The sun shone down onto the world known as Earth, the beautiful rays of energy and warmth radiating down to bask the cities in their mid day glow. Clouds hardly in the sky, the wind blowing just hard enough to keep it cool while the mid day sun kept it pleasantly warm enough. Though the days weather was pleasant, the traffic of people in the streets was not however. Many people packed into small area's while the over worked public transportation system tried to deliver the people in a timely manner despite the ever pressing demand.

Taiyo was on one of the trains to Ginger town today, his ride on the train a silent one as he was surrounded by people absorbed in their own affairs. Arriving at the train station, Taiyo simply wondered about the town. His footfalls taking him where ever he wished. Taiyo was a well traveled man, nearly a decade of doing nothing but traveling had given him a rather long time to adapt to the drain one feels on themselves by constantly being on the move. But Taiyo eventually overcame it with his desires to see the world.

Now as he stood out from in front of a small shop, smoking his cigarette while he stared at the local cakes on sell in the bakery. Chocolate chip cookies that looked so soft they could just fall apart in your hands. Brownies so fluffy yet so filling with a delicious aroma and taste. Then there was the donuts, vanilla and dare he get... glazed!?

Taiyo rubbed his chin in thought over what snack he was going to have, only to be interrupted by someone shouting as car came to a sliding stop next to him. The human raising a brow before looking to his left at the commotion. A bunch of men with sky masks on had came rushing out of the car and came running straight at him! Then... past him! Then they ran into store next to the bakery, where there was shouting followed by threats with a gun.



Taiyo simply frowned while he watched on for but a moment, but instead of going into the store to help the man in question. Taiyo went into the Bakery! The homeless wonderer walking up to the counter despite the sounds of shouting and the nervous muttering of the staff of the bakery. Clearly able to hear the sounds of people arguing, but as Taiyo approached he was greeted with an almost hesitant greeting. He looked every bit the homeless man he was.

He had a five o clock shadow, unbrushed but surprisingly healthy hair, and well kept face. Yet his clothing was ragged and clearly needed to be taken better care of. It was very much evident he would wear his clothing till they didn't work anymore and he needed new ones.

"Y-Yes, hello. How may I help you?"

The cashier stated waiting patiently for him to look over the menu. Gun fire could be heard from the other store to which Taiyo simply sighed, before slamming a few zenny onto the counter and looking at the door. The people in the back of the bakery were clearly in a panic and the cashier was too until he had slammed his hand onto the counter. But gunfire was gunfire and everyone began to hit the deck besides Taiyo. The man grumbling his frustration before turning and snagging a brownie off the rack in the front. Still warm and fluffy, yummy.

On the other side of the wall, in the store with the three robbers and the cashier. The robbers had shot into the ceiling to demonstrate how serious he was but also to intimidate the clerk, which it did naturally. The clerk was now throwing chunks of cash from the register into the grocery bag being held by the guy in the middle. The two others wearing dock worker jackets and using pistols watched on with sky masks. Bigger then the one in the middle who wore a simple zip up track suit jacket. and tracksuit pants. The other two were in sweat pants.

Though they had gotten most of the cash, it wasn't until the final load of money hit the edges of the bag that a sudden banging sound as if something piercing a wall before bouncing off a metal object and then the one on the middle suddenly flew backwards until he slammed into far wall away from the cashier. His forehead bloody, his eyes blank from being unconscious and a single red little nut was lodged into his forehead.

The next two were quick to scramble about, shouting and demanding to know what the hell just happened. They first threatened him, then pulled guns before finally just before they could pull the trigger... Another similar sound was heard of something piercing a wall loudly, followed by striking metal and then the thugs both yelled loudly as bother their arms were flung upwards just before firing. The two thugs cursing their foul mouthed language while the clerk stared on in utter bewilderment.

He held the money in his hands still from before as he was depositing it into his robbers bag... now he was trying to comprehend the current events. His brain was shell shocked with fear and confusion. He could only stare on as the two thugs began to make a break for it, leaving their unconscious friend behind. Unfortunately the law had already begun to arrive as they exit the building and begin to run away. But as they ran down the street to escape the cops, that old familiar sound but this time only by the sound of metal tinging and the the thugs were struck both in the back of the head. Falling forwards and slumping, the police arriving in time to see the nuts were buried in the backs of their heads. they would live.... but it would hurt in the morning.

