KiwiBaer

A City on Fire

@PM
I promise I haven't forgotten about Wanda, I'm just awaiting Rune's reply before I respond with Kestrel~

A City on Fire

Rook

Bobby watched with nervous eyes, all of Liam's actions cause for great concern as she continuously had to re-assess her situation and the possible danger. Instantly, however, she was discomforted by the word murder, showing a very obvious reaction. Her hands clenched at her side, her chest expanded with a panicked breath and her gaze fled from the sight of the assassin. Just the thought had a clearly aversive effect. A curious reaction for someone who had come personally to speak with the leader of the Royals. The congresswoman had no wish for anyone to die, she couldn't stand what the Royals --and all the other groups in Match as well-- were doing. She just wanted the letters, the death, she needed it to stop before it got any worse. And the words that Liam used against her, where others might have found rousing, they only made her feel sicker. She really was a bleeding heart, dripping all over the rug.

In the face of Liam's collective words, she had remained frozen, unable to even breathe as the Black King moved. He was showing the barely restrained venom of a cobra and every intake had Bobby's lungs filling with miasma. What a shitstorm. "I am offering a quarter of a million dollars for you to stop whoever is doing this." She didn't dare say kill, couldn't trust herself not to gag on the word. This was so far beyond her, she had no idea what she was doing.

Owen, from deep within his chair, let out a scoff he couldn't possibly contain. A quarter mil for a job not even within Match City that would require investigation and planning? What a joke. Only Kestrel and his birdbrains did that for free.

She heard the sound and turned the boy's way, flustered. She wasn't sure what price to pay. At this point, she'd pay just about anything to be allowed to get out of the damn room. It was too much, she was beginning to panic. What was she doing?!

_{@bluetommy2@FantasyChic}

---

Helianthus

The elder assassin was as laconic as ever, his hands buried deep into the pockets of his jeans as he just barely tilted his shoulders her way. He offered the new arrival a small shrug, originating only from one shoulder as he avoided eye contact (more from disinterest than a timid nature). "She's fine." He didn't quite appreciate that this woman felt it appropriate to talk about his girlfriend, when he was hardly a fan of Solanaceae knowing about her at all.

Douglas was fiercely protective of his lover, something he's proven many times before. He didn't trust a soul in Belladonna, not with her life. Yet, Evelynn had this unfortunate trait called curiosity that sent her to come visit him sometimes, to meet the other scary assassins of the first district. He had been tense, unhappy when Evelynn made a point to introduce her to everyone in sight, including Annabelle. He continued to be on edge even as all that happened was Evelynn getting starry-eyed over Annabelle's hair, asking what kind of products she used.

He turned away from the other assassin, back towards the door. He hoped that it would open then, or she would at least get the hint to quiet down. He had nothing against Annabelle, she seemed sweet and Evelynn appeared to have a bit of a crush on her, but he couldn't handle the useless dialogue she searched for. How did it benefit the mission they were called in for? It didn't. Silence was miles more productive, as he saw it.

_@Legion02

A City on Fire

Rook

The bellhop had been about ready to follow his King's orders, puffing up just a bit under the positive attention he had received. A smile just for him and permission to stay present during a seemingly important meeting. He practically glowed from it, which showed as the White Queen appeared behind him. He paused in his attempt to close the door and showed her a sweet smile instead, coupled with a small amount of delighted surprise. He hadn't been expecting her to make it in time. Reaching out, he caught her hand and pulled her inside the office as he let the doors fall shut afterwards. If a little Rook like him was allowed as a witness, it just made sense that the Queen could. He pulled her a few steps in and then released her in favor of finding his own seat.

He flopped down in a big armchair that practically enveloped him in the cushions. He wiggled around, sunk even deeper and pulled his feet up and under him. Jade eyes glittered, tacking in every sight.

Bobby --the Congresswoman hated her name, Roberta sounding ugly to her ears-- glanced over her shoulder at the interactions behind her. She grew a bit nervous as the amount of people in the room increased, adjusting her pin. She rested her hands on her stomach now and tried to hide thee emotions that this whole scenario brought up. The shame at being found in such a place, asking for this favor. The irritation at the man's informality and the fear because she knew what these people were. Her almond skin grew a little heated at his flattery, mostly from further anger at his inappropriate behavior.

She cleared her throat and refused to lie. "It would be foolish to trust a person of your profession. Yet, in this case it seems that I have to trust you with my life." She placed a hand to her forehead and forced a slow breath out before divulging into her story. "For about a month now, I have been receiving threatening letters from an unknown origin. They always say the same thing: that they'll kill me and everything I stand for it I don't 'offer myself' to them." She looked a bit ill then, but brushed it off and started pacing instead. "At first, I thought it was just another lunatic, I've receive similar letters in buckets, so I ignored it."

