I will not bow, I will not break, I will shut the world away

[lucke]

WHO: All are Welcome! (Especially you martially minded, looser moral types)
WHERE: The Red Branch
WHEN: When you please
WHAT: Celebrating his return to the mortal coil, Cu Chulainn comes back to the RB with gusto, turning up the heat. However with new life comes new drive. He's not satisfied with civilian work anymore and is taking on recruits and forming a merc squad. So if you're looking for a job or just looking to let off steam, it's a good chance you'll find what you need here.
WARNINGS: Booze hound battle royal.





If you thought the Red Branch was rowdy before, you might want to prepare yourself.

While the property has always been prone to raucous outbursts of music and violence, since the return of it's patron it's gone on unabated. Thanks to Kenzi's endless stash of tunes the music keeps pumping and the drinks keep flowing day in and day out. (However you may find yourself a bit perturbed the sheer range of songs types you might hear in a night. ...Is that... Spice Girls on now?) Even the house ban on fights within the establishment has, for the time being, found itself revoked. However a certain scale of collateral damage is a sure fire way to aggro the boss man himself. A task he'll take to gleefully, you can be assured.

All the normal bar functions are still in place if you're after a bite to eat or a game of pool. If the noise gets a bit too much for you there's a beautiful summer swarm of wild flowers slowly taking over the grounds. If you're there late you may even discover that for some reason the the legion of flowers seem to thrive on and radiate the the light of the moon, leaving the outside area awash in a ghostly palette of hues.

So if you've got some energy to burn, or an itch that needs a scratchin', you've just been given a free ticket to cut loose.

[OOC: Info on The Red Branch can be found here! Feel free to make your own prompt or hop into one already made!]

Comments

Merc initiation: Open to all those that wish to apply

[lucke]

[While the festivities are still in full swing inside, out back Cu Chulainn has set up small area just beyond the treeline. The ground here is relatively even and that natural terrain of rocks and trees affords any who visit a modicum of privacy.

A quick glance is all it takes to see it's purpose. Rows of wooden practice weapons line racks in a semi-circle around a clearing, like a row of jagged teeth. Veins of light leak through the canopy and give enough light to see clearly, but leaves the copse dim enough that the light from the runes etched along the length's of the practice weapons shines strongly --a series of enchantments to make sure the tools can stand up to the abuse only an import (or a demi-god) can toss about.

Cu himself is there waiting when you arrive, leaning leisurely against a nearby tree. As you approach he turns his attention from his current companions: a quartet of wolves --three white with ashen accents and one clearly much larger with a coat of midnight black, all lounging at his feet. As you approach he steps out into the center of ring, presenting himself fully to you. The glint in his eyes, if not the setup, give you a clear indication of his intentions. ]

I name myself Cu Chulainn, First Knight of the Red Branch, Shield of Ulster and Protector of Imports.

Who stands before me?

[Think you've got what it takes?]

[ironbuttmonkey]

[Now those are the kind of theatrics he can get behind. Sanageyama steps up to take the challenge, his stance brimming with confidence and voice full of energy.]

Uzu Sanageyama, one of the four Devas of Honnouji and the sword of Satsuki Kiryuin!

[Rather than go for the weapons provided, he draws the wooden sword holstered in the back of his uniform's coat - fortunately, despite it's appearance, it isn't just any old ordinary wooden sword. The life fibers it's made up of should be adequate for fighting him, even if it's not obvious at first glance.]

I'll take you on!

[lucke]

Heh. [A sharp twist at one corner of his mouth misalignes his face. Such a response was appropriate from Uzu, and while Cu wasn't one to gush, it was extremely respectful. Not to mention the confidence in which he stated it was without question. ]

Straight to business then?

[A smooth, practiced step back brings Cu within a few feet of the center most rack --One hand twisting behind him and lightly touching the shaft of one of the spear shaped weapons.



A very good start.]

[ironbuttmonkey]

That's exactly how I like to do things.

[He waits for Cu to get his weapon before moving, since attacking any sooner wouldn't make this fight worth doing, but once he has Sanageyama gets straight to business. Both hands moving to the hilt of his Shinai, he brings his sword back and then rushes towards his opponent, swinging it in an overhead arc forward and aiming for Cu's head once he's within range. It's a very straightforward move, but his swing is fast and there's plenty of power behind it.]

[lucke]

[Even with spear in hand, Cu keeps his flank to his enemy, allowing him to rush almost to within striking distance.]

Heheh.

[Cu spins on a dime at the last second, raising his spear lightning quick to intercept the blow in the middle of his weapon's shaft. To Sanageyama's benefit the blow slides Cu across the dirt arena a foot. But otherwise he absorbs the blow with a smile.]

Ooh? That's some swing! Something's giving you... SOME OOMPH!

[He shoves back hard enough to dislodge them and gives a mighty swing, cutting hard for his opponent's face.]