Meanwhile, Taiyo had left the bakery and walked over to the other store casually, taking his time to look at the brutes who had fallen in the street and giving them a funny little smirk. He would poke his head inside where he saw the cashier still holding the money out to the guy who was still unconscious across the room. Taiyo chuckling before looking to the crook and giving a clear mock surprise at the man.

"Oh hey! Look at that! You beat up the bad guys man! Nice work dude!"

Taiyo stated before giving the cashier a thumbs up and the man struggled to speak to explain he didn't do this but Taiyo simply continued.

"Man they are gonna call you a legend man! The cashier who beat up the burglars and made them run away in fear! Yea!"

"Did he really beat them all up by himself? That tiny cashier?"

A man asked, clearly in disbelief but Taiyo simply sang his praises like a town crier for the gallant store clerk who bested the three clerks single handedly. Before the poor cashier knew it, he was being gossiped about like a legendary fighter in disguise or some hidden genius. Taiyo could only smirk his approval as he walked past a officer while taking a bite of his brownie and winced. The officer giving him an odd look before the man simply chuckled and waved it off.

He raised a hand before spitting a nut into his hand and laughing a bit.

"Nuts man, can't stand em. taste awful to me. Haha!"

"Yea they can be pretty awful to some people."

The officer remarked in half conversation and idle banter. As Taiyo threw the nut perfectly into a trashcan some distance away with a happy hum and the officer turning his head in thought of why did that seem odd to him... Before he could think on it further, Taiyo was around the corner and gone... Hopefully to find new fun things to explore today.

Taiyo's journey was not very long lived after his departure from the last scene. Taiyo had gone only but a couple of blocks, his empathy aura kicking in as he felt the joy of the day settling in. Those about him were calmer, gentler and seemed more happy as they smiled while going about their day after coming into contact with Taiyo's aura. While only a subtle thing, it was still effective in its ability to simply change ones mood from bad to good with a small encouraging aura to think on the positives of life. The gentleness of your home or the warmth of loved ones. Whatever the joy, Taiyo was happy that others felt good and that looped into making others happy!

It wasn't till the explosion that Taiyo along with everyone else was surprised and turned to see what was happening. Deciding his little adventure hadn't ended yet, Taiyo stuffed the rest of the brownie into his mouth with an audible "yummy" as he was chewing the last remaining bit up. As he drew closer to the scene, the man was fortune enough to arrive before the police and like any noise nobody, He peered inside the bank that was clearly being robbed.



He didn't see anyone besides the hostages who had been left alone while the bank robbers were... in the hole? Regardless of what the bank robbers had intended... they had made one fatal mistake! 

"Well that makes this easier..."

Taiyo stated as he lazily began to walk up to the hostages and freeing them one by one quickly. Thanks to whatever the robbers had planned on doing, they had left Taiyo's target unprotected. After freeing everyone and the civilians thanking him, Taiyo simply waved them off and chuckled as he waited for them all to get to safety. After he was sure they had been safely escorted away, the friendly homeless man would follow the men into the giant hole in the floor. Taiyo couldn't help but feel that somewhere deep inside he had missed an inside joke as he followed the robbers and unknowingly another individual further into the bank.

Empathy Activated

Taiyo was surprised when he could hear noises down the tunnel, and his slow stride forward was allowing him to smoke his cigarette. The orange tiny spark in the dark as Taiyo simply held out a hand while he walked in the darkness. He was effectively blind as he walked, but he was taking his time so he wasn't tripping on things or bumping into stuff thankfully. But as much as he was enjoying not being able to see absolutely anything, he would eventually unsheath his sword and began to let out a long sigh.

After a moment, the sword known as Hina, began to glow a bright orange, the blade becoming super heated as ki was infused into his blade. The resulting glow gave rise to something akin to a small torch thanks to the power radiating off it.  Walking slowly forward, sword in hand, cig in the other while he took a long drag from it, he pressed on. Then the sound of fighting could be heard as something seemed to have disturbed the robbers. A few moments of tension with the sounds of gunfire and some other strange sound he couldn't place.

It wasn't till he saw someone round the corner only to catch their breath. The corner was a wide round corner but still made it impossible to see what they were running from. As Taiyo go closer, he was fortunate enough to spot the boy's... Unfortunate dressing situation and tactfully lowered the glow of his sword so as to not illuminate things... unnecessarily. 



