Train, Battle, Now Food (Open)

[Tai Yang]

Thirty minute jog.

Full body stretch.

Seventy-five pull ups.

Fifty push-ups.

Two hundred an fifty sit-ups - Variations set's changing every twenty-five.

Fifty leg lifts.

One hundred windmills.

One hundred squats.

Fifteen minute cool-down stretch.

Every since being released from juvie Tai Yang had been doing this morning routine three times a week, getting in plenty of punching and kicking practice at Paragon. Having kept his skills sharp and his body strong and durriable he felt confident in his abilities. However, today he wanted a little more. He had finished his morning routine, but there was still that little itch for excitement. His body wanted to move, and somehow he had to find a way to quentch his recently found hunger.

And so he prowled.

The once 'safe streets' of San Francisco were no longer so... Yeah, right. They were just as safe as before, the young Chinese American wasn't out for just anyone's blood, he wanted to feel alive, he needed a challenge. The streets wouldn't be enough for that, he needed to go somewhere special, somewhere to feel alive. He found what he thought would be the perfect place.

Having seen the ads on T.V. and hearing them over the radio he walked down to the fifty-second street heading down the sidewalk til he came across the large building with tiger being struck by a right chop on the sign. This seemed like the right place, the most famous Karate Dojo in San Fran stood.

Walking inside he looked completely out of place in a pair of white and blue board-shorts, a white muscle shirt and nike runners. He walked past the reception desk with a look of contempt on his face, sweat beading down off his forehead and down his neck. The reception barely looked up past the papers and phone ringing off the hook, and yet out of the corner of his eye he still noticed a game of Solitaire on her computer screen. The plain green background being a dead give away.

'Heh, guess she's a talented multi-tasker, or perhaps just lazy.'

Moving into the Dojo's main area he slipped off his sneakers and socks, tucking the thin-fabrics in a ball at the tip of each shoe. He looked onward, watching as the bodies clad in white Gi's. Such a scene seemed rather humourous to the Paragon Captain, having always trained in jeans and sweats rather then more traditional means.

"Hah...Heh.." 'Oops. I think they heard me.'

Eyes fell on his tiny frame, nothing unusual at that though, he was use to attention and the looks of hate from those around him. The glares he was getting had a more murderous intent, it seemed he had intruded on the advanced class, which he should've realized sooner seeing as how there were so many black belts around the waists of the students.

"I'm sorry, I just don't see the point in wearing uniforms. Why blend in, when it's easier to stand out?"

Stepping up onto the slightly raised wooden floor Tai Yang was left standing there, isolated from the group while scratching his head. There were so many serious faces in front of him, all glaring at him with the intent to harm or possibly even kill. Looking back at them was a smiling, joy filled face that looked a little bit aloof as to the situation he was in.

"I didn't come here to ruffle feathers, I really just want to fight someone really, really strong. Any takers?"

Five Minutes Later

Standing in a ring made of fighters Tai Yang circled around the deemed representive of the Dojo. All the while the same smile was still clear across his face. He was cautious about moving forward, the man had a good guard, he could tell that this guy was a defense and counter based fighter. It seemed strange to him, as he thought karate was centered around offense, but he didn't voice his thoughts.

Bursting forward he started his attack against the opponent whom held both height and weight over him. Yes, this would indeed be a challenge.

Forty-Five Minutes Later

"Thanks for the fun, I had a blast."

Bringing an ice pack up to his right eye he smiled as a small surge of pain ran over his eye. The swelling was going to be minimal, but that didn't stop the fact that it was going to be tender for a few more days. Ah, the power of a heavy right hand was still nothing to laugh at, not for the smaller man.

Pulling open the glass door he stepped out onto the street, feeling hungry as he checked one of the city clocks. Noon already, how the day was quickly going by. He'd have to find a bite to eat, or, for that matter a way to pay for it. Perhaps he'd flirt with some high school girls, they always loved a good tale of heroism, and with the scars to prove it he'd be able to go on for an entire eight course meal.

However, he still had to find those girls, or some sort of funding first. Dreams of food came second.

[Raine Ashton]

((OOC: Considering this is a really old thread...I hope you don't mind me reviving it since you're still an active rper?))

