The X-men run missions and work together with the NYPD, striving to maintain a peaceful balance between humans and mutants. When it comes to a fight, they won't back down from protecting those who need their help.
Haven presents itself as a humanitarian organization for activists, leaders, and high society, yet mutants are the secret leaders working to protect and serve their kind. Behind the scenes they bring their goals into reality.
From the time when mutants became known to the world, SUPER was founded as a black-ops division of the CIA in an attempt to classify, observe, and learn more about this new and rising threat.
The Syndicate works to help bring mutantkind to the forefront of the world. They work from the shadows, a beacon of hope for mutants, but a bane to mankind. With their guiding hand, humanity will finally find extinction.
Since the existence of mutants was first revealed in the nineties, the world has become a changed place. Whether they're genetic misfits or the next stage in humanity's evolution, there's no denying their growing numbers, especially in hubs like New York City. The NYPD has a division devoted to mutant related crimes. Super-powered vigilantes help to maintain the peace. Those who style themselves as Homo Superior work to tear society apart for rebuilding in their own image.
MRO is an intermediate to advanced writing level original character, original plot X-Men RPG. We've been open and active since October of 2005. You can play as a mutant, human, or Adapted— one of the rare humans who nullify mutant powers by their very existence. Goodies, baddies, and neutrals are all welcome.
Short Term Plots:Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
The Fountain of Youth
A chemical serum has been released that's shaving a few years off of the population. In some cases, found to be temporary, and in others...?
MRO MOVES WITH CURRENT TIME: What month and year it is now in real life, it's the same for MRO, too.
Fuegogrande: "Fuegogrande" player of The Ranger, Ion, Rhia, and Null
Neopolitan: "Aly" player of Rebecca Grey, Stephanie Graves, Marisol Cervantes, Vanessa Bookman, Chrysanthemum Van Hart, Sabine Sang, Eupraxia
Ongoing Plots
Magic and Mystics
After the events of the 2020 Harvest Moon and the following Winter Solstice, magic has started manifesting in the MROvere! With the efforts of the Welldrinker Cult, people are being converted into Mystics, a species of people genetically disposed to be great conduits for magical energy.
The Welldrinker Cult
A shadowy group is gaining power, drawing in people who are curious, vulnerable, or malicious, and turning them into Mystics. They are recruiting people into their ranks to spread the influence of magic in the world, but for what end goal?
Are They Coming for You?
There have been whispers on the streets lately of a boogeyman... mutant and humans, young and old, all have been targets of trafficking.
Adapteds
What if the human race began to adapt to the mutant threat? What if the human race changed ever so subtly... without the x-gene.
Atlanteans
The lost city of Atlantis has been found! Refugees from this undersea mutant dystopia have started to filter in to New York as citizens and businessfolk. You may make one as a player character of run into one on the street.
Got a plot in mind?
MRO plots are player-created the Mods facilitate and organize the big ones, but we get the ideas from you. Do you have a plot in mind, and want to know whether it needs Mod approval? Check out our plot guidelines.
What does it feel like to fly? That is a question that was hard to explain in words. Some things you have to experience yourself to really understand. Rico glided in the air currents of the night sky, his bat like wings only flapping occasionally. Normally Rico was not himself when he shifted to his wyvern form. Feral of mind lacking the light of intelligence behind his eyes.
But practice made perfect and he finally was in control. Up in the sky he felt truly free. His problems and the problems of the world left far below. It was hours before he finally looked down to the earth and folded his wings close to the body. The dragon nose dived until the last moment before flaring out his wings to kick off the edge of a mansion roof.
Not even slowing he folded the wings back in to his body like a bird and landed on the earth with a loud thud and enough force to make it seem like a tremor had occurred. The black scaled creature moved through the garden with his yellow eyes fixated on the object of his desires. A pond with lights in it illuminating the colors of swimming koi fish.
Going to the ground like a bat would he lowered his muzzle to the water and started to drink his fill. Having satisfied his thirst the large horse sized reptile turned to the other thing his body needed, food. Darting his head into the water to snatch up a koi fish in his mouth Rico threw back his head and swallowed the fish whole.
Rico felt a little bad about it honestly. They were beautiful fish. Whatever guilt he felt melted away though as they were also tasty.
"Gods in some, great destroyers in others... Which will you be?"
