[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/23E9PTz.png[/img] [sub]Banner credit to Nitemare Shape. Thanks Boss![/sub] Guest starring: [img]https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/316071861521874946/525463806567251968/ambra2.png[/img][/center] [hr] [center][h3]Detroit, MI[/h3] 16:30 local, July Seventh[/center] Zoë paced back and forth behind the “screen” that shielded her from her audience. At the moment, there was basically no one out there, just a busy street, though she was certain some people had stopped and looked just because...well, what else do you do when there’s obviously going to be a show of some kind later? Of course she hoped none of her audience would come away with the thought that she was putting on an act, but she was sure there’d be doubters. After all, with how decrepit and alone most people felt around here, she doubted even a quarter of the people who respond in any sort of positive way. But she had to try. She adjusted the cutoff charcoal pinstripe waistcoat, made sure her midriff was hidden by the white blouse underneath, and sat down in a heavy sigh. Sonya handed her a bottle of water without a word, which she cracked open and sipped on gratefully. [color=tomato]”How much time left before we start, Sonya?”[/color] The assistant didn’t even bother to check her watch before she chirruped “More than half an hour, if you want to get a game in, madame.” Zoë regarded the small television hooked up to a playstation console in front of her cushy chair, looking like nothing more than a college dorm room setup behind a stage screen, and shook her head. [color=tomato]”No, best keep my head clear and not let them hear me cussing.”[/color] The phone in her pocket chirped at her, so she fished it out of her pocket, grateful for the distraction. Seeing the number associated with it, she quickly motioned to Sonya to abandon the area and keep everyone out, then opened the text. The text read from the mysterious faerie mistress and recent employer The Ambassador. [b].•♫•♬• Dear friend, where might I be able to find you for a chat? I would love to congratulate you in person (୨୧ ❛ᴗ❛)✧ •♬•♫•.[/b] Another text followed shortly after. [b]•♫•♬• (•́⌄•́๑)૭✧ My arrival would be immediate •♬•♫•[/b] Zoë immediately looked around. She stood up, stuck her head out of the side curtain from the stage to find Sonya waiting patiently for her orders. [color=tomato] “Get me the best bottle of wine you can possibly find in the next three minutes. [i]Now[/i].”[/color] The girl looked slightly offended, but suddenly blipped out as was her way. The villainess looked back to her phone and typed swiftly. [b]Oh yes! I have time now, if you know where I am. I live in Detroit, now. Let me know if you need directions.”[/b] [b]•♫•♬• None needed, please stand by.•♫•♬•[/b] An equally quick reply vibrated Zoe’s phone. Within minutes fiery sprites descended into the city, drawn to the unforgettable signature of Forge leading The Ambassador to her whereabouts with little to no time. Out in the open with very little to mask her arrival. A handful of feet away from where Zoe was relaxing, a visible line of light seemed to split through the air vertically. Slowly it widened, the grass around the sidewalk seemed to grow longer, the air tasted sweeter as the Arcane Stream opened up flooding life into the surroundings. Within the light a door formed, solidifying from seemingly nothing, completed with the shiny golden door knob and hinges to match. The door opened revealing The Ambassador herself. Wearing a pair of squared framed Dolce sunglasses, a [url=https://i-h1.pinimg.com/564x/9e/6f/0c/9e6f0c00f39d0fb8dc42a25eea9153d5.jpg]white[/url] long sleeved backless crop top snuggly wrapped at her neck, long black slacks with a pair of strappy open toed heels on her feet. Red lipstick, blue hair with loose curls. Never far from her shoulder was the golden chain attached to her little clutch purse. Pushing her sunglasses up onto her head, a bright smile as her eyes settled on Forge. “[color=thistle]Bonjour, Forge.[/color]” [color=tomato]”Mon dieu, even if you can do it, maybe give a girl some warn...ing”[/color] the villainess gave the Ambassador a long a shameless once over and then got control over herself and looked around for something to distract herself with. Her gaze settled on one of the controllers near her, and she grabbed one, almost without thought, and held it up towards her guest, her free hand trying to pull her dyed blonde hair into something not as professionally coiffed as her hair currently looked. [color=tomato]”Wanna, uhhh….play a round of a game?”[/color] The lingering gaze did not go unnoticed by the Parisian. Making her way over, careful of stepping over the grass, “[color=thistle]Pinstripe, always a bold choice.