Current mood:

Satisfied

Cat and Mouse
WHO: Rob Lucci, Amber (Later, Tai-Dan and Lex)
WHEN: The day after the Priest Meeting, August 12th
WHERE: Near the All God temple, then Random Alleys

Rob Lucci, irritated and bored by his wasted journey to Middleton, lingered around waiting for one of the Priests to catch his eye. Thereupon, some of his aggression was taken out, in an attempt to establish himself as an immediate threat. Amber and her tribe might be small fries, but there should be someone interesting in Middleton...

Beware! Some violence!




What a waste of time. The Priest of Archaeopteryx did not come all the way from Bluefinger Port in order to hear the whines of some slapped-together coalition attempting to 'unite' people to reclaim the moon! Rob Lucci might have come to accept the realities of the game board, but even then such a concept is laughable at best. His blood has begun to boil, the restless beast too long caged. He is primarily the Chosen given he has the tact and ability to restrain himself when necessary. ...But right now, there is no need to pull any reins.
Perched atop the All God's temple, legs crossed and position slouched forward, he still listened for some time to the pointless blather echoing through the tarp-covered foyer. Yet his attention steadily grew more focused on the milling people enjoying the festival below, bustling shoulder to shoulder through the lights and dancing, music and laughter, stalls and festivities. More and more, they are like content mice, unaware of the predator lurking above. Hattori has been content enough to peck at the ceiling, trying to filter out anything edible amongst the pebbles... He, at least, is immune from this savage impulse.
But it happens to be a different blood that Rob Lucci seeks. Although the fringe of his vision might be red, fingers flexing in anticipation, primarily it is the exit to the All God's temple that he watches. Waiting, with the infinite patience of a hunter, for one of those exiting Priests to catch his eye as they merge into the thrall of humanity... Who will be the lucky winner?

After sleeping off her rage at Lex the night before, Amber's returned to the site of the temple. She isn't sure why... Perhaps the proximity will help her think of something she can do to help with the unification spoken about previously. That's her life's work, after all... Bringing people together in hard times, trying to build a future out of the crumbled remains of the past. It's not easy, and it's not an undertaking Amber would choose if she had any other option. Someone has to, though, or else no one will do anything. At least, that's her opinion. Really, if she didn't do it, someone else would, but they wouldn't have her same ideas, her same drive...

And that's what makes Amber a reluctant leader.

She has a list with her as she exits the temple. There are names on it, though no assigned duties yet. She has to discover the strengths and weaknesses of each of the priests first. Amber isn't naive; she knows that this isn't going to be an easy task. It might be like walking into a den of Locos at times, and asking Zoot how he feels about the weather. With that in mind, the idea will be to convey the truth that they all need each other, and everyone will benefit from uniting.

She doesn't notice Lucci, or that she might be under surveillance by the Priest of Archaeopteryx. Of course, she can't help but feel him nearby, but that's a different story. Not dwelling on that, Amber continues to scratch away at her list. Hm.

The night was spent far differently for Rob Lucci. He managed to remove most of his immediate need, as it where, roaming the back alleys of Middleton. Although such slaughter was far from mild news, given what the Feast of Images attracts -- and how little is known of the catman -- he has little aversion to flights of fancy. But he's not nearly fulfilled. So for hours thereafter Rob Lucci returned directly to the temple, claiming the same perch high upon the All God's to watch over the area below. Not entirely sure what it is he's looking for, at least initially. Such a mild catalyst is necessary for the malignant interest. And for whichever reason, Amber is the one that triggers it. Mayhaps it's the intermingled familiarity, combined with how unknown she is. This is the fourth time he's seen her, and the second she's left the temple. Or that she paused, separate enough from the festival for attention to linger. Such might not matter much, given the conditions are met. She's a Priest. ...Mourning Dove, if he remembers correctly. Standing up with a far too sadistic smile, Hattori leaps into flight and flaps to his shoulder. There's a single loud "Coo, coo!" easily lost in the ambient noise as one long white feather drifts down, to settle not far from Amber. ...But if she glances around, there would be no sign of the former CP9... And she might have felt a new spark of thoroughly murderous intent.

Next to her own name on the rotar, Amber writes 'Organisation?' notably with the question mark, because she can't be the only one good at bringing people together. As one of the youngest priests, she's aware that there are people with more wisdom than she. Really, Amber's winging it, just like she did in the city after the virus struck. That isn't to say that she doesn't do a really good job of it, but still, there are people here who have dealt with major problems before. Amber can't be the only one.

Out of the corner of her eye, she notices the feather. She still has the ones in her hair from the day before, so it's obvious that she really does like them. After another glance at her list, she crouches down to reach for it... Perhaps something can be done with it.

