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Lights flickered in the small townhouse as a young teifling woke. The soft aroma of bread baking drifted around the room and giggles of her younger siblings echoed through the walls."Boys, breakfast!" came from the kitchen.A flurry of tiny footsteps came rushing down the hall. The wood creaking with every other step. The sounds stopped outside the door and the teifling did her best to pretend asleep. The door creaked as it opened, the footsteps much quieter, replaced with muffled laguhter. A sudden weight crushed her stomach as laughter howled from the weight."I scared you! I scared you!" a little girl cheered."oH My!" the teifling's faux surprise slipped by the little girl. "I think I died out of fright! bLeh.""More bread for me then!" the little girl scrambled off her sister and ran out of the room. "Dada! I scared Olive so bad she died! I scared her real good!""Where are your brothers?" a small man was sipping steaming liquid from a tankard, grumbling as some got into his beard.The little girl turned around to see Olive standing behind her, groaning."OOOooOOooo, I'm an undeeaadddd." the teifling gently grabbed at the girl, tickling under her armpits.The two laughed together as they settled down and sat at the table with the rest of their family. Bread was placed on the table alongside a bowl of beans. It was quiet as they ate, a serene calm of morning taking over the occupants. Once breakfast was over, Anya and the other younger siblings hurried off to school, escorted by their father.The teifling gave a small wave as they left, humming lightly as the wind brushed at her hair. The townsfolk sent looks, their eyes staying glued to the horns atop her head. After a few steps, Olive shyly hid under her hood. Some stores even went as far as to lock their doors as she passed.The bells jingled as she came through the door."Oh, hello! What's on your list today?" The shopkeep greeted."We need more flour." Olive approched with coins, setting them on the counter and pulling aside two silver ones."Can you tell me which bag says flour?" the shopkeep took the coins, giving a small smirk as Olive began looking around the room."You said it starts with a... the one that looks like a pillar with two smaller pillars... This one!" She carried over a bag and set it on the counter."Read off the letters for me.""F... L... um... Flour." Olive gave a sheepish smile."You're right. It does say flour. the next letter is 'o', dear. Looks like a wheel." he slid the bag to her. "Try practicing more with your father. At 21 you should be runnin' your own trade.""He's not my father, sir, but I'll try." Olive hefted the bag with two hands and wobbled her way out the door.As she began back home, her hood slipped back from the wind. "Oh shoot. Come on now..."She attempted to balance the flour on her hip with one hand, propping herself on a lamppost to help. Her fingers struggled to get a grip on the light fabric of the hood as it danced in the wind. Another strong gust blew through and the bag slipped. A plume of flour covered the tiefling as the bag hit the ground. She scrambled to pick up the bag and make sure it was closed good. A glint of gold shone in the bush nearby."Oh?" Olive reached in a pulled out the source.A rusted oil lamp. The handle was cracking and there were a few dents in the sides. Faint symbols etched in the gold. She rubbed her thumb over the symbols, squinting at them."Well well well, hello there." A fine blue mist seeped from the spout of the lamp, forming the torso of a man."Oh, um, hallo, sorry, is this your home?" Olive set the lamp on the ground infront of her."Don't you worry about that, player. It's just a ruse. Now, how can I help a little thing like you?" the man crossed his arms over his chest."I don't really need any help right now. But thank you for offering.""Well, have you ever wished for powers? Magic? Gold? Ever wanted to get revenge?" he persisted, floating closer."Um, not really?" Olive twiddled her thumbs. "The magic does sound kinda cool though. What does magic do?""You don't know?" The man gave a chuckle. "You don't know about magic? Player, you need to go back to school.""I never went to school and my name is Olive What's your name?""You can call me Shin. Let's catch you up to speed a little." the man twirled his fingers and the flour once covering Olive disappeared. "Don't cha want to be able to do that?""That was pretty cool..." Olive stood, picking up the lamp."Alright, cool player, all ya gotta do is do stuff for me every now and then. Like right now, I say lets blow this town.""I don't want to blow anybody up! I don't want magic if I have to hurt anyone." Olive held the lamp in one hand and tried to pick up the flour in the other."I meant leave. Go somewhere with pizzazz. Ya got any skills?" the man snapped his fingers and a hand appeared, grabbing the flour from the ground and carrying it."I can do flips. I was in acrobatics.""Let's go join a circus then." the man disappeared into the lamp.Olive quietly carried the flour into her home, setting it and the extra coins onto the counter. Tiptoeing to her room, she packed the basics and slipped out the window, leaving a little drawing as a note. -3 months later- "Good show, Miss Olive." a nasally voice clapped as she came backstage."Excuse me, Giggles." Olive pushed by, rubbing at her shoulders. "Do you know if there is any ice in the kitchen?""There could be... Or there couldn't be... I don't know. Uhehehehe." The clown gave a smirk before going into the arena for his show.Olive shook her head, continuing to her tent. Collapsing on the bed, she kept listening to the sound of the crowds cheering and the moving of set pieces.A reoccurring sound began. Thunk... Thunk... Thunk...It sounded like when the builders put the tents up. Like the hammering of the little nails into the ground. But all the tents were put up already? She arose from the bed, peeking her head outside.A large man was walking through the aisles, the ground shaking with his steps. She had seen people in armor like this before a soldier from the palace or a knight. Their armor was always clean and sparkily though. This man's was rusted in places, stained a strange red brown in others. The hammer on his back shone like it was fresh from the blacksmith."There! There she is!" A small voice sounded from behind the man."Anya?" Olive crouched down and caught her sister in a hug."I found you!" the little girl cheered and dug into her pockets, pulling out glitter. "Happiness."The glitter danced into Olive's hair and clothes, only a little making it into the grass."What are you doing here? And how?" Olive brushed at her hair. "And what did your father tell you about strangers?""I saved her from a group of robbers. Found her about two months walk from here." The man had approached during their reunion. "You are her sister, yes?""Yes, my name is Olive.""And I am Rhino." The man set his hammer into the ground and knelt. "I am taking you home.""What? No." Olive held Anya tight as she moved away. "They don't want me there.""Your sister says otherwise.""Well, it's her family. We have different dads." Olive huffed."I see. That would explain some things. But nevertheless, a young girl like you is not safe in this life." Rhino clenched his fist to his chest. "I am a Paladin of Protection. I protect those who cannot protect themselves. And you are not safe here.""I am perfectly capaible of protecting myself. And I am not a young lady. I'm 21!" Olive huffed and stood. She was only eye level with the man with still one knee to the dirt."Then I will take your sister home." Rhino stood and offered his hand to Anya."You don't even know where we live! She doesn't even know where home is!" Olive pulled her sister away."And do you?""Well, um, yes...""What's the name of your town?""I.... I don't... I don't know.""AH but a 21 year old should surely know their hometown. Or have you been under a mind spell here to forget." Rhino put his hand on her shoulder, nearly weighing her down with the weight.Olive watched as his eyes seemed to glow for just a second before he blinked a few times, retracting his hand. Rhino grimaced and rubbed at the eye that had a scar through in, the pupil had faded to white."Gah, stupid scar..." He mumbled. "Never approach a spear by the pointy end, girls.""Is everything okay?" Olive tilted her head at him."Yes, yes, you haven't been affected by a spell or else you would be running rampant right now trying to get home." He lowered his hand and blinked a few more times. "I've gotten a little rusty in my ways, but being out of the job for nearly two centuries will make you a little rusty. How about we all go out to dinner? My treat?""Yeah!" Anya jumped out of her sister's arms and climbed up the man's armor, sitting on his shoulders. "Oo oo, can you carry Olive too?""No, I'm fine walking..." Olive mumbled and grabbed her bag, leading the way out of the circus.People watched as they passed, many looking at the two strangers that were following the newest recruit. The gazes didn't phase the large man nor small child as Olive tried to hide her face."Well well well, who are your friends?" the familiar clown approached."This is my sister, Anya." Olive pointed to the girl."And I am Rhino." The man stepped closer, hiding Olive partially behind his leg."Of course you are, big guy." Giggles looked him up and down. "My, my, you are quite large. But you're looking a little old for babysitting.""It is not babysitting. These are my children." Rhino gently set Anya by Olive and gripped his hammer. "We are on our way to dinner.""There aren't many places that can house someone like you. Maybe you should just go on home." Giggles peered behind Rhino to Olive. "Are you okay?""I'm fine. He just brought my sister to see me. I left kind of on a whim." Olive shrugged and pushed past Rhino. "Let's go.""Whoa, whoa, whoa, little lady. What about dinner with us? We at the circus are your family now. Why don't we see if your friends can join us for a little party tonight." Giggles looked past Olive, giving a small smirk at the duo."I do not party. Now move." Rhino stepped forwards, the ground shaking at the little stomp."Awe, don't get your knickers in a twist, grandpa. I'm just extending a humble invitation." Giggles offered his hand.The hammer barely missed his body. The head of it stood nearly as tall as Giggles, with a few inches sinking into the crater created. Rhino loomed over the clown, the sun hiding behind his head."I decline."Giggles gulped and stepped back. "You-your loss. See you around, Olive."As Giggles scampered away, Rhino lifted the hammer from the dirt, wiping away the substance on it. "I don't like that clown. He smelled.""That, I think was a recent development." Olive smiled a bit. "He deserved it. He constantly harasses people.""Should I have killed him then?""What- No. Why does he need to die?""He harassed my children. That alone is enough to warrant his demise. He also insulted me." Rhino slung the hammer over his shoulder. "Back in my days, many died insulting someone bigger than themselves.""When was that? Five hundred years ago?" Olive snorted and continued to lead the way."I'm not that old. Only 425." he followed."Months?""Years. Who communicates their age in months?""I dunno babies?" Olive led the way to a small tavern.The only table that could host them was towards the door, so every time it opened, there was a chill from the nearby ocean. Rhino was looking over the menu, reading to options to Anya while Olive eavesdropped on the two."Hello, what can I get for you?" a host stepped over, paper and quill in hand."I want the biggest fish on the menu, please!" Rhino gave a large smile. "And one tankard of beer.""Which fish do you want, sir? We have shark, sword, squid-?""Bah, the swordfish. Let's take it back to the good years." Rhino pat Anya. "Now, what do you want?""I want the shark!" the girl grabbed at her fork and knife."She can't-" Olive was cut off."A perfect meal for a growing child!" Rhino cheered. "Olive, do you want shark too?""I just want some cheesy sticks." Olive buried her head in her hands."Make it a double order of cheesy sticks!" Rhino handed over some gold coins and looked around the room. "This is a good town, I'm a little surprised at the lack of bar brawls.""You do realize Anya can't eat a full shark. Right?" Olive looked to the man."Nonsense, she's a growing child. She needs her meats to grow big strong muscles!" Rhino looked over to Anya. "Now, remember to look out for bones."Olive took the downtime to look over the newcomer. His armor was a mix of steely blues and grey. A green cape and belts of green added a splash of color to contrast the blue clothes and leather. His hammer sat to the side of the table, within arm's reach. Alongside a banjo that looked like it had been trampled by a horse. Rhino was part elf, his age having proved that, but his ears weren't pointy like ones. Though, his hair was whitening. The dark brown blending into stark white throughout his beard and the hair atop his head that had been pulled back into a bun. Above his right eye, three bits of metal clung to the skin of his eyebrows. His left eye though... The pupil was no longer visible, save for a light ring of just a slight grey, only noticeable in the right lighting. The scar was an angry red against his chocolate skin. It looked like it was bleeding, but there was none of the liquid to be found."So, who are you again?""My name is Rhino. I am a Paladin of Protection. I will be your shield. If anything ever happens to my charges, I will make sure nothing is left standing." He took a sip from his tankard."No, I mean who are you. Like where did you come from?""I-""Sorry about the wait." The food was placed on the table in front of them.The small bowl of food paled in comparison to the full body of a swordfish and a chunk of shark meat. Rhino was quick to eat off the fish like it were a cob of corn.The door burst open after a few bites and a large grouping came into the room. Their clothes were drenched, as tattered as the weapons that shone in their hands."Avast! We lot here are wanting to fill this tavern. SO. I'm askin' ya once to leave. Or so be it, yer head will be mounted on the walls of our ship!" A pirate wearing a little bit nicer clothes than the rest stepped forwards. "And if ya wanna stay to finish yer meals, it's gonna cost ya.""We will be staying here. If you have a problem with it, leave." Rhino set down his fish."I ain't got no problem with you staying. IF you pay the fee." The lead pirate extended his hand.The bar was silent, save for the groan of the wood as Rhino stood. His head nearly reached the ceiling as he grabbed his hammer and stepped forth."The fee is sounding like your life. Are you sure you want me to pay it?""You're as old as the city itself, what are you going to do? Bore me to death with a story?" the pirates began the laugh amongst themselves."We just want to eat our food." Olive took a bite of her cheesy sticks. "We don't want a problem.""Oh, I'm not trying to give you a problem, missy." The pirate turned to a nearby bar patron and stabbed him through the back. "That's a problem. And if you don't want one, then leave."As the knife was pulled from the corpse's back, a fight began in the bar. Rhino blocked a hit from a pirate and turned to Anya who was using her shark steak as a shield."Awe, they grow up so fast." Rhino broke off the head of the fish and shook out the contents before giving it to the child. "Use it's spine as your handle and it's face as your guard. The pointy end goes in the bad guy."Anya nodded and turned to the man approaching her, letting out a tiny war cry. The man burst into flames before he got any closer. Olive lowered her hand, eyes wide."I didn't want to kill anyone.""That's what happens when you choose to burn em, player." Shin was back, but only she could see him."But, is he dead?""You hit him with nine hundred degree flames. I'd hope he's dead.""Very good, Olive! I'm very proud." Rhino called as he sent a pirate sliding onto the wall.His hammer was dripping with red and intestines. There was a light clink and he turned to see a pirate tried to stab him in the back, the knife letting a screeching sound as it raked across the armor."Did you really think that would work?"As Rhino's attention was to his current attacker, the pirate captain approached Olive."Now, put down the hands, tiefling, I'll give ya a quick death." The captain inched forwards."Do the thing again!" Olive extended her hands and a lightening effect crackled at her fingertips.The effect didn't go far as the pirate captain lunged and his knife sunk into her abdomen. The bar was quiet for a minute before thunderous steps sounded and the pirate captain disappeared. Glasses on the table shook as pictures fell of the wall. A loud boom reduced to every noise in the bar to a stand still, the glassing clinking as they resettled into their places."Are you okay?" Rhino was in the place of the pirate captain, his eyes glowing a soft yellow as her wound healed."I-I'm fine?" Olive looked to see the only remains of her wound was a bloody hole in her shirt."Go look after your sister. I will handle the captain." Rhino turned back to the bar where the captain lay within the remains of the counter.Crimson dripped off the dirty white of his exposed ribs. Teeth were missing as pieces of wood allowed blood to ooze out of various places on his arms and legs. One leg bent back to his shoulder, the bone jutting out at the thigh, just barely missing the artery there. The captain coughed out blood as he tried to pull himself up.Rhino's hammer sank into his chest as Rhino knelt down to his face. "You will leave this bar and never return."The pirate captain spat at Rhino, the blood blending into the stains on his armor. "Fuck you."Rhino lifted the hammer up and raised it above his head."Wait." Olive's voice barely made it across the room. She hadn't moved from her place by their table.Rhino dropped the hammer, it landing behind him on the ground with a soft plop. "Do you want the honors?""I don't want anyone else dying." Olive came closer and bent down, her eyes glowing a light blue. "Leave."The pirate's eyes echoed the same color as he struggled to stand and began hobbling out the door. His remaining crewmates helped him as he mumbled and left."You did good for your first bar fight!" Rhino pat her shoulder."I didn't mean to kill-""BAh, my first kill was a traitor soldier. Trussed up like a lamb. What I would do to go back and save the first kill for a real fight." Rhino began looking around. "Anya? Did you stab anyone?"Silence."Anya?" Olive looked around, but the little girl was nowhere to be found."Anya?!" Rhino began overturning the remaining tables, even going as far as to shake down some patrons of the bar."Maybe the pirate captain stole her!" One cried.Olive was a step before Rhino as they rushed out of the bar. The pirate captain was nearby being treated by his crew. There were horses nearby as some had mounted up."Where is she?!" Olive approached, pulling a small knife from the bar out."who?" The pirate captain was still dazed as he looked between the two."Anya, my sister! She's about this tall, and had a piece of shark with a swordfish head as her sword." Olive gestured to try and help describe the girl.Rhino picked the captain up by his collar and held him off the ground. "You will tell me where the girl is, or I will make your ribs into a balloon animal for her when we find her.""I saw a cloaked figure take her mid fight!" the captain cried out."Where did they take her?""To the harbor!"The captain fell to the floor as the two took off towards the sea. Olive looked over and was surprised to see the man was gone. She slowed for a second to look around before spotting him on the rooftops. His boots were not armored as she had once thought. The fur glowing a light green as he walked on the walls and roofs as though they were flat ground.Upon getting to the highest point within sight, he looked out, seeing many ships on the harbor. Only one was out of port and going beyond the horizon. He ran to the harbor, landing next to Olive after a minute."There's one ship on the horizon, must have left about ten minutes ago. It's too far to throw you. Do you think a cannon can reach?" Rhino looked around for said weapon."No. Maybe the harbor master knows." Olive grabbed a man nearby that had a clipboard. "Excuse me, but did you see a little girl anywhere?""There's two hundred thirteen ships docked today. I have seen at least twenty little girls." The man looked between the two."She's about this tall?" Rhino reached down to his knee. "Might've had a sword and glitter.""I'm sorry, but I haven't seen any child like that." The man sighed. "I really hate to give you this news, but the child slavers have been hitting this area hard. I think they run out of that circus in town for the week. They come by often.""The circus? I've lived there for the past three months! There's no way that's true." Olive looked back to where the very top of the biggest tent can be seen in the distance."All I'm saying is that if I were to steal kids, that would be the job I'd set up to hide it. Dozens of kids go there every day.""You are a good man. Don't listen for any wails of pain tonight, okay?" Rhino gave the man a squeeze on the shoulder before beginning his way to the circus."Ok?"Olive chased Rhino down. "Wait, wait! We can't just base our plan off the words of one guy! What if he was wrong? What if he's in on it and just sent us away?""No one lies to a crusader. Especially those in uniform." Rhino tapped a disc in his pocket. "If someone lied to me, I'd know. I know exactly who to talk to.""Who?""The clown."The walk back to the circus was filled with protests from Olive as she tried to talk the man down. Upon entering the circus, Rhino opened the first tent. He then proceeded to the next and the next-"Are you just going to check each tent? You could get in serious trouble!" Olive looked to a nearby tent. "I'll go search on my own."The tent was full of smoke and the smell of it. Several clowns were in the process of removing their makeup. Some looked at the entrance."Does anyone know where Giggles is?" Olive caught the eyes of one."He went to have a talk with Alice, last I heard.""Thank you!" Olive hurried to a lavish trailer that was covered in flowers.She paused and brushed out her outfit before knocking. It was quiet in the trailer for a moment. The door slowly slid open."Come in."Olive stepped inside, brushing at her uniform. "Excuse me, Miss Alice, have you spoken with Giggles tonight?""Was I supposed to?" Her red dress shimmered in the candle light as she moved her hand to take a drag."No, but well- I'm just trying to find him." Olive fidgeted her hands.Alice stood and moved to a cloth covered cage and gently removed the cloth. Within, a bright red and orange phoenix chirped lightly. The woman opened the cage and let it climb onto her arm. Carefully she opened a nearby window allowing the bird to fly out."My bird will find him. It'll be a second." Alice looked out over the fairgrounds, her eyes passing over a large man in armor who caught her gaze and froze. "Can you tell me why you are looking for him?""I really don't mean to offend you, but my sister went missing and some people told us that the circus was behind it, but Rhino is certain it is Giggles, so I kinda wanna talk to Giggles before he becomes a puddle."Alice moved away from the window and back to her chair. "Right... And this Rhino is-?"A knocking sounded on the door and Olive looked over."Can you open that dear?" Alice waved her hand.Olive shimmied over and opened the door, eyes widening at the flowers in her face."Ah, um, Olive. Did you see a beautiful lady at the window?" Rhino pulled the flowers back."Miss Alice?" Olive looked to the elder woman who nodded.Rhino stepped into the trailer, the whole room shaking slightly to the side. He moved past Olive and offered the flowers to her."I saw you in the window and I swear my heart stopped." He gave a soft smile, bending at the knee. "These flowers may pale in comparison, but it was the best I could find.""Are those from the side of my trailer?" Alice raised a brow."Worry not, of their origins, madam, they are a present." Rhino set the flowers on her table and pulled out the beaten banjo, beginning to strum a little. "I also thought of a song for you."As he began to sing, Olive heard a small knock. She looked back to the door and peeked it open."Oh, Olive, I was sent for by Alice?" Giggles was at the door.Olive tackled the small clown outside, covering his mouth with her hands. "Keep quiet or he'll kill you. Follow me."Giggles nodded and the two snuck off into the alleys between the tents. Olive looked around before pulling out the knife from the diner."My sister is missing, Giggles, the one that showed up today. Our clues have pointed to the circus, and I just wanted to know if you knew anything." She raised the knife. "I don't want to hurt anyone, but I have to find my sister.""And the big guy will hurt me, so thank you for finding me first." Giggles sighed and leaned against a support pole. "I don't know anything.""Giggles-""I don't! Being honest here." He raised his hands in surrender. "Why wouldn't I be honest? You have a knife.""Because you bully and harass everyone all the time. And I have a knife." Olive tilted her hand."I was just joking with them? Is that what everyone thought?" Giggles had surprise in his voice as he looked around. "Oh golly, that explains a lot.""Did you seriously not know?" Olive lowered the knife."I've been a clown my whole life. People always laugh at my jokes. Right?" He looked to the clown tent."Okay, this is leading to an existential crisis that I don't have time for. I'm going to tell Rhino you have no part in it and we'll continue on." Olive went back to the trailer and slowly opened the door."-I so wish, to be yours mistress~""Thank god, Olive, get him out of my sight." Alice looked to the door as soon as it opened."Olive, there you are!" Rhino tucked away the banjo and froze as he saw the clown. "With him.""He has no part in this, Rhino. I already asked." Olive stepped aside as the paladin hurried out the door and picked the clown up by the front of his shirt."Where did you take Anya?" any softness that had just been in his tone was gone as a slight green hue seemed to emit from the scar."I didn't take her! I swear!" Giggles cried out, a foul smell filling the air."Rhino, why don't you set my brother down, please?" Alice was at the entryway to the trailer.The clown fell into the dirt with a squishy sound and scrambled to his feet, crossing his legs a bit,"I'd like to speak with him. Alone." Alice walked inside, waiting.Giggles soon followed and the bird dashed in after them, shutting the door to the trailer with a gust of wind."I should've snapped his tiny neck." Rhino huffed and picked up his hammer, tossing it between his hands."Shh, I'm trying to listen." Olive put her ear to the door.There was muffled speaking for a few moments before the door swung open, Olive narrowly hiding behind it. Rhino stood a distance away, practicing his swings with the hammer, paying no mind as Giggles hurried off into the tents.Between two trees, a tangled assortment of rope was tied. The clown detangled the rope for a minute before climbing into the make-shift hammock, dimming the nearby lantern. A steady clunking sounded and he was too late to get out of the rope."Tell me what you know." Rhino was above him, hand holding the side of the hammock."I-I don't know anything!" Giggles stammered. "I swear it! I swear on everything I own!"The hammock launched into a spiral as it twisted around. It came to a sudden stop at the clasp of the metal gauntlet once more. Giggles was wrapped up to his neck in rope, unable to move much more than an inch."It's the bird." Giggles squeaked."The bird?""Alice's bird. It flies over the circus with notes. She has something to do with it."Rhino sighed and let go, rubbing at his brow. "Why is it always the ones most beautiful?"After detangling for a minute, Giggles looked up to the man. "What do you mean?"Rhino walked away, keeping an eye on the trailer. He grabbed Olive who had ventured off to her old tent and was grabbing a few things here and there."I believe we have a lead." Rhino set down his hammer outside, leaning against it slightly."Did you kill him?""Nah, he wasn't worth it. We have to follow Alice's bird."As if on cue, the orange of the phoenix passed overhead. The two took off after the bird, plowing through a few tents to keep up. The tents faded to the background as they continued into the city. Rhino tried to walk up the wall a bit and catch it, to no avail."BAh! We're going to loose it!" He swore, regaining his footing."I think I can grab it!" Olive reached her hand out and a large hand made of purple reached out, wrapping around the bird.It squawked as it's movement halted and it was lowered to the ground. There was a little note tied to it's ankle. Olive pried it off and squinted."I can't read." She furrowed her brows and offered the note."What do you mean?""I'm illiterate. I can't read."Rhino sighed and grabbed the note, squinting himself. "Well, its also in thieves cant. I'm not familiar with this.""Do you know anyone who is?""No." Rhino grabbed a paper and quill from his bag, tracing over the symbols and tucking it away. "Now, what do we do with this?""Let's put the note back and see where it goes." Olive pat the bird's head. "Poor birdy, you scared it."The two tied the note back onto the bird and followed it from below. Soon, it disappeared into a warehouse on the harbor."I'm going in there." Rhino shouldered his hammer and began to walk up the side of the building."Nonononono, wait. We need to be stealthy, what if there's like fifty guys in there?" Olive grabbed onto him and flipped upwards, landing on his chest. "How about I go in there and if anything goes wrong I'll yell?""And if they gag you?" Rhino raised a brow."Then you can watch from the window, but stay out here." Olive moved towards the window, using a nearby gutter to climb up and get inside.The warehouse was filled with barrels. There was no signs of life other than a small room in the far corner with a lamp lit. Olive moved towards the room and snuck inside, grabbing different papers and stuffing them into her bag."Who's there?" A man came from a hidden room in the warehouse on the second story and began making his way down the stairs.Rhino was quick to move in and grabbed the man before he could see anything."Talk louder than a whisper and your corpse will never be found." Rhino pushed the man's back to the wall under the stairs. "Tell me what you do here?""We ship ale- grog! mead?" The man looked around."Don't lie to me." a green hue overtook the paladin's once white eye."Children." The man whimpered. "We export children.""And where do you send them? Which ship in the harbor?""We send them in the kegs, hidden on the only boat that goes back and forth everyday."Rhino moved his hand from the man's throat to his shoulder, nodding. "You've been of great help.""Can I-?" The man choked on his own blood. His face began to slip from his skull as his eyes flicked around in agony. Garbled mumbling was all he could get out as his intestines slipped from their hold and out of the widening gap in his stomach. The stench of rotting flesh filled the room and Rhino stepped away from the puddle, wiping away the blood on his hand."Rhino?" A small voice came from behind him."Olive! I was worried so I came inside." He hid the corpse behind him and smiled at the girl."Oh, I found more papers. Can you read them?" Olive offered up what she found."How about we try those outside? I wanted to see something first." Rhino pulled one of the barrels down and popped off the lid carefully.Inside were small chains and bloodstains with the name Alistar Lancaster engraved on the rim. The lid to the barrel shattered in his hands."Do you think Anya is trapped in one of these?" Olive knocked on a different barrel."No, I think they are all empty. I'll check them through. How about you wait outside and see if you can find the harbor master again?" Rhino lightly pat her shoulder, pushing her towards the main door."I can help check-""No, no, no, don't worry about it." Rhino opened the door and gently pushed her out. "Just go find the harbor master, I'll be there soon.""Okay?" Olive stood outside for a minute before continuing down to the docks. "Excuse me?"The harbor master was nearby, rubbing at his forehead as he fussed over papers."Excuse me, sir?" Olive moved closer and tapped on his shoulder."Eh? Oh, you again?""Yes, my friend and I had a few questions. Mostly him." Olive looked back to the warehouse to see it aflame, Rhino coming closer with a sinister smile."Ah! My good man, I was wondering if you knew when that party boat would be back?" Rhino set down the red-hot hammer."In the morning- I'm sorry, but did you do that?" The harbor master pointed to the building."Oh, my! I didn't even notice the fire! Thank goodness I made it away from there. I'm sure the authorities should be notified and that should be dealt with." Rhino pat the harbor master's shoulder. "You have such a keen eye to point that out.""Right... I'm going to go deal with that." The harbor master hurried off, alarm bells sounding."Did you set that place on fire?" Olive looked to the paladin."Of course not. I am a paladin of protection. Not destruction. It was just a coincidence." Rhino refused to meet her gaze as the two found a bench to wait until morning.When morning came, the flames had dulled and the boat had docked. Amidst the unloading, Rhino and Olive approached."You're a little early to board, friends, we don't leave till around nightfall." The man rolled his eyes, shaking his hand. "Come back around midday."Rhino grabbed the man's hand and squeeze, several bones popping. "We have had a very long night. I don't have the patience for midday. Can we just go sleep in our rooms?""I-I- I'm sorry, sir! I understand." The man gasped in pain. "I'll just take your tickets and paperwork-""That's not necessary, just show us to an empty room. Far from any commotion." Rhino let go and gave a soft smile. "Please?""Right-right away..." the man led them onto the boat and left them to a room with two smaller beds before scurrying off.Olive sat on the bed, setting her bag at her side. She grabbed the lamp and rubbed at it, sighing."The big guy seems like fun, player. Maybe you should learn a thing or two about fighting." The cosmic torso of Shin appeared once more, manifesting in front of her."He's okay." Olive mumbled."What did you say?" Rhino grumbled, looking over from where he fell onto his bed."Not talking to you." Olive sighed and turned over in bed, putting her back to him."What do you mean not talking to me?" Rhino sat up, his armor groaning."I'm talking to-""Don't let him know about me, player. That's only gonna end up badly." Shin hid slightly, making himself smaller."-to myself." Olive peeked over. "Talking to myself.""Just don't do it often. People will think you're insane." Rhino turned back to his hammer and went about cleaning the bar fight off of it as the two began their wait on the ship.
