Day One: Part 1

[Kenpachi Zaraki]

Temperate night air buffeted the pale Prime gently as he made his way across the grassland. Not long ago he had heard another series of explosions from far off in the distance, adding some pep in his step as he increased the distance between himself and the threat of immolation. Knowing of the random (and slightly malicious) nature of the support items granted to participants, Vincent knew to be wary of attack from both far away and up-close. Staying somewhat low to the ground, he hefted his duffelbag toward tree cover.

The ex-Turk took a seat as he entered the woods, some twenty feet from the clearing. He leaned against a hardy oak tree, finally beginning to calm down somewhat. He had his weapon and his wits, as well as a significant amount of mental preparation at his disposal; now he could only hope for an equal amount of good fortune. The raven-haired warrior examined the map once more, tracing the paths of the nearby roads with his armored fingertip; these too were paths to avoid. He sought to avoid running into other contestants and therefor resolved to decline any occurrence that seemed to provide convenience, for others would likely seek these for the same reason. As he began to sort out the next steps he would take, Karl Jak's voice boomed through the forest.

”How we all doing down there? You are all doing just wonderful, and while no one has yet to die, the bloodshed so far has been positively fabulous. In fact, people are so impressed that I'm going to reward you all by dropping a little package for whoever wants to live a little.

"The chopper will drop it off at 0600 hours near the school. Toodles."

Vincent frowned. More incentive for bloodshed, he asserted wordlessly. Though the 'item' that Jak offered could provide the Prime with some advantage over the other combatants, doubtless the equipment would also draw others to him. This was not to mention the fact that every participant had likely heard the last announcement, the listeners now being goaded toward the drop point. The scene was sure to be a bloodbath. The gunslinger shook his head at no one in particular, resolving to avoid the event entirely.

The pale Prime had some idea of what his next actions would be, though the gnawing in his stomach told him he would need to put that off at least for now. He couldn't remember the last time he at; was it weeks, months ago? Strictly speaking, he did not normally require food and when he was wrapped up in some quest he did not have the presence of mind to wonder about delectable treats. This time, however, his stomach had commanded his attention. Vincent heeded the demand, removing an MRE and a water bottle from his supplies. As he sucked the 'Applesauce' (which seemed more to be like an apple-flavored paste) from the packet, he examined his temporary home. The island was truly beautiful, absolutely silent save for the occasional explosion or call of some wild animal. He suspected that if he were not in this situation he would very much enjoy spending time here. As if to respond to his comment, a vole darted from behind a nearby tree, scurrying a few yards before vanishing from sight. That might be my meal tomorrow… the Prime mused.

Finishing the rest of his applepaste and water, he deposited the wrappers into his bag, opening the few other packets that came in his MRE. They seemed much less appealing than the first packet, but he downed them quickly anyway. Calories were calories when one needed to survive. Finishing his impromptu meal, he packed the rest of the trash away and got to his feet. Though night ruled the landscape, Vincent noted that the air seemed quite hospitable. He had no fear of dying from exposure to the elements, though he knew he would most assuredly need some kind of shelter if he hoped to sleep in peace and avoid attack. For now however, being wired from the thought of possible attack, he did not need to sleep. This being the case, it seemed he could allow himself at least a bit of leisure as he searched for supplies among the oaks. He looked around at the woody pillars surrounding him, surveying the area for any anything noteworthy. Finding nothing of value, he began his cautious trek into the woods.