O Where! O Where! Wherefore art though... Eastwood's Brain?

Ah, Las Angeles, California, the land of filthy streets, gangs, rich people, prostitutes, meta's, famous people, and Clint Eastwood's brain. That last part was the reason why young Darren Cross, aka Swordsmaster, was in Las Angeles. No, not because of the filthy prostitutes, gangs, or famous people; he was there because of Clint Eastwood's brain. There were rumors going around that the frozen brain of the greatest old west actor was here in Las Angeles and Darren was there to find it. That of course was what he was doing now, running around the 'filthy streets' at about 100 miles an hour asking anyone he deemed important enough to know anything about it if they truly knew anything. These people consisted of men in suits or simply anyone that looked crazy enough to truly pay attention to what was going on in the world around them.

Having spent most of the day with little to no success, mainly no success, okay none at all. Darren huffed and sat down on a chair next to table that just happened to be part of a restaurant. So, when the waiter came up and asked what he wanted Darren was a little bit surprised, he had about twenty bucks to his name and just smiled on up at the older man asking where his parents were. "Well...my parents aren't here obviously but I'll have a doctor pepper, or no! Do you have root beer floats? No, yes? Yes! Oo, a root beer float the please." He grinned up at the man and when he walked off Darren leaned back in his chair, picked up the menu and placed his bare feet up on the table. Hey a least he had a shirt on th- ah nope never mind; on well its Las Angeles, right?

When the waiter brought out his drink he rolled his eyes at Darren and placed his drink down next to his feet. Darren of course simply grinned and moved his feet up, over the drink and back on the ground before taking a giant sip of the float. "Ahh, now that right there hits the spot mate." He said his Australian accent as present as always. "Now, if you don't mind I'd love to have them gigantic nachos, with beef and chicken; no peppers or sour cream though." He said grinning up at the man before taking another big sip of his drink. When the man left Darren's eyes wandered around the 'outside restaurant' and they rested on a hungry looking girl with white hair. "Aye! You wana come and eat with me? Got plenty of food coming." He called out to her. Sure, he didn't know who she was but when was he to be one to judge people. Specially a beauty like her.

After another morning spent searching for clues to no avail, Index walked down the sidewalk of Los Angeles. One the bright said, she had stopped a mugging and hadn't gotten herself in trouble a single time all morning, so it wasn't a bad morning. Still though, all the so-called magicians and fortune tellers around here were mere stage actors at best and charlatans at worst. Index would chase a magician through a crowd of people, only to find that he hadn't an inkling of real magic in him. Index had merely picked a direction and was walking while trying to plan her next move when she sensed something from somewhere in the crowds around here. It was while walking that she sensed something...odd. It definitely had the mark of magic on it, but Index couldn't put her finger on what exactly it was. Whatever it was it seemed....familiar.

"Aye! You wana come and eat with me? Got plenty of food coming."

The young man spoke directly to her, breaking her concentration. Then she lost it, whatever it was. It was such a vague and odd sensation, that she decided her mind must be playing tricks on her. She had no idea why this very strange man was inviting her to eat with him, but it was the first time anyone had ever offered her food so she decided to take it. "Well I suppose if you're going to be nice enough to offer it would be rude not to-" Before she could finish, that strange feeling returned, much stronger.

"Is that guy bothering you?"

Index turned and stared intently at the man who had just spoken to her with silver eyes. They were framed by long white hair with straight-across bangs. She was dressed plainly, a white top with blue jeans and white sneakers decorated with a few scuff marks. Her skin was pale and seemed oddly smooth. Index was frozen, staring at the young man. This was where the feeling was coming from. He had magical aptitude for certain, but now Index had realized what had seemed so familiar about him. He had no soul. Seemingly oblivious to what either person had said to her, after a few long seconds of staring she blurted out in a very serious tone to the man that had approached her: "Are you a homunculus?"

The white haired beauty was about to walk over to him and join his table for food when some nobody shouted out something about him bothering her. Darren almost spewed his root beer float at this accusation. He most certainly was not bothering the girl! He had simply asked her if she wanted some food because she looked hungry, and good lucking, but mainly hungry and he had enough money left over possibly to buy her some food! It was absurd and he could not stand the accusation! He was a good person even if he did look like some kind of hobo freak or whatever, he was pretty sure he was good looking enough to pass as your everyday citizen!

So, taking his feet off the table and placing his cup on the table he slumped down in his chair just a little bit. Oh, sure he wanted to jump up and run over there and show Mr. freaky white hair a piece of his mind, but alas he couldn’t. He thought if he left his table he’d lose his seat and he certainly didn’t want that to happen, not when he had nachos coming! The biggest Nachos like ever! Okay, so maybe not that big but he knew they were pretty big, because he saw them when he was running around earlier looking for…what was it he was looking for again? Darren blinked realizing he wasn’t quite sure what it was he was looking for because he had gotten distracted by the oddly white colored hair people.