She does take a look around to see if maybe one of the other priests dropped it before she lays claim to it, but she's the only one in the immediate vicinity. With a soft 'hm,' she stands up again, looking it over. Good size. She'll have to tie it into her hair later, possibly. Not right now, though... she's distracted by a very unwelcome feeling in her mind, one that makes her somewhat fearful. Blinking, she pockets the list, starting off at a quick pace for the tavern where she's staying with her companions. The smarter thing might have been for her to go back into the temple, but she doesn't want to lead whatever it is back inside. Besides, she sure that if she just walks a little way, the feeling will pass.

Regrettably, there's no sign of that particular feeling abating in the slightest. It remains near the fringe, a burning ember that seems to be turning more feral as minutes pass. More dangerous. It moves with disturbing speed and grace. For a moment it seems within an adjacent building, but the second times it vanishes after lurking at a distance. And, were Amber to further dissect it, for it is intense enough to be easily read, being around throes of people is not what is keeping it at bay. She is, plain and simple, being hunted. Waiting for a right moment. One both imminent and irrevocable. It might feel distantly similar to Rob Lucci within the Priest meeting, but only if he in particular was focused on as a candidate...
Of course, a more brazen hint comes literally falling out of the sky. "Coo!" calls Hattori, coming to land upon the street a few meters in front of Amber. Feathers loosen up with a quick shake, before being smoothed with a beak. The pigeon is still wearing both tie and tiny black and white top hat, as well as the expensive pearl and alabaster fur coat. It merely ambles along, looking around curiously. It draws a few rather interested stares from adjacent people... Even within the Game, it's a unique manifestation.

Amber has dealt with a lot of stress in her life. She's been hunted before, chased, cornered, ridiculed... The thing is, she's never actually /felt/ it before, like she's feeling it now. Sure, the Locusts were dangerous, and she knew what they'd do to her if they caught her - and that's why she always remained one step ahead - but this is different. She can detect that intent, and it... Well, it worries her. But again, Amber doesn't scare easily, considering everything that's happened to her in the past, so she isn't torn apart by the invasivness in her mind. The question is, though, what is she going to do about it?

She doesn't recognise from whom these feelings are coming, only that it's a single entity that she can't see, with the marker of a priest. So she's being stalked by a priest... That much she can gather. Eyes narrowing, she plots an escape. A hiding place. Amber isn't above hiding when she needs to, since she's well-aware that she isn't really all that good in a fight without the element of surprise. Then that pigeon appears - the same one that was sitting on the one priest's shoulder - and she puts it together. The alleyways are her best bet. She can both hide and outsmart the priest of Archaeopteryx in there... Or so she hopes. Thus, she heads for the nearest one, intending to lose her attacker in the maze therein.

Hattori glances towards Amber as she rushes for the intermingled tapestry of alleys, before bursting into flight. And actually following her, high in the air. The pigeon is but a round dot in the sky, but can easily be seen if the girl stares straight up. Now and again it lets out a loud coo, pumping those wings and occasionally dropping low only to ascend once more. Amber might detect a disturbing intelligence within Hattori, but that's it. No true emotions, beyond an animal. It is certainly a normal pigeon, at least as far as physiology goes... As she wanders through the veins paved with stone, the dark pinpoint of feral instinct falls further behind. ...Before quite abruptly, it zooms towards Amber like a bullet. The air a few meters above detonates like a trail firecrackers, multiple heavy wafts of wind easily felt like an unnatural breeze. A violent zig-zag, although there would only be an impression of black and white. The source vanishes over a building corner, thereafter falling still. Out of sight, but remaining despairingly close. So apparently, the Priest of Archaeopteryx can move faster then a normal eye can easily perceive, and also fly? ... That might be worrisome, given how savage his God is. Hattori finally lights upon a building edge, as if to better imply that simple running is not going to help her in the slightest.

Despite the pigeon following her - which is pretty disturbing in and of itself - Amber feels a momentary relief from the homicidal intent, and she imagines that perhaps she's lost it. That would be perfect, if not for the fact that Hattori is still lingering about. It's just a pigeon, though, as far as Amber's aware, so she slows down, intending to find her bearings in the alleyway and get out of it. She has an inate sense of where the Angry Unicorn is from here. All she has to do is find it.

To that end, she climbs up on a stack of crates position outside the back wall of some sort of low-roofed shop. She can climb up there and figure out where she's going. That's about when she feels that hunter-instinct again, and a moment later, she's taken by the force of the whatever-it-is that's exploded above her. Nearly toppling from the crates, she just manages to catch herself on the edge of the top one, before she lets go to find herself safely (for now!) back on the ground.

Still not afraid, though definitely tense, she holds her fists in front of her, intending to fight if she has to... It's a last resort, but it seems it's come to that. So, running isn't any good, then? She'll keep that in mind. And /when/ she gets out of this, perhaps she'll listen to Lex and not go out on her own anymore. She doesn't speak... No use encouraging Lucci. But hazel eyes do scan the immediate alleyway, with the intent to spy anything that comes to close for comfort - Hattori included.

