Emblem: Right...

Emblem looked around. Apparently he wasn't very familiar with Jump City yet, even though he was here before in the past and he was back again, feeling he could learn more here.

Emblem: Second day and I lose directions. Typically...Aw well. I can get a cab back to my hotel, but for now, let's get myself a heartwarming beer...

Emblem knew there had to be a bar around here somewhere, he just knew it. After a few minutes of searching and asking, Emblem stumbled upon a bar called 'Joe's'. Hearing the music inside and seeing the lights, Emblem felt thirsty. Taking off his robe would be the best course of action, as he didn't want to get any more attention then he already did. Good thing they didn't know who he really was... yet.

He took of his robe, entered the bar, and hung it on a hook next to the door, accompanying it with other coats and jackets. Even though the robe looked strange between all the 'normal' jackets, nobody really noticed much about his robe or him, except for his green eyes and white hair. Some looked with raised eyebrows but most people continued with their game or their conversation. Emblem surely was used to that.

Emblem walked up to the bar, got the barkeepers attention and asked if they had a bottle of Heineken for him. Emblem got one, payed, and took a seat. He put the bottle to his mouth, took a big swig out of it, and felt it going down his throat. He missed this, and quite frankly, he missed home a bit too. But he knew he couldn't go back, not yet.

....Maybe not ever..

Before he would feel any sadness, Emblem grinned, remembering how he promised himself that he would go wherever he wanted. And that's just what he did. He traveled the world, met a lot of people, and if he really wanted to go home, he would. Period.

Barkeeper: Since when does Heineken make a young guy like you think so much? Pardon me if I'm sounding rude, but what's on your mind, chap?

Emblem: Well sir, as you probably already guessed...Everyone is drinking the same kind of beer, yet I order a special one. I'm from the Netherlands... I'm not from here. I'm different

Barkeeper: Oh yeah, I knew that! Don't see a lot of people wearing those big asian kinda robes, and having long white hair, along with really green eyes...Tend to think I'm seeing some gold in them here and there, but that oughtta be my imagination...Let's just say your outside is quite interesting. As is your small delicate accent by the way...

Emblem: Then I must be talking to a seasoned barkeeper here...I'm going to guess you're Joe, right?

Joe: Bullseye buddy! I can't believe you're still sharp at this time a'day.

Emblem: Well, it was a lucky guess actually...Been to a place called the ''Sour Pickle'' once, but that doesn't make it any easier to guess anything!

Joe laughs and responds: Well it's a pleasure to meet you, mind if I ask what your name was?

Emblem didn't know what to say. His real name was a name he never used after THAT incident, but this man was asking for a name anyway. He took the last swig out of his bottle, placed it on the bar with a hard thud, and decided to cut this small act of disguise. Joe was cleaning the counter and some glasses, but couldn't really keep his eyes off Emblem for long.

Emblem: People call me Emblem, and I'd like another bottle please...

Joe: Emblem...that sure is a weird name son...Guess you have your reasons for it, but mind if I call you Emmy?

Emblem: That...eh..that...

Emblem didn't know what to say. Most people would have thought that he was a big troublemaker by now, but this old man in front of him was still smiling, and already gave him some sort of nickname..and he kinda liked it.

Emblem: You may sir, would be great. Emmy it is...

Joe: Don't sweat it kid, you're not the first one who comes in here and has a special code name or nickname, you might have powers or abilities too. More and more people have special traits these days...at least I have my bar. You're secrets are also safe with me, I personally don't care much about that stuff.

Emblem: Thanks sir...

However, Emblem wasn't out of the hot water yet. In the dark corner next to the door, three bikers were looking at him the entire time. They didn't think he was dangerous, but they knew he was different. Heineken, big robe, white hair. One by one, they stood up, and started to stand around his barstool. People who noticed started to move out of the way, apparently, these guys were known for something, and it wasn't basketball. Knowing the routine so well, and being sick of it, Emblem fires off..

Emblem: It's always the same song eh? I get a drink, I have a good talk with the barkeeper, and then, all of the sudden drunk half-assed wannabe bikers pop up..So what's your deal?

The biker Emblem was looking at was fully dressed in leather, studded with spiked on the shoulders, and a big skull on the front. After a short glimpse he saw all those bikers were almost dressed the same, the only real big difference was the lack of hair on their skulls and the facial hair. Two wore a bandanna, the guy in front of him had a small mohawk.

Biker 1: You're not from here, so it might be best if you would leave OUR bar...

The biker took Emblem's bottle and toppled it, making the beer fall to the floor, before smashing the bottle to pieces.

Joe: Damnit, you bikers gonna look for a fight in my bar.. AGAIN!

Biker 2: Good thing you're still here to get us cheap beer old man, or we would have gotten you out of the way...

Biker 3: Yeah but this kid's gonna go first! Take this!

