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[indent]Francisco had always abided by the six-question system that they teach you in grade school for his jobs. The six questions that are often asked: who, what, where, why, when, and how. Every time he took on a new job and it had him devote hours into studying the terrain and know who and what his target was, where he had to be and when he had to be there, and how he was going to achieve this goal with as little exposure to his cover as possible. These were often the goals he had set for himself. It was almost like a checklist that he marked off once completed. This happened every time he went to a new location and retrieved the item of interest.

And as he had done in the past, in this place — in the Badlands — he had studied the area extensively. He had made connections with a few, select women who were employed throughout key parts of the general area where his main objective had been: the Paramorlian Cathedral. Anyone from those who actually had worked in the cathedral itself and some of those who were part of the catering staff for the gala had, in some fashion, fallen under the spell of Francisco Delgado, the Suave Spanishman(their words, not his).

The first phase of his plan to secure entry to the gala had involved Francisco to meet up with a shady individual that, through the grapevine of his web of contact, was rumored to have owned this dive of a bar called [i]inferos Sanctus[/i]. He just had to tail a right into an alleyway and go until he was at the corner. When he had reached it, a few men who were undoubtedly twice the mass that Cisco had and nearly a foot larger than he had from head to toe. They were dressed in dark attire, though the specific colors of their outfits remained a mystery to him. There wasn’t enough sunlight reaching this far back into the back alley. 

[color=brown]“I’m here to speak with The Bird,”[/color] Francisco stated, his confidence unwavering.

The two large men didn’t say anything at first. They did, however, look at him as if they were judging him. Their eyes had scanned him up and down and after a few times, Francisco, though he understood the extra precaution, was starting to find the process a bit much. When would it be they would move past this advanced screening of sorts and actually speak to him. And as much as every bit of his mind was telling him to say something, he was a stranger. Of course, if they dared, he could take them no problem. He certainly had the skills in his arsenal, but this wasn’t about what Francisco could do. He needed to show the respect that The Bird deserved. 

“He’s clean,” one of the bouncers said into the earpiece hooked onto his left ear. 

As Francisco stood there patiently, the other bouncer, after whispering with his partner, returned his intimidating gaze to him, slightly cocking his head towards the door behind them. Without saying a word, the two of them took a big step backward, which to Cisco was the universal action that allowed him passage. He walked between them, giving them both a short glance before he walked into the bar. Best they think he was compliant rather than someone who could make this a very bad day for them.

Once inside the bar, he noted that it wasn’t much to look at. The bar looked grimy, it barely had any lighting. There were a few lamps that hung low to give it an odd aesthetic that didn’t make the atmosphere seem as unsavory. However, as Franciso’s eyes wandered from the bar to the patrons, it was obvious that this kind of establishment didn’t welcome strangers. In fact, if it wasn’t for the fact he had a glowing invitation from The Bird, his introduction to these sorts wouldn’t have gone as peacefully as it was now.

Being the man who he was, Francisco kept a straight back and his posture free of any weakness. He couldn’t allow these animals know that somewhere deep down, regardless how skilled he might be, the minute they got the impression he wasn’ there to just talk, it could go south real fast. Thankfully, as he came to a stop in front of yet another set of bodyguards, Francisco didn’t present himself as such.

“The Bird is waiting for you,” one of them said. This man was just like the ones outside. 

They both stepped to the side and allowed Francisco to go through a wooden door. As he had entered, he heard the following words speak towards him. “Close it behind you.” It sounded like a male’s voice, but it had this weird inflection that seemed to distort Francsico’s knowledge of the typical male voice. “And sit down in the chair on the left. Don’t slouch and hands on the respective thigh.” 

He raised his eyebrow. The initial thought was that, whoever The Bird was, he not only was secretive but he seemed to also like to bark orders. Francisco wasn’t one to judge. He, of course, understood how necessary these precautions were, but the actions he was ordered to take were way too specific for him not to have a suspicious thought or two. But, while he found himself second-guessing that this was a wise decision, it was far too late to turn back now. If anything, he would have to see this to the bitter end. Worst comes to worst, he could use whatever skills that were at his disposal to escape.