Now that modesty had been preserved, Taiyo noticed robbers coming down the hall thanks to their shadows moving in the dark. Upon seeing his glowing sword, they naturally began opening fire, believing Taiyo might either be in league or the same person but clothed now. Regardless of reasonings, Taiyo was suddenly forced to defend a stranger in a narrow hall way. Thankfully the homeless sword monk had just the right trick. With a flick of his hand, the short sword split the air with a swift cut and the whole area in front of them was suddenly blocked by ice. The bullets safely bouncing off the wall of thin ice made by magic.

Taiyo now confident they were somewhat safe, he turned to the boy before smiling friendly like. He couldn't see the other well, only a small shadow in the darkness nearby.

"Names Taiyo. Nice to meetcha... You'll catch a cold like that you know..."

Taiyo stated before walking further into the tunnel so he was now fully between the naked boy and the robbers. Now completely between the victim and assaulters, Taiyo got into a relaxed duel wielding stance. Standing straight up, katana in his right hand and forward while left was wielded by the wakizaki known as Yugure. A practiced stance that Taiyo had made himself, a stance that allowed for defense on both sides while also allowing ample room to swing his blades in a 360 angle besides straight down he supposed.

After the gunfire had finally stopped, it was clear they were getting ready to do something. A prick from the the sound of metal leaving metal made Taiyo realize they had just plucked the pin on a grenade! The idiots would bury them selves and their opponents alive like fools. One of their companions took note of this to late and shouted at the last moment as his ally threw it at the ice wall. Taiyo was swift as the winds in his counter attack.

The ice immediately disappeared as the grenade was thrown. Taiyo's eyes half lidded as his smile disappeared for the briefest of moments. Knowing how serious it was they might be buried alive, his expression displayed such intent and knowledge of the threat at hand. The grenade soared through the air, the cry of an ally in the tunnel as Taiyo rushed forward in slowest motion to his own eyes. Jumping forward like a spring, Taiyo flew through the air just as the grenade did. Twirling in the air just in time to slice the top of the grenade using Hina and the top of the grenade came with a burning fuse that soon died in the air as it reached the end of its life.

Taiyo swiftly landed directly behind the group of bandits which appeared to be seven in total? Taiyo's smile had returned as he now slowly rose to his full height and stood silently a moment. As the grenade landed helplessly on the ground and the robbers all ducked in preparation of what was going to happen next. But no explosion came... only silence as the grenade came to a rolling stop somewhere in the dark hall. As the confusion came to a stop, and the men began to realize no explosion was coming, they turned to look down the dark hall in silence.

It wasn't till the one in the back noticed the glow of orange behind him that he suddenly turned around and fired a few rounds which were deflected by Yugure, the tiny sword slicing the rounds effectively. Not wanting to give them time to try any further explosives or worse yet got the idea to hurt the kid, Taiyo began his assault. The first shooter who noticed him was joined by a second who turned to open fire, yet Taiyo was on both of them swiftly before slicing the end of their guns with his sword causing the guns to explode. Their hands were unfortunately caught in the blast and bloody yet they were not in danger of being unusable again.

Taiyo then immediately began to dismantle the other robbers with the motion of a trained swordsman, one who might not have the power of world destroying killers... But it was clear this sword monk was no stranger to his blade and had devoted his time to it. Deflected blows, moving at high speeds only a high level martial artist on this world could, and defeating his foes without killing them. As the last of the robbers fell to a blow to the stomach using the end of his blade, the robbers could only describe what they saw as a laser lightshow in a tunnel with gunfire. 

Standing victorious over his foes, Taiyo simply had a small smile that wasn't happy to be hurting people, but glad it was over. Having lowered his guard in that one moment was all it was required as one bandit who he had thought completely subdued subtly pulled out a pistol, taking aim at the homeless man standing over his fallen ally with a glowing orange sword. He was trying to make sure this shot counted, and as he took aim at the back of Taiyo's head and began to squeeze the trigger.

Flickering Snow was used for Flavorful Defense:

Taiyo said nothing as the boy approached and spoke once more. Thankfully the boy eventually did put on pants however, during the dressing was when the fresh robber took a shot at Taiyo. The swords man weaving the bullet lazily before returning his gaze to the fallen foe. If the sound hadn't alerted him before hand, that being the hammer clicking as it let go, he might have been well ended. Thankfully he didn't experience that and was now looking at his assaulter in amusement.

