[center][U][B]A Weighty Dance of Wit[/B][/U]
[I]Loom(Locations differ) - Evening[/I][/center]

[I]By yoshua171 and Fallenreaper[/I]

They had arrived at the apartment. Juan was only mildly surprised to find its appearance wasn't beyond the average, his eyes absorbed everything the moment he entered the door and quickly adjusted to it. In fact the [url=http://hd4desktop.com/images/m/a-art-home-apartment-HD-Wallpaper.jpg]interior[/url] looked bland compared to the other places Juan had been. Instinctively his eyes continued to shift while he set his bags and the cooler down, their forms made a soft, distinctive thump on the wooden floor during his walk farther in. Juan was rather pleased that it at least had some character.The thought shortly passed, his body leaned over to snatch up his things then placed them on the counter in the kitchen before he turned to Damon. 
 
"Well, could you be a dear and wait for me?" He pulled out a few items, namely from his satchel, the cooler placed to the side, then laid them out. A jar filled with liquid, a small tube, and other materials which seemed to be items meant for a bigger project. After he had ensured that they weren't going to be knocked down, Juan added. "I've got to do a little prepping before I finish up our business with our friend. Being paranoid and extra safe has been one of my best traits. No reason to change now. Meanwhile, you get cleaned up and meet me in the bedroom. This could be rather...stressful." 
 
[b]"You got it, hon."[/b] Damon smirked as he left Juan along to do his business. It was the same as usual, so Damon knew his part. As Juan went to prepare himself for what's to come, Damon began to strip off his outerware and step into the bathroom. Once he was alone, Damon returned to his true form, which was sufficently less easy on the eyes. His "face" turned dark and twisted into a plain black mass of some sort of sticky substance. The only notable detail would be a white mast that appeared somewhere where Damon's chest was at. He looked into the mirror, his expressionless vistage looking back at him. [b]"Hmm..."[/b]

Damon changed back into the form of the human woman and washed the body. Not really necessary since he could always just create her form as clean as he'd need it, but he needed to do something while Juan was busy.

Juan shook his head, his eyes watched the female figure pad into the bathroom and close the door. One perk about a shapeshifter, they were never boring in the sack. Now to work. He started to take a bit of the waxy substance from the canister and rubbed it between his fingers, testing the thickness before he turned to the jar filled by clear fluid. Slowly he used one hand to pin the jar in his elbow then worked the lid off his palm heel. It came off rather easily. Then he poured a little into the lid itself and slid his waxed finger into the goop. The goop was a mixture of lighter fluide, lemon, and a few other things which made the stuff invisible when it was dabbed on almost any surface. However it lacked the able to seal and that was the wax's purpose. 

First he stepped to the bedroom, the apartment was thankfully a one room one, then started to etch a complex symbol. When he was finished, he then stepped back to briefly admire his work. His next target was the door, followed by above the window frame as he wiped off the stuff onto a towel from the kitchen. They were barely visible. Only some creature with keen essence sight would've been able to see them, though it would've been hard due to the fact it sealed in essence and all that showed something was off was the absence of such. Which in Kenan wasn't something abnormal. It would just read as a dark cut out which was the size of the room and hid everything in it. Juan had already dealt with demons who could sniff out essence, something he hated, so it was little surprise that he wanted to avoid such circumstances happening again. In addition he didn't completely trust his host, the one Damon had chosen. He would have to ask the demon later about what Damon thought about this person, be him angel, demon, or human, much later. 

Sighing in relief, he then picked out a bit of [url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfBBMhn5nL0]music[/url] to play in the background. While the seals trapped essence within, it didn't affect what was currently inside or prevent it from working in a normal manner and any little sound could give unwanted clues. Besides, he wanted to listen to something to sooth his experience with Darius's foxes.

Wasting no more time, Juan pulled out Damon's card then dialed the number. It was simple and easy, personally a method Juan rather deal with then in person. If he had discovered Damon had shook hands with the strange demon, Juan would've believed him stupid since sometimes unwanted effects could always happen with skin contact and usually in the other demon's favor. He waited until someone answered the phone. Leaning against the counter and listening to the mix of shower and music playing in surprising harmony.

