accented guy, he begins to draw his sword; it appears he may have to engage an alternative opponent... He tries to get their attention "Actually, I think it would be in our favor if we hurried along, or try to evade this clown..." indicating Lenny Yokum.

And that's perfectly fine with David, that Kawn has an ego the size of the world. He read in a book about humans that something that size just means he's gotta be compensating for the lack of something else. Several, many something else given that sort of inflation. Unfortunately in some cases, David got most of his thoughts on the human psyche from comic books and science fiction after a few days in a library. Fortunately, for once, he decides not to share his views aloud, perhaps in listening to Rydia. He reaches over with the intent of ruffling the young girl's hair for a moment before speaking aloud to her, "Don't worry, sis. So's half of Midgar." a pause. "More like three-fourths." he corrects after a moment's thoughtful look. "One more isn't going to tip the barrel any." Especially when that one more is seeing fit not to start anything. "Ready to head out?" As his own body protection lacks armor, Lenny's strange motives seem to get an indifferent shoulder too. Sure, he and Rydia will have to step out on the street and pass those others present, but that's beside the point. David will be ready to follow when Rydia starts moving.

This is not good. Rydia's not weak, really she's not. The girls got enough spells under her belt, not to mention the whip under her belt, to be formidable in battle and she's got more then one Esper who'd answer her Call. However, she'd never dare ask for Phoenix's help here, not in the very pit of hell for Espers. Luckily, David's with her, so Calling him isn't necessary anyway. One thing the girl often forgets is that she really -can't- ever be truly independent, since her very being requires her to Call on the aid of the powerful Espers. Maybe one day it'll dawn on her, but not yet, she's too young of mind and immature to understand these adult things, no matter what her body looks like. The convergences have seen fit to curse her in this manner.
Watching Kawn warily, she tries to calm the terrible rhythm of her heart as it thumps in her chest, blood pumping adrenaline into her system as if preparing her for the fight of her life. She remembers him so well, and the threats he made against Edge, against Cecil. A madman who'll stop at nothing until her friend, and indeed all those he holds dear, are nothing but a blood stain on his armor. Of course, this -does- include her.
At David's remark she looks up at him with a shake of her head. He doesn't get it, but then, how could he? He wasn't there when Kawn was a prisoner, didn't hear his threats and innuendo. However, looking back at Kawn, she realizes he's not actually about to attack her... well, he seems tense enough but he's not actually coming after her. This is good. Maybe his friends are keeping him from her. Good. Back to David she nods, reaching for his hand, this is -scary- after all and she knows she's nowhere near powerful enough to take on such an opponent on her own. Besides... she remembers those sexual innuendos he lobbed at Edge and though she knows little about the birds and the bees... it sounded vaguely unpleasant.
"Let's go."

Delita turns a dark stare towards Kawn at his words, then shakes his head, sighing in relief as it appears that Kawn won't be attacking any innocents today. So much the better--the less attention is drawn to Gafgarion and himself, the better. Large flashes of blue and red light aren't going to help them from staying out of people's eyes. He looks to Gafgarion. "Where are we headed?" He doesn't know if the Dark Knight will know for sure, but since for once his only goal is avoiding certain individuals, what does he care where the group decides to go?

Gafgarion shrugs slightly, one hand down by his side. "I don't know my way around this city very well." he says. Any particularly observant observer will note that while he is doing this, one hand is undoing the straps on his scabbard so that he is ready to draw his sword. He turns a cold stare on Kawn. "You came up with this plan. Do you know where we should be going?" he inquires, his voice so icy that it's somewhat surprising that Kawn doesn't simply turn into a frozen statue on the spot.

Lenny Yokum waves to Kawn and Gafgarion. "Oh boyyys! Heyyyy! Ah gawt sum' nahs OIL fer y'all! Hyuk, hyuk." He grins wickedly and reaches into his overalls pocket, withdrawing the lightnin' rock the nice city vendor sold him. The rock looks exactly like ... a rock. Now, the merchant said it was a lightnin' rock and good against row-bots, but he had a weird, city-folk way of sayin' lightnin'.... 'Thunder Bolt?' Ah, sumpin' like that. Meanwhile, in the distance, one of the POTATOE's hands twitches slightly but then falls still once more.