A few more rounds and Taiyo weaving through them before finally Taiyo shifted his position with a fast little motion that was a practiced and graceful little side movement similar to a hop. He was right next to the downed robber before he knew what was happening and like a water following its destined path, the blow to the neck from Taiyo brought a swift end to the robbery once and for all.

With his new companion named Arlo who was a friendly young man but clearly had the experience and knowledge to handle himself. While Taiyo was not fond of children putting themselves in harms way, Taiyo knew they desired to find their own path. Mistakes made could be helped mended if watched carefully, but to restrict their growth was akin to cutting a limb off before it grows or like a tree being trimmed to stay small. Taiyo didn't immediately know how to respond to the child but he simply chuckled before finishing off his cigarette and putting the bud to the end of his sword so it burned away completely.

No use littering after all. As the boy complimented Taiyo on his previous actions, the sword monk simply sheathed his weapons before resting his right hand upon the end of Hina and left upon Yugure. The lazy and slouched posture he took a demonstration of how he felt about all of this. Whether someone might see it as fake or perhaps prideful attention seeking, Taiyo's usual attitude for those who had seen him before would know he was simply a man that laid back.

"Nice to meet you, as I said before. I am Taiyo Kodomo and that was nothing. I just waved my sharp metal sticks around and people fell over. You should be commended on your efforts to stop them. Well done young man."

Taiyo stated before Arlo then explained they should leave before the police arrive, and to that Taiyo simply nodded. No point in drawing more attention to himself when he preferred his privacy. Following Arlo, the man simply enjoyed the walk out of the tunnel till they left the store and hailed a taxi. Thankfully the mid day sun was still high and the sound of sirens made it feel even more like the middle of the day. Cars zipped past and the taxi driver said nothing about them having been picked up at a destroyed store.




Upon arriving at the store, Taiyo looked to Arlo who had shifted his position just outside of his view, was now looking rather confident and knowing they were asking something not completely appropriate. The boy then asked if Taiyo would go inside to fetch snacks, water and what was clearly not something most would agree children should have, beer. Taiyo simply chuckled before looking at the taxi man who couldn't care less, he was watching out the window and purposefully trying to not listen in. Taiyo appreciated that gesture a moment before shrugging and sighing with a chuckle.

"Very well, but if I think you are getting TO drunk, I'm calling it quits."

Taiyo stated as he left the car and went inside. It took but a few minutes, a little longer than one might care to appreciate but Taiyo was clearly getting a lot. Walking out of the store with three grocery bags and a case of beer, not many but enough for the little snacking they would do. Once back inside the car, the taxi took back to the road once more with Taiyo slouching down in his seat a bit while pulling out a drink. A Mr Soda with its dark red coloring while he looked to Arlo to see what he grabbed.

"Alrighty kiddo. You got parents at home? Where we headed?"

Taiyo asked, aware of their destination as it was on the little heads up display where the car has its lights. Taiyo was simply asking in mild curiosity and it just so happens the person with the answers was leading them.

Taiyo's smile disappeared as he was told the boy's father was murdered and the look in the boy's eyes was far away. Reliving past memories perhaps? He then spoke of a mother, the other parent he would be curious of and her murder was not as surprising as the first, but it was still unpleasant to hear nonetheless. The ride in the car was without any incidents or concern, only the two riding in silence. Taiyo thought about the situation everyone faced, of the cruel harsh world that was reality.

He thought back to the suffering he had seen, the poverty, the disease, the hunger, and despair as they accepted life wasn't for them. He had seen the good, the healthy, and kind... he had seen the greedy, angry, and evil of the world. He had also seen the grief of a world, starving children, homeless people, and had to hear stories of how his friends had died in the winter from starving to death. Such was the world, such was the way things were... but Taiyo had the flame of hope in his heart, and it melted any despair he might have felt.

Still a child to suffer such a manner of upbringing, he did feel his heartache for the lad. As they arrived at the shack, Taiyo did not pass judgement on it. He had no expectations to begin with, so a shack was not unexpected or a disappointment. Instead he simply packed the bags, before paying the taxi driver and then walking in before chuckling.

"Dude, this place is awesome. You said a man raises ya? Named John? He here? I feel like I should introduce myself first."

Taiyo stated before leaning in and looking about the place. It was clear no one else was here, but perhaps John might be nearby and the boy would know. Regardless, he slowly stepped inside and then placed the goodies down onto a nearby chair before taking his seat on the floor. He placed his swords beside him and slowly began to unpack some items from his pockets. A lighter, a clear baggy with small dried up plant material and a small ashtray that folds out. It even had an obscure reference from some show as a picture from something Taiyo had watched a long time ago.