Rico could not help but chuckle. "So serious, I was just thinking aloud. Never use to believe any of that crap. I am just starting to think lately maybe the story's and myths have some truth to it. Suppose I should start reading more books on it." Rubbing his eyes with a hand he added. "Maybe there is some wisdom to be learned from the past." Watching the little version of his boss getting swatted away he joked "Maybe start getting some minion's of my own. Maybe a bed of gold to sleep on."
The thought was ridiculous, but it amused him none the less.
"To your room. We will be pulling up momentarily. I know that this will be a challenge for you. You seem the moral type. Separate yourself from it, and tell yourself you have an end goal in mind."
"I aint so saint" Rico said frankly. "I just try to do my part so I can look in the mirror and not be ashamed of what I see. I will get the job done. Ok Earl, time to make yourself disappear." With that Rico put up his hand so the roach could go onto his head. After that he took the cap and put it on.
When the vehicle arrived Rico took the keycard. "I will be waiting for a call when you need me boss man." When the door opened he got out and walked towards the hotel entrance. It was all pretty straight forward. The keycard had the room number so he could just walk right by everyone without being bothered.
"Swanky place eh Earl" Rico said as he took off the cap and put it on the desk. Taking the roach off his head and setting it down he said sternly. "Don't crawl on me." Forgoing a shower or even taking off his cloths he fell forward onto the soft bed and passed out within seconds.
"You will grow, my good man. We will see to it. By my side many have grown to heights they never imagined."
Rico was a bit surprised how genuine his new employer sounded. Hope was a strange thing. He could not remember the last time he felt it. But for the briefest moment Rico felt it in his chest, breathing new life into his tired spirit. This was a Alpha he could follow. A leader that could possibly help him grow and finally attain mastery over not only his powers, but also his life.
"Precisely. I know a lot of things, Rico. By nature, I am someone who is well informed. Of Ragnarok, I know little. Our main objective will be, simply, to learn more about them. From there, if they have any plans that would negatively affect our kind, we will do everything we can to stop them."
"They want the world to burn, to cleanse it." Rico said with a weary voice. "I am pretty sure that is not good for everyone. Still that ideology may help me in the end." What he meant by that was not revealed right then and there. But it would be later.
Rico continued to listen to Roach but sat up. "Partner?" He asked in confusion. Rico found out right then and there just who his partner was. Or rather it in this case. "I will be honest...." Rico said to Roach as he looked at his partner. "I use to have a pet wood roach as a kid but this is a regular....." He trailed off in thought and finally stuck out his hand. "Ah what the hell I am already deep in the hole as it is."
It was not exactly the best feeling in the world having the insect dart onto the top of his hand. It remind him of one time when he was sleeping and grabbed a roach that was on his arm. The wiggling in his hand caused him to panic and throw it across the room. Rico really hoped his new partner would not cause a repeat of that.
"Sounds easy enough boss man. Talk to the roach."
Rico went quiet in thought and said something out of nowhere.
"And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born."
"It was something someone I knew once said to me. Something from the bible. If I am to spy on this group I must embrace my gift and become the monster that legends and myths say I am. Did you know in some cultures dragons are worshiped as gods? We exist in almost every culture across the world, a symbol in a way."
"I do not look forward to the terrible things I will have to do to maintain my cover. But it is a lesser evil for a greater good."
"You must know, I can just as easily prove that you killed those officers, should you choose to double-cross me. Know that."
Rico at this moment did not understand why that had to even be said. "Yeah, yeah." He said with a weary voice and took off his cap to reveal the unkempt hair and dark shades under his eyes. "I am tired of fighting, tired of running. You hold all the cards so no need for threats. I'm just a nobody, a small fish in a sea of bigger fish."
His new employer would probably pick up on all the signs or smells if he was capable of it. The body was capable of speaking things that words failed. Rico was exhausted both mentally and physically. If there was any relief or light to follow in the darkness he now found himself in, he would follow it. All creatures had breaking points and it seemed Rico had found his.
He like many mutants were struggling to find themselves. To find understanding in there born gifts and find a place in the world. That he gave in so easily would probably not surprise. It is not a secret that following others was far more easy then deciding ones own fate. Shepard's and sheep, Rico had chosen to be a sheep. At least for the moment. But the question was if he was a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Rico's eyes half closed as he listened. "Sure boss man. I heard of them. Lots of talk about those crazy's at the sanctuary. I don't know anything in depth. Probably about just as much as you. The word is they are a secret society of sorts that seek to bring the end of the world. To cleanse it in fire so a new world can be reborn from the ashes of the old."
