[center][hider=My Hider] [img]https://i.imgur.com/tINsNsk.png[/img] [/hider][/center] [center][h1][color=red]Sheffield Dusk[/color][/h1][/center] [center][h1][color=ff2400]Aeira Ketsueki[/color][/h1][/center] [center][color=ff2400]Azure City, Streets[/color][/center] [center]Collaboration between [@Cryptek12] and [@soph].[/center] [hr] [quote=soph][color=ff2400]"Why?"[/color] she asked, tilting her head.[/quote] Sheffield jerked to attention when he saw the Asian girl that dropped in out of nowhere. Sitting on a guy would be fair grounds for that question of hers. But when he saw the wings, the red eyes, and the teeth, he quickly looked back to his notebook. It was a matching picture! He looked back up to make sure. Then he checked the picture again. Back up, back down, back up, back down... Aeira Ketsueki, right in front of him. Now that's a stroke of luck. [color=red]”Uh..."[/color] Sheffield stood up and pocketed his notebook. The man below him still slept. [color=red]"Hello. Just... caught a bad guy here."[/color] Aeira looked even more confused. She noticed the man looking at his notebook. A picture probably. But why? [color=ff2400]“You have?”[/color] Her eyes were drawn to the man sleeping on the ground. [color=ff2400]“What did he do?”[/color] she asked, hoping the answer would tell her more about the two people in front of her. She was slightly on edge. If she was right about the picture, then this man was looking for her for some reason. Either to arrest her, question her, or... whatever other weird fantasies he had. [color=red]“He stole some dough,"[/color] Sheffield said, nudging the duffel bag with one foot. [color=red]"Special 'dough' apparently, though I'm not sure why my handler wouldn't say it was cash or something."[/color] He scratched the back of his head, but jabbed an accusatory finger at the girl. This mission should be over quick if he handled this right. [color=red]"But that aside, I think you're the one I'm looking for, and someone I was curious about these past weeks. Aeira Ketsueki, The Scarlet Devil, right?"[/color] Aeira stepped back, instinctively reaching towards the back of her head. She wasn’t as scared of that outcome. She found that many people who did kill others didn’t bother to waste their time on thieves. [color=ff2400]“Most people who say that end up trying to kill me,”[/color] she said drily. [color=ff2400]“But yes, you have the right person. What do you need?”[/color] Sheffield figured that he didn't have much of a reputation, much less any on the streets. But that at least meant Aeira Ketsueki was neutral to him. [color=red]”My name is Sheffield Dusk. I'm on a request by Azure City's 'volunteer department', a group of the government that handles short-term tasks handled by capable people, including me."[/color] Sheffield took out his notebook and flipped to another page. [color=red]"'Mutant identified as Aeira Ketsueki... troublemaker... likely not a...’ here, it says you're suspected of being a distraction for the unknown terrorist forces slipping into Azure Park. The MSU, if not the police or some investigators, are going to catch you for interrogation once things get cleared up on their end.[/color] [color=red]"However, right now they only want an alibi that you didn't do anything wrong. I want to talk to you to help you avoid that, but not here. Is the Rain's Knell Café alright for our talk?"[/color] The young man stared meaningfully, hopefully, into Aeira's own. She had been looking towards the sky, listening, contemplating, then looked back at Sheffield and nodded. [color=ff2400]“Sure, I’ll go with you. I wouldn’t have done something so boring anyway. But how do we plan on getting there?”[/color] Sheffield walked over to his motorcycle and patted the back part of the seat. [color=red]"I'll give you a ride. Just give me a moment to drag this thief off. There should be a post nearby..."[/color] Aeira saw the motorcycle and gasped, walking up to look at it. [color=ff2400]"I've never ridden one before! It's so pretty,"[/color] she said in awe. Sheffield then let out an [color=red]“Oh!”[/color] He remembered the rule about motorcycle helmets. He turned to her, asking, [color=red]"You don't happen to have something to cover your face?"[/color] The girl looked down at her arms, her sweater's sleeves covering her hands. She raised them towards Sheffield. [color=ff2400]"I can use these?"[/color] Sheffield's lips quirked just a little into a grin. [color=red]"If you mean wrapping it around your head... it'll hopefully do. Just get on the motorcycle and behind me. I'll get us to the café in no time at all!"