Day One - Part 2

[Kenpachi Zaraki]

The ex-Turk stumbled blindly through the forest, crashing against low-hanging branches and bushy foliage. His senses had been reduced to only the simplest, most basic, reptilian essentials following his clash with the anthropomorphic rodent and the crimson-haired woman. Vincent had let his guard down around the innocent-looking duo, and this proved to be a grave mistake. He had not counted on the strange lighting power contained within her hammer, the same power that had robbed him of his sight and hearing. The rough feeling of gravely dirt on his shoeless feet told him he still had tactile senses, as did the occasional branch whipping at his face. The blood that he tasted in his mouth also provided information.

The pale Prime stopped after what felt like an hour of running, heaving moist breaths from his sore lungs. He didn't consider himself to be a coward, though facing two adversaries with formidable weapons with only rudimentary explosives seemed to be a pretty terrible idea. His stealth had afforded him the element of surprise, though it seemed that lightning was the stronger of the two elements. He now sat with his forehead pressed against the rough bark of a sturdy chestnut tree, confined to his world of static.

Wow, you look like shit.

Vincent swung around, trying to make out the source of the noise through the wall of whitenoise that squashed both sound and sight. He wondered for a moment if he had imagined it, the clear snarky voice somehow apparent despite his injury.

Yeah, you can hear me. I know it's weird, 4th wall and all. Why are you barefoot? You look like some kind of homeless Edward Scissorhands in that suit.

Confusion and anger pooled in Vincent's mind in equal measures. Was some psychic being probing his mind? He briefly considered pelting into the woods once more, perhaps placing still more distance between the pale prime and his psychic pursuer.

Hey Mark, I know you love alliteration and all, but that last one seems kinda half-assed. Now can you please reign in ol' Vinny here? He can't fucking see us.

The Prime froze where he was, attempting to get a better idea of where his attacker could be standing. He turned around, his back facing the tree, squinting hard at the haze.

Oh jeez, you're a pale one. What are you some kinda vampire? The blood you're spitting doesn't really help your case either. Whatever, just take a few steps forward. We won't hurt ya', kinda a dick move attacking a blind/deaf guy. And I do pride myself on class.

“Wha-” Vincent finally found his voice, “How are you...”

Probably best to not dwell on it, dude. Most people don't get it. Have a seat will ya'?

The Prime obeyed the order despite his better judgment; he had no other options. He could feel a soft tapping against the earth as he neared what he assumed was the source of the banter.

Yeah, sorry about that. Sas here is kinda impatient. Anyway, we saw you jump the mouse and the girl. Not too shabby considering the odds, and you get points for the explosions.

“Um...” Vincent responded, blinking hard in an attempt to relieve his blindness. It was coming back to him, slowly. It would seem that the lightning-enduced deficits would fade with time. Or so he hoped.

Yeah, Alex said it'd be like a day. Just suck it up for now. So, are you joining us or what?