Post by Leon Strife on Oct 24, 2017 16:03:35 GMT -5
Up in the morning at the sound of birds chirping. This was something that became a day to day thing for Leon in Karakura. The Sun shine presenting a new day with new opportunities and decisions to make. Another day for the Bount to understand what a gift he was given. A gift that he didn't realize until it was too late. Before all of this, he would have initially believed it to be a dream. A peaceful dream that gave him some reprieve from the life that he originally led. A morning that glistened brightly outside would was a rare occasion in that life. What had been missing in these mornings was that of screaming, often insinuating arguments that didn't end. They always branched off into different subjects to the point where the Police made it a habit to visit the area. As dangerous as it was to normal humans, Leon had little to fear in the violence that was his life.
Hot peaceful showers were suppose to be a treat. Nothing on the mind but the rush of running water streaming down the scars that were left behind on his tanned figure. Each scar was a reminder of his carelessness. All in which he took to heart when living within the boundaries of the ghetto. Lessons that are not forgotten so easily. His fingers ran up and over the buzzed hair style, tiny spikes of hair stabbing at the fingertips as they brushed off the side of the shoulder. A common stereotype for most of his people, Cholos in gangs usually shaved their heads to symbolize themselves as "soldiers." Leon followed it, but understood the reason behind it. Long hair proved to be dangerous when in a knife fight. A shaved head and the black ink that tattooed the entire surface of the Bount's backside. It's fangs bared out as it's mouth was posed open. The mark of what the people referred to him as back while he was still with his crew. The Beast.
As stupid as it sounded, but it was better than being referred to as a soldier. A past that was left behind as another life was opened to him. The only thing it cost him were two important people in his life. So, could he really say that he was alive at all? In some ways he wasn't. In others, he could agree with the majority that continue to breath and walk beside him. A quick breakfast was taken in. Some Orange Juice and a bottle of water were all that he needed for the morning as he went in to work. A small garage off the main street here in Karakura. A simple shop that had five operation stalls that vehicles could be worked on. The outside lot was 400 sq ft, enough for parking and making space for an open air spray tent. Leon operated as a mechanic here. Now some would say it is a small job, but it was an honest one.
Before then, the man made hundreds upon thousands each week. Enough money to buy out a small shop like this with enough to customize some of the classics that came in entirely. Here, the amount paided here was good enough get him by as he was. Nothing to complain about as the workload stole his attention away from those days he left behind. He didn't think about them much when his hands were moving and body keen on the job at hand. It was only those times in which he spent alone that they would sneak up on the man. Sleep was difficult. Eating was manageable. If he didn't have those two in his life, then surely Leon would have found himself in a gutter somewhere; dead. But this life was better. He was getting better.
Months in Karakura were different from what he had before. Though, there were instances that were similar. And that consisted of one thing; the dead. Those that wandered about without capturing the attention of others. Men and women stalked certain locations or simply walked about in the city. These spirits he didn't pay attention towards. They will all one day die, and must find their own sense of peace. So, he thought nothing of it. But the wanderers that caught his attention were the little ones. The children that were left behind. Seeing them made the Bount wonder of his own child. The child he never got to see or hold in his own arms. He could relate to those who lost these children, who would want to know that they found peace.
So that was what Leon did. As unappealing as he was, he couldn't let it go. With the help of the children, Leon used his time off of work to help them. Whether it was locating their families, dead or not, playing with them, or just trading words with them, what he sought out of these cases was the passing of the children. That was what a father would want for his child; to be happy. That was what any parent would want for their child. Looking back at it now, it may have been his own selfish desire that wanted to see the children pass on. Probably out of a sense of guilt. Really, for someone who took the lives of others, what right did he have to do such a thing? Was it redemption that he seeked? Forgiveness? Was it even possible? Leon didn't know. For that reason he didn't have a desire to think about it.
"HEY LEON, WE HAVE ANOTHER ONE! CHECK THEM IN!" his Supervisor called out from the parking lot entrance. Leon waved at the man before calling over the spare personnel, "Hoy, traelo aqui!" the Bount ordered. The trio of men stormed out of the fifth stall to surround the vehicle as Leon made his approach from behind them. He had the appropriate paper work on hand so they start immediate on the issues, "Hey there, my name is Leon and I'll be helping you this day. So, what are we in for today?" said tidying up his cyan jumpsuit. Pulling a pen from the shoulder sleeve, the man readied himself to fulfill the requests.