[/color]” Odette said with approval, looking down at the controller having never played video games beyond mobile games. “[color=thistle]I am afraid you would spend more time showing me how to play instead of actually playing.[/color]” Noticing the stage around the screens, she commented, “[color=thistle]I wanted to commend you for the work you have done against the nearly extinct Hounds.[/color]” Her hand disappeared into her purse, up past her elbow. Removing a newspaper with the headlines, a full blown picture of the destruction Forge had wrought against the metalworks owned by The Hounds of Humanity. Holding up the paper, “[color=thistle]Excellent work I am quite pleased with the results.[/color]” [color=tomato]”Oh, of course, we should get to business!”[/color] Zoë sat up, then stood, probably with a little more haste than the situation demanded, her cheeks flushing slightly. [color=tomato] “Of course the [i]chiens[/i] were no match for a real force of anything. Simple bullies to be put down. I hope you have already gotten the shipment of silver I sent you, and I [i]hope[/i] we cleansed it properly?”[/color] Odette squinted with amusement, “[color=thistle]Oui, it was adequate. The silver was removed from what made it special. However, I fear The Hounds were simply a symptom of a much larger problem.[/color]” As Zoë spoke, she paced, and her mind was in turmoil . What exactly was it about this woman that threw her so far out of her professional bubble that she had to scramble so? No matter, there [i]was[/i] business to discuss, and she had had much. [color=tomato]”As you had requested, I eliminated any source of the weapon against your people I could find. A wide broadcast of locations occurring earlier in the month gave us a great deal of advantage and I do believe we even managed to wipe out their source of the material itself, though of course I cannot be positive of that.”[/color] Just at that moment, Sonya blipped back in, holding out a bottle towards the center of the “room”. Zoë took it, muttered something in the girl’s ear, and then she vanished again, having never opened her eyes. Odette blinked unsure of seeing Sonya in the first place. “[color=thistle]...As you were quite thorough, The Hounds… The Winter Court better known now, have an arsenal of weaponry.[/color]” Odette replied, a lip turned up. “[color=thistle]One step at a time, take more than they could ever hope to give.[/color]” [color=tomato][/color] Letting her native tongue flow out of her mouth, Zoë found herself suddenly much more relaxed, though she suspected the scents on the air might have more to do with that than anything else. She wished her natural suspicions would come up to second-guess her, but they remained idle. Odette smiled warmly, placing her hand against Zoe’s over the bottle of wine, responding in French, “[color=thistle][/color]” Never unprepared, Odette was naturally curious of the mercenary meta. At first her resume fit the destructive power she needed to deal a blow against The Hounds of Humanity, Forge covered her tracks purposefully making it difficult for anyone (informant connections or not) to dig for more information about her. Interest growing by the sheer challenge alone, Odette wanted to know more about her. Clearly, Odette had captured her attention in turn. “[color=thistle][/color]” She gestured to the stage beyond the screen, “[color=thistle][/color]” [color=tomato]”Hmmm?[/color] Zoë glanced to her side. [color=tomato][/color] the girl flushed even more shyly from the sudden interest in her hobbies, and she quickly switched topics to avoid any further emotions from showing on her face. [color=tomato][/color] She didn’t at all seem to notice the slightly pleading tone in her voice as she continued talking. “[color=thistle][/color]” Odette observed. She brushed some hair behind her ear, “[color=thistle][/color]” [color=tomato][/color] The statement had the hint of a question, though even flustered, the merc’s professionalism wouldn’t let her ask for financial figures until after the job had been described in detail. She swept her hand out, inviting Odette to sit on the little beat-up sofa they had found to set up behind the curtain. [color=tomato][/color] As Zoë sat and looked just ready to fish into her pocket, Sonya appeared again, setting down tiny card table. She blipped out, then back in again, this time with a trio of wine glasses and a bottle opener, which she set about using fastidiously. [color=tomato]”This is my extremely loyal protege, Sonya. Sonya, this is one of my employers, you may call her the Ambassador.”