[/color] [center]--~-- (AC) --~--[/center] Sheffield drove the motorcycle at fairly unsafe speeds. No, they weren't just unsafe; the rider edged on breaking the city speed limits again. The two whipped past the poor vehicles stuck in a traffic jam. Crime was still recent and forced roads to be blocked off. In turn, roads became congested that Sheffield used shortcuts, small streets and alleyways, all while maintaining a fair amount of speed. Still, he chanced a glance back at the girl riding behind him. Aeira had a smile on her face, and was holding on to Sheffield as tight as she could without it distracting him. It was really loud. And really cold. But also fun! She was impressed at how well he could drive the motorcycle, but slightly confused. She wanted to ask about it but decided to wait until he stopped driving before saying anything. When Sheffield stopped in front of the café, she got off the bike and glared at him, hoping to look as angry as possible. [color=ff2400]“I could’ve died.”[/color] The young man shot back at her his best raised eyebrow, [color=red]"Then why were you smiling so much?"[/color] [color=ff2400]“Because it was so cool!”[/color] Aeira’s face of anger quickly turned to one of excitement, a large grin forming on her face. [color=ff2400]“But weren’t you a little too fast?”[/color] Sheffield shrugged. [color=red]"I wasn't keen on sitting through traffic for both our sakes. That, and I’m more used to speedy chases. I know about speed limits enough to be grazing them.”[/color] [color=red]"But enough about that. Wait here for a moment."[/color] The young man led his bike over into a wide alleyway beside the café, where a few bikes were parked and locked against posts. He took up a tarp and a cord; soon the motorcycle was covered and secured. [color=red]"Now here we are."[/color] Sheffield opened the door, looking back at Aeira. The café would rate above average when it comes to the outside, in that there were clear windows, tables with umbrellas outside, flowerbeds, railings, and other things you would expect of a relaxing place. Being situated beside a quiet street, far from the busy ones, it seemed to just fit in. Just; it had gothic accents to it, being mostly a scene of dark colors and antique-looking furnishings. For one, the tiles below were of smooth black brick as opposed to the rough granite of the street they were on, and a gargoyle-shaped stone door-knocker hung on the front door. It was most definitely a café though. [color=ff2400]“This place is kinda weird.”[/color] Aeira looked at the door knocker. [color=ff2400]“It’s too... dark.”[/color] [color=red]"Blame my boss. He went with this idea, or so the staff told me. Something about "going gothic" for a while."[/color] The café inside had the same overall dark theme. It was spacious however, with tables and sofas spread apart for ample elbow and leg room. But it was quiet. Five patrons sat nearby together, enjoying coffee in a hushed conversation. Only a waiter or two were standing by the kitchen. The young man waved to the young receptionist manning the desk to their side. The woman who had a frown earlier then smiled and simply waved back. Aeira took a casual glance around before looking to Sheffield and smiling. [color=ff2400]“Where are we going to sit?”[/color] [color=red]"Here,"[/color] Sheffield gestured to a table and slid into his own chair. [color=red]"The café's in a grim state at the moment. My boss got injured in the attack, and he's being taken care of at a hospital."[/color] He shook his head but came up with a slight grin. [color=red]"He'll be fine though, being a mutant. Now, do you want anything before I get to interviewing?"[/color] Sheffield took out a different device: an old-fashioned-looking audio recorder. He set it on with a [i]click![/i] [color=ff2400]“No, I’m fine.”[/color] Aeira took a seat at the table, looking slightly uncomfortable. She sighed. It wasn’t the greatest timing for her to be questioned right now. She felt it was silly that she was being questioned either way, but there was no point in complaining. ‘Might as well get it over with,’ she thought. [color=ff2400]“What’s the first question?”[/color] An eyebrow of Sheffield’s raised. "Did you kill anyone?"[/color] Aeira raised an eyebrow, almost laughing at the question. [color=ff2400]“No.”[/color] [color=red]“Did you knock out or help anyone?"[/color] [color=ff2400]"No, I left right away."