His phone ringing, Crow glanced down at it and noted the number. He didn't know it, but it was often that clients had unfamiliar, or untraceable numbers. Sighing, Crow answered, [B]"This is Crow and who might you be?"[/B] His tone was mildly friendly, but also questioning. He glanced out the window of the car, Crow noted the moon becoming apparent in the sky, even as the sun made its last display. He had always found sunsets to be rather pleasant, despite his true nature.

As he waited for his response, his ride made its way to his base of operations, which was one of three that he had set up in Loom. He would be meeting Falair there, with any luck. If this was Damon's partner that'd be all the better, though honestly it could've been any number of clients. After all, today had been a busy day.

"Hope it's not a bad time. I would've met you face to face, but Darius's little cronies made things rather difficult. I hope Damon behaved himself when he had to meet you in my stead." Juan's voice was calm and smoother then silk, which only added to his confidence. "So to get down to business, it seems we need to settle some terms and you need the details about where, when and how. Am I correct in assuming this?" 
 
Juan leaned farther into the counter, his ears perked for a reply while he started to crouch down where the cooler was sitting. He had already started to open the door and placed the blood bags in, each he had carefully examined for any puncture wounds or leaks before he placed them into the bottom. All them were hidden from sight should someone become curious. 

Listening intently, his eyes watching the display of the sun's setting, Crow nodded to himself, remaining silent till the end. After a moment, he replied, for it appeared he'd been right, this was Damon's colleague, though the fellow hadn't given him his name. [B]"Not a bad time at all, and it's no problem,"[/B] he said calmly, his tone friendly despite his eyes narrowing slightly as he noted Darius' involvement. [B]"Yes, [I]terms[/I]. First, I need to know exactly what this operation entails. Details are important, but start with the goal and the involved variables, if you will. We can work from there,"[/B] there was the distinct sound of a businessman in his tone.

Crow had concluded that whomever Damon's partner was, he was intelligent. It would not suite him to play him a fool, in fact it was likely that the man might try and retaliate later if he tried something of that nature. Nonetheless, he could surely trick him, though it was unfortunate that he would be unable to shake his hand to finalize the agreement. At the thought he frowned slightly, but only for a moment remembering that Damon had done so.

This one would be...[I]slightly[/I] more difficult, he figured. After all, if he could manipulate demons thrice his own age, and humans such as Ms. Kasio, then he was likely to succeed in this case as well. Nonetheless, he would remain wary and be sure to act with caution.

Juan smirked one of his flashy smiles. Without pausing, his hand placed the last blood bag into its storage place then moved onto the plasma. His shoulder pressed the phone closer to his ear, his head leaned harder into it in order to pin it firmly in place while he tried to finish his task quickly, but not sloppily. He heard a key word stressed, the one called terms, and the hairs on his neck and back rose in warning. [i]Careful…[/i]his instincts whispered. His voice, on the other hand, showed nothing to betray his inner warnings. Instead he continued with flawless performance in his conversation. It was as if the stressing of the word hadn’t happened or didn’t faze him much about the cost he was likely to pay. 
 
“Naturally, it would be rather rude of me not to. The main goal is simple: to retrieve someone. Currently he’s being held on one of the home estates and likely to be moved to another area tomorrow. I much rather retrieve him before the move. For two reasons. First he would be much harder to reach at the new destination and second, there’s a much greater chance he’ll bleed out before he reached it. I rather this man avoid death which is why I’ve decided it is best not to leave him where he is. In the long run, it would be rather…unpleasant.” His voice seemed to hold no concern for Emmet’s wellbeing but rather sounded as if the loss was more an annoyance then profitable, a trait he was sure the man on the phone’s other end would notice. “As for opposing variables, I’m afraid my recent...umm, let’s say [i]actions[/i] might’ve made your job much harder. It’s rather safe to say it will be very well guarded by some powerful defenses, likely including Darius himself if it’s not planned right. I much rather not increase my current problems anymore then needed by taking on someone bigger then myself. Since Damon believes you can help, it likely means you’ve encountered such problems yourself and fully understand the importance of not increasing them. Then again, I sincerely apologize if I’m wrong.” 

Guaging the man's response, the businessman in him once again cringed at the mention of Darius. The man was well known to him and he was typically against anything in relation to him. While he was not one to destroy the balance, he was not opposed to doing so either. It did not help that Darius' influence made him, bluntly put, a dangerous man to trifle with. Nonetheless, he knew if it came to such, he'd at least survive a scuffle.

