Michael was dissatisfied with his speed. He could do better, much better. He was getting rusty since his school days. He could've got that robber guy faster. He needed to not just be stronger but faster. He needed to be a force of nature. Thats what he believed to be... under special circumstances that is. But thats beside the point.

He was now in an area where people would jog and such. He wanted to be best. So before he started he closed his eyes and pumped himself up
"Here we go. Focus. Speed. I am speed." in his minds eye though he could see himself running fast and slashing people with a knife. Yeeah he still had violent tendencies, but at least most of the violent carnage was in his head and not in real life "One winner, forty-two losers. I eat losers for breakfast." again, he imagined himself running real fast and being awesome... as well as bloody and kill happy. But thats beside the point.
He opened his eyes and went for a run. He was gonna be the best. He wont let himself be upstaged by anyone. No one, not even mages. He needed to git gud to survive. He is speed.

As he was running and rather focused on it. He heard a female voice chime to him and wishing him a good morning. He turned to look at the speaker, but he never got to reply. Instead his mind just went "Big booba" he stared at her as he ran and noticed she sorta went ahead of him a bit. She asked him if he was new to here or something, but his brain didnt register that. All his brain thought was "Big booba" that he needed to shake his head and focus on her words

"Not as new as you might think"he replied. He wasnt new to Hargeon, he was here already a few times. Usually if a Quest brought him here. But what his home was.. it was debatable. He didnt really have a home. He mostly lived off of quests and stayed at inns. As to what town to make his home? He didnt know. He didnt hold any special attachements to any town in Fiore. So far the most attachment he had was towards Mary Jane. Made him wonder if he should follow her around then.

But those were thoughts for later, now he focused on the run. Specifically not allowing her to be just the slightest bit ahead of him. He hurried his pace a bit to keep up with her and be a bit ahead of her. Huff huff, not easy to run at top speed constantly.

He focused on the road, so he doesnt trip or whatnot. She then asked if he was new, but he wasnt as new as she thought. He was new to jogging in these areas, but not new to Hargeon in general. Still despite that, he didnt know this was a Guild Master, simply because he never really approached guild people.

She asked him then how new are we talking about and that was a good question. He didnt know how to answer. No place was really his home as he traveled and just did quests. He noticed she pointed right to the nearest turn. He took this as an invite to tag along. Interesting, there was still the need to keep up with her. He couldnt let her be ahead. It was mildly annoying that she wasnt really struggling to stay at this speed. The last thing he needed was an L, like the one from last night with that stupid elf girl. Which was kinda the reason he kicked off into getting more physically fit.

As they ran he noticed the beach ahead. Oh how he wishes he was there right now. His eyes went back to the hot lady who flashed him a nice smile. He would keep up with her, but whenever she got ahead of him, he'd use the opportunity to check her out. Now that the initial big booba wow factor passed him. Still... nice assets. But right, answering her question... and catching breath to answer it. Thats the issue
"Ehm..." yea he still didnt know how to answer. He's been roughly a week at Hargeon, but as he traveled a lot, this wasnt his first week here at all.
"As new as a... traveler can be" he gave a non answer
She commented how she didnt see him jog here and he said "Thats beacuse.... I never.... jogged.... here" he said panting, trying to keep up with the speed queen over here.

He was so focused on keeping up with her, looking where he's going and those dazzling assets that the guild mark went unnoticed. After all the first thing he did notice was 'big booba'. It almost made him think like a monkey. But when that wow factor passed, he focused on keeping up with her. Only somewhat later in conversation as they made a turn did he notice the guild mark that it made him blink and think "Oooooh heeellll naaaaw"
Another mage he had to deal with. At least this was the blue horse mage and not one of the dark ones. So at least he wont be killed, but still... He didnt like to be shown up by those stuck up mages. Even tho this one was polite. It did make him frown and focus more on keeping up with her. Which did stress him since it made him think that now she was toying with him and keeping it slow on purpose. He was never really keeping up with her now was he? She was letting him. Oh he hated it.

He noticed her smile and smiled mildly back to her. She offered to show him a decent track and he just nodded. Saving his breath for the running and not talking. Again as she shown him a rather nice avenue and spoke to him. All he could do was nod. He was too stubborn to stop and take a break, even if he should. Instead he was willing to push himself to an unhealthy level

As much as he wanted to give her all the pennies for his thoughts, he couldnt really talk. Fuck, he realized he didnt even have a water bottle at hand because he never really jogged before. Then again he didnt expect to run into a mage and have a one sided race with them. At this point he was panting, kind of like a dog when they run. His legs felt like they were on fire, it was certainly a painful experience.

