[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/qAOSq3Y.png[/img] [h3][color=silver]♤ Darius M Cain ♤[/color][/h3] [hr] [sub][h3][u][b]Time[/b][/u][/h3][h3]Day 4~ 3 P.M. [/h3][h3][u][b]Location[/b][/u][/h3][h3] Darius’ office, within Ominar [/h3][/sub][/center] [hr] Darius felt contentment for the first time in his years within Ominar. It was rare and something he wished he could cherish easily, but his mind kept wandering to the consequences and pain of doing such a thing. His position didn’t provide allowance for luxuries such as love, companionship and trust to the fullest extent. It was a balancing game of how much paranoia he should exercise and how much trust he could risk. If he leaned too far one way, he could easily be shot back down to the bottom of the food chain. With any sort of power in the underworld, there was often a struggle to keep it. After his meeting with Mr. Aeon, Darius rose from his chair and casually walked to the nearest window. His arm reached out and slowly pushed the thick curtains, both designed to block out any spying eyes and daylight itself, to the side. Sunlight flooded his office and chased away the shadows behind him. A subtle, small satisfaction entered his mind upon seeing it. He deeply wished Szayeis was nearly as easy to banish from his life. His eyes darted back to the window and absorbed the setting outside, seeing the city bustling in its daily activities. Gradually, his arms folded behind him and hands rested at the nook of his back. Darius’ twin tails swished behind him idly in thought. [color=#4a85e2]After the previous day's antics, Nabriales Taeryn had decided to take the day off from any shenanigans or wacky adventures that inevitably spiralled beyond his control. Today was going to be a day of rest, relaxation, and simple alchemy - the mundane things in life that brought a small measure of order to an otherwise chaotic world. That lasted for approximately ten minutes before Nabriales got bored of order and decided to try his hand at something more fun. For many years now he'd produced whatever drugs the various cartels and gangs around the city wanted - it was a side venture to keep him occupied (and make an enormous amount of money that he cared very little for) and little else. Recently, however, he figured that the worst any of the gangs in the city could feasibly do to him would be complain at Darius Cain and hope that the foxy fellow would bring him in line, or attempt to take matters into their own hands. Given that he'd dosed the cocaine he made for their personal stashes with his vis that caused those who consumed it to steadily grow in affection towards him, he didn't anticipate much violence on their end - and any that slipped through the cracks could be handled discreetly and efficiently. Recently, however, he'd figured that he'd gotten himself in too deep to simply [i]stop[/i] producing all sorts of illicit substances for them and it was beginning to bore him endlessly. His solution was to make a product that was better, safer, and unique to him to put everyone else out of business. Still, making that happen without getting himself attacked was turning out to be more difficult than he'd anticipated - so he decided to move his monthly meeting with the fastidious fox forwards, forgetting that he was somewhat anal about when and where he met people. Nabri understood a desire for privacy, certainly, but he also did not give even the slightest damn about whether or not Darius would want him wantonly barging into his home and/or office. He grabbed a vial of a purple-ish liquid, and in his trademark fashion poofed out of Victorious Secret and directly into the middle of his office. The trademark obnoxious poofing sound would alert Darius to his effeminate guest's presence, as would his lilting voice: [color=#F43EF7]"Good afternoon, foxy!"[/color][/color] It was a struggle not to flinch or react when the words reached Darius’ ears. The crime boss’ lithe figure twisted about and glanced at the unscheduled and unexpected ‘guest’ with a subtle displeased look. A perk of having vulpine features was that it made reading his expression difficult for those who never bothered to learn the meaning behind certain animal tics in their body language. He knew the best way to deal with Nabri was simply to accept his quirks, the kitsune began to clear his throat and then addressed the alchemist. [color=silver]“Hello, Mr. Taeryn. I wasn't expecting you today, but actually a week from now. Curiously, what brought you to pay an unexpected visit?”[/color] through Darius’ tone was polite, it was clear he hoped Nabriales’ visit was not purely to save the man from boredom. [color=#F43EF7]"I knoooooooow, but I was mulling over our arrangement and I thought that we could do... Better!"