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"Olive?" Rhino sat up amongst soft, green grass. "Olive?""Over here." The teifling grumbled, her hair entangled in her horns as she stood and moved over to Rhino."Where are we?" Rhino stood and looked around, a small town was in the distance, people fuzzy as they milled about their day."I don't know, I just want to go back to sleep." Olive grumbled, resting her head against his side.The grass crackled nearby as two more figures sat up. Their skin was blue with hair to match, pointed ears hidden within the locks. One had armor made of fish scales and bone, the other in a flowing dress, a large sword on their back."Hello?" the sword-wielder took note of the two."Hello, by chance were you just on a boat too?" Rhino approached."Yes, quite particular we aren't on one now- say is that what that thing is called? A boat?" the sword-wielder was female."Yes. I haven't seen any of your kind in a while, since the war, actually!" Rhino gave a small smile. "Good to see you are well."The one in armor looked around and reached down into the grass, pulling out a third."Kerin, where are we?" he mumbled."I dunno, man. This doesn't look like an engine room." the sea elf grumbled, rubbing at his eyes."Cas? Kerin? Can you come here for a moment?" The sword-wielder pulled the two into a closed huddle.Rhino looked back to Olive and poked at her head. "We need to figure out where we are at, Olive. We can sleep when we get Anya.""I just want to get some sleep." Olive whined, hiding her head further into his side.The whoosh of air alerted him and he reached out, stopping the sword mere inches from his head."I wouldn't recommend this action, my friend." Rhino pushed Olive away, glaring at the group of sea elves."You tried to hurt our friend." The sword-wielder pulled back her weapon. "You've caused a lot of damage to innocent people.""Who would be your friend." Rhino stood, holding his hammer tightly now."Giggles." The sword-wielder dodged out of the way of the hammer."You're in league with them?" Rhino huffed."We just met yesterday. You've caused so many innocent deaths and destruction! I'm going to bring them your head." The sword wielder swung again.The blade sunk into Rhino's thigh, a deep crimson running down the armor."You have no idea what's going on, do you?" Rhino blocked the second blade, setting down his hammer. "I'm not going to fight you over this foolishness.""That's your loss then." The sword-wielder looked to her friends. "Cas, now!""Duck, my lady!" The armored one threw a javelin right over her.The spearhead made contact and Rhino disappeared from existence. The trio paused and looked around in confusion. Olive's eyes were wide before she too disappeared."Well, I don't know what that was about." Kerin pocketed his knife. "Seems we might be trapped here.""Do you think they teleported?" The sword-wielder tucked away her weapon."I'm not sure, Lady Selkie." Cas put his javelin back into the bundle on his back.The group moved into the town, looking around. The residents also seemed a little confused as they went about their days. A familiar face passed by."Wait! You, you were in the gear room with us!" Selkie grabbed at the man."The engine room? Yea? I worke- I work there?" The man looked around. "Where are we?""I was hoping you'd know." Selkie sighed and looked around. "Cas, can you sense anything?""I-" With that, the man disappeared.Cas sat up from within the engine room, gears were clicking above their heads as the anchor sat on it's rope nearby. Selkie and Kerin were still asleep next to him as he looked around. Everyone was still asleep..."Selkie, Selkie wake up." Cas shook the woman next to him."Did you dream of a meadow and the two culprits too?" Selkie yawned, stretching."I think we were under a spell." Cas stood. "I'm going to go see what's going on at the top. Try to wake everyone up."Selkie nodded and took to each room, opening the doors and yelling loudly, Kerin doing the same on the other side of the ship. Her yell stopped mid air as she looked at the occupants.Rhino was on the bed, rubbing at where the javelin had gone through his head, but no wound was to be seen. Upon seeing the elf, his hand wrapped around his hammer."No time for fighting- We were under a spell. At least save it till we fix the problem." Selkie began to close the door. "Find your friend and get to the top."Rhino looked over to Olive's empty bed and furrowed his brows. In her spot was a small jeweled necklace, a red gemstone shimmering. He shook his head and hurried out the room, catching up quickly with Cas and Selkie. A group of five men stood on the stairs, blades already drawn."Why are you all awake?" one of the men raised a brow."Why are we supposed to be asleep?" Selkie held out her own sword."Go back to sleep!" the men charged but were easily overpowered.Selkie's sword embedded into one's stomach as Cas javelined another into the wall. A thunderous echo shook the boat and the two elves looked back to Rhino who had a bloody crater to the floor below them in front of him.Going up onto the next floor, the group was surrounded again by five men this time. The walls were stained red and had dents by the time the five men were dealt with."I just wanted to sleep!" a small voice sounded from behind them.Rhino turned and smiled. "Olive, there you are!""Can you not go two seconds without making noise?" the tiefling grumbled."Was the thunderous smite a little overkill?""It was a little overkill." Cas poked his head out from behind Selkie. "Let's get up to the top deck. There could be more."The group made their way to the top deck where about twenty other men were waiting, swords already out and ready."Why aren't you asleep?" One stepped closer."How about you tell us why we are supposed to be asleep." Rhino moved to the front of the group."Well, it's so we can rob ya and take ya back to our hideout for ransom." The man was confused."What if we give you money not to leave us be and you can continue with your scheme?" Selkie pulled out a pouch of coins. "And where might your boss be?""Wait, so you're tellin' us that we can still go rob people if we sell out our boss? And we get paid for it?""Three gold each." Selkie poured out some gold, nodding to Cas who picked out three pieces, tossing them to the man.The swords were put away as the pirates went about going below deck, mindful of their steps, one pointing out to the ship's wheelhouse, where four silhouettes could be seen. Selkie and Cas moved around to the front door as Rhino and Olive climbed up towards the window. The two groups crashed through at the same time. The captain of the ship was tied up to the wheel, a sword to his throat from one of the two pirates in the room alongside a third that had more regal attire. Kerin was tied up in the corner furthest from the door."AY, what are you doing awake?" The captain drew his sword."Kerin! Are you okay?" Selkie called over."My head hurts." Kerin mumbled.A fight broke out in the room. The pirate captain stood side by side with his two men, brandishing a small pistol. Selkie moved infront of him, breathing heavy."You hurt my friend." The sea elf shuffled her grip on the double bladed sword."There won't be nothing left of him to call friend after you're out of the way." The captain fired.The shot grazed to the side, bullet sinking into the wood. Selkie dashed forwards, swinging her sword and burying it into the floor as the pirate captain side stepped.Cas used his javelin, twirling it to deflect one of the pirate's swings. A swift jab stabbed into the pirate's arm. Olive slunk along the side of the battle, a knife in each hand. A small bit of lightening jumped from her fingertips into the pirate Cas was fighting, the electricity crackling in the air."Watch your head!" Rhino's hammer swung for the second pirate, narrowly missing and landing in the wall nearby."You really need to work on your stealth." The pirate shot forwards, stabbing a blade between Rhino's armor plates.Rhino grimaced, grabbing the man's shoulder. "Think that's all I got?"An orange aura overtook his white eye before flashing green and disappaiting. Rhino's hand moved, quickly covering the scar. "Gah, stupid spells-"The echo of another gunshot sounded and the pirate captain swore as another bullet sank into the wood. He reloaded, keeping distance on Selkie who took cover behind Cas's sheild."How are you holding up?" Selkie turned and watched as Cas took a sword to the shoulder."Not great." Cas grabbed at the wound, a light yellow coming from his hand.It was still bleeding, but enough he could still fight. Cas put a hand on Selkie."Get in there, I've got your back." Cas turned back to the fight.Olive let out a little war cry as she threw another lightening bolt, the pirate she was fighting with flinching, allowing Cas to sink another javelin into the man. The man turned his attention to Olive, giving a wide swipe."Olive!" Rhino took a knife to the back as he moved around, reaching out to the teifling, a light blue covering her body.The sword glanced off the blue, bouncing into Cas and sinking deep. Cas fell to the ground. Selkie and the Captain were still head to head as Olive was now taking the full attention of one of the pirates. Rhino continued his dash until he got to Cas, grabbing the sea elf by the hand and pulling him up."Come on, friend. Let's keep going." A similar yellow glanced between their hands and Cas opened his eyes."Right." Cas pat Rhino's shoulder, a weaker yellow passing over the elder paladin.Rhino nodded and went back to fighting the other pirate. With the pirate captain occupied, his lackeys quickly fell. Soon, the pirate was standing with his back to the wall."If it's alright with you all, I'd like to talk to him alone." Selkie smiled and tied him up, using the rope that once held Kerin."Take him away." Rhino looked to the ship captain. "Where are we at? How far are we from the city?""Not far, I slowed the ship so we aren't too far off course." The captain spun the wheel. "Should be there in about two hours. I'll place a call to the harbor to send out the police and rescue teams.""Thank you." Rhino pat his shoulder before going to sit in the corner, holding the wound on his side."Can I sleep now?" Olive moved over, using Rhino as a bed.Rhino gave a small smile. "Get some rest. I will keep watch." He pulled his cloak from his back, wrapping her in it.The two fell asleep fairly quickly. Kerin looked from the two to Cas. "You think they're the circus runaways we're hunting?""Lady Selkie seems to think so. Besides, they match the description down to the wool shoes." Cas picked at the mess that had been caking the points of his javelin."Speakin' of the lady, should we have let her go off with the pirate captain alone?" Kerin peeked out the door."I'll get her once we get to the harbor. I think we all need a short rest." Cas tucked the javelin away, getting comfortable against the wall.The island was soon on the horizon and flashing lights greeted them about a half hour out. Rhino had waken up and used his cloak as a hammock to carry Olive around without waking her. Cas had found Selkie passed out in a pool of blood that was coming from the mangled body of the pirate captain. Kerin was still asleep, so Cas dismounted the ship carrying the two under each arm."They're offering refunds for your tickets at the office. Thank you for saving my ship." The captain shook Rhino's hand."You did well buying us some time." Rhino kept his voice low.The two separated and Rhino followed Cas to the refund line."Ey, aren't you lot the ones who took down those pirates?" a new man approached in a long trench coat."Oh, that wasn't us, we were mere passengers. Caught up in the fray." Rhino gave a small nod towards Cas. "I'm sure they were part of it.""You both have bloodstains and unconscious, hopefully, friends." the man offered two cards. "Detective Hunter. Just wanted to offer a room at the local tavern for our renowned guests."Rhino took one of the cards as Cas took the other. "Say, have you by chance seen any kegs come from our ship in the past few days?""You're looking for the people trafficking ring, hm?" the detective pulled out a cigarette."Specifically child. A little girl under my watch got kidnapped back in Port Harbor." Rhino sighed."Don't know what to tell ya, big guy. Might as well give up on that." Hunter took a drag."I'm not going to. So if you know anything-""Davis Alley would have more information. Anything sketchy goes down there. Can't be of more help really until you get into the city.""Tomorrow can you meet us at the tavern and take us there?""'I'll meet you across the bridge." Hunter disappeared into the crowd."Next?" The woman at the counter looked out over the group."Yes, three tickets please." Cas set Selkie on the ground and pulled out their three tickets.The lady took the tickets and slid over the bag of coins. Cas tucked the bag away and picked Selkie back up, going towards the tavern. Rhino looked around, biting his lip."Tickets?" The lady extended her hand."They got stolen in the raid." Rhino used his arm to support Olive's sleeping body. "Apologies, I was more worried about my daughter's safety."The lady squinted for a minute before shrugging and sliding over a bag of coins. Rhino was quick to pocket the money and nod, going into the tavern."Another one?" The barkeep sneered at the card."A detective gave me this." Rhino set the card on the table."Well, I only have two rooms." the barkeep looked between Cas and Rhino."I just need one with two beds." Rhino sighed."I can do one bed and a cot." The barkeep handed over a key."Thank you." Rhino retreated into the tavern."She'll have a room to herself. Is there a booth or something I can lay in?" Cas hoisted Selkie onto his shoulder."I got two cots and a bed. One of the cots can go into the bedroom. The other can go into a closet." the barkeep led the way to the room where Cas left Selkie on the bed and Kerin on the cot.Cas got comfortable on the cot in the closet, yawning as he closed his eyes.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"You took it too far." A female voice echoed in the blackness.Selkie sat upright with a scream, looking around the room. Kerin shot awake at the sound, pulling his shirt up to hide up to his nose. A thumping sounded before Cas broke through the door, javelin in hand."Are you alright, my lady?" the paladin was a little out of breath."I'm fine." Selkie looked around the room. "Where are we?""A tavern in the city. A detective met us and the suspects on the shore. Gave both of us a room here." Cas straightened his armor a little. "The suspects are going to a place called Davis Alley once getting into the city. Talking about a missing child.""Right, lets just follow and see if we can figure out if that's the truth." Selkie felt around, sighing when she felt her sword."We'll wait outside the door while you freshen up." Cas grabbed Kerin by the shirt and dragged him outside.It took a few minutes before the trio entered into the main tavern dining area where many patrons were eating. Rhino and Olive were at a table, both with full plates already in front of them. Selkie led the way and sat next to Rhino, glancing over his plate."So what's all that?" she mused."It's breakfast?" Rhino grabbed a piece of bacon and took a large bite. "You know, bacon? Eggs?""That doesn't look like eggs." Cas poked at the yellow substance. "Where's the eye?""Alright, I think we are done here." Rhino grabbed his hammer and plate, moving to a different table, Olive following after.Selkie followed. "I have questions for you.""I'm sorry about the war. It was-""I'm not talking about the war." Selkie tilted her head. "Wait, you fought in it?""I was part of the Crusaders. Got away luckily." Rhino waved to a waiter. "Say, what brand of beer do you have?""Oh! Just craft." the waiter brought over a stein.Rhino frowned and took a sip. "Can't get the name?""It's on me, friends!" A man called from a nearby table.The group looked over to see the man surrounded by shady figures."What better way to treat heroes than to a free breakfast?" The man sipped at his own stein.Rhino stood and came over, offering his hand. "Ah, thank you, my friend."As the man reached for the paladin's hand, a third member reached and pulled Rhino's arm away. She had a hard glare towards him."That's a fine grip you have." Rhino broke free and shook his wrist."Be nice, Sava." The man waved her off. "Heard you lot were the group that took out the pirates on the ship last night.""Depends, who wants to know?" Selkie was sizing up Sava."Oh, I hated them. Always running in my district. Thank you, for getting rid of em." The man tipped his drink. "This is coming from a rival pirate here."A little patter of footsteps sounded and Cas looked down to see a goblin holding a piece of paper. The goblin offered the paper to him. Cas bent down and furrowed his brows."For me?"The goblin scampered off as Cas looked and saw a crude drawing made of macaroni of the party. He gently folded the paper and tucked it away."So, where are ya'll off to?" The pirate sipped."Looking for a child. She was stolen in Port Harbor." Rhino leaned against the table. "Wouldn't happen to know anything about that?""Not particularly. That kinda stuff happens in the alley, but you don't wanna go poking your nose there without some knowledge of the city.""We have to find her." Olive pushed her way over. "Do you know anything or not?""The only thing I can offer is the House of Lust. They might be in on it. That place has a hand in any crime that goes down in the city." The pirate looked as food and drinks were brought for the party. "Dine well, if that's where you plan to go. You might not find a warm meal again."The party indulged in his offer before waving goodbye and continuing off towards the city. The way to the bridge was crowded with a line of people trying to cross into the main city. Guards were stationed every ten foot once closer to the booths that everyone had to stop at. Cas sighed and pulled out some papers, handing two separate pieces to Selkie and Kerin."Here. If you lose it before we get to the gate, you are on your own." Cas looked over his paperwork with a sigh. "Really hope they don't mind holy.""Pardon me, my good friend, but what are you holding?" Rhino glanced over."Your paperwork to get in?" Cas held up the sheet. "Did you not fill it out on the boat?""I told you we were going to get in trouble." Olive groaned."Papers." A dwarf was manning the booth and held his hand out expectantly.The trio of sea elves handed over their papers, taking them back with a little stamp. The dwarf raised a brow to Rhino and Olive."Papers?""Ah, yes... um, well you see we had ours-" Rhino looked around for a second, patting at his pockets. "Ours were- they were stolen! Aha! Yes, stolen on the ship."The dwarf slid over two blank pages, mumbling angrily. Olive was helped by Selkie to fill out hers while Cas helped Rhino fill out his."Okay, name?""Rhino.""Magic?""Umm... holy? I'm a paladin.""Okay. Age?""Do they really need to know? I'm getting shy about it.... ... ... 425."Cas handed over his paperwork and glanced over Olive's before handing it over."You should be all set." The dwarf stamped the pages and continued to the next patron.The papers were tucked away and the group set across the bridge. About halfway, there was a small outcropping of buildings, guards and policemen where everywhere."This reminds me of my camping days." Rhino gave a solemn smile looking over the soldiers."There you all are." Detective Hunter emerged from one of the nearby tents.He led the party to a large vehicle, everyone climbing in."So, Davis Alley?" Rhino sat in the front."No, we need to have health potions if we are going somewhere to fight." Selkie poked her head up from the backseat. "Is there anywhere around here that sells those? And by chance buys jewelry?""Both are in the shopping district, but on opposite sides." The detective began driving the rest of the way across the bridge and into the city."Where did you get jewels, my'lady?" Cas stared in confusion at the pouch."Don't worry about it." Selkie gave a small wink.The first stop was the jewelers. Selkie went in alone as Cas went to stand guard with Kerin."Can we just leave them here and go to Davis Alley?" Rhino grumbled."We should probably look into getting some health potions too." Olive dug into her bag. "If you can't heal, we are kinda screwed. Or if we get separated.""We just won't get separated." Rhino looked back at her. "Besides, health potions are expensive in cities.""I have enough to buy one or two, I'm sure. What about you?" Olive tucked her bag away.Rhino sighed and pulled out the bag from their refund. "This is it.""That's it?""After the war, I had to sell everything but my half-plates and hammer to survive. I was able to gather enough funds to live comfortably. But, I ran into some issues that left me drained.""Oh my god, you have no money management." Olive sighed, running a hand through her hair. "Is that why you've intimidated your way through anything with money?""We'll go with that.""So are you going to Davis Alley or not?" The detective gripped the wheel."I have a plan." Olive dragged Rhino out of the vehicle and to the alleyway of a nearby shop. "I can hide in my necklace. You're going to sell it. Then when the shop keep isn't looking, I'll pop back out and run away.""That's lying! And what if they put you in a safe or something?" Rhino shook his head. "Absolutely not.""Well, I'm going to hide in my necklace that conveniently found its way into your pocket." Olive disappeared.Rhino sighed and stepped into the potion shop. The shop keep smiled at him."Welcome to Popper's Potions. What can I help you with?""I need four health potions." Rhino set the bag of coins onto the counter."That'll be 170 G."Rhino grimaced before shaking his head and smiling. "Ah, but surely you could make an exception for an elder veteran?""160.""75."The shop keep laughed. "75 and you can have two."Rhino grumbled angrily before digging into his pocket. "How about 75 and a trade?"The necklace shimmered in the light as it was set on the counter. The shop keep picked it up and glanced it over, a small smirk forming."Deal."Rhino tucked the potions into his bag, watching carefully as the shop keep took the necklace to a back office, setting it on a back table. The paladin nodded before leaving the shop.Olive waited to hear the chimes die down and the shopkeep's voice outside the room before coming out of her necklace. The jewelry popped into existence around her neck and a small bit of blue smoke rose from the gem."Smooth, player. How we gonna get out of here though?" The blue torso of her patron appeared.Olive looked around, pointing to a small window in the top corner of the room. "If I can just slip out up there..."She used a desk as a stepstool, climbing up, frowning at the bars in place. "Damn it."A rumbling sounded and the walls of the shop shook in a rythmic pattern. Thump... Thump... Thump...The sound of the chimes at the door echoed before the shopkeeper's voice came from outside. Olive climbed down from the desk and slipped out the front door."