RestlessBlue
Snowdrops
The Savant
flux
Yankee
Estylwen
Visyn
sovlereign
ChronicleMan
Half PintGLADE'S APARTMENT
Glade turned around to the Midnight Man, sitting in his kitchen - at his table, as if he hadn’t just walked into his place without invitation.
He bit his tongue on swearing out loud, and he could feel Bard rumble at the back of his head; but the meds were working and keeping him under wraps, at least.
”That admittedly sounds like something I would do.” Glade admitted when Ezra mentioned that he had left the door open, he came inside pretty hastily.
His eyes moved down to the cups of coffee and muffins, he was surprised he had clean cups to serve coffee in in the first place but he gave a small sigh outwards.
”I’m… technically not a psychotic.” He spoke outwards as he moved to sit across from Ezra at his table, he wasn’t sure how to explain Bard and everything, nor did he really want to give up one of his biggest secrets.
”A job hm?” He asked before he nodded once gently, ”I won’t turn down an ability to get money at the moment. Plus if you’re offering breakfast, I can’t really refuse.”
Not with how bad my bread is right now. He thought to himself tiredly, Not having to pay to eat sounds good…
Ezra's fluorescent eye curled up at that, and he gestured to the food. [color=lightgray]”Why don't you take a few bites then, and I'll… explain, what I'm looking for.”[color]
As Glade would begin to settle, Ezra leaned forward in his seat, gloved hands interlocking as they rested on the table.
”I'm aware of your talents. I'm also aware of your gyft.
“I have a gig for you tonight. However, you'll be hooked up with a Bluetooth device. While you perform, I also want you to look through the CCTV you'll be connected to, and see if you can find any secrets for me. And you'll dine in respectable company, of course.
“Does… $20,000 (2 Wealth) for the whole job sound fair?”
Glade reached for one of the muffins as Ezra started speaking again, taking a bite as he started to explain what he wanted. He took a sip of the black coffee and winced slightly; he admittedly was never used to black coffee.
”20k?” Glade almost choked on the final bite as Ezra offered the payment for the job. He was surprised that he knew about his Gyft, but didn’t question it at this point, he was still baffled by the offer.
”That… That’s much more than an over-payment for a gig, honestly.” Glade offered with a small chuckle, ”But with the added need to look through the CCTV, I can definitely give it a go.” He paused for a moment, ”Will the CCTV contain sound as well? It will be a bit harder for me to perform while looking, but admittedly I have done it before.”
Ezra nodded, ”Yes, there would be sound. And the fact you've done it before makes you the perfect man for the job.”
He pulled at the inside of his suit jacket, procuring a cheque book and a pen. The sound of a pen scratching paper suffused the room momentarily before Ezra tore off the page and pushed it across the table to Glade.
”Ten thousand now, ten thousand when the job is complete. I’ll expect you to be dressed in your finest for the Golden Palace later this evening. I'll have a limousine pick you up at 5:45 PM.”
The Golden Palace. Just to get a reservation to the place was at least three months booking in advance. Not to mention the extravagant prices.
Ezra stood, adjusting his cuff before eying the table. ”You are welcome to my helping as well. A little extra coffee is good for the mind, after all.”
He placed his card on the table. ”If you need anything meanwhile, that's my number. Good day.”
And with that, Ezra opened Glade's front door and stepped out, shutting it softly behind him.
Ezra left, Glade sat at the table still half in shock. His eyes moved back to the muffins as his stomach rumbled. He looked at the cheque, he’d be able to cash it quickly and get some things for the house and himself with this money.
Gods, even another good month or two's prescription to keep Bard down until he was needed. Fuck, things were going good…
ASTERION'S INVITATION
After the battle at Yellow Brick had concluded, perhaps some time in the afternoon, a letter embossed in gold leaf and perfumed with Versace was delivered to the receptionist at the Kairo Skyscraper.
”Please see this reaches Mr. Kairo.” The well-dressed and well-meaning courier would say before they left back out the door.
The contents within the letter were hand-penned in elegant cursive one would expect to see in Pride and Prejudice.
Mr. Kairo,
May I extend my most sincere congratulations on your victory today. Your thirst for power has caught my eye, and I feel that we might be able to benefit each other.
I would invite you to dinner, the Golden Palace, at the edge of your Nickel district. I will provide the entertainment and the company. You're welcome to bring a plus one.
See you at 6:30 PM.
~ The Dark AcesReading that letter along with Juniper already harassing him about going out was unsettling. The Dark Aces were clearly watching him and he was wondering why. A clear statement of his thirst for power but there had to be other reasons. There was always another reason in the equation of why’s.
He couldn’t bring Krish and he doubted the man would want to go — getting dressed up was not that ex-street kids thing. He thought about Varek but he knew Varek was usually busy and he was pretty sure the man had a big family of sorts. Always something going on so he didn't bother him. Elara would think it was a date or something more and he didn’t want to lead the poor girl on. That left Zarek and Juniper for the most part — Zarek instantly said no. He was not interested in going somewhere fancy or somewhere at all that night. Juniper had been begging all day so he caved in. “Let us go to the Golden Palace, we have an invitation with another district leader,” He showed her the letter.
PICKING UP GLADE
At approximately forty-five minutes to six, a limousine was parked outside Glade’s apartment. The chauffeur stepped out, buzzing Glade's suite number. He would wait patiently for Glade to arrive, and then open the back passenger door for him.
Glade was still flabbergasted on the entire thing happening, he was in his dingy bathroom as he fixed up his hair and his clothes.
The money Ezra gave him got him a better set of attire for the Golden Palace, he couldn’t show up in his normal raggedy gear that he normally worked in! Not for something like this, this was big.
He donned a dark blue suit shirt, covered up by a smart looking light grey vest; he had his guitar over his shoulder as gelled his hair and got ready. He breathed out slowly, this was insane. Not just going to the fucking Golden Palace, but working for the Midnight Man?
He could feel Bard chuckling in the back of his head at the mere idea, the Midnight Man was known all across Nocturnia, and if he wanted Glade to stir up some trouble, then Bard would be more than happy to let him do so.
