starlightcafe | (no subject)

Easy come, easy go. That was how the saying went, wasn't it? Goro Akechi had become a household name in Shibuya, the teen had risen to fame at great speed... But sometimes things just didn't go as planned, even with the most careful calculations. Goro had no interest in staying in Japan now. He wouldn't call himself the type to run away when things got rough, of course not, but there was running away and then there was making a strategic exit. Two different things.

He'd ended up in the American city of Birchpointe through a series of unusual circumstances- Not nearly as unusual as those that had lead to him fleeing the country, of course, but that was hardly saying anything. Would he stay? So far, Goro wasn't sure. He had no reason not to, he supposed, but that would be true in many places. He didn't want simply an unobjectionable place. It was having a reason to stay that would matter, and he'd only see if there was one by exploring the city.

It had gotten quite late before he'd realized it was even getting dark, that evening. One point in Birchpointe's favor was that there was no lack of things to do and see, at least. Still, he was growing tired, and started to head back to his apartment- When an unusual sound caught his attention from the woods beyond the sidewalk.

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The unusual sound was a deep, throaty growl. From out of the shadows ranged a trio of- dogs? wolves? -slinking across the grounds. The one in front, though its fur was shaggy and matted, was still large and muscular, and teeth as sharp as any top-of-the-heap predator. It turned its head and barked to the one on the left, then the one on the right, and continued stalking forward, hackles raised. The three seemed intent on turning a meal out of Goro-

Then the leader paused, raised its head. It sniffed the air, and for a moment its ears went back. The other two sensed their leader's uncertainty and also paused, watching as it backpawed a step or two. A high-pitched, warning growl to the air, then it turned on its heel and ran off again, quickly followed by the other two.

For a few moments, nothing seemed to happen. Then there were footsteps nearby and a young man in a cloak, shifting the adjustment of the gauntlet he wore on one arm. Reaching Goro he paused, shifting his hood up enough he could see him better.

"Everything alright here?"

Fear was a natural response to being marked as prey, and Goro wasn't free from it in that moment. But - though he had no means to fight the canines right now - a part of him was disappointed when they left. The thrill of battle, the satisfaction of destroying an opponent... He missed those things.

He was, of course, also curious as to what had scared the mongrels off... And certainly hadn't expected it to be just a person, seemingly no different from himself. How very interesting. There was no need to put on the act of a polite young man anymore, so Goro was free to show his confusion and intrigue, in the way he tilted his head and squinted a bit, rather than behave gratefully.

"Yes, of course," he said, looking the other boy over from head to toe. He may not have been a true detective but his reasoning skills were still quite good, maybe he could discern something.

There were several "normal" things about him- he was tall and athletic in build, wavy black hair, single color neutral clothes, though the inside of the black cloak had a brilliant red that gave a little pop. But there were several unusual things, too. It might've been the trick of a nearby street lamp, but his eyes definitely seemed red; there were the gauntlets he wore on each forearm, with the air of an experienced swordsman carrying his favorite blade at his hip. But most of all, the little peek of sharp teeth at the corners of his mouth as he spoke.

If he knew he was being scrutinized he let it slip, instead nodding at the reply, resting one hand on his hip.

"Good. Hate to say it but there's always something in a big city like this, damn pack is just one of the latest."

It was those eyes that caught Goro's attention the most as he watched, though the teeth weren't unnoticed, and it was the gauntlets he would ultimately decide to comment on. But first, because he didn't care for being told things he felt were obvious-

"I'm familiar with that aspect of city life. You do look more prepared for its dangers than anyone else I've seen in town so far, though," he added, looking pointedly at the gauntlets.

Daniel glanced down at the gauntlets, then nodded, turning his arm over a bit.

"Yeah, you could say that. More for whenever I'm outside the city, given what lives out there, but I feel a bit undressed without 'em so, I usually just keep them on. Never know when they might be needed anyway."

Goro nodded in return. If he was that on-guard that being without his gauntlets made him feel uncomfortable in a way...

"I imagine you've made a career, or at least a habit, out of fighting what's out there. I'm curious, though. Is that to protect the city, or do you simply enjoy it?"