There's the sound of lazy footsteps from the building just above Amber. And then, coming to a stop near the edge in full sight, is the chosen of the savage God. Still dressed just as he was the day earlier, one hand adjusting his top hat as the shoulder-draped fur overcoat flickers near his ankles. His other hand remains within a pant's pocket, although from immediate appearance one might not easily see the depths of his primal thirst. It is his eyes, which burn with mayhaps deeper intensity then any Archaeopteryx picked prior. And for one with such depths of empathy, no mistaking the nigh-scorching wildness beneath the surface. Much more the subtle hunter, quiet and tensed, saving raw outbursts for perfect opportunity. "... Hey, hey. What are you running from, Priestess of Mourning Dove? ... I thought we were all supposed to work together. Do our part for our Gods." His tone is dark and mocking, as Hattori flits up and darts through the air to land upon him anew. Lightly the man steps off the edge of said building, descending into the alley proper. Although it's a fall of three stories, he lands in a casual crouch without needing either hand to brace himself. "... That's all I'm here for, after all. Nothing personal. You're rather calm." His head inclines to the side, features taking on a more casual edge.

Someone without the ability to read emotion might be fooled by Lucci's calm external demeanor. Amber might not be... She seemed to be able to read people rather well before, even without her newfound empathy. She's been lied to before, and she's even believed those lies. But when it comes right down to it, especially with certain people, she's always been able to make correct observations about them. Or mostly correct. She wasn't always right with Bray, after all... In Lucci's case, though, she can feel the raw wildness of his mind, and, oddly enough, now that she can see him, Amber is starting to feel that tense edge turn to fright.

Still, she rolls her eyes. "Quit playing games," she says, nevertheless backing away from him. "What do you think I'm running from?" If he didn't want her to run, he could have just come right out and said 'hello!' That'd be the polite thing to do. The part about this being 'nothing personal' does worry her a little, because she can still detect /murder./ That's bad. That's very bad. "I think I'll head back to my room. Nothing personal," she replies, eyes narrowing, "But I don't want to talk to you at the moment." Yes, cooperation and working together is key. But not when some freak is making you feel uncomfortable. Amber doesn't turn to go, but she does start backing away... Like you'd back away from a mad dog.

Rob Lucci has begun to stride casually towards Amber. It's not particularly fast, but the distance between the pair is eaten up faster then her steps backwards are widening it. Hattori lets out a merry squawk, clapping his wings together. "We're all brought into the game for a reason, aren't we? You can't deny that!" The same comical tone, although the antics of the pigeon might make the underlying ferocity of Lucci more inhuman and detached. Especially given what he says next, momentarily closing his eyes and resting a hand atop the chimney of his top hat. "... I'm afraid I can't let you go just yet. I came to this meeting for a reason. I wanted to see who my competition was. And I wanted to see who, in particular, might bring about Archaeopteryx's message best." Whichever message that is cannot be anything even vaguely good. When his eyes open once more, they are narrow slits, and his lips spread into a toothy grin. Something near insanity, at least in terms of what might sum up a human, tinges visibly. Tension begins to roll through his flame, and there's no doubt he's going to do something within seconds. That might not be particularly pleasant...

Even if Amber's now quite afraid, she isn't going to turn her back and run, and instead chooses to face her fear head-on. That's partially because Amber doesn't like fleeing, and partially because her back is much more vulnerable and undefended. At least this way, if Lucci attacks, she has a chance to counter. Nevermind the fact that Amber hasn't taken into consideration that if she has certain odd talents here, other people might, as well. The point is, she stands her ground.

"Competition? I'm not competing against anyone," she states. It's undeniable that they were all brought into the game for a reason; Amber believes that because she has experience with this sort of thing, Mourning Dove found her appealing. That's a likely answer; and she can't help but believe certain truths. "We all want the same thing. We want to make this a place where we can all live... To coexist peacefully. How can you not want that? How can you not want a safe place?" The questions are mostly rhetorical... Even so, Amber's trying to warn Lucci off. It's the grin that makes her lose her cool composure, narrowed eyes widening in fear. This man is insane. Amber starts to back away more quickly, with the intent to run as soon as she's out of reach.

"... I'm pretty sure that many of the Priests are not going to embrace the message I have. Don't be so naive." Lucci quite suddenly stops, pulling his other hand free from the pocket. Carefully the fur coat is removed, and folded into a perfect square before being set upon a closed garbage can. This gives Amber ample opportunity to create a wide buffer between herself and the pigeon freak, but given his mild show of speed earlier that might not mean incredibly much. Little of the brutal aura has left, and the air of murder condenses even further. Seeping from Rob Lucci, as if tangible. "... I'm here to show people the roots. Behind all your ambitions and ideals, everyone is nothing more then animals. We're all just little critters, dancing around at the whim of bored Gods. Why else would they leave and come with such regularity?" Lazily, Lucci lifts up a hand. And then closes it into a fist, before extending a single finger. As if he were about to point accusingly, although instead it is aimed at the sky. Temporarily disjointed, Hattori returns to the shoulder, hunkering down in a lazy roost. "... I'm just here for fun. I've not had opportunity to let myself loose. ... You can run, if you'd like. There's no shame in being afraid."