He'd risk it, but only if these two kept their end of the bargain. [I]A rescue operation. The victim is injured, and we're going into decidedly hostile territory. They'll need a healer, a distraction or sufficiently strong combatants to get them through. Stealth would be the best route to avoid outright conflict.[/I] Crow somehow doubted that it would be at all easy to sneak into one Darius' estates, quite the contrary actually.

Tapping the side of his head with a finger lightly, Crow spoke up after several long moments. Only his steady breathing breaking the silence while Juan waited.

[B]"I can supply you with at least five men, two of which I already had in mind. One is both an effective combatant, and a skilled doctor, the other is...a man of unique talents. He's not one for magic, but his weapon and hand-to-hand combat experience is exceptional,"[/B] Crow barely knew the extent of Rhett's skills, but nonetheless he stated the words as if they were facts.

There was no hesitance or unsureness in his tone. [B]"Since this is Darius we are dealing with, it will cost you extra. The man is dangerous and unless you're willing to compensate for that, this will not be an even trade, which would be unfortunate,"[/B] this time Crow made a point not to put any stress on his words. He sounded relaxed, as if, despite his words, he had no worries regarding the success of the operation. He was trying to throw Juan off, but with no evidence of him doing so.

He made a point not to say what the cost or payment need be, only that it would be high. The word [I]compensation[/I] was key, for Crow knew that money was not always the best way to be paid. There was always information, service, and even exchange, in which the client gave him something valuable in return for his effort.

He was fairly sure that this individual would catch on as he [I]seemed[/I] fairly savvy. His reactions were nothing like those of his associate, Damon, who had clearly been rather new to these things. This man knew not to give Crow much in regards to reactions, and to be specific in the details. Those two things told him a lot, perhaps more than his client would've liked. Nonetheless, he did not let on that he knew at all, instead remaining entirely casual.

Juan, in the back of his mind, had started to wonder what type of trouble Damon might've gotten himself into now, but wisely said nothing. During the pause, he half expected the other man to hang up after he had dropped Darius's name more then once. Such an action often helped weed out less than reliable sources when they realized their objective might end up getting them killed. Or worse, on Darius's shit list. Only the cocky and foolish, neither of which this man appeared to be from his tone or composure, would take this matter lightly or believed it was worth the risk. This man was certainly something else. 

Too bad he wasn't completely confident about what that something else was exactly. Phone conversations might've been safer, but more difficult in guessing the sincerity through tone alone. Especially when that tone was as much like a poker face as his own was, ever steady and serious. 

“I contacted Damon specifically for a distraction. If anything, he's very good at creating an ideal distraction, flashy as he puts it. Mainly mostly your men will need to ensure he stays alive should their boss decide to get involved and cover our tracks if needed. Darius will not let us simply take him.” Juan made his wording blunter then he intended though now it was too late to recover. Instead he continued on. “As for payment, I understand and know how dangerous Darius is. If he wasn’t, I would’ve done this on my own and never risked doing business with an [i]unknown[/i] element. However, there’s two things I do require before sealing this arrangement. To gain a sense of the payment type and ensure the man rescued isn’t bound to repay the debt I’ve currently risked.”

Juan hoped it was rather clear and though he didn’t threaten it, he wasn’t against pressing his terms more clearly. Last thing he needed was future trouble brought on by carelessness.

[B]"Perhaps I can spare an extra man to assist Damon. As to the compensation, I see no reason that the man would be fiscally indebted to me. Your request as such is thus noted, it is only you and your associate who will compensate me and my people,"[/B] he, once again, was entirely relaxed. This man's terms were simple enough, though he had made a blunder already.

No defense was flawless after all.