[bullysandwicher]

[ Wearing her mask, Noi comes closer to the ring. She is very curious about the whole setup, but also a bit surprised: no one told her wolves would be waiting for her and there was some kind of initiation ritual (it looks like a ritual, even if it's not. Noi's world is all about satanic rituals and magic, thus that was the first thing that came to mind).

She lets Cu speak as she looks around (without any shame at that), before she realizes what is meant to happen in this clearing. Forgive her, Cu, but Noi is definitively not used to this sort of thing. ]

Oh! I'm Noi! [ just noi yeah ]

Am I meant to kick your ass or something? [ because there are weapons and Cu certainly looks like he is looking for a fight. ]

[lucke]

Ah-haha!

[His laugh seems to burst from his chest so strong he has to throw his head back to make room for it's escape.

Oh he liked her.]

If you think you can, by all means. [He gestures out at the mock-weapons lining the ring: Most of your standard medieval choices.]

I'm here to test your mettle, so if you think you've got something worth showing I'm game.

[bullysandwicher]

[ if she thinks she can? of course she can, it's not even an assumption but a fact.

But Noi ignores the weapons - doesn't even look at them - and instead walks straight ahead to Cu, squeezing her knuckles ]

It has been a while since I fought anyone worthwhile! So make it count, okay? [ it's impossible to tell because of her mask, but Noi is super excited! ]

[darwinatrix]

[She's heard about mercenary stuff. It might be worth looking into. So she's traveled up to Pennsylvania to see if this self-proclaimed mercenary is worth anything.

The woman stepping in front of him is tall and blonde, with a very cool air about her. Her eyes are focused and cold, her clothing a dark blue military uniform, and she has an officer's saber at her belt that she's made no effort to draw.] Major-General Olivier Mira Armstrong.

You aren't all talk, are you? I can't stand a man like that.

[lucke]

[An eyebrow piques as the statuesque woman graces his humble little arena.

Within moments Cu had her pegged for command. Possibly not nobility but definitely a leader of men.]

Well Major-General Olivier Mira Armstrong. [Cu's grin stretches as he gives a half bow, hand over his chest.]

You must not know me very well, so I won't take offense to that. Normally I'd let my actions speak for themselves. But your welcome to test my mettle any way you see fit if you have doubts. But be warned, I don't hold back.

[darwinatrix]

[She audibly snorts.] As if I will?

[And she tilts her head to the side, at the rack full of weapons.] Pick one. I'll use it.

[outlawrain]

The name's Moses! Moses Sandor!

[You'd think he was coming here to fight. What with his spears and everything. And how he walked into the ring all confident. Prepared for battle. Prepared to become a mercenary.

But, the moment he sees those wolves. It all drops and he moves down to his knees to get a better look at them.]

Heard there were wolves here! I wanted to come see them!

[Don't worry. He'll fight you soon. Maybe.]

[lucke]

Oh.

[Cu blinks through his surprise, watching the young man and scratching the back of his head.]

Uh, yeah. They're mah boys. The big one's Feridad and the others... well I guess I haven't named them yet. [Names don't seems very important when you have an empathetic link with something and can direct them with your thoughts.]

[outlawrain]

Shoot, they're real good looking!

[He's going to stand back up and move closer now that it seems like he's not going to fight him. Probably a bit of a disappointment.]

Can I pet 'em? I love wolves!

Open -- Doin' his barkeep duties

[lucke]

[Even a little things like being the owner isn't going to keep Cu out of the festivities. This party is, albeit indirectly, for his sake. It's not every day you return from the dead for the third time.

And he's not going to let it go to waste. If you're around, you'll be hard pressed to miss the cobalt warrior laughing it up and slapping them back like there's no tomorrow at the bar.

Need a drink? Or just an ear? Everybody is a friend tonight!]

[trickstar]

[After leaving the Transporter headquarters, Joseph heads to the Red Branch as per Kenzi's instructions. But not without incident, because yeah, Kenzi was right. Throwing up totally happens when you transport and aren't used to it, and that was absolutely awful. But now he's here, and going back to Heropa so soon just to throw up again sounds like a bad idea, so he might as well go to the bar she told him about.

Nothing about him appearance-wise says he's under eighteen. He's built like a truck, surely he couldn't be so young. Taking a seat at the bar, he waits for the bartender to come to him, so he can ask who the hell Cu is, anyway.]

[lucke]

[Owning a bar designed purely for imports ensures Cu gets all types in his establishment. But Joseph steps up, he certain takes notice.]

You're new.

[It wasn't a chide, but a simple observation. Perhaps a little overenthusiastic, but hey.]

Welcome to the Red Branch brother. How can I make your day?