Glade leaned down to fix his shiny dark blue shoes and cover the tops of them with his black suit pants. He pulled himself up from the leaning position and looked at himself in the mirror. He hadn’t been cleaned up like this for a while, but dayam he was feeling good looking.
He couldn’t help but grin to himself before his door buzzed.
Shit, that time already?
You spent all day shopping, idiot.
Fuck off, we have a full fridge and pantry currently, AND new digs! You can’t complain about that!
Hopefully blood will be easy to wash off these ones then, hm?
Suck a dick.
He moved to the door, smiling softly to the Chauffeur as he was led to the car, hopping in to the seat offered to him and placing his guitar beside him.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Glade spoke, unable to stop himself from saying it out loud. He could hear Bard laughing slightly at his words.
Once in a lifetime, don’t fuck it up kiddo.
Oh shut it, Just don’t try anything tonight.
Unless we run into trouble, then you’ll plead for me to take control, right? Hah, I’ll be on my ‘best’ behavior.
”Mm, yes, it's the big leagues, isn't it?” Said a sweet, melodic voice from across the car floor.
The limousine back had the seats facing each other. So, it wasn't entirely impossible for Glade to miss noticing a woman relaxing on the seat opposite of him. In the low light, it was possible to see that her skin sparkled, and her dress was incredibly high-class, with a long trail that she had collected to the side of her high-heeled feet. The fur scarf and fascinator hat further added to her look. She smiled as she looked at him.
”My name is Ayla Sephone, I will be working with you tonight.”
She leaned over, handing him a small black device with a tiny blinking blue light.
”Put this in your pocket. Tapping into this with your gyft will connect you to the site we want you to scan. Don't start until we have our guest well and relaxed - it is uncertain whether their system can detect… anomalies.”
Glade flinched when Ayla spoke, “Holy fuck-” He caught himself before he breathed out slowly, “Sorry, I wasn’t expecting anyone else in here.” He smiled sheepishly.
Holy shit she’s Sparkly.
Hopefully she’s not gonna try and take your blood. Bard added onto his thoughts with a soft chuckle, Glade glanced to the window with furrowed brows to see Bard grinning back at him as his reflection.
You’re a fucking idiot.
I came from your head, I know what you read growing up. He winked from the reflection before Glade gave a heavy sigh and looked back towards Alaya.
“I don’t believe we’ve been acquainted.” Glade said gently, offering her his hand to shake, “Glade Brey, it’s a pleasure.”
She gave him a gentle but substantial handshake back, ”Charmed, Mr. Brey.”
He hesitated for a moment, “And I guess if you meet him, the other guy is Bard. He’s a psychopath when he wants to be, but he’s generally tolerable.” He gave a laugh, “He won’t be here unless we run into trouble.”
He took the little device that the woman handed to him, looking it over with a slight raise of his eyebrow before he nodded with a smile. “Cool. I’ve only done bluetooth tapping once in the past, it’ll be interesting to do it again.” He admitted with a grin, “I assume that Ezra has told you everything he knows about me?”
Ayla nodded smoothly, ”I know enough, and don't worry, your talents are a secret on these fastened lips.”
He raised an eyebrow as he looked up towards Ayla, “You have impeccable tastes in shiny things, by the way.” He said with a smile, “Whoever does your wardrobe may need to get ready for me to come pester them for some deals on some work clothes.”
Fucking Magpie
We like to be flashy! It catches attention!
And the crystal collection that you refuse to sell to get more money then?
...No comment.
There was a small smile on Ayla's face, as if she was touched. ”I have an in-house stylist. When our evening is complete, I'll give you their contacts.”
Ayla leaned a little forward in her seat, as if she was about to tell Glade a secret. ”I know you're a natural, but tonight, the more relaxed and ‘in your skin’ you are, the more successful we will be.
“And I hope you don't catch star-struck-ness easily. Our guest we'll be entertaining tonight is none other than the Asterion Kairo.
“So, when you’re looking through his Kairo Skyscraper via the device, any hints you glean into his affairs would be… most delightful.”
Glade winced slightly as Ayla leaned towards him but nodded as she spoke. “Relaxed, I can do that.” He said with a small smile, “I’m not too nervous about things at the moment, I’m well dressed, Ezra gave me some cash up front so I was able to stock my house full of food.”
He leaned back into his seat as he was finished saying his sentence, “I don’t think I’ve been ‘In my Skin’ as much as I have been now really.” He looked at her as she spoke about the guest they were entertaining.
He raised an eyebrow as he let out a bit of a whistle, “Mr. Kairo? Wow, I’ll have to pull out the good songs then.” He gave a bit of a cocky grin.
“Normally I do originals, but since Mr. Kairo hasn’t asked for any specific secrets from anyone else, I might have to rely on covers. But I’m sure no one will really mind that, will they?” he asked, “Unless, of course there’s something that Ezra wants me to sing about?”
Ayla softly shook her head, leaning back in her seat. ”He would have had a busy day. Love songs, anything sweet and down tempo. Those will do the trick.”
ARRIVING AT THE GOLDEN PALACE
Ah, yes. The Golden Palace. One of not just Nickel's gems, but Nocturnia's, attracting people from all over the city.
As the time wound to 6:30 PM, the restaurant, with its refined air and posh atmosphere, waited for its star guests of the evening.
It took about three hours to talk Asterion into going out and another two or three hours before they would actually get to the Golden Palace though they still arrived on time, at least the stated time the letter had. The man wanted to stay curled up and hidden in his penthouse at the top of the tower but Juniper would not leave him the hell alone. It was about half an hour of ignoring the woman until she got too annoying, then about an hour of arguing with each other on why or [/i]why not[/i] about going out, before getting into more pleasant conversations and Asterion agreeing to go out.
“I am so glad you said yes. You need to get out more,” Juniper was excited that Asterion agreed even if he wasn’t feeling well or one-hundred-percent. “Plus, I have wanted to wear this dress since my mother gifted it to me but it is too fancy for most things,” she continued to talk while they walked by each other. Her dress was green velvet and mesh fabrics.