[/color][color=#4a85e2]Nabriales replied, giving the fox a sultry wink. He took a few steps forwards, swaying ever so slightly in that way that the boys tended to find alluring, and placed the vial in his hands directly on Darius' desk with a soft thud. [color=#F43EF7]"The market for narcotics in Ominar is plentiful, and I like to think that I help make a lot of people happy... But the drugs I make also ruin lives, and they're becoming so mundane and boring that I don't know if I'm willing to live with that anymore..."[/color] Nabriales stated, doing a reasonably passable job at sounding and looking sincerely remorseful. Darius would see through it immediately, but the dramatic effect would hopefully not be lost on him. [color=#F43EF7]"So I made cocaine in liquid form with no negative effects and variable addictiveness! No health issues, no crashing... And I want to make you the sole supplier!"[/color] he added, teleporting himself into a sitting position on Darius' desk, his head cocked slightly to the side waiting for a response. Though he hadn't made any particular effort with his appearance that day, the scintillating rainbow aura that he possessed was in full force and his horns were glowing with a soft blue light - even to someone straight as an arrow, Nabriales was undeniably alluring. He was used to getting by on looks in many of his social entanglements, and though Darius was not normally attracted to other men, Nabriales was often alluring enough to make people at least consider the possibility. He always searched for the slightest flicker of what-ifs going on behind Darius' vulpine eyes, though he was never sure if he was seeing something or simply seeing what he wanted to. [color=#F43EF7]"Assuming that such a business venture is something you'd be... Interested in?"[/color] He added, poofing directly behind Darius and resting his chin on the fox's shoulder, peering up at him with a simultaneously suggestive and inquisitive look.[/color] [color=silver] “You assumed correctly but a gift never comes without a price. However, it’s good to see your [i]‘remorse’[/i] for your prior actions,”[/color] Darius inhaled and let his tone slip into sarcasm at the recollection, showing Nabri that his little acting talents didn’t go unnoted. While Nabri meant no one harm, the resulting aftermath was difficult to sort out. Casually stepping to the side, he tilted his shoulder from under Nabriales’ chin. The fox’s expression softened as a counter to the earlier tension. It was a rare display few in his employment had ever had the opportunity to see as he turned to once more face Nabriales, preferring to keep the horned precursor within his eyesight. [color=silver] “You also know I like to ensure all my bases are covered when it comes to deals. What do you get out of this, Mr. Taeryn? With you, I know it’s not the money but likely something else.”[/color] [color=#F43EF7]"Attractive [i]and[/i] observant..."[/color] [color=#4a85e2]Nabriales winked, taking a little step back to accommodate Darius' nudging his head off of his shoulder. [color=#F43EF7]"We've known each other for long enough to be honest, haven't we?"[/color] Nabriales asked, grabbing Darius' right hand with his own for a second before poofing back onto the desk, taking a second to pick up the vial he'd laid down earlier and swirl it around in his left hand. [color=#F43EF7]"I'm booooooooooooored. I've been making the same flawed product for years and years and years, and it just doesn't give me that thrill anymore!"[/color] He half-seriously whinged in the same singsong voice a child would use, though his musical timbre was soft and soothing instead of grating and pleading. [color=#F43EF7]"I was originally planning to just phase the use of mundane drugs out by offering potions in my store that circumvented all of those pesky illicit substance act laws... But the authorities had something to say about it, and I had to blow three judges to get them to see things my way and avoid further legal action! All in a day's work, but I'd rather not be [i]forced[/i] into doing these things by circumstance! Then I totally forgot about all of that... And then I got bored again and remembered!"[/color] He stated, eyes wide and hands gesticulating wildly as he spoke about the ups and downs of his little story that realistically could have been summed up with far fewer words. [color=#F43EF7]"And now that I've remembered and I'm suitably bored, I just want to get the switch over and done with so I can go back to finding interesting things to do with my time... Like talking to you! I'm not really sure what I want out of this, as long as we're being completely honest - you would stand to make an exorbitant amount of money if we execute all of this juuuuust so... So what can you offer me that's equivalent to lots and lots of cold, haaaard cash?"[/color] Nabri asked, stretching out the syllables of his words in that flirtatious way that he often did, and lazily twisting a strand of his hair around his finger as he did so. While this was still a business deal, it was far more informal than he normally conducted his visits with Darius - and doubly more informal than Darius was used to in practically every other case of business he'd ever conducted.