After sitting there staring off into space for a few seconds he remembered what it was, he was there to look for Clint Eastwood’s brain! It was supposed to be in some jar or something or another somewhere in the city and he was going to find it! After he ate his nachos of course, and whatever the white haired girl wanted to eat, speaking of which when the waiter came back and asked him if he needed anything he smiled and nodded. “Yupp need yea to watch my seat fo me Walter, gota go chat with some people real quick. Call me when the Nachos are ready.”

With that the young genetically advanced, or Meta-Human jumped up and with a little fancy parkor landed in front of the white haired people with a shirtless bow. “Now then, let’s get something straight elfy,” he said in reference to the boy with white hair and elf like ears, “I was not bothering this beautiful young lady here I was simply asking her if she wanted food because I knew I wouldn’t be able to eat all of mine that I ordered and she looked hungry.” He gave a smile to the original lady who attracted his attention, “mind joining me for that food then if your still up to it?” All through that he of course completely missed any mention of magic or homunculuseseesss…or whatever the word was that he didn’t know. "You can come too if you want unless I'm bothering you as well." He replied to 'Elfy'.

((OOC: Sorry for the delay in posting, with homework/finals, work, and being sick, I really couldn't post at all, hope you still want to continue the topic.))

Elfy... Elfy? Do I honestly look like an elf? That was the first time I heard that insult come towards me. I guess something new happens to me everyday. I actually touched my ears. They weren't covered by my ears this time, damn, I probably should've skipped out on that haircut after all. Who knew that a little trim could show my ears that much. But seriously, Elfy? I think I might be hung up on that for a long time.

There was also another name that I was called, before Elfy. It wasn't an insult, but the white haired girl asked if I was a homunculus. My knowledge gave me a little info on them. I don't think that they are human, they are close to human, but not all of the way. They are also used for the purpose of their creator. It seemed this girl knew magic, there was no doubt about that, but I guess that was her purpose. She used her magic in order to protect/kill/who knows what for her master. Now back to me, I know I'm not a homunculus, I think I am a ghoul, but I don't actually know, it was never explained, but I have money on the fact that I am one. It would make sense, not having a soul in my body, but yet I live.

Unfortunately, I couldn't answer her question, since a teenage, barefoot, shirtless, hobo looking guy was now insulting me. I could see why I insulted him as well. I did assume that he was bothering her. He seemed very offended by the possibility of her being bothered by him. It made me feel like a terrible person. I guess I sometimes let this superheroing get to my head. I don't want to make any enemies, because he seems like a nice person, when you get past the hobo looking exterior. I don't want to make any enemies where there don't need to be any. So I started with damage control.

"Hey, I'm really sorry," I told him. "I really didn't mean to offend you. You see, I'm not from Los Angeles, I'm from New York. They definitely do not do it as they do in LA. If this was New York, then someone would probably bother her, but you don't seem to be that way. Again, I'm really sorry, let me make this up to you." I looked over towards his table and it seemed that he was ordering food. I reached into my pocket and felt for my wallet. I moved my fingers around to see if there was any money in it. Even though I didn't have the cash to pay for the meal, my credit card said otherwise. This is the one of the perks of being a part of the mage families, money. Of course, I didn't value that the most, but it was still friggin' awesome. I smiled and told them the good news.

"How about this, why don't I join you all and pay for your meals as an apology. It's the least I can do, since I really can't think of any way to make it up to you two." Being a teenager for as long as I have been, I knew that food was the gateway to any teenager's heart. I know that I would probably forgive someone over free food. I hoped they were excited, because I was hungry as well, so it might all work out in the end. Maybe I can get the girl's back story as well and tell her that I'm not a homunculus.

Before she received an answer, she was knocked out of her trance by the shirtless man. They said a lot of things, and before she knew it Index was thoroughly confused. She remained silent during the exchange, looking between the two men awkwardly. In the end, she did take from it that the first man was still offering food, and the second man was offering to pay for it which was 200% more generosity than she was accustomed to. That in itself was an oddity worth investigating, she decided.

"It seems there's been a bit of a confusion, or at least I am confused." She said in a light voice that lacked any accent. "So I vote to accept both of your generous offers." She gave a shy smile. "After all, I have only tried 12 different foods." Then her mouth twisted as if she had tasted something slightly bitter. "Though, I wish I had a generous offer to add to both of yours. Unfortunately, I don't really have any possesions to speak of other than the clothes I'm wearing." She looked to the shirtless young man. "and with all respect to my new friend here, I would prefer to continue wearing my shirt."

"You from New York then Elfy? Sounds cool, I liveish there at times, and I'm not sure if 'this' is how they do things here in Las Angeles I'm actually from Australia. Just here lookin for something." He said with a grin plastered on his face, boy did he like to be the center of attention, and talking, hell ya he liked to talk. With a voice like his and a smile as big who wouldn't want to see/hear him talk? Well, that's what he told himself anyway. Then of course he heard the best offer of the day, well if he found a tip on Eastwood's brain it would totally be knocked down to second but still! The Elfy just asked to pay for his food, this was genius, it was amazing! "Haha! You have got yourself a deal Elfy!" He said quickly shaking the other guy's hand, "by the way, name's Darren, Darren Cross."