Asterion glanced, “You look very pretty in that dress,” the tone of his voice sounded slightly tired along with hints of pain under the surface. After the raid of Yellowbrick, he was out of energy, and he truly did not want to do anything else. He didn’t want to come out in public and play pretend… he sighed while walking through the doors with Juniper. Being greeted by someone who instantly knew it was him and leading them to a table. He tried matching Juniper the best he could with his suit though he had nothing that hit the spot. She seemed happy that he was at least coming out and she was surprised he got dressed up for it — June truly didn’t think he would do much.
Pulling out her chair and letting her sit down, he pushed her chair in so she could sit at the table properly, and he sat on the other side. A table for four, interestingly. They were also located on the second floor, overlooking the ground floor and the round stage below.
The waitress came by quite quickly and asked if they wanted anything to drink and any appetizers while setting down waters for the both of them.
“Do you have any Hundred Acre Ark Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon?” he casually asked while gently smiling at the waitress. The woman nodded and wrote it down on her pad before looking at June who seemed surprised, overwhelmed, and unsure. “Thank you, I will just have water,” she quickly said.
Asterion rolled his eyes, “The bottle of wine will be fine, thank you,” the waitress smiled then left them to their own doings. He glanced over to June and chuckled slightly, “You wanted to go out so badly but you seem so starstruck,” he teased.
“I didn’t know we would be coming here,” she whispered a little bit aggressively. “It is nice to wear this dress and it is nice to get you out of your cave but now that I am here. I feel like a fake. Like I am dressing up for Halloween except with higher stakes and everyone knows I shouldn’t be wearing this dress or sitting here,” she admitted her anxiety.
He shook his head negatively while looking around the restaurant, “You have every right to be wearing that dress and sitting here as everyone else in this place has. Stop worrying and just relax,” his eyes went to look around before getting distracted by June again.
“I feel like a fake though,” she kept her voice low.
Asterion’s dark eyes glanced over to her, “Just tell people you are a prostitute and you wanted a fun time,” he joked which caused Juniper’s face to twist and redden.
“That is not funny, Asterion. Do not say that, someone could hear you,” she was trying to keep her voice low as he chuckled while looking around. Nothing was looking off balance or out of the ordinary for the Golden Palace. He was scanning for assassins or other dangerous situations.
”Yes, someone could.” Said a soft voice with a humorous lilt.
From their left side, coming up the spiral staircase was a waitress guiding the third guest of the night: a woman with skin like diamonds and a flowing mermaid dress where, interestingly, the greens matched those of Asterion's and June's.
The woman took a seat opposite of June, adjacent to Asterion. She adjusted her trailing dress so it was tucked neatly to the side, and pulled her fur scarf a little closer as it lay around her arms, smiling softly.
”You’ll have to excuse our fourth guest. They will be performing tonight before they join us.”
Then she raised a little out of her seat, extending a hand to Asterion. ”Ayla Sephone, I'm honoured to meet you in person.”
Asterion seemed to side eye the woman when she sat down adjacent to him — he didn’t care for it but he said nothing — his eyes glanced over to June who seemed a little nervous. Then he looked back at the unfamiliar woman, “Hopefully, they do not take too long, because I am not planning on being here all night.”
His twilight eyes looked down at her hand before reaching out with his own that was gloved at the moment with brown leather gloves. He shook her hand with a pleasant squeeze, “Asterion Kairo.” Sadly, he could not say the same for her or the fourth guest. There was no understanding of this meeting except for the desire to meet and the possible interest.
Ayla turned to June, her eyes gracing up and down her features. ”And who is the lovely lady you've brought with you tonight?”
June glanced at Asterion as if she was asking for permission to speak before he let gentle curls shape a faint smile and she looked back at the woman, “Juniper, but you can call me June. Like everyone else does,” she smiled almost shyly. It was odd being out of her element — the medical field.
The waitress returned with the bottle of Hundred Acre wine, resting in a wide vase of ice. It was placed gently on the table. And, with the upside down wine glasses already set on the table, Asterion had everything he would need to enjoy.
The waitress turned to Ayla, pen and pad at the ready. ”Macallan Speymalt, please. The bottle.”
The waitress nodded, turned, and left, leaving the table to enjoy the luxurious atmosphere. Ayla turned her head slightly, sparkles glinting across her cheeks as she appraised Asterion.
”I appreciate you meeting with me on such short notice. I understand you've had a, let's say, busy day.”
“Mhm…” the broadcasting might have alerted everyone of how busy a day the man had. Only hours ago, he was covered in blood, and brutally executing people on a live broadcast that overtook the T.V. stations people were watching because he wanted to make a point. Now, he was sitting here, freshened up, and looking like he never committed a war crime in his life. He was not in the mood to socialize or talk very much. The day had put him into a difficult situation personally and impersonally.
Before her attention turned to June. ”Now, what is you do for work? Unless you're here as Mr. Kairo's eye candy for the evening?” She said, softly teasing.
The darker woman shrugged, “I am a doctor, a lead medic at the clinics in the Nickel district,” she sounded way more confident and less shy when she was talking about her profession.
Ayla nodded. ”Impressive. You lead a noble life, Miss June.”
Asterion glanced at Juniper because he did hint that he wasn’t sure who they were speaking with or why. That she needed to be careful about answering questions and giving too much away though he said nothing about that now. Glancing at the woman, “And what do you do?”
An intrigued glint shone in Ayla's eyes, and she nodded, prepared to respond. She, however, heard the soft footsteps of the waitress returning, and fell into silence, merely smiling as her bottle was brought. It was a beautiful amber color, with a crystal whiskey glass to go with it.
”Are you ready to order, sir and madams?” The waitress asked.
Ayla turned her head up, nodding, ”I believe we are. Our fourth guest will have the steak. I'll take today’s soup. And, you two?” Her head turned to Asterion and June.
The man glanced at June who smiled and looked at the waitress, “I will have the house salad with grilled chicken, please,” she looked at Asterion who seemed disinterested in everything. His eyes moved to the waitresses face who was smiling and his own was plain and expressionless, “I will not be eating tonight, thank you,” he lost his appetite when he was joined at the table by a stranger that wanted to do the fake appraisals and talk business. This caused June to frown. Ayla tilted her head, before she canceled her own order.
