[INDENT][SUP][SUB][H3][B][COLOR=0054a6]T O B I A S E V A N S:[/COLOR][/B] [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4241732]T h i s I s W a r[/url][/H3][/SUB][/SUP][/INDENT][hr][INDENT][sup][COLOR=silver]Monday, April 10, 2017 - 21:13 PM | [i]St. Francis' Cathedral - Little Italy[/i][/COLOR] [/sup][/INDENT] [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"A hit?! On [i]my[/i] fuckin' Veronica?!"[/B][/COLOR] Raul De Vitis, head of the De Vitis Crime Syndicate, stood at the head of a table surrounded by his subordinates; bosses and enforcers alike. The Del Fierro's most recent declaration had him riled and emotional. As such, a church meeting had been called to discuss their next plan of action. So far the room was in complete silence, allowing for Raul to rant and rave. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"Do these Mexican [i]fiche[/i] know who their dealing with?"[/B][/COLOR] He slammed both hands down onto the table, punctuating his question with a [i]bang[/i]. Hunched over, he glanced down the entire length of the table, his scowl passing over all of his bosses in attendance, bar one. [i][COLOR=SLATEGRAY]'Tobias.'[/COLOR][/i] He thought. [i][COLOR=SLATEGRAY]'Where the hell is that Black Lotus sonuva bitch?!'[/COLOR][/i] And as if somehow his thoughts had been read, a translucent blue figure appeared at the end of the table. Its' likeness matching that of his missing underboss. [color=0054a6][b]"Sorry for being late, traffic was a bitch."[/b][/color] Tobias stated. The room erupted in disbelief and anger. His Hyperhuman status was well known amongst the De Vitis administration, most of the men sitting there abhorred him for it. So for him to use his ability in order to attend a meeting, and in their holiest of buildings to boot, was practically an insult to them all. Tobias remained silent whilst the other bosses screamed and cursed his name. Raul did too, although his seething expression conveyed the same sentiment as the others. He stood tall, commanding silence from the room as he did so. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"So you think you can just show up here, [i]late[/i], using your fancy fuckin' powers and everything's gonna be alright?"[/B][/COLOR] Raul spoke in almost a whisper, though the large hall still managed to carry his voice. [color=0054a6][b]"I think we've got more pressing matters to deal with right now, Boss. Besides, thanks to [i]my[/i] work at the Wharves a few days back, the Police have set up a tight net right now. I can't move around as freely as before, so this seemed like the best way to attend."[/b][/color] Tobias eyed every one of his colleagues as he spoke, daring them to speak out against his reasoning. If the docklands had been lost to the CCPD two days ago, none of them would have been sitting here at this meeting. Instead they'd be on the run from a RICO charge due to the cops having discovered their entire network of illicit sex trade dealings. His gaze finally settled back toward Raul who was silent for a few moments before he spoke. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"Fine. You get a pass, [i]this time[/i]."[/B][/COLOR] His anger seemed to ebb somewhat though his scowl remained. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"Now that we're all here, I wanna know everything about those [i]bastard[/i] Fierro's."[/B][/COLOR] It had been a full day since the hit order had been announced. Tobias looked toward the Russian, his face expressionless although he expected nothing less. What he didn't expect, however, was to see [url=http://i.imgur.com/DO2mWBj.jpg]Veronica De Vitis[/url] sat right next to her father. Her expression was hard but fragile at the same time. He could tell she was trying to look unfazed by these recent developments but her slightly puffy cheeks betrayed her lack of fear. A few of the other bosses spoke up, mentioning the Fierro's movements and a few supposed meetings with members of the lesser gangs. It was a typical move made by their rivals. The larger organizations couldn't simply attack each other outright anymore. Doing so would wreak tremendous havoc upon the city as each side would bring out nothing but their best in order to score the killing blow. Instead, their fighting would be done through proxies such as the [i]Third Street Roughnecks[/i] and the [i]Welcome Crew[/i], similar to how world governments fought in Proxy Wars. The Fierro's first move looked to have been arming the Welcome Crew, a move that the De Vitis would no doubt replicate. As one of his leading arms dealers, Raul would naturally choose Tobias to oversee the distribution amongst both the Thirds and the Harbor Kings. His thoughts were brought back to the discussion as Raul spoke. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"Salvatore, I want you to head up the distribution of weapons amongst our allies. We're gonna need them armed and in place beforehand, if we're to strike at the Mexicans first."[/B][/COLOR] Tobias blinked in disbelief. [color=0054a6][b]"Wait, what?!"[/b][/color] The room turned to address him for the first time since the earlier outburst. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"You gotta problem with the way I'm runnin' things, Tobias?"