the sun was just setting painting the skyline an incredible array of colors and there he was, arms bent over a metal railing, one foot crossed over his ankle as he stood and watched and RELAXED. at peace.

a group of hooligans were making their way down the sidewalk, speaking loudly and being overall IRRITATING but he took another drag of his smoke and ignored them as best he could.  

yellow scarves - obnoxious. a twitch of his brow he took another long drag of his smoke before turning away and heading towards the mouth of a rather sinister looking ( but seemingly empty ) alley. 

@amexta

once finally off of the faux bike he immediately sifted through a back pocket and shook out a cigarette. hand cupped around the sudden flame he lit up and inhaled slowly all the while she was typing her response. patience was a virtue when it came to having a conversation with the headless rider and it was odd just how serene he found himself to be around her. the dullahan soothed him despite her trembling mannerisms and frayed nerves.

❛yeah i've seen him before, he actually helped me outta a bind at the police station a while back. he's strong as hell too. listen if he gives you too much trouble let me know and i'll get him offa your back but he seems like a straight shooter like i said. i dunno what his deal is with you but if it goes too far ..❜

the threat was clear in his tone, he considered celty to be a dear friend and he would do anything to protect her, this was no monster before him, this was a kind being that was merely doing the best she could in a broken city.

the question, though probably rhetorical did catch his attention and he pondered curiously.       ❛dunno, is there like a sorta type of jail made for urban legends? like, in a basement somewhere in a government building?❜ the strongman probably wasn't helping.

suddenly his line of sight was filled with a shock of red hair hidden mostly beneath what appeared to be a conductors cap. eyes bright and dangerous stared back at him and for a moment the strongman himself seemed taken aback at the abruptness this one interrupted. and how SILENTLY he had done so. 

as his arm was cocked back he thrust it forward, the force of the punch wasn't of course his full strength but it would have knocked the guy into the next car no issue. of course causing damage on the way out. however something extraordinary happened. not only did someone come in between he and his target but this person effectively STOPPED the hit mid-punch.

instantly eyes widen from behind tinted glasses and it was as though time slowed. fine hairs along the back of his neck stood on end and energy crackled between them. this man was STRONG. it took him a moment to even register what was said and brows furrow. 

❛you're gonna wanna get the hell outta my way friend. it ain't my fault that drunken asshole started this whole thing.❜  though the strongman didn't make a move, he felt the incredible power of the grip that held him.

@investigxter

there had been a rash of inexplicable attacks in the city lately; as though she didn’t have enough issues with the constant gang battles. only a select few knew of the incidents, for now the hysteria had been well contained by the PD. but rumors on the street had already begun to run rampant.

half eaten bodies littered the street and a few of the more inept cops were blaming gangbangers on PCP or some street knock off. but no mere gang member was accountable for the mutilation of these people. yellow scarves blue squares and dollars alike were abuzz with varying conspiracy theories. was it the headless rider? had she gone mad? did it have to do with saika and the demon horde?

and the most recent rumor; was the monster of ikebukuro finally showing his true colors?

sitting at russia sushi the small cup he held was crushed; shattered as he pondered the latest rumor of course started by that FLEABAG. people normally gave the strongman a wide berth but now? now it was worse. staring and pointing and a constant deluge of whispering behind his back. of course the theory was absolutely ridiculous what if? they had seen how furious he could get, they knew of his temper.

a rather large imposing looking man offered to help clean up the mess left behind by the shattered cup. with a rag he sopped up the leftover green tea and with a gentleness that appeared in stark contrast to the way simon carried himself he swiftly, carefully removed every shard of broken glass leaving shizuo behind, alone in his booth to ponder this newest bout of rumors and the state ikebukuro is in at the moment.

@tigrismortis

out of place was the only way he could describe the woman, as though the city remained in the background or in only shades of black and white while she had an incredible vibrancy about her. the woman exuded confidence and raw power. curious, was she part of a new gang in town? tilting his head, a cigarette was brought to slightly parted lips as he took in a lingering breath of toxic air.  ❛this isn’t exactly the safest part of the city and it’s gettin’ dark.❜ he remarked, though it was none of his business of course and something about her presence told him she needed absolutely no help but he couldn’t help inquiring anyway.  ❛i know the city streets pretty well if you need directions on where to go.❜