The waitress nodded, and withdrew. In the moderate silence that followed, Ayla opened her bottle and poured out a bit of liquid honey in her glass. The aroma was rich with notes of brown sugar.
She swirled the viscous liquid in her glass before glancing back at Asterion. ”Yes, where are my manners. I am the Midnight Man's consigliere, I work closely with him in endeavors that could prove… profitable, to the business.”
She raised her glass gently. ”A toast! To your good fortune, and to a profitable evening.”
Asterion was beginning to feel like he was in a mood and he stared at the woman as she raised her glass and requested a toast. “We have different opinions about good fortune, I will politely decline toasting over such events. It was a tragedy more than anything,” the man looked away while looking over the lip and down at the stage. To the performer, specifically the individual who he assumed was the fourth guest of the night.
“I’m sorry about him. He didn’t really want to come out at all,” June forced a light smile before looking over to Asterion who seemed lost in space. The music was not really his thing so his eyes ended up going other places in the restaurant.
”Understandable.” Ayla said smoothly, before her eyes turned to the stage.
The lights dimmed, and a spotlight was shone on the stage below. The performance was about to start…
Glade had used the extra time to get properly ready as he ruffled a hand through his hair before he stepped out onto the stage, the little device hidden away in his suits inner pocket - He was glad he decided on getting that, he was originally gonna have it for smokes or his pills, but it was coming in handy even more.
Ready? Bard asked quietly in Glade’s head as the lights started to dim as he stepped out on stage before the spotlight shone down on him.
As ready as I ever am. He thought back, giving a small smile to the scene in front of him, moving his hand away from the neck of the guitar to grab the mic stand.
”It’s a Pleasure to see all of you here at the Golden palace tonight! I am Glade Brey, and I am extremely happy to be entertaining everyone tonight.” He spoke into the mic carefully, shifting his voice into his stage voice; it was softer, calmer and more suave than the voice that Ayla had heard from in the car.
”I just wanted to remind you guys, while the shows’ going on; I’ll unlikely hear you guys, so any requests will have to be after the main performance!” He spoke, his usual explanation to when he was using his powers, it definitely kept his Gyft on the downlow unless someone knew what he could do, but he kept his Gyft hidden for the most part.
He moved his hand away from the Mic as he started to strum his guitar, using his feet to press the buttons on the sound system to get the rhythm in from the other instruments he had recorded before. He was proud of what he was able to do to be his ‘one man’ band.
Love songs. He reminded himself as he strummed his starting song, it wasn’t a love song, but he knew that everyone loved it.
Glade closed his eyes and breathed in for a moment, clearing his mind as he started to strum a bit more; starting his first song.
It was a warm up song for Glade, but it did hold a bit of truth behind the lyrics. He waited until he was in the first verse before he tapped into the bluetooth system in his pocket, his eyes glimmering an electric blue for a moment; but he had special contacts in so most couldn’t see it happen unless they were properly looking for something like this.
His eyesight darkened slowly, before opening up to the camera feed he was hooked up into. It was a strange feeling, being away from his body like this. He admitted to himself he was happy to have a ‘co-pilot’ in his body when he used this gyft of his, Bard knew all of the cords, lyrics and everything needed to perform while he was watching the cameras; but of course Bard couldn’t see or hear while he was in control when watching either, but he knew the ins and outs of Glade’s body.
One of the first things that Glade would have been able to see was the entrance cameras to the Kairo Skyscraper — Mitzie was at the desk. She smiled and waved to two individuals who were walking in. Voices were lower on the security recordings but if one focused in they could definitely hear the majority of what would be said. “Hello you two! Welcome back!”
Elara smiled, “Thank you, Mitzie,” and the man she was with, a blonde who had a better physique than most. Varek. They walked through the public area before entering a stairwell which had no recordings in it. Though a few floors up, he would have noticed them come out of a door. The woman’s hands moved as she spoke, “[color=ffffff]I think Flint Weathersteel, the man Asterion met with the other night, he set us up, he had to, because who else would have been able to say anything? Asterion’s plans were all last minute, made after ten that night, and somehow by noon — Glyde was ready and knew we were coming? Plus, he captured Krish and almost killed him. There is no way we are not being double crossed by that man and his crew,[/cololor]” she was bitching up a storm to Varek as Varek nodded and stayed silent for the most part.
“I do not know Flint Weathersteal and I don’t know what they talked about, but I can’t say for sure that he set us up or not. If he did, Asterion will find out, and he will pay for it, but I doubt the man did. Maybe Glyde got Krish to talk. They probably tortured him all night,” Varek explained as they continued to walk down the hall.
Glade felt his eyebrows raised as he moved through his songs, he tried his best to focus on the words being said through the cameras.
He did his best to remember everything said, moving to finish his final song; he usually finished off with a much softer song than this one, but he was feeling a bit spicy tonight, and he needed a bit more time to get the last bits of information he needed.
This is weird.
You’re telling me.
You think they’ll give us food for performing?
I could only hope so, I’m starving.
Glade wasn’t sure about any of the names he was hearing, he understood Asterions name of course; but this ‘Glyde’ and ‘Krish’ were people he didn’t know.
During the last song, more secrets were uncovered.
The more that Glade would have looked around, the more he would have seen. He would have noticed workers that looked more like scientists entering an elevator on what appeared to be a higher floor but unsure how high of a floor and they seemed to be going down instead of up. They were talking about something though their voices were so low that one could possibly only make out something that included Asterion’s name and whatever “state” he was in.
Elara would have separated from Varek, she would have gone to a floor and a double door before opening it. It looked like a comfortable room that was fashioned into a private hospital. Through the double door opening and closing, one would see a man who was asleep in a bed with long red hair. He looked like he had a rough time. Bandages were around his body, padding in certain places to keep him comfortable, the echoing sounds of monitors recording his vitals could be heard, and he was definitely in recovery — “Are you awake, Krish?” Elara called out before the door closed.
