It had been a few days since Geno had arrived looking for information. Thankfully Shaun, the fat man met on the trip over here was kind enough to show him around. Even though it took a bit of coercing he complied. Then Geno let him go on his marry way. Now Geno was sitting in the local pub drinking a pint. It was fairly empty due to it being during the week. He seemed to blend in due to the fact everyone was here from every walks of life. Baltigo fell into a sort of gray area, everyone was expected to keep to themselves. No one faction held power over the other. Only the Warlord residing over the place had any pull. Of course also the Brokers under her care. Even the government knew to not make any rash calls as it was the Warlords turf. That was as long as Jade D. Punk was their dog.

Spoiler:

A Neon light sat at the top of the pub as a invitation. 'The Shiny Crab' was light golden and changed colors with each passing moment. The place had just been remodeled. Walking into the place, Geno's eyes quickly scanned the room. He was making sure no one had that familiar look on their face. Everyone just kind of continued on with their business as usual. The place was medium sized, big enough for at least 50 people. The bar keep was a younger man, clean cut and dressed nicely. He greeted Geno with a giant smile.

Spoiler:

He was cleaning a glass very carefully as to remove any stains inside. “Welcome to the Shiny Crab!” These words be loud enough for anyone near the front of the bar. The counter was right next to the entrance and the kid seemed enthusiastic to serve him. With no words Geno only gave a nod before finding himself sitting in front of the lad. People were scattered around the pub keeping to themselves.  

“What are you feeling tonight if I may ask?”

“Something sweet, but heavy on the alcohol.”

The keep thought to himself with a thumb pressed on his chin. “I got just the thing. A special brew my father makes.”


Geno sat on the stool with the glass half full sitting in front of him. He decided it was time for something sweet. It had a apple taste as the booze was brewed with some of the sweetest of the bunch. He let out a deep sign before looking around the empty bar. 'What am I doing? I have still not figured out the path I must walk to get stronger.'

It had been plaguing his thoughts for quite some time ever since Hector ignored him. A reality check that was needed to keep Geno humble. He knew he could do so much more but he just had to find out how. He could only sigh once more before picking up the tall glass. He finished off the ale quickly and held it into the air. “Another keep.”

Cyrus had been walking the city for the last couple of hours, scoping it out and taking it all in because, truthfully, there was plenty to take in. The city was a sprawling masterpiece of architectural design. Although it pained him, he was impressed by the work the two Warlords had put into the island. Jeez, with a place like this I'll have to start seriously remodeling Drum when I get home. Cyrus said with a sigh as he walked down the streets of the Red City. Along the way he had managed to pick up a map a touristy looking couple had carelessly left on a bench, and by left on a bench Cyrus meant he had scooped up out of the woman's purse as the two sat talking. It was a piece of paper, they wouldn't miss it. Besides, Baltigo didn't attract poor vacationing tourists looking to sink their last dollar into a pleasant getaway. Those people, just like the vast majority gathered, were here to purchase slaves and if you had the money to buy slaves, you had more than enough to buy another map of the city.

Regardless, after several hours of studying the map and walking the city limits, Cyrus had gotten a good feel for the city or at the very least its general layout. He decided it was time to reward himself with a drink and maybe even start scoping out the people. What better way to learn about the people of a city than to learn about them when they're drunk? Stepping through the door of 'The Shiny Crab', Cyrus scanned the moderately busy pub before finding the bar towards the back and making his way over. As he did so, he noticed a man towards the end with an empty glass raised. He seemed different than the locals gathered at the tables and sitting by the bar conversing. He was out of place, much like Cyrus himself, and that interested Cyrus.

It was true he wasn't there to learn about visitors and he really should've stayed focused on them instead, but curiosity was a powerful thing. Stepping up to the bar, Cyrus caught the attention of the bartender as he made his way towards the man waiting for a refill, I'll take this next round. Cyrus said as he handed the bartender some Beli and left the man to his job. Turning to Geno now, Cyrus took a seat at the stool next to him and asked, So, what are we drinking?

The radio was behind the keep and was turned up high enough to create a sort of ambiance. It was as if feudal japan and modernized beats had come together in harmony. The music set the tone for what was about to happen next.


A calm tone covered the room in a invisible veil as life continued on peacefully. For what folks were in the room it was refreshing to see in this gloom world. It was a momentary reprieve from the chaos that sat outside those doors. It was as if the world didn't matter for just a moment. Then the door opened causing the bell to ring. This was notification that someone had entered. Geno was in the middle of ordering his second drink. A unfamiliar voice offered the next drink a chuckle came next as the keep went to fix their drinks. Yes, now Geno seemed to draw some attention. It was very clear he stood out as he was in monk robes, sunglasses and some ninja tabi. Not to mention his size was not normal for most.