This all seems familiar somehow. Oh, right. Again, she's reminded of the Locos, whose whole intent out of life was to create chaos in everything they touched. They lit fires everywhere, destroyed people and things, ruined beauty. If they had a collective emotion to convey, it might be similar as the one coming from Lucci right now. The only thing is, the Locos weren't necessarily murderers, and that's something - a feeling, an aura, yes - that Amber can definitely feel. "That's only true if you believe in fate," the girl says. And she /doesn't./ Though to some extent, things happen as they're bound to, people have the power to shape their own lives. Cosmic deities can try, but there isn't anything to out-do human willpower. It does occur to her, however, that if that's true, this guy has the opportunity right now to hurt her if he wants to, and no god can stop him.

"And what if I run?" she asks, fists coming up again. "Then you just nail me in the back, right? Is that what you want? Not going to happen." So why is she continuing to back up, faster now? Well, she's trying to be brave, but it's becoming more difficult. She isn't above calling out for help, though. "Tai-San? Anyone!" She pauses, then, "Lex!?"

"... I was just giving you opportunity. I could care less what you do. But don't think your back is going to be particularly protected. I guess I can show you a little bit of my tradecraft..." That smile spreads even further. One foot lifts up, toe tipping down towards the ground. Hattori flits away, seeming to hint that the true engagement is about to start. "Soru." There's a literal burst of wind, and a faint afterimage of Lucci fades away. Unless Amber had some manner of super-human reflexes and reaction -- peak human would not quite make the cut -- he'd seem to simply teleport, rushing near the alley wall and twisting to end up mayhaps two feet behind. Yet the surge of emotion directly behind Amber reveals him regardless, another waft of breeze caused by the sudden stop. That finger, still held up in the air, is suddenly jabbed forward with lightning speed. Rob Lucci twists in a flowing motion with the assault, seeming to relish the opportunity to draw blood. Attempting to literally embed the digit within the hapless Priestess' right shoulder blade, and with easily enough force to create a similar hole on the opposite side. "Shigan."

Amber still thinks she might have a little bit of the upper hand on this fruit. After all, what they want is for their victims to run, right? Amber's not going to give Lucci the satisfaction, especially when she has literally nowhere to go It probably wasn't a good idea to run into the alley, after all. There would have been more people about on the main streets. When Lucci vanishes, Amber can't seem to follow - she isn't super-human, or even peak human, when it comes to physical attributes. There isn't even enough time for her to react to his reappearance behind her, despite the fact that the direction from which the murderous feelings are coming has shifted. The next thing she feels is the stab through her shoulder, which severs through bone and muscle, causing her to cry out, stumble forward, and turn around again. Okay, now she's afraid. She's starting to lose her composure. Who just /does/ something like that? So she runs, even if she can feel warmth pooling on her skin as she loses blood.


Said finger is inserted into Lucci's mouth, and he seems to be far too content with such while allowing the injured Amber to flee down the narrow alley. Definitely showing his colors as one of Archaeopteryx's chosen now, isn't he? This distracts him a fair amount, although Lucci then immediately crouches down before hopping high into the air. At the apex, which easily reaches twenty feet, a single word. "Geppou." There's another burst of air just below, which propels Lucci higher still near the building roofs. It's repeated multiple times, ergo without need to repeat the name. The same violent diagonal, and once caught up to Amber it is utilized to invert the former CP9 and hurtle him nigh-suicidal in her direction. Once within range, a whirling kick is aimed towards her lower back, trying to drive the hapless Priestess of Mourning Dove into the alley floor with truly superhuman force. Regardless of success, a twists lands him in a crouch as nimble as any cat, fingers splayed apart similar to claws and features a mask of nothing but raw, primal bliss. Another upwards kick is offered, finished with a twisting palm-thrust. He's certainly not being gentle on the little girl, is he?

Why isn't he following? Amber's not going to complain, thinking with some hope that perhaps the damage has been done, and now the other priest is finished with her. Even though she feels a little dizzy by now, she tries to will herself to go on a little longer - just a little longer - and she can reach the main street where there will be people around; certainly no one would attack her /there./ Her ears are ringing, though she can still hear Lucci moments before he's in range. It's the displacement of air that gives him away, snd while Amber starts to turn, she's a little too late, and she bears the full force of the kick. It sends her sprawling in considerable pain. If she had time, she'd wonder if her back was broken. Wouldn't that be perfect? The inability to walk--

But she doesn't have time to contemplate that, because she's kicked again, this time offering a loud grunt and a long moan. She flails with her arms, hoping that she's lucky enough to tag the bastard that's doing this to her for /no reason./ It's hard to see him, thoug, because her eyes are blurry. Hey, it's not her fault that pain makes her cry! "What do you /want/ from me?" she demands, trying to get to her feet again, but her legs feel like they don't want to work.