The third biker, standing behind Emblem tried to hit him on the back, but Emblem made himself twist off his barstool, now facing all three guys, nimbly dodging the biker's blow. Knowing he couldn't get out of this without fighting, and the entire bar as it's audience, Emblem felt thrilled, even going as far that he would ask for some music.

Emblem: Joe, gimme some music, these fella's wanna dance!

Joe didn't know whether Emblem was serious or trying to be funny, but he randomly pressed one of those songs on his PC screen, and ''The Sound of Madness'' started playing.

Emblem: Thanks, I'll teach em some manners!

The bikers however, weren't in such a good easygoing mood. While the third biker moved away a bit, the two in front were going to duke it out with the Trailblazer. The first biker charged Emblem, trying to give him a right hook right to the chin. Emblem moved out of the way, and kicked the biker on the backside of his knee, making him fall and break a table in two with his weight and speed. The second biker tried to grab Emblem from behind, and succeeded. The first got up, and seeing Emblem was tied, he cracked his knuckles, before attempting some cheap shots at Emblem.

One hit to the ribs, two, three, a shot to the head...The second biker dropped Emblem to the ground , and he fell like a brick. After a laugh or two, the bikers look at his body, and see he simply gets back up again. It looked like the air around him was really hot, warping and twisting a small bit.. The chorus kicks in, and Emblem omniously sings with it...

''I created the sound of madness, wrote the book on pain, somehow I'm still here to explain...that the darkest hour never comes in the night...you can sleep with a gun, when you gonna wake up and fight?''

Emblem charged and raised his knee to strike one biker in the stomach, making him double over. Emblem hammered on his back, while simultaneously raising his knee to the stomach once more to make sure the guy would fall to the ground and that he wouldn't get up that easily. After a few well-aimed kicks and punches, the first biker suffered the same fate, being dropped to the ground.

Emblem: That'll teach you to fight like a coward...

Emblem looks at the bikers, then to Joe, and back again, before grabbing them in the collars of their jackets. He dragged them to the door, trying to throw them out before the third biker cuts off the music.

Biker 3: Hold it right there! This place is going to light up and burn like 4th of July fireworks! I'll take you all if you throw those two out!

Emblem: Jeez! Pathetic lowlife, don't you have any honor? Do you wish to try and kill so many people, who came here for some fun, and got it, after they saw me beating these two easily? You sure you want to partake in this foolishness? I'm telling you that's not a good idea...

The biker didn't answer but threw his freshly-lit cigarette to the ground. The moment the cigarette dropped seemed to take forever, as Emblem gazes to the ground, and sees vast amounts of an oily like substance lingering around....that couldn't be good. The biker probably spread it during the small brawl..

Before he knew it, the fire was ignited, people were screaming out of fear...and then, it was quiet again...And everyone was looking at Emblem.

Without hardly realizing it, Emblem reached out his hand, as if he was trying to calm to fire, and the fire went out by itself. The third biker was scared, seeing such strange phenomena, while Joe grabbed his bat, having seen enough bikers for one night. The third biker clumsily grabs his buddies from the floor and flees out of the bar, not even saying one thing to Emblem when passing by him. Emblem walked to his robe, he knew he had to leave this town now, he messed up again, even though he might have saved some lives. He might as well leave now that he hasn't said anything that could make it worse...But when he reached out, his hand was stopped by another hand...Joe's hand. Emblem surprisingly gazed to his right.

Joe: Where do you think you're going? I'm getting you a new beer Emmy!

And as if they all planned it from before, the entire bar shouted and clapped for it's local hero, who just prevented a lot of chaos and atrocity.

Emblem: I ain't getting any of this..I'm not normal, you knew that, but I don't have to go?

Joe: Aw heck no! There are lotsa people with powers in Jump City, some dangerous and scary..but you simply controlled that fire like it was a remote, and made it go out! You did a fine job buddy, you saved my bar and the customers! What's bad about that?!

Emblem: Guess you're right...now Joe, gimme one more beer before I'll get thirsty again. Interesting lot you people are...

Joe: Comin' up guv'nor!

Emblem smiled, knowing he though he saw it all, but then again, he was amazed. Even though his powers weren't normal, and some thought it was weird what he did, but he wasn't beaten, he wasn't thrown out of this town...he wasn't chased out of town, nothing. He knew this was as much intriguing as it was interesting, he knew going back to Jump City was good for him, and he would stay a while longer...

THE END

Xzuk was in the corner getting ready with his band when the fight broke out, and before he could do anything to help the guy had completely obliterated the bikers.

"Now that was interesting..."

Who is this guy?

The owner went up on stage announcing Quarter Flag's live performance, but it would have to wait. This was just a bit too much to overlook.

He walked over to the bar and sat next to the man.

"So, you maybe wanna teach me to fight like that?"

Xzuk smiled and set his guitar down.

Emblem looked to his left, seeing Xzuk next to him asking him to teach...