So much so that when they reached the end of the avenue, he stopped. Sitting or rather collapsing down on the ground and getting his breath. He lifted his hand barely, held his index finger at her, signalling her to wait up for any kind of response because he was so out of breath and dehydrated. But as he lifted his head up, he noticed they didnt finish their run. She had more in store and he just groaned in defeat
"God dammit!!" if he had the strength to kick a can right now, he sure would've kicked it or whatever found itself on his path. He was no match for the speed queen. He wanted to get up and run more so he wouldnt be a quitter but at this point his body was like like: No.

He really needed a drink or just throw himself in the ocean and just float. Even the sun over there is giving him a headache. Maybe its all just the after effects of straining yourself and pushing your body beyond their limits without proper training before hand. Hell, he could use a lot of things right now. But the first thing and the easiest thing was maybe shade. He slowly got up and glanced to see if the speed queen was still running or did she stop and wait. Granted he didnt expect the latter.

"I'll.... consider it" there was no guarantee he'd go for another run, or at least not too soon. He still had to train up his strength and other abilities as well as do those notice board quests. Plus he wanted to have some free time to himself. So running would take a back seat for a while if you ask him.

He saw a water bottle fly at him and he clumsily caught it. Opening it and drinking half of it and pouring the rest over his head. He opened his eye and looked at her as she asked for a name. Truthfully he didnt expect a long convo with a jogging Blue Peg stranger.
"Name's Michael and you are?" he asked
Still, he guessed he could at least tell her his name considering she just bought him water.
Rest felt good, even the water felt like heaven. Yeah, he doubts he'll go for runs like this. Like this wasnt a jog, this was a race. Maybe next time he might actually jog and not rush. It was best to preserve energy and build up stamina and speed over time. As opposed to whatever this trainwreck was.

As soon as she said her name, he recognized she was the Guild Master of the Blue Fashionables guild. Heh and he can see why they were that way. Like Alisa was hot and people around her were hot. But he could see why she was a guild master. Aside from the magical prowess, she had huge boobs, like they were some serious honkers. A real set of badonkers. Packin some dobonhonkeros. massive dohoonkabhankoloos. big old tonhongerekoogers. Like wowie wow. It was hard not to stare at the bonkhonagahoogs. He'd love to stuff his face between her humungous hungolomghnonoloughongous.

Ok ok, now he really was going into caveman territory. He got so distracted by the... yes, that yea.....face up there. Guild Master yes. Ehm, he didnt know she was a Wizard Saint, since he didnt know about the mage stuff and the stuff that governs them like the Magic Council, he merely stayed out of that business. He focused on her words finally and understood that she was inviting him for a walk. It was odd that she would, but who was he to say no. He got up from the ground and walked over to her
"Lead the way" he said, casually, pretending as if he didnt lost it in his mind. He took a breath and remembered last night. Hmm, ok time to get serious. He has a Guild Master of Blue Pegasus, right here at his disposal, at his fingertips metaphorically speaking. He could tell her about the mage he saw from that Dark Guild... what was it called. Eternal Nightmare, was it.
Now if he was responsible, this would be the perfect time to warn her about a possible impending danger. Someone from a Dark Guild is surely up to no good. And that was his main thought last night at that moment.

Well, that and the emotional damage the girl and the exceed gave him. But the thing is. Michael was never really known for responsibility now was he. He is the antithesis of responsibility. And he is very petty, childish and selfish. Nah nah. He's not afraid of hitting a girl. He's gonna train up and beat up that girl for insulting him. Granted he never really hit a girl before, nor did he deal with a dark mage. And he was scared of Dark Guilds. But there was a first time for everything.

He glanced at Alisa as they would walk where ever she is leading him and wonder should he tell her. He sighed as he didnt know what was right.
"What would MJ do?" he wondered

He took a deep breath when she spoke to him, carefully thinking his words. Something polite to say
"I want to eat your melons" ok shit that was not supposed to come out. So he corrected himself
"Erm I mean Im in lesbians with you" ok no shit, danger. Just getting worse. He shook his head and lightly tapped it to focus and concentrate

"Hargeon, right. Why Im there.." he said to himself to focus, before finally giving her a straight answer
"Work" he said with a shrug. But he figured he'd elaborate "I just do random quests around Fiore. And if one leads me to another town I take it. And then stay at another town. Thats what happened. One quest took me to Hargeon and Im staying here. This is actually my 3rd time visiting this town. I'll leave it eventually, when I see an inevitable job that requires me to travel"
He's not emotionally tied down to any place. Every place just feels so foreign and isolating. Then again, only this time he met MJ and actually stuck with a human contact for a prolonged amount of time.
Then again that self imposed isolation and his wolfish animalistic nature could explain why he's so terribly direct with women and lustful urges.
Lack of manners and just instinct controlling him. He is trying his best to fit in tho

"Painfully aware" he said as he looked away from her, hoping to hide a creeping blush of embarassment. But honestly, he was impressed he managed to hold out this long without saying it.