[/color] [color=silver] “I got the impression you enjoy such acts time to time,”[/color] Darius stated, his posture slightly more relaxed than earlier. The behavior was expected from Nabri and in a strange sense, placed the kitsune at ease to see things playing out as expected. Familiarity was a blessing compared to what he endured during his childhood and so surprises were often met with brief, but very firm measures. It was also mildly amusing. Nabri’s display felt like an overgrown child trying to gain attention. Still, Darius knew better and he even held some respect toward the Alchemist’s gift when it came to his potions. If push came to shove, Darius had little doubt Nabriales would’ve hit like a sixteen wheeler (at least) when the alchemist’s hand was forced. His figure stepped toward his desk and carefully picked up the vial Nabri had brought. A paw held it close to the light and examined it, even through his ignorance of alchemy made the gesture pointless,[color=silver] “You haven’t done anything… unusual to this sample have you? I’d much rather not prevent additional attempts on your life. I’m not worried because one’s been successful or come close. Have they?”[/color] [color=#F43EF7]"You know as well as I do that any such trickery is purely for the purposes of making sure I don't get killed by some jumped up thug."[/color] [color=#4a85e2]Nabriales replied, the corner of his mouth rising into a sly little smirk as he spoke. Though they both knew he was completely capable of defending himself in the event of any such attack, Nabriales' philosophy was that prevention was better than cure, and it had, truthfully, been a fairly large boon to his business and personal life to have so many unsavoury types falling head-over-heels for him. Nobody had gotten hurt, except perhaps Darius getting a headache over the whole incident, and as long as it didn't hurt anybody Nabri damn well did what he pleased, consequences be damned! He also did that even if it did hurt people, but still. [color=#F43EF7]"It just produces an effect similar to that of cocaine or speed - an intense feeling of wellbeing and euphoria, a burst of energy, and the belief that you're god's gift to the world in the sack! Difference is, it's as addictive as I want it to be, doesn't raise your blood pressure to harmful levels, doesn't make you paranoid or greedy, and has no comedown... So really, infinitely better than any of the nasty shit that your gangs peddle... And that right there..."[/color] He pointed at the vial in Darius' paw, [color=#F43EF7]"... is a toned down sample at 0% physical addiction. Feel free to use it if you're so inclined... Or give it to someone else and monitor the effects on them! I just knew you'd need proof."[/color] Nabriales nonchalantly stated, losing his usual energy and talking in the clinical fashion associated with talking business - a manner of speaking Darius was certainly far more comfortable with. [color=#F43EF7]"If someone had been successful, I'd have better things to do than come back here unannounced and haunt you."[/color] Nabriales winked, before continuing with the same playful tone he normally spoke in. [color=#F43EF7]"Can I ask you a... Personal question, while we're being totally honest?"[/color] He added, eyes lighting up with the promise of something [i]fun[/i].[/color] [color=silver] “I get the feeling you would still come back and haunt me just to prevent boredom,”[/color] Darius commented then paused in his examination of the product, the question paused on his tongue tip. His attention drifted to look at Nabri and raised the right side of his brow, his head cocked to the side at the alchemist. [color=silver] “I suppose, but I reserve the right to either to answer it or not.”[/color] [color=#F43EF7]"I don't have to worry about you being a Nogitsune, do I?"[/color] [color=#4a85e2]He asked, eyes glinting with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He knew that the concerns that had been brought to him by Lily Quarin were almost certainly unfounded - but the potion that she would require in such an event would not be easy to make. Still, he'd be lying to himself if he said he didn't absolutely relish the idea of getting to make something so obscure and specific - though he couldn't have admitted it at the time, he'd likely have taken on the task for free if he didn't also need something from Lily for another one of his projects. Still, now that he was facing the subject of his current alchemical fascination in the flesh, he was very apprehensive about making something to maim or injure him. Was a Nogitsune dangerous? If the stories were to be believed, absolutely! Was a Nogitsune who also happened to be an attractive fox with a stake in your business prospects as well as something in between friend and acquaintance dangerous enough to kill? ... No, decidedly not. Nabriales hoped that by having that conversation now he could spare himself having to make new alliances, though he knew he'd end up making the required potion in some form or another regardless of whether or not Darius turned out to be a Nogitsune. For what it was worth, he did hope it wasn't so. [color=#F43EF7]"I came across a recipe for a potion to strip a Nogitsune of their... Uniquely destructive gifts, you see - and as the only Kitsune I know, my mind couldn't help but make the connection! Even if you aren't, as it's something of a race issue for you I'd want the information and decision to be in your hands regardless..."