[B]"I presume the rest of the planning will be carried out on site. All that we need is a time and place to meet, yes? As to when, early morning, around sunrise. If they're moving him, then they are likely to begin releasing him from wherever he is held and he'll be vulnerable. With enough chaos we could distract long enough to retrieve him. Or we can try and get in at a guard shift change before the move."[/B] Crow shrugged, despite the fact that Juan was unable to see him. After a few moments, and the sound of Crow extracting a lighter and lighting a cigarette was heard over the line, he spoke. [B]"So where are we meeting?"[/B]

When the man had finished and lit his cigarette, Juan’s hands were just finishing up the last of the plasma and other fluid then closed the door with a soft thud. Gradually, he began to rise. His hand had shifted the empty cooler to the cabinet and made his way back to the counter. His free hand gripped the phone while he absorbed Crow's attempt to add more to his growing debt. While Juan was once again creating additional goop- one handed- he had decided to correct Crow’s assumptions about his comment concerning adding another man first. Too many, and they would be harder to track down and ‘deal’ with individually later on. Namely if the need ever came for him to sever loose ends. 
 
“I like to make myself clear on [i]key[/i] things.” Juan slightly stressed the word. Whether the man would catch its meaning or not wasn’t Juan’s concern, after all he knew loopholes were easy to seek out when everything wasn’t stated completely. Though it was also a double edged sword which meant Juan had to watch himself, namely with the compensation details, noting the man had skipped that little thing altogether. That was a mistake which would need fixing. 
 
 “I think your original five men will do just fine. No more, no less. Guardshift idea is out and I aim to get him before they start to move him. Darius is too careful to allow him a chance to escape and his prison’s not originally [i]designed[/i] to protect the man inside if it's moved too much. If we hit them while they are moving him then a fight which would likely happen because a few guards will be left behind. Any violent hit or wrong movement into it could end up killing the man inside defeating the whole purpose of my debt. No… He’ll be left alone while they prepare his transport, ideally the least risky time to move him both outside his prison and then the estate. In addition they won't realize we were there at all until they go to move him. As for complete details, I’ll give them to your men when they arrive here.” 
 
As Juan rattled off an address, only about less than half an hour away, he naturally wasn’t giving the man everything he suspected would be waiting to greet them. Those details were going to be shared with the small group if they showed just before they came to the estate. In addition he wasn’t too keen on allowing their eyes pry on his makeshift workshop or current defenses just yet. He would have to sweet talk Damon into getting up earlier and driving to the location in order to prepare it for the others’ arrival. It wasn’t going to be easy. Including creating a transportable medical kit and pray Emmet wasn’t dead yet. He began writing with his finger coated in fresh goo on the fridge door while he added one other thing. “Also, it seems we got off track on compensation details. I aim to know exactly what to expect payment wise or what skills of mine you might need use of. Including if it ends up clashing in the future with Darius.” 

His two laziest ideas discarded, Crow only made a small sound, indicating acceptance of the man's plan. When compensation was again brought up a smile crossed his face and he audibly chuckled. Crow was amused, [B]"Something you ought to keep in mind is that I can hardly ascertain the cost of the endeavor until it succeeds. If it does not you will only need compensate me for the safehouse and a smaller additional amount for the time of my men and I."[/B]

The man was plainly trying to tie off any loose ends that he could, but he was not in luck. Crow knew others who had tried what he was doing, in a very similar manner. He'd seen it attempted by only several, but it was still enough that it actually amused him. The men and women who attempted such were almost always intelligent and detail oriented. The problem came up when they wanted him to assist with, or carry out, an operation. In such cases the cost depended on the success rate of the mission. He had to factor in the supplies, the time, the performance of his men, which could add to or detract from the price depending on their survival, usefulness, and efficiency during.

Juan had just finished sealing the fridge. He admired his work for a moment, remembering how he had forgotten before with the girl named Zi, then wiped his finger upon his pant leg to clean it. Despite his recollection at the little kitty's acting, it was clear she had sensed something about their apartment fridge and with what he scented in her little vial, he knew she could at least sense essence. To what degree or matter he hadn't quite figured it out. Time would help with that. He had little doubt she would try to track down Emmet, the two hard to keep separated for long and a fact Juan wasn't too keen on until the man healed up. Having the woman around would only make it take longer and complicate things again.

At the sound of the man's chuckle, Juan's neck hair stood erect. Propelled by caution and dislike, he listened closer to the words being uttered. They certainly weren't pleasant. 

[B]"When we succeed I will factor in all the relevant variables, and give you the results. However, if you like you may choose whether or not to compensate with funds, information, services, or a trade. You may choose more than one if it suits you and I will not lock you to your word till after the operation succeeds."[/B] While Crow was often devious during the construction of his deals, he shied away from making up reasons for his prices. He was straight forwards when it came to such, and while one could not necessarily call him trustworthy, he was at least consistent.