Ooh, she does have a bit of fight in her. The nigh-flail smacks Lucci right in the face, but seems to more startle him out of pursuing his onslaught as opposed to causing any significant damage. Hattori, the ever-trendy clothed pigeon, flutters down from above and lands upon his shoulder. The bird impassively watches the scene, actually crossing those wings before the feathered chest. Both tie and tiny scaled down coat flutter on the pigeon, in a rather dramatic fashion. "... Like I said, I don't care what you do." Lucci finally responds, adjusting his own top hat with one hand and tapping his foot upon the ground. Eyes close, but seemingly to savor the adrenaline burning through his veins. "... It's not my fault that you can't defend yourself. Is it?" His features harden, another sudden kick offered to emphasize the point. Hattori seems completely stable despite the sudden motion. "Not every God and Priest wants harmony and stability. Even if we don't want the world to fall apart. ... You people are a bit too naive." And then he advances once more, Hattori letting out a few disturbingly contented coo's.


Amber's eyes are really starting to cloud over. Things are getting blurry. She can't get up. Hell, after that last kick to the ribs, she's not even sure which way is up and which way is down. It feels like she's rolling, even if she knows - somewhere - that she's mostly stationary. "That's what... We're trying... to do." she manages, coughing and trying to catch her breath between words. Amber just wants to make it so that the world stays tied together. Maybe Lucci's gone after the wrong priest, after all! Of course, Amber's totally in favour of everyone cooperating to make the world stay in one piece, so...

But if Lucci thinks Amber's gotten the message, he's mistaken. She can be damned stubborn if she wants to be, and one insane man isn't going to stand in her way. She'll find a way to make things happen, to build the world up how it should be built. That is, if she manages to survive this encounter, she will. There's already a nasty taste in her mouth, and she has a really good idea of what it is. That's not good.

"Amber!"

Two figures appear in the alleyway, one male one female, both easily as young as Amber - the shortest of the two is a young Asian girl, the dark haired young man next to her not much taller. The girl has her arm twined around the young man's in a fashion that had been lackadaisical and amusing when they'd strolled up the street, but now is an iron grip of shock. And did Tai-San somehow hear what Lucci had said? Because she narrows her eyes at him and pronounces in a dark voice, "One who preys on those who are weaker then he is really isn't a predator, you know. He's a scavenger." She'll only have a second more before Lex busts loose and goes for him, which she knows - and in that moment, hand still curled into his arm, when she's fiercely willing that Lex be the strongest, the toughest he needs to be, that well, somehow she just knows suddenly, (and perhaps, so will Lex too in a moment), that in fact...somehow, right now...he is.

Tai-San's hand slips away from Lex's arm, and her advance is a slow but determined step, well behind him.

Who are you kidding, Lex is always the toughest... or that's what he'd like to think, and he'll never admit otherwise even when he gets beaten. Of course, a a werewolf in Promethea proved that fact wrong fair fast, even if he /did/ manage to break her jaw and get away. She just got a lucky bite, that's all. But what he sees in the alley, well... it makes him furious. "Amber!" His own calling of her name comes a moment after Tai-San's. He doesn't like seeing girls get beat up anyway, but seeing a girl he /knows/ and one who is part of his Tribe is even worse. Tai-San's right in that she only has a moment before he starts moving, and that moment is all she needs. He does feel stronger and better than normal, but perhaps most importantly his durability granted by the God who brought him here is being boosted by her Blessing. As he breaks off from her, he runs forward, and as soon as he gets close enough he tries a side kick, as hard as he can manage (though not at super-human levels) trying to force the-- whatever it is-- to the side and away from Amber as best he can. And if that works, he'll even yell, "Get out of here." Stupid woman. What was she THINKING? Luckily he doesn't have time to be mad at her yet.

"..." All Lucci does in response to Amber's comment is smile. Yes, she's a confident one. Strong in conviction and willpower. He made no mistake in the slightest by targeting her. One finger extends, but to any person suddenly arriving it's probably about the least menacing thing imaginable. Has he poked her to such a debilitating condition? Black eyes turn to scan the new arrivals, settling upon Tai-San in particular. Said hand lowers to his side, but the ever-menacing finger remains poised. "Oh... the Priestess of Finch." Glancing down towards Amber, he certainly isn't apologetic. "... Just making a message. But tell that to the fox who snatches a rabbit. The hunt is about cornering prey, when vulnerable and weak. But in a direct fight... The predator will always win." A warning. Lucci states this quite matter of factly, without any apparent hostility in his voice. Right now, he's trying to contain the fervent burn within his mind and body as Lex rushes forward, who passed most of the distance in the time it took to finish the monologue. Lucci didn't come here to kill Amber, after all. Now would be a bad time to go off the handle. Hattori begins to once more clap his wings together. "You really want to die, punk?"
The vicious sidekick snaps up, and Rob Lucci slips backwards while bringing up a forearm. The kinetic motion is absorbed, driving him another inch further back. "... You are pretty brave." is offered. This time, it does sound like an apology. Advancing, entire body flowing like liquid, Rob Lucci strikes out with an open palm towards Lex's face. This is well within human levels of speed at the moment, although the strength behind it would send even someone harboring maximum human strength flying backwards. Stepping forward, ankle meeting ankle, before a whirlwind kick follows. It actually sweeps twice at torso level, Rob Lucci pirouetting like an expert dancer as each circle drives up a large amount of debris. Hattori seems attached to the shoulder, although he does flap his wings and being cooing in fright.