Rico put a hand over his mouth and yawned. "Flowery and poetic words. Explains why they are growing in power. A lot of idiots in the world to fill there ranks." Rico allowed himself to sink a bit in the comfy leather seats of the limo and his voice trailed. "I guess that means you want my dumb ass to join as well." That statement was pretty broad. But there was subtle intelligence to it.
Rico was unsure were the boss man stood on Ragnarok. So he did not flat out go and say he was against them.
While Rico had heard the term "greasy cockroach" before he never really thought about it until now. This creatures spoke with pretty flowery words. But so did lawyers. Everyone hated them until they needed them. Under normal circumstances he would have avoided this shady character. But he was a survivor and did what was necessary. Out of necessity he would do what needed to be done.
"Well" Rico said lowly in thought and rubbed the back of his neck with a hand. "I find it hard to believe you can make my problems disappear. You know my name so that must mean you know about me. That being the case I am sure you are aware pinning all those half eaten cops on somebody wont be easy." Rico paused in thought. "But if you can I want it pinned on a criminal. Someone that if you got off the streets for good the world would be the better for it."
"I would not lose any sleep if some rotter was put away to rot in a cell." When Rico shifted he killed out of primal animal instinct. Not out of personal choice. A criminal made there choice of free will unlike him. "If you do that..... I will do as you ask" Sighing he rested his elbows on his knees and put his hands on his head. Rico was pretty sure he just made a deal with the devil. But what other choice was there?
Taking his hands off his head he looked at the creature. "What you want me to do..... boss"
Aside from ducking cops every chance he got this was the highlighting moment of his day as far as excitement went. A mysterious benefactor, shadowy figures. Sounded more like stuff of stories or TV shows instead of reality. Yet here he was. Rico continued to follow the stranger until he came to a curb and turned around just as a jet black long limo parked.
The stranger opened the door and beckoned Rico inside with a smooth motion of his hand. Rico approached the limo and looked at the tinted windows in an attempt to see JUST what he was getting himself into. "Yeah, this is not creepy at all" He said lowly and looked at the stranger. There was moment of trepidation, but in the end Rico lowered himself to sit inside and the door closed behind him.
Rico just stared with a skeptical face at the creature before him. Or rather creatures as there were two more sitting next to the bigger one. As the anthropomorphic cockroach started speaking Rico did not even notice that the limo had started to move or that the doors had automatically locked for safety reasons. But he did find that out as he reached the door and attempted to open it. "Hmmm" Sliding down the leather seats to the other side he tried the other door to find it the same.
Repositioning himself back in the middle his brain finally seemed to click and spoke in delayed reaction to the giant bug with a top hat. "Looks like I have no choice". This was a lot to take in for him. Rico had seen his fair share of mutations. But this took the cake. "Well, I am here and interested in the offer. So lets get straight to the point and skip the formalities until after business. What do you want from me?"
His benefactor clearly had money and thus power. When it came to the rich, there was no such thing as free. Rico expected there to be terms and conditions for any help the creature had to offer. The question was what it was, and if Rico was willing.
The ferry was getting dangerously full and Rico grew more anxious as he got closer. He flinched as a hand came to rest on his shoulder. "Howdy, buddy. Don't be too alarmed, I'm a friend." A voice said calmly. Rico turned his head slightly so he could see over his shoulder but kept the bill of his cap low enough to shadow his eyes.
The stranger had a hood over his head and like him, was a mutant as far as Rico could judge. Rico listened to the stranger speak again though he did not let down his guard. "They are looking for you, pal, but I have good news. We've got your back. If you want to know who, come with me." Rico did not speak but instead turned his gaze back to the ferry in front of him.
He had no intention of taking some strangers word over it. Maybe once upon a time. But he had been in the city long enough to doubt anyone with outstretched hands of friendship. Everyone wanted something. Whatever it was this guy was selling, Rico was not buying into any of it. Right then and there he made up his mind on it.
But the wings of fate worked in mysterious ways. Just as he got to the ramp walkway with others the crew of the ferry started waving people back. "We cannot take anymore!" The captain said into a megaphone. The police in the area took the cue and moved into position to make sure nobody in the crowd or lines tried to force there way onto it.
Rico's heart sank and he turned his gaze to see the stranger in the outlet. "Damn" He mumbled and turned to follow. It seemed there was no other choice. If he was stuck here Rico figured he could use some friends. Rico kept his head low and walking a few good paces behind. He did not want to attract attention with police still in the area and able to see him.