Juan felt his fingers tighten slightly harder over the phone, yet surprisingly it held up to the increasing pressure. He visibly didn't like the fact the man was the one who would determine the cost which meant he could easily overestimate and decide the very sum himself. Despite the choice of payment, it was unlikely this man would be satisfied with only funds, which while he had squirreled quite a fortune away, would likely fall short of any amount decided on. Services and information put him directly in Darius's conlict, a terrible place to be if he wasn't careful. The mention of trade bothered him most of all. Point blank, unless it was money, the man had literally fucked him when it came to payment plans. Didn't even buy him dinner first, what a pity. 

Noting down the address, Crow took a long drag on his cigarette and blew it out, an amused look remaining in his eyes even as his lips evened out to a serious expression. [B]"Any other concerns,"[/B] he asked casually, a somewhat friendly tone in his voice. Despite having to deal with Darius, this would likely be profitable for him, he could tell. At the very least it would be interesting.

At the last words, Juan's hold on the cell loosened and let it relax in his hand. The little voice in the back of his mind had started to wonder just how important Emmet was in the grand scheme of things, namely in his own research. There was still Olivia yet she had failed to show any magic potential since he met and the notion he was so close seemed to choke into giving in. If he [i]had[/i] succeeded, then the price mattered very little. Not when demons and angels would come crumbling down into ruin one day. Juan made a point to inhale deeply as he chose his next words very carefully. "Seeing as I've little choice, we'll play this your way. Currently if I have any farther concerns, I'll voice them as they come up. Not that it would matter." 

Juan cleared his throat, then summed the established facts up. "To clarify and wrap things up: Your men will meet us at the mentioned address at just around sunrise, I'll fill them in on the details, we'll either succeed or fail and you will establish the sum cost. Then I'll end up paying it back in one or mixture of four ways, funds, informantion, services or...trade. I understand the first three perfectly clear, but the last seems a little hazy. Other then that, I believe it's a rather peachy offer from you."

The last bit was hinting towards sarcasm though not enough to be insulting. 

Crow entirely ignored the sarcasm and made no comment in regards to his brief silence. He sensed apprehension, but he could've been entirely off. [B]"Correct. As to the last, trade indicates you offer me one or more objects or persons of equal value to what I offerred you in regards to services. Typically objects, I am no slave trader, and the idea of using people is distasteful."[/B] He did not mention that it was also bad for the reputation.

He was being honest nonetheless, as he tended not to allow others to trade people as compensation for his services. It was something he very rarely allowed, the circumstances had to be particularly unique for such to occur.

Juan relaxed...a bit. His shoulders eased while he listened, absorbing the informantion and tried to peel away any hidden catches. Though he was pretty sure there was at least a few he hadn't quite picked up on yet. Otherwise, it seemed straight forward and acceptable compared to losing Emmet which would've set his research back very far. Almost started over as a matter of fact. It was something he hated more than anything else. "Very well then, as I said, I'll voice anymore when they come up. I believe this arrangement is concluded then." 

Just before he hung up, he added one last thing. "I hope you don't regret your choice on your decision in doing this way later."

 Most would take Juan's words as a threat, but his tone told otherwise. It was almost worried, seeming like something hidden had been missed, then he hung up. Slowly he padded to the bathroom where he wanted to join Damon and wash away the thoughts plaguing his mind, forgetting everything in the night's activities to happen. 
 
 Just for a little bit. 

As Juan hung up, his last words lingering a moment, Crow smiled and chuckled to himself lightly. [B]"I never have before,"[/B] the driver glanced at him a moment from the corner of his eye before looking back at the road. This individual had something to offer, he knew that much, for the man had tread cautiously, each word and intonation picked with intention. Few did that, and those that did typically had something to lose, more often than not it was something greatly important to them.

It was unlikely that he would ever learn what that something was, but nonetheless the idea of such intrigued him.

Making no effort of looking to his driver, Crow ordered him to take side streets and speed up. He had business to attend to and arrangements to make. The gears were turning and the world had begun to move, he could sense the pace quickening.

The times were a changing, and he needed to be ahead of them.

Always ahead.