Amber's bleeding from somewhere, though there's enough blood that it's hard to tell from where exactly. She's managed to get herself propped up on one elbow, though she's lying on her stomach, head down, long blonde hair trailing in the dirt beneath. "Tai-San?" she mutters almost inaudibly, head turning so she can see if she's just hearing things, or if someone's really found her. Even through her blurry vision, she notices her fellow Mallrats. Not only is Tai-San here, but Lex, as well; it really doesn't surprise her how relieved she is to see them both here.

Whether or not Lex is talking to her, Amber can't just 'get out of here.' Her legs move, she can still feel them, but it hurts too much to even think about standing. She does pull herself away, though, one elbow in front of the other, along the ground. She's out of the fight now; there isn't a whole lot she can do from the ground except get out of the way and try to remain conscious. It feels like her whole body is bruised or broken, and, unable to stand the taste in her mouth any longer, Amber spits. It's red.

"You're wrong." Those two words are uttered with conviction from the mouth of Finch's Chosen, even as she continues to stalk forward. "The fox snatches a rabbit because it is hungry. The drives of a predator in nature is about survival and necessity, not this," she gestures, "sadism that's nothing more than a mockery of it." She reroutes to the side of the alley, not even having to look away when she reaches out and snags a long length of metal dowel, not so thick as to be unwieldy, but not too thin as to be useless. She continues her advance, though involuntarily cries out Lex's name when she sees Lucci's palm come up.

Thank the Gods for super-human durability, that's all that needs to be said at first. The palm would probably have at /least/ broken his nose, if not part of his skull. Instead, by the time Lex hits the alley wall with a grunt, there's some broken skin and a trinkle of blood down his nose, but mostly blurred vision and pain from the impact. He's just starting to try and get up when the first kick hits him, pinning him against the wall, causing him to grunt out in pain. The second hit, though, he pushes away and down, rolling on the debris ridden floor to move out of the way. The gathered up rocks and dust skill batter against his skin, but very few cuts appear. Yes, thank the Gods for increased durability. Of course he'll say it was all him if anyone asks later. "Tai-San, get Amber out of here!" Cause he did notice the girl doesn't look able to move. Despite the pain, and fuzzy vision, he refuses to stay down, rolling back to his feet and coming up with fists raised. Fists he attempts to put to good use as he moves forward to punch at the man. Durability aside, his strength is only human, but he's not too bad of a street fighter. Certainly not a graceful dancer with a bird on his shoulder, though.

Eyes flit to the approaching Tai-San. "... I appreciate your input." Lucci sounds rather bored at that, although enormously distracted. Sweat is rolling down his forehead, mouth slightly open. This is not a sign of weak endurance, but rather of how difficult it is to resist those deeper urges. Archaeopteryx certainly isn't making it any easier. It's beginning to turn into irritation, as Amber crawls away and the length of metal bared. "Coo coo! You don't want to make Lucci angry!" Hattori quips, his voice considerably more feral despite the lingering pigeon squawk. What might be less conducive to making Lucci not-angry is stealing prey that he wasn't done poking. Having neglected said finger, it is raised up as the youth strikes out once more. The punch connects solidly with the former CP9's chest, giving out a hollow thud. A grunt of discomfort and heavy lean backwards follows, but this was mostly allowed -- so that his pointer finger can then dart out, as fast as a striking viper, and attempt to impact Lex within the chest. Although he might be significantly more durable then kevlar, it would do nothing to stop the sheer piercing ability of this otherwise laughable technique. Were it to hit solidly, the kinetic force would likely go all the way through Tex and out his back. "Shigan!" A bit of exclamation now. "... I wouldn't touch her, Priestess."

Amber's still out of the fight, off to the side, doing not much of anything useful. She can't even think straight at the moment, though she knows enough to realise that she and her friends are in trouble. For a moment, she tries to get into a sitting position, but her back is in too much pain to allow for that. So, propping herself up on the injured arm - which also hurts, but not as much - she lobs a bit of brick at Lucci with her other hand. Go away, is the unspoken message.