At this point all he could do was follow the stranger as they had instructed. He was in the dark with no idea what was going to happen. And at that moment a quote he once heard came to mind. "In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king"
Rico adjusted his john deer cap to hide his eyes as a police officer walked down the line of people he was in. He had really screwed up recently when he went feral and killed some police. To say they were looking for him was a understatement. Even the black stream lined police Bots were out in force. Things in the city were going from bad to worse with all the civil unrest.
With most of the ways out of the city cut off not many options were available for those that wanted to leave. But Rico found out about a large ferry boat that took people back to the mainland in bulk. He had barely managed to get a ticket as so many were trying to leave. Someone in the line bumped into Rico from behind. Things were tense as people worried about not getting a spot on the ferry.
Rico did not know what he was going to do with himself after he fled the city. He had heard stories of a group of shifters that lived up north near the Canadian border. A group that lived like a primitive tribe. While picturing himself draped in animal hides running around in the wilderness with spear and bow in hand seemed silly. It was less silly then hanging around the city just waiting for the police or who else wanted to get there hands on him.
Slowly but surely the part of the line he was in was getting closer to the big ferry. And as he got closer paranoia and the feeling of police showing up out of nowhere to pull him out the line. He dared a passing glance to see if anyone was coming but only a few scattered officers and bots were around. There mostly to make sure everything remained civil. Rico still could not shake the feeling he was being watched.
"Kill or be killed, eat or be eaten, was the law; and this mandate, down out of the depths of time, he obeyed."
--Jack London
There exist two worlds. A world were dark truths are hidden. Were people go about there day to day routines unaware of things that go around them. By choice to protect there peace of mind. Or by a veil draped over there eyes by those in power.
Then there was the world that Rico lived in. A world were he hunted and killed to his hearts delight. Police, mutants, humans. It made no difference. He killed hundreds over the course of a year. Maybe more. Meat was meat. He could never remember. But the world kept on moving. Never stopping to bring justice or consequence.
Seemingly, the world turned a blind eye to it. And that was why death itself walked by his side. Collecting the dead as they fell in his wake. So long as there was none to stand up or take action. The killing would never stop.
As had become his every day routine when night fell he shifted. Went feral in both body and mind. Driven by one need alone, the need to feed. One would think a creature looking like a wyvern would be noticed in a city. But he stayed in the shadows in both the air and in the city that was his hunting ground.
Rico had carved out a favorite hunting ground near the port. There was always someone out and about. Just the other night he had killed a devoured two cops in the middle of a drug bust. The dashcam recording the grisly scene.The problem with establishing a favorite hunting ground was repeat visits. A pattern for others to follow and lay a trap if they so felt inclined.
A figure came out of the darkness. The sound of its bat like wings almost none existent. Flaring the wings Rico came to land. His hind legs touching the ground silently. Putting the wing joints onto the ground the dragon looking creature walked as a bat would. Sniffing at the air for game to hunt. He smelled fresh blood. And like any predator, he was drawn to it. It was coming from a warehouse. Its massive sliding doors wide open and inviting.
Had the intelligent part of his mind been in control he would have had second thoughts of going in there. But he was no more then a animal at this time. So he approached. Pigs blood had been thrown on the floor seemingly by a bucket. Rico smelled at the fresh blood and lapped at it with his rough tongue that was designed to lick bones clean of flesh.
With no fear he went through the entrance. Inside was pitch black save for a pig hanging on a meat hook suspended by a chain. With a mouth dripping with saliva Rico approached the freshly butchered animal and started to feed. Biting the flesh and twisting as he pulled away. Masked figures reminiscent of black ops forces pulled the sliding door shut and flood lights clicked on turning the world bright.
Rico snarled and put up a wing. The membrane shielding his eyes from the blinding light. The figures were everywhere. Even standing on catwalks higher up. There tactical weapons all aimed. Hissing the creature lowered the wing. It was dead quiet, the silence before the storm. Gunfire erupted all in sync. The rounds ripping through Ricos body in some places and ricocheting off in others.
As the last round was fired from the barrage the shell casings could be heard hitting the ground. Rico was hurt and in pain. But his body was already at work repairing the damage that was done. Raising his head and pointing the snout to the ceiling he let out a roar that escalated more to a scream. The air distorting near his mouth like the air in the desert.