Kawn has no such thing, where does it state his ego is so huge? Just because he disregards David? o.o but what evidence is there to suggest that he's worth anything- furthermore, would provide resistance? No experiences can Kawn look back upon in order to to know that David is indeed anything other than a man, so indeed it's not ego that influence and ecnourage him to disregard David, it's ignorance.    
As for Rydia clenching tightly to David, that's a similar sign, somebody is there to shelter her, and he's so wishing he could attack her right now, but he's also so-supervised by Delita and Gafgarion... the success rate is not probable. Add to this the inevitable encounter with Lenny the hillbilly who wants to make an armor pitchfork trade in, multiple enemies isn't favorable. Relief in Delita's eyes, and Rydia's because he's not jumping around to do whatever he feels like?.. Well, he does get some satisfaction from alleviating some stress of Delita's, but seeing Rydia also relieved, that small bit is cancelled out immediately. Any tension he can thrust upon his mortal enemies is deserved. And now Gafgarion is playing the part of the anatagonist, implying that Kawn is doing a lousy job of heading towards their destination. No, he doesn't turn to an ice statue on the spot, he turns to a blazing tempermental inferno repressing his desire to carve something out of his 'friend'. "You *)&)(&ing old fart! You belong in a retirement home where you can get on yer pacemaker every freakin night! I am not your friend, and I do NOT serve YOU! If you want to follow along, don't pretend like I forced you to! I'm guiding Delita here, and if you have issues with my methods, why don't we take this over to the side and discuss them!" direct accusation, but wrong or right does he care?        
He then.. notices Lenny is closer, and prepared to do combat, as if about to cleave Gaf in this moment of his, but instead rushes towards this weirdo (Lenny) trying to dispose of him, or at least add a hole in the man's stomach...

David takes Rydia's hand and steps out onto the street, seeking to move casually on pass the... ahem, potential scuffle. He rolls his eyes slightly, this time sniggering aloud as Kawn goes off again. See, it's things like that which make David so fascinated about a place like Midgar. And people blame /him/ for being anti-social. Go fig. "Tell me about that guy later, Ryds." he says as he moves along, "He sounds like a real winner." Sarcasm may be assumed.

Uh, sure David. Rydia's far too busy concentrating on Kawn, her posture coiled as if any moment she might be prepared to strike back at the Dark Knight in defense of herself. She's surprised, really that he's holding back after the ferocity she witnessed back in Vector. Of course, she nearly jumps as he starts yelling at one of his 'friends'. Huh, must not be all that friendly a situation. Then again, she has a hard time imagining him making any real friends.
Then he turns to attack the hick she hadn't even noticed until he suddenly turned on him. "David..." she tugs on his arm again, pointing toward the ensuing battle. She's uncertain if they should just leave the poor man to his fate, such is the thinking of a generally innocent and 'good' minded personality.

Delita just glances at Gafgarion and shrugs nonchalantly. He doesn't really care what happens to the old fool that Kawn's now focusing his energy on, but he is curious about one thing...his gaze goes over to David and Rydia. He starts walking over to them, glancing at Kawn as he goes, just curious what snapped in the man's head, and when. He intentionally keeps his hands away from his still-sheathed sword, to make it quite clear that he's not quite as much a hothead as his travelling companion, and he'd rather exchange words than weapons.

Gafgarion meanwhile, Gafgarion is fighting a losing battle with his temper. For a brief moment, he fights it, but as soon as Kawn turns his back, his hand rushes down and he draws his sword. Injure his body if you will, but never, ever injure the pride of Gaff Gafgarion. And never comment on his age. "Master of all swords, cut energy! Night Sword!" With these words, he swings his glowing red blade at Kawn, unleashing the same beam of energy that he saved his life with the previous day... something that Kawn is apparently rather quick to forget.