The man in a causal outfit sporting a green and white bucket outfit was not from around here neither. That face had a price on it, he could only laugh in response. First meeting the songbird, and now this.  Geno would only say the name, “Cyrus Kincaid. The Reaper of the Revolution. First Junbei, the Song bird and now this? Must be fate. As for what we are drinking, I can't say the keep recommended to me.”

Geno would only turn to the lad and ask. “Oi lad, what is the name of this drink?” The keep would say nothing before finishing pouring both drinks from the tap. “A new ale called Hiden's Orchard, named after my father.”

Geno would only turn back to Cryus, “The name is Geno by the way, what brings you to Baltigo?” Knowing full well that trouble was a brewing if someone like this showed up on the island. Not to mention Geno was here trying to do some good on the island. Geno still probed for small talk sake.

“Enjoy.” The keep nodded and went back to washing glasses.

Geno would only raise the glass “cheers.” before taking a swig. A large swig that could be better defined as a gulp. One that filled the innards of the giant man with a cold, fruity, and refreshing taste.

Ah my reputation precedes me. I suppose the latest News Coo article didn't help that much. Cyrus said with a smile, No kidding, you know Junbei? Boy I haven't seen that kid since... Cyrus blew out a sigh as he thought before giving up with a wave of his hand, Honestly I couldn't even tell you how long it's been. I imagine he's doing well, yeah? Cyrus turned as the barkeep brought the drinks over, Ah thank you my good man, please, keep the change. I have a feeling we'll be needing your services for the night.

Cyrus knocked glasses with the larger man before taking a large gulp of the liquor. He sighed with delight, I have to say, not bad. Quite smooth, but then again it never hurts to give it a little seasoning. Cyrus said as he produced a small flask from the folds of his jacket and poured an ample amount of amber liquid into his half gone drink. He placed the flask back in his jacket and turned to Geno, Well pleasure to meet you Geno. I'm here to visit...an old family friend. It's a bit of a surprise though so between you and me let's keep it on the hush hush, eh? Cyrus said with a wink before taking another generous sip of his drink. How about you? What brings you to the city of sin?

As he sat and chatted with Geno, Cyrus took in the sights and scenes of the bar around him. The people of the Red City were mainly affluent but there was a clear divide when it came to the slaves. For every affluent couple there was at least one slave near their table, ready to retrieve drinks when requested. The place was a breeding ground for the vile and cretins of the world.

Geno first responded with a chuckle before it flipping back to a memory of reading The Coo. A newsletter spinning various tales of bravery, destruction and major actions. Cyrus had been connected to the revolutionaries and the explosion at the holy land. Geno didn't know to what extent but he did not really approve of their methods regardless. However, sometimes loss of life is needed to get to a goal. He was not one to completely judge the folks involved but he could pray for those caught in the issues of the government. Cyrus wasn't to ecstatic about being known. Then again with a title of 'Reaper' isn't something any sane or good person would brag about. This was a good sign about his character if he acted in this way. Then again it could always be an act.

Geno was drinking from his glass as he listened to Cyrus speak for the moment. Visiting a family friend, seemed like a cover but it wasn't Geno's business. “Don't worry my lips are sealed. Several things have brought me to this sinful place. Search of purpose, strength, and maybe doing some good. Not a fan of the slave trade. To be honest, I don't know what I am doing here but fate saw fit to bring me here.”

he took in another drink before wiping the small bits of foam clouding his upper lip. He was speaking freely as if it was a challenge to anyone else in the room listening in. Geno had been on edge lately to despite his cool demeanor. Thankfully folks kept to their business and did not meddle in their affairs. As time passed by the booze's effects began to loosen the tongue, and reinforce his courage. Geno at this point was shot gunning the stuff. He wasn't a rowdy drunk, but he was a talkative one.

“Who knows what fate has in store for me. No crew, and No bounty for the moment. Just a man with a mission.”

Cyrus cracked a smile at Geno's mention of his detest for the slave trade, You know, the Revolution gets a bad rap sometimes, especially among the civilians of the World Government. We're terrorists, monsters, bastards of society. Hell, some of them are trying to pin the whole Reverie fiasco on the Revolution and we had nothing to do with it. He sighed, shaking his head with a slight smile, as if he couldn't believe the words he had just said, as if the whole thing was some sort of sick joke, but no, this was reality. Cyrus leaned in closer and lowered his voice for this next part of the conversation, They call us monsters, yet tote around living, intelligent creatures like trained dogs. Cyrus took another long swig from his drink, nearly finishing it, letting his words hang in the air between Geno and himself. Quietly, as if talking to himself, Cyrus finished, If it's those types of people who think I'm the monster, well, I have no problem with proving them right.