Another group of people would be able to be seen hanging out in a common area on one of the floors of the Kairo Skyscraper talking about a “broken” gatling gun. How they were all curious and wondering what the Kairo Empire would do with it. Someone jokingly said the science nerds would probably rise up and take them all out.
Earlier in the day, Asterion would have come back from the invasion, talking on the phone with someone. Keeping his voice low and almost soundless. He would have entered another elevator than Varek and Elara did — getting to the same place in the end. Ending up walking up to those two double doors and opening them up. Asterion wouldn’t have been able to control his emotions at all and would have begun sobbing seeing Krish in such a state and knowing he was stable before going into the room.
The night before, Glade would notice two fancily dressed individuals showing up to Kairo Skyscraper a little before ten in the evening and being greeted by Mitzie. They would have been led to another elevator which would have taken them into a stairwell before taking them to another elevator before they disappeared for a while. He would have noticed that a younger woman would have been escorted to the same hallway and elevator by Elara before they returned her to an unknown floor after a while. Then he would have noticed the two fancy guests leaving.
An hour or so after those guests, a woman wearing very selective clothing had shown up, and talked to Mitzie — introducing herself as “Emilia” — and a quick conversation on the phone got the woman to go up an elevator, the same one Elara and Varek took when talking about Flint Weathersteel, and she went into the same placed for the most part before disappearing for hours before being led out somewhere else by Asterion himself. They continued to have flirtatious banter and talk to each other.
Shit, this is a lot Glade thought to himself, he wondered if the bluetooth device would record what he saw as well, but he knew he’d be able to get most of what he saw out when asked about it.
He couldn’t help but feel a bit sorry for Asterion, he seemed so hurt by seeing this person injured like he was. Why was there a hospital in the building like that?
Did they have permission to do stuff like that?
Fuck, did they need permission for that?
The scientists, what were they there for? Shit, what kind of operation was Asterion working?
Fuck, what was he getting himself into?
As the performance concluded, Ayla gave a standing ovation, clapping her hands delicately. The room was in a roar - the audience was thoroughly impressed.
After a few moments, she waved down a waitress and gestured to the stage. As Glade would head to the back of the stage, the same waitress would find him. When he was ready, she would guide him to Ayla, Asterion, and June on the second floor.
Glade gave a heavy sigh as he finally got off stage, disconnecting from the Bluetooth Device and almost slumped onto the nearby couch, before he spotted the waitress out of the corner of his eyes.
Oh, Food! Bard said as Glade rolled his eyes and moved to put his guitar down, taking off his gloves as well.
Glade followed the waitress without question, his stomach giving a soft rumble as he walked past everyone's tables with food before he was offered a seat where Ayla, Asterion and June were.
“Good evening, fine ones.” He said with a bit of a grin before he turned his attention to Ayla for a moment and gave her a silent ‘thank you’ for the standing ovation.
The musician turned his attention back to the ‘main event’, giving a soft smile towards June before he offered his hand towards the two of them.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Kairo.” He said gently, bowing his head before he looked to June with a small smile, “And I don’t believe I’ve met you, young Miss. My name is Glade Brey.” He moved to offer his hand after Asterion would finish shaking his.
Ask if we’re getting food.
We have to do formalities first!
I hate you.
Ditto Bard, Ditto.
Asterion glanced at the man that was on the stage that was now before him — holding out a hand — and an exhausted sigh of understanding came from him. June shook Glade’s hand first with a pleasant smile before Asterion shook the man’s hand as well. His twilight blue eyes wandered over to June as she was the focus. She smiled slightly awkwardly, “I am June, a doctor,” she added. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Brey.”
“What pleasures bring me into your interest tonight? That question is for the both of you,” he spoke casually while glancing at Glade and Ayla. “Requesting a last minute dinner definitely has my interest but that attention span is very short tonight,” and it was because he barely could think straight. His mind kept going to Krish being in the hospital bed in the Kairo Skyscraper and everything else that was going on. His eyes glanced at the duo again.
Ayla nodded, gesturing for Glade to take his seat across from June. Before Ayla could get into the details, however, dinner was served. A waitress set down steaming chicken salad for June and a steak for Glade. That left Asterion and Ayla to talk business empty-stomached.
Asterion held up his hand for Ayla and Glade to be quiet for a moment as he grabbed onto the waitresses wrist before she walked away. June was too polite to say anything. “That is not what she ordered,” he stated while the waitress seemed to move back towards the table.
June seemed instantly flustered, “Oh, no, it’s fine! It’s perfect,” she began to protest.
His eyes sharpened, “I will pay for this one and the next one you bring out. Bring her out a grilled chicken salad,” the man’s voice was stern as he let go of the waitress. The waitress nodded, wrote it down, and scurried away. He watched as she went away before lowering his hand and looking over at Ayla.
Ayla didn't delay, once the waitress left. [b][color=lightgreen]”The Dark Aces specializes in technological solutions for the modern man's problems. We would like to offer you a sample of one of those technological solutions, an EMP that causes gyft-users to fall unconscious.[/b][/color]
“We also had a target in mind for you…”
Ayla tapped the table, as if visualizing a map of Nocturnia.
”We would like you to use it in your take-over of Riverbend.”
Already expecting resistance, Ayla gave a soft smile, ”We're willing to pay you $200,000 (20 Wealth) to get the job done.”
“My team and the technology systems that we have are fine,” he spat those words out as if he was not interested in dealing with a door-to-door salesman. Did they really request a dinner to try and sell his products? That was a little much. His eyes could truly not roll any harder while he looked back to the stage while another performer was beginning to play the violin. That is better music, he thought to himself.
His eyes glared when they brought up taking over Riverbend — Matthias — and he stood up. “I have no interest in going south. Why would I want to take over Riverbend and why would I do that for you two and for such little reward?” his voice was accusing with an unsettling annoyance.
Ayla merely tilted her head, stared a moment, before bowing it. ”Then please forgive me for bothering you on this auspicious evening.”
“You did not only bring me here for that. Did you?” Asterion felt like there had to be something more. That couldn’t be all. His eyes glared at Glade before looking at Ayla again. That was when he began to reach for something though it was hard to tell what he was doing and he felt a hand be placed on his thigh and gently squeeze while June looked at him.