He gave himself a shrug before taking his seat on the chair to his left. His back was as straight as a one-way street on the open road and both of his legs were equally spread with both of his hands on their corresponding leg. The hands had reached out to cover his knee, his fingers overextending to actually cover the knee itself. Even though he complied with the odd demands, The Bird had yet to turn around. 

“I understand you wish to speak to me, Mister Delgado.” The Bird said. The chair in which it sat in was still turned around.

[color=brown]“I never gave the men outside my name.”[/color]

“I know who you are, Francisco Delgado Jr, son of Francisco Delgado Sr.” The Bird had said with confidence. “My eyes in the sky and ears on the ground inform me when someone of your reputation sets foot within these lands. They also tell me that you wish to request something of me.”

What a smart bird. Francisco had to admit that his new feathered friend was quite good at their game. Being able to not only know who he was but of his father’s name too and surprisingly, his reputation, certainly garnered a certain respect from Francisco. [color=brown]“They are correct.” [/color]He responded simply, keeping his words straight to the point and his tone respectful.

“Speak now, Mister Delgado, for if it is within my power, it will be yours.”

[color=brown]“Very well,”[/color] he coughed, clearing his throat. The back of it was a little dry, but it was nothing to raise a concern with. [color=brown]“There is a gala at the Paramorlian Cathedral.”[/color]

“Ah, yes, I am well aware of the annual gala that it hosts. It is open only to the top 1% of the top 1%.” The Bird seemed to recall.

[color=brown]“Then you must know a newcomer like myself doesn’t necessarily have the magic connections to get in.”[/color]

“And you think that I do?” The Bird inquired.

[color=brown]“If the rumors are true, you can  arrange for me to be allowed entry.”[/color]

“Rumors are often inconsistent with the truth, Mister Delgado.”

[color=brown]“If you don’t want to help me, then just say so. I do not like to be strung along.” [/color]Francisco stated bluntly.

And for a long moment, there was silence, which immediately had him worried. Had Francisco said the wrong thing? He usually knew what he was doing and said the right thing at just the right time, but these were unsteady waters he was traveling on. He had to watch what he said. There was absolutely no telling how this enigma of a figure would react to what he said.

“They did say you didn’t pull any punches, Mister Delgado.” The Bird said, “I’m sure you will meet plenty of interesting personalities at the gala.”

[color=brown]“Does that mean?”[/color]

“You will find your invitation in your hotel room when you return.” The Bird said, a single arm pointing to the door. “I trust you can see yourself out.”

[color=brown]“Gracias, señor pájaro”[/color]

All be damned, this one was certainly full of surprises. Without even turning around and granting Francisco the courtesy of seeing his or her face, The Bird proved to be just as elusive that the rumors stated they’d be.  

[i]Flying over everyone else and always remaining out of sight, The Bird had made a name for themselves within The Badlands by creating a network of connections that ranged from beggars in the slums to the inner-circle of the Bankers who ruled the Banking District. Both respected and feared by all, The Bird has eyes and ears all over and nothing that happens within The Badlands does so without them knowing it. And though The Bird may accept in-person visits and may speak to you, it is never known whether this person is a male or a female because it is said their voice sounds neither masculine nor feminine. They will hear out any desires you have and if you pass the final screening, you may get what you want. If not, then there will not only be consequences for you after the meet is over, there is also a high chance that you’ll never be seen again.[/i]

[color=brown]“What a character, that one.”[/color] Francisco mused as he had returned to his hotel room. Just as The Bird had said, resting on his nightstand was the elegantly-designed invite to the gala that he so desperately needed to attend. 

And now, as he sat on his bed and looked at the treasured piece of paper that had brought him one step closer to what he was truly after. But, of course, he had to find a proper suit. No thief attended a high-end event without looking sharper than a freshly-crafted blade.[/indent][/color]