He blinked hearing the voice of the girl again and let out a low whistle. Man not only was she beautiful but she had a great voice, but he couldn't quite place her accent and he had basically heard 'em all, it happens when your on a trade ship sailing from Australia to Europe and then America for almost a year. He chuckled and got between them both swinging his arms around their shoulders. "Don't worry 'bout giving me anything beautiful, just slide on over, sit right down and enjoy the food!" With that he walked forward with the two, practically dragging them over to the table where he then pulled out both of their seats and sat down; feet not on the table of course this time around. "So, who wants to introduce themselves next?" He asked taking a bite of the Nachos as they were set down. His sword could be clearly seen from his book bag now that the two were up close.

((OOC: Sorry, I was dealing with finals, but for my birthday, I promise to post more often, you guys.))

The guy practically dragged us to the table and sat us down. As I sat down, I saw the glint of a sword from his bag. Clearly, he wasn't a normal human/hobo, after all. Just my luck, it seems that any adventure I take has to be a super powered one. I guess it didn't matter, they were always fun and terrifying. I let it slide for now, though. I was hungry. When the waiter came by, I ordered some chicken. The food here looked amazing, from the looks of the nachos that the guy had. This looked like a pretty delicious restaurant, so I would probably eat here, anyway. I've been practically eating at restaurants here all vacation, so I know that the food was pretty good, anyway. Unlike the food in New York, which is just prepared all haphazardly. It's pretty unhealthy here, too. Everyone in Los Angeles is probably liberal and all, so they are probably into healthy food and such.

He introduced himself as Darren Cross. This guy was still calling me Elfy, too. I guess if I introduced myself to him, he would stop calling me that. I hope so. He said that he was looking for something here in the great Los Angeles. I wondered what he was looking for. I mean, he was more than likely super powered, so he was more than likely looking for a villain or an ancient artifact, that would be cool. I wonder if I could help him out with that. He asked if the either the girl or myself would like to introduce themselves next, so I just went, the girl seemed like the shy type.

My name's Max Ahlberg Hale," I told him. I was just goofing off in Los Angeles on vacation when I saw you and the young lady next to you. It's nice to meet you both. I always liked meeting new people when I go places. It makes everything fun. I heard that you were looking for something here, is it anything that I could help you with?" If he was super powered, then I could have an awesome adventure with these two. Not saying that I would use them or anything, but it be could if the adventure was there. Tanning and shopping weren't the only things that I wanted to do here.

The man pushed the duo to his table, where they all sat down and Max introduced himself. After that, it seemed it was Index's turn.

"I am Index." She said, matter-of-factly as she said most things. "I also happen to be looking for something...well, someone actually." She looked towards Max again. He hadn't answered her question, but she couldn't stop noticing that something was slightly off. She felt like she knew what the feeling he gave her was, but she couldn't put her finger on it. "Perhaps if you told us what you were looking for I could assist you? I am able to sense...certain things." As she spoke she picked up a single nacho and held it up in front of her face examining it intensely. There were several things piled on top of the chip that she wasn't familiar with after all. After a long moment, she took a small bite taking a chunk of chicken. She looked slightly surprised when it entered her mouth. After several moments of chewing, she swallowed and spoke. "Hmm, whatever that meat is it is quite different than any I've tasted so far."

With the majority of a chip still in her hand she continued as if the last moment hadn't happened. "In any case, I'm sure I can be of assistance. I'm actually quite knowledgeable on a number of subjects."

“You’re looking for someone, and I’m looking for something we could totally help each other out Indy!” Darren said grabbing a nacho and taking a bite before nodding his head to what was all being said. “As to what it is I’m looking for you two probably wouldn’t believe me if I told you buuut I’m gona tell you anyway because how can you know what to look for if you don’t know what it is, right??” He said taking a sip of his root beer float. “Anywho, the object of awesomeness that I’m here looking for is,” here he got real quite and started to whisper so only they three could hear, “is Clint Eastwood’s brain.” He grinned sitting back up and taking another bite of nachos. “I know right, they’re absolutely, positively, the best damn nachos I’ve ever had!” He said in reply to Indy’s comment about the nachos.

Sure, he had no idea she just meant the chicken, but hey who cares everything on the nachos were good and Darren had a metabolism that was much faster than the average person. Which he gave up to his minor healing rate and the fact that he could move at around a hundred miles per hour, not to mention he had ADHD to top it all of. When Indy came out and said she could be helpful because she was knowledgeable on a number of subjects he laughed a big old grin still on his perfectly innocent face. “Good, because apparently nobody in this city believes me that its frozen somewhere around here, I personally think it’s in some secret base hidden in one of the Hollywood letters, but what do I know?” He said, “I’m just some sixteen year old kid, right?”