Post by Deleted on Jul 2, 2021 15:48:46 GMT -5
Unlike the lethargic and lax nature of most tropical cities situated along the Southern coasts, the citizens of Sashimi were diligent and early-risers, committed to their work. Before even the most dedicated worker could rise, Blue awoke. The first rays of dawn had yet to even streak across the ebon-cloaked sky, stars still visible above as the boy stirred. Rolling off the public bench that had served as his bed, he sighed and silently stretched, working out the kinks and knots gained by spending all night on a hard, uneven wooden surface. A bone-deep ache persisted, a common feeling that Blue had long since learned to push aside.
No time was wasted, striding from the quiet little grove he had resided in and out to the main section of the currently empty park. A lukewarm water fountain and a pocket comb with many missing teeth worked a bit fruitlessly to untangle the slightly dirtied locks of pink hair. Blue took a long drink, aware that he'd have to skip having an actual meal again today if he wanted to capitalize on what work was to be had. Not like he could afford it regardless, but that was fine. Luckily it seemed that his thirdhand bike was still snuggly situated at the rack, held tight by a rusty chain and combo lock.
The handles were loose and wiggly, and the bike had lost all but one of its' gear options, but it still was a vital part of Blue's day and current side-job. Fridays were recycling day which meant that most people would have put out their bits and bobs out either the night before or this morning as the truck came relatively early. Thus as he rode out unto the sidestreets, Blue had already prepared by looping a few compact garbage bags around the bike's handle, ready to unfurl at a moment's notice. Aside from literal trash picking for aluminum cans - a popular drink container in the city - scrap metal and litter were scooped up too. Anything helped at the end of the day.
In a short couple of hours as the sun started to grace the graying sky and the city stirred, Blue's bike was now stuffed with several full bags of crumpled cans, wires, and a much smaller pouch filled with a few ten and fifty Zeni coins he'd found on the street. Now's all that was left to do was to take the ride across town to the recycling plant and exchange his treasure. Considering how large the haul had been today, Blue guestimated that he'd get a 1000 Bill if he was lucky, enough to cover light meals for two days if rationed. Though as per usual misfortune was sure to find him - the chain of his bike snagging suddenly and sending the boy toppling to the pavement in a jumbled mess as a couple of bags split open, spilling their contents onto the sidewalk and street. Groaning and scraped, Blue moved to gather what he could and move it out of the way in short order.
No time was wasted, striding from the quiet little grove he had resided in and out to the main section of the currently empty park. A lukewarm water fountain and a pocket comb with many missing teeth worked a bit fruitlessly to untangle the slightly dirtied locks of pink hair. Blue took a long drink, aware that he'd have to skip having an actual meal again today if he wanted to capitalize on what work was to be had. Not like he could afford it regardless, but that was fine. Luckily it seemed that his thirdhand bike was still snuggly situated at the rack, held tight by a rusty chain and combo lock.
The handles were loose and wiggly, and the bike had lost all but one of its' gear options, but it still was a vital part of Blue's day and current side-job. Fridays were recycling day which meant that most people would have put out their bits and bobs out either the night before or this morning as the truck came relatively early. Thus as he rode out unto the sidestreets, Blue had already prepared by looping a few compact garbage bags around the bike's handle, ready to unfurl at a moment's notice. Aside from literal trash picking for aluminum cans - a popular drink container in the city - scrap metal and litter were scooped up too. Anything helped at the end of the day.
In a short couple of hours as the sun started to grace the graying sky and the city stirred, Blue's bike was now stuffed with several full bags of crumpled cans, wires, and a much smaller pouch filled with a few ten and fifty Zeni coins he'd found on the street. Now's all that was left to do was to take the ride across town to the recycling plant and exchange his treasure. Considering how large the haul had been today, Blue guestimated that he'd get a 1000 Bill if he was lucky, enough to cover light meals for two days if rationed. Though as per usual misfortune was sure to find him - the chain of his bike snagging suddenly and sending the boy toppling to the pavement in a jumbled mess as a couple of bags split open, spilling their contents onto the sidewalk and street. Groaning and scraped, Blue moved to gather what he could and move it out of the way in short order.