Lenny Yokum jumps back just in time, eyes wide as sweet corn harvested in June. This black row-bot just took a swipe right at him with that big ol' knife! He takes his lightnin' rock in his hands, with a fierce look on his face. "Lightnin'-- no, wait..." he stammers. "Thunder... bolt! Thunderin'.. bolt!..." His face tightens in a look of concentration, and in a flash of insight (ding!) the merchant's exact words return to him. "Thunderin' Dolt Materia!" he exclaims. Nothing happens. "Duhhh ... HEY! That durn city-slicker donkey's uncle done sol' me a dud, he did!" He throws the rock to the ground in disgust.

Kawn is... struck by the attack, although the fact is that Gafgarion was already full on life force, so while it does manage to deplete Kawn's energy, it doesn't restore the victimizer's in turn. The technique performed accurately, the Dark knight intent upon dispatching the weird rednecks is instead interrupted by this antic of Gafgarion's, and indeed put into a worse mindset. Pride? HAH! Gaf made a condescending statement, and FAIR is FAIR, Kawn returned it. Maybe tenfold, but he extended the same courtesy addressed him. For the duration of a moment, he is driven into the ground and lays there smoldering somewhat, and adorns a VERY unfriendly expression across his face. No... this will not be tolerated, he neither respects emporer, nor peasant, nor giant demon who can smite him in a second. He doesn't play these games of 'oh I'm bigger and badder, so you have to treat me special' Sorry... The whole third world oppressing dictator routine doesn't work on him, even though. He now rebounds, attempting to knock Gafgarion's sword from his hand with his own blade, maybe even cut into it, "Ok... injure your pride not, as you suggest, I shall injure your body!..." He doesn't back down, there better be a mediator, or there's going to be a corpse, PROBABLY Kawn's... but the universe is not predictable...

David pauses again. His attention falls on Rydia for a moment. She just said... help the weird guy? He then shifts his gaze toward that very man. "Huh. I don't know. But I think we should back up." he notes with considerable awareness for the impending scuffle between Kawn and Gafgarion. Toward that effect, he does take a few steps back, seeking to guide Rydia along with him. His gaze settles on the small group, watching with an intent focus for the development of the situation.

Whoa... hello... anyone want Rydia to call 911? Speak up now! The Caller is easily lead backwards by David, seeing as this something she definately doesn't want to get into the middle of. Do battles like this happen a lot in the slums of Midgar or is this going to attract a lot of attention anyway? She ponders voicing this question to David, but gets distracted by Gafgarion's attack on Kawn, and the subsequent reaction. Jaw slackened, eyes wide, she can't help but stare, something akin to slowing down to look at a car accident out of sheer, morbid curiousity. Um... maybe someone should like -stop- them. So... silly little girl that she is, she starts forward even if David doesn't approve (and likely won't) shouting, "Hey! This isn't a good idea here people unless you want ShinRa troops down here arresting everyone!"

Stopping in his steps, Delita turns around and sighs quietly as he draws his blade. Words first, weapons later. Hopefully it won't come to it, but Delita knows he can stop this if he needs to. He turns and looks at Rydia, a little surprised, as she calls out to stop, but he knows damn well that those two probably aren't going to listen to her. In addition, it just might make Kawn attack her, and that would be even worse. So...disregarding Rydia's efforts to do the same, Delita shouts, "Stop this! We've got other problems then the two of you fighting..." The sword in his hand remains silent--he's not going to use it...yet.

Gafgarion was, of course, expecting a counterattack. As soon as he realizes what Kawn is trying to do, he jerks his sword out of the way and backpedals several paces, leaving Kawn with no target. Instead of attacking again, he merely speaks. "What was that about retirement homes, Kawn?" he says, his sword still glowing blood-red. "Are you going to give up now, or do you really want to get killed?" Well whaddaya know? It looks like the shouts of Rydia and Delita got to him.

