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Viewing Single Post From: Desert Duel on Serene Sands
Mr.Bushido
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Samurai Retainer
In the outskirts of the once dwelling city of Tucson, Akira Renjiro woke up to a morning breeze that blew across his face. The young samurai had decided that he needed something more than picking on small fry bandits. Akira had heard of a job out East for all would be rangers and it paid better than what he had been getting for apprehending the lowest levels of scum that he was accustomed to in the last few weeks. He had some trouble getting through the California border and was almost spotted by the Barcalow Knights, so Akira decided to lay low and spend the night in Arizona. He took refuge not too far from town, out in the mountains, where he fell asleep with his power armor worn, except for the helmet. Akira was always cautious wherever he spent the night, as he learned from his rookie days as a ranger.

Akira made his way to town, getting passed several highwaymen without really breaking a sweat. That was the other reason he left California; there weren’t any real challenges as it was Barcalow Knights territory. They had really cleared the place out compared to the last time Akira was in the area. He could remember it like it was just yesterday. Three years ago, the West coast was filled with Yakuza gangs that served their higher ups who remained in Japan. There was constant battle between themselves and counter gangs from other countries, such as the Triads, Mafia, and KGB remnants for turf. Civilian casualties were at an all time high, and those who dared to stand up against the gangs were punished. Rangers were so rare in number; some would have to affiliate with counter gangs. Akira was so inexperienced at the time; the only thing he had going for him was his training. All the mistakes he made left a mark on his body as scars.

Finally arriving into town, Akira made his way into a local Ranger’s guild after changing out of his suit. He was hungry but first wanted to gather intel on current events and whether any notorious bounties existed in the area. Akira had grown in experience these last three years, but he still had his faults. He had yet to learn to cook for himself and mostly lived off ramen and the basics. He also felt lonesome these last few months, but that’s what the job entailed. He had gotten acquainted to a pretty officer named Sakura about a year back, but she was supposedly killed in a shoot out. In this type of occupation, finding a significant other was tough. He figured if he at least found others who shared his diligence to the cause, not only would he be less lonely, but their combined efforts would result in change to the way things were. Someday he hoped to be strong enough to return to Japan and take on his father.

Akira walked to the boards where bounties and missions for mercenaries were often posted. There was not much going on in the area that really caught his attention, just the usual “escort merchants” and “protect the highways” sort of jobs that would take too much time and would require almost no effort. Something to the corner caught his eye. It was a bounty by the USMP that seemed to have been posted years ago, which was evident as Akira wiped the dust off. He ripped off the post and walked towards a counter to get more information, but the representative was a newbie who knew nothing of the job posting. Akira took the job and then searched for somewhere he could satisfy his hunger, which was a noodle stand he found a few blocks down. The attendant was an older Japanese man who stood up at an angle and had a long white beard. His name was Yamamori, as his name tag displayed.

“What can I get for ya?” asked Yamamori.

“Yamamori-san, Noodles and a Jar of Sake please.” Akira replied in Japanese.

“Nice to see another of our kind in these parts.” Replied Yamamori.

After general small talk, Akira brought up the job post as Yamamori prepared the noodles. Yamamori knew only rumors of the “Desert Wolf”, and couldn’t help much. He however directed Yamamori to a retired USMP officer named Slade, who knew quite a bit on the subject. Akira tipped Yamamori, enjoyed his meal, and drank a couple cups of sake, which was about the amount he could handle without alcohol affecting his performance in the slightest. Akira met up with the officer and learned all about the legendary “Desert Wolf”.

“Rumors state his sync rate is easily around 90%, maybe more, which would not surprise me, knowing the pilot’s background. He was the user of a prototype Gundam named Sandrock, and escaped the USMP Salem base a few years back. The USMP tried desperately to get the power armor back but failed at every turn. If I remember correctly his name was Saladin. He was a Middle Eastern fellow named after the respected Saracen commander during the crusades. He is very talented and experienced with a good reputation. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Sandrock was upgraded further. If you have any interest in fighting him, it is suicide. He may spare you; I would not take the risk, as he has several people who joined him due to his notoriety. They joined in all sorts of Maganac power armors. Do what you want, but don’t tell me I didn’t warn you, if you survive.”

Akira thanked the man for his information and prepared for his duel. Despite Slade’s warnings, Akira only felt more compelled to fight with this desert legend. It wasn’t for the money, but something more, improvement and to grasp exactly where he stood in terms of experience. Akira rested briefly while his food digested, and then set out to find the “Desert Wolf”. He knew he was close when he came across a Maganac scout after hours of searching. Akira quickly overpowered the lone power armor and swiftly disabled its beam rifle. After doing so, Akira surrendered, and asked the user to take him to see his leader, an act unforeseen by the other pilot. Akira was imprisoned until night fall, and then suddenly brought out for questioning by Saladin himself, who was disguised as another henchman.

“You don’t seem like a USMP dog. Why did you come out here then?” Saladin asked.

“I’m not here on behalf of anyone but myself. I have come here to challenge your leader, and have no desire for his head.” Replied Akira.

Saladin was impressed by Akira’s respect for a mere henchman, and for the fact that he surrendered without a single drop of blood being shed. Saladin suspected if Akira knew that he was questioning him. Saladin eventually humored Akira's request and set up the duel. As a full moon glistened in the night sky, two warriors faced each other. The entire maganac corps watched in excitement and waited for the fight to start, around a camp fire. They shared drinks and took bets, but a few remained ready to jump in and intervene if Akira was to go against the duel’s code of honor.
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Desert Duel on Serene Sands · Roleplay