The air grew dark around Cyrus, cool and heavy it weighed on the conversation for a long few minutes before Cyrus suddenly flipped the switch, Ah well though, can't let that get us down, ay? Bartender, another round por favor. Cyrus yelled down the bar, getting the young man's attention, So, no crew eh? Well if you ever need a ride somewhere, let me know. I'll be on Baltigo for at least a week, depending on how long my visit takes, but if you're still around and looking to get off this rock, let me know. The bartender returned with two fresh mugs, taking Cyrus's old one and placing Geno's new one near the larger man. Cyrus thanked him with a tip before turning back to Geno, Although, fair warning my friend, if you like the whole no bounty status I'm afraid riding with my people isn't your best idea. The offer still stands, but it seems only fair to at least give you fair warning. My people...hmm...well trouble seems to follow us. Just one of those things, you know? Cyrus asked rhetorically, lifting his drink towards Geno before taking a large swig of the stuff.

Geno raised his eyebrow at the thought. Similar to a rock that wrestles people. A question in nature but Geno knew that sometimes people have to do what needs to be done. The Revolution would be no different in this case. People would lose their lives while people tried to change how things were done. It was a bit of a relief knowing that the incident did not lay directly on the Revolutionaries. Cyrus let out a sigh in response to the possibilities of Cyrus's story being unbelievable.

“Don't worry my friend, I believe you. Your demeanor tells me everything. Or you could just be putting on a act, who knows. I am not one to pass ill judgment on someone until I have shared drinks with them.”

They were doing just that, two gentlemen sharing a drink in a bar. There was no tension in the air at all. This was a good sign, Geno could read people very easily just by paying attention to them. Simple body language and how one spoke was something someone should pay attention too. Yet, Geno still kept a sensation of paranoia about him. The night was young and anything could happen in a instant. Yet the booze was loosening up Geno's body and mind as a whole. He was still very aware of his surroundings. “Ya sometimes it takes a monster to defeat a monster, so I welcome said transformation if that is to be my fate.”

Geno knew his large size among the humans gave him the title 'The Behemoth' a monster in nature when provoked. “Ya but we can't let it get us down.” Cyrus for another round and the bartender only nodded in response. “Well I am sticking to Baltigo because I don't really have much of place to go. My village was destroyed by some corrupt marines. Grabbing his third drink he could only smile. “Ya I am not to worried about that, I can handle myself. Plus I seem to attract trouble on the usual so I guess I might as well roll right?  Have nothing better to do at the current moment." Geno only raised his cup in response causing them to clank and they would both drink hardy.

“What you playing at exactly?”

Double or nothing, right? Cyrus said jokingly in response to Geno's comment about running into trouble himself. It made him wonder just what was in store for him and Geno if the two combined their paths and walked together, even if only for a short time. I have big plans my friend, big plans indeed. I hear the real show is moving to the New World soon though. The World Government has declared war on Oceanus, so the next few months should be interesting to say the least. To be honest, I have no idea who to place my bets on in a war like that. I've never met Oceanus myself, but if the stories are true he's certainly not to be trifled with. On the other hand I got a small taste of the power the Marines are packing with Admiral Baku and that Grey Fox fellow leading them at the Reverie. Cyrus let out a low whistle and shook his head, Whatever happens, it's going to be bloody.

Cyrus waved his hand as he took another sip from his drink, as if clearing the air of the bloodshed to come, Regardless, whoever wins, that's when I plan to break into the New World, most likely with scores of others. In the wreckage of that battle there will be an opening while both sides lick their wounds and gather themselves, that's when we push though. Unfortunately that's still well in the future, so for now I'm settling some personal business on Baltigo. Nasty stuff really, but then again, in the city of sin... Cyrus trailed off with a shrug, not bothering to finish that sentence. You're welcome to join me. It certainly won't be safe, it might be fun, and if we succeed a lot of people are probably going to hate you for helping me, but then again it's all about getting the right group of people to hate you, eh? Cyrus leaned back in his stool and took in the wall of booze behind the bar. He stared at the various bottles, all perfectly in order, organized by type of liquor and then price point. It was a thing of beauty and he wanted to memorize this moment before everything went to shit. He didn't know what was going to happen once he started his crusade against Jane D. Punk, he didn't know who would be swallowed up in the maelstrom to come and what ruins would be wrought as a result. For the moment anything...and everything was possible. Well, anyway, I've been talking your ear off. If you have any interest I'd be happy to speak more with you somewhere private, perhaps my ship later. Can't say I trust all the ears around here.