On the journey to Russell City, Ivan followed the constant sputtering of the motorcycle's engine as he glided across the swampy and warm earth. The ground hadn't taken very well to the water, and was only now beginning to absorb the liquid to create a soupy quagmire from what had once been dusty and rocky earth. Low to the ground as he was, the mud began seeping underneath Ivan's clothing and splashing all across his front as the mound of earth he slid upon constantly needed to be reshaped. As the small group neared the fringes of Russell City, Ivan heard the motorcycle's engine begin to give out and not long after actually entering the city they had stopped all together. 

James abandoned the bike, speaking briefly with Vladimira and leaving it for her to deal with since it had belonged to the corpse she carried with her. James then left in search of the woman that had fled from the fight, the one that had appeared hollow, requesting he go alone which left Ivan somewhat downtrodden as he watched James' muddied silhouette move away. He'd suggested they 'regroup' later, and so Ivan nodded at his departure before turning to face Vladimira. She didn't sound all to overjoyed at being left with everything, though in fairness James had been correct in deciding it best to leave the corpses possessions with the corpse. 

It was true that she'd need to haul about the sled she rode, and the motorcycle, but Ivan felt it wasn't really his place to start getting involved in this stranger's business. “[color=a36209]The road’s wet enough that everything slips[/color],” Ivan laughed, proving his point by raising the mud beneath him slightly so that he could slide off the mound. “[color=a36209]Should be easy enough to move things about[/color]," he then commented, hoping to make her task easier without needing to stick around and bother her.

"[color=a36209]Anyways, it’s been nice meeting you, Mrs. Kovalik, but I feel it’s none of my business following you about. Enjoy the sky water[/color],” Ivan  bid, departing soon as he gave Vladimira a friendly pat on the shoulder, which left a large and dirty hand print. Half stumbling, half sliding, Ivan quickly found the nearest wall and began walking down the street, keeping one hand on the nearby buildings as he hummed a tuneless melody. It had been at least a year since he'd visited Russell City, and the last time he'd ventured this way had been simply to run an errand for someone. There was good value to be found in smuggling things, and Ivan was unpredictable in his routes which a man in Locke City had learned to greatly appreciate. There was no business to attend here though, and Ivan was fully stocked on supplies from his visit to Isolone. 

Feeling somewhat lost, the man turned his head up slowly to feel the water falling down upon his face. He'd become drenched by now, and this finally brought his attention to the dryness he felt inside. The feeling churned the uncertainty within him, and as the dryness began to give way to a gnawing sense of emptiness Ivan knew he needed to find a place to think. He'd walked at least a few blocks by now, and looked about as he tried to get his bearings. Before too long he realized such efforts were wasted though, and decided simply to duck into the nearest alleyway as he felt up the buildings on either side. 

Above him, he saw faded pools of swirling dust stacked upon invisible platforms which he could recognize as the building's fire escape. In an effort to reach the top of the building, Ivan pushed up a mound of mud to reach for where he could only assume the ladder would be. He didn't know where he was, or if anyone would mind his presence, but knew he needed to get somewhere high up as what felt like a void in his chest began to expand. He cursed as his wrist smashed against the metal bottom of the ladder, muttering unhappily as he yanked down on the rungs so he'd be sure he could climb it. Then from there he hauled himself up the side of the building, groping about and leaving trails of mud as he touched everything he could. 

Upon reaching the top of the final platform, Ivan slowly hauled himself up the ladder that had been bolted into the side of the building. Every rung he climbed, he'd lift his hand in the air and feel for what he hoped would be a flat roof to climb onto. If it turned out he couldn't sit at the top of the building he'd need to climb back down and find another tower to scale, this thought causing him to frown as his hand pawed about again. Another rung, and again Ivan felt about for the rooftop but still finding only the wall of the building. Three more rungs later, and Ivan breathed a sigh of relief as he finally had found the top of the ladder. Knowing how far he should expect to reach now, he hastily climbed the remainder of the ladder and began crawling about the rooftop to try and absorb what he could about it.

The building itself was made from something that had started out as stone, or at least a good portion of it was constructed from the material since Ivan could still see the faint outline of the building's insides. Long ago he'd given up on trying to learn why he could and couldn't see certain things, accepting the fact that it seemed he could only truly recognize any natural or pure material. Concrete always came in kind of smudged and off, glass visually just rung hollow, and brick was just a block of floating flakes which would easily change depending on the brick's composition. It didn't mater much, not now at least, as all Ivan needed to know was that the roof was solid and he could sit upon it. The traces of the building's insides were easily ignored, and Ivan instead focused on bringing himself into that same sitting position he always took up; legs crossed, hands in his lap, and head down.