[/color] As her business sense finally overtook her other mental gears, Zoë seemed to relax deftly. She took a wine glass with a nod of thanks and sat back, regarding her guest with an expression that was, while not quite so guarded as it could be and certainly not cold, told that she was certainly more centered now. Sonya curtsied, smiling politely and offering a wineglass of a deep, bloody red liquid to Odette. “Mademoiselle, if you care for some?” she said, quiet and subdued. But her eyes flashed a warning that she seemed to be aware of every dynamic between the two and was not at all pleased with the situation, even if her manners were impeccable. Her entire air gave off that of an experienced diplomat or saleswoman. Taking a seat on the couch she leaned up to pluck the glass of wine, making direct eye contact with Sonya, the loyal - [i]protective[/i] protege. Aware of Odette’s attempts to lower Forge’s guard, while Forge was relaxed Sonya seemingly was stiff as a board. “[color=thistle]Merci. A pleasure to meet you Sonya, great power is found in mobility I wonder how far you can teleport or if you are simply too fast for the naked eye to observe? Unique abilities are an asset, especially when one is smart enough to utilize them to their full potential.[/color]” Taking a sip of the wine, eyes not leaving Sonya, “[color=thistle]Curating talent takes a particular eye, one that Forge clearly has for keeping you close.[/color]” “[color=thistle]I digress,[/color]” she said, adding with a low flirtatious comment “[color=thistle]Lucrative work always finds its way to excellence, Forge. It seems you and I are both curious about one another.[/color]” Turning her body toward Zoe, leaning her arm against the back of the sofa cradling her wine glass in the palm of her hand. “[color=thistle]Jacques and I work for a long established, creeping international organisation, heading up its division in France. A stepping stone of sorts to connect America to Asia, we provide reliable and entirely discreet transportation of goods due to yours truly. Borders mean nothing to me.[/color]” “[color=thistle]I also work the high profile jobs, servicing a… [i]close[/i] relationship with the mystery man at the head of it all. My ongoing interest in what is left of the Hounds of Humanity has become focused, the anti-magic division simply budded off recovering from the blows dealt. They are now known as The Winter Court. Witch hunters, iron cross wearing heathens marching under a banner of unbridled hatred with full intents to wipe the likes of me and mine from the Earth.[/color]” “[color=thistle]You can see why that would be a problem.[/color]” Another sip, licking her lower lip. “[color=thistle]While they are fully prepared for magical retaliation, they are not prepared for-[/color]” She gestured to Forge. “[color=thistle]You. I am currently working on my own way to undo them but there is a particular lieutenant I would confidently bet you against.[/color]” [color=tomato]”So you’d like me to begin a take-apart of this Winter Court, then? I’m going to admit, while anti-magic might not be a [i]problem[/i] for me, I’m not entirely comfortable going up against unknown odds with an enemy who deals in something so esoteric.”[/color] The mercenary shrugged, took a sip, and glanced up at the curtain. [color=tomato]”While I maintain a certain degree of expertise, I’m not at all experienced with that side of the world.”[/color] [color=tomato]”[/color] she said, slipping back into their native tongue, [color=tomato]”until you contacted me, I didn’t know that part of the world even [i]existed.[/i] And while I am sure I’d be dealing more with bombs and guns and whatnot, the chance of running across something nasty, even on a rescue basis, means I’d be completely out of my element. Which means my price goes up substantially.>[/color] Odette considered that, nodding as Forge spoke, moving to French as well, “[color=thistle][/color]” “[color=thistle][/color]” [color=tomato]”How long term a contract would this be? And how much of my attention would you like?”[/color] Zoë leaned forward, elbows on knees. [color=tomato]”Obviously I have projects going on, so if you’d like me to focus solely on this it would run up very high, but if this is only worth half my time, even long-term, I could probably charge you a little less. Given the resources necessary to track an elusive organization and what would end up being my overhead, I’d say you’re looking at an even million up front. It would be far less, but as we’ve gone over, I have little idea what exactly to expect in terms of [i]their[/i] resources, and I’d rather not come crying to you with expenditure reports if I can at all help it.”[/color] Leaning forward as well, she smiled, “[color=thistle][/color]” “[color=thistle]For this particular focus I do not believe it will necessarily require your full attention. My portals can deliver you to the necessary locations and remove you just as quickly without worrying of travel. Surgical strikes, hard hits.