Once again, she was fiddling with her hair as she struggled to keep herself steady. Her eyes darted away and she looked devastated. Stopping in her movements, she looked to the Black King before moving forward with sharp heeled steps, placing an envelope on Liam's desk. "Then, I received the most recent letter." Her finger tapped against it, hand shaky. "I run a shelter for victims who have suffered violence against them, mostly woman and children of abuse. The men don't like to reach out. But it's a safe place for them. Or it used to be." She closed her eyes and continued, a photograph in her head displaying mutilated remains. "One of the girls there was murdered a day ago, the picture's in the envelope. I tried to go to the police, but they wouldn't believe me. They insisted they had evidence it had been her abuser."

She slammed her hands onto the table then, a loud noise sounding throughout the room, her fingers gripping at the edge firmly as she leaned towards Liam. "Those girls are my life, now they have nowhere to go."

Owen tensed at the noise and frowned, sitting up properly for a moment. He tilted his head as he watched for danger to his leader, or any need to interfere. But it simply appeared that she felt very passionately so he fell back into the plush of the chair with a quiet huff. He started scraping at some left over polish on his nails, thinking about how she would be an easy mark to bleed dry.

"I can't let this person harm my girls and I can't just give myself to them. That would leave the shelter just as ruined!" She drew back with that, standing tall once again. "So, I would like to employ your services to track down and stop whoever is doing this."

_{@bluetommy2@FantasyChic}

---

Kestrel & Fledgling

Fledgling was seated atop one of the generic desks that furnished this area of the Nest, for those that needed to do a bit of research in the course of their hit. They didn't get much use, however; Kestrel was always striving so hard to keep them from having to do the boring parts. Fledgling appreciated that, couldn't sit still long enough to pull up google, let alone get knee deep into research and paperwork. He did regret the way Kestrel --no, Ian-- killed himself for all of them, for his quest. He had been there since the beginning, seen the effect all of it had on their leader and part of it was the anger.

The blonde man rested his cheek on his fist, seeing Ian ad his sister file into the main office. He jumped just a bit when the yelling started, closing one eye against it and sighing. Straightening to a better position, his hands braced against the edge of the table, his tongue darted out to trace at his scar. It was a nervous habit of his. He listened to their words with only reserved interest, just curious enough to beat out his polite indifference. The moment he heard of the missing birds, he started to scan the crowd around him, taking inventory. It was useless. Not everyone was here.

Hayden exited and Fledgling flinched, not from the fury she showed so readily, but from the reddening of her eyes and a promise of possible tears. It was true that nothing could hurt Merlin like her brother could.

Ian called for three of them as was expected, his voice steel and gravel. It was time for damage control. Fledgling bit at his scar once more before pushing off of the desk and walking into the familiar process of a debriefing. He was met with two vaguely familiar face, the newest member --little Pigeon-- and the slightly more experience Owl. Still, he was the supposed senior assassin here, but definitely didn't feel it as he walked over to perch on Kestrel's messy desk, displacing a few files to do so.

Kestrel watched Owl without emotion until she was done, barely holding in his grimace when she called his fight 'entertainment'. The anger was fading though, melting from his blue eyes and he went to sit at his desk. He pinched his nose as he debated even responding to Owl's words. Headache. Again. When Pigeon spoke next, he looked her way and his gaze softened just a small bit further. He rested his hands on the arms of his chair and focused on her entirely, though he began to address the whole room.

"It seems there has been a situation. Two of our members have gone missing after they failed to check in upon completing their last hit: Mockingbird and Sparrow. Merlin has already checked out the scenes and each mission was carried out, but there is not a trace of the two. Which is how it's supposed to be of course, but troublesome." He slowly rose to a stand, going to Fledgling's side and pulling a file out from under him, causing the other man to snicker. He traversed the room and handed the folder to Pigeon. "I believe Mockingbird has a lover in the fourth district. I want you to research her, find out all you can and then very, very very politely ask Familia if you may question her. If they say no, we'll back off and hunt down another lead, understood?"

He turned to Owl next, offering her the slightest bit of a smile now that he didn't want to yell in her face and boot her out. "Owl, I've got a few witnesses that were last in contact with Sparrow. Some are of the unsavory sort, so if any give you trouble, utilize any means to get the information we need. Within the boundaries of not killing or crippling." He paused and then realized he should add. "And no vegetative states."