Dakota and Taylor were devils on their own, but put together they were worse than any foul abomination Raine had ever known. They were too cruel to frame their sister in a crime they themselves have been equally responsible for! You see, it went down with the trio going to the local restuarant just down their street since they live around the city centre, and the twin brothers settle down like every normal family would do. They ordered their food, smiled at the waiters and waitresses and waited until Raine met up with them after her dance practice.

So, when the food came, Raine was only given a small bowl of rice and a small dish of traditional Kimchi. No barbequed ribs, no burger no nothing, just a small plate of spicy vegetables. Okay, so Raine put up with that by trying to steal her brothers' food but it was to no avail. Once again, they just loved torturing their little sister. Fuming and glaring at her brothers until the end of the meal, their bill came and to Raine's surprise her brothers didn't even bring their wallets.Raine had to pay for their meal and she only had money for the bus.

Perfect. Absolutely fanfreakingtastic.

Yeah, and the two ran off leaving Raine to work off the debt in the restaurant washing dishes until her hands were pruney and stank of detergent. Oh! She was also starving due to the fact that she had dance rehearsal for three hours, ate a tiny bowl of rice and worked for hours on hours until the store closed only to earn enough money to break-eve with the bill. What's worse was the fact that when she got home, she crashed, woke-up and found that her house and no food. Her parents were out, her brothers left for Kickboxing and Kendo while she just saw raw meat which she was tempted to eat but she knew her mom was saving that for dinner.

So, yes, that was last night and this morning!

Now Raine left home in search of food with money in her pocket this time!

She stumbled onto the busy streets heading towards her favorite restuarant- All You Can Eat of course. However, without much food in her system she was feeling weak and a bit dizzy. Yes, her brothers are totally evil to have left a growing girl with minimal amount of food! Raine swore her brothers want to make her anorexic, okay, not really.

It was then her thoughts trailed as the back of her flip flops got stepped on successfully causing her to stumble backwards crashing into someone in front of her.

"URAUK!" she croaked loudly ruining her usual polite, lady-like self.

[Tai Yang]

(I don't mind at all. Gives me all the more to do.)

'Food food food... Money. Damn. Food food foo- M.o.n.e.y. Damn. Where the hell are all the highschool girls? Don't tell me that they've all turned good little christian girls and are heading to church now... Hm, turning one of them sounds pretty hot... Foo-Mon-DAMN!'

Becoming preoccupied with the thoughts of a 'regular' teenaged boy, Tai Yang seemed to drift out of reality, entering his own little world, as most people have and do from time to time. Only his little world seemed to negate people as simple objects in his eyes, allowing him to lacklusterly avoid them given enough time. The icepack above his eye was still held in place, doing it's job, which meant that he only had vision out of his right eye. No matter, he could still see, that's all he needed to continue... Or so he thought.

"Umph." He felt something fall against his chest, making him react by bringing his right arm up to catch whatever it was. Holding onto an arm he realized the something was actually a someone, and the someone was actually a she.

'Whats that auroma? Its so pleasant?' Still in a dazed state of confusion his senses seemed scrambled, obviously whatever the scent was came from her hair, the closest thing to his nose, but like most guys he neglected to notice the obvious right away.

"Are you okay?" Perhaps he asked this a few seconds to late, though remained holding onto her, and had lowered his left hand, placing it on the small of her back as he tried to comfort her - the angry yell from before something he didn't feel like dealing with. Once more, he neglected to notice that he was still holding the icepack, and was actually putting that on her lower back.

[Raine Ashton]

Either way Raine would have backed away from the stranger as first instinct, but what she truly did not expect was the freezing cold touch to her lower back when she crashed. When she first made contact she merely felt the warmth come from the broader body until of course, he or she had steadied her with a hand on her lower back, a squarish hand that was freezing cold!

Before Raine could react in any logical, mannerful, and polite way she let out a surprised yelp that sounded more like a squeak as she jumped away from the cold touch out of instinct. She staggered back a few steps as she shuddered. As soon as she distanced herself away from the stranger her right hand would reach for her lower back and rub it violently in hopes of created such friction to warm it up again.

"Ahhh, that was so cold!"

Raine's chocolate brown eyes looked up as she saw face to face with the stranger that was only a few steps in front of her and she stumbled back as if she came in contact with a ghost. As she step backwards, she'd merely trip and ball onto her bottom due to her surprise. Raine hadn't exactly been expecting to bump into a guy with white hair, and in that split second, what she believed to be some mutated eye!