Tai-San moves quickly over to Amber, putting down the pipe and kneeling in front of her. "Amber, put your arm around me. Here, quickly." Looping her hand around her head, she drags Amber's decent arm around her shoulders, lifts up as best she can, and begins to help her tribe mate to the mouth of the alley as quickly as possible. She trusts in Lex's ability to get away when he needs to, though it's quite evident from her expression that she's thoroughly disgusted and dismayed at the violence - not that she wasn't prepared to do some herself if she had to, for all the good it would have done. Unless Lucci stops them, they get as far as the mouth of the alley.

"Oh shut up, bird," Lex says, as he tries his best to fight. The punch doesn't hit as hard as he would like, nor in a place he would like it to hit, but at least it hit. Proves whatever supernatural thing this person is he-- ...ow. There's a loud yell as the finger pokes at his chest, and then suddenly there's a weird sensation of pain as a hole is ripped straight through his leather jacket, skin and right out the back. The God enhancements aren't enough to withstand this, but it's by sheer luck of having shifted weight at the last instant that nothing vital is punctured... except for bone and skin and blood vessels. The arm on that side falls limply, and he backs up, this time focusing on kicks again, jumping into the air to try and kick at the man, aiming specifically for his face. The least he can do is keep him distracted a few moments longer. If they can get out of here and-- doesn't this bloody city have police or something?

Hey! Lucci said not to touch her! Without any warning, the catman suddenly bursts high into the air, leaving behind only a sudden crack of wind. "Geppou!" The male tribesman's kick misses by a disturbingly small margin, grazing a leg. Arcing a good fifteen feet over Lex's head, Hattori coo-cooing in sheer terror now, Rob Lucci then brutally kicks in the retreating pair's general direction.. "Rankyaku!!" A visible crescent of air manifests, shooting towards both Tai-San and Amber with eerie precision. Testament to the strength, where the edge strikes the alley wall a deep groove is carved. Given that it's intended for about neck-level, it shouldn't be too difficult to duck. The moment he lands, yet another word is spoken. "Soru!" An afterimage of Rob Lucci then fades, Hattori left behind and spiraling to the ground, landing on his back and kicking taloned feet into the air. It takes a fraction of a second to then position himself at the mouth of the alley, posture low and both arms stretched out. A manic expression is on his face, hair disheveled and top hat tilted precariously to the side. "You... Are not going anywhere."

Amber's in no position to argue when Tai-San drags her away from the fight, and she wouldn't, even if she could. That toss took away the last of her energy, though her back is most certainly injured, so walking is impossible. Her feet drag along, now and then taking a step if she can manage it. The thing is, she's willing her legs to move, and they're just /not./ At least she can feel her toes, though. She can feel her lower half. Maybe the damage isn't irreversible. Even though it's out of character, Amber can't help a bit of a whinge as they make it to the outlet of the alley. "My back," she mutters. "I think there's something wrong--"

That's when she notes the... air? Heading toward them. Judging by what this guy has done so far to her, Amber isn't going to take any chances. She stops struggling to stand and becomes dead weight, with the intention of dragging Tai-San down with her. Sure enough, when the wall's edge explodes in rock and dust, Amber's sure she did the right thing. They're not dead, but her back... Well, it feels as if it's even worse than it was before. She can't help crying out as she reaches the ground, rolling to her uninjured side and looking up at Lucci. "Go on, then," she says, her voice rather strong, despite everything. She spits again to expel the disgusting taste of blood from her mouth again.

"Let us go." Tai-San says levelly. "You've had your fun, for all that it's about as predatorily superior as a little boy using a magnifying glass on ants. I won't provide any amusement for you beyond however long it takes for you to kill me...or if you want, let them go, and you can hunt me. I'm smarter then Lex and I fight better than Amber and it will actually take an effort for you to put fear in me."

There's a mild curse as the kick only grazes a leg, and Lex pulls back as the man does more of his silly trick fighting abilities and his stupid bird yaps so much. He glances in the girl's direction, seeing the groove in the building and-- he's glad that their heads weren't there when whatever that was went by them. This reminds him far too much of a video game, and he suddenly wonders /why/ such a battle would even exist in a video game. This has got to be a boss-battle, and Amber, she's not even a fighter, and Tai-San and him, sure they can fight, but this is beyond their realm of understanding. He thought the werewolf was difficult to deal with. He's still catching his breath, breathing hard as blood pours out the hole in his front and back. He looks between the man now blocking the alley, and his small pet sprawled on the ground. Half of him is tempted to take the talking pet hostage and demand they get let out of here. Instead of that, though, he just moves forward, putting himself between the girls and the man in the alley way. This place has got to have some kind of secruity force or something, surely someone will have heard all the damage being done to the building, and all the yelling. And for some reason his desire to protect them is higher than his own sense of self-preservation, though his survival gene is kicking in to tell him running forward and trying to rip the guys arms off is not going to work too well. As Tai-San speaks, though, he yells back at her, "Stay out of this, Tai-San. If he's hunting anyone it'll be me." Who cares that he's already hurt and Tai-San isn't. It isn't that he doesn't trust Tai-San to put up a good fight, it's just... he doesn't want her to get herself killed either.