The only voice of authority in Kawn's demented world, he shows no reluctance in 'obeying' Delita's suggestion. It matters not who has the edge on him, or who got last strike, or even if he did, the fact remains that he is here to aid Delita- a promise he needs to fulfill. It's his obligation, until one day he just decides he has no loyalty for no reason at all which, he's capable of. The dark knight wants to kill Rydia now, he wants to duel Gaf to the death, or at least enforce the concept of justice, but not while a favor has been asked of him! Feelings aside, Delita's needs take precedence over this pointless squabble. No.. Gafgarion's TRANSPARENT ATTEMPT to intimidate are futile efforts, you should have seen what EDGE had used as threats, he shakes his head, "I said.. you belong in a retirement home, and I don't care who the hell you THINK you are.. if you criticize what I do, I will return it. Now, in the future, you can keep your condescending attitude to yourself, because otherwise I'll exchange words and blows.. no freebies." he looks to Delita, he did not submit to Gaf, he called for a- truce. He's below nobody. Back to Gafgarion, "I do not give up, I will compromise, but not surrender to you.. Delita suggests we move on, I agree, my terms are fair... you shut up, I shut up..." there, his conditions. He would go on a tangent about how if Gaf is so professional and great and expert, how come he loses his temper over words (not that he's exempt, but he never proclaimed his being all grand). HAH! Gaf could easily be manipulated in such a fashion, but instead, back to what he's here for in the first place... Trying to ignore the weird rednecks, he heads STRAIGHT towards Sector Seven, past Delita, right beside and past Rydia... no words...

David follows, but he doesn't stop Rydia... not until it seems she might plunge into the heart of matters. Then and only then, perhaps. But Rydia wanted an extent of freedom to make her own choices. David's there to keep an eye on her and that's it. So. Follow. A watchful eye on those present, including Kawn as the dark knight passes in what seems to be a fit of arrogance. Or a temper tantrum, David is kept busy for a tiny bit, musing over the possibilities. "Hey, Ryds. Shinra doesn't usually bother itself, from what I hear, 'less it's in their best interests." is the only thing he notes on the approach.

Rydia takes a very quick step back as Kawn does indeed stomp past her. After all, this man -does- want her dead, very dead, cold and six feet under or a grease stain at his feet kind of dead. Thusly she backs up right into David, if he's close enough. Well, it seems everything is turning out for the best, at least everyone is alive. Tilting her head back to look up at David she says, "Oh?" The concept seems alien to her, don't they police their areas?

Delita sighs once more and returns his blade to it's sheath. He watches Kawn leave, and frowns darkly as Rydia jumps back, concerned that Kawn might have said something or done something invisible to him. But as the dark knight leaves, he shrugs and turns back to Gafgarion, just waiting for his reaction.
      
Gafgarion just stands there listening to Kawn rant, although his sword pulses when he repeats his jibe about the retirement home. After Kawn leaves, he snaps the sword back into it's sheath, shutting off the blood-red glow. He turns to Delita. "Is this the kind of company you keep, Delita? If he's sticking around, then I'm afraid this is where we part ways." he says quietly.

Lenny Yokum gets behind the handles of his wheelbarrow and starts chugging toward the highway, having to settle on one new pitchfork. POTATOE's hand twitches once more...

David reaches to steady Rydia, his head nodding slightly, "Hm..." he turns and looks over his shoulder, toward the break in the wall that Kawn disappeared into, "Think we should still go to Sector Seven or put it off for another night?" See, David wouldn't care, but since it seems Rydia's been shaken by Kawn's appearance... Hrm. His gaze shifts back, fixing on the two men still present - Delita and Gafgarion. Lenny, he noticed leaving, a quiet smirk for the twitching arms and legs. Looks like he's about to get a surprise, there.