"O-oh, phew, you scared me." Raine sighed as she pressed her hand on her chest for emphasis.

[Tai Yang]

"I'd like to say I've never heard that one before, but, well..."

Sense's cleared, most definately because of her incredible squeaking screaming that was more the capable to shake out the cobwebs at close rang, he realized exactly what he had and hadn't done. Being lost in his own little world was more dangerous then he thought.

Bringing the eyepack back up to his eye he tensed slightly as the cold reached with the warm pulse of his blood flowing through the tender area. Luckily this same incident hadn't happened five minutes sooner, or she might've fainted from the sight of his eye. Either way, what had happened, happened, and it was time to move on.

"Sorry for startling you." He took a few steps forward, slower then his usual pace, cautious even.
"My names Tai Yang, may I help you up?" Leaning forward he extending his free hand, hoping she accepted his offer.

Had this been a more normal scenario, perhaps without him holding a bag of ice to his head, he would've taken a step back, bowing down low as though he was a proper gentlemen from the 1800's. All before flashing one of his many smiles, signifying the joke, which usually got a laugh. However, this time he seemed more sincere, even apologetic with his actions.

[Raine Ashton]

"Sorry for startling you."

Raine's cheeks grew warm and bleed a slight pink out of embarassment. Although she was a clumsy person she was never really that loud, boisterous or impolite when she first meets someone. Some people even consider her anti-social at times, then again she was quite the exuberant one with her friends. Yet, he was right, he did catch her off guard espescially when he had the swollen eye and all. She had never seen any one with a black eye or swollen eye before, not even from her rock and rumble brothers. Which emphasizes the fact that she really haven't even come close to seeing real violence.

The boy took a few steps towards her and it almost seemed slightly hesitant as if he was expecting her to squeak and scream again. Raine merely gave him an embarassed-shy smile before he went and introduced himself as Tai Yang. He stuck his hand out for her and Raine extended her own to take it.

"Thanks, I'm sorry for bumping into you." Raine would say in an apologetic tone before she went to introduce herself, "I'm Raine Ashton, it's nice to meet you!"

The embarassment did not cease and it merely boosted its level when her stomach growled angrily. Instead of turning pink Raine's cheeks turned a flaming red.

[Tai Yang]

"I should apologize to you, your the one who fell." He briefly interrupted her, nodding politely as she told him her name. He hadn't ever met someone with a name like Raine, but if parents named their children after seasons and days of the week, why not weather patterns?

"It's nice to bump into, Ms. Ashton." The growl of her stomach was all to apparent, but he left her embarrassment alone for a moment, politely addressing her as he was taught to do - just never implemented before. Letting go of her hand he stood back up straight from his forward leaning position.

"I apologize - again - but couldn't help but notice your uh, situation. Could I make it up to you by treating you to lunch?"

'What am I doing?' His voice screamed in his head, the danger sign was flashing, the siren was sounding, the alarm flashing. Having planned to find someone to pay for his lunch was what he was suppose to do, not swap it around and offer to pay for someone else. Couldn't retract his offer, that would be rude, couldn't say he forgot his wallet, that made him seem like a cheap bastard.

Well, he had a plan to implement, but would have to wait for her answer.

[Raine Ashton]

His gentleman tone and actions made a Raine a little wary after all how many men in this day and age had such level of sophistication- well at least the men Raine had came in contact with. It was the first time she was treated like a lady instead of some little doll, not that she minded but being a punch bag doll was not her form of amusement. Her distrusting nature was being tested with his display of etiquette. Raine took a glance into his eye and for a split second tried to determine if he had an ulterior motive or not. It wasn't as if she were paranoid about kidnaps or that sort, but one could never be too safe. As they say it is better to be safe than sorry.

"I apologize - again - but couldn't help but notice your uh, situation. Could I make it up to you by treating you to lunch?"

The suspicion quickly dispersed.

"You're a good guy." Raine said with a bright smile before she latched onto his free arm as if he were her savior.

Once you offer Raine food it was over, she'd follow you to the depths of hell and back if that was what it would take to obtain that food. In her perspective, offering her food made the person momentarily trustworthy until they proved her wrong.