Leaning back and he got ready to begin making himself a small rolled up smoke using his little stash here but first he looked about the room and admired the world that went into making this livable. 

"Dude this John dude must really dig this hut man. Can see the love in it. I bet you helped a bit too huh?"

Taiyo asked, making idle conversation while he took another swig from his mr soda and got comfortable.

Taiyo had been rolling his joint when the young man spoke of how they had travelled the globe and met a lot of people. He was very excited to explain how he had met people that could do what Taiyo did, but the boy preferred simple stuff. He then stood up before adopting a simple fighters stance, one that Taiyo could recognize had the diligence to get it as air tight as he could. A mature trait for someone so young training but he supposed the boy's reasonings rivaled an equally tempting idea of not training and being lazy. 

Taiyo watched as the boy threw his punch, the snap of the air cracking like a whip as the dummy was struck and the shed shook. Taiyo's joint went flying a moment but with the grace of a ribbon in the wind, Taiyo snagged it back up and scooped it back into the paper only to return it to being rolled. He said nothing about it and instead settled the joint down before clapping enthusiastically.

"Very well done. Why I dare say you could best me in battle with power like that!"

Taiyo stated before finishing up his roll and chuckling to himself while he got the final touches ready. The boy then asked a rather good question, one Taiyo supposed deserved an answer. Tucking away his little baggy and papers, Taiyo placed the smoke to his lips before looking to the ceiling in thought a moment, lighter inches from lighting his mark.

"Mmmm... I eat my veggies and meats to grow up being and strong... I brush my teeth and bath properly. I am nice to people and they make me a better person to know them."

Taiyo stated as he went to light his joint and once lit, he flicked his lighter off before stuffing it into his pocket once more.

"Then I woke up one day with super powers man. Was wild."

Taiyo stated before chuckling to himself and leaning against a nearby plastic chair with metal legs. Typical school chair that probably got looted somewhere along the way. 

"How did you punch and make that air stuff knock the dummy over dude. Thats way cooler than someone making ice cubes man."

Taiyo stated with a goofy smile and gesturing towards the knocked over dummy and takes a sip from his Mr. Soda. Taiyo didn't usually tell people his sob story right away, he just like to... hang out. He didn't see a reason to bother people with his stories cuz to him, they were boring stories he had lived. He likes to hear about others and the excitement in their voice when they relived those fantastic moments of victory. Or perhaps the seething anger of a betrayal. To Taiyo, that was much more interesting than his boring little journey around the globe.

"Also, you got a change of clothes right? Wait, hold on a minute... Why were you in a tunnel naked with a bunch of robbers chasing you and didn't get your cloths after? Does john know you fight robbers?"

Taiyo asked, his flurry of questions bouncing off each other to bring new revelations as to why he SHOULD be concerned a young man was running around fighting robbers in his skimmies. 

Taiyo simply watched as the young man not take his earlier comment seriously and he was glad. Though he was somewhat strong, his skills came from his natural talent. Taiyo had trained for ten years loosely, but in truth Taiyo was not one to go out and practice his skills with the sword. He was just another traveler with remarkable power. His current strength was simply because of his own innate talents, not because of mastery through hard training and effort.

The boy then went on to explain his ability, and Taiyo listened with full attention, nodding when he spoke of how strong they were. The boy clearly took pride in his abilities and when he finished, Taiyo remained seated while continuing to smoke his joint. His eyes looking off into the distance while he thought of his own abilities. They were just things he kind of discovered by fooling around. Like someone who simple picked up a task with ease, Taiyo had done the same. Though he sucked really bad at most life stuff though, he was pretty good at hitting people with sharp sticks.

He had been taught briefly by that sword instructor... but now that he had been free, he had just simply wandered. The boy spoke of his cloths and stealthy antics to which Taiyo simply chuckled and grabbed a beer by laying on his side and stretching as far as he could while laying down to reach for one. A couple of barely touching finger brushes later and he had a beer. Once fully seated again, Taiyo simply chuckled before deciding to answer.

"Hey man, you do you. I don't judge."

Was all he stated before taking a drink from his beer and leaning back to relax. His eyes closing as he rested for the moment. Not that he was sleepy but he simply felt the urge to close his eyes and rest.