All the lights shattered along with the windows along the walls of the upper catwalk. The warehouse was blanketed in darkness. One cannot describe the horrors that happened to those souls in that place. The gunfire and screams lasted a good half an hour before there was only silence. The warehouse sliding door opened a crack and one of the masked attackers came stumbling out covered in crimson and holding the stump of his missing left arm.
Police were already on the scene. The flashing lights of the squad cars blanketing the entire area in color.
"Its....Its a demon" He said to the first officer he saw and fell to his knees. Reaching out with his good arm the masked man fell forward dead. There then came loud banging against the ware house sliding door. Dents slowing growing bigger.
"Holy mother of god....." A officer said as he kept his sidearm focused on the door that was about to break open. Little by little the metal bent at the impacts until it finally gave and exploded outwards, metal shards flying in all directions. Covered in the blood of the mysterious masked attackers Rico came out running. His wings folded to his side like a bird.
Ignoring the gunfire ripping into his body the wyvern jumped onto a squad car, the roof caving in under the draft horse sized creature. Having satisfied his hunger Ricos mind urged him to run. He reached the dock edge and leapt headfirst into the water with clean beautiful agility. At home in the water as much as the air his leather like bat wings served well to move underwater combined with his undulating body and tail.
Some time later he came crawling out of the east river right onto a road and collapsed. Between the private contractors in the warehouse and the police Rico's body had suffered some pretty severe damage. Sleep was the only thing he wanted. Even as a car came screeching to a stop a few feet away with its high beams on barely did little to stir him outside of raising his long neck and hissing at the vehicle.
Laying his head and neck down on the road he took this moment of piece to digest his meal and let the flesh knit back.
Rico had seen his fair share of mutations on the streets. But never one quite like this. He took notice of the young teen with blonde hair and lime green skin. But not in the bad kind of way. "Hey" Rico said back as he walked by. Not a moment later he stopped to turn around and add. "I'm sorry to bother you but I am kind of new around here and still figuring out where everything is." He looked down at the boy still holding his hand then back to the young lady.
"This little guy seems to have the adventurous spirit and wandered in to the common room by himself. Is there a day care or something around here were the kids are suppose to be? If so could you do me a huge favor and point me in the right direction." With that the boy started tugging Rico's arm as if he wanted to lead him somewhere. "Or I could let the kid lead me around like a dog on a leash" Rico said with a laugh. The boy kept saying "Come, Come" and pulling on his arm.
It was always the same old story when it came to watching anything on the news. Sadness and suffering. It was one of the many reasons Rico did not like watching it. Conflict was nothing new, and it would never end. He was pretty sure a hundred years from now conflict will still exist, but with new faces and names. In tuning out the news on the TV he could not help but notice the rooms occupants slowly leaving. Something was going on that much was clear. The atmosphere had completely changed.
Rico ate quietly and seemingly oblivious to what was going on. But in truth he was listening to the conversation that was happening right outside the door in the hall. At least until a little kid came and climbed onto the chair across from Rico. There was nothing really special to say about the kid except that he had a dragon stuffed toy. Green in color and clearly having seen better days. The kid stared at him for a few awkward moments and then spoke. "I'm Robbie" Rico swallowed the last of the food in his mouth and set the spoon in the bowl. "Nice to meet you Robbie, I'm Rico" The kid stared at him for a few more awkward moments then added "You smell funny"
Rico almost burst out laughing at that. Suppressing it though he said in a smartass manner. "Why thank you little man. That is exactly what I wanted to hear first thing in the morning." It had been awhile since Rico had conversed with a child and he found there innocence refreshing. "So tell me who your friend is?" Rico said and pointed to the stuffed dragon.
Robbie put the beat up dragon on the table and started to bounce it around in whatever imagination game he was playing. "Buddy" Rico smiled. "If only we all could see the world through the eyes of a child" He said lowly to himself. Talking normal now he added. "Well Buddy, how about you and me get Robbie back to his mommy" Standing up Rico offered a hand and the child took it while still clinging to his stuffed dragon.
Rico did not like leaving his dirty bowl right there on the table. First impressions were always the most important. But he could come back for it later. He was pretty sure this kid was suppose to be somewhere and not wandering around alone. Especially in light of the recent events. With the child in tow he entered the hall.
Rico had never been in a homeless shelter before. The closest thing in his life was probably the camps in the quarantine zone back home. But unlike the camps this place did not carry an air of despair or misery. He was welcomed, clothed, and given a plate of hot food. Rico felt safe and hopeful for the first time in awhile. Perhaps now he could start working to get back on his feet.