[/color] Nabriales stated, speaking much more slowly and clearly, his musical lilting paused in favour of the tone one took on when delivering somber news. [color=#F43EF7]"... and I hope you appreciate the goodwill I'm showing you by bringing this information directly to you."[/color] He stated, his tone softening a little, as he poofed behind the fox and wrapped his arms around Darius and rested his head on his other shoulder. Perhaps a little overly touchy, but Darius' fur was far more fun to run one's hands through than boring old skin, and Nabriales was already a very tactile person.[/color] Darius sighed as his right ear flickered, a sign of annoyance. He didn't have time to deal with wild fairy tales and myths over an extinct race. Whoever had placed such notions into Nabriales’ head was either playing him for a fool or thought it was a good prank, which of course the Alchemist would eat up in his boredom. Getting tired of dislodging himself from the man’s grip, Darius allowed it for now and he addressed the precursor’s misinformation about such creatures. [color=silver] “Nogitsune are an extinct race so, obviously, I can’t be one. It was the few rare occasions where nearly all Licentia would actually work together to eliminate a mutual enemy. I doubt any survived,”[/color] Darius commented while he mentally strained to keep his tone leveled and his eyes from rolling over the information. During his time as a child, he had been subjected to learning topics of his choice. Kitsune, branching off to some bits about Nogitsune, were included. Sadly, it was limited to Szayeis’ allowance so it wasn’t likely everything. Placing down the vial back upon the desk, his head tilted over his shoulder to continue the conversation. [color=silver] “Seriously, Mr. Taeryn, whoever placed such a notion in your mind was either attempting to prank you or feed you false information.”[/color] [color=#4a85e2]Nabriales couldn't help but smirk at Darius' rebuttal - in his paranoia he had assumed that the notion had been someone else's, and Nabriales merely the messenger when he had blatantly stated otherwise. It was comforting to know that some things, despite the variable and chaotic ways that people worked, were easily predictable - just as Darius had thought about him, Nabriales was now thinking about Darius. With a very slight squeeze he let go of Darius and poofed back on top of the desk - partly to attempt to convey some semblance of reassurance, and partly just because the feeling of fur was so [i]nice[/i]. [color=#F43EF7]"Ah - Nogitsune are [i]believed[/i] to be an extinct race. We both know that the people who win get to write down their version of events and we all come to accept that as fact... And we both know full well how dangerous it is to not do some objective fact finding! And it's as I said, hon - I was doing some research and the recipe came up in one of my old books. I figured I'd ask if there was any credence to them so I don't end up making something very costly with virtually no use!"[/color] He laughed, though it was that particular kind of laugh that screamed "we both know I'm going to make this potion regardless because it's new and interesting and it saves me from being bored" - a laugh that Darius would know quite intimately from his repeated interactions with Nabriales. [color=#F43EF7]"What I found concerns your race and I wanted to make sure you were informed! If it's little more than a fairytale then we can just lay the matter to rest."[/color] he shrugged, putting the whole notion to the back of his mind. The floodgates had been opened, though - and Nabriales was always the terribly curious type. He'd gotten a glimpse behind the curtain, and now he wanted to shine a light on the mysteries that eluded him. [color=#F43EF7]"Besides... I'd hate for you to lose your figure! It'd be muuuuch less enjoyable watching you come and go if you were some avatar of destruction."[/color] Nabriales purred, letting out a deep, throaty laugh as if to imply that imagining Darius as such a thing was well and truly laughable - precisely the reaction he was hoping for, if he had to guess. [color=#F43EF7]"You seem more at ease than you normally do... There's just a liiiiiittle less guard up, and there must be a reason... Did you finally take my advice and find a booty call?"[/color] Nabriales asked, half-seriously.