When the subject came, he did turn to face her as they conversed, tho as she teased a bit. He did blush a bit again from the prior embarassment, but continued to speak nevertheless.
She said his work was akin to a mage, which made him curiously tilt his head. Its kind of like when an animal curiously looks at you, not understanding what you say.
"Hah, so you're saying that one day I might become a guild master myself and form my own guild?" he said jokingly and rather dismissivly. He didnt really believe that

When she spoke of Hargeons crime rate. All he could do was nod "Mmm"
He remembered his younger years at school and his early to mid teenage years. He was quite the troublemaker. Maybe it was good for Hargeon that he wasnt their local. The amount of trouble, theft and vandalism he did was.... something.

He was surprised she'd tell him he can achieve that. The idea of being a guild master was amusing. He can imagine himself on a throne with the peasant guild members and him ordering them to work and stuff so they can be the best. He did ponder would the hypothetical guild also be werewolf only or just celebrate and love werewolves. He liked the idea of having more of his people, to even out the numbers with the humans so he wouldnt be hiding in shame. But all that was just wishful thinking.

He listened to her speak or rather ask how did he think guild masters started out
"I never thought about their start. I just figured they're like naturally talented, y'know. No hard work, just learning things easy. So even this speed. I just figured its normal for them" he spoke how he imagined it. Part of what made him envious. He figured mages were more naturally talented.
"Besides, are you sure I can be a guild master? I mean I figure if you wanna lead a magic guild, you need to do at least basic magic. Something I cant do. And I know item spells or whatever exist. But I dont consider as MY magic, if you catch my drift"

Even if he can get items to do spells for him, he wouldnt really consider that his own magic, considering anyone can get those items. He wondered if thats because he was a werewolf. He knew some could do, but its all naturally harder for his kind. He just hoped Alisa never finds out what he was.

He scoffed at her first topic of dialogue.
"People should quit that shit. When they get strong, why get stronger. It just invites this bad power creep where everything gets more and more extreme." he sighed "I have a long road ahead of me if I wanna keep up with you mages. Both figuratively and" gestures forward with his hands sounding more annoyed "Literally" he was still a bit miffed he lost the 'race'. Nevertheless he continued "All I care is about my survival. I dont wanna die. So simple as that why I dont wanna be weak."

When she went on a different topic and mentioned a friend and grand magic games, he spoke "Grand Magic Games are in my opinion just a dick measuring contest between guilds. I dont watch them much to be honest. Just pisses me off and reminds me what I cant do and shows me how much of a threat mages are. So yeah... I dont really know who won the Grand Magic Games, but I can hazard a guess" he did ponder a bit about the guilds "Paradise Daaawnn?" he spoke rather unsure-ly.
But he imagined a mercenary and monster hunter guild would be quite bloodthirsty and powerful. He was aware of that guild decently enough because he was pretty sure they would kill him with great prejudice. Their guild master had some joyan name or joyan sounding name. What was it again... ehh he was shit with names... Yusei? Yeah that must be it

He knew a bunch of guilds. He knew Fairy Tail and Blue Pegasus already existed so no friend found Fairy Tail. He knew of Paradise Dawn, but he didnt know their history and when they were exactly formed. But he was weary of them because of the nature of their guild. He was even more so weary of them than he was of Blue Pegasus. At least he can crack jokes about Blue Pegasus because he felt somewhat safe. Not so much with Paradise Dawn.
Aside from that. What other guild did he know? Well aside from Eternal Nightmare, but that was a dark guild. Oh there was that Collective Mind guild if he remembers correctly. But he believes those people are just nerds. No one really worthy of fighting and saving people or winning grand magic games. Then again, he knew probably the least about them since he never really ran into their people and as a very bitter and jealous non magic man, he never kept tabs about any news about mages and guilds.
So yeah, he didnt really know much now that he thought about it. He just stayed clear of guilds and anything he foresaw as dangerous in order to live.

She also later makes a point to try and see item spells in a more positive light. But he shakes his head
"But its like unoriginal that can be bought by any bozo. Like I doubt all mages can make drawings and paintings pop out and be real. Like that other girl from your guild. Like you have your own personal magic spells. Its not manifactured, its much more authentic and yours. Y'know?" he says as he explains his point why he dislikes using store bought magic. It doesnt seem like a product of natural hard work and skill. It doesnt feel earned to be used. Its just pop a few jewels to the cashier and any loser can now throw fireball from a scroll. Big whoop de whoop.