"So, I know this place that has the best Korean food, I think we should go!" Raine's expression was one of a child's, and this is what usually happens when the subject matter revolved around food.

[Tai Yang]

When Rained latched herself onto his free arm his planned had a kink thrown in it. A wrench in the clog, so to speak. But, when there's a problem go with the traditional menthod - use the Chinese for the inovation and hard work.

"Korean food, sounds good. Though you'll have to lead the way."

He had to time this just right, to soon and it wouldn't work, to late and he'd be seen. Scouting targets dictated that you had to know who you were stealing from. Where did they store their wallet, how accessible it was, what type of suit they were wearing. So many questions, but Tai Yang wasn't processing many of them, just who and where.

"Oops, uh." Perhaps the sound effects were a bit over the top, but he dropped his icepack, making it seem as much as of an accident as possible, then leaned forward to pick it up. As he did he bumped into a 'suit', his shoulder bumping into the man's stomach as his hand came down and picked the inside pocket of his outter jacket. He felt the thick folded leather, which he pulled down on and hid in his hand until he was grabbing the fallen icepack. Flipping the washcloth he was using as a hand grip he hid the wallet underneath the cloth and between the pack, away from view.

"Sorry about that sir."

He returned to an upright position, pressing the pack to his eye, and arm into Raine, smiling as he nodded to her, signifying he was ready to go.

"Shall we?"

[Raine Ashton]

As her thoughts wandered towards the delicious food she'd have she almost overlooked the fact that they bumped into a professional attire. Tai Yang dropped his ice pack by accident and Raine bent down to help him, but it seemed as if he was under control.

However, she did notice the extra bump that was in Tai's sleeve. She tilted her head to the side a little in curiousity and question. But before she knew it the bump disappeared and Tai Yang had the ice pack to his eye again. That is, of course, until she saw the dark shadow and bulky form of the wallet underneath the cloth he had over the ice pack.

"Shall we?"

Raine blinked as her expression showed that she was confused. She turned towards the business man and waved her arm around.

"Hey mister! You dropped your wallet!"

She'd then turn back to Tai Yang with a big smile, "You are a nice guy! But you're pretty forgetful!"

Oh boy, was she dense.

[Tai Yang]

'I may seem nice, but I'm also poor.' Letting out an internal sigh at his own thoughts he did his best to make it seem like he hadn't been trying to steal from the guy. Though, concealing it between the cloth and icepack really only had one purpose, a purpose that was supposedly void as Raine's keen eyes caught his act.

Lowering the pack and holding it in his other hand he stepped back with his foot opposite that of Raine, extending the wallet to it's owner as though it was a banana peeling out from the cloth. At least his prints would be wiped off the leather, and by giving it back he was presumed to be forgetful, rather then attempting a thieft.

Nodding and smiling towards the man, keeping his charm up on the outside, bashing his head against the wall on the inside, he came to the conclusion that he'd have to make a phonecall.

"Well, shall we get going?" Still preoccupied with how to get any form of income in a matter of moments led him to wonder how exactly he was going to pay for the meal he promised. Either way it seemed like this girl was to clever and to hungry - making her dense, presumably - to try another pickpocket with her around. Perhaps he'd have to work off what he owed... A scary thought.

[Raine Ashton]

"Well, shall we get going?"

Raine beamed.

"Yeah, lets go, it's just around the corner."

She wondered why she was happy today. It must be the hunger. It's gotta be, though she wasn't exactly fully conscious of her actions. If she were in her normal state, when she's not hungry, she would never latch onto a male like she was now, a stranger at that! If Raine saw a girl just cling onto a random stranger on the street, she'd deem the girl indecent! Her brothers would probably tease her to no end to see their energetically violent little sister hanging out with a guy. Yet, here she was dreaming of Dak-gui, Bulgogi and Jjajangbap without a care in the world.

Upon reaching the establishment. Raine paused outside for a moment as if basking in the restaurant's glory. Why was it her favorite restaurant? First of all it was All you can Eat, second, she wasn't blacklisted yet, three, she knew the owners so she either got discount or free meals. Though, the latter was extremely rare seeing Raine has an abnormal appetite.

She led Tai Yang into the restaurant and the waitresses greeted Raine a little hesitantly before leading the two to their seats.

