Bleeding Edge
*Tonal notification*
Speaker - Attention, citizens of Paradise City. This is a public service announcement from Aurora Corp regarding the rules and regulations for the Light Pit Park. Please remember that selling goods is only permitted between the hours of 8 am and 10 pm. To obtain a permit for selling goods, please contact the Aurora Corp Administration Office. Loitering is strictly prohibited, and violators may be subject to fines or removal from the park. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a clean, safe, and enjoyable environment for all residents and visitors. Thank you, and have a pleasant day in the Light Pit Park, brought to you by Aurora Corp.
*End of announcement*
Kate - Ow, that bastard packs a punch. You'd think he was the Terminator with those metal hands.
*spit*
"Shit, blood...*
Cere - You seem to have a cut in your mouth. You certainly gave him a run for his money though.
Kate - Yeah, well, maybe he deserved it.
Cere - He definitely did. But I didn't expect you to go all out like that.
Kate - *chuckles*
Yeah, I guess. You weren't exactly holding back in my head, either. "PUNCH HIS FUCKING FACE!" Really, Cere?
Cere - I was caught up in the moment. I admit, I might have been a bit... emotional.
Crowd teen- "You should've seen her face! It was priceless!"
Kate - This stink. We're back to looking for a team, aren't we?
Cere - At least you're taking it in strides.
Kate - What else am I supposed to do? Cry about it?
Cere - Well, no, but admitting your mistake for this mess wouldn't hurt.
Kate - Excuuuuuuse me? You were the one egging me on! Now you're gaslighting me?
Cere - I was supporting you, not telling you to turn it into an all-out brawl.
Kate - Oh, should I cite you again? Or him? And now it's my fault? No, Scissorhands had it coming.
Cere - Well... I didn't say that.
Kate - *winces* Damn, my lip is still bleeding. *spit*
Janitor compandroid- "Ah come on, I just washed the last one!"
Cere - You should probably clean yourself. And get that nose checked out. You don't want to walk around with a crooked beak, do you?
Kate - *snort* Well, considering it wasn't the first time I got a broken nose, it might actually improve the overall situation.
*awkward silence*
Crowd 1 - You've heard the latest gossip about King Arthur?
Crowd 2 - Oh, oh, the Avalon dome guy? No!
Crowd 1 - "Well..."
Crowd 2: "Spit it out!"
Crowd 1- "Apparently, he's getting married to an ex-Angel!"
Crowd 2 - "No way! An Angel? There must be something seriously wrong with her head. How does someone that glamorous get together with Mister Walking Meme?"
Crowd 1 - "I know, right? I wonder what happened. This is going to be one heck of a wedding, I can already tell."
Crowd 2 - "Oh, absolutely! I can't wait to see all the juicy details. King Arthur s' a fucking riot."
*incoming call notification*
Kate - It's Cherry... "Hello?"
Cherry - Just checking in poulette. How'd the meeting with Harold go?
Kate - *grumbles* Not great, if I'm being honest. We... had a bit of a disagreement.
Cherry - Oh? What happened? I "heard" some things, but you know how rumours are.
Kate - sighs Yeah, well... We kind of got into a fight. Like I was fucking Sarah Connor and he was the T-800.
Cherry - laughs Really? You and Harold? That's... well... that's not unexpected.
Kate - Yeah, well, things got out of hand. I don't know what else to say.
Cherry - Don't let it bother you, I have some great news. Harold called me and said you made a good impression.
Kate - What? You joking right?
Hawker- "Fresh fruits! Fresh Fruits! Get your fresh fruit here! Best prices in the Pit!"
Buyer- "HEY! THAT'S FUCKING ROTTEN! Fuck, no wonder it was so cheap"
Cherry - Nope, I'm serious. Turns out, Harold likes people who stand up to him. He likes people with grit.
Kate - So, me beating the crap out of my potential boss was a good thing?
Cherry - In a twisted sort of way, yes. He was testing your morality and your reactions under stress... he's a real "corbeau menteur" sometimes.
Kate - That's... Hum... unexpected?
Cherry - Well, congratulations, I guess. Seems like you're in.
Kate - ...Thanks. That's... good to know...
Cherry - Just... next time, try to take a step back when things are not serious, you know. Harold is an old man...
Client- "No way! That's way too expensive! Sixty corners for two browned apples? I'll give you half that price."
Kate - Yeah... Maybe...
I did go too far, he was an ass but I did lose control. Shit!
Cherry - Anyway, I'm sending you the coordinates for the first meeting. Take care of yourself, alright "ma petite caille"?
Kate - Will do. Thanks, Cherry, talk later.
Cere- *End of transmission*.
Kate- That damn old foggy, we might have to keep our guard up with him. Cere, guide me to the office.