He did watch her get serious for a moment and just nodded. He couldnt really debate that. He'd argue he's a bad apple considering what he likes to do. Though while she spoke of arms race and power and survival. She said he doesnt have to do everything on his own. Hr frowned and thought about his past experiences, which also included his old friends from school and his ex. He was bummed out by it when he thought about them. They were like a pack, despite them being humans. And while he did love the trouble and violence they did. He knew it was a dangerous path and he had to cut ties with them with a heavy heart. He didnt stop because he felt remorse for his deeds, but so he wouldnt attract attention of people like Alisa who'd stop him. He wouldnt be surprised if his ex did join a dark guild. She had the intelligence, skill, ruthlessness and the aptitude. Its just when it came down to it, his self preservation kicked in more than his lust for blood and her body

As they spoke of Grand Magic Games. Michael made his guess Alisa chuckled and covered her mouth. He did smile a bit. He didnt mean to make her laugh but was mildy glad he did. She spoke how Paradise Dawn actually didnt exist this long. They were active for only about a year. Though for Michael it felt longer
"Oooh Yuurei is his name" he shrugs and then openly admits "I'll probably forget his name again tho." he then listens that 2 guilds tied for 1st place but both disbanded "Pffft lame. But will you at least tell me who were the guilds?"

As they spoke of magic and its uniqueness, Michael did reference Mimi, to which to his surprise Alisa knew not just because they were guild mates. But family. Michael scoffs when Alisa says Mimi is talented "Too talented if you ask me." he wasnt a fan of Mimi learning music to him. But hey, she agreed to pay him, so he had to kinda take it. Plus he had a feeling the girl would be tenacious until she gets what she wants.

When she spoke of having a fighting style thats his own. He smiled a bit and nodded and then spoke in a sing song voice "And I got a kniife~" a bit too happy that he has that. Right, just before going for a run he imagined how he was speedy and able to slash and slice people for fun. He still had that inner darkness that he felt he had to surpress. Though sometimes, that inner darkness would slip through the cracks
"I can just stab people" he said happily and made the stab gesture with his empty hand.

He laughs a bit. "Nah nah. If someone asked me a week ago what was the name of Blue Pegasus Guild Master. I would've said Alice or Alisha. But its different now. Like I legit met you." he shrugs "I just dont bother remembering names of people I gossip about and havent actually met. They're not worth the brain space." he explains how he thinks. He just thinks people who are in his mind faceless arent worth remembering.

As they spoke, she pointed a direction, which he nodded and followed her. He listened to her as they spoke of the winning guilds. A warrior guild and a harem guild. Wow. They won and yet they imploded

Later they spoke of Mimi and Michael noted how she's too talented in his opinion. Alisa doesnt think theres a thing such as too talented. Michael shook his head "I beg to differ. She can do her own magic. She can draw and paint. She can sew, tailor and cut hair too. She can do a butt ton of things to be artsy. And she wants to now learn how to play a guitar. Next thing you know, she'll ask for singing lessons and then strip away any talent or skill I have and make me obsolete. I dont want a mage to replace me at the only things Im good at..... aside stabbing. But y'know... stabbing isnt something Blue Pegasus would let me do. So I cant do that" he said with a shrug. "I begrudgingly agreed to teach your niece because she offered me money and I kinda need that"
He explained his notion of too talented. Not only he felt envy for those who could naturally make magic, but someone who was skilled in other things and very good at that also made him jealous. Not to mention that person he envies approaches him to also take away his skill to grab peoples attention with his skills. He believes he would be rendered obsolete and unneeded if that happens. Erasure. Its why he hated teaching Miriko, but it was in his mind a sacrifice to earn for a living. Maybe if he earns for a house, he can at least live somewhere better. Where he isnt replacable.

As they spoke of combat capabilities. Michael did mention his knife and stabbing capability. And a bit of a glee for stabbing shone through for a miniscule moment, but he quickly realized it and quelled the urge to stab. Michael nodded when Alisa spoke
"Indeed I can. But heres the catch. The word enemy. What does that mean? What could be an enemy to me, can be an ally to you or an innocent. So you see the conundrum." he wanted to say more, but stopped himself. He wanted to confess to her and tell her how he loved to kill innocents and how he doesnt do that because her guild would kill him. But he doubted that would give him brownie points with lady guild master. It would probably put him on a black list or hit list.

He considered his next words well, before he spoke
"There was one person who...I guess you could say hurt me. And I do wanna get back her. But she's sadly much more powerful then me. So I need to get better. Hence you see me jogging" he in a way explained why they met by jogging. He was training his speed