[Tai Yang]

Was it just him, or was the waitress a bit hesitant with her actions? Surely she knew Raine, which either meant that she wasn't to found of the Korean girl eating their, or wasn't pleased with her choice of company. The latter was just as probable, given that the waitress did look somewhat familiar. Perhaps she attended Paragon or Hircine, or use to attend for that matter. Perhaps he'd physically dismantled her boyfriend, or something along those lines.

Whatever the reason was he took his seat kindly, not starting a fuss as he pulled the chair out and hung his jacket across the back. Bending forward he reached into his jackets side pocket and removed his cell-phone, flipping it open to check out two things, the service bars and the time. Putting on a slight face of disappointment he scoffed at his cell, appearing irritated.

"Pardon me, I have to make a call. I'll be right back, please start without me."

He figured that she was hungry enough to dive right in, giving him the time to go outside and make his phone call. Smiling politely he turned away from the table and made his way back outside, flicking open his phone and scrolling through his contacts. At first he waited just outside the doors, then stepped to the side to let a couple through the doors. Perfect, not blocking the door gave him a perfect reason to leave immediate range of vision. Stepping out of sight from the interior of the building he closed his phone, slipping it inside his pocket as he quickly darted down a nearby alley. He was waiting for another suit, someone easy to take down, but instead came across a group of thugs, no more then three, sitting around playing cards on a dumpster. Well, he did need some money.

Three minutes later he walked back into the restaurant, his wallet now a few bills thicker, and his knees a few pounds sorer. Strolling back over to the table he sat down, composing himself and taking a drink of water. He'd wait to see what Raine chose to eat, then probably make his selections off that. He was a picky eater, always trying to stay in shape without limitations on his cuisine choices.

[Raine Ashton]

Pardon me, I have to make a call. I'll be right back, please start without me.

Raine nodded as she waved at the waitress who came over with a small sigh as she flexed her hand. The waitress knew she was going to have to write a long list of items and in the back of her mind she wondered why Raine was not blacklisted from the restaurant already. Raine quickly listed off within thirty seconds at least ten different types of dishes with the smallest quantity for three. There were noodles, rice, soup and plain dishes as well.

She tapped her chin as she waited for the order to come and for Tai Yang to come back. It would be weird to eat alone. Whenever Raine eats alone she is a little paranoid with the people staring at her. Usually people just are glancing over others and not actually staring at them, however with Raine's case, whenever she was eating alone or with others people were always looking at her. Raine would love to think it was cause she was as beautiful as a goddess but no, it was because of her gigantic appetite and endless amount of energy.

The first few dishes arrived promptly. One of them contained rice noodles that Asians usually have in hot pot with seafood, lettuce, and a mild spicy soup to add flavor and stimulate appetite. Raine particularly like the little lunch box, Japanese styled bento boxes where the shallow round box was filled with rice on the bottom with beef, two kinds of vegetables, and spicy tofu ontop. As side dishes there were grilled spareribs and pork soup. The whole table was filled with multiples of these dishes.

When Tai Yang got back Raine would have already started digging into her lunch box. Swallowing her bite, she smiled at Tai.

"I don't know if you like this food, but you can try the different dishes and if you don't like it I'll just finish it for you."

[Tai Yang]

"This looks delicious. Thanks for ordering." Smiling he leaned forward until his chin was nearly pressing against the table as he reached down and pulled two metal chopsticks from within the side of his sock. Bringing them up onto the table he wetted the napkin and cleaned them off from any sweat he might've included on it. Patting them dry he took them in his right hand, using his left to press his icepack against his eye. Serving himself up a serving of rice with varies types of protein ontop, not to terribly picky about mixing flavours, he began to chew away at his meal. Looking up he laid witness to Raine nearly devouring the table in front of him, and could only grin at the sight. It was good to see girls with an appetite, usually they were so reserved when eating in front of guys.

"So, Raine, what do you do for fun?"

He figured he'd start up some light conversation, perhaps make their meal last a few minutes longer. And, if nothing else make her distracted long enough to steal a few more morseals of food. Though seriously he was curious, she was most likely a dancer or gymnast to have that type of hunger, or starved herself for the hell of it - something he doubted giving her lust for food. Resting his left elbow on the table he leaned forward to apply the icepack lazily while picking away at his plate.