Their eyes met and he stopped going for his gun. His shoulders relaxed, “I hate my time being wasted for pathetic reasons,” he stared into June when he was saying that. Starting to ignore Ayla and Glade’s existence.
“I am sorry that I made you come out,” she gave him an apologetic smile. He shook his head. “It is fine,” he sighed while looking at Ayla and Glade. “There has to be more on why you called me instead of just that? Or for someone who is so smart and specializes in technology does not plan on things going south?” his eyes got serious.
The tensions were at an all time high. Asterion appeared highly suspicious, but Ayla still felt she had all her cards in a nice, neat row. There was no way he would figure out the actual game being played here.
She waved her hands, denying the accusation, ”No, my good sir. We were merely interested in highlighting your victory and furthering your conquest. It's a shame this meeting didn't go as planned, but I do hope there are no hard feelings.” She smiled pleasantly.
“No,” he stated firmly. “You were not highlighting my victory or coming here to be friendly and boost my conquest unless that would benefit you just as much or more than it would benefit me,” Asterion didn’t care for the pleasantness of the woman and how she was downplaying all of this as a ’congratulations’ to his victory.
The man leaned in towards her, reaching out and grabbing her chin, and staring into her eyes. Forcing her to look at him but she could take her face away if she wanted to protest. “We are not allies with each other. There is no reason for you to be happy about what happened unless it benefits you and you clearly want something. Do not play dumb with me, Ayla. I am not in the mood,” the more he talked. The more his voice sounded less and less human. It was losing emotion. Losing care. His eyes showed it too. When she first sat at the table, his eyes looked at her like she was a human, and now… his eyes looked at her like she was a toy or an object. Something that wasn’t human.
“And there are always hard feelings when I can tell something is afoot and people are hiding things from me, Alya~” he spat her name out like it was poison on his tongue. June seemed to sink into her chair.
Ayala stared for a long moment, not resisting his grip nor moving her face away. Before a hungry light shone in her eyes. ”But I haven't finished my tea yet-”
Those were the code words. The signal. Men and women disguised as guests in the neighboring seats suddenly stood and rushed their table. A man grabbed June roughly, pressing a gun to her temple and dragging her away. Two men grabbed Glade, guns pressed into his ribs, and began carting him to the stairs.
And Ayla? Her gaze was full of hunger and fire, the itch to use her abilities now on full display. Her gaze locked with Asterion's, and she funneled her energies into him, filling him up with the Curse of Addiction. At the same time, she slammed her eyes shut. Unlike Asterion, she didn't need eye contact to make her abilities work.
(Proof 1 Proof 2 Ayla: 7 Asterion: 3
It was a success. Instantly, Ayla became larger than life in Asterion's gaze. Looking away or even thinking of taking a single step back would cause near physical and mental anguish. Her words would carry the cure of the world, like ethereal lips touched by divinity.
”Asterion, why don't you s i t ?
Asterion felt his body betray him as he sat down and his body seemed to relax even though it didn’t want to. He didn’t have full control over himself but Ayla might have noticed that he was clearly trying to fight everything internally not to listen to her. He was stubborn. “Let go of June,” he demanded. Depending on how Ayla’s control worked, she might have noticed how shot his nerves were from everything that happened today and how his body wasn’t off from an adrenaline boost either. He came to the restaurant in such a high state of stress and intensity.
She merely chuckled, blindly and gently removing Asterion's hand from her chin. Her touch was like a livewire, and when she deposited his hand back in his lap, it almost seemed to shine with heat. ”As long as you cooperate, June won't be harmed.”
The sound of screams and surprise echoed up from the bottom floor as the men tore through the lobby and dragged Glade out the front doors. A second later, Ayla felt a buzz on her smartwatch. It was done. And that was her cue.
Slowly standing, she shifted so her back was to Asterion, and her eyes opened, peering the staircase.
”This has been fun, but I should get going. Please, s t a y p u t .”
Her effect would not be as potent the second time around, she knew. Would it be enough?
Asterion wasn’t very good at listening nor was he afraid of pain. He forced himself to look at June who looked horrified. He went to scream but clenched his teeth as his one hand came up to grab the side of his head while his whole body began to shake uncontrollably. That was when June pressed a button on her mobile device and Asterion’s phone began to vibrate at a certain frequency as if it was saying “June is in danger”. It didn’t just call Asterion. It called all his guards to alert him something was wrong and where their location was.
His other hand came up to the side of his head as his face twisted and turned and he could swear he heard some of his teeth crack under the pressure of his own clenching. A pained gasp could be heard as he tried fighting her hold even after her second command.
Outcome Roll of 8
Response Roll of 3
That was when he opened his eyes and fire looked like it unleashed, Asterion stood up and whipped out one of the guns he was hiding. Shoot every single person that had their hands on June. June was surrounded by dead bodies within a second and he looked at where Ayla was looking, he saw someone that looked scared, and he focused in on them.
Outcome 6
NPC Outcome 9
A shredding pain flushed through his body as he grabbed his head again. God dammit that fucking hurts, he internally screamed while his body felt like it was on fire still. He pointed the gun at Ayla, “Take another fucking step and I will make sure you look like the newest piece of abstract art,” and his voice didn’t sound like he was playing at all with the woman.
Shit.
Ayla could hear the gunshots behind her and had to assume Asterion had freed June, and had that same gun trained on her back. He had broken out of her grip surprisingly quickly, she had to give him that.
Well, the main goal of this little game was completed. She would play her part as well.
Slowly, eyes still focused on the staircase, her delicate little hands rose up, the picture of surrender.
”...Did you enjoy our game, Mr. Kairo?” She asked, that soft smile still somehow on her face, despite the sudden turning of the tables.
Asterion stood there and kept looking at Ayla, he stepped closer to the woman, and when he got the glimpse of that soft smile with the question. He purposefully shot the gun off, right by her, and another one of her men right in front of her fell down, causing her to involuntarily flinch. “And it looks like you will be playing my game from here on out,” that was when the restaurant flooded with guards. They began to check everyone’s I.D.s and the majority, if not all, of the people on the bottom had scannable I.D.s that informed the guards they were citizens of Nickel.