Emblem: Believe me buddy, I ain't fit to teach anyone anything. Except for history, but that's a story for another time. Joe, got a drink for him and me?

Joe: Coming up!

Emblem: Name's Emmy. And although it's kinda hard to believe, that little outburst with those sissies was nothing more then a big impulse.

Xzuk: Aw come on, you're saying it was nothing more then just...

Emblem: Yup. Have fights like this all the time. Didn't feel like making it long this time.. but impulses can be guided too you know? I learned myself how to fight. Back in the days, I was this big wrestling fan you know. And when you mimic their moves, even though the TV says it's dangerous, and practise a bit on matresses and stuf, youget the hang of some things. You see why some things are quite effective. Drop the typical showcasing and you can get something nice out of the style.

Xzuk: Yeah but what you showed wasn't really much of westling was it?

Emblem: Wrestling without showcasing is nothing more then using your opponents power and a bit of your own to get him down. A kick to the back of his knee was enough...But I'll give you that indeed, it wasn't all wrestling. I'm no wrestler. I like to kick and punch too, so I observed Muay-thai, you know, the fighting sport from Thailand. Then you start mixing and matching, and a lot of practising...

Xzuk: You're sure you can't teach me? It sounds pretty clear if you tell it to me like that.

Emblem: Yeah. Because it perfectly suits me. What about you? You're one of those live band members right? Well, all I can say is this. Take elements from things you know that work for you and experiment, until you find just the right balance. If you try hard and practise a lot, you'll discover what works best for you. You might want to investigate Capoeira, which is more in a rhythem then other fighting arts. And if you have...hidden powers..like you just saw me have, well that might even be a nice addition to your fighting style.

Xzuk: It does sound interesting. Here's your beer by the way. I did have to say it was magicial what you did with the flames. you shoulda seen the biker's face!

Emblem: Hahaha! Well, you should see what I can do with Sambuca! However, even though I don't mind some company, what's your name? You're from Jump City, or are you a travelling band? And do I need to buy earplugs before you guys start playing, or does it sound rather good?

Xzuk: Would we been playing here if we sounded horrible?

Emblem: Point taken, guess you got that right. All I need to know now is what your name is, and what kinda music you guys are gonna play..Quarter Flag huh?

Apparently Xzuk had a bit more time before he needed to play, as he was staying next to Emblem, enjoying his drink, and for all they both knew, it was good for the ambiance of the entire bar. It appeared to be easy to talk to Emblem, he wouldn't showcase his strenght every minute, and now, one of the band members simply sits next to him and starts up a conversation. The bikers weren't coming back for now, so here wasn't a single problem anymore. Too bad it had to go this far before the atmosphere was good again..

"The name's Xzuk mate, and gimme a sec and I'll play a song or two."

Xzuk picked his guitar and headed for the clearing that they called a stage, They weren't ready for what was about o hit em.

Xzuk walked up to the mic and looked at the crowd. They looked like the right type for a switch in the music...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f__KyX6RiA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvNOZegkVXo

For the Final song he picked up his Les Paul with the word Fallen engraved in black diamond and the band stepped back waiting for the cue.

"This is for the one who left me behind."
Xzuk smiled and pulled out a top hat.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCplsXu1HRk

The crowd didn't clap so much as stare...
Did I maybe overdo it a bit?

Emblem looked at Xzuk...and he didn't know what to say. That dude picked some great songs to play, and he didn't just play them, he made them sound as good as they could, in a simple bar like this.

Emblem stood up, standing on his barstool, and placed his hands together, and again, and again. To make it even better, he created little explosives all over the place, tiny combustions of sorts, looking like fireworks. He always thought music was special, that music sooths the soul, but these guys thrashed the place. Emblem would want to bet 50 dollar that half of the people there would watch the entire godfather trilogy if they knew this last song was in it. The band played awesome, too bad their gig time wasn't longer.

People were surprised, but gave a full-blown standing ovation for the band, who of course, accepted it fully. Emblem finished his drink, looked at Xzuk who was busy enjoying all the attention, grinned a bit, grabbed his robe, and walked out the door.

Outside, night has settled in more then Emblem thought it would. It was darker then when he came here. He didn't feel anything for a cab, and he would never get cold, so he decided to walk the streets of Jump City some more. He couldn't stop grinning about all that happened. And he kind of had a feeling that Xzuk also had talents, probably connected to sound. Aw well, he would see what could be done later. Right now nobody was going to get in his way. He grinned again..

Emblem: This night sure was...interesting.

Emblem vanishes into the dark shadows, leaving everyone and everything for now. He didn't want anyone following him, they wouldn't find him like this. He made sure he wasn't followed for now, and disappeared.

Xzuk got off the stage thinking about Fallen, his guitar Fallen, and the man who beat the hell out of the bikers... he was gone...

"Well... I'm sure I'll see him around.."

Xzuk went to check the tip jar and realized they'd made over 150$ in tips...

"Nice. Need mountain dew."