Oh nonononono, Rydia -definately- doesn't want to go on to Sector Seven if Kawn is over in that direction. That's inviting trouble, after all. And though she is on the naive side, she's not stupid. Looking back up at David she shakes her head rapidly. "No... not now." Man, thanks Kawn, just ruined Rydia's night. Pout. She sighs, starting to slowly relax now that the Dark Knight is out of the picture, her heartbeat returning to some semblence of normality.

Delita looks at Gafgarion with all the conviction and emotion of a clean, white sheet of paper. "I don't keep his company...until now we just happen to be going in the same direction. As for what you do..." he shrugs, letting his voice stay as even, as unjudgemental, and as blatantly uncaring as it might be if he were saying something as obvious as 'oh, look, a brick wall' rather than something that might decide on whether an ally stays or goes: "You do what you want to do." He looks over at David and Rydia once more, still curious.

Gafgarion scowls. "Damn it Delita!" he shouts, not caring who hears anymore. "I would think that you of all people would have no tolerance for those who wish to attack innocents!" He accents these words with a pointed finger. "I am sorry about this, but if you want to be a mercenary you are going to have to do it on your own." he continues, lowering his voice. Without giving Delita time to reply, he sweeps past him, muttering one word that nobody can hear but Delita.
Gafgarion whispers something to Delita

Lenny Yokum disappears around a street corner, pushing his wheelbarrow. "Gon' git mah ree-ward..." A minute later, there's a sound of something big and metal clanging loudly against something else big and metal. "Yaaahhh! Crazy row-bot, crazy row-bot! Aacck!"

As for David, he stands, possibly offering a trace of comfort to Rydia, if she would be receptive to it. Another pat on the head that is. "What made you two join up with a guy like him anyway?" Pause. One that is distinctively so, as David struggles with the temptation to make the words a caustic joke. So, he settles for a grin, one of those types that are sinister no matter how one means them. So, David could be meaning a friendly type of expression, but. Sinister just seems to be an ingrained part of his nature, at times.

Rydia sighs, comforted by David, or maybe just cause Kawn's gone so she can relax now. She can't quite see it all as humorously as David does, but she's not half as powerful as him either. No, she just had a nice scare, and needs a little time to put it in perspective. However, the question posed to Delita and Gafgarion perks her up and she glances toward them. Yeah... what -are- you guys doing hanging around with that creep?

Number 076 walks around the corner, pushing the wheelbarrow containing an unconscious country hick with a POTATOE sack over his head.  He parks the wheelbarrow next to a dumpster for safekeeping.

Delita doesn't seem at all peturbed by Gafgarion now leaving. He just calmly states, in a quiet but carrying voice, "You don't to remind me, Gafgarion. And if you're going to try and guilt me into something by bringing up the past, you'd better be prepared to do more than that." The 'holy knight' now turns to David. "He had his uses." is the only answer he gave.
  
Gafgarion just scowls as he reaches down to his scabbard and redoes the straps so he can't draw his sword quickly... and obvious gesture of peace, and continues walking towards Rydia and David. Upon arrival, he begins quietly, so Delita can't overhear... "To answer your question sir, I had never met the man and did not know anything about him. But that is not why I came over here." he turns to Rydia. "Madam, I do not wish to be rude, but you seemed rather frightened of..." he nods his head off in the direction that Kawn walked, rather than speak his name. "I hate to pry, but may I ask why?"
  
"Let me guess." David says mildly, "You used him as bait and decoy? He's loud enough, I'll grant that." Idly, the man looks to Gafgarion, his attention focusing after the first few words. He leans forward, murmuring to Rydia. Though his words are low, meant for the Caller's ears Gafgarion might catch snatches of what he says, given proximity. "Ask him what brough him here, if you wish to tell him what your dislike is about." Coach David to the rescue.

Number 076 steps out onto another street, surveying his surroundings and recalculating his coordinates... he has been deactivated for quite some time now.

Rydia flicks her gaze toward David without moving her head as he 'coaches' her on what to say. Nodding slightly, she glances up at Gafgarion and asks, "Pardon me, Sir, but what is going on here? What is he ... are you, doing here?" She's reluctant to spill her story about Kawn, after all, she's supposed to be in-cog-ni-to. *sigh* So much for that. Kawn just totally blew her identity out into the open, well sorta, he just called her name, but -still-...