[/B][/COLOR] Raul sneered. Salvatore Raymundo, Tobias' neighboring underboss, rival arms dealer and general pain in the ass. Where Tobias controlled the New Alexandria, Point Bordeaux & Shasta Basin boroughs, Salvatore commanded the boroughs of Crestwood Hollow, Jethrull & Kilbride. And whilst territory disputes were commonplace amongst mob bosses, Salvatore also seemed to have some personal vendetta against him though he wasn't quite sure why. A feeling told him [i]La Petite Mort[/i] had something to do with it, as the man attempted to burn holes in him with his glare. [color=0054a6][b]"I mean doesn't Sally have enough on his plate with the recent blackout and the spate of fires going on in his boroughs?"[/b][/color] He replied, referring to the recent arsonist that had taken an interest in burning Salvatore's territory to the ground, even despite the ongoing storm. Salvatore shifted in his seat as the other bosses began to murmur. [color=0054a6][b]"I figured a man of [i]his[/i] stature would've found the perpetrator by now and left them swimming with the Deadman's fish."[/b][/color] The underboss bit at that. [color=a0410d][b]"Alright, [i]fuck[/i] you! And [i]fuck[/i] that damned blackout!"[/b][/color] He stood abruptly, brandishing a gun towards Tobias' illusion at first and then in the direction of Jethrull. Tobias merely smiled, having gained satisfaction from the man's outburst. It was exactly what he needed to gain the upper hand in this situation. [color=0054a6][b]"You think that [i]cool head[/i] of your's will be alright to handle a trade deal with the Roughnecks? What about the Kings? They wouldn't think twice about icing you if you came at them like [i]that[/i]."[/b][/color] Tobias said, twisting the knife. [color=a0410d][b]"[i]Ice me?![/i] Is that a fuckin' threat, twinkle-toes?"[/b][/color] Retorted Salvatore, referring to the glow of his illusion as he pointed the gun back at him. [color=0054a6][b]"Go ahead, wiseguy, shoot me. Damage your [i]precious[/i] Cathedral whilst you're at it."[/b][/color] Tobias laughed. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"Alright, that's [i]ENOUGH![/i]"[/B][/COLOR] Raul bellowed. He commanded the room once more as everyone fell silent. Salvatore sat down in his seat, stowing his weapon. Even Tobias opted to keep his mouth shut. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"Fine. I had another task in mind for you, Tobias. But since you're such a fuckin' [i]smart-ass[/i], now you're gonna have to do both."[/B][/COLOR] Salvatore opened his mouth to protest but Raul shot him a glare which silenced him instantly. [color=0054a6][b]"You kno-"[/b][/color] [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"Keep your [i]goddamned[/i] mouth shut!"[/B][/COLOR] Raul looked him square in the eye before speaking again. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"First, you're gonna make contact with the Thirds and the Harbor Kings. We need to distribute weapons amongst their numbers and place groups in strategic points around the City. All you need to focus on is the gats, I'll have Lorenzo worry about the logistics."[/B][/COLOR] Raul said, referring to one of the other bosses sat a few seats down to his left. A man regarded for his excellent strategic ability. There were rumours of a Hype-Gene surrounding him but nothing confirmed. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"Once you've done that, I want your ass [i]here[/i]. I don't care what kind of net the pigs have setup, you fuckin' slip through it. I'm putting you in charge of protecting Veronica."[/B][/COLOR] Tobias was sure he'd heard him say something else, the disbelief was evident on his face. [color=0054a6][b]"You want me on protection detail?"[/b][/color] He asked. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"I said shut the [i]fuck[/i] up!"[/B][/COLOR] Raul raised his voice once more. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"Originally I was thinking of keeping her at the Colosseum, seeing as the place is practically a damned fortress. But on second thought that would be an obvious move and I wouldn't put it past those Mexican [i]bastardi[/i] to mount an offensive against it nonetheless."[/B][/COLOR] He looked toward his daughter, his demeanor changing as he did so. No longer was he a dangerous mob boss, now he was a merely protective father. [COLOR=SLATEGRAY][B]"So I'm gonna hand her over to you. Out of all of us, you're the best at keeping a low-profile. Nobody can find you whenever you're on the lam. So now I'm gonna use that to protect my daughter. Most of the others don't think you're up to the task but I have faith. I [i]know[/i] you won't fail me, will you?"[/B][/COLOR] Raul turned his sights towards Tobias once more. Despite his calm expression, Tobias could sense the raging torrent of anger behind his words. Tobias swallowed and nodded without comment. [center]____________________[/center] [indent][sup][COLOR=silver]Monday, April 10, 2017 - 22:02 PM | [i]Harbor King's Warehouse - Shasta Basin[/i][/COLOR] [/sup][/indent] [color=00746b][b]"So...you've decided to pay me a visit as something [i]tangible[/i] this time?"[/b][/color] Caiman was his name, leader of the Harbor Kings. He was an alligator fanatic and had used the skin of such an animal to adorn his leather jacket. [color=00746b][b]"I wonder, does this one feel [i]pain[/i]?"