-telling me that you don't drink on the roof?" Rhino was on the side of the building, a health potion in hand."Just, get down! My roof can't hold that much weight!" The shop keep huffed.Rhino noticed Olive and gave a smile. "But of course, apologies, my friend."Cas and Selkie were waiting by the detective's car."I can't believe I only got 50 G for all that." Selkie huffed."Be grateful you got anything." Cas shook his head.Selkie waved off the paladin, leaning against the car's side. "Say, Hunter, what do you know about Davis Alley?""The biggest crime lord runs a business called 'The House of Lust', but that's about all I got. Police really don't make it out of there if they stay too long. Basically all the crime of the city happens there. We should close the entrances and exits if you ask me. Leave the thieves to die out with their own kind.""I got us another potion." Kerin approached from a different shop.Cas took the bottle, tucking it into a bag. "That makes three. One for each of us."Selkie turned from the detective, raising a brow to Kerin. "Say, wanna do us a favor?""I don't think I can refuse." Kerin sighed. "What is it?""Get a head start to Davis Alley and see what you can figure out about the House of Lust." Selkie looked back to Hunter. "Is there anyway he can get there before us?""It's a few days walk, but if he gets a taxi I can take us to the north entrance, buying a little time." Hunter pointed to a nearby vehicle, pulling out some coins. "Give these to the driver and get out whenever he deems. Not many like going to the alley."Kerin took the coins and left within the taxi. Cas watched him until he disappeared around the corner before looking at Selkie."You do realize we should stick together, right?""I know, but we can't trust our travel companions to not have some plan set up. What if they know the boss at the House of Lust? I mean, Rhino didn't even want to come shopping." Selkie looked at Hunter. "You don't hear any of this right?""I don't get paid enough to." Hunter started up the car. "They're coming back."Selkie and Cas climbed into the vehicle as Rhino and Olive joined the group. The car began off towards Davis Alley, going slow. The busy streets became empty as a smog settled in the air. The well treated stones began to crack in their places, leaving bumps on the road. A solemn tone hung over the car as a large wall rose from between the buildings. Hunter flashed a card to the guard at the gate. The metal gridlock crept upwards, allowing them through."So what's the plan?" Olive looked around."We go to this 'House of Lust' and ask around." Rhino reached into his pocket. "It'll be easy, I've been trained how to infiltrate establishments like this before.""We don't even know what it is."The car stopped and the Detective turned it off. "That's as far as I'm taking you.""How far are we?" Selkie climbed out first."Two hour walk. Just keep following the road." The detective started back up the car once everyone was out. "Meet me back here in six hours. If you aren't here by night, I'm gone.""Thank you, my friend." Rhino pat the hood. "We'll be sure to meet you here."Hunter nodded before pulling a U-turn and leaving the way he came. The group stared at each other, a tense silence in the air."SO, this is where we part ways?" Rhino gripped his hammer."We'll follow. I sent Kerin this way to get information." Selkie stretched, wrapping a hand around the sword on her back."The more the merrier. Let's go." Rhino began walking down the road."You weren't being serious about just waltzing in there, right?" Selkie followed."Why would I lie?""Then I am walking on the other side." Selkie looked both ways before crossing the street, Cas soon following."Olive, you should stay with them." Rhino paused to look at the small tiefling."I want to find Anya too. What if she is in there?" Olive crossed her arms."And what if she is not and I get captured? Someone is going to have to break me out." Rhino sighed. "It's going to be very dangerous in there. Just stay outside with the sea elves. They wouldn't harm a child.""I'M 21!" Olive snapped."Exactly. Still a baby." Rhino pushed her towards the street. "I'll be fine! Trust me!"Olive went across the street and stood by Cas and Selkie. The separate groups continued down the way. It was a long two hours. The entrance to the House of Lust was bright with neon signs and lights. Two bouncers stood outside, one a tiefling, the other a human."Hold up, buddy." The tiefling raised his hands to Rhino. "What brings you here?""I was told this was the best house this side of the river." Rhino laughed lightly. "Need some company for the night, if you know what I mean.""Then keep walking. This establishment is of class." The teifling crossed his arms, blocking the door.Rhino glanced between the two. "Ah, then perhaps this would be a better place for me.""Tough luck. Leave." The human stepped over, his weapon clicking on the sidewalk."Give me a chance, have some mercy for the old war vet, hm?"The two didn't waver."How about we cut a deal?" Rhino set his hammer down. "You can let me in there, and if I make any sort of ruckus, I will leave when asked? I swear it. And I always keep... I always keep my promises.""Fine. But you have to leave that at the check in." The teifling stepped to the side, pointing at the hammer. "All weapons must be checked at the door."Rhino bit his lip before nodding and grabbing his hammer, walking inside. "Completely understandable. Thank you."Selkie and Cas exchanged a look before turning to Olive. "Think he'll be fine?""Do you think he'll be fine?" Olive shook her head, walking up to the bouncers. "Hey! Can we come in?""Are you with the big guy?" The teifling raised a brow."What big guy?" Olive looked around. "I am just wanting to go inside. Think I'm not tough enough?"Selkie tossed her sword into the alley before approaching. "They giving you trouble, ma'am?""Ma'am- I mean yes! Ma'am. I am a ma'am. I would like to be let in. You know, crime stuff. Fuck the police." Olive raised her middle finger.The human wasn't convinced."Tru, tru." The tiefling gave her a little fist bump, allowing them to pass.Through the door was a quiet little white room. A robot greeted them, sticking out it's hand."Please turn in all weapons." The robot hummed.Olive pulled out her knife and handed it over. The robot inspected it for a moment before wrapping a small yellow sticker on it and tucking it in the back. It then handed Olive a slip of yellow."Thank you." she gave a small wave."Compliance acknowledged." the robot turned to Selkie."What are you?" her eyes were wide with amazement."I am a robot designed with the function to process and confiscate weapons of guests at the House of Lust. Violence will not be tolerated.""I love it." Selkie wrapped the robot in a hug."Compliment not acknowledged. Please remove any and all weapons."Cas sighed and began taking off the various javelins on his back. The robot took them one by one, wrapping a blue sticker over each, then handing Cas a blue ticket. The door to the main attraction opened as the robot went off to place the javalins.Inside was even more neon lights highlighting poker tables filled to the brim with people. Music was playing, but not eardrum rupturing loud. It was honestly a little quiet compared to what one would expect. Three stories up was a black box room, surrounded by guards."The big guy was heading upstairs. We're going to find Kerin." Selkie pat Olive's shoulder before merging into the crowd.Olive looked to the stairs and saw the green trail of Rhino's cape disappearing into the second story. Her gaze turned back to the crowd in front of her."Awe man, player. Pinch me and tell me I'm dreaming." Her patron hovered over her shoulder. "Grab a beer, lets party.""Shouldn't we be asking around for information?" Olive sat at an empty barstool."Nah, let's just enjoy ourselves for a minute."The stairs creaked the higher Rhino climbed. People became scarce as the tables dwindled to the company of the high rollers. Cigarette smoke lingered in the air, causing him to cough as he reached the stairway to the third floor."Hold it." There was another bouncer, a tallish orc man who was eye level with Rhino. "Invite only on the third floor.""I'm here to see the one in charge. I have a letter from one of their associates." Rhino pulled out the copied letter from the phoenix.The bouncer reached to grab it, frowning as Rhino pulled it further away."Ep, only for the one in charge.""He isn't expecting any mail." The bouncer crossed his arms."That's why it is important, no?" Rhino smiled. "Please, I am just a humble messenger. Allow me to do my job.""And if I don't?"Rhino reached behind himself and swore at the lack of his hammer. "Well, I guess it'll be your fault a shipment was left in the hands of pirates.""If that's all the letter said, then there would be no issue me reading it." The bouncer snatched the letter, flipping it open. His eyes widened before he reached for a box on his shoulder.Rhino was quick to grab his hand and hold him in place. "I am so sorry."The orc was frozen for a minute before his hand began to peel and melt from the bone. A sickening clump fell to the ground and the orc choked on his own blood in the dim green light. Slowly, Rhino moved the decaying body to the side of the stairs and stepped over the rope, continuing to the top floor. There were two more guards who stood by the door to the black box. Rhino brushed off the blood and flesh from his hand, making sure the letter was clean before continuing forwards.A rumble of footsteps sounded from the stairs behind him. Rhino moved out of the way as a flurry of guards came up, surrounding him. Several guests had even joined, Selkie and Cas among them, to watch."Gentlemen! I am just delivering a letter." Rhino sheepishly held up the paper.Electricity crackled to life from the batons the guards were holding. He was surrounded by at least twenty of them. His eyes caught Cas, a slight panic passing through them. Cas turned away, pulling Selkie out of the way of another guard.The guards pushed forwards until Rhino had his back to a wall. A guard reached around and grabbed something. Rhino reached to grab the guard, but fell back as a door opened behind him."Ah, thank you!" Rhino watched as the door was slammed and he was alone in the room.He stood and stretched a little, holding the paper as he looked around. The room was dark, but the far wall was just a window into the club below. Between the walls was a large desk and chair."So you must be the one incharge." Rhino looked around. There were no guards in the room. But nothing to use as a weapon either."You would be correct." A deep voice came from the chair. It's back was to Rhino, only a lone animalistic arm was visible.From the light of the window, it looked like a tiger's arm, though fingers danced in the light."I wouldn't reccomend fighting me." The voice sounded again."I never even thought about it. I was just bringing a letter." Rhino stepped towards the desk.A tall, lanky man emerged from the shadows and took the letter, handing it to the man in the chair.It was silent for a minute before the letter was placed on the desk. The tiger hand dug into the armrest, creating a creaking sound."So. You traffic children?" The man growled."What?! No, I... okay, this is a really long story. But, you see, there was a beautiful lady named Alice and I really didn't want to let her down, but she asked me if I could deliver this message to the owner of the House of Lust. Is that not you?" Rhino felt the hostile air and nearly choked on his words."Don't lie to me." The hostility dropped after a second. "I know everything.""Then you know how beautiful-""I said don't lie."Rhino was quiet before shaking his head. "If you know everything, then where can I find this child trafficking ring.""There's a performer I'd like you to give this to." The hand waved and the man approached with a dagger with a wavy blade, a kris. "A little show called Darla's on the edge of town. Give this to the main performer along with the message 'Daddy sends his regards'."The blade was dropped in Rhino's hands."By give this to them, do you mean like? Give it to them like you just gave to me? Or do you mean like stab them?" Rhino looked over the blade, eyes lingering on the red gemstone embedded to the hilt."I'm sure you know that answer." The voice chuckled.Rhino tucked the blade away. "And if I refuse?""You won't. If you want your little friend to live.""So you know where Anya is?" Rhino stepped closer, a dangerous green seeping from his eye."Not that one. She's not in my building. Drinking at the bar with two sea elves." Rhino stepped again and the chair squeaked as the voice stood.His head was close to the ceiling, ears pinned back against his head as he walked around the desk. Royal purple and red robes hid his muscle as the tiger man towered over Rhino, a tail twitching behind him."I don't know who you are talking about." Rhino grit his teeth."I already told you don't lie." The tiger's eyes gleamed in the shadows. "You better hurry or you'll miss the show."Rhino held gaze for a minute before huffing and leaving, slamming the door closed behind him. The swarm of guards had dispersed back around the facility, it was as though nothing ever happened. Rhino looked over the edge of the railed and gripped the wood till it broke. Olive was sure enough, drinking something down at the bar next to Selkie. Cas was nearby, still looking through the crowds."I still can't find Kerin." Cas muttered to Selkie."Maybe he took a lady to bed?" Selkie turned her gaze over the crowd. "Right now, we need to keep our eyes out for other threats. Whoever melted the man back at the warehouse is here. And there's only one person who has been in both places.""You think Rhino did that?" Olive sipped at her water."I know he did." Selkie's glare hardened when she noticed the green cape heading for the door. "Come on, he's leaving."The trio followed at a distance, taking note of their surroundings. The signs began to jump between buildings until only a few shows and bars were visible.A little sign peeked from between the buildings and Rhino entered. They waited outside for a few minutes before following. Inside, the building was a small auditorium in desperate need of repairs. A covered figure sat centerstage as a pianist played a quiet tune. There were only a few people inside, a stark contrast to the place they were just at."Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome!" A small gnome came onto the stage, a gentle smile on his face. "Might I introduce our main event, Darling herself!"The man pulled the cover from the figure revealing a woman made of gears. Her eyes hummed to life and she moved elegantly as the music picked up. Soon the gnome and the automaton moved in sync, dancing and singing to the music. After a few songs, the automaton disappeared backstage, the little gnome went around, offering a small bucket to people to give a tip."I've got a package for the performers." Rhino nodded to him when he approached."Oh, but of course. Meet us backstage in a few minutes." The gnome nodded before leaving the stage.Rhino waited a minute before heading through the curtain."Go." Selkie pushed the other two towards the curtain.Cas was first to get there and froze. "Where are you going?""Why? Wait, just! Gah, hold on! She killed him!" Rhino slammed through a pair of double doors out into the street.Inside a little room nearby, there was the body of the man, face down on the floor. The automaton he was with no where in sight. The group was quick to follow outside. Rhino was running alongside the road, his boots glowing as he used the side of the buildings to avoid traffic as he chased the mechanical woman.Her legs shifted for a moment before springs popped out and she began running with a skip to her step, the skip putting her far out of reach.A javelin whizzed past Rhino, landing infront of the automaton, causing her to trip. Rhino jumped down to grab her, narrowly missing as he stumbled and fell. The automaton was back up and running."Good throw, she's limping." Rhino grabbed Cas by the armor. "Try to catch her, no?""What are you doing?" Cas yelled as he was thrown towards the automaton."Me next!" Olive moved up to Rhino."Use those circus skills." He chucked the tiefling as the automaton disappeared towards a trolly."Touch me anywhere inappropriate and I'm cutting off your hand." Selkie swore as she caught up."I would never." Rhino chucked Selkie towards the group before following a little slower than before.The automaton ran from the trolly into a nearby building. The group gathered infront of it."Rhino, go up top to the roof entrance. Cas, Olive, and I will go through the building." Selkie hurried inside and began checking rooms.Olive went into the next room, staring at the various rugs within."Hello?" She called."What do you want?" A gruff man was holding a few rugs rolled up on his shoulder."I'm looking for a mechanical woman. She might've run through here a few minutes ago?" Olive gestured to about the height of the automaton. "Bout this tall?""Yeah I've seen here. Lives upstairs." The man tilted his head to the stairs behind Olive."Right, thank you!" Olive gave a little wave before hurrying up the steps, shouting to Selkie what she had learned.Cas was the first on the second floor. He passed by the rooms and continued up to the third. The room furthest from the stairs was empty, the next room was also empty, but a glint caught his eye. Cas entered the little apartment. There wasn't much for decorations or really anything to show someone lived here. He pushed the door open to the bedroom, seeing the source of the glint. A picture framed on the walls. Below, a travel bag packed with a shaking automaton holding the straps."Hey, wait. You're the one we're looking for." Cas blocked the door."I have to get out of here!" The automaton tried to push past."Did you kill that gnome in the theater?" Cas held his ground."That was no-""Cas found her!" Rhino entered, blocking the door to the main hallway."Stay away from me!" The automaton slipped out of Cas's grip and put the table between her and the paladins."What do you know about the child trafficking ring?" Rhino moved as close to the table as he could."I don't know anything!" The automaton cried. "I just want out!""I can't let you do that. I was told to give you something. Along with a message." Rhino pulled out the dagger."Woah! Woah! Woah! No! Rhino, what are you doing?" Olive entered behind him, two loaves of bread in her hands."Here." Rhino tossed the blade across the table. "*mumble* sends his regards."It clattered to the ground infront of the automaton. "Who?""Does that mean anything to you?" Rhino dodged the question."I don't know. Who sent this?" The automaton picked up the blade, inspecting it. "I don't want it.""I refuse to say. He runs the House of Lust." Rhino took the dagger back, tucking it away. "He wouldn't have sent me after you if you didn't have something in return.""I don't know anything about that.""He said to give it to the performer at- the gnome. The gnome knew something and you killed him." Rhino's glare hardened. "I'm going to take you to the boss.""Rhino, what are you doing?" Olive reached forward."I was told to give that dagger to the performer at the show. He never gave me any specifics. So if one is dead, maybe if I bring the other in, we can find out where Anya is." Rhino swung his hammer, narrowly missing the automaton. "Hold still, I won't kill you!""Rhino, stop!" The party barely avoided as another hammer swing missed."Just trust me!" Another swing and a miss."Stop!" A glint of blackish blue went across Olive's eyes and then Rhino's.The hammer fell to the ground."Leave her alone. Let's just go." Olive watched as the paladin wordlessly went outside and down the stairs."Sorry about that, luv." Selkie pat the automaton on the shoulder."Get out of my house.""Fair enough."
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"Olive. Get out of my head." Rhino was stiff, staring straight ahead."You can do whatever you want. I'm not controlling you, you just can't go back up there." Olive pat his shoulder. "Now want to fill us in on what's going on?""I feel like there has been a lot of miscommunication." Selkie stepped forwards. "From both sides.""Right." Rhino nodded. "Let's start anew. My name is Rhino. I am a Paladin of Protection. About two months ago, I stopped a little girl named Anya from being robbed. She told me she was looking for her sister who had ran off to join the circus. That sister was Olive. We all went to dinner and a group of pirates came trying to rob the tavern. A little brawl started and when it was over, Anya had been abducted. We followed the crumbs that led us here. At the House of Lust, I'm sure some of you saw me get pushed into the office. There I met this tiger man... he... I'm not going to lie, but if we all fought him, I have a feeling we would lose in a matter of seconds. I tried to lie and say I was working for Alice. He did not like that and sent me on a mission to give that dagger to the performer at the show. Wasn't very specific, but I went along with it because somehow he knew we were working together. He threatened Olive. You can piece together the rest from there."Selkie had shoved her sword into the ground and was using it as a backrest as she pinched at her brow. "We've been following you because the circus got raided after you two burnt down the warehouse. The witnesses saw Olive and figured you both worked there. After fighting back the mobs, Alice wanted us to bring you to justice.""She took advantage of our newness to the walking world." Cas pat Selkie's shoulder. "My name is Cas, I am also a Paladin of Protection. Swore to protect Lady Selkie as she came to the surface to see if the world was ready for us to come back yet? If it was worth redemption.""Its not. And it's not safe for those who don't know it's laws." Rhino shook his head. "I was created for brutality and I can barely keep myself alive.""I want to do something about it. And maybe helping you guys find this child can be the start." Selkie stood, pulling out the sword from the ground and strapping it to her back. "Selkie, at your service." She offered her hand."Good to have you." Rhino shook and looked down to Olive. "See, we are all friends now. We all know the truth, please let go.""Absolutely not. You're going to run right back up there and torment to poor thing." Olive rolled her eyes. "Let's go back to the theater. Maybe the gnome had something on him."The group slowly walked towards the theater."So, you ran off to join the circus?" Selkie nudged Olive. "Are you in your rebellious teen years?""I'm 21! I'm an adult!" Olive crossed her arms."I'm 216, I get it." Selkie snickered and pat her shoulder. "Cas is the old one, he's 264.""Bah, children the lot of you." Rhino snickered. "425.""You look a little grey to be that young." Cas raised a brow. "Sure everything's okay?""I'm not all elf. If this mission doesn't kill me, I've probably got about 10 years left." Rhino gave a solemn smile. "But, I'm ready to go."Police officers were surrounding the theater, taping off the entrance and ten feet from it. There were only four outside, but several cars hinted there could be more inside. A small gathering of people were at the tape, demanding answers. The group made their way to the tape, Rhino and Olive going past it."Excuse me, but stay behind the line." An officer stopped them."We work with Detective Hunter." Olive looked around. "He sent us to investigate.""Hunter doesn't have this district." The office reached down to the holster on his hip."Our apologies I could have sworn it was here." Rhino looked around. "Could you by chance fill us in? Just for curiosity? Any suspects?""We are detectives in training." Olive nodded.The officer relaxed a little. "Alright, alright. There was a murder. The main performer here was found with a hole in his chest, we assume from a knife of sorts. Witnesses say they saw four suspects chasing his co-star out of the theater. Two well armored looking... two... welll..well... Get on your knees!"The officers surrounded them and pulled out their guns, a crackle of electricity sounding."Don't be ridiculous, there are plenty of people with armor." Rhino raised his hands. "We work for Hunter, remember?""Okay, don't do anything stupid." Olive mumbled as blue passed over her eyes.The blue tint faded from Rhino's and the officer facing them had a ring of thorns form atop his head. The officer shot his gun into the air, spinning aimlessly."Rhino, let's go." Olive began to move towards the street."I'm sorry. I'm so sorry...""Rhino?"The paladin was on his knees, his hands covering his ears as his face was buried into the ground. His whole body was trembling."Rhino, snap out of it!" Olive shook his shoulders."I see them. I can see them. Dead... all dead..." his voice was cracking and weak."Officer, stand down!" Another police officer came over, holding his weapon to the maddened officer.The two exchanged blows for a minute as the other two closed in around Olive and Rhino. A javelin caught one in the leg and he turned to Cas who was pulling another from the holder on his back."This is Officer Jones of the Davis Alley PD. Stand down and we'll let you off with a warning." The officer turned his gun to Cas.Another gunshot sounded and the maddened officer fell to the ground, his body jerking about."Rhino, please get up." Olive shook him again. "We have to get out of here."The officer who shot reloaded his gun and aimed for the two. The shot rang clear as it made contact with the skin between Rhino's armor. He jerked for a second at the pain, but didn't move from his position."Leave us alone!" Olive pointed her finger and a crackle of lightening bolted from her finger towards the officer.The officer took the hit, shaking it off.A dark blue slipped over her fingertips as Olive fired again. The officer she was fighting dodged it and got closer as the other two split off to fight Cas."Flank him!" Selkie swung her sword, narrowly dodging a bolt of electricity.Cas and Selkie focused on one officer, easily tearing him down. The man didn't stand a chance against the loud boom of thunder through his chest. The second officer landed a hit on Selkie, forcing her to the ground unconscious."Get up!" Olive covered Rhino's body with her own, putting her face by his. "We are going to get arrested, how are you gonna help me find my sister in a jail cell, huh?"The officer tackled Olive and began fighting to put a pair of handcuffs on her. Both of them fell off as Rhino shakily stood. He picked the officer up by his shirt and pulled him close."I don't think you get paid enough for this." Rhino set the man down."I don't think I do either." The man ran away, into the theater.Rhino moved over to the second fight and grabbed the officer by the shoulder, pulling him back."Surrender now." The officer had his gun pointed at Rhino's face.A boom sounded and everyone looked over to see Olive standing with smoking bits of a gun in her hand. The maddened officer who had fallen earlier was missing his gun, as well as a good portion of clothes, the remnants smoldering."Now I have to deal with that." A green glow came from Rhino and the man coughed, blood seeping from his nose and ears. "I trust you can finish the job."Rhino tossed the man back to Selkie and Cas before returning to Olive."I should never try guns." Olive shook her hands out.A soft yellow glow went from Rhino's hand to her head as he ruffled her hair. "No, you shouldn't."The last standing officer fell as Cas speared him. Two officers lay dead at the paladin's feet. Cas looked between them before going to Selkie, a faint yellow glow passing to her."Did we win?" Selkie shook her head, sitting up."Two are dead, one unconscious, and another ran away." Cas looked over.Rhino's hammer slammed into the ground next to the unconscious one. With no response, he hefted his hammer back onto his shoulder and moved towards the elves."Now what? There's probably more officers inside." Selkie leaned against Cas, blood seeping from her head."Back to the House of Lust. It's the only place we know to have some sort of safety from the law." Rhino looked around. "There's gates at either end of the city. Only other way out is up the wall and I can't carry you all.""We need to find out where Kerin is at too. And that's the last place we knew of him." Cas wrapped his arm over Selkie, holding her up. "Its going to take a while to get back there. Think we should borrow one of the police cars?""I do know how to drive." Rhino dug into one of the officer's pockets, pulling out a keychain."Absolutely not." Olive and Selkie spoke in unison.The group decided on walking back, taking care to avoid the main road when possible. The bouncers didn't stop them as they entered and the robot wordlessly took their weapons."You did well." The voice came from behind the chair.Rhino had gone up to the third floor as the others had gone to ask around about Kerin."I did nothing.""Tell me, what did the gnome know?""I didn't kill him. The automaton he worked with beat me to it." Rhino clenched his fist. "If all you are going to do is ask pointless questions I'm sure you know the answer for, just kill me and be done with it.""I have no intention of killing you," the tiger mused, "yet. Mortici." The tiger hand flicked and Rhino noticed a side door open and the lanky man leave. The room was now empty, except for the two occupants.Rhino took a step forwards, his foot making a loud noise. "I want no part in your game. I just had a very bad day all because you cannot help yourself from being dramatic. Why didn't you tell me the gnome was supposed to be killed or that he knew things? I didn't even know that this little trip you sent me on was worth anything. If you know something about Anya's capture then spit it out. Don't beat around the bush with me. Not today. If you are going to kill me, at least let me say goodbye to Olive." Rhino watched as the tiger stood and walked around the desk, standing toe to toe with Rhino.Mortici came back with something in hand and the tiger took it, bringing it between Rhino and himself.Daring not to break eye contact, Rhino felt sweat bead at his forehead as he watched a glint reflect in the tiger's eyes."I told you I have no intention of killing you." A bag was put into Rhino's hand. "Your payment. For a job well done."The tiger walked away and Rhino let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. Within the bag was a dozen or so sapphires, shimmering in the faint light from the window."I don't want payment." Rhino tossed the gems onto the desk. "I want a room. Two beds. I want just a peaceful night's rest.""Well, we both know I can't promise the last one, but a room will be prepared for you." The tiger pushed the bag back towards Rhino. "Keep this. As a gift from me. Don't you know it's rude to deny a gift?"Rhino reached to take the bag and fell forwards when the tiger grabbed his hand and pulled him forwards."I want to meet your little party in the morning.""I can't promise the sea elves will agree. We only recently came to terms with them." Rhino winced as claws pressed against his arm."I wasn't asking." The tiger let go. "Tell them their friend is waiting for them if you must.""I would never lie-""Don't try to play the noble card. It doesn't suit you. We know what you did. I'll keep your secret.""I have no idea what you are talking about." Rhino's glare hardened as he picked up the bag of gems, stepping back from the desk."You're so cute when you think you're doing something. I know your every thought. Every memory. Shame, being betrayed like that doesn't seem like a fitting end-""Stop it." Rhino pocketed the bag, moving to the door. "I'll bring them. Just stay out of my head."The door closed and Rhino looked out over the crowds below. Olive and Cas were at the bar, exchanging coins with the barkeep. Selkie was nowhere to be found. He went downstairs and sat next to Olive, ordering a stein of beer."Rhino, how did it go?" Olive tilted her head towards him."I got us a room for the night. We need to have a long talk. The sea elves too. Where is Selkie?" Rhino looked to Cas."She got herself a room with an... escort... she will be unreachable for the rest of the night." Cas swirled his own drink."Then you can pass word. Come." Rhino followed one of the guards that led the group to a large room.The bed in the middle was large enough to fit both paladins with room to spare, and a small couch on the side had its bed pulled out, soft blankets covering it. The middle bed spun slowly in the neon lights from the city view. The crimson sheets seemingly new with not a wrinkle in sight."What's with the spinning bed?" Olive jumped onto it, giggling slightly. "Its so squishy.""Let's just talk here." Rhino sat at the edge of the couch bed.Cas stayed standing against the wall as Olive came over and sat next to him."The tiger man I told you about. He wants to meet you all tomorrow morning. I believe he knows what happened to the other blue one. Kevin?""Kerin." Cas corrected."I'm not sure if your friend is alive or dead, but nevertheless, I need to get ahold of Selkie and meet us in the morning." Rhino kept his gaze on Cas."I will try. You know Selkie will try to kill your boss or whatever if he has Kerin hurt in anyway." Cas held eye contact."He isn't my boss. At least- well... maybe? I don't know. But for right now, all I do know is that even if I was at my prime, we wouldn't be able to damage him. We stood toe to toe and I almost couldn't breathe at the power this man put out." Rhino looked down. "I knew he could have killed me in those moments and I would've been powerless to stop it.""I'll warn Selkie not to try anything." Cas moved to the door. "Is that it for me?""Oh, wait, you can have my room." Olive tossed Cas a key.Cas caught it and nodded before leaving."Olive.""I'm sorry.""Don't ever go into my head again." His voice was soft, it sounded more broken than scolding. "Do you understand?""Yea, I got it." Olive looked over to him. "Do you want to talk about it?""No." Rhino stood and made his way to the middle bed, crashing onto it and falling asleep.