[/color]” Odette explained. “[color=thistle]Charge by the job.[/color]” [color=tomato]”No offense, I’m sure your abilities are more impressive than they seem, but I am not willing to rely solely on someone else for transport. I’d much prefer to transport myself. And of course surgical strikes, I wouldn’t do much else unless specifically asked to, that’s my natural style. The up front charge was for research and locating targets, which means by necessity going to outside sources unless you can furnish the locations yourself.”[/color] Waiting a beat with another taste of wine, Forge was insistently independant. Not quite on board with depending on anyone else, The Ambassador smiled briefly at the thought how familiar this all felt, eyes flickering down at her wrist, “[color=thistle]You would not be the first disinterested in travelling by way of portal, convenient as it is. At the very least allow them to act as an emergency exit if you find yourself ever backed into a corner, a contingency that would serve to benefit only you.[/color]” Odette offered. Reaching into her little clutch purse she pulled out a thick manila envelope, “[color=thistle]I have various eyes and ears on The Winter Court, unfortunately they cannot get as close as I’d like them to. Naturally, you would want to make an informed decision before taking on any jobs acting as my scalpel against The Winter Court.[/color]” Forge was on the brink of understanding the level of threat The Winter Court posed not only to Odette but to herself if she choose to do the work. Odette saw an artist in Forge she also clearly saw a pragmatic individual, as a mercenary there could be a number of things she could ever want whether that was more money, fulfilling work or gaining a steady leg up in the world. It was all to push towards a singular goal. Moving parts of a bigger picture. Understanding that would mean Odette could provide exactly what she needed without recognizing it as a need. First, was to present the challenge. A push. Her brow furrowed, levelling her warning with chilling tone completely offset by her cordial approach since she had arrived, “[color=thistle]Based solely on The Winter Court’s own actions they are well provisioned and in spite of their previous alignment they would not hesitate using all manner of resources to achieve their goals. They have collected a broken little line up of witches, fair folk, practitioners to defend against magical assailants.[/color]” Laying the thick envelope between them, raising her index finger, “[color=thistle]There is little they will not resort to while defending themselves you may picture one horrible thing or another, you could prepare for weeks on end to counteract whatever they may throw at you and it would still be something different. If I had every scrap of information on them we wouldn’t be having this conversation, they’d be ashes in the wind.[/color]” She shrugged so easily, casting her eyes away to the screens allowing another momentary pause while she drank her wine, “[color=thistle]I understand if this is too risky or challenging, you proved yourself able to move against their facilities on your own but perhaps I came to the incorrect person to take this contract.[/color]” [color=tomato]”Tch, hold on now. If I didn’t like some risk and danger I wouldn’t have gone [i]into[/i] this line of work. But mitigation of some extreme parts is good for long term career goals, oui?”[/color] Forge leaned back, glancing at the envelope. Her lips pursed for a second, eyes flicking idly, clearly not focusing on anything actually in front of her. After several moments, she nodded to herself and looked back to her mysterious client. [color=tomato]”Alright, we’ll assume from here I am working on this. Any time I find a target I will let you know, and you can decide, based on your own strategy, whether I should go or wait. I’m the boots on the ground, and [i]you’re[/i] paying [i]me[/i], so I can only have so much autonomy here.”[/color] She stood up and began to move, thoughts moving ahead of her current situation already. [color=tomato]”Given the ongoing nature of our relationship, and also my current other projects, I don’t think I’ll need to charge you any retainer fee this time, and we’ll call it on a case-by-case basis for strikes. With the intel you’ve already got,”[/color] she waved her hand vaguely at the envelope, [color=tomato]”I should be able to dig up something big and juicy within the week. But since it’s your enemies and I’m just a contractor, I will leave grand strategy to you.”