[/color] [color=red]"Do you happen to know who the attackers are?"[/color] [color=ff2400]"I know just as much as anyone else."[/color] [color=red]"Will you admit that you caused plenty of headaches by jumping on top off those poor people for no reason in particular?"[/color] Sheffield's eyebrows stayed raised. Aeira yawned. [color=ff2400]"Yeah, probably."[/color] Then the young man turned off the recorder with an audible-- [color=red]“Are you really nineteen?"[/color] he suddenly asked. Her mind was absent before this, but the question got her attention. [color=ff2400]"Uh... why do you ask?"[/color] Sheffield paused to consider this. Age is a pretty common sore point... [color=red]"No, it's just that you don't act older than me, much less look it. Just a thought,"[/color] he said nonchalantly. [color=ff2400]"Oh. Yes, I am."[/color] Aeira looked down at the table, drawing imaginary circles with her finger. [color=ff2400]"What's next?"[/color] [color=red]"Lunch. Or maybe a treat. We're finished, by the way.”[/color] He gestured to the menu on the table. [color=red]"You can order whatever you want as my thanks to you."[/color] [color=red]"...Except for the super expensive courses or crazy-looking ones! I know how much those strawberry peas were worth..."[/color] [color=ff2400]"Really?"[/color] Her eyes lit up. She grabbed the menu, quickly flipping to the dessert section. [color=ff2400]"The... angel food cake, please?"[/color] A waiter came over to them with a notepad and pencil. "We've recently gotten a supply of assorted fruits. At the moment, we're offering a choice of strawberries that taste like different fruits, tomato juice with a more salty flavor, and well, here." He showed them the flyer attached to a little stand on the table, the kind you would flip through to see what the café has to offer. "There's a small list, but the main food is still just as it is. Ah, and Sheffield, your sundae." The young man blinked as the other waiter slid the bowl of sugary-fruity goodness in front of him. He pointed at it, saying, [color=red]"But what..."[/color] "Our treat," the waiter said. "You helped with the Park incident." Sheffield scratched the back of his head in embarassment, lips curling up into a frown. Aeira stayed silent and hoped the waiter didn't speak to her. Even if she did order actual food, she wouldn't have eaten it. Her interest was piqued when she heard Sheffield helped with the park incident. [color=ff2400]"He did?"[/color] she asked. "Was a vigilante, he said. We saw him take out a couple of goons and tussle with a darn strong punching mutant! That's the Red Striker for you—!" [color=red]"I don't really fight as much anymore,"[/color] Sheffield cut in. [color=red]"I only quit the Raiders of the Lost and still work around as a fighter, but that doesn't mean I like hearing that old name again."[/color] Raiders of the Lost. The name rang a bell for Aeira, however faint it was. [color=ff2400]"Why'd you quit?"[/color] As the waiter left them to their chat, the young man answered, [color=red]"Shady organizations. Change in policies. And... killing."[/color] He lowered his head. [color=red]"It's like they went over the edge a year ago. I'm not sure which incident made them that way, but they suddenly acted more like... ugh, the kind of people who forces their justice on others?"[/color] The young man took a bite out of his sundae. His grimace made it look like the dessert tasted terrible, not that it was. Talking about those people rarely settled well with Sheffield. [color=red]“Not that I'm one to talk, though,”[/color] he added. [color=ff2400]"They sound boring."[/color] Aeira brought her knees up to her chest. [color=ff2400]"But does it matter? It's not like they're hunting you down or anything."[/color] [color=red]“They aren't,"[/color] he agreed, wincing internally. [color=red]"But with all the time I've been with them, with the things I've gotten from them... Well, it's a wonder why they easily let me go."[/color] [color=red]"You'll find them working as a private security firm now, but I'm confident they're a good match for a few pro hero groups. With a force like that, those people they sided with..."[/color] Sheffield cut off. He bit his lower lip softly, staring at his sundae. Then he looked at Aeira. [color=red]"I suppose no one's worrying about you right now? The Raiders are just one of a couple of people interested in mutants like you, even if those wings are just for show. Are you really alright on your own in this city?"