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Morning came and everyone was down in the main area. The card tables had been made into normal tables and the bar had a buffet across it. Most of the people eating seemed to be guards, though a normal few guests were around."You look like you need some coffee." Selkie joined Olive's table."I've never had it. I heard it stunts your growth." Olive sipped at her own drink."Where'd ya hear that from?" Selkie set a mug down in front of her."My step-father. He is short and drinks a lot of coffee, so I believed him." Olive took the mug and glanced at the dark liquid within."Well it's just an old wives tale. Go on, try some." Selkie smirked."What are you two doing?" Cas set a plate down on the table as he pulled up a chair."Getting Olive to have coffee for the first time." Selkie snickered as Olive took a large swig. "What do you think of it?""I smell sounds." Olive's eyes were wide as she looked around."Okay, everyone here ready?" Rhino glanced at the small group."Ready for what?" Selkie furrowed her brows."Did you not-""Hey, Selkie, the guy who owns this place might know where Kerin is at and wants an audience with us." Cas interrupted."Oh, okay." Selkie's face fell a little. "He better not have hurt Kerin."None of the guards stopped them as they made their way up. The door opened as Rhino went to knock and they all filed in."So great to meet you all." He was sitting in his chair, back to them.Olive turned her attention away as the blue torso of Shin appeared."Player, we gotta go. We gotta get out of here." Shin tugged on the necklace. "That thing is bad news and I do not want to be-""Tell that annoying Jinn to shut up."Shin fell silent and hid back in the necklace."You are interesting, Selkie." The tiger hummed."What have you done with Kerin? I just want to know if he is safe. Getting food and such." Selkie glared.There was silence for a minute."Interesting. Yes, yes. I'll keep quiet on it.""Who are you talking to?" Rhino stepped towards the desk."None of your concern." The tiger strummed his fingers against his armrest. "I have a mission, for you all.""Were you talking to the one in my dreams?" Selkie furrowed her brows."The gnome who died yesterday had a laboratory. We assume it is where the trafficking is taking place. I want you all to find it.""If you can't find it with your resources, how do you expect us to find it?" Cas crossed his arms. "I assume you have people all over the city.""I do. But my people can only get so far. Find the followers of knowledge. That is where my trail ends." The tiger man waved his hand, shoeing the party away."How can we trust you aren't leading us on some wild goose chase?" Olive had hidden her necklace under her hand."You all are wanting things. Work for me, and I can help you." the chair creaked and the tiger man stood, walking towards the group."Your sister..." Olive hung her head low."Your honor..." Rhino gripped at something in his pocket."To see a better world." Selkie stared up at the man."A missing friend." Cas glared."I can help you all get what you want if you help me get what I want. We have a common enemy." the tiger circled back to his desk, leaning against it slightly.Selkie stepped forward. "So what are we supposed to call you?""He already knows the answer." The tiger turned to Rhino."You never told me your name." Rhino crossed his arms. "I added that to the reasons I don't trust you.""Non-sense. I'm sure of it." The tiger moved closer, "What was the message I told you to give to the performer?""Oh no, I am not. I refuse. That cannot be your name." Rhino's cheeks were red."Someone sends their regards. You were quiet on the name." Olive tilted her head."Go on, tell them." The tiger snickered. "You're correct, it's not my name. More of a title, but most creatures will know me."Rhino whispered under his breath."I'm sorry. Couldn't hear that." Selkie had caught on and leaned closer with a small grin. "Say it louder.""I will kill you." Rhino glared to the sea elf before caving. "His name is Daddy.""But you can just call me 'Boss' if you so wish." the tiger went and sat back in his chair with a smirk. "Your friend will meet you down in the lobby shortly.""I'm going to go drink more coffee!" Olive finally let loose, charging out the door."Wait, who gave you coffee?" Rhino chased down the stairs after her."Got him!" Selkie caught Rhino at the top of the stairs, holding him back. "Cas, help!"The two were unable to hold him long as Rhino jumped out of their grasp and sprinted down the steps. Olive was eight cups in before Rhino was able to pull her from the counter."I can taste sound." Olive's eyes were wide as she looked around."Who gave you coffee? It stunts growth." Rhino rubbed at his forehead."Selkie said that was a myth." Olive reached for another mug."Well Selkie also said we burnt down a warehouse." Rhino pulled the mug away, drinking it himself."Didn't we?""I did. You are innocent." Rhino set the empty mug onto the counter."Kerin!" Selkie tackled the familiar face."Ompf, what did I miss?" He raised a brow, catching her.Cas gave a light shoulder pat to him. "The circus was in the wrong and we now work for the House of Lust's owner.""Oh, alright. Um, I was filled in on what you guys were doing, with the whole laboratory hunt." Kerin stepped back from Selkie."Right, we should get going if we want to question that mechanical lady Rhino tried to kill." Selkie began towards the door."She's probably long gone." Rhino sent a small glare. "We should have captured her yesterday.""We should've known what was going on, yesterday.""That's fair." Rhino shrugged and stopped at the robot, collecting his hammer. "Do you think we still have to leave our weapons behind?""I'd assume so. I think only the guards are allowed weapons." Olive waited as everyone strapped on their gear."So, Kerin, they took care of you, right?" Selkie set an axe in it's holster on her side."I got food and water, bathroom breaks. Most of the time I was tied to a chair, so my neck's a little stiff." Kerin rubbed at his neck as they went outside."Oh, shit, we should probably avoid the street." Rhino ducked into an alleyway."Nobody knows we work for the Boss though, why-" Olive was cut off."Cas killed two police officers and I am a prime suspect for murder and harassment." Rhino raised a brow. "Or did you think I forgot about our little escapade?""That is a fair point." Selkie sighed. "So, how are you two going to go around?""I can carry Cas up the side of the building. We can take the rooftops." Rhino hoisted up the other paladin by the scruff of his armor. "Light as a feather.""Alright, Olive and I will stay on the street. Have some girl talk." Selkie wrapped her arm over Olive's shoulders. "Can you carry Kerin up too?"Rhino set Cas down and stood next to Kerin with a snicker. "He's like half of me. Of course.""Great. Meet at the apartments." Olive walked out of the alley and down the road."Alright, let's go." Rhino grabbed Cas and Kerin by the back of their clothes and carried them up the wall. "Hmpf, someone ate their fill at breakfast.""Thought I was light as a feather?" Cas got his footing on the rooftop."You are. Which is concerning." Rhino turned to Kerin. "Why do you weigh more than an armored paladin?""I dunno. Guess maybe cause my clothes are cloth and his is hollow fishbone?" Kerin raised his hands.Rhino grabbed Cas and pulled him close. "Ask him something only your friend would know.""I don't- It's Kerin, Rhino, I know him." Cas rolled his eyes."Then you shouldn't have a problem asking him something only your group would know." Rhino grabbed his hammer off his back.Cas sighed. "What is Selkie's dad's name?"Kerin leaned in and whispered to Cas."He got it right. No one else would know that." Cas shrugged."What if it is someone that could read minds or memories?" Rhino kept his hammer at the ready. "If this really is Kerin, how upset would you be if he died?""Very?! He's my friend, what do you me-"The sharp ring of the hammer making contact sounded. Kerin's form was unmoved at the weapon pressing to his head. Rhino lowered the hammer."That isn't Kerin." The elder paladin sneered."But, he knew? He?"Rhino dropped the hammer and grabbed Kerin by the back of his shirt, hoisting him over the ledge of the building."You see that?" Rhino kept his attention on the sea elf. "That is a very long drop. Very painful, if you ask me. Now, either you tell the truth, or there is going to be a scene and neither of us want that, do we?""I don't know what you mean?!" Kerin scrambled, holding tightly to Rhino's arm."Better hurry, my grip is slipping.""Rhino! Stop it!" Cas pulled the two back.Rhino threw Kerin to the ground, picking up his hammer. "If he tries anything, I'm hitting him again. And the whole city will hear it.""Kerin, are you alright?" Cas helped his friend up."Yea, just shaken." Kerin stood, sending a small smirk to Rhino. "He wouldn't've dropped me anyways."Rhino let out a huff of anger as he continued across the rooftops."So, how do you think we should approach?" Selkie walked with Olive on the ground."Well, I can hide in my necklace. I can only do it one time a day." Olive held up the small bit of jewelry."You could hide in your necklace and I could go in first, maybe we get a head start on the big guys so we don't scare her anymore than she already is." Selkie looked at the apartment building. "Looks like we were first.""Want to bet they got lost?" Olive chuckled."Cas knows his way around. I'm sure they're fine." Selkie looked around. "So, can you hear in there?""Yeah, but I don't think you can hear me." Olive rubbed at the gemstone with her thumb. "Oh! Oh! What if we made like a catchphrase? So that I know it's safe to come out.""Like what?""Like... um... Olive come out?""No no, that's too basic." Selkie whistled a small tune. "How about that?""That might be too hard to hear. What about pineapple?"Selkie nodded and caught the necklace as Olive disappeared. The sea elf slid it into her pocket and entered the building. The lights were dark in the room, upon arrival. There was no sign of life. She checked the side room and all that was left were two mats for beds.As she got outside, she noticed Rhino carrying Cas and Kerin across a street and up the next building a little bit further down the road."Hey! Do you remember the way to the theatre?" Selkie hollered.Rhino paused on the building and looked over."We'll meet you there!" Cas shouted back, pointing back from the way they had came.Rhino grumbled and turned around, beginning the trek back towards the theatre.Selkie once again made it there first and whistled, seeing no one around."Well?" Olive began peeking between the seats of the auditorium."Should we start with the body?" Selkie led the way backstage.In the side room, a chalk outline was on top of the wood, filled in black. Selkie began looking around and through the costumes."Why would they paint the inside?" Olive poked at the outline, jerking her finger back. "It's still wet?""What did you find?" Selkie moved next to her."This? It's not... Hold on." Olive dipped her finger back into the black substance and sniffed. "Oil?""Oil?" Selkie tilted her head. "What's that?""Machines need it to run. Like cars and stuff. Keeps the gears from getting stuck." Olive pried up the floorboard, revealing a much larger puddle. "There's no spilt cans of oil nearby, right?""Right." Selkie dug through the surrounding things. "Do you think humans live on oil?""No, only... only automatons and robots..." Olive looked around. "What if the gnome isn't really dead?""Get in there." The door to the back alley slammed open as Rhino pushed Kerin through it. "Selkie! Come reason with me!"The two exited the room and looked at the trio."What's going on?" Olive tilted her head."Rhino doesn't think Kerin is Kerin." Cas sighed. "Am worried he might be right.""This twig took a hammer to the face." Rhino huffed. "I refuse to believe that those pirates on the ship were able to capture him if my hammer did nothing at full force."Selkie swung her sword, hitting Kerin with the flat side instead of the blade. Kerin's head snapped to the side at the contact."Ooo, that one hurt." Kerin mumbled. "Why?""I already asked him about your father. He knew the answer." Cas crossed his arms.Selkie spoke in a foreign language."Yeah, I can understand ya." Kerin rubbed his cheek."Then answer in Zemian." Selkie raised her blade.Kerin was quiet."Answer." Selkie put her blade to Kerin's throat."You got me." Kerin raised his hands in surrender. "I'm not Kerin.""I should have dropped him." Rhino tightened his grip on his hammer. "Who are you?""Don't worry about it, big guy. The boss sent me." Not Kerin kept his hands in the air."Daddy sent a spy?" Selkie lowered her blade."Please don't call him that." Rhino put his hammer back on his back. "I think he gets an ego boost.""I'm just a fly on the wall. I'll keep out of your way." Not Kerin lowered his hands and stepped back."Can you at least protect yourself or do I need to babysit?" Rhino huffed."I can protect myself." Not Kerin nodded."Olive, have you all found anything?" Rhino turned to the teifling."I think the gnome might have been the automaton." Olive led the way to the room, pointing at the chalk outline."So he isn't dead?""I mean, there's a chalk outline so the police probably found a body to keep." Olive lifted the floorboard. "There's a lot of missing oil from it though.""Maybe the police are working with the gnome. Tell me, did anyone notice an oil shop on the way here?" Rhino looked around the group."Why?""If that's how much oil is gone, translate that to blood, whatever was dead here, needs something to fill back up." Rhino hurried outside, shortly followed by Olive."I think I'm going to call you Tamale." Selkie pat not Kerin on the shoulder."Okay?" Not Kerin furrowed his brows in confusion."We'll check out the auditorium." Selkie moved back into the main lobby and began digging around.Outside, Olive approached a poor looking figure. It's cloak was tattered and feet barren as it huddled next to a light post."Excuse me?" Olive crouched next to it. "Do you know where an oil shop is?""You're a little one." The figure turned, revealing a rat like head under the cowl. "So small and precious.""I take that as a no." Olive went to walk away, but the rat grabbed her arm."You can be blessed. Blessed child." the rat pulled her closer."I don't want it, no thank you." Olive tugged her arm away."She said no." Rhino pulled Olive from it's grip, pushing her behind him."Would you like to know more?" The rat turned it's attention, reaching for Rhino's arm."What do you know about the followers of knowledge." Rhino kept his distance.The rat chuckled for a minute, a quiet and dark chuckle. "Hetron provides..."Rhino kept a wary eye on the rat as it moved to a nearby wall, pressing on one of it's bricks. Slowly, the wall fell apart, folding to open a hole in the wall."Only one may enter to learn." the rat stepped back, lowering it's head.Rhino turned to Olive. "I have a plan.""No, absolutely not. I am not letting you go in alone." Olive crossed her arms. "Last time you went solo, bad things happened.""Oh really?""You got us wrapped up with some demonic cat!" Olive's voice was still a whisper as she yelled."I don't have proof he's demonic yet. Once I do, we can smite him, ok?" Rhino pat her shoulder. "But, my plan was never to go alone. Can you hide in your necklace? I'll put you in my pocket.""I can only go in it once a day.""When did you hide? Was there a fight?""No, no. it was Selkie's idea whenever we went to the apartments. So that there wouldn't be too many of us to scare her off."Shin appeared, whispering slightly. "You know, player, it doesn't cost much to get some extra shine if thats what you need."Olive looked between the Jinn and Rhino before nodding. "Alright, fine."Rhino caught the necklace as she disappeared and hid it in his pocket. The rat moved out of the way and allowed Rhino into the hole. Bricks clicked back together behind them, leaving a dimly lit tunnel to follow."Gah, maybe I should've just let you go." Rhino grumbled as he had to crouch to make it through without hitting his head.-.-"Find anything?" Selkie called from a corner of the auditorium."Nothing. I think the police swept the place clean." Cas called from the opposite corner."I mean, this was a crime scene." Not Kerin sat in one of the chairs, picking at a dagger."Where's the others, Tamale?" Selkie looked around."Went out the backdoor before we came looking here." Not Kerin tucked the weapon away.As they regrouped and began walking back, Selkie cornered Not Kerin. "So, is everything you said about Kerin's care a lie?""Your friend is fine. He's fed three square meals a day and has a room to himself. Think of it as house arrest. With rope." Not Kerin rolled his eyes."So why do you keep up the illusion? Scared we might bully you?""Just don't feel like taking it down. Besides, keeping a familiar face on keeps you all focused on the task instead of wondering what my motives are.""And what are those motives?" Cas opened the backdoor to the alleyway."Just making sure you don't turn your back on Daddy."Upon getting to the street, Selkie saw as the last bricks fell into place. The rat had a sinister smile on as the cowl covered it's head once more."Hey! Where did you send them?" Selkie hurried over, drawing her sword."Hetron provides." The rat strummed it's fingers together."Kill it."Selkie covered her ears and closed her eyes. "What? No!""Kill it now.""Only one may enter." The rat pressed the brick and the hole began to open."Kill it."Selkie looked back to Cas in a panic before grabbing the paladin and chucking him through the hole in the wall. Not Kerin stepped back as Selkie slammed her sword down on the rat, a crackle of black energy blinding those nearby. When sight returned, there was a crater where the cloaked figure once stood and the hole in the wall was closed. Selkie was panting as she lifted her sword, her vision a little something."Well someone's violet." Not Kerin looked to the brick wall. "Hope that wasn't deadly.""Shit."-.-The tunnel was dimly lit. A light green algea was growing on the walls, lighting the path the further the two paladins went through the tunnel."Rhino?" Cas called. "Olive? Are you in here?"There was no response.Rhino stretched as the tunnel stretched out into a cavern. There was a large green collection of algae on a nearby wall, it's color pulsing like a heartbeat."What you seek comes for exchange." the pulsing timed to the words.Rhino used the end of his hammer to poke at the substance, recoiling at the slime. "I'm looking for the followers of knowledge.""You are here.""Great. Now, where is the people trafficking ring." Rhino attached his hammer to his back."There are two of you. There should only be one."Rhino covered his pocket. feeling the gemstone of the necklace. "There is only me.""Clever... What knowledge do you have in exchange?" The algae mused."Have you ever heard of the war cross-continent? I have many stories about it!" Rhino looked around and pulled out his beaten banjo. "Perhaps a tune of valor for you?""No need for tunes. Just your memories."Rhino fell quiet, putting the instrument away. "Do you mean to say you will take my memories for information?""Copy. Never steal.""I feel like I am paying a great deal for just a single answer. Tell me where Anya Fortune is. And I will oblige.""The information will be given to her."A tendril of green speared from the algae and connected to Rhino's forehead, forcing him to flinch. After a second, the tendril pulled away."Alistar Lancaster has your answers." The cavern disappeared and Rhino was back in the tunnel, crouching."That definitely won't come back to bite us." Rhino swore, rubbing at his forehead.-.-"Rhino? Olive?" Cas continued down the corridor, looking around the cavern. There was a glowing bundle of algae against a wall that pulsed. "Hello?""Knowledge for knowledge." the algae spoke."What is that?" Cas used the tip of his javelin, poking the substance."What knowledge do you have in exchange?""Um, I... What am I exchanging for?" Cas stepped back."Ask a question and I'll state it's price."Cas put his javelin away, looking around. "Where is the automaton we are looking for?""And what knowledge do you offer in return?""I'm not a knowledgeable person. I am new to this world-""I'll copy your world's knowledge then." The tendril attached to Cas before dislodging and the room going dark as a vision appeared. Out the tunnel and down the road, a sewer gate by the apartments and down within.When Cas opened his eyes, he was back in the tunnel. He made his way towards the light of the street and bumped shoulders with something as he stepped onto the pavement. Rhino looked over in confusion. The two were shoulder to shoulder."Green jelly stab you too?" Rhino looked to the little mark on Cas's forehead."Said it was copying memories.""Brothers?" Rhino offered his hand.Cas stared at the him before smiling and locking hands. "Brothers."The two shared healing for a second before stepping away, mark free."There was some sort of creature down there that wanted knowledge and in return gave knowledge. It took my memories of war and gave me the name Alistar Lancaster." Rhino looked at Selkie and Not Kerin."I was given a vision to a sewer nearby." Cas furrowed his brows."I asked about where the people trafficking ring was. My primary goal is to find my missing child." Rhino sighed. "I realize I could've asked about our current mission.""Don't worry about it." Cas pat his shoulder. "I asked where to find the automaton. She didn't get far."The party followed Cas as he led the way through the streets and to the sewer cover. He hefted off the metal and looked to the ladder."I'll go first." Selkie began down."I don't trust that ladder." Rhino poked at the top rung. "I don't think it will hold.""Is that a problem for you?" Not Kerin raised a brow, looking at Rhino's boots."No, but it would've been for you." Rhino grabbed him by the back of his shirt and carried Not Kerin down, walking along the walls.Selkie landed on the ground, looking down the way. "Hey, careful, looks like we are cut off.""What do you mean?" Cas landed and looked. "My vision didn't tell me about this..."At the end of the way was a large grate from floor to ceiling. On the other side, a room was visible."The metal doesn't seem that tough." Rhino reached out and poked it. "If we hit it hard enough, we could break it.""Ready?" Selkie pulled back her fist."On three." Rhino pulled back his own.The two struck the metal and reared back, shaking their hands in disdain."What happened to it wasn't that strong?" Selkie swore, hopping a little."You must not have put your back into it." Rhino held his knuckles, mumbling curses."Where's Olive?" Selkie calmed, lowering her hand, still shaking it though."Oh, shit, right. Oli-" Rhino was silenced as he pulled out the necklace."Wait- put her through the gate. Maybe there's a lever on the other side." Selkie grabbed the gemstone necklace. "Olive, come out when you hear the catchphrase."The sea elf gently set Olive on the other side of the gate. "Pineapple."Olive popped into existence, the necklace landing safely around her neck."I gotcha, I gotcha." Olive looked around before pulling a lever.A metal cover slid from the center of the room, revealing another grate and a long way down into darkness. Olive left the lever and went to look. A quiet squelching noise could be heard."Olive, what's going on?" Rhino called."Shh! Something could be in there." Cas covered his mouth. "Think the three of us can break this grate?"Rhino nodded, rearing back his other hand. Selkie and Cas followed suit."Before you idiots break your hands, have you tried lifting?" Not Kerin sighed.The trio looked to each other and grabbed towards the bottom, hefting up the grate with little difficulty."Okay, Tamale and Cas, get through. Rhino and I will step over and let it down. Slowly." Selkie shuffled, making room for the imposter to pass by.Cas let go and stepped back as Rhino and Selkie carefully set down the grate.The room was mostly quiet, save for the squelching noise from the center. Selkie began to investigate the room to the side and froze."Guys, found the automaton."In the side room, two mechanical bodies were strung up by their ankles and unconscious, oil leaking from a few places."Olive, are you okay?" Rhino knelt down by the teifling who took cover in the corner of the room."I'm fine, just, something doesn't sit right with me about the noise. I don't feel safe." Olive watched as Selkie rejoined Cas and Not Kerin around the corner as they investigated further."Come on, let's keep moving."The squelching noise became a sucking noise and everyone looked to the grate. Green ooze was seeping from the holes, Reforming like jello."I've had it with green stuff today." Rhino swore.The ooze took attention to that and it's pace quickened, although still slow, in his direction."It follows sound, we have to move!" Olive whispered and stood, looking over to Selkie. "Be stealthy, Rhino."Rhino looked to his armor and back to the ooze. "Stealth is not in my favor. But I can keep it distracted. Continue around the corner on my mark.""Rhino, what are you doing?" Olive sighed. "We can both go.""I am in half-plate armor. If I try to be stealthy, I will most likely attract it to us. Go over to the others and I'll just run in circles with it." Rhino clattered his armor together as he darted to the opposite side of the room. "Hey! Over here, blob!"The ooze changed it's course and chased after the paladin, still a slow five foot at a time. A skittering noise began in a nearby pipe. It was much faster sounding then the squelching. A side to the pipe popped open and a metallic spider popped out.It looked around for a second, the lone eye pausing on Rhino. There was a loud screaming noise that began to emit from it, a tiny red light flashing on it's back. Rhino looked to see the group had made it safely around the corner before turning to the blob that crept closer. He dashed past the blob, pulling out his hammer and crushing the spider. The alarms stopped. The noises stopped. Everything except the slow squelch. Rhino pulled his hammer away from the wreckage as the blob got closer. It hovered over the metallic spider before slowly enclosing it within. Parts of it dissolved instantly, the more metal parts sitting suspended.A thump sounded from across the room and Rhino looked to the door that Selkie had closed. The door opened and closed, a soft thumping noise sounding. The ooze went on its way towards the door and Olive came around the corner."What are you doing?" Olive whispered, her voice quieter than the thumps."I made a distraction for you to get to safety." Rhino strapped his hammer back onto his back."Come on, let's go." Olive pulled his arm."You proceed with them, I'll check out this other way." Rhino moved towards the door, pointing to a hallway next to it."You have to pass the murder blob.""It's fine, your magic is wonderful. Good job." Rhino disappeared down the hallway.Selkie, Cas, and Not Kerin continued down their way, keeping quiet. A door came into view and Selkie nodded to Cas who raised his shield. Slowly, the door creaked open as Selkie hid behind the frame. Inside the room, two corpses were splayed out in the middle, five bat-like creatures digging their fangs into the bodies."Yeah, we're just going to close that." Selkie shut the door, making sure it was latched."What were those things?" Cas lowered his shield."Bad news. I saw them in a book, can suck the life out of you." Selkie continued down the hall and into the next room. "Hey look, a fancy chest.""I wouldn't-" Not Kerin fell quiet as the rows of teeth appeared from between the top and the bottom of the chest.The chest slowly opened it's mouth, saliva dripping from between the teeth as it's tongue reached for Selkie. The sea elf recoiled, pulling out her sword."Little late on the warning, Tamale." Selkie jabbed her sword into the chest.It's tongue caught the blade and held it for a second before spitting it out and closing back up, redisplaying itself as a normal chest."I'm just the fly on the wall, I could've let you get eaten." Not Kerin shrugged and looked around the room. "This place doesn't seem like much of a laboratory.""We've only seen three rooms."A loud crash sounded from somewhere else in the facility. The party made their way there, passing into another room.Three figures stood from the ground, a dark red light emitting from them."Halt. Trespassers." One of the figures raised a blade.Selkie began to emit a black lightening as she drew her sword."What are you doing, Selkie?" Cas raised his shield."It's the boss fight. I'm going all out." Selkie lunged forwards, stabbing one of the figures into the table behind it.-.-"What did you do?" Olive stood over the unconscious body of Rhino.Around him sat little pieces of white piping, some broken, some shattered."Looks like he broke an idol, that's some bad luck." Shin hovered over her shoulder."Can we fix it?" Olive picked up a few pieces, trying to puzzle them back together."I think it would be easier to try and shake him awake." Shin stroked his chin before pointing. "That piece doesn't go there."Olive set the pieces down and stared at the paladin. She checked the hallway to make sure the slime wasn't coming her way before putting her hands on either side of his head. A loud crackle echoed from her hands and Rhino shot up in shock."What happened?" he looked around at the destroyed idol."You broke that and were punished. Come on, I hear a fight in the other room." Olive stood and helped pull him up to his feet.As they made it into the next room, Selkie was unconscious as Cas picked her up and threw her over his shoulder. Not Kerin standing nearby, raising a brow to the two."Where have you been?""Rhino broke an idol and turned off the alarm." Olive rubbed at her forehead."You broke an idol?" Cas looked over as they continued through another door."I didn't know it was an idol. It looked like a 20-sided die." Rhino held the door open and closed it behind them, pausing at the gnome who sat in the middle of the room.The gnome was an exact copy of the one who performed with the automaton yesterday. His eyes had a more demented look though as he chuckled and rubbed his hands together. Next to him, a creature made of various stitched flesh squares emerged from the shadows. It stood as tall as Rhino, but had no thoughts behind it's eyes.The gnome stepped forwards, opening his arms. "Welcome, guests! So glad you finally got here. I needed new flesh to stitch."