After handing her the envelope of names and addresses, he pivoted. His attention now on Arrion, the young man was more than relieved that Ian had cooled off and was making proper plans. "Fledgling, you've been to Sparrow's apartment in the past, correct?"

The blonde squirmed at that, one hand reaching for the nape off his neck and rubbing. Honey eyes traced the floor and his response was a nervous mumble. "I mean, yeah… sorta. It was kinda weird though, y'know…"

"I know." Kestrel handed him an address. "Just check it out, get a feel for any drastic changes."

Fledgling accepted the small note hesitantly, tucking it into his pocket and standing from the desk. "Right…" The boy glanced Owl's way and made an offer. "We're probably going in the same direction, want a ride?"

_{@PM@Rune_Alchemist}

---

Helianthus

He smiled against her lips as he guided her deeper into the apartment, their breaths mingling together. Evelynn giggled, arms wrapped around his neck to keep from topping over thanks to his pushing, his hand on her waist aiding in keeping her steady. His free hand closed the door behind them, blindly finding the dead bolt and latching it. Her fingers slid up, fiddling with the hair at the nape of his neck as se was kissing him again, stars in her eyes. She laughed once more as both hands went to her side, rubbing along the curved outline as if he didn't already have it memorized.

"Thirteen minutes." She reminded him, not bothering to pull back so he could feel her words. She was playful but insistent. She didn't want to be late again, couldn’t get too caught up.

His smile grew as he moved to nuzzle at her jaw, stopping them before they collided with the couch. "Mhm." He hummed and dipped down to her neck, trailing his lips there as she sighed. Debated the necessity of being on time.

And then there was a knock at the door that had them both stiffening and then groaning in unison. Her fingers knotted in his hair, immaturely wanting to keep him, make him stay for the next twelve minutes. Knowing better, she released him and sat on the back of the couch, adjusting her makeup in an attempt not to pout like a brat. However, catching sight of his sour expression, she had to laugh again.

"If looks could kill…"

He glanced her way and growled without malice, pinching her cheek before making his way to the exit. "Don't be cute, little monster."

She bared her teeth at him and he felt good enough to smile for a moment. Opening the door now, their suspicions were proven to be correct as a bouquet rested at his doorstep. He swept over the sunflowers to the wolf's bane at the center. He sighed, leaning on the doorframe.

And ten minutes later, he was stepping through the doors of Bellflowers and offering a neutral nod to the cashier. He passed by and went to where he knew he'd find his leader. Knocking once at the door, he slid his hands into his pockets and looked to the ceiling to clear away any remaining resentment from his face. He was on the job now and so, he waited.

_@urukhai

A City on Fire

I just now realized I never made a character sheet for Fledgling, I'm such a loser.

A City on Fire

@Solaris
Yes. This is set within modern day United States, all cities and countries are still present. I just pulled a DC Comics and made up a few new ones.

A City on Fire

@Solaris
Yeah, sorry about that. I don't know enough about your character to do anything but introduce the shitstorm that's taken over the groups XD

A City on Fire

The first post is up!

I'm not sure I liked how all of it turned out, but I'm still very sick and very tired. I'm probably gonna take a nap now, but I hope y'all can work with this. Let me know if you see any issues.

A City on Fire

A C I T Y O N F I R E C H A P T E R 1

Belladonna: We'll Fight You For the Rose Garden

The news first reached him on a Monday, after a slow weekend. Doctor Arthur Molian was confronted by a bouquet of flowers reverently awaiting for him, resting daintily on top of his desk. Being the leader of an organization of murderous florists and general plant enthusiasts, it was not an unusual occurrence for him to receive a bouquet of flowers from time to time. Though it was never for the innocent reasons proper members of society might be gifted such an organism. Still, this one was much different than the usual request for him to review a particularly harrowing looking case and that was obvious from the moment he caught sight of the flowers.

These indigo colored bells were known by many names. Aconitum being the first. Wolf's bane, monkshood, devil's helmet, the Queen of all poisons. There it rested upon his desk, not only as a callout directly to him through his patron flower, but also a warning, a promise of future danger.

Held up by the heads of two blooms, a white envelope stood starkly against the flowers, with the leader's name written in golden calligraphy. There were no indications of where it was from, though the situation alone left many assumptions to be made. Upon opening the envelope and reading the letter contained with in, the enigmatic origin of this gift was quite rapidly cleared up. It had come from one of Arthur's "friends" within City Hall, a man who oversaw many of the Parks projects that had sent the first sector of Match City into the blooming beauty it was known for today. His name was Percy and under most requirements he was a pleasant enough man, except perhaps his fondness for chewing tobacco which left an unpleasant residue on his teeth and a frequent inclination to spit on the ground. A single father, he also had a weakness to his daughter's wishes and her desire to reach for higher education sent him right into the Doctor's hands. He kept Belladonna informed and his daughter would get her diploma without a debt to cripple her future.