[/color] [color=silver]“First off, there’s no absolute evidence that a Nogitsune and a Kitsune are actually the same creature. At best, they are closely related in looks and possibly ancestry. So unless I was born one, I don’t see how I could become one. Second, there’s not been one seen for ages so it’s highly likely the elimination of their race was a success,”[/color] His eyes narrowed suspiciously at the laughter for a moment. A slight awareness stirred when he recalled the last time he heard that laugh and the end result. Darius inhaled a moment to catch his breath and his mind flickered over the whole topic before he realized, strangely, it made him uncomfortable. He brushed it away then replied to the booty call remark, glad for Nabriales to drop the conversation about Nogitsune,[color=silver] “Perhaps, but how long it lasts depends.”[/color] Darius wasn’t sure if he wanted to reveal Masha quite yet. While he enjoyed her company, he honestly suspected it not to last before she either hurt or discarded him. It had happened often enough in the past he refused to believe it wouldn’t now or in the future. [color=#4a85e2][color=#F43EF7]"What's the point of being all crime boss-y and powerful if you can't use it to have a little fun? You know as well as I do that you need to relaaaaax, and seeing as you won't let me have a shot at it I'm glad you've found someone to blow your whistle!"[/color] He chuckled - Darius was never very good at keeping these kinds of secrets from Nabriales. When one was as sexually charged as the horned alchemist (a title that could be taken two ways), and their life's pursuit was hedonism in the form of alchemy, it was very difficult to keep the carnal matters hidden. Darius had an excellent poker face, but he couldn't hide the contented look he got when he thought noone was looking. Admittedly, nobody was looking until Nabriales had randomly teleported in, but he had seen enough of Darius to immediately pick up on this very specific nuance. [color=#F43EF7]"Are you embarrassed of her...? It is a her, right? Because if you've got a man on the side I'll be [i]very[/i] hurt!"[/color] He questioned, starting off very seriously but deteriorating into a fit of giggles towards the end. He knew that [i]that[/i] certainly wouldn't happen. [color=#F43EF7]"No, not embarrassed... Worried for your reputation? Worried for [i]her[/i] reputation?"[/color] He quickly added on, dramatically rubbing his chin as if in deep contemplation. [color=#F43EF7]"Worried she'll just use and abuse you? That definitely sounds like your damage."[/color][/color] [color=silver] “Mr. Taeryn, have you tested this product on all the different races?”[/color] Darius asked, hoping to alter the topic to something he could handle more easily. It was also important to know so he didn’t accidently have the product sold to the wrong individual and risk becoming a bigger target that he already was. In the back of his mind, he assumed Nabriales had, but hearing the words were far more reassuring. He was thankful that the alchemist had finally released him and shifted away, but his eyes didn’t follow the individual. If it had been others, he would’ve. It just showed there was some measure of trust between the two at this stage of their association with each other. [color=#F43EF7]"Yes, it's been tested on Humans, Licentia and several types of Licentia hybrid, and a remarkably reluctant Prae - what's her name, by the way? - who was absolutely insane when they let go of their inhibitions... No discernible side effects, though long-term use obviously can't be monitored until it's been used long-term... But even if it ends up being damaging in the long run, we both know it'll be much less damaging than heroin or speed or meth. Besides, I don't know why you're so cautious! The stuff you're peddling now does far worse to people, and nobody blames you for that because they knew the risks going in! If you're the one organizing the sale of the stuff, you get to tell people what to expect... And you get to ensure you have sufficient damage control."[/color] [color=#4a85e2]Nabriales replied, once again shifting to that clinical voice that he used whenever talking about the specifics of alchemy. [color=#F43EF7]"And you're right, I am remarkably difficult to compensate when sex is off of the table... I recently won some very old alchemical texts at auction, though, and I'm anticipating requiring some [i]remarkably[/i] hard to find ingredients that money alone can't get... We can work out the specifics after you tell me allll about your fling, but something along the lines of one rare item per 1,000 doses sounds like it's worth my time?"[/color] Nabriales queried, giving Darius a rather easy offer to work with. He doubted the fox could do the math off the top of his head, but even with very rough estimations he would serve to make an enormous amount of money if he handled things well.