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The gnome stood by the construct, chuckling madly. "Go on, hit it. Hit it with all your might.""What if we don't want to hit it?" Olive moved in front of Rhino."Go on, I know at least one of you want to." The gnome continued it's laughter, stroking the construct's arm. "Your flesh will be such a good addition to him."Selkie suddenly snapped awake in Cas's grip, shaking herself out. "What is that thing?""The gnome made it." Cas pulled out a javelin. "I think we have to strike first.""Alright, bet." Selkie dashed forwards, calling her sword to her hands.Her swing narrowly missed the gnome as he ducked to hide behind the construct. Rhino charged a distance from the others, waving his hammer."Come 'ere, big boy! Let's fight."The construct moved towards him, lifting it's fists into the air. Rhino braced for impact as they landed on his shoulders, the impact rattling the paladin's armor. A small ball of flame appeared between the two, hovering for a second before exploding outwards. Rhino stepped back in a daze, unharmed by the flame, as the construct began screaming in agony.Lightening came from the side as Olive stayed by Cas, hiding behind his shield. The electricity made contact with the creature and it seemed to roll it's shoulders."EEEE!" The gnome screeched as he threw a vial to the two, a green liquid spraying across them."Acid!" Olive was quick to prestidigitate the liquid off of herself.Cas winced as he had to wipe it off with his hands, leaving burn marks."Focus the gnome!" Selkie took another swing, barely missing once more.Cas and Olive moved over to her as Rhino swung at the construct. His hammer froze as it made contact with the construct, the creature took a few steps back fazed more by the sound than the weapon that made contact."Seriously?!" Rhino swore. "Two direct hits today and nothing!""Watch it!" Selkie had to move out of the way of the construct as it stood back by the gnome.The construct looked around in confusion before swinging at Selkie and Cas, landing a solid hit on the sea elves.Olive snuck around the creature, disengaging as she crept up to its backside. She pulled out her knife and jumped onto its back, swinging downwards. The blade did little damage. Cas swung his own sword, missing as his shoulder gave under the pressure of the construct's fist."Stay back!" The gnome threw another bottle and a bright white flash echoed in the area."I can't see!" Olive rubbed at her eyes."Blinded!" Cas did the same motion, using the pommel of his sword to avoid the acid burns on his hands.The construct swung wildly and a squeak came from the gnome as he got hit by his own creation."Knock the gnome unconscious, we should bring him in for questioning." Rhino rubbed at his eyes, having to set his hammer down for a second."On it." Selkie landed a hit to the back of the head on the gnome, unfazed by the blinding light from earlier."You shouldn't be able to see!" The gnome stumbled as he tossed another bottle, the green liquid falling short and landing on the construct.The creature yelled in agony and swung, landing a solid hit on the gnome and sending him flying. Rhino caught the gnome, reaching into it's bag."Hand me another acid bomb!" Selkie held out her hand.Rhino pulled out a bottle of green liquid and handed it over. The construct collapsed upon contact. The group huffed for a second, waiting to make sure it didn't move. Selkie took the other bottles from the gnome's bag. There wasn't anything else in the lab that was visibly steal able."So, think this will appease the boss?" Rhino tied the unconscious gnome to his chest with his cape."I mean- you all found the lab and dealt with this whole ordeal." Not Kerin gestured to the corpse."Right. And we aren't killing the gnome?" Selkie shouldered her sword."He has to know something. And if not, well, just evidence that this is the original one." Rhino pat the top of the gnome's head. "He isn't bleeding oil.""I vote we don't kill the gnome. Bring him back alive." Not Kerin gave a small smile. "Daddy likes a live one."The party left out through Rhino's hallway, careful to not be louder than Olive's thaumaturgy to avoid the slime. Selkie and Rhino lifted the grate, allowing everyone out before one by one everyone went up the ladder back to the surface."Back to the house of lust?" Olive tilted her head."I believe so. Tamale, you are going to have to walk with Selkie and Olive. I'll be at my limit with Cas and the gnome here." Rhino nodded to Not Kerin."That's fine by me. I'm not wanted by the peacekeepers." Not Kerin shrugged.The party split and made their way back to the House of Lust, Olive and Selkie arriving first."So, Tamale, we'll be seeing you around?" Selkie looked over her shoulder and paused at the missing imposter. "Did you see him go?""I literally just saw him with us." Olive looked around in confusion."I'm going to go talk with the big guy. I had a weird dream." Selkie waved a hand to Olive."A weird dream? Did you break an idol too?" Olive raised a brow."No no no, just um... well. I think I did accidentally sacrifice someone on an altar and that's what put me to sleep."The stairway up was blocked."He's not taking visitors." The guard crossed his arms."We work for him now. We just finished a job." Selkie huffed. "I just need to talk to him.""He ain't in. Left a bit ago. Come back later."Selkie glared for a minute more before going back to the lobby with Olive and sitting at a table."You know, I don't think I saw a single peacekeeper our whole trip." Cas snickered as he and Rhino entered into the House of Lust.. "You did all that carrying for nothing.""You don't know that." Rhino nodded to Olive and Selkie. "Waiting for us?""He's not here." Selkie furrowed her brows and glared at the stairs."Well, lets go try again." Rhino began up the stairs.The guard was still there and put his hand up to stop them. A light crackle came from the crystal on the guard's shoulder. The guard put the crystal to his ear before nodding and stepping out of the way."Daddy's ready for you."The party made their way up and into the room. It was dark, his back to them as usual."Brought you a present." Rhino pulled the gnome from his cloak and tossed him onto the ground.The gnome had woken up during the walk, shaking in fear."Wonderful. I am indebted to you all." Daddy turned in his chair, a sinister smile on his face. "Mortici, take our new friend to the kitchens for me."The lanky figure emerged from the shadows, easily carrying the gnome away."You each may redeem a favor from me. Consider it my thanks." Daddy leaned back in his chair, twirling a pen between his fingers."Find out where Anya is. The little girl I'm looking for." Rhino clenched his fist."Is that what you want for your favor? It may take me a few days.""That is fine." Rhino sighed."And how about the rest of you?"Selkie pulled her sword out and set it on his desk. "Can you put a spell in this? Find Familiar preferably?""I'll get someone on it soon." Daddy waved his hand. "I'll summon you when the time is right.""I'll hold onto my favor." Cas scratched at his head. "Have to sleep on it.""Can I have a sandwich?" Olive tilted her head."Olive, no." Rhino whispered. "I will buy you a sandwich.""There is an open buffet downstairs. Help yourselves to it." Daddy chuckled. "Consider that a thank you to you all.""I'm starving." Cas began towards the door, Selkie and Olive following."Wait." Rhino pulled Olive back, watching to make sure the others stopped. "Perhaps we should see about a place to stay for a bit?"The group looked between each other before nodding.Rhino turned back to Daddy. "Can I ask a favor of you?""Hmmm.... what is it you want?""A safe space for a few days. I have a feeling we won't be able to get out of here for a while with the peacekeepers looking for us." Rhino sighed. "I can pay-""It is alright. Just accompany me for dinner and we'll call it even." Daddy twitched his ears. "How many rooms would you require?""Olive, do you want your own room?" Rhino looked at the teifling."Yes! Can I have a spin bed too?!" Olive had a large smile."You can keep the current room, I'll relocate." Rhino pat her head."We want our own rooms too." Cas nodded to Selkie. "Kerin will also want his own privacy.""So five rooms." Rhino looked back to Daddy."Then we have a deal." Daddy nodded."So what time do we need to be back here for dinner?" Olive peeked out the window. "Its already pretty late.""Oh no, not you, little one. Just Rhino." Daddy's face had a sinister smile.Selkie snickered as she dragged Olive and Cas out of the room. "Have fun on your date, Gramps.""What?" Rhino tilted his head. "No, it's not a date? What's a-"The door closed behind them. Leaving Rhino alone with Daddy.A large table was brought into the room, candles and plates quickly set on opposite ends. Rhino sat down, sighing."I met with the followers of knowledge. It's some weird green algae in a hidden room. Gave me a name in exchange for my war memories." Rhino slid off his gloves and gauntlets, setting them on the table."I know." Daddy mused, keeping an eye on a hidden door in the shadows."Oh right. Your little spy probably told you everything." Rhino's voice harshened. "Did he tell you about the name Lanicaster too?""I never sent a spy."Rhino was quiet, his eyebrows furrowing. "No, you did. A spy that looked like the third sea elf... Kerin.""I never sent a spy.""Oh no, you are not doing this. You are not- what's the words... Gaslighting! You are trying to gaslight me." Rhino was glaring across the table. "I will not be gaslight, gatekeep, girlbossed."Daddy chuckled as a tray was brought and placed in front of the paladin. "I wouldn't lie to you. I have no reason to."Rhino raised a brow before looking at the tray. "So. If he wasn't a spy, what was Tamale?""I was." The door opened again and the gnome was brought out with his hands tied behind his back."Wait, you were-" Rhino paled a little. "I um, I apologize for the amount of times I mentally called you-""Water under the bridge." Daddy chuckled as the gnome was set in front of him.Rhino took off the lid to the tray. Within was a steak, steam lightly drifting off the meat and mashed potatoes."How did you know I liked my steak well-done?""I can read your thoughts.""Right. Could you maybe not? I'm not a big fan of people in my head. You should know that though.""I'll stay out of your head. You've proven your loyalty." Daddy gestured to the gnome. "You brought me dinner.""I what?"Rhino watched as Daddy's claws extended and punctured the gnome's throat, ripping out the vital organs there and eating as the gnome let out garbled screams. The tiger mused at the shock on Rhino's face, licking his lips clean of the blood."Your food is getting cold."Rhino gulped and slowly cut at his steak. "Right... um... should I be worried?""About what?" Daddy pulled the still beating heart of the gnome out, biting into it like an apple."That." Rhino pointed with a fork, chewing on the steak. "I'm not going to wake up with an arm missing one day, no?""Oh no, if I wanted Goliath for dinner, you wouldn't have left earlier."Rhino shook his head and kept his eyes on his own meal. "You had me in the first half, not gonna lie. But, if you are trying to scare me, I've seen worse.""I know you have.""I thought you said you were going to stay out of my head.""I saw it earlier. When are you going to tell your friends?""They aren't all my friends... but they will never know.""You're lucky you're cute. Olive is already suspecting something. Cas is also skeptical. Aren't paladin's supposed to be honest to each other?""Its more of a guideline."Dinner was finished and Rhino waved a small goodnight, heading to the bar for his new room key. Cas was still up, drinking lightly."Looks like that burns a little." Rhino passed healing to the younger paladin, the acid burns fading."Oh, right. Forgot about that." Cas gave a small nod. "Thanks.""Off chance you paid more attention in identification class, do you know what the boss is?" Rhino sat down, ordering a beer."Um... well, he looks like a race of cat people I saw in a book once within the clergy's library. He smells like a fiend- do you not have divine sense?""Oh, right. That's a thing I can do." Rhino sipped at his drink."Right. Anyways, I'm pretty sure he's a Raksasha." Cas shrugged. "Can't remember much on them. Just that he is a fiend. And possibly a threat.""Change that to probably.""Oh? Date not go well?""He called me cute. If that counts for anything. Not really sure what it means-""Rhino, it means... well, um... its a reference term. Or preference. I mean, like when you look at like a baby sea horse, or catfish, you know? You just kinda... oh it's so small and cute! Squishy?" Cas rubbed at the back of his head."So he thinks I'm small." Rhino dented the stein in his hand. "I'll show him.""That's not-""Thank you for your help, brother!" Rhino stood, patting Cas's shoulder."Hey, Cas, am I missing something-" Kerin stepped over. "Selkie just spoke Zemian to me and-"Rhino picked the sea elf up by the back of his shirt, nodding in approval. "Its not Tamale.""See! You did that earlier, then Selkie was suspicious-""So, the boss disguised himself as you on our mission today. Had to make sure that you weren't him." Rhino pat Kerin. "You are as light as a feather.""Thanks?""Wait, so Daddy was Tamale?" Cas raised a brow."Oh, right. He also likes to eat living things. He um, yeah, the gnome was dinner. I had steak though." Rhino shivered. "I feel like he was trying to pull a power-move.""I'm sorry, did you just say Daddy ate the gnome?" Cas's eyes were wide."Yes, keep up. But this just further goes to say he thinks I am small and weak." Rhino crossed his arms. "We'll just see about that.""Riiggghhttt..." Kerin looked back to Cas. "I'm going to go to my room. Please do not disturb for at least 12 hours. I need time to process and cope that we have not been on the surface for a week and you have already made it on the city most wanted list and teamed up with a crime lord.""That's fair." -.- A light knock sounded on the door early the next morning."Come in." Daddy's voice came from the room.The door creaked open, Rhino slowly coming in. His head was a little low as he approached."What can I do for you?" The Raksasha mused, setting down his pen."Is it possible... Can I borrow a room and a few of your guards? I found a thing and would like to practice fighting." Rhino rubbed at the nape of his neck."As long as you don't kill them, you can use the hostage room. Should be empty.""Is it fireproof?" Rhino's white eye had a fading red glow to it when he finally made eye contact with the Raksasha."What are you planning?" Daddy raised an eyebrow.Rhino sighed and whistled lightly, opening the door behind him. The stench of fire and smoke wafted into the room. A large canine, it's snout sitting level with the paladin's shoulder as it held its head high, sniffing around the room."Where did you find a hellhound?" Daddy stood, walking around his desk."I found it in the alley." Rhino gently scratched at the dog. "I've already named him. He is Hot Spot."Daddy lifted a hand to the hellhound, allowing it to sniff. "An alleyway is an interesting place to do a ritual.""I was expecting something large and couldn't remember if it came running or materialized. The answer is materialized." Rhino scratched the dog under the chin, a large grin on his face. "He is a good boy. Such a good boy."Daddy chuckled lightly. "You can use the basement then. It's wholly concrete. A healer will be there too. Just incase your hellhound-""Hot Spot.""Yes, Hot Spot... just incase he goes a little rough." Daddy began to walk towards the hidden door. "Come. I'll have six men meet us there.""You're going to watch?" Rhino followed, the hellhound falling into step behind him."Of course. It will be interesting." The door slid open with a light ting, it was an elevator.Rhino cautiously stepped in, having to press against the wall as the hellhound struggled to fit within. The doors closed and Daddy pressed the lowest button on a panel."So. A Raksasha, hm?" Rhino raised a brow."Was it the sea elf that figured it out?""Cas.""I figured he would. He did more religious studies than you." Daddy sighed. "Lucky me that you haven't the slightest clue what that means, do you?""Not in the slightest."The door dinged open and the basement was in the process of being cleared, many of the boxes were sitting beside a nearby set of stairs or under them. It was designated a safe zone and the fight wasn't meant to go that way. That is where the healer and Daddy sat.Three men in front of Rhino and Hotspot, three behind. Four of them looked to be regular bouncers, but two seemed a little more beefy, they stood at the ready, allowing Rhino to make the first move."Come on then." Rhino nodded to Hot Spot and the two targeted one of the bigger ones.His hammer knocked the guard into another, sending the two tumbling to Hot Spot's feet. Fire streamed from its mouth and encased the two. The smaller of the guards tapped out and walked over to the healer, sitting against the wall."That's a good boy!" Rhino cheered to the hellhound, turning his attention to the other approaching four.One managed to nick Rhino's arm with his scimitar, fear crossing his face as fire overtook him. Rhino rushed behind Hot Spot, disengaging as the hellhound sent another wave of fire over the group that had gathered. Another one tapped out, sitting by his comrade. Another couple of swings pinged off Rhino's armor, but several managed to sink into Hot Spot."Come on, boy, let's show them what we can do, no?" Rhino climbed onto the hellhound, getting into the saddle as he gently rubbed at the dog's fur, a soft yellow glow passing through.Hot Spot sunk his teeth into another guard."I yield! I yield!" The guard cried, trying to pry the dog off.Hot Spot flicked his head and the guard was sent flying towards the healer. Three left. Two of them were singed and one untouched. Rhino put his hammer into a holster on the saddle and rubbed his hands together."Cover your ears, this is going to be loud." As he snapped his fingers, a wave of thunder echoed, shaking the boxes by the stairs.The three left were able to cover their ears, but could still feel the rattling in their bones. The guards tried to swing again, but stumbled still from the ringing in their ears. Hot Spot sank his teeth into one as Rhino grabbed his hammer and swung. A bright light filled the room upon contact. The guard stumbled, shaking his head."Are you alright?" Rhino raised a brow."I'm good, I'm good." The guard shook his head and twisted his knife in his hand. The blade lunged forwards and sunk into Rhino's side."You won't be." Rhino's eye let off a faint glow and the guard screamed as he was engulfed in flame.He fell to the ground, unable to move but still breathing. Two left. Hot Spot circled the two, Rhino holding his wound. The hellhound unleashed another stream of fire and then there was one. The last guard looked around before raising his hands in surrender. Rhino nodded and helped him carry the two unconscious ones over to the healer."You all fought well!" Rhino pat one of the shoulder in praise. "It was a hard fight!""You have papercuts." One of the guards huffed. "We're almost dead.""A little bit more armor wouldn't hurt your cause." Rhino watched as they retreated up the stairs. "Have a good one! Thank you for agreeing to training!"Rhino received healing as well, patting Hot Spot and checking him over for hiding wounds."Its so hard to tell if it is blood or fur, you know that, don't you?" Rhino picked at different bits of the dog. "Don't sass me. You would've disappeared if I hadn't healed you.""Your hellhound listens well. I take it you two can communicate telepathically." Daddy stalked over from his makeshift chair of boxes."Yes, it is very useful during combat." Rhino scratched behind Hot Spot's ears."Well, if that is all, feel free to use this space at any time. Though, my guards may need my convincing to spar with you again." Daddy chuckled, beginning towards the elevator."Wait." Rhino shouldered his hammer. "I want to fight you.""Oh, you couldn't hurt me. Hot Spot might be able to, but there is nothing you can do against me." The Raksasha paused."I think you are scared." Rhino pat the hellhound. "Scared we would win.""Someone's cocky." Daddy's tail curled as he smirked. "Take a rest. Meet me back here and I'll accept your spar."Rhino nodded and went back to his room, making sure everything was set. It didn't take long before he and Raksasha were standing face to face in the basement."You can back out at anytime." Rhino held his hammer in both hands, Hot Spot right beside him."I think you've underestimated me."The call to start sounded from the healer and Daddy disappeared instantly. Rhino cursed and split off, swinging his hammer. Hot Spot went the opposite direction, spewing fire in hopes to hit the invisible fiend.A light whistle sounded and Rhino looked to the corner to see the Raksasha snickering.A swing of his hammer passed through Daddy's midsection and he vanished."Hate illusionist." Rhino grumbled and looked around.Hot Spot sniffed at the ground for a second, then the air, then towards the ceiling. Daddy glimmered into view."Your pet has a good nose." A small purple hand floated from Daddy towards Rhino, dancing around his head. "Be proud."Rhino swat the hand away, staring angrily for a second before walking up the wall, batting as another mage hand tried to play with his ear and nose."You better run, because when I get to you, I am going to hit you so hard-" Rhino swore as he continued to the ceiling, finally making it within range to the Raksasha.His hammer made contact, but did no damage, calling another string of curses."Get down." Rhino pointed towards the ground. "Hot Spot can't reach you.""Oh, but isn't that a good thing for me?" Daddy crossed his arms, twirling a finger as another mage hand began to play with Rhino's hair."Hey, no. We aren't there yet." Rhino bat the hand away. "Get off the ceiling.""I mean. I'm flying. You're the one on the ceiling." Daddy drifted to the side, narrowly dodging as Rhino attempted to tackle him.Rhino's eyes went wide as he began the 40 ft fall. The Raksasha hesitated for a second before caving in and grabbing his leg."Come on. Why don't you try again?" Daddy let him get his footing back on the ceiling.Rhino huffed in anger. "You should've let me fall.""That wou- oh no." Daddy grabbed tight as Rhino managed to tackle him. The force pushing both of them to the ground.A cloud of dust puffed around them as Rhino pinned Daddy down, wincing at the fall damage. Daddy gave a small smirk and tried to push Rhino off, but to no avail."Do it! I can take it." Rhino looked up from the Raksasha to the hellhound who stood a few feet away.Hot Spot nodded before covering the two with fire. When the flames quelled, Rhino held Daddy down with one hand, reaching over and putting out an ember on the Raksasha's fur with a smirk."Oh? Now we're smug?" Daddy struggled again, but still unable to break out of Rhino's hold.Hot Spot lunged and bit into Daddy's shoulder, tearing at the flesh, but nothing coming loose. Just the smell of burnt fur."I could hold you here till you faint. Hot Spot's mouth will cook you even if his teeth don't do anything." Rhino let out a soft yellow glow on himself. "And I could take another fire breath. Could you?"As the glow faded, Daddy finally overpowered Rhino and pushed him off, shrugging off the dog and standing."Let me show you true power." Daddy grabbed Rhino's shoulder and the two disappeared.Brimstone nearly made the air unbreathable. Rhino coughed as he looked around. Fire and brimstone as far as the eye could see..."Where-""Welcome to my home plane of existence." Daddy chuckled. "Welcome to Hell.""It's hot." Rhino pulled at the neck of his armor. "But I can manage.""I've been holding back." Daddy circled Rhino. "I know of your trauma. Your fears. You lost control once. Would be a shame if it happened again.""You promised to stay out of my head." Rhino raised his fists, hammer left back in the basement. "Quit holding back and fight me.""I could kill you." Daddy raised his hand, claws sliding out. "One hit and in six days-"Laughter echoed from Rhino as he bent at the waist. "It would take you six days to kill me? Bah! If your plan was to bring me here and make me beg for you to take me back, you're going to have to think something else up.""Perhaps I should leave you here then." Daddy raised a brow. "Let the fires cook you alive.""You wouldn't." Rhino moved towards the Raksasha."I would." Daddy watched for a second before sighing. "You really want me to fight you?""Yes! I'm tired of your little tricks. You had to run away to another plane of existence, hoping I would grovel-""Oh, I'm not asking you to grovel." Daddy chuckled. "You have something I want.""Oh, is it a holy sigil? I'm sure a fiend has many uses for it." Rhino pulled out a small disc that was tied to rope.Daddy glanced to it and raised a brow. "Looks a little broken to me.""Its seen its fair share of fights." Rhino tucked the sigil away. "Unlike you.""Hypocritical are we? At least I don't use my pets to fight for me, oh wait. You do fight for me."Rhino charged forwards, pushing the Raksasha to the wall, holding him by the throat. "I will crush your windpipe if you don't take us back.""Go on, try it." Daddy snickered.Rhino squeezed, but nothing happened."You really want a fight?""Yes." Rhino let go, stepping back. "Come on, I'll even let you get a clean first blow."Daddy sighed as Rhino puffed out his chest, opening his arms."Right in the armor, hm? Or perhaps you're smart enough to hit my exposed face?"The scratch crossed his cheek, just above his beard. Rhino stumbled at the suddenness and rubbed the spot."There we go. Now it's a fight." Rhino chuckled and put up his fists, his stance wobbling."Its not meant to instantly kill. It will fester. Drive you mad." Daddy looked around the area. "Perhaps leaving you here a day would cool you off.""You wouldn't." Rhino's fists lowered a little."Then tell me you yield." Daddy gave a small smirk. "Admit you were wrong to underestimate me.""I would rather eat my armor."With a pop, the Raksasha disappeared. Rhino looked around before swearing. He waited for a few seconds before shaking his head and climbing a nearby column of rock. More fire.... more brimstone... possible civilization in the distance. It would take over a day's walk."Stupid magic." Rhino climbed back down and took off his armor, sweating heavily. "I'll just wait. Then when he takes me back, I'll have Hot Spot burn him like a steak."He looked around, rubbing at the scratch. It was still bleeding, not enough to worry, but just enough to paint his fingertips red. It pulsed at contact, aching in the heat. Rhino left it be, sitting against the column, leaving his armor next to him as he tried to rest, but found he couldn't, the aching from the scratch keeping him awake.Daddy reappeared in the basement, brushing brimstone off his outfit. Hot Spot growled and lunged, biting at the Raksasha. In two hits, the hellhound disappeared."That dog is going to be trouble." The Raksasha shook his head before getting healing and sitting in his office for a few hours. "Perhaps I should check on him..."He looked out across the main lobby, noticing Cas was up, eating breakfast from the buffet. Daddy let out a sigh before phasing back to hell."Ah, I knew you'd be back." Rhino was drenched in sweat, the evaporation of the liquid leaving a small trail of steam coming off the paladin, alongside the armor that was beginning to redden beside him."Have anything to say?" Daddy squat down next to him, raising a brow. "Other than backtalk?""It is very hot here." Rhino lowered his head."Are you ready to go back?" He offered his hand"Fine. But you never won. We'll call it a draw." Rhino took the offer and stood with assistance."How'd you sleep?" Daddy mused, watching as Rhino put on a glove to pick up the armor."Oh, it's just so hot I couldn't." Rhino closed his eyes as they teleported back into the basement. "Thank the gods."The paladin laid down on the concrete, embracing the cool. The scar was still bleeding and he wiped it off with his shirt, an increasing red stain apparent."Here." Daddy offered a white vial."I haven't had to take a health potion in over a century. I'm not about to break that record over a scratch." Rhino peeked at the potion."Its not a health potion. It's a cure for the curse. You know, so you can actually rest."Rhino snatched the potion, mumbling a small thank you as he popped the cork and took the liquid like a shot, grimacing as he swallowed."Bah, did you just poison me?""As much as I would've enjoyed seeing you wither down over the next few days, I cured the curse." Daddy took the empty vial and tucked it away."How long was I in Hell?" Rhino resumed laying on the concrete, covering his eyes with his arm."A few hours. Four, perhaps?""Ha, knew it wasn't a day. You were worried about me." Rhino had a small smirk. "I assume you've already recovered from Hot Spot?""First thing I did.""Is breakfast still being served?" Rhino's stomach grumbling"Yes, if you want breakfast, you can go get some. Perhaps you want to freshen up first?" Daddy mused, bending down and picking up a piece of armor."Perhaps you would like to join me?"The armor let out a rattle as it rejoined the rest. Daddy's face had a light look of surprise as he peered at the paladin who had moved to peek out from under his arm."You're wanting to have breakfast together?""I mean, you did invite me to dinner last night, it's only fair I repay you with breakfast." Rhino slowly stood, rubbing at the non-existent scratch."I'll meet you in my office in thirty minutes." Daddy nodded."Why not in the lobby?""I don't dine with the peasants." Daddy walked away, beginning up the stairs."Is Hot Spot allowed to join as well?""Yes.""Then make it forty." Rhino picked up his armor."See you then." Daddy twirled his fingers and a mage hand gently stroked where the scratch had been on Rhino's cheek.Rhino's eyes closed for a second as he shivered. He quickly regained composure and slapped the hand away, face red as it disappeared. The Raksasha was chuckling as the elevator to the basement closed behind him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Olive sat in her room, spinning on the bed as she stared at the ceiling. She looked at the necklace in her hand, sighing lightly."What's up, player?" Shin formed beside her."I'm bored." Olive swung the necklace back and forth, changing its appearance to a lamp, then to a necklace, then to a staff, back to a necklace. "All my stuff is in here, but I can only go in once a I don't want to waste it. Your couch isn't comfy."Shin rolled his eyes. "Hey, you can live there too. If you can pick it up, you can bring it in."Olive's eyes brightened as she sat up. "Do I have to pick it all the way up or just a little bit?""I dunno, what-?" Shin raised a brow as Olive scrambled off the bed and attempted to lift.The bed didn't move, except for the spinning. Olive grumbled and ran out of her room, running down the hall and knocking."Rhino! Rhino, I need help!" Olive knocked. "Rhino! Rhino! Rhino!""I'm a little busy at the moment!" Rhino called from within."I need your help! It's an emergency." She continued knocking.The door creaked open and a very tired looking Rhino appeared, without his armor on and shirt drenched in sweat."You're smelly." Olive stepped back."I've had a busy morning. What's wrong?" Rhino rubbed at his cheek."Come on." Olive motioned as she went down the hall a little."Fine. But only because my armor is still cooling off." Rhino closed his door behind him and followed.Olive skipped back to her room and pointed on the bed. "Help me pick that up.""Why?""Don't ask. Just do." Olive stood on one end and Rhino on the other. "Okay. One. Two. Three."The bed flipped into the air and landed on Olive."Are you okay?!" Rhino immediately went about lifting to get it off of her."No no no, wait! Let me hold it!" Olive disappeared, bed with her, leaving her necklace on the ground.Rhino sighed and shook his head. "I'm not alive enough for this."He left the room.Olive scampered out from under the bed and smiled happily. "Ha! I did it.""That's great. Now what are you gonna sleep on out there?" Shin pointed to the ceiling of the room."I didn't think that far." Olive frowned. "Can you flip this?""Flip it?""Yeah. It's upside-down. Can you make it not that?" Olive stared at the Jinn."I mean... I could. But that can better help you over there." Shin pointed to the side of the room.Olive looked to the blank wall