He forced himself to slow his breathing, realizing it had become a little heavier than normal. He never embraced thinking, but liked it all the same as it reminded him of his humanity. That's what he'd come up here to do: think. So he let his thoughts flow freely, contemplating the emptiness he felt as his head fell back and he began to drink from the sky. It had been a long time since he'd felt this way; known the sensations that feeling lost always brought. His mind wheeled towards the man he'd met today; James. He had been kind, and a young soul that had yet to see the truth ahead. Many people never saw what it all meant, but James maybe would figure it out in time. This thought brought a smile to the corner of Ivan's lips, and he gulped as enough water had filled his open mouth to swallow. Where James had gone, Ivan didn't know but he felt he'd like for them to meet again. Who Vladimira was hadn't really stirred much interest, despite Ivan wanting to reflect on her briefly. His mind soon moved on to other things though, like the water falling atop his head, and the unusual hollow incident earlier today. Reviewing his day like this always brought him a sort of comfort, as it gave him a second chance to analyze his thoughts which he always viewed as important. [i][color=a36209]If everyone asked every question twice, there would be more knowledge with less answers. Less regret in the world, and more purpose.[/color][/i] Amusing himself with those reflections, Ivan snorted, feeling lost in his own mind but no longer lost with his thoughts. It was a slight change but it made a world of difference, and Ivan took another deep breath as the existentialist within him took over.

-----------------------------------------------------

Ivan didn't know for certain how long he'd been atop the roof, but it had been long enough that someone had found him up there and roused him from his meditation. He felt content now, and at peace with the fact that he might never see James again. The man had good intent with wishing they could 'regroup', but in a city as big as Russell and how easily lost Ivan would get the chances they'd run into each other again were slim. He'd seemed like an interesting character, Vladimira too, but they both had their own agendas just as Ivan did. He'd been heading up this way to reach the northern coast, and look again upon the silt coated and shifting dunes that lay beneath the waves. Perhaps even he might plan to stay there for a while; find joy in meditating by the coast and playing his flute to the wind. For now though, he'd wait out the sky water and planned to do so by getting a drink. He had ammo; just enough left to get him a cheap meal, a drink of the fermented kind, and perhaps some something-something if the bartender would send him in the direction of a dealer. 

Still, Ivan ran his hand along the sides of the various buildings as he trudged through the muddied streets of Russell. Most people that were still outside were busy collecting the water as it fell, with some children having escaped their parents to run and splash about. A large truck had been parked in the middle of one street, with enough mud still on it's sides for Ivan to recognize that it was meant for hauling liquids. The presumed owner of said truck was arguing quite loudly with two men regarding the truck's placement. Ivan made sure to duck out of their way, being able to assume from the way the two men talked down to the first that they were Wings. Up ahead the outline of mud covered boots revealed a group of two or three people, hopefully individuals who wouldn't give him a second thought, who stood out in the street with muddy buckets and jugs in hand. 

"[color=a36209]Excuse me[/color]," Ivan called to them, his voice louder than usual after having quenched his thirst earlier, "[color=a36209]would any of you know where I could find a tavern or somethin' like it?[/color]" For a short while there was silence, and Ivan only stood and watched as he waited for a response. He wished for a moment that he could see their faces, and know maybe what expressions they held. 

"[color=0072bc]The uh, Bitch's Brew is a few blocks that way[/color]," one of them said, no doubt raising their hand which remained invisible to Ivan. [i][color=a36209]Sky water. I never really realized how dirty everything normally is[/color],[/i] Ivan scoffed mentally, grabbing at one of the pockets on his vest and retrieving his compass. The thing was dirty from the inside out, and even as the rain splashed against the trinket to try and cleanse it the needle and disc within were still caked in dust and grime. 

"[color=a36209]Sorry, which direction is 'that way?[/color]" Ivan questioned, looking down at the compass and orienting himself on which way was North.

"[color=0072bc]Excuse me?[/color]" the man replied, the splash of boots drawing Ivan's attention as the man walked closer.

"[color=a36209]Which direction? You know: North, South, East, West[/color]," Ivan explained, walking forward to meet the man and show him the compass. 

"[color=0072bc]Uh... a few blocks, East, I guess[/color]," the man replied, sounding concerned as Ivan clicked the compass shut and returned it to it's pocket. 

"[color=a36209]Thank you[/color]," was all Ivan had to say to that, walking back to the wall and moving along it until he could turn a corner to go Eastward. Carefully, after walking past one crossroad Ivan began to listen for the slightest sound of music as it would be his only real way of finding the bar in this weather unless they had a sign. Chances are the sign would have been washed clean by now though, and with a sigh Ivan continued with tracing his hand along the walls of buildings. Another block and still the only sound was the drumming of the sky water, and Ivan was beginning to feel it's chill work into his finger tips. It was a chill like that which was brought on by night, something Ivan was no stranger too but still, the cold combined with the wet made him feel worse. He smelled like a wet dog too, but he himself hardly noticed the stench as the water thoroughly worked it's way into every space it could find. 

When Ivan did finally hear music he pressed his head up against the next door he found and pushed it open, the sight of him noisily stumbling through the door of The Bitch's Brew causing a few people inside to look in his direction. He was breathing heavily, his clothing weighing twice as much as it usually did on top of the fact that he was cold. Uneasily he looked around, the music having stopped momentarily with his entrance but soon started up again which prompted Ivan to move towards the bar. The man at the counter seemed ready to protest as Ivan lugged himself across the room and into the nearest stool, fairly unhappy with how this stranger had just tracked a large portion of mud into the establishment. The bartender held his tongue for the moment though, Ivan's exhaustion being misperceived for a poor temperament as he threw his arms onto the counter with a wet thud. "[color=a36209]I'd like something to eat, and drink. Whatever's cheap[/color]," Ivan requested, his tone lacking hostility which let the bartender relax a little. 