Everyone else was getting either arrested or checked on their level. More people than they should have been arrested on the second level and he shook his head, “What is your ability? It seems to be by word of mouth?” He went over to the table and grabbed a cloth napkin before coming behind Ayla. “Do not play games with me especially when I am not in the mood,” he wasn’t nice about it when he made sure the majority of fabric went in and around her mouth before tying the cloth tightly around her head to keep her from speaking.
He pushed her towards one of his guards that caught her. “Make sure that doesn’t come off and put a better gag on her when you can and if she tries to command any of you. Shoot her in the head,” Asterion ordered. “It sounds like we have another date tonight, later, but you will be going with Jonathan for now,” Asterion forced a smile before putting his gun away.
Ayla dared a glance at Asterion, fear colouring her eyes for the first time that night. But she didn't resist and she didn't attempt to use her gyft. Nor did she try to remove the gag. This too, was part of the game.
So, that's what she thought to herself, keeping her breath slow and steady, trying to be the picture of decorum, even as she felt the weight of her role bearing heavily on her. She had no idea what the rest of the night would bring, but alas, she was now playing Asterion's game now, wasn't she?
The guard named Jonathan would take Ayla away with other guards. Before they put her into a vehicle, they put a bag over her head and tied her hands behind her back along with tying her ankles together and putting her into a vehicle. They didn’t want her to know where she was going.
Asterion stood there in the restaurant, his body shaking as he stared where Ayla once stood before the guards took her away. He was lost in space and violent spasms were attacking him without pattern. That was when his body jumped at the feeling of a hand against his arm and he noticed June beside him who was shaking too. “Are you okay?” she whispered as if she would get in trouble if heard.
He looked at her as if he didn’t recognize her for a second before closing his eyes with a long blink and looking into her eyes that seemed so worried. “I am fine. Fine,” his body was shot with nerves and stress. He was more worried about June being hurt at all than anything else. “They did not hurt you, did they?” he started looking over her body, especially her arms.
“No, I am fine. Just scared and a little traumatized…” she admitted since he shot multiple people dead around her. She wasn’t unfamiliar with death but it was always shocking when it was death like that. Unnatural and forced. It was upsetting as tears started streaming down her face when the realization that she was okay, not hurt, and safe for the moment.
Asterion frowned a little when seeing how June’s face went from worry and concern to emotional overload, “Come on. I will get you home,” he placed a hand on her back as he led June out of the restaurant to get her back home and away from this mess. Before they entered his vehicle, he gave the orders, “Find that Glade Brey, alive. I have a few questions for him.”
A group of guards nodded, “Yes, sir!” They set out to do exactly that. Start hunting down Glade Brey.
Well, the ride in the darkness did no help for Ayla's nerves. At least it gave her time to think. She had to give herself at least somewhat a pat on the back. Glade got out. He was probably living it up in the back of a limousine with Ezra at this very moment.
That means she did a good job, like she always did. Though, being tied up like this, it really didn't let those encouraging words reach her core, which felt icy, itchy and uncomfortable.
Instead, she imagined her happy place. As the vehicle jostled her, turning left and right, and thoroughly confusing her, she thought of rivers of honey and wine, sitting on the river bank, digging her toes in the grass, the warmth of the stream easing her core.
Anyone watching would note Ayla's posture as she was tied turn from frigid and fearful, to something far more relaxed. At least for now. Now there was only the question of where they were going.
Ayla would have been moved to a room in the basement of the Kairo Skyscraper but it would have been hard to tell where she was being led since they knew they needed to take a round-about way to get wherever they were told. To confuse people on if they were going up and down or all around.
They would have checked her for any weapons or anything else that could be used or important. Taking everything from her except the bare clothing she had.
She would be placed into a cell and chained by the neck to a hook trapped in concrete though her feet and hands would be unbound. They would have changed her cloth gag out for something she wouldn’t be able to take off unless she had a key to loosen all the straps. “Asterion will be with you when he is able,” a man stated before a heavy door was closed and locked. Two guards outside of it.
And there she waited, sitting against the wall, waiting for the next phase of the game to be played.
GLADE AND EZRA AFTER THE DINNER
Glade was rushed out of the Golden Palace and shoved into the back of a limousine. The men smacked the top of the trunk, signaling to the driver, who peeled out of the parking lot with great speed.
Glade would find his guitar and any other personal effects already beside him on the seat as he adjusted. And, across from him, languishing in his own seat, was none other than Ezra.
The lights outside flicked through the cabin as their limousine soared across streets and alleys, though it seemed to be completely absorbed when it passed over Ezra.
”So, how did it?” He said, his rich baritone voice hinting a nonchalant pleasantness.
He had barely gotten into his steak before everything went to shit, Gods fucking damn it. Being shoved around was something he was admittedly used to, but not this rough.
“Jesus fuck-” He grumbled to himself as he moved to properly get in his seat and buckle up.
He was glad to see his guitar and his hidden bag he normally carried with him. Everything was fucked right now.
“It would have gone great if I got some FUCKING FOOD.” Glade started before Bard cut through, the musicians eyes glinting in colour as Bard glared down Ezra.
”What the FUCK was that about? You didn’t tell us we were gonna end up in a fucking scuffle! I could have taken some fuckers down, I could have killed someone! And you take me out of there like that, I don’t get ANY fun!” Bard went off towards the Midnight Man, before Glade clawed his way in control, even physically grabbing his own head to pull himself back into his seat.
“Jesus fucking-” Glade grumbled, holding his head and rubbing his temples, “Sorry. I’m just so confused about what happened. Is Ayla going to be okay?” The anger had settled down from Glades body, but deep down Bard was burning aggressively - He was stopped from causing Chaos and he was not having it.
Ezra stared for a moment, before he tapped the glass barrier between them and the driver. The glass rolled down, and Ezra glanced over. ”Have us stop by a Noc Noc before we stop at Glade's apartment, mm?” And the window rolled back up.
Ezra's tone went a little flat as he stared at Glade, like a parent chiding a child. ”You were the priority. Ayla knew that, you knew that. She sacrificed herself so you could report back to me, don't let the success of the mission be marred. There was nothing you could have done anyway.”