then back to the Jinn in confusion. The bed had flipped in that short time."Ah... but it stopped spinning." Olive furrowed her brows at the bed. "I'll figure it out later."Olive reappeared in her room, necklace sitting safely around her neck. She went out into the lobby, looking around for the large paladin before hurrying to the bar. "I need three of your strongest coffee!""Okay?" The barkeep set out three mugs.Olive downed one, carrying the other two over to the table with Cas. Cas raised a brow as she began chugging the second one."So, we having a day off?" Kerin sat with the group.Cas muttered in Zemian."Can we stop with the lack of trust?" Kerin snapped a little before responding in the language."Oh, so that's not Tamale?" Olive sipped her coffee."No, this is Kerin." A slight tug pulled on Cas's eyelash and both he with Kerin reached out, grabbing at something invisible.Kerin pulled a bit and Cas was thrown back onto the floor. Kerin let go and watched as Cas tried to defend against the invisible attacker."It's the Lady, I think." Kerin took a bite from his breakfast."Lady Selkie?" Cas pushed at the figure."I need eyelashes." Selkie's voice came from the empty space."I leave you all alone for ten minutes." Rhino sighed, approaching from the stairs. "I would like you all to meet Hot Spot."Hot Spot sat beside him, fur crackling at the embers. Selkie immediately appeared and rushed to the dog."He's adorable." Selkie pressed her face into the fur, rubbing her hands against his face."Careful, He's a bit on fire." Olive reached up slowly. "He's big.""You're okay. He won't bit- well, he does bite. But- never mind. Hot Spot won't hurt anyone." Rhino smiled before noticing the empty coffee mugs. "Olive-"Selkie grabbed another mug from the bar and handed it to the tiefling. Hot Spot tried to get it in transit, missing as Olive was fast enough to grab it and chug. Rhino sighed in defeat and sat at the table."So why were you so sweaty earlier?" Olive sat back in her seat."I just did some sparring with some of the guards." Rhino looked down. "Fire is hot.""So, what's everyone doing today?" Cas fixed his seat, resuming eatting breakfast."I've got a bag of sapphires I need to get appraised." Rhino sipped on a cup of water. "I also want to get my hammer upgraded.""I have some more necklaces to sell. But I don't know if there is a decent place in the alley for selling." Selkie sat down."Oo oo!" Olive pulled off her necklace with a smirk. "We can leave the alley and pull the con again!""Absolutely not." Rhino sent a small glare."What's the con?" Cas raised a brow."I can hide in my necklace, then you sell it to someone and when their back is turned I poof out and walk out." Olive looked at the necklace. "I can make it look more expensive.""We aren't doing the con. I should get decent money from the sapphires." Rhino put his head in his hands. "Besides, didn't you already go in the lamp earlier?""Shit." Olive furrowed her brows. "If I sleep a little I should be able to go back in.""Wait, yes." Rhino snapped his head back up. "Sleep. Sleep is good. We should take a nice long rest.""You okay?" Cas raised a brow to the paladin."I am very tired." Rhino gave a small smile to Cas. "It has been a long day.""Okay. We take a nap. Then leave for the city?" Selkie nodded."That sounds like a good plan." Rhino stood, stretching."I don't have a bed." Olive gave a small smile."You can sleep on Hot Spot." Rhino began walking back towards the rooms."You not gonna eat, big guy?" Selkie took a bite of Cas's food."I already had breakfast." Rhino looked up the stairs with a small smile before shaking his head and retreating into his room.Hot Spot followed the rest of the party into Olive's room where they laid on various places of Hot Spot as he stretched out on the ground.Hours passed and Rhino soon woke them up, knocking on the door."Okay. So there are gates on either end of the city where peacekeepers are asking for ID. We don't have Hunter to sneak us through." Rhino leaned against the wall as everyone was still getting up."I have a disguise kit in my room." Selkie brushed through her hair with a comb."Right. And that would require the removal of my armor." Rhino frowned. "Already did that today. Not fond.""Well, then we have to ask big Daddy." Selkie pointed to the ceiling. "Unless you just want to suck it up and take off the armor for a few hours.""Mmm, no. Besides. My hammer is the most reputable thing about me and its what I need to bring with me." Rhino pointed to the weapon on his back.The party made their way up the stairs, being allowed access almost instantly. Upon entering, there was a faint smell of smoke."Can I help you?" Daddy was at his desk, writing."We need to sell some stuff." Selkie jingled her bag of necklaces. "Think we can sneak out of the alley to get to where the good sales are?""You have wanted posters on every bounty board." The Raksasha set down his pen. "I can only help one of you with a disguise. And I'll need it back at the end of the day.""Perfect. This one refuses to take off his armor." Selkie sent a small glare to Rhino. "We can use a disguise kit on the rest."Rhino watched as the group left and he was left alone with Daddy again."If you get caught out there, my hands are tied." Daddy warned."I won't get caught. Haven't you met me?" Rhino raised a brow as Mortici brought over a holographic ranger hat. "Or perhaps you want me to be caught.""You can make yourself look like anything. But the hat stays. Don't take it off or you will be revealed." Daddy took the hat and stood, walking around the desk to hand it over. "Give it a try."Rhino took the hat and flipped it around in his hands for a few seconds. He tucked his bun into the hat, letting it rest on his head. A slight shimmer overtook his armor and was replaced with blue and red cloth. His pants were black with his boots still the appearance of themselves."Well? Do I look different?" Rhino gave a small bow.Daddy chuckled and sat against his desk. "The point is to change your appearance, not your clothes. But I will say you look nice without the armor and ten pounds of sweat.""Maybe don't send me to hell and I'll look nice more often." Rhino began towards the door. "I'll be back. If I don't get arrested.""I'll be waiting."Olive sat Cas down in a chair in Selkie's room. "Hmm... we're going to have to make you not blue.""Not blue?" Cas held still as Olive began styling his hair."We are the only sea elves on the surface. Blue would be suspicious." Selkie set the kit on the table. "I can change Cas's appearance if you want to get Kerin changed.""I mean, do I have to change?" Kerin sat on the bed. "I was never seen with you all.""Yeah, but Tamale was and you look just like him." Olive grabbed a few things from the kit.Selkie was quick to cover Cas as he changed his armor for clothes. Olive paused and glanced over at the two."Um... everything alright?" She mused."Everything's fine." Selkie kept a cloth over Cas.Olive stared for a second more before shrugging and resuming work on Kerin."How's everything going in here?" Rhino opened the door to the room."Last up, Selkie." Olive messed with the sea elf for a minute before stepping back. "Well, not my best work. But you do look like not Selkie."Selkie stood and looked in the mirror. She looked like a little old lady. Cas's hair was black and his armor replaced with a simple dark hoodie and jeans. Kerin had a grey beard and ratty hat on. His clothes weren't much better either."Your disguises are wonderful." Rhino smiled. "Now, are we ready to get out of the alley?""How do we plan on getting to the gate? It's like a three hour walk and I can only stay in the necklace for five hours." Olive pulled out the jewelry to show she had changed the appearance into a multilayered diamond necklace."We could steal a car." Rhino shrugged. "I know how to drive one.""We cannot steal a car!" Cas crossed his arms. "That's wrong.""You all are planning on selling Olive and letting her run away after the shop keep turns his back." Rhino raised a brow."Correction. Selkie and Olive are planning that.""Okay, we've got someone on their way." Selkie shook her head."What?""I asked my patron and my patron is sending a guide." Selkie led the way out of the House of Lust. Olive ducked into her necklace and Selkie pocketed her.It didn't take long for a hooded figure to show up."Are you our guide?" Selkie looked as the figured stopped by them."Yeah, sure." The figure took off their hood revealing a feline like head."Oh, oh, are you a Raksasha?" Rhino bent down."Nah, I'm a Tabaxi." The feline offered his hand. "Name's Felix Claw.""Great. How do we get out of here?" Selkie looked around."If we are leaving the alley, you're gonna need spells. Any of you magically inclined?" Felix dug into his inner coat pockets."I think all of us are. Except Kerin." Cas pointed to the ragged looking one."That's great. That's great." Felix pulled out a scroll. "Now, the names are a little off putting, but I can guarantee they work better.""Do you have something like counterspell?" Rhino squinted at the spell scrolls."Nah nah nah, counterspell is a thing of the past. I got Spell be Gone." Felix pulled out one of them and held it out. "Only 300G for you.""Tis a shame. I don't have any gold." Rhino stood straight and looked around. "Shall we get going then?"Felix led the group through the back alleys, twisting and turning behind and between just about every building. But, they made it to the gates in no time."Alright, everyone got their ID cards?" Felix pulled out a slip of paper.Selkie popped a piece of gum into her mouth and chewed it before taking am eyelash from her pocket and mixing the two together. The gum snapped and Selkie disappeared."Has she always been able to do that?" Rhino looked to Cas who simply shook his head.As they approached, there was a board within the guard shack. Four pictures with wanted scribbled at the top. There was no name nor price listed like a few other pictures had."ID?" The guard didn't even look up from the newspaper he was reading.Rhino slowly set down his form from when they entered the city, Cas following the movement."Alright, whatever. Get out of here." The guard waved his hand, still not looking up.They quickly took back their papers and left the alley. Felix met them on the other side."Alright, what area of the city you wanna go to?" The tabaxi looked around."The shopping district. I want to get some gems appraised and sold." Rhino pulled out the decent sized bag.Selkie reappeared pulling out Olive's necklace. "And we need to sell this.""Easy enough. I know just the place." Felix led them to a trolley and into the familiar streets of the shopping district."Okay, we'll go into this store." Selkie looked around before her appearance changed from an old lady into a teifling with a mechanical arm and leg. "Call me Von. I passed a guy when we first got here that looked like this and thought it was cool.""Okay, um... I'll be Sebastian." Cas tucked his hands into his hoodie pocket."And I'll be back in like twenty minutes." Kerin walked away, looking into the shops."Kerin, wait-" Selkie was held back by Rhino."Let him have his fun, no? He was a prisoner for our time here." The paladin raised a brow.Selkie huffed before walking into the store with Cas. Rhino moved and entered into the store next door."Helllloooo." There was a thin scraggly looking man behind the counter. His hair greased up into a pompadour as he checked it in the mirror before continuing to walk towards Rhino. "Thank you for coming in.""Yes, yes, I was hoping this place be fancy." Rhino looked around, holding the door open for Hot Spot."Oh my, that is a big dog you have, sir. I'm afraid we don't deal with pets here." The salesman stayed behind the counter."This big baby is my newest to my collection of exotic pets. And he is a little expensive to feed." Rhino pulled out the bag of sapphires. "So, I am selling some of my prized gems from my collection to pay for his food.""May I look a little closer at them?" The salesman pulled out a telescopic lens, peering over the gems."Look as close as you like. They are the finest of my sapphires. And if this transaction goes well, I might even bring more gemstones of higher quality." Rhino shared a small laugh with the man."Well, these are some of the finest gemstones I've ever seen." The man tucked away his glass. "Thank you for bringing them here and not that joke of a jewelry store next door.""That is a jewelry store?" Rhino chuckled, looking over the array of sapphires. "I thought it was a pawn shop."The man let out a snooty laugh as he brought over a bag. "I can give you 5000 gold for these."Rhino nodded, stroking his beard before looking to Hot Spot who had a slight curl to his lips. "Ah, but that would only feed him for a month. How about we go up to 7000?"The salesman looked at the dog before letting out a long sigh. "You drive a hard bargain, but it is worth it for a returning customer."The salesman dug under the counter for a minute before setting a second bag on the counter. "I've got you 700 in platinum if that's alright.""That will do just fine." Rhino grabbed the bags and tipped his hat.Selkie looked around in the other store, milling about the rings."And how might we help you today, gentlemen?" The shop keep clapped his hands with a small smile on."Ah, well, we just had a few things we wanted to sell. My dear son Sebastian's mother recently passed and we've fallen on hard times." Selkie pulled out the bag of necklaces and Olive's necklace."I'm terribly sorry for your losses. Please, let me look at them." The shop keep put on a pair of white gloves, gently taking Olive's necklace and setting it on a velvet square. The other necklaces were spread out on the counter. "Hmmm... well, these don't have their gemstones, so I'm afraid I can only give you about 250 gold for them.""That's fine." Cas kept a careful eye on Olive's necklace. "What about the big one?""I did want to ask you on that. I haven't seen such an expensive piece but one time in my life. Do you mind if I call in my expert to look at it?" The shopkeep looked between the two."Oh, we don't mind at all." Selkie hummed.From within the necklace, Olive sat on her bed, tossing a loaf of bread between her hands."This is so boring." She groaned."That's on you, player." Shin hovered nearby, lifting weights formed of the same blue as himself.Olive sighed and went to take a bite of the bread, pausing when she noticed mold on it. "I need to get more to eat in here.""At least you got a bed now though, soon you can bring in some bitches, if you catch what I'm throwin." Shin wiggled his eyebrows."Speaking of catching something, what is this?" Olive pointed to her hands that were a similar blue to the Jinn."Oh that? That's um, magic burns. You get em when using too much magic." Shin made the weights disappear as he spoke. "I'm made of magic so I constantly got em.""Right. Sure. Don't lie to me." Olive crossed her arms. "I'm not dumb.""Just illiterate." Shin sighed. "Its part of your contract, player. If you use my magic long enough, you get the honor of taking my place.""What do you mean?""Well, I wasn't always as cool a Jinn as I am. I was once like you, kid just wanting magic. My patron wasn't as fun as me though, so consider yourself lucky." Shin looked at his fingernails."I didn't agree to that!" Olive got off the bed."Ah, but you did." Shin waved his hand and an orb appeared. It was showing their first meeting."All you gotta do is stuff for me every now and then." He mumbled under his breath."Let's zoom and enhance shall we?" Shin pinched on the memory and zoomed in."And take my place eventually."Olive looked at her hands, the blue shimmer almost feeling cold.A knocking sounded above."Hello? Hello in there?" An unfamiliar voice tapped on the gemstone."Who are you talking to?" Selkie had sweat beading her brow."Well, I must say, this is quite a rare find indeed. Have you ever had a voice speak to you from the necklace?" A little gnome was holding Olive's necklace, a monocle sitting over his eye."A voice? No... we um..." Cas looked to Selkie in a panic. "Um, we just got this necklace.""Right! We just got it. From a um... traveling merchant!" Selkie stepped closer. "It was just such an expensive looking piece, I had to have it."The gnome nodded and set the necklace down. "Well, you found a Jinn's vessel!""Ahaha, ah... um... does that change the price?" Selkie pulled at her disguise's neckline."If the Jinn is active it would be worth so much more. I'd give 100,000 gold for an active Jinn vessel." The gnome rubbed at his chin. "But, if the Jinn has left, the necklace is only worth around 250 gold."Olive heard this and rubbed at her horns. "I don't have time to think about your backstabbing. We'll talk later. Right now. I need you to reappear out there like you are making a deal to the guy.""Sorry, player, I only serve you till my shift is through." Shin shrugged.Olive ran a hand through her hair before snapping her fingers. "I got it.""Do you know maybe an activation phrase or something?" The gnome rubbed at the necklace. "Sometimes there is a set of words to summon the Jinn."Selkie thought for a second before smiling. "Yes! The merchant spoke of pineapples a lot."The room shook as Olive landed out of the necklace, her eyes glowing a similar blue to her hands. Her voice made the glass of the cases rattle."Who dare summon me?"The gnome fell back against the wall in amazement. "Oh, oh my! A real life Jinn!""Yes! I am a real life Jinn. I am the umm... the great and powerful Olive!" The teifling crossed her arms over her chest."You're a lot smaller than I thought."The glass cases shook as she snapped at him. "Are you calling me small?""I-Im so sorry!" The gnome cried out. "I'm sorry!""I don't have time to deal with this." Olive disappeared back into her necklace, wincing as the blue traveled halfway up her forearm."See! You're going to make a great Jinn for someone." Shin smiled approvingly."I don't want to hear from you." Olive sent a glare and stared at the gemstone ceiling.The gnome stood back up, brushing off his clothes and adjusting the monocle. "Well, I think it is safe to say there is an active Jinn. So what price did we agree upon?""120,000 gold!" Cas looked to him."No no no, it was only 100,000." The shop keep grabbed a bag from under his desk. "I have 10,000 platinum here.""Deal." Cas grabbed the bag and shuffled through it."Excellent." The shop keep nodded to the gnome. "Esteban, can you put that in the safe? Lock it tight now.""Of course." The gnome gently took the necklace and took it into a backroom.Rhino stepped into the store as Cas and Selkie left."Got the money, she's in the safe. They know she's in there." Selkie's voice echoed in Rhino's head.Rhino gave a subtle nod as he held the door open for Hot Spot to enter and the two to leave. The shopkeep looked to him and stepped back."Oh my, that is a large dog." The man mumbled."Yes, yes. He is my partner. You see," Rhino let the door close and entered into the establishment, "we are undercover for the emperor.""Oh my, but... Pardon if I'm overstepping, you don't seem like much." The shop keep looked him over."I um..." Rhino reached up and removed the hat momentarily, revealing his armor before putting the hat back on. "I did say undercover, did I not?""Oh, I see. How can I help?" The shop keep looked to Esteban with furrowed brows."Well, I have been hunting two thieves who stole a very important necklace from the emperor." Rhino lowered his voice. "I'm not really supposed to tell anyone, but the necklace has an entity in it. Something very powerful and magic.""Well, um, we actually-""They just left." Esteban pointed to the door."Go get them boy." Rhino nodded to Hot Spot who dashed out the door. "So you have the necklace?""Yes, it is in our safe." Esteban went and brought Olive's necklace out."That is the one." Rhino reached for it."Ep, but we um..." the shop keep pulled Esteban back. "We paid 100,000 gold for this. Is there any compensation we can receive?""Yes, yes, the emperor will pay you back accordingly." Rhino felt sweat on his forehead. "I will just take that back to the palace as it is of upmost importance.""And how can we be sure?" The shop keep raised a brow. "I saw the Jinn within and she-""You let the entity out?!" Rhino raised his voice, pulling out his hammer, dropping its disguise. "Do you realize what you have done? I must take this back so that we can reseal the chains!""I'm so sorry!" The shop keep let go of the gnome. "Can we just have it in writing then that we'll get paid?"Rhino grabbed a slip of paper and a pen, scribbling down some words before sliding it across the table. "There. Now, I must go."He took the necklace and briskly shoved it into his pocket. Rhino turned on his heel, leaving the establishment and following the smell of ash around the corner. Selkie was sitting with Hot Spot, rubbing his belly. Her disguise had changed to that of the old lady again."We are going to have to change Cas's appearance. He is now on the top ten most wanted." Rhino looked over his own outfit as it changed to a black top with a little white square by his neck, a standard preacher garb, minus the holographic hat atop his head.Selkie messed with the sea elf for a moment and stepped back, his appearance changed. "There. We should be fine to get going.""Hey, ya ready for your next stop?" Felix approached with Kerin who had a pretzel."We need somewhere that can make my hammer magic." Rhino followed as the tabaxi began leading the way."I also wanted to find some scrolls with spells." Selkie stole a bite of the pretzel and tilted her head. "Its salty.""That's great. We can kill two birds with one stone." Felix led them to a little shop on the edge of the district. "The Gear and Wand. These guys are great."Upon entering, two dwarves were arguing behind the counter."No, I own this business, you are the partner." One swore."You've got it all wrong. Customers come to me and are just surprised you are here too. I own the business." The other looked identical as he argued."Um, excuse me?" Selkie spoke in a quiet little old lady voice."Hold on." One of them turned to her for a second before turning back to the other. "I have a customer."The second dwarf scoffed before walking away and the remaining one turned to Selkie. "How can I help you?""I'm looking for a spell scroll for find familiar." Selkie rested her arms against the counter.The dwarf swore, turning towards the direction of the other one. "Dwarren, you have a customer."The second elf came back to the counter with a small smirk. "How can I help you, miss?""I want a scroll of find familiar."Rhino pulled the attention of the other one. "Excuse me, do you upgrade equipment?""I do, what can I help you with?" The dwarf wiped some oil off his hands onto his apron.Rhino pulled his hammer from its disguise and put it on the counter. "I need this to do magical damage."The dwarf furrowed his brows, looking over the weapon. "Hmmm... we talking just plain damage or you want it to store stuff?""How much for both?""Depends." The dwarf grabbed a paper and began sketching. "How many slots you want on it?""What's average? I trust a craftsman of your degree.""Eh, three or four. What's a holy man like you paling around with something like this?"Rhino chuckled and dusted off his coat. "Well, I am a remover of fiends and the such. I can't get all of them to leave with just a book, now can I?""Fair enough. Maybe four just to be safe. It would cost about 5,000 gold."Rhino pulled out his bag of coins. "Do you take platinum?""Course." The dwarf counted the coins before handing back the rest alongside a glowing clip. "It'll be four hours. That'll buzz for ya when it's done if you wanna go anywhere else.""I don't think I have anywhere else to be." Rhino sat down at a chair as Selkie wandered the store."Grandson, do you see anything you like?" She pat Cas on the shoulder."I um, I do like this shield." Cas pointed to one of the shields on the wall."300 Gold." Dwarren called from where he was writing."Go on and grannie will get it for you." Selkie chuckled and pulled out their bag from the con, handing over 30 platinum. "Now, do you guys have any swords bigger than this one?"Selkie's sword popped into existence as she set it on the counter."Listen, ma'am, if you want me to write this scroll, I'll need 10 minutes of undisturbed time." Dwarren stood and looked over the sword. "We don't have any bigger. We have one close in size that can change between a sword, scimitar, and an ax."Selkie went towards the weapon that was pointed out. A hefty price tag of 500 gold dangled from its pommel. She set that on the counter."And can we make it three scrolls?"The dwarf nodded, pulling out more paper. "30 minutes. Please wait in the chairs."Selkie sat next to Rhino and mocked a small stretch.Rhino passed off Olive's necklace. "I'll be here for four hours. She can only stay inside here for five. I'd rather she go with you incase I take longer.""We'll meet back at the House of Lust then." Selkie slipped the necklace into her pocket and mimed out sleeping for the next 30 minutes.When her scrolls were done, Selkie stood and tapped on Cas's shoulder as he admired his new shield still fiddling with it's straps. Selkie paid and left an extra 10 platinum on the counter."I expect another scroll next time I pass through." Selkie winked.The dwarf took the money and nodded in thanks. Cas and Rhino shared a glance before the party split. Halfway back through Davis Alley, Olive popped out of her necklace."Well, wait, where's Rhino?" Olive looked around."His hammer was going to take a while, so we can just meet him at the House of Lust. Here, about 25,000 Gold for each of us. Minus Kerin, I'm not sure where he is." Selkie counted out the coins and giving them to Olive."So Kerin doesn't get any gold?" Olive raised a brow, putting the bag away."Nah, He's just an NPC." Selkie put the remaining coin away as they returned to the House of Lust, separating to their rooms till dinner.After about a three hour nap, Rhino stood and walked around the store, admiring the weapons and wares within. A metallic bracer caught his eye as he carefully pulled it from its position, sliding off the armor on his forearm and replacing it with the bracer. He stared for a minute before reaching and pressing a little button, a semi sheild forming just smaller than his chest."How much for this as well?" He called to the dwarfs."500 Gold."Rhino set the money down and tucked his old gauntlet into his pocket. When his hammer was done, he made his way back to the House of Lust. Dinner was served just as Rhino came through the doors. He waved to the party before heading upstairs and returning the hat."Get into any trouble beyond the alley?" The raksasha mused from his chair."I mean, if you want to spar later, you can see for yourself." Rhino twirled his hammer a bit in his hands, setting it down as he dug into his pocket. "I got you something though."The lone sapphire seemed small on the desk. It's light blue sparkle dull in the light of the room. Daddy gently picked it up and stared at it, a small smile on his face."To remember me by." Rhino picked up his hammer and went to the door. "I'll be back for our spar. I just need to collect my share of the Con."The paladin went downstairs, rejoining the group as they ate."So, what happened in the jewelry store?" Cas raised a brow, taking a bite of a sandwich."Oh, well, I got Selkie's message about Olive and just kinda came up with something on the spot to try to get her at least out of the safe. I will say I had to compromise my disguise, that's why I changed it in the alley." Rhino pushed at the food on his plate, eyes low. "I wasn't followed, but I have a nagging feeling in my stomach.""You revealed yourself?" Selkie snapped. "What if they recognized you from the posters? Not to be rude, but you aren't the most observant in the group. You might have compromised this place!""I'm sure it will be fine. I just want to keep information open so we don't have another misunderstanding." Rhino set his fork down, food untouched."If we get killed because of you-... I... I blame you!" Selkie turned back to her food with a small frown on her face."You wouldn't be the first."Selkie's gaze rose and caught Rhino's, the paladin turned away, wiping at a small red line by his beard."So, avoiding that. What happened this morning?" She began picking at her own food."I was left alone here for like an hour." Cas gave an accusatory glare to Selkie."Hey, I was doing stuff." Selkie rolled her eyes. "Besides, you got to see all the people coming in and out, I'm sure there was a weirdo or two.""Pretty sure we are the weirdest group here." Olive snickered, inhaling her own sandwich."Did see something weird, Rhino had a private meeting with Daddy." Cas gave a small smirk."Oh? He did seem a little worn out at breakfast." Selkie's own smirk formed. "Got anything you want to say, big guy?""Nope. Nothing happened. Just talking plans and such." Rhino's cheeks were pink as he resumed pushing food around on his plate."Oh my god, does this mean I have two dads now?" Olive perked up."No, no. We were just. Um, I sparred with him earlier and-""Is sparring what we're calling it?" Selkie snickered."No, seriously, I had just a friendly spar and we had breakfast together. He invited me to dinner last night, so it was only fair we-""Two dates down already? You're moving fast." Selkie laughed."You're doing a lot of defending, Rhino." Olive had her own smirk. "I just said one thing.""I- it wasn't what you are thinking." Rhino set his fork down."Just admit I have two dads now.""I'm honored you see me that way, but it is just me and your/Anya's dad." Rhino raised his hands in defense."He's not my dad. I don't know who my dad is.""Well, I'm sorry he went to get milk and never came back, but I swear there is no-" Rhino bit his tongue.Olive stood from the table and walked away. It was quiet."Olive, I didn't-"She paid no mind as she continued into the hallways of rooms, disappearing from sight. Selkie and Cas left after her. Rhino put his head in his hands on the table, mumbling under his breath."Keep an eye on her."Hot Spot nodded and disappeared into the hallways. Rhino sat at the table for a few minutes, staring at his untouched food. After regaining his composure, he gathered up the trash and plates, setting them in piles before going up the stairs."Olive? You okay?" Selkie knocked on the door."Come in."The two sea elves entered, giving a look around the room."Man, this place is much bigger than my room." Selkie sat on the couch next to her."Oh yeah?" Olive peeked out from her hair curtains."Yeah, I feel like we got dumped." Selkie nudged Cas with her elbow."Oh, um, yeah. Our rooms suck." Cas rubbed the spot a little, his armor left in his room.Olive was quiet as she went back to looking at her feet."You know, my dad sucked too." Cas pulled up a bit of his shirt. "He gave me scars.""That looks bad. Are you okay?" Olive tilted her head."Yeah, it's a scar. It happened a long time ago, but that sticks around forever." Cas lowered his shirt."Oh my gosh. You should see the one on Cas's back!" Selkie moved out of the way and lifted