[/color] Aeira thought back to what happened earlier. Was she really fine on her own? If more people like that existed there’d be a problem, but... [color=ff2400]“I’ll be fine,”[/color] she said in a low tone, not truly believing it. There was a brief period of silence. [color=ff2400]“Maybe,”[/color] she added. [color=ff2400]“How come you aren’t a vigilante anymore?”[/color] [color=red]"I killed someone."[/color] The waiter from earlier was coming to them with Aeira's cake. Sheffield kept quiet as the waiter came and left again. [color=ff2400]"What'd they do?"[/color] [color=red]"Aren't you going to eat your cake?"[/color] [color=ff2400]"Okay."[/color] She looked down. She didn't look sad or regretful, but mostly disappointed. In her mind, she was confused. For the longest time, she basically only had herself to think about. It didn't take long talking to Sheffield to see that he didn't really like killing or people who do so, but what did he think of them? [color=ff2400]"I have a question,"[/color] She didn't try to make eye contact with Sheffield. [color=ff2400]"You don't have to answer it, but it would help."[/color] [color=red]"Fire away."[/color] [color=ff2400]"Do you think killing someone makes you evil?"[/color] Sheffield raised an eyebrow, but he answered immediately, [color=red]"No. I like to think that we do what we want, and killing... is something I personally don't WANT to do again, or the only choice I get. But I won't stop others from doing it when pushed. People just... have to do it sometimes. And I believe in choices.[/color] [color=red]“Rather, what I think you should be asking is whether killing is even okay."[/color] [color=red]"I think... it depends,”[/color] she answered after a moment. [color=red]“For everyone. I think everyone would try to justify it in their own way, and it’s just an objective thing. It’s not really a yes or no question. There are so many situations where I would say sure, and so many where I would say no. But what about you?"[/color] Sheffield opened his mouth, then closed it. He had something of a reply. He had thought on whether he should kill before taking up the name of the Red Striker, and more after he really killed someone. But would it be enough for two strangers debating this much? He chuckled. It was sudden, nonsensical, and creepy of him, but these two strangers were talking this deeply in a café after a lighthearted interrogation, in the middle of a city of rampant crime and weird going-ons like right now. [color=red]"Sorry,"[/color] he said, suppressing his smile. [color=red]"I didn't mean for this chat to get this personal, in a sense."[/color] He looked down on his melting sundae. [color=red]"I don't have an answer. I'd rather give it more thought, so could you wait until then?"[/color] [color=ff2400]"Okay!"[/color] Aeira said, suddenly much more upbeat. She smiled and started to eat her cake again. [color=ff2400]"There's no rush. Everyone has all the time in the world that they need."[/color] Sheffield felt this girl... woman... was something of the dishonest sort. But she was cheery. He ate his sundae as he looked up at the overhead TV in a corner of the room, running a news program. Black trucks rushed through the streets in the camera showing the footage, chasing civilian cars. Crime was just dying down at this hour. But what was that quote about battles...? [i]"Battle ahead, battle behind, but for now... peace."[/i] [color=red]"Do you have a phone number I could call?”[/color] he asked. [color=red]“If you want, you could call me up for a talk or some help some tome."[/color] [color=ff2400]"Yeah! It's..."[/color] As the two exchanged numbers, Aeira finished her cake. She tried her hardest to watch the TV, but it proved to be too dull. She'd seen the same situation a countless amount of times, sometimes even firsthand. The black trucks reminded her of a lot of things, the MSU for one. If she remembered what Sheffield said correctly, they would investigate her. She imagined it wouldn't be as simple then as it was now. Deciding to forget about it for now, Aeira looked at her phone again. Nothing. She looked at the TV again. The same thing. She looked down at her plate. Nothing! There was no way Aeira would stay here for any longer. [color=ff2400]“Alright.”[/color] Aeira stood up from her seat and stretched. [color=ff2400]"I'll head out now,”[/color] she said, waving goodbye as she walked backwards towards the door, still unsure of what to do. Sheffield waved back. His sundae melted. And his phone rang.