[/b][/color] He asked, toying with a switchblade as he lent back against the steel pillar of the warehouse. Tobias' Phantasm sat upright in a dark, leather chair. Its' texture similar to that of Caiman's jacket, which led Tobias to believe they were made from the self-same animal skin. [color=0054a6][b]"Feel free to wonder, my friend. But I can [i]assure[/i] you, this one packs far more of a punch than any of your guys could handle."[/b][/color] He smiled. The slam of a fire exit door interrupted their conversation. [color=00746b][b]"We'll see."[/b][/color] Caiman replied, flashing his set of sharpened teeth. The man truly was a fanatic. [color=00746b][b]"Finally!"[/b][/color] He exclaimed, [color=00746b][b]"The wily Third joins us at last!"[/b][/color] He flicked his switchblade erratically. [color=7bcdc8][b]"Might wanna pocket that razor, shark-boy, before someone gets [i]hurt[/i]."[/b][/color] It was Kyle, one of the older members of the Third Street Roughnecks though still relatively young when compared to the other two men in the room. He couldn't have been a day over twenty. [color=00746b][b]"Might wanna watch who you're threatening, [i]boy[/i]. Or you'll find yourself in deep water for stepping on a log that was actually a 'gator."[/b][/color] [color=7bcdc8][b]"There we go with the [i]'gator[/i] references. Barely five minutes in, can you believe this [i]bitch-ass[/i]?!"[/b][/color] Kyle replied, turning towards Tobias. [color=0054a6][b]"Alright, alright. Dick measuring is over. Please go back to your seats and wait for the results to be announced."[/b][/color] Tobias rolled his eyes. [color=0054a6][b]"In all seriousness, though, I didn't call you here for [i]this shit[/i]."[/b][/color] He said. [color=7bcdc8][b]"So what the [i]hell[/i] did you call us in for, I've got other shit to be doin'?"[/b][/color] [color=00746b][b]"I bet it's something to do with the Fierro's mark on [i]Veronica De Vitis[/i]. The whole damned city's been buzzing about it! She's a fine catch too."[/b][/color] [color=0054a6][b]"You let us worry about Veronica. All we need [i]you guys[/i] to do is take some heaters and stand around in a few places until further notice."[/b][/color] Kyle's expression flashed with anger. [color=7bcdc8][b]"Are you [i]fucking[/i] kidding me?! Stand around?! What the fuck kinda [i]bullshit[/i] is that?"[/b][/color] He'd begun to turn his back to Tobias by now. [color=0054a6][b]"That [i]bullshit[/i] is what Raul needs you to do for him right now, you'll get your next load of bullshit as and when it's needed."[/b][/color] But Kyle was already walking back towards the fire exit. [color=7bcdc8][b]"Nah, [i]fuck[/i] that old man. We Thirds do whatever the f-"[/b][/color] Tobias had already pushed his Phantasm out of the chair, knocking it over. In an instant, the deep blue apparition had disappeared and reappeared directly in Kyle's path. A hand grasped at the boy's throat, stopping him immediately. With minimal effort, the Phantasm lifted Kyle into the air slightly before slamming him down upon his back, winding the Third. Kyle's yelp of pain echoed throughout the warehouse followed by the [i]thud[/i] of his body impacting with the concrete floor. The Phantasm was knelt next to the boy, its' hand still firmly grasping the boy's neck. Caiman did nothing. [color=0054a6][b]"Now you listen here, you little [i]fuck[/i]."[/b][/color] Tobias growled, his voice low and threatening. [color=0054a6][b]"You'll do whatever [i]I[/i] say, whenever I [i]Damn. Fucking. Say it.[/i] Or I'll come down to your precious Parasio and wipe you [i]despicable[/i] insects off the map myself, am I understood?"[/b][/color] Kyle could only attempt to resist the crushing force of the Phantasm against his neck. It was futile as only strained gargles could be heard whenever he tried to speak. [color=0054a6][b]"I said, [i]am I understood[/i]?"[/b][/color] Tobias grit his teeth as he spoke, squeezing harder on Kyle's throat. The boy finally stopped struggling against him, his arms had started to go limp. Tobias released his grip, causing him to lurch forward as he gasped for air amidst an uncontrollable fit of coughing. [color=0054a6][b]"Now get out. Lorenzo will be in touch."[/b][/color] Kyle said nothing after recovering from Tobias attack, he left without another word. [color=00746b][b]"[i]Damn[/i]. I warned that boy about the log."[/b][/color] Caiman chuckled, a jovial tone in his voice. Tobias merely shook his head. [color=0054a6][b]"Meet with Lucio at the usual spot, he'll give you everything you need."[/b][/color] Tobias said, already having moved towards the chair to pick it up. [color=00746b][b]"And the girl?"[/b][/color] Caiman inquired. [color=0054a6][b]"I told you already. We'll handle it."[/b][/color] [color=00746b][b]"Like you [i]handled[/i] Kyle just then? Gotta admit, I didn't expect a bite [i]that[/i] big."[/b][/color] [color=0054a6][b]"Can't play my whole hand on the first turn now, can I?"[/b][/color] Tobias walked towards the Harbor King. Despite their previous differences and a somewhat rocky alliance between their respective gangs, Tobias and Caiman were pretty solid allies, if not friends. They shook hands before Caiman turned to leave. It was only once he'd reached the fire exit did Tobias speak again. [color=0054a6][b]"Oh and Caiman? I'm not playing any of your games this time. The Syndicate are relying on you right now."[/b][/color] Caiman merely looked back over his shoulder before replying, [color=00746b][b]"This ain't no time for games, Tobias. This is [i]War[/i]."[/b][/color]