Delita doesn't care what Gafgarion wants, or what Kawn's waiting for, but he is interested to know why Kawn was interested in Rydia. So he just floats nearby, quietly listening.

Gafgarion nods quickly. "Well, it's a long story madam, but in a nutshell, Delita and I are... were trying to stop some powerful artifacts from falling into the wrong hands. He..." he nods towards sector 7 again. "Had an idea about how we could get our hands on one of them. The details are somewhat irrelevant, and I don't know most of them myself." he says quickly and quietly, the latter being because he has noticed Delita's attempts to eavesdrop. Perhaps it doesn't matter if he overhears, but Gaff is still somewhat irritated that any man could be so nonchalant.

David arches a brow. "Oh?" He seems mildy interested in the matter himself, glancing toward Delita for a moment, as if seeking confirmation. "Looking for powerful artifacts, huh? Who would be the wrong hands, in this case?" he too, looks toward Sector Seven's direction for a moment, before turning back, "Does 'wrong hand's mean other hands than your own? I don't think the world's quite ready for 'powerful artifacts' in hands that're in the company of that guy." Kawn, you know? "No offense." he adds with a quick grin, in a manner casually implying that he's only given the afterthought as a token response. Just making observation, ya know? With room to prove his words wrong at that.

Rydia is just as curious. Powerful artifacts in the hands of Kawn is an -extremely- frightening idea to the little Caller girl with the green hair. Her jaw falling slack, she blurts out, "You're gonna let Kawn have access to something powerful? That's got to be the silliest thing I've ever heard!" She stomps one foot, hands going to her hips as the look on her face totally disapproving. "He wants to kill me!"
     
Number 076 moves out of the alley and into the light-- the damage to him from yesterday doesn't seem to be there anymore.  He looks the other way, not seeing any of his 'targets,' and crosses the street.
    
Gafgarion nods. "I agree entirely, however I should reassure you that the artifacts are not powerful unless all of them are gathered. And no sir," he turns to David. "By 'wrong hands' I do not mean any hands other than my own. But this is not what I came to discuss." He turns back to Rydia. "So, Kawn wishes to kill you? That is, indeed, what I had thought. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Gaff Gafgarion, mercenary for hire." he smiles winningly. "And if you need any further protection from him, I'll give you a special discount for two reasons. First is that I do not like that man. Second is that I do not believe in attacking innocents for any reason." This entire speech is delivered quickly and rapidly. His eyes never leave Rydia's face, trying to gauge her reaction.

Kawn has either gotten incredibly bored, or is worried that Delita was incompetant and lost his way while trying to follow, or came back for reasons you're uncertain of- actually that's the truth no matter what. Because afterall, even if those are valid reasons, and one of them is why, that doesn't mean you are aware of this! So in he strolls casually, with a mildly apathetic look for a facial expression, arms folded across his chest, and occasionally sideglancing just to make sure no psychotic decides he's convenient to exploit as a means of gratification. Seeing his companion Delita here, he's happy that nobody has caused ruckuss..

David ches slightly, considering as his gaze wanders over the nearby area. Happens that it lands on 076 for a moment, before moving on. To him, the cyborg poses no threat, after all, since 076 was quite friendly the last time they met up. "Well, I can't stop Ryds here... but as for me, I'm going to get some shuteye, out of your way." He cast his grin toward Delita and Gaf, before moving back a few paces. "Ryds?" he prompts, waiting her to answer the question Gaf posed.. and follow as she will. If she will.

Rydia nodnoding to David, Rydia smiles at him, "Yeah, I'm getting awful tired too David." Well, that scare really did knock her for a loop and she just wants to get out of this area ASAP! "Nice to meet you Mister Gagarion. Good luck... with him." Him obviously meaning Kawn, of course.