his shirt, just enough to show a large scar that went higher up the sea elf's back. "I was there for this one, was an axe.""A great axe." Cas corrected. "Selkie has scars too."Selkie nodded and moved the skirts of her dress. "But my dad was cool and let me fight. That's how mine were made, fighting guard trainees like Cas.""I think I have a scar or two." Olive moved her pants to show a small nick by her ankle. "I fell out of a tree once trying to hang by my tail.""See, scar buddies." Cas offered his hand.Olive gave a decent high five with a small smile. "Scar buddies."A small scratching at the door caught their attention. Olive got up and opened the door, tilting her head at the hellhound."Hot Spot?" She stepped aside to let the dog in."Awe, he must've been worried about you." Selkie smiled and stood. "Speaking of worried, I haven't seen Kerin since our disguise change.""Yeah, me neither." Cas stood.As if on cue, the third sea elf stumbled by with a tiefling escort holding him up. "Guys! Guys, you missed out!""Are you okay?" Selkie raised a brow.Kerin offered a small post with spiderweb like material wrapped around it. "This stuff smells like sugar.""Its cotton candy." Olive tilted her head. "Where did you-?""There was like a festival in town. It was great." Kerin slipped a little and the escort adjusted his grip. "I'm so drunk right now."Selkie laughed and waved as Kerin continued to his room with the escort. Cas and her soon left for bed. Hot Spot stretched out on the floor, allowing Olive to use him as a bed for now.Rhino mumbled curses as he made his way up the stairs, lightly hitting at his head above his scarred eye."Stupid, stupid. Why? Why would you even think of that?" Rhino paused his rant at the door and knocked."That was a fast dinner." Daddy opened the door, raising a brow."Come on, let's spar." Rhino pushed past the Raksasha towards the elevator."Are you sure? You seem a little out of it." Daddy closed the door, hanging back a little."I just... I need to see if my hammer works right." Rhino pulled the equipment off his back. "Yeah. Just testing it out..."Daddy stepped into the elevator, pressing the button for the basement. "You know you already lost, right?""We haven't even made it to the fight." Rhino stepped out of the doors, moving to the middle of the room. "Or is this another attempt at backing out because you are scared?""No. It's because I'm holding back." Daddy stood a few feet away, arms crossed over his chest."Then don't. Your little scratch didn't hurt terribly bad." The paladin shuffled his feet, holding the hammer with two hands."Its not that, Rhino."A shimmer flashed in the corner of the room and Rhino looked to see Hot Spot growling. He raised a brow and stepped back."My skill set is to get into people's heads." Daddy had disappeared and in his place, Olive stood, beaten and lifeless. "Make them listen to me out of fear or make them listen to me without their consent."Rhino shook his head, but even as his eyes were closed, more images appeared. The room they were in from a bird's eye view. Daddy stood just inches from Rhino, muttering under his breath. "Dominate."Rhino bit his lip and opened his eyes, setting his hammer down. "Illusions don't fool me, but I get what you are saying."The Raksasha reappeared as Hot Spot and Olive faded. "As you can see, I've already won, but I don't want to do that to you."Rhino hesitated before picking up his hammer. "You really don't want to fight?""I don't want to bring up things that should stay in the past."The paladin chuckled and rolled his shoulders. "Then let's make a deal, we fight. You don't send me to hell or get inside my head, I don't fight with Hot Spot and I'll pull my hits?"Daddy chuckled as his claws slid out. "Sure you want to be cursed?""I can take a little curse." Rhino paused before looking around. "You do have a potion to fix that right?""Of course.""Then come at me." Rhino adjusted his stance.Daddy disappeared with a mocking wave."Oh, you have got to be kidding me." Rhino lowered his hammer, looking around the room.A light yellow shone from his eye and he turned towards the highlighted figure behind him."I can see you." The paladin swung."Oh, so you remembered you can do that now?" The illusion dropped as Daddy narrowly dodged the swing of the hammer.A light buzz sounded before flames lightly emitted from the hammer, pushing it back past the Raksasha, barely missing him."And I picked up a few new moves." Rhino pulled back, barely dodging the claws."Good to see you using your head." Daddy swung again and his claws sunk deep into Rhino's thigh. "Maybe if you weren't so slow though-"The hammer bashed across the Raksasha's face, sending him sliding back a few feet. Daddy stumbled for a second, unable to recover before a second swing knocked him back again. Blood dripped from the little mark on his arm, dying the fur a dark red."So, can you feel my hammer now?" Rhino rested the weapon against his shoulder with a smirk as the wound on his thigh healed with a yellow glow."It does hurt. But you're going to have to hit harder if you want to do anything." The Raksasha lunged for the paladin.Rhino side stepped and caught his arm, suspending him off the ground by inches. The two sat in silence before Rhino proceeded to pull Daddy up, helping him to his feet."Come on." Rhino smirked. "Why don't you try again?"Before the Raksasha could say anything, the hammer made contact with his stomach. Daddy flew back a few feet this time, coughing at the impact. The second hit had him against the wall. Daddy looked around for a second before chuckling and slicing into the paladin's arm. The claw marks an angry red as more stacked on top, shredding the exposed form between the cracks of armor. Rhino dropped his hammer and caught Daddy's arm. The two struggled before Rhino won and had Daddy restrained."This is your last ditch effort, isn't it?" Daddy struggled against his grip.Rhino held his arms behind his back, keeping his legs spread shoulder width apart and holding tight. "Absolutely, one more hit and you might've had me. But, now, you are at my mercy.""You'd have to let go to hit me." Daddy struggled again, to no avail."Unless I want to repeatedly punch you. I remember how this went last time. It took me letting down my guard for you to break out." Rhino chuckled. "So just yield and we can call it a night.""That would make it too easy for you." Daddy's breathing was rushed as he tried to break out again, still getting no where."And I would hate to hurt your darling face." Rhino held tight, careful to avoid the claws.Daddy's tail was able to wrap around Rhino's leg and yank, unbalancing the paladin enough for the Raksasha to break free. Rhino clattered to the ground, sitting next to his hammer. Blood snaked down his arms at the claw marks, a scratch even stretching down his leg still. The paladin stared up at him, panting for breath."You know, if you had Hot Spot, you very well could have won." Daddy sat next to him, pulling out the white potion and offering it.Rhino sighed and sat up, taking the vial and drinking it like a shot. He gagged for a few seconds, offering the empty bottle back. "Well... I want to be able to beat you without him."Daddy chuckled and tucked the glass away, crossing his legs as his tail twitched behind him. "Maybe if you were just a little bit stronger.""Are you feeling alright? Not going to die on me?" Rhino raised a brow."Oh, I'm alright. I'd say about the same as the last time we fought." Daddy rubbed at one of the few scratches that still bled. "I liked it better when your hammer didn't hurt.""Here." Rhino pulled out a potion from his pocket. "Should help a little.""I'm alright. Drink it yourself. You look rough.""I'm still alive. I'll be fine." Rhino tucked away the bottle. "Still have to hold that century streak.""Of course you do." Daddy mused as he looked over Rhino. "Why don't you join me for dinner again?"Rhino nodded. "I'd like that. Preferably of the non-power move variety.""No, I'll eat something already dead." The Raksasha stood, offering his hand. "Perhaps some wine or champagne?"Rhino stared up at Daddy, a bit of red dusting his cheeks as he grabbed hold. "Sounds perfect."The two made their way to the elevator, going up to Daddy's office. Upon arrival, a small dinner was already set, the table a fourth of the size from last night."No intricate dining mats?" Rhino teased, sitting in his seat."I can have them bring in the large table if you wish." Daddy sat across from him, taking the lid off of the food."No no, I like not having to crane my neck to hear you." Rhino looked down at the food, furrowing his brows. "Do you like your steak raw?""Rare. Just enough where you can taste the blood." The raksasha cut a square and ate. "If I wanted to eat a tire, I'd go find one in the garage."Rhino ate his steak, giving a little mocking glance with his tongue out. The two quietly ate before Daddy set down a slip of paper."What's this?" Rhino grabbed it and squinted in the candlelight."An address. I believe I found a lead on your missing child. A councilman named Alistar Lanicaster, the same name you gave me, is in charge of the harbor. Shipping, imports and exports, the whatnot. He has an unmarked warehouse that one of my spies saw barrels of ale being taken into. I believe Anya might be here. But there is quite a bit going in and out of that building, it's also very possible she has been taken to the next location."Rhino tucked the paper neatly into his pocket. "You've seen me fight. Do you think I could make it in and out with her?""If you didn't have the footsteps of an elephant and temper of a bull, I would say yes. But if you get caught, you'll most likely be in prison before I could lift a finger to help. Outside the alley, my aid is very limited." Daddy picked at his food."What about with my whole group? Could we take the place by storm?""You would be swarmed before the end of your first round of trading blows. You might be able to argue for your freedom, but you won't know if your missing child is in there or not if you cannot get through without being arrested."Rhino nodded, resuming dinner. The two were nearly finished with their steaks before Daddy broke the silence."So, what exactly happened outside the alley?"Rhino sighed and set down his fork. "We finished getting disguised and Selkie asked her patron for a guide out. Outside, we met this little umm... he was a tabaxi, sold off-brand scrolls-""Felix Claw." Daddy grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose."Yes, you know him?""I know of him. His spell scrolls are horrible and overpriced. I've had a guest or two come and try to use suggestion of the sorts. Suggestion was actually a spell called Cue. One of my performers came onto stage early, missing her cue for the routine. I added scrolls to the list of things to be confiscated at the door."Rhino gave a small laugh. "Ah, then it is good I didn't buy anything from him. Not that I could, your sapphires were all I had at the time in terms of coin.""And how much did you get for those by the way?""I got a hefty 7,000 gold. I was able to talk the salesman up from 5,000." Rhino puffed his chest a little. "I should barter more. Perhaps that is my true calling.""A bag that size should've fetched 10,000. You were robbed." Daddy felt a smile creep to his face as Rhino deflated like a balloon. "But go on, I just won't be trusting you with my finances.""Oh, so I can one day have your trust, hm?" Rhino teased. "How many people do I have to bring you for that?""I do trust you."The room was quiet for a few moments."You don't have to worry about bringing home dinner every night. The gnome was a specialty. He was already presumed dead, anyways." Daddy went back to eating. "Continue with your adventure."Rhino shook his head, cutting up his own steak. "Right. Olive, Selkie, and Cas attempted to pull off the con in the store next door.""The Con?""We sell Olive while she hides in her necklace and then she will walk out later when the shopkeep isn't looking.""Hm... and you approve of this?""Absolutely not." Rhino munched on a bite of steak. "But, they did it anyways. I had to go in and pretend to be an emperor's guard to get her out of the safe she was locked in.""You what?" Daddy set down his silverware."I'm sorry. Does that interfere with anything of yours? Don't tell me you're the emperor. Because I promised them that they would be compensated." Rhino felt a sheepish grin come to his face. "It was 100,000 gold."Daddy sighed and put his forehead in his hands. "You realize the emperor has no power, right?""This is my first time in the city, of course not.""The emperor is a figurehead we put out on display for parades.""We?""There is a council that runs the city. I have been on it for the past 200 years trying to fix the Alley." Daddy rubbed at his temples."200 years? And they don't question you- you um, eating people?" Rhino raised a brow."I put up a disguise. Introduce a new disguise before 'dying' and resuming as the new." Daddy's face changed to that of a human male's. "Currently I'm Cyrus McCreedy.""But that isn't your actual name, is it?" Rhino watched as he changed back to the tiger face."No. No one knows that one." Daddy picked at the meat on the bone of his steak.Rhino was quiet before offering his hand across the table. "It doesn't have to be that way."Daddy stared at his hand for a few moments before giving a soft smile and taking it. "My true name and title are Maharaja Rooc Ala Shen.""It is a gorgeous name." Rhino gave his hand a squeeze before letting go and going back to eating. "So, I didn't get you into trouble, correct?""No, no, I'll be fine. You might be visited by the inquisitors later. Best to hide your face.""Inquisitors, those sound fun. Tell me, are they higher or lower than the peacekeepers?""I'm a little rusty on the subject, but the totem pole from bottom to top is peacekeepers, detectives, the captain or sheriff, chief of police, inquisitors, and then the director." Daddy hummed, stroking at the small beard on his chin."Sounds like we skipped a few levels.""Well, you did steal 100,000 Gold. Be grateful the Director wasn't brought in. Even I don't know that much on him, he works outside the council."Rhino watched as a small cart was wheeled out with a bucket of ice on top, two bottles sitting within."Take your pick. It's only the finest." Rooc waved his hand.Rhino pulled out a bottle and a solemn smile overtook his face as he thumbed ice off the label."Bad memories?" Daddy grabbed the other bottle, popping the cork and pouring a glass."No, actually. Good ones." Rhino popped the cork on his bottle and filled his own glass. "This year, it was when Marsha won a competition against her rival and made it into the school of her dreams."Rooc was silent as the paladin swirled his glass."I was never satisfied after leaving the military. It was a forced leave, but, I'm sure you saw that memory. I took it upon myself to protect those who couldn't. That's when I found Daniel." Rhino took a sip as he closed his eyes. "Just a boy, his parents had recently been in a bar fight I had just cleaned up. I'm not sure if they survived or not, but the boy was left outside in the rain, tied to a post like some animal. I nearly stepped on him he was so small.He looked up at me and I saw this fear in his eyes. This fear, but acceptance. He was almost willing to be crushed underfoot. So, I scooped him up, cut the rope and brought him to my hotel room. I raised that boy until he was on his feet and had a happy family of his own. I was close to them. But then, I realized as his hair greyed and his own children moved out, that I wasn't going to have this comfort for long. I outlived Daniel. And then Sarah. Arya. Marsha. Pepper. Toby. Rance. Walt. Thomas. All of them. Each time a child moved from my arms to their own lives, I decided to leave and find another. I couldn't take the emptiness for long.Anya is my 17th. She was about to be robbed and didn't have a clue. Her family must miss her dearly, but she didn't know where she had walked from. Only knew where her sister was. So, I took her to the circus... and... well... you know from there."Rhino's glass was empty. The bottle next to him holding just a few drops left."Have you ever loved something so much that you were afraid to let it go?"Rooc didn't answer while another cart was brought into the room. He waited until the server had left before responding."Yes. It was so long ago, I can barely remember his face." The Raksasha drank from the new bottle."When I first came to the city, I was constantly in disguise. I had my own small fortune I had brought from my realm. But, it wasn't much here. This kind man found me and took me in. It was hard here, but we managed. He helped me build this place. From the ground up we created this haven in the alley. And eventually, he became my bodyguard. But we were much more to each other than that. I finally revealed myself to him. I remember his little face of accomplishment when I told him. He was so proud because, while I thought I had been fool proof, I was young and stupid, and of course he had seen through my disguise one day."Rooc chuckled, swirling his drink. "I can almost hear him cheering himself on. 'I knew it. I knew you were stronger than you looked.'. But, all good things have to end, you know. My buisness partner, Henry. Henry stabbed me in the back. Stole my idea and started up a rival business. Stole my lover too.""I'm sorry..." Rhino was quiet. "You're still here, aren't you? That rival business died after the owner, no?""Actually, it still stands." Rooc had a small curl to his lip as he nearly hissed. "Titters. On the opposite end of the alley."Rhino had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing. "Would you like me to burn it down for you? I appear to be wanted anyways.""No. If it disappeared, I'm sure the peacekeepers would find some way to tie it back to me and finally have a reason to raid the House of Lust." Rooc strummed his fingers against the table as he stared at Rhino. "But, I wouldn't mind if you warmed my bed tonight."Rhino felt the flush to his cheeks and his mind fuzzy from the empty bottles of wine. He tipped back the last of his drink, setting the glass down."That sounds like a great idea."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Olive was laying against Hot Spot as she listened to Selkie and Cas's footsteps head down the hall. As soon as she couldn't hear them anymore, she got up and dug through her bag, pulling out the platinum. Olive counted out a portion of the amount and tucked it into her pocket before slowly opening the door, peeking out for anyone she knew.A small woof sounded behind she looked at the hellhound. Hot Spot was standing behind her, a small look of confusion on his face."I have to go find Anya." Olive pushed the dog back a little. "Stay here, okay?"The hellhound nudged against her, ears perked. Olive sighed and continued into the hall, humming a tune as she snuck around. She carefully avoided the people in the lobby before slipping out the front door, paying no mind to Hot Spot who followed carefully behind. The alley was alive unlike what it looked like in the daytime. People going between businesses, sketchy characters meeting under the neon lights, passing bags and coins between one another. Olive looked through the windows of the shops that were once dark during the day."Best women here! You like men, we got em! Come to Titters!" Someone was standing on a soapbox infront of a large building with flickering neon.A little further down the road, there was another man, only he was standing on a possibly dead body as he yelled. "The world is ending! We all are going to die at the hands of the chupacabra!"No one paid any mind to that one.A little shop caught Olive's attention and she slipped inside, looking at the adventuring wares within."Oh, hello! Welcome to JoJo's Adventuring Bizarre, I'm Jo. Anything I can help you find?" A halfling was behind the counter in a simple red suit."Yes, I'm looking for a cloak? Or some dark clothes? I'm definately not going to do bad stuff, just um... trying a new look!" Olive stepped up to the counter."Of course, your dog seems to beg differently though. Maybe something for him too?" Jo smiled."Right, maybe something for him too. It needs to be fireproof." Olive watched as Hot Spot sniffed around at the shelves."Of course, just give me a minute." Jo stepped into the back.A few minutes later, an identical halfling stepped out, only wearing a yellow suit that had enough holes to be called Swiss. The halfling set down a few darker clothes, just simple pants and a shirt. He dug under the counter and pulled out a black cape."So. How about this one? Name's Jo, by the way." Jo offered the cloak to her.Olive took it and furrowed her brows at the man. She almost said something, but shook her head and pulled the cloak over her shoulders. When she went to raise the hood, it caught on her horns."Have anything that can fit these?" Olive set the cloak back onto the counter."Well, um... maybe if you-" Swiss Jo set a filing stick onto the table."Um, no... how about without a hood?" Olive stepped back."What kinda budget we talking?" Red suit Jo re-emerged from the back."About 3,000 gold?" Olive poked into her satchel.The two Jo's raised their brows before quickly picking out different wares."This here is a magical cloak. Makes you fuzzy." Swiss Jo set down an almost velvet like cloak."Its a pelt," Red Suit Jo butt in, "from a displacer beast. Makes you shift in and out of this plane, making it harder to hit ya."Olive grabbed the cloak and pulled it over her shoulders. Hot Spot went to sniff at her, his snout passing through her arm. The hellhound stepped back in confusion."How much?" Olive smirked."Hmmm." Red suit Jo rubbed his head."How about an even 1,200?" Swiss Jo snapped his fingers.Olive set the money on the counter along with a little extra. "And for the regular clothes?""Oh, that's nothing. Just take em." Red Suit waved his hand.Olive took the outfit and looked around. "Anywhere I can change?"Swiss Jo led her to a little room off to the side where she changed into the apl black outfit and tucked her normal clothes into her bag. When she stepped out, there was a small applause from the Jo's."We are gonna have to work on the dog's outfit. It'll be about 30 minutes." Rwd suit Jo leaned against the counter. "That ok?""Yeah, yeah, that's fine. Do you know anyplace that might be able to help me out of the alley?" Olive looked outside, squinting at the neon."Well, not the biggest fan of the guy, but House of Lu-""No! Not there. Anywhere else?""Um, well, there's the copper penny knockoff, Titters you could try. Back down the main for about a block." Swiss Jo shrugged. "Not many people have to sneak out.""I'll go talk to them while I wait." Olive pulled up a scarf around her face, hiding her nose and mouth. "There. No one will recognize me now."Hotspot gave a skeptical glance as they began across the street and into the bar. There was no line to get in, but the inside was filled with drunkards and half-dressed entertainment. Olive looked around and noticed the familiar set up of a glassed off room, though, unlike in the House of Lust, the glass was see-through and the man within seemed bored as he gazed across the crowd. She hurried to the lone staircase that led to just the door to the room."Henry ain't takin visitors at the moment." there was a guard at the door."I'm here on business." Olive lowered her voice to try to hide her voice."Fine, but it costs... ten gold." the guard extended his hand."Make it three. I'm not made of money." Olive raised a brow."Sorry, it's set on at least five. Not my rules."Olive grumbled before giving him the money. The guard smirked and tucked two of the coins into his pocket before knocking at the door and handing the other three through. The door slid open and the man at the window was at the door."What can Henry do for you?" The man gestured to himself as he moved back towards the center of the room where a torn chair sat, accompanied by an end table and beaten couch.Atop the table, a cigarette sat still burning against an ashtray. A lone picture of Henry and an unnamed man sat on the table, the frame having seen many years of abuse as it was held together by tape and glue. Olive glanced around, flinching at the odd smell."Well, you see, I need to get out of the alley. Discreetly.""Little hard with your friend here, hm? What did ya do? I'm just curious?" Henry grabbed the cigarette and took a drag as he sat, leaning back to puff out the smoke."It's not your problem. Just tell me how.""It very much is my problem. If you were, lets say wanted by peacekeepers, and they find out that I helped you out, then they very well might arrest me. Helping a criminal out would be troublesome, can't you see?" Henry smirked and tapped the ashes off the end of his cigarette.Hotspot lunged forwards in attempt to bite the elf's hand. Henry pulled his hand back in time to narrowly miss the bite as Hotspot engulfed the ashtray and proceeded to glare the man down while eating the ashes and all."And that was one of my nicer ones..." Henry pouted."I am not asking again." Olive stepped forwards. "Get me out of the city or I'll- I'll um, burn your whole operation down. It's a shitty version of House of Lust anyways.""If you think that place is so nice, why don't you ask them for help?""I can't." Olive sighed. "That's where I'm running from. Not that I'm in trouble with them. Just, I need to do something on my own and they probably wouldn't let me.""Ah, so the cat's got your hand's tied? Why didn't you say so?" Henry gave a laugh. "Just pay a small fee and I'll get you out of the alley. I'll even half it if your disappearance means the Raksasha will be in a bind. You probably couldn't afford the full price anyways.""What's the fee?" Olive stepped back."How's two hundred gold sound? Normally charge a lot more, but I'll make an exception for you." Henry grabbed a paper from the inner lining of his coat, writing down an address.Olive pulled out the gold and set it on the end table. Henry handed her the paper in exchange."Meet my guy there at around nine when the sun's up and he'll get you out." Henry leaned back into his chair. "Pleasure meeting with you, um?""I -uh- Bane! My name is Bane." Olive put the paper away and began out the door."Bane. Right." Henry went about counting his new wealth as she left with Hotspot.Olive went back into the adventuring bizarre, tilting her head at the grey suited version of Jo. He was only visible for a second before disappearing into a portal behind the backroom door."Just in time! We had to call in another Jo for some sewing help and he brought the fabric." Red suit Jo set down a folded cloak onto the counter.Olive grabbed the cloak and pulled it over Hotspot, having to climb onto the counter to adjust it onto his back. The lining of the cloak was a silver silky like fabric that merely quelled the smoldering spots within the hellhound's fur."It's perfect." Olive giggled as she pulled the hood up and the hellhound's eyes peeked through the little holes that were cut. "How much do I owe you?""Well, if it weren't for the travel fee's I'd say you could have it, but I have to charge at least something. How about a gold?" Red suit Jo extended his hand."Here." Olive counted out ten and handed it over. "Consider it a thank you.""You're too kind, ma'am." Jo tucked the money away. "Did you find your way out?""I did. I'm not fully trust worthy of it, cause it came from Titters, but it's all I've got." Olive looked over the paper. "If- If anyone comes in looking for an Olive, or looking for me I guess, tell them I'm getting out of the alley. But hopefully, I'll be back before nightfall.""Should we be expecting someone to be looking for you?""Probably Rhino... a big guy in armor. Green cape and big hammer. There is probably going to be three sea elves too, Selkie and Cas. They might be with him. But, yeah, if they come looking for me and it's past nightfall, you can tell them I left. If it's before nightfall, don't let them know or I'm sure something bad would happen.""Well, um, we'll keep an eye out." Jo nodded to the swiss cheese Jo who gave a little thumbs up."I'm sure we'll meet again!" Olive waved as she left out the front door with Hotspot."Thanks for stopping in at Jojo's Adventuring Bizarre!" The two called out just before the door closed.Olive walked with Hotspot, sticking to the shadows as the hustle of the city died down. Drunkards lined the streets, dipping into the alleyways as the sun colored the street a warm yellow. A few day job workers passed by with their briefcases quite literally handcuffed to their arms. Olive took note as she noticed a pickpocket or two digging into the unprepared pockets of bystanders. Hotspot growled and kept close to the girl, nudging her towards the building side."What's with you?" Olive raised a brow, pushing against the cloaked shoulder of the dog.Hotspot nudged her into an alleyway and peeked back onto the street. Olive poked her head out and noticed a cloaked figure duck into the crowd, away from her gaze."Help!"A voice came from a little further down the alleyway. Olive hurried down towards the sound. A little kid sat waiting, seemingly untroubled as he looked up at her."Are you okay?" Olive tilted her head."Yeah, um-" The kid looked behind her before pointing. "Look out!"Olive turned to look and the kid reached to snatch her bag. Hotspot snapped at the child, missing his hand as the kid burst into a run, blending into the crowd. Olive checked to make sure her bag was still there before sighing and holding up the address paper to Hotspot."Are we there yet? Can you read this?" Olive lowered her head.Hotspot squinted at the paper before leading the way out into the roads and resuming leading the way downtown. Soon, the two were at the entrance to an alley where a seemingly drunken man was leaning against a dumpster."Are you with Henry?" Olive stepped into the alley."Awe, man, Henry didn't tell me it was a hellhound too." the man groaned and rubbed at his head. "Dude, this is gonna be a squeeze.""What is?" Olive tilted her head."So, to get outta the alley, you gotta like, hide in the dumpsters and they take you to the barge in the harbor." The guy opened the lid to the dumpster. "I dunno if you both can fit.""I'm sorry, but that's the only way out?" Olive turned her nose up in disgust."Yeah, man, if you wanna go to the sewers or something, they're like... patrolled now. Oh, name's Sticky Ricky, by the way." the guy offered his hand."Right..." Olive gave a small shake. "Have you ever been out of the alley?""Oh yeah, plenty of times. I'm not wanted.""So why do you take the dumpster?""I don't, I just roll it out onto the road for the truck to pick up." Ricky pointed to the wheels. "These bad boys can't roll themselves.""Why don't you roll us out there and then join us? I would feel much better if a guide was with us." Olive looked inside the dumpster to see it was relatively empty."I really have nothing else to do today. Why not, man?" Ricky shrugged. "Jump on in, and I'll get us into position."Hotspot jumped into the dumpster, patting down the flames that started when his paws caught a stray paper. Olive sighed and looked to Ricky again before jumping into the dumpster. The two held their footing while the dumpster was moved and made room for Ricky when he joined. It didn't take long before there was a rumbling of a large truck outside. The dumpster shook as it slowly lifted upwards, beginning to tilt. The top opened and Olive gracefully landed with a flip onto the pile of trash within. Ricky landed decently, sliding a little atop the sludge. The man disappeared as Hotspot failed to understand what was going on and landed atop him. Hotspot rolled away, shaking burning trash off his cloak as Ricky held his leg in pain."Shit, man, I think I like... broke my leg." Ricky's leg was indeed at an awkward angle from the shin."I don't know any healing spells, sorry!" Olive covered her mouth in worry."Nah, man, it's cool. I think I can sue for this." Ricky leaned back against the wall of the truck as it started moving. "If I can, I'm gonna be rich."Olive found a cleaner spot to sit down on and rested there as she watched the sky pass above them. At some point, Hotspot found a bone to chew on and was content atop a pile of rubbish, some of it smoldering. A beeping sound overtook the truck as the smell of the ocean began to overtake the smell of trash. Olive landed on the barge and hid instantly. Hotspot was a little more quick footed and landed, sliding down the trash pile onto the deck. Ricky landed nearby, grumbling in pain."Hey! What are you doing up here?" A guard approached the man."I uh, I like, fell in and totally broke my leg." Ricky looked to Hotspot for help.The hellhound carried away the bone, hiding next to Olive as the guards dragged Sitcky Ricky away. Olive made sure the coast was clear before leading the way off the barge and into the dock area. There was a little shack nearby that had an officer sleeping infront of a large pile of paperwork. The two snuck into the shack, making sure to lock the door behind them."Hey! Wake up!" Olive slapped a stack of papers to the ground."What? No? Not sleeping." The guard scrambled to grab a pen and piece of paper, mindlessly scribbling on it. "How can I- Wait, who are you?""I am Bane." Olive crossed her arms."Is that a hellhound chewing on a femur?""Don't worry about him. Worry about me." Olive stepped closer. "Less than a week ago, a ship was nearly robbed by pirates. That same ship had just brought a shipment of kegs the day before. Where did the kegs go?""Listen, I didn't want any part of this whole thing, okay? I'm just an underpaid guy with a wife and kid at home." The guard raised his hands. "I can't tell you anything or if something happens, they'll know it was me and my family is six foot under.""You tell me what you know or you'll be six foot under. I'm sure your wife wouldn't want to be a single mother.""Woah, that's uh... a little dark?" the guy had sweat beading at his forehead."I'm looking for my little sister. She's been missing for like a week. Wouldn't you do the same if it was your kid?"The guy slowly lowered his hands and nodded. "Yeah... I would.""Then tell me where I can find her.""I would if I could. There's nowhere in the city I could hide if they found out it was me who ratted.""Then leave the city. I'm sure you make enough to. Right?" Olive looked around. "You are the harbor master, right?""Yeah, one of three." The guy tapped at a nametag on his shirt. "Name's Karl. Bane, right?""Right." Olive looked to Hotspot as the hellhound continued to munch on the bone that was beginning to blacken. "Listen, Karl, I don't want to hurt you. But you know what you're doing is wrong. I'm trying to fix it.""I know, but... Okay. Listen. there's this guy named Murphey. He's not the guy you wanna mess with. He'd kill me if I told you anymore. Murphey is a lot more scary than your pet. Does stuff with your head. Got access to peacekeeper weapons. The guy's got connections and I can't risk it.""How about this?" Olive set down a hundred gold. "This should be enough to get you and your family out of here, right? Leave tonight. I won't do anything till tomorrow."Karl looked at the money and sighed, grabbing it and putting it into his pocket. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you. It's in warehouse eight. Gotta dock on the backside and two side entryways. The big doors in the front are always closed, so I don't know what's inside. But Murphey is always near them. He wears this like... bird mask thing. Not like a plauge doctor, like an actual bird skull mask. It's freaky. He's not a big guy, but he normally keeps his distance from people. But if you can take Murphey out, I'm sure the whole thing will crumble. The guy is the only thing keeping everyone quiet and scared.""Thank you. We'll leave. Which way is the way back to the alley?" Olive looked out across the shipyard. "Besides walking. I need to make it back before night time or there's going to be a bigger problem.""Uh, the trash company is over that way, can't miss it. Maybe see if they can give you a lift there? That's the only thing I can think of." Karl pointed to a bay full of familiar trucks.Olive sighed and nodded, opening the door for Hotspot to leave. The two snuck their way over and began checking the trucks. Hotspot paused on one before nudging Olive into the back of it. The truck was empty of trash, but humming quietly as the driver sat in the front, flipping through a magazine. After sitting around, a chime echoed twelve times over the harbor. The truck jerked into gear and began down the road, in line with others. Olive hid behind Hotspot as his black cloak blended into the void of the inside of the truck. Olive nearly fell asleep as the truck weaved through the roads. Eventually, the gate of the alley passed above and the truck slowed to a stop outside a bar. Olive and Hotspot slipped out and began back down the street, following the sidewalks until they slowly became familiar."Olive!" an all to known voice sounded.Hotspot froze and looked back to the figure, tail wagging."Olive! I've been so worried!" Rhino pushed his way through the crowds.Olive broke into a sprint, dipping into an alleyway just long enough to cast spiderclimb and begin up a nearby wall. Her footing was a little sloppy, unfamiliar with walking up walls. This allowed the paladin to gain a little ground, but once they got to the rooftops, she began to lose him."Olive, please wait!" Rhino called out. "Olive, we need to talk!""Go away! I don't want to talk to you right now!""Olive, slow down, please!"A small voice chimed from below. "Help!"Rhino paused before swearing and going down into the alleyway. Olive looked back at the call before snapping to realization. She hurried down just in time to see the kid dash out of the alleyway with empty hands."Sorry!" The kid called as a figure blocked the end of the alleyway, just barely allowing the kid through.Rhino held tight to his hammer as the figure approached.Olive landed behind the figure alongside Hotspot who had been following on the streets below. The figure looked towards Olive then back to Rhino as a chuckle took to the air."Well, well, well. If it isn't my dear friends.""Oh, you've got to be shitting me-" Rhino watched as the cloak fell from the figure as it dove towards him, the knife glancing off his armor repeatedly. "-Giggles? Are you serious?"A blast of blueish lightening struck through the clown as Olive's hair nearly floated at the force. Rhino barely dodged the blast hitting himself and caught Giggles' body, putting a little healing in it to keep him alive."Why are you here? What are you doing?" Rhino glared."What!?" Olive snapped, stepping closer. "You saved him?!""For questioning." Rhino looked up at the teifling. "Maybe he knows more about where Anya is.""I don't know where that girl is, but I hope she's long dead and all you find is her corpse." Giggles spat blood at Rhino. "You two took everything from me!""We left you alone. If anything, we took your dignity." Rhino dropped the clown and picked up his hammer."After you made a scene and the people saw Olive fleeing, the circus was raided. We had some help from some sea elves, but the mob killed everyone! Alice is dead. Dead! My only family!" Giggle sat up a little, holding the gaping wound on his chest."Yeah, well my sister is kidnapped thanks to you!" Olive snapped."And she won't be found." A clicking noise sounded and Rhino was quick to block Olive as an explosion shook the ground.Giggles had an eternal smile on his face. In his hand, a small collection of scrap metal was sitting within the flesh. The whole side of the clown was blown across the alley walls and the armor of the paladin. Rhino winced and wiped the pieces off, turning slowly to Olive."Are you okay? Did you get hit by anything?"Olive was quiet as she stared at the body."Let's get inside." Rhino put his hand on her shoulder and slowly led her into the nearby House of Lust.The two sat at a corner booth and Hotspot sat guard by the table, still chewing on the bone from the trash. Rhino and Olive sat in silence for a few minutes as patrons walked around, enjoying the food bar as things were being set up for the club nightlife."I um, I..." Rhino pulled a thermos from his hip and set it down. "I was going to bring you coffee this morning. But I um, I slept in."Olive looked between him and the thermos before slowly sliding it across the table towards herself."I'm sorry..." Rhino looked down, refusing to meet her gaze. "I should have never brought that up. It was out of line and hurt you. I was getting defensive over nothing and never should have said anything. Let alone something that brings up trauma from the past.""It's fine." Olive pulled the thermos close, resting her chin on it. "Not really, but-""It's not fine." Rhino caught her gaze and sighed. "I want to make it right, but I don't know how. So I thought coffee would be a good start. I won't try to stop you from drinking it. You are an adult and can do what you want, but... I worry. Today... Where were you?""I had to get out of here. Have some alone time." Olive opened the thermos and took a small sip."And the all black get-up? Were you doing nefarious things or did you just want something new?""I did some stuff." Olive slid down the mask. "I did some more searching and I think I know where Anya is.""Olive-..." Rhino sighed and pulled out a slip of paper. "The Boss did some digging for us. I know where she is. I was going to tell you over a nice breakfast, but someone wasn't in their room.""Where is she?" Olive looked at the paper. "Can we go now?""Not now, the Boss says we need to be as stealthy as possible, so I was thinking about going shopping to get some things to help us stealth. There's apparently a pretty strong group we'll have to get the sea elves in on this too." Rhino unfolded the paper. "Warehouse 8-""On the harbor." Olive nodded. "I learned that too. Did the Boss tell you about Murphey?""He did not. Who's Murphey?" Rhino raised a brow.Olive explained her story of the day and what she had discovered as Rhino sat silently, nodding along, looking to Hotspot occasionally for clarification across their telepathic link."If I didn't know Hotspot was with you, I would have burnt the alley to the ground trying to find you. What if you got into serious trouble?" Rhino sighed, holding his head."Shin could've gotten me out." Olive looked over as her patron appeared at the mention of his name."It's not safe to rely on magic like that." Rhino warned. "You don't know any healing spells. I still have the health potions... I can't lose anyone else, Olive.""Anya will be fine, I'm sure." Olive reached across the table and pat his hand. "And when we find her, I call dibs on the guy in charge.""Olive, I want to be honest with you." Rhino looked down and pulled out a small disc. "I don't want to keep things hidden between us.""What's wrong?""I'm not a paladin of protection." Rhino set the disc onto the table.It's was golden and cracked. Four hands were locked together by a ring of silver. The cracks split from the side, cutting two of the hands off the ring entirely. The cracks a darker shade of gold that almost shone in the light of the room. Olive slowly picked it up and thumbed over it."I'm an oathbreaker."Olive set the disc down as her and Shin looked to the paladin."Long ago in the war, there was a specialized unit, the Crusaders. We were our own division of elves, hybrids created for the chance of getting an edge on the humans. I was a cross between a Goliath and Elf, a decent combo, but, I looked more goliath than elf, so I was thrown into one of the younger groups. We were fewer in number than any other unit, but being raised into war, we were able to push back. I was young then. Probably around 250 at the time. But, to us, it was the best time. We were pushing back the human front. None of us were really getting hit and each battle a victory. Then- a- then a-..." Rhino paused as his eyes glazed over with tears."Rhino... you don't have to talk about it." Olive bit her lip."No. I need to stop bottling this up. I have to move on." Rhino shook his head and grabbed his sigil, thumbing over the cracks as tears began to stream down his face. "It was wizards. Our first fight against human wizards. We didn't know they had learned magic in our quadrant. We were the melee set group, not really equipped to fight it. One of them managed to get into my head.... they... i couldn't stop myself. I killed-... no, the human killed my family through me. They weren't my family by blood, but... they were my brother and sisters. Swanna, Croca, and Leo... We had been raised together, that's what family means to me. I never knew parents or grandparents, aunts and uncles. But I knew family and I- I was forced to slaughter them.""That's why you don't like people in your head.""Player, give the big man a hug for me, please." Shin hovered into her line of sight."After I left the military, I took to raising abandoned children I found. Eventually, I started outliving them too. Anya and you will probably be my last adopted family. I... I don't have but maybe twenty years left, but I cannot take another loss." Rhino tucked the sigil away and wiped at his tears. "Sorry... about lying to you. I just, I hate being an oathbreaker, but I cannot escape it. I'm trying to come to terms with it though."Olive scoot around the booth and wrapped him tightly in a hug. "I knew it.""You what?""You literally caught a warehouse on fire!" Olive gently slapped his arm. "That's not very protective of you!""I'm sorry, but when did you become an expert on paladins?""I'm not, but Shin had his suspicions.""So, you aren't mad?""I'm a little mad at you but not because of that.""Right... apologies."Olive gave him another teasing slap before noticing the cosmic swirls on her arms and sighing. "While we are being honest, can I say something?""Of course.""Promise you won't be mad?""I could never be mad at you."Olive nodded before rubbing at the dark blue and black reflection of the night sky. "These aren't gloves. I'm slowly turning into a Jinn. It's part of my pact with Shin."Rhino was quiet as he looked over her arms. A light yellow passed from his hands and towards her, but it bounced off and instead healed the bruises from the prior explosions. Rhino swore and kept trying."It's not going to work." Olive pulled her arm back. "If I use too much magic, it goes further.""Olive, please, tell me what I can do to fix it." Rhino had tears back in his eyes. "I don't want to lose you too.""If you have ever wanted me to feel like shit, player, this would be the way." Shin wiped at his own eyes. "Give him another hug, dammit."Olive sighed and rubbed her head, fixing her hair that got tangled in her horns. "I don't know yet. I'm still figuring out what I can even do.""I'll help in any way that I can." Rhino held her hand tightly. "I promise. And I don't intend to break this one.""Then I promise to try to tell you when I am going out too, okay?" Olive smiled a little, giving him another hug. "Or Hotspot could tell you since you seem to kick him out of your room all the time.""You used him as a bed for at least an hour. I was busy." Rhino felt his cheeks flush a little."Busy with your boyfriend." Olive felt her smile grow."We aren't-" Rhino sighed and looked down. "yeah, okay, maybe."Olive let out a little squeal as she pat her hands excitedly on the table. "What happened did you two have dinner again? Or maybe go on like a cute date walk thing?""We had a fight, just so I could test out my new hammer. I did manage to actually damage him this time." Rhino smiled triumphantly. "But, his claws very much hurt, so he won. But don't tell him I told you. We called it a draw.""He kicked your ass, didn't he?""Shush. But we had dinner together and then I um- we got a little drunk and-""Rhino-""It was like two full bottles of wine, okay?""Rhino!" Olive covered her mouth with a laugh. "You fucked the cat!"The bar was quiet. Rhino's face was every shade of red under the sun as he tried to hide himself a little."Oh, I said that really loud, didn't I?" Olive shied back a bit as other patrons began to whisper."yes!" Rhino whispered and looked to Hotspot who nodded and followed a few patrons who were particularly glaring at the table as they left."Sorry." Olive giggled a little more. "You just seemed to hate the Boss like two days ago.""Yes, well, he is a formidable fighter and respectable businessman." Rhino sat up a little and looked towards the glass box on the third floor. "He wants to fix the city up and I- I don't know, I just- he respected my boundaries of staying out of my head and just has this little heart of gold thats hard to find, but I saw it and want to let it shine. My head gets all fuzzy when he gets this little smile and I- I don't know, I'm new to this whole thing.""You got the 'L' word!" Olive smiled."L word?""Love! You're in love. Is it because he is taller than you?""No, I don't know? I wasn't trained on this!" Rhino held his head in his hands. "What do I do?""I mean, Anya's dad always brought Mom flowers and presents when he could afford it. Do you know what the Boss likes?""Not legally.""What if I used my favor with him to ask? Maybe he likes spell books or something. He knows magic, right?" Olive stood."Wait. He does. What if he can do something about your curse!" Rhino stood quickly with a large grin. "He's very strong in magic, maybe he can fix it? If not, reset it?"The two nodded and hurried up the stairs."Weren't you just up here?" The bouncer on the stairs raised a brow to the paladin."What can I say? Can't keep away." Rhino gave a sheepish grin.The bouncer just shook his head and moved out of the way. Upon opening the door, Olive and Rhino saw Daddy at his desk, head in his hands."Are you alright?" Worry was laced in Rhino's words."What can I do for you?" Daddy avoided the question, looking at the two."Ah, yes, well, I just had a few questions." Olive stepped forwards. "Firstly, do you know a Murphy? He's supposed to be Alistar's right hand man. If we take him out, we are supposed to have an easier time breaking into his warehouse.""Murphy was an old crime lord turn narc for Lanicaster. Didn't aquire too much power, I didn't give him the chance. But once out of the alley, he might have gotten stronger." Daddy leaned back in his chair."And a description of Alistar would be nice." Olive pulled out a pen and paper, handing them to Rhino. "Write it down."Rhino sighed and kneeled at the desk, looking to Daddy and nodding."Right... He's slender. Lanky. Blonde hair but no eyebrows. Pale." Daddy stroked at his beard. "He's honestly rather plain. But he does like expensive looking clothes. Brags about how he can get the finest silks.""Right, and we can trust this isn't a lie?" Olive raised a brow. "That you won't stab us in the back?"Rhino gave her a small look, lowering his pen. Daddy chuckled. "No, I have too much invested in your little group. I may seem like a villain, but in reality, I want to clean up this city and bring it to higher standards. I decided to start with the Alley, but I might have misjudged how long the process would be. I've been working for... oh, two hundred years on the council?""That is what you said last night." Rhino confirmed, rolling up the paper and handing it back to Olive. "I ment to ask if there was anything we could do to help?""No, don't worry about me. You've already got too much on your plate. You all have caused quite a racket.""Oh right! Do you know a Henry? He owns this place called Titters, would it be okay if it burned? Cause like, he was very scummy and I don't like him." Olive rubbed her hands together, little sparks forming."Just don't tie it back to here." Daddy grumbled. "I'd very much like it if Henry died. He stole from my first love.""First? There's more?" Rhino raised a brow."I see you stole a bed." Daddy avoided the question."Oh, um... yeah, it doesn't spin anymore." Olive gave a small smile. "Do you want it back?""No, it's fine." Daddy sighed. "I'll just buy a new one.""Apologies, would you like me to pay?" Rhino gave a small glance, worry still apparent."Money isn't an issue, it will be fine." Daddy looked around the room. "Where is your hellhound?""He um... I sent him to deal with some nosey people." Rhino rubbed at the back of his neck as his cheeks tinted red."Oh right! I accidentally blurted out that Rhino fucked a cat." Olive let out a little laugh. "Yeah, so just a heads up, some people might be skeptical.""Right... its a good thing few people know what I am." Daddy sent a small glare to the paladin. "Well, in any matter, you're going to want to keep a close eye on him. That fabric he is in needs to be kept away from any temporal anomalies or vortex.""His little cloak?" Rhino looked to Olive. "You got that from JoJo?""Yeah, think they'll take it back or like give a refund?" Olive tried to peek out the window to see if she could pick out the hellhound."They are good at keeping their product in a safe location, it would be best to get it back to them." Daddy sighed, rubbing at his forehead."Are you sure you are alright?" Rhino furrowed his brows in worry as he looked over the Raksasha."I'm fine. Just not overly fond of reality bending threats. If that fabric comes into contact with the same fabric from this reality, there will be a rift that will shred our reality apart.""You say that like this is normal." Rhino frowned."The Jo's are not normal. A good company though. Just, make sure you are buying from our reality. Ask our letter and keep to it." Daddy nodded before looking to Olive. "I believe you had another question.""Right. Can you- I mean, I'm sure you already know what this is-" Olive held up her arms showing the ever creeping blue that was halfway to her elbow. "-Can you maybe do something? Even if it is to just restart it?""I'm sorry, but I cannot." Daddy leaned against the desk, resting his cheek on his hand. "I deal in magic of other sorts. There are items that might be able to help. Though, I could take you to your patron so you could hit him, if that'll help.""That is very tempting." Olive looked to see Shen hiding behind her horns. "But, I think I'll hold off for now.""You know, I've been a piece of shit to ya player, thank you." Shen bowed."If we have to leave, is there a contact or anything we could have to get back in touch once the heat has gone down?" Rhino rubbed at his chin. "We would like to stay allied with the House of Lust as long as possible.""I can lend you one of my crystals. So long as you are within Davis Alley, we will be able to communicate." Daddy reached into a drawer and pulled out a purple crystal, setting it on the table."What if we have to leave the alley?""Then we cannot communicate. It would take an item worth more than my reserves to do what you want.""And you're sure you can't help Olive at all?""You've seen what I can do. That is my limits. Her pact with the Jinn is what did this. If she severed it-""I don't want to lose the magic yet." Olive crossed her arms. "We have to save my sister.""Wait, is Selkie also cursed?" Rhino's brows furrowed. "She said she was a warlock...""I'm not sure. I cannot sense her patron after the lab trip." Daddy strummed his fingers against the desk. "I assume she changed patrons.""You can do that?" Rhino looked to Olive with a small smile. "What if you just changed patrons!""I don't think I can." Olive looked down. "I would feel bad. Shen didn't ask to be like this either...""Player, you really tugging at my heart strings." Shen faked a sniffle."Keep talking and I might reconsider." Olive looked to the Jinn with a glare."Wait. I thought your patron was somewhere else?" Rhino tilted his head in confusion. "You're talking to him, right? You talk to him all the time, don't you.""He's on the Astral plane." Daddy stared daggers at the Jinn. "I could teleport us there. It's just a simple plane between hell and here.""Could you be a patron?" Rhino turned to the Raksasha."I could. I'm not fond of the idea, it would require me to share my power." Daddy flicked his ears. "Besides, she doesn't want to change patrons.""What if I signed a contract with you?" The paladin leaned over the desk. "We could communicate across planes. Maybe be your eyes outside the alley.""Okay, I'm going to go and let you two talk that out." Olive gestured to the door. "I'll hold onto my favor for now.""Goodnight, Olive." Rhino gave a small wave."Night, Dad." Her voice held a snicker of sincerity as she left.Rhino felt his chest swell with pride as a smile decorated his face. He turned to the Raksasha with a little giggle of happiness in his voice. "She called me dad!"Rooc chuckled lightly and leaned back in his chair. "I'm glad you two reconciled. You were very distraught over it last night."Rhino sat on his pride for a minute before the quietness of the room finally swallowed the joy."I don't particularly want to become a patron." Rooc sighed."I won't force you. But, it is the easiest way to communicate when we have to go." Rhino looked down. "I can search the bazaar to see if they have anything. From our reality or not. If the item is as rare as you say, it shouldn't be likely we run into one anywhere else.""You wouldn't be able to afford it." Rooc looked into the shadows. "Mortici, leave us.""Is he ever not there?" Rhino watched as the lanky man disappeared into the elevator."He's not there now." Rooc reached into his desk, pulling out a golden goblet. "Here."Rhino took the artifact from him, thumbing over the engravings. Horned devils spat fire that embroidered their pictures. A silver lining was within the cup itself, etchings of runes sitting dully within."That is one of my few things from my home." Rooc grabbed another item, a familiar waved dagger."Its big. And extravagant?" Rhino set the goblet down, raising a brow to the dagger. "Did you steal that back?""Is it stealing if it was mine to begin with?" Rooc set the knife down. "Do you really want to do this?""Not if you don't want to. And I'm not very fond of the idea of selling my soul. I wouldn't mind selling it to you, it's a little small, but I do like it inside my own body.""You aren't selling me your soul, Rhino. That's not how all pacts work. A pact with me requires blood."Rhino visibly gulped. "Do i... do I have to bring like? Like a um, snack-rifice?""No, you don't have to do that. We just have to let our blood mix.""Okay, um, I'm still not sure. What do you get in return, this feels very one sided." Rhino rubbed at the back of his neck."How about you just keep yourself safe?" Rooc raised a brow. "If my power helps keep that, then it will be enough in return for me.""Maybe bring you a body every now and then?""You really want to watch me eat a living creature alive, don't you?""No! I just... you said it was your favorite meal. And seemed happy when you ate the gnome. I... I like seeing you happy. I just... I-... I don't know. You've got a heart and-" Rhino took a deep breath and closed his eyes, slowly letting it out. "I know how it feels to be lonely. I hate to see a good person alone."Rooc rolled his eyes and grabbed the dagger off the table. He raised the blade to his hand and sliced into his palm, holding it over the goblet allowing the blood to drip over the runes."Oh, um... we? Are you sure? Will this affect my holy magic? I feel like we should've talked about this more. I um..." Rhino slightly panicked as the dagger was offered to him."Trust me." Rooc held the hilt towards him.Rhino stared at the Raksasha before grabbing the weapon and slicing his own hand. The paladin's blood mixed in the goblet, a light red aura coming from the runes. Slowly, a dark red mist rose and encased their hands. Rhino winced as a burning sensation began to travel up his arm. Not a bad burn, more of a tingle really, but it made him uncomfortable because of its origin. The tingle traveled up his arm and began to cover his whole body.Rooc pulled his hand back and held it to keep any blood from spilling. "It is done."Rhino pulled his own hand back, letting it heal with a yellow glow. He looked over and put his hand on Rooc, letting his healing pass to the Raksasha."Thank you. You didn't have to." Rooc chuckled and tucked the goblet away. "How do you feel?""I don't know yet. A little sick to my stomach, but it's been a very emotional day." Rhino looked at his hand where it was once cut. "But... I don't think I'll regret this. I feel a little better about everything, knowing you'll still be with us, in a sense."Rooc nodded as kept a careful eye as Rhino sat in a chair by his desk. "I gave you access to a few verbal and semantic spells. But you'll need an arcane focus eventually.""I have a sigil." Rhino pulled out the disc."That's already occupied." The Raksasha held a small glare with the item. "I was already making something of the sorts, it should be finished soon.""What if it isn't done when we have to leave?" Rhino tucked the sigil away."I'll get it to you, don't worry."Rhino watched as Rooc leaned against his desk, putting his head in his hands once more. The paladin reached across the desk, leaving his hand open next to Rooc's arm."Are you alright, Rooc? Please don't lie." Rhino's voice had worry in it once again.Rooc stared at the hand before feeling a small blush come to his cheeks as he grabbed it and held tight. "You already have too much on your plate to be worried about me.""I will always have room to worry about you." Rhino felt his own cheeks warm as he gently thumbed across Rooc's knuckles. "You know, I kind of liked last night.""Oh really?" Rooc smiled."I was wondering if I could join you again. Maybe not the um... the endurance part, but just... when we held each other close as we fell asleep. I felt safe. I don't get that feeling often." Rhino's face was red to the tips of his ears as he avoided making eye contact. "Can we do that again?"Rooc let go of his hand and reached up, catching the paladin's chin in his hand and lightly turning until the two made eye contact. "Of course. There's no need to be shy about it."Rhino leaned into the touch and closed his eyes, a soft smile on his face. Rooc held him there for a minute before letting go and leading the way to the elevator, Rhino shortly behind.