[/color] [color=silver] “My personal life is off the table, I’m afraid to say, but the ingredients are possible. I will need a list of where they supposedly can be found for a place to start tracking and I can acquire them as demand increases,”[/color] Darius already knew the possible demand that this product would create if it was as good as Nabriales claimed. It could also, if recklessly placed on the market, disrupt the entire drug system in all of Ominar. Knowing he would need to gradually introduce it at high prices, he walked around to the other side of his desk in order to retrieve a pad of paper and pen from his drawer. He knew the price could easily be negotiable later if needed. Through he still aimed to test the sample given, he knew the trade was lopsided. A fact, for once, he was fine with since the cost of the produce should cover the loss in getting the items Nabriales would likely require. [color=#F43EF7]“Honestly, foxy, I don’t know how you keep yourself sane! I know you tell yourself that in your line of work you have to keep everyone at arm's length to prevent them - and you - from getting hurt, but you're hurting yourself in a much more destructive way by not giving yourself anyone to blow off steam with! It's okay to feel excited about a new lover, it's okay to let everything but the moment go sometimes, you know? Life is for [i]living[/i], and while you need that paranoia to keep on living, you can give it a rest sometimes around people that you trust! If you really don't want to spill all the secrets about your little fling, don't... But you need more than one person you can let loose around, and you need to do it often. I almost worry about you! That's very unlike me."[/color] [color=#4a85e2]Nabriales sighed, attempting to drum some conventional wisdom into the Kitsune's head. He knew, on some level, that it'd never work - he was too set in his ways, and simultaneously too smart and too stupid for his own good. Still, he would be remiss if he didn't try to make Darius happy - after all, his entire business and personal ethos was to make as many people as happy as possible. Sensing that Darius wasn't about to divulge any more information, Nabriales gave a little shrug and hopped off of the desk. He patted himself down and turned back to his host, raising a delicately arched eyebrow to signal that his business was concluded and to ask if Darius had anything else to add or any other requests.[/color] Relieved the Alchemist wasn’t going to become stubborn on the subject, Darius decided this meeting had reached its end and moved toward tying off loose ends. [color=silver] “I’m not the only one that chooses to live life without certain qualities. One day you might learn why I do things the way I do. I believe we’re finished until I can test the sample, and make arrangements for your payment.”[/color] For a moment, he turned about and studied the precursor. His expression was difficult to read before he picked up the sample and placed it into the desk’s drawer. A thought crossed his mind and though he suspected he knew the answer to his next comment, the fox said it anyways. [color=silver] “Also, one more thing. Damian might need his hours cut back for some errands in the future.”[/color] [color=#4a85e2]Darius' request came as a bit of a surprise to Nabriales. While he could certainly make do without his assistant, if he was to begin work on the deal that he had just brokered with Darius he would likely need to increase Damian's hours, not reduce them. Even if he elected to hold back on production until such a point as the details were finalised, having Damian not in the store meant that Nabriales [i]had[/i] to be there to serve customers, which quite severely impacted his ability to do whatever he wanted whenever he wanted. [color=#F43EF7]“That's a no from me, hon. Damian's contracted to a certain number of hours in order to facilitate the smooth running of the store, and if I am to begin production within a reasonable timeframe I'm probably going to have to increase his hours. Victorious Secret is... Doing rather well for itself, if I say so myself! While the financial gains are largely irrelevant to me, the widespread success of the shop is important to ensure that my stock of rare ingredients is not diminished, and it's certainly not financially viable for you to take that on... I'll be happy to financially compensate you for any time that you would need him, though?"[/color] Nabriales countered, trying to be as cooperative as possible while firmly maintaining that he would not budge so much as an inch on the topic of reducing his hours.[/color] [color=silver] “I see,”[/color] Darius commented. His figure moved to his chair then lowered to take a seat, his fingers folded together to thoughtfully press against his muzzle end. After a moment thinking, he sighed in resignation because fighting with Nabriales was an uphill battle with little to no gains. Any further energy was better served in finding another option. With that in mind, he shook his head. [color=silver] “No, I’ll find someone else more suitable. I figured it was worth an attempt.”[/color]