Slowly, Rob Lucci untenses and looks vaguely confused. The smile falters, and his eyes uncloud a bit. When Lex juxtaposes himself between the girls, there might be a genuine thread of respect. Yet this seems to be due to the proximity with Tai-San. Is her God gift having an effect on the vicious man? Apparently, he wasn't far enough gone. Standing upright, the top hat is adjusted with an extended finger. "... I made my point. I have no reason to kill you." is admitted, almost grudgingly. "... It's the Five Point Guard I want to meet. What better way to get attention in this drawl little town then abusing a helpless Priest? Bait, you see." Lucci taps his forehead, looking newly smug. Hattori flits into the air, returning to his master. "... So just hope I don't get bored again. Even the strongest predator can get... restless." Hattori begins to do a little dance upon Rob Lucci's shoulder, as the black and white clad fighter takes a couple steps backwards. A flourishing bow is offered to those present, before uttering a simple word. "Kamisori." Another resounding crack and a fading image, as well as many falling feathers from the hapless Hattori. He seems to have shot off into the air. ...Well, the Priestess of Finch can't say her blessing hasn't come in handy now, can she?

It's getting really hard to even stay conscious now. Lex might be in the same boat soon enough, considering Lucci's done just about the same thing to Lex as he did to her. There's so much blood, Amber remembers thinking as she gags on it. The kicks to her midsection obviously did more than bruise, though she's trying not to think about that just yet. She coughs again, head ducking toward the ground; there are red splatters in her hair, soaking into the blonde already and becoming pinkish in shade. That'll be hard to get out... And that's what she concentrates on - washing her hair when this is /finished./ Because they're going to get out of this. The fact that she can't really move hasn't escaped her, however. Things are seeming bleak.

And that's when Lucci leaves.

Amber slumps down, allowing herself to finally feel the full weight of despair she's been holding off for so long. And what else is she going to do but feel? She feels Lex's pain, Tai-San's determination, and a whole range of other emotions that she can't quite pinpoint. Given that she's in Tai-San's presense, though, these are all the more enhanced, almost as if she's feeling them herself. And what's more, since she's so completely lost at the moment, she's discovering something /else/ about the gift she's been given. At this point, she's starting to hear /thoughts./ Not just the emotions, but the actual echos of what Lex and Tai-San are thinking. Not that she quite realises that yet.

~They're hurt. I have to get them back, I have to get them someplace safe, what if what I know isn't enough? There's the Water district...~ Tai-San's thoughts are edged in worry for them both, though the ones regarding Lex are actually laced with there merest frisson of panic, but she seems capable of taking it all and bringing it into a quiet place in her own mind. "Lex, are you alright enough to help me with Amber? We need to get both of you back to the inn..."

Well considering it's almost akin to getting shot in the arm? Lex is doing remarkably well. He watches as the man taunts and disappears, and his thoughts are geared half towards 'I'm gonna kick that guy's ass one of these days' and '...we nearly died'. All to show this so-called Five Point Guard that he meant business. Whoever they are. Why didn't they show up and do something. He glances towards Tai-San, hearing what she says. He's in a lot of pain, but his eyes are clearing up and he isn't breathing too bad. He must not have broken a rib after all. The werewolf bites were worse, just because they covered a larger area and were far more lasserated. But this hole through his chest is bleeding a lot worse. He nods, moving closer to them, "I can manage--" nevermind he feels light headed himself, and only one of his arms wants to move right now. Which means he approaches the side where he can offer some assistance. "This place-- whoever is in charge of the guard really stuffed things up." He'll blame them, since it obviously isn't his fault. And Amber's too out of it to blame. He is genuinely concerned about both of them, but mostly he's angry at the guy who did this to them.

"What..." she mutters, unable to really separate voice from thought. Someplace safe. Water district. "It's okay, Tai--" Amber starts, but she either forgets to finish the girl's name, or can't. The more familiar intrusion of feeling itself comes next... The fear and worry, mostly for Lex, is forefront on the empath's mind for a moment, though that seems to dissolve. It's like she's on a roller coaster in her own mind, and she can't get off of it... And it's going around in circles and she can't escape. "Don't feel good," she says.

Her eyes glance upward at Lex as he... speaks? again. He doesn't look like he's going to do that much ass-kicking at the moment. "We didn't," she says to the thought about the fact that they almost died, still not aware that it hasn't actually been said. Maybe if she could just curl up here for a few minutes, though... There's a spark of hope that she can feel as Lex approaches. His concern and anger, combines with Tai-San's own worry, do their part to help, though she's not so sure she can make it al the way back to the inn. Even with their assistance, Amber can hardly move, let alone walk.

Somewhere along the line, she dropped that white feather, which is now a bit bloody itself as it sits forgotten on the ground.