[trickstar]

[Originally, Joseph wants to ask if the guy knows who Cu is. But then he thinks for a second. A relatively small pub, not too many people in it, and certainly possessing little staff. Gilbert did tell him that they were short-staffed. Considering this guy is the only one behind the counter right now, it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume-]

You're Cu, right?

yoooooo

[symmachy]

[The bar scene really isn't Scathach's cup of tea. She would actually prefer just a cup of tea to any of the alcoholic beverages offered at bars. But not for the first time since she had left her own world, she has ventured to a bar. The reason this time is only somewhat social, however.

When she sees Cu at the bar (her student, no matter the dimension), she makes a beeline for the barstool beside him. Even with the rowdy crowd, her all-white attire doesn't acquire any stains or smudges. Amazing. The redhead settles herself behind him, folding deceptively thin arms on the bartop.]

[lucke]

[Even with the oddly themed music wailing over head and the general rabble rousing from the patrons, Cu knew she was there. It wasn't like he had heard her coming. Oh no. Even with his super human senses Scathach was still a phantom's shadow when she wanted to be.

No this was more of a feeling. Like that of a cool breeze across flushed skin, something just felt so right. So whole. Possibly because she was the only existing remnant of his former life. A reminder of glory long forgotten.

After he regains himself he finishes pouring the drink he was working on and turns. It was almost hard to believe. He'd seen her many times before but every time he had to question that it wasn't a dream.

There she sat, looking unassumingly radiant: His hero.]

Múinteoir.

[symmachy]

[She can feel the esteem rolling off him, and it's hard not to let it go to her head. Her students here admired her, of course; but it was nothing compared to what she felt coming from the best she'd ever had. Her shoulders square slightly, and she inclines her head. It has been so long since she's received the respect she deserves.]

Cu Chulainn.

[His name feels as right on her lips as sitting next to him does. The bartender asks if she'd like a drink and when she says water, something about her keeps him from heckling her. Instead, a glass of ice water is set almost delicately before her on the bar. A small hand wraps around the cup and brings it to her lips as she surveys Cu from over the rim.]

Any time, open to all!

[heartstings]

[Kenzi's all over the place, as per usual. Doing her hostess thing while trying not to get sucked into fights and avoiding people inappropriately touching her. The few guys that do manage to cop a feel find themselves on their faces on the side walk not long after (who needs super strength when you got telekinesis?).

Occasionally she stops at the bar to rest and have a drink or to chat with whoever is around. Sometimes she finds a table to settle at or a seat in the corner to watch people.

And every so often, when the music is just right, she'll take up some open space to bust a move (that open space might just happen to be a table or the bar depending on her mood at the time).]

[nestingdevil]

[Scoping out a rival isn't too hard when you know where your rival is. Especially if said rival is in the same town, picking from the same pockets of a mutual customer-base.]

[Not that Greed really cares. It's more a point than anything else.]

[He's there in the afternoon, before his own joint opens the doors. It's the rumor of Cu's return that has him at the far corner of the bar. The tips of his fingers trail the line of his drink and a sound trills as flesh meets wet-slick glass in harmony.]

[Truth is, he's got nothing against the Red Branch or the man who runs it it. It's merely quid pro quo at this point and with a little down time, he's just checking it out. So far, it looks like the place is earning its merit.]

[Though in Maurtia, there isn't exactly a low demand for cheap liquor and good company.]

[Greed signals to the bar with a smoke in hand. Tendrils drip across his fingers like fog to the graveyard and his grin is just as wide.] Another one of these, hmn? [He shuffles his foot to a lower rung on the bar stool and tips his glance up to catch Kenzi's attention.]

When you have the chance, lovely.

[heartstings]

[The downside to being a little understaffed means that Kenzi ends up being a server just as much as she's a hostess (she doesn't like being the former at all). Luckily Greed catches Kenzi between tables. She nods and grabs him another drink quickly enough.

She recognizes Greed but still doesn't know much about him. She stopped in his place for a little while recently but didn't stick around or try to stand out. She just wanted to get an idea of the place and, all in all, it seemed her speed.

She delivers his drink then slides into a seat by him.] So what brings you here?

[nestingdevil]

[He's a little surprised when she takes a seat next to him. It shows in the slight rise of an expression before his face twists and that tell-tale grin of his splits from ear to ear. A slight of the hand exchanges his empty for the fresh and the glasses meet in a sort of dance. Sliding together when his fingers pull them and pried apart when he extends his middle.] Oh-? Didn't know I had to have a reason.

[How he talks, though - he isn't taking offense. Nor does he really feel the line of questioning is anything more than casual conversation. Greed tips his head to the side and the scotch disappears behind the wall of his hand.] Figured I'd check it out. He's be gone for a little while, right?

[What really brought him here. Someone he knew - not on any personal level, no. But someone taken and brought back. It's an interest, a pique of curiosity.]

[The Sin taps his cigarette into a nearby tray, then forgoes it. The butt trails heavy smoke in thick ribbons. Up and up they go.] Eh- I'd be lying if I said that was it. Don't suppose your boss has some time to chat, does he?