He leaned forward in his seat, giving Glade his full attention. ”I have a plan to rescue her. Don't fret.
“Now… tell me what you learned.”
“My apartment seems like an unwise place to go, I have a feeling Mr. Kairo is very fucked off with me.” Glade said with a shake of his head, “I just wish I brought more meds with me. I should have thought this through.”
He shook his head for a moment before he breathed out shakily.
Was Ezra this calm for a reason? Could he get Ayla back? Glade didn’t know her for too long, but he had a feeling she wasn’t the worst person out there; Hell, he’d even offer to take her out for a drink sometime.
Glade breathed out and moved to pull the device from his pocket and offered it to Ezra, “I don’t know if it recorded anything I saw and or heard, but I can tell you anything otherwise.” He said; he rubbed his temples again.
“Asterions’ on edge to say the least right now, one of his men got into a fight and seems pretty fuc- messed up.” Glade started, “He went in earlier today, or late yesterday, and saw him and completely broke down. I’ve seen sadness and fear like that before; he was afraid he was gonna lose whoever it was. ‘Flint Weathersteel’ was someone that Asterion met with last night.”
He ran through what he had seen, “Someone called ‘Glyde’ and I think the one hurt was ‘Krish’?” He wracked his own brain, “There were scientists? Mentions of a broken gatling gun, Medical Floors. A woman called Emilia, Asterion seemed to be flirtatious towards her? They had a younger woman too, before 10pm; brought by two well dressed people and greeted by the receptionist.”
“I…I didn’t catch many names, the audio was muffled for the most part; the camera’s were up a bit too high to catch anything good, you know?” He asked nervously, he was hoping it was enough for Ezra; he didn’t need to anger another man of the Mafia - Especially one so… Unphased by his workers being in possibly deadly trouble.
Ezra studied Glade's face for a moment, before pocketed the Bluetooth device, nodding to himself. [b][color=lightgray]”That's plenty already.”[/b]
He reached into his inner coat pocket, pulling out an envelope and handing it to Glade. ”The other half, $10,000. You did an excellent job.”
Glades’ eyes widened as the envelope was handed to him, he took it gently and moved to put it in his suit pocket. He knew he was going to get that much from the get go, but due to everything he grew up with, he always expected to get shafted somehow.
He also gestured to the small bag beside him. Glade would recognize it as one of his bags from his apartment. It had been filled with an extra set of clothes, some amenities, and the remaining bottle of Risperidone. ”You'll have everything you need to crash at one of my safehouses tonight. You'll be guarded by my men, and tomorrow, or the day after, we will endeavor to get you home proper, when the heat has died down.”
Glade gave a nod, “Thank you.” He said gently, fidgeting with his hands slightly. “You really thought everything out huh?” He opened his bag slightly and checked for a few things and relaxed a little.
Bah, that damned medicine. Bard hissed mentally, Glade giving a small wince.
The limousine took a turn to an eventual stop. It was hard to see through the windows, but the bright neon lights of a Noc Noc Burger could be seen just outside.
Oh Food!! Bard added in as he noticed the neon lights outside, Fast food! No dishes, no need to cook! Oh this is fantastic.
You’re a child. Glade told Bard as he laughed in response.
The little window rolled down again, and Ezra glanced at the driver, ”Two Veggie Noc Noc's, two large sides of curly fries, two vanilla shakes, two cokes, two crispy creme treats.”
The driver nodded and stepped out of the vehicle. It only a few minutes later when the driver opened the back passenger door, handing Ezra a large paper bag and a tray of drinks, before shutting the door again. As the limousine drove off again, Ezra handed the food to Glade. The tantalizing aroma of fast food filled the vehicle.
”That should be enough for dinner tonight and a bit of breakfast tomorrow.” Ezra said with a nod, as they moved into Elysium Heights, where Ezra's particular safehouse was located.
Glade took the food bag gently, moving to place it on top of his other belongings. “Thank you.” He said, he kept his voice low as he was now realising how hungry he was. Using his Gyft drained him, and he hadn’t managed to taste that gorgeous steak that he was given before everything went down.
Plus, being in better shape; fed, hydrated, rested - all the good stuff, helped keep Bard back with the medication.
“I just hope they don’t destroy the place.” Glade added with a bit of a laugh, “I already can’t get the caution back, thanks Bard, so the less damages I need to pay will be good.” he sighed as he closed his eyes for a moment.
Ezra shook his head, ”The Dark Aces will be covering any damages and expenses occurred at the Golden Palace.”
Maybe it was something about the Midnight Man being so kind to him, or just the calmness of the limousine.
“I’m trying to do bigger jobs, trying to get more money in my savings. I… I’m planning to do something to the military. They have… They have my sister. Once I get her back I’ll need a bigger house; and god knows how much money for whatever therapy she’ll need for everything.”
Ezra stared at Glade for a long moment before nodding. ”That’s grievous. How about I keep you on my payroll, then? When I have jobs for you, I’ll let you know. It’ll be dangerous, but I think a part of you doesn’t mind that…”
Glade watched Ezra carefully, he gave a small nod. “Yeah.” he finally said after a moment, “That would be fantastic. We might be able to help each other.”
Bard rumbled in the back of Glades’ mind, if he was in control he’d narrow their eyes at the Midnight Man; it was interesting to see this man like this.
After a few more passes of dialogue between them, they finally arrived at the safehouse. Armed guards opened the door and helped Glade with his things, ushering him inside the small townhouse quickly. The place within was incredibly sparse. A couch, an empty fridge, a small TV. However, it was clean, meaning it was in use and used for its exact purpose - a place to lay low, safely.
Wherever Glade went within the house, except the bathroom, an armed guard would follow. Others kept their eyes on the window out into the street, and ensured the security of the place. For tonight, Glade would be safe, come hell or high water.
Glade gave a weak smile to the armed guard that followed him to the couch, as he put the food down and gave a heavy sigh before he started to chow down on the noc noc burger food; he savoured it but he couldn’t relax, he was being hunted.