The note was quite messy and there was a thumb-shaped stain on one corner that smelled of his addiction. It seemed to have been written in a rush and took much longer to read as some words were practically illegible. Still, the most upsetting thing about it was definitely the contents of the letter, spelling out a crisis that had risen within the Parks and Recreation department. It appeared that a very rich organization of men from district three was working to purchase the land surrounding one of the city's public parks in the hopes to privatize it and profit. This land included a relatively small rose garden that was gifted to the assassin group from an elderly man who commissioned a hit from Belladonna, asking for revenge for his granddaughter's boss. A man who had molested and fired her. Of course, the money was the important part of the deal, but the man still felt indebted even after the full price was met and offered up the garden.

Now, it seemed that the land was being contested and City Hall was wavering towards the money held beneath their nose.

_@urukhai

---

Avia: They Flew The Coup

Kestrel was seething with rage. Any member of Avia within the Nest could tell, had seen him stalk by them on his way into his office, had heard the slam of his door. They could still feel it reverberating in their bones. It had taken a minute or two, but Merlin had fluttered by the quickly forming crowd around the office and slipped inside after him. She had sent a quick glare around the group before entering, telling them to beat it but no one bothered to listen. Hayden may have been second in command, but she didn’t have the kind of authority Kestrel demanded. It was obvious whenever she had the energy to follow through with her threatening hisses or would simply pass by without drama, leaving the assassins to cluster even closer to the firmly closed door.

The yelling was muffled, but held the venom that Kestrel so rarely bared, one that could still poison veins even through walls and doors. The moment the first words sounded, astonished whispers were soon to follow as professional killers descended into schoolyard gossip. "Why was I not informed of this yesterday, Hayden?! Does it not strike you as the least bit of importance?! That maybe, just maybe I should have been told that two members of our organization had… disappeared?!"

Avia had seen the way Hayden responded to her brother's anger in the past, so different from anyone else's. Usually, she would rise up to the challenge, puffed out and ready to strike back with violence instead of words, not tolerating any form of insubordination against herself. However, when he brother turned to fire and brimstone, she was a meek soul, cringing against the flame. Her fingers would clench, but remain at her side while her eyes closed and she listened. Relented. Her long hair would shade her face.

She was quiet, their audience barely able to catch it when she spoke. "I know, Ian. I'm sorry, but we weren't sure until this morning-"

She was not permitted to finish. "So you gave them a head start instead and left me utterly in the dark." He laughed and it was cruel, tormenting her. "I hope you're embarrassed, Hayden! You've behaved like a fool." His voice dropped too low to be heard then and it was to be assumed that she was dismissed as she was quick to exit the office.

This time, she had the angry to lash out, flashed it towards the whole crowd with reddened eyes. While a few reared back and others held in snarls of response, she shoved her way through them. She stalked her way up the stairs of the building, where her own personal room was and left the leader of Avia glaring through the open doorway. He caught sight of the spectators and the temperature of the room took a very sudden dive.

He stepped out, pointing at the first three assassins he saw, jabbing his finger back into his office to motion for them to head that way. "Fledgling, Owl, Pidgeon. Get in here."

_{@Rune_Alchemist@PM}

---

Royals: Better The Devil You Know

The young bellhop named Owen was sunshine and sugar as he peeked his head through the Black King's door. He had knocked dutifully before entering and his big grin fell to a more respectful smile in the face of his leader. His shoulder was momentarily obscured and he held back a small bit as he introduced the next appointment. "The congresswoman is here to see you, sir. Mrs. Roberta Gilliam." He looked behind him after saying this, a quick whispered command and then a gasp as a professionally dressed woman stalked her way into the room past him. The Rook followed her fretfully, having failed to stop her though he could have quite easily. He wasn't sure if his King wanted him to hurt her yet.

She centered herself within Liam's office, shoulders firmly squared and her hands on her small hips. She was a fairly slight woman, seeming smaller than the boy who had escorted her inside, so she used boy language and volume to make herself big. Such a trick awarded her the title Bitch Queen of Prewland by some of her fellow congressmen. Her general obtuse and haughty behavior making her not particularly well-liked amongst most populations. Yet, she was honest and was truly making great leaps into many social issues that further divided opinions on her.