[/color] Pleasantly smiling, success - she had no doubts. She responded, “[color=thistle][/color]” Raising her hand to shake, “[color=thistle][/color]” Zoë nodded, holding out a hand for a shake, Odette grasped her hand finding it to be much warmer than she expected feeling as if she dipped her hand into hot tub water. Leaning over the space between them customarily giving Forge air kisses on both cheeks. [color=tomato][/color] Sonya appeared at her elbow, and muttered something in Russian. [color=tomato]Of course.”[/color] She smiled at her guest. [color=tomato][/color] Checking the time on her phone Odette hummed in thought, “[color=thistle]I would like to see the rally, my curiosity has been piqued since arriving.[/color]” Gesturing to the stage she said, “[color=thistle]Lead the way, mademoiselle.[/color]” Zoë strode out from behind the curtain to look upon what faces might have gathered. The stage was set up on the corner of two streets, a pizza place behind her, in one of the more destitute areas. There were more than she expected, to be certain, pretty much all of them just standing around, chatting, trying to figure out what this was all about. They turned to look at her in twos and threes as they noticed she had appeared. She waited until the majority had looked up, not saying a word into the microphone until then. Once she had their attention, she took a deep breath. [i][color=tomato]Here goes nothing.[/color][/i] [color=tomato]”People of Detroit!”[/color] she began, projecting as much as she could in her best American accent. It’s not like they could afford to block off traffic. [color=tomato]”How long has it been since you had a voice around here? Oh yes, you have a [i]vote[/i] to be sure, but how long has it been since it actually got you what you needed? How long have you been paying for fatcat CEOs and corrupt officials to party with movie stars while you tried to figure out how you were going to pay for electricity [i]and[/i] food this month?”[/color] She had chosen her outfit specifically to raise questions about why she was acting like she was on their side, and by the look of several people, it was working. She had considered dressing down, and then realised that it might come off as pandering. Besides, she had to look successful for this to work. Hence she was also concentrating on not using her hiding power, letting everyone see her as [i]her[/i]. [color=tomato]”How long have you had to jump from job to job as the owners of national chains sold off and bought up places, making more money off of lay-offs than you ever expected to see in your life? How often have you been at the edge of actual destitution, wondering if it was ever better?”[/color] [color=tomato]”Well, I’m telling you, here and now, that it’s [i]your[/i] fault.”[/color] The faces in the crowd went from boredom or interest or perplexion swiftly over to anger. Zoë held her hands up in a ‘simmer down’ motion. [color=tomato]”You don’t want to admit, sure, but it’s true. You let these people do this. They walked in and said this is how it’s gotta be, and you [i]let[/i] them do it. And then you went on, while life gets worse and worse, even long after it was clear that none of them had actually told an [i]ounce[/i] of truth. So now you sit here grumbling about it being unfair, but it’s you being unfair to [i]yourselves[/i]”[/color] They were back to puzzlement, but a few had more thoughtful expressions now. A lot were still angry, and there were more of them now, as the crowd gathered from the nearby sidewalks. Odette stood off to the side of the stage watching with interest, a bemused little smirk poised. Unknown to many around them the fire spirits flocked to the stage to watch, inextricably attracted to Forge in her uniqueness. She looked to the crowd for reactions the perceived offense settled on them. Forge was ultimately holding their attention now, drawing more in. Her chameleon accent rang true to her own ears, had she not heard her true native tongue only moments ago to compare. [color=tomato]”There [i]is[/i] of course, a way forward! And I am not talking about burning down your neighbours businesses in protest. That doesn’t change anything. No, you [i]need[/i] to take control! You [i]need[/i] to remember that they’re only there as long as you allow it! It’s [i]their[/i] rule that you need money in order to campaign. You could do it on a dollar a day! All you need is the votes! They fed you the image that it takes millions of dollars and slick advertisements and lots of little things that were never really necessary, and you bought it wholesale, but it’s a [i]lie[/i].”[/color] A voice from the crowd shot up. “So what do [i]you[/i] want lady?” Mutters of assent echoed [color=tomato][i]Got them. Now they’re[/i] interested. [i]As long as I can keep them involved, I won’t have a hundred pissed off people trying to hit me.Scratch that, two hundred.[/i][/color] [color=tomato