"[color=630460][color=1a7b30]Do you know the mess you just made?[/color][/color]" was the response he got, causing Ivan to look back towards the door at the practical trail of mud he'd created. Next his eyes moved downward, examining the puddle of dirty, brown water that had formed beneath his stool before he returned his attention to the bartender. 

"[color=a36209]I'll take care of it on my way out. Dirt likes me[/color]," Ivan explained, smirking underneath his hood before he let out a sigh. Even if he couldn't see the mans face, Ivan knew he probably didn't look too happy. In hopes of distracting the man's attention to something else, Ivan pawed at his vest for the pocket he kept stray bullets in. He found it quickly enough, and reached inside to grab the first two bullets his fingers brushed against before he placed them on the counter in front of him. "[color=a36209]Something to eat, and drink please[/color]," he repeated, trying to make his words sound apologetic in tone. 

The bartender replied with an unhappy sigh, plucking the two metal cylinders out of the dirty puddle they rested in. "[color=007236][color=004b80]Sure thing, but I want you out of here soon as you finish[/color][/color]," he instructed, Ivan giving him a thumbs up in response. Ivan watched as the bartender moved about behind the counter, after a minute coming back to place a plate and a mug onto the counter somewhat carelessly. Ivan nodded in appreciation before he lifted the bottom of his hood, freeing his mouth and nose from it's confines but nothing else. In a very stiff and practiced motion, Ivan rose his hand and placed it on top of what he quickly figured out was some fairly stale tasting bread. It didn't have any flavour either, but it didn't matter much since all Ivan could taste was the dirty water all over his hands. Between tearing chunks off the brittle loaf, Ivan would reach over to the mug that had been placed near him and take a drink, noting that the beer was kind of watered down. [i][color=a36209]Must not have paid him much[/color],[/i] he thought, shrugging as he decided to be grateful the bartender had even served him something. 

"[color=007236]Hey uh[/color]," Ivan heard the bartender begin, returning from somewhere on the other end of the bar, "[color=007236]your name wouldn't happen to be 'Ivan', would it?[/color]" he asked, sounding more curious than accusative. 

Ivan stopped eating and looked around himself briefly, not expecting this man to know anything about him. "[color=a36209]Why?[/color]" was what the bartender got as a response, Ivan quickly biting into the last bit of bread he'd been given. 

"[color=007236]I have a note someone gave me earlier today, and they asked me to pass on a message should I see any of the two people he was looking for. Does the name 'James' mean anything to you?[/color]" the bartender asked, causing Ivan to stop chewing. 

"[color=a36209]What's the message?[/color]" Ivan asked, trying to sound disinterested as he finished his meal.

"[color=007236]Well I have the note right he-[/color]"

"[color=a36209]I can't read.[/color]"

"[color=007236]Oh, well maybe for a bit of lead I can read it to you[/color]," the bartender smirked, holding out his hand. "[color=007236]That and I'll forgive you for the mess[/color]," he then added, his tune having changed to make him sound quite pleased.

Ivan grumbled, finishing his drink with a few swift chugs before he reached inside his vest pocket again and pulled out another random bullet. He only had a few left now, and was hoping they'd be enough to get him something after this. "[color=a36209]Here[/color]," he grunted, dropping the ammunition onto the counter top before he moved to wipe his mouth and replace his hood again. 

The bartender again plucked the bullet from the muddy puddle before unfolding what sounded like paper, and just loud enough for Ivan to hear read what was on it. 

[i]"[color=007236]Vladimira, Ivan, whichever of you get this, I found out where she's going.  I don't know why exactly, something about gathering Immortals, but she's heading to Isolone.  I'm going to try to head her off and make sure it isn't a trap or something.  Somehow I doubt it; she doesn't seem too dangerous right now, but there's no telling when she might go hollow again.  Whether you follow me or not, stay safe.  The Wings are looking for you two.  I'd keep my head down if I were you.

PS. Her name is Alex.

-James[/color]"[/i]

Ivan laughed, slamming his fist on the table as he pushed himself to stand. "[color=a36209]I get to see him again. That's grand![/color]" Ivan chuckled, adjusting his clothing a little before he turned towards the door. "[color=a36209]Thanks for the meal, eh,[/color]" Ivan quickly said to the man behind the counter, walking towards the front door of the bar. As he left, Ivan lifted his arm, calling to him the puddles of mud and sludge as he opened the door to leave. "[color=a36209]Have a good night, everyone![/color]" he shouted back inside the building, the mud swirling around his legs as he stepped outside and shut the door behind him. "[color=a36209]Isolone,[/color]" Ivan breathed, inhaling deeply as he walked out into the street and pulled out his compass. "[color=a36209]Isolone,[/color]" he repeated, orienting himself in a southern direction so he could begin walking. It'd be a long trip, but maybe if he rushed himself he could get there some time tomorrow.