She did not wait for Liam to speak as she crossed her arms behind her back and quickly described the situation. "Listen, I won't waste any time at all. I'm sure you are aware of my position on this rotten city of yours as it is not a positive one. However, sometimes in the pursuit of good, one must dig straight into the mud and hunt out the lesser of two evils. I have come for you and your… people for help in a very sensitive issue. I assume you would like to know the details before you agree, but let me say that I would be moronic not to. A relationship between the two of us is a treasure trove you should not pass up."

She paused for a moment in her speech, as if realizing how aggressive her position was coming across. She adjusted the pin in her raven black hair and cleared her throat. For a moment, there was fear there. She was in a snakes den, caught between a rock and a hard places as they say. Out of options. In the next moment, she was hiding her desperation with a smooth, steadying breath.

"Before I divulge further and reveal sensitive information, I’d like to at least ensure your interest. So tell me, are you willing to consider me as one of your… clients?"

Owen watched from the doorway, his hands still resting upon the door knobs to Liam's study. He had yet to be dismissed and curiosity kept him standing there, hovering. He watched his leader with bright eyes, wondering if he would meet this once proud woman's request with mockery, insult or perhaps even mirth. He hoped anger, his gaze sparked with the excitement of a fight.

_@bluetommy2

---

Familia: We Will Not Stand For This

Casey was silent when he greeted the Empress with a tray of refreshments, a teapot and many other associated objects balanced atop it. His eyes were down and his breathing was fast, shamelessly showing his fear for the aged woman. Still, he kept himself steady and his hands did not shake, he was learning, adapting to her and attempting to be stronger for her and her cause.

He straightened his back after his set the tray down beside her. Lifting up the teapot, he extracted the file from beneath it and handed it out to his leader with a quiet. "An officer requested this be delivered to you, ma'am." He swallowed and went to busy himself with preparing a proper drink to allow her to read it.

Inside first and foremost were pictures. Three young woman at first, but then more could be seen when the papers were shifted, tucked into various places throughout. There were ones of their faces, then their bodies to show the damage done. Living, but destroyed as the bruises attested to the internal blight that had been injected into them. One stark similarity was obvious, the awful brand that was burned into their skin on the highest point of their upper arms. It was a skull.

The details of the case followed with words. That young woman were being targeted and it was uncertain how many had actually been attacked. But they were raped, branded and then abandoned in a district one park, left to wander their way home or to the nearest hospital. The leads were zero, which was why it had fallen to your hands, an earnest note from one of the officers begging Familia to protect the girls of this city. There was no doubt that they needed it.

_@Keksalot

---

Black Cats: Another Cat In the Yard

A middle aged detective stared down the damp alleyway, grinding a spearmint stick against his molars. He had quit smoking a year ago, when he had decided he'd let the city kill him before his habit did. Still, in stressful times like these, he kind of missed the fire in his lungs. On days like these where he thought maybe the cancer would be better than Match's malice. This sector left no mercy, practically the disease itself.

And he knew it was about to get worse. The young girl, ME she says but so infantile she must be on a damn field trip from one of the high schools, she was the one to deliver the bad news. She didn't even know why he grieved as she held up the dark feather to the flashing camera lights all around, picked it up from the gunshot wound itself where it dripped crimson. He shook his head, grumbled out a "hurry up and bag it before anyone else notices. This is out of our jurisdiction." and turned his back to her.

He mourned the days he could fold into his cigarette, body hunching over it to protect from the wind. Now he just filed down his own teeth and stared down the street. They were close, damn close to the edge of the downtown area. District two was within sight. Someone was trying to cause problems in a way he just wasn't paid enough for.

-

The news hit the streets in a matter of hours, the feather on full display. The story was shown on the large television towards the back of the Black Cat Lounge. Cross wasn't quite fond of it, but it kept many of the members happy and she preferred them happy-- they didn't break her shit. Still, she could watch it sometimes in the mirror, see the stories that caught her interest and this one… this one definitely did.

She straightened, heart beating a little faster with worry of what might happen next. "Uh… Boss…?"

_@Sohtem

A City on Fire

@PM
C'est parfait! Send him on over!

EDIT: I'll send you the details about Black Cats as well then.

A City on Fire

@Solaris
As I had said, I am attempting to get it out as soon as possible. I'm aiming for within the next two days, but outside forces are making it difficult. I'm also hoping that everyone who hasn't gotten around to it will make sure they get the CS's in, but will not be waiting for everyone.

Late CS's will still be accepted, however, but for my sake please get them in soon?