Exhausted from wandering the streets in the rain for most of the night he was out like a light the moment he laid down on a cot and rested his head on a pillow. Even the nightmares were absent. Rico woke up late in the morning and sat up. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he had almost forgotten where he was. Having slept in the cloths provided to him Rico just put on the worn sneakers on the floor.
Rico left the room and took in all the sights and smells, especially the smells. The alluring scent of food guided him to the kitchen where a pot of stew was cooking. Rico did not go in the room. Instead he stood at the doorway clearly looking lost. A older woman with a hairnet on took notice and smiled. "Well?" she asked. "You hungry or not?" Rico went inside slowly almost like a timid animal would when offered food.
It did not take him long to warm up to the woman though when she handed him a bowl of stew with a spoon. "Thank you" Rico said. Looking around she must have read his thoughts. "You can eat in the common area right down the hall on your left" He thanked her again and left with the bowl just as a kid walked by him into the kitchen.
Again Rico stopped at the doorway and scanned the room before entering it. There was a TV on and a crowd all focused on it. Rico did not pay it any mind. If anything he was grateful for it. Being the new face around here he did not look forward to having all the heads in the room turn to look at him. He took a seat at a table and started to enjoy his food until he caught enough of what was said on the TV. Putting the spoon back in the Bowl he said lowly to himself.
"Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering......fearing" Words of Edgar Allan Poe that seemed to fit the situation. After a minute of silence for the dead Rico resumed eating.
Rico could not help but wonder who this woman was. Something was off about her. As natural as it was for a dog to tell a humans emotion by smell so could he. And he smelled nothing save for irritation. Rico envied her that. And could not help but pity her weakness as well. It took effort to care. And many times he had himself just thought about not giving a damn about things. Even her voice was blank and monotone devoid of anything.
Whatever her reasons for helping him he decided it was probably for the best they parted ways. She was a creature that seemed to wear many masks. And it was a red flag for him. Rico had enough troubles of his own without inviting new ones into his life. And as his mother always use to tell him. "You cant choose your family, but you can choose the company you keep"
And so he departed back into the rain. Only giving a brief wave of a hand as he walked away from her to show he had heard. Rico did not go very far and stopped near a alley entrance to pull out his disposable cellphone. He gave it a thought for a moment and decided to drop it in a trashcan. It was then he noticed a weatherworn poster flapping in the breeze that came with the rain. Rico took a hand to push the flapping piece of the poster against the alley wall. It was faded and worn. But it was enough to go on.
Sanctuary. From what he read on it the place seemed like the best stop for today. He needed a place to hold up until he got back on his feet. Pulling the poster down from the wall he folded the wet paper as gently as he could and put it away in his raincoat and disappeared into the alley. Not a moment later though his body came flying out of the alley to hit a parked car shattering glass and triggering the alarm.
Rico grimaced in pain from the impact that had broken a few ribs and caused fractures in his spine. Damage that his body was already at work repairing. "You killed my friend" Rico barked in pain and anger to the shadowy figure in the alley. And it replied with a voice dark and foreboding. The very air seeming to tremble with vibration from the words. "You killed my brother."
Pulling himself from the sizable body sized dent in the car Rico prepared for a fight.
Rico was not ignorant of the signs. He could tell right away he had offended her. And he said as much. "Sorry" But with that word came a memory of his friends at the airport sending him off in the rain. They told him how Americans lacked respect and did not understand it. Showing respect was an insult. Insult was a compliment. Americans respected strength and frowned on weakness. Americans were bullies and violence was the only thing they understood. Death itself walked by there side collecting the dead as they fell in there wake.
Rico liked to believe it was not so. But each day in this country without help he was slowly growing to believe that Americans really were as bad as they said. The stereotype of them. What ever good progress of opening up came to an end there. His new companions actions had put and end to that. Whatever she said he said nothing. Though in truth he had a few good remarks on his mind. Rico remained quiet in self thought. Until her last words brought him back to reality. There was a pause before he finally answered her.
"I do what I must to protect my life. I have killed and feel no regrets. Sometimes people need to die. I know its a terrible thing to say. But it is what it is." There was another pause before he added. "The only regret I have is the lack of control. The possibility that one day someone will die that does not deserve it"
After a moment still dwelling on the thought of Americans thinking him weird and how he felt they were weird he stood up. "Thank you for your kindness. But I think I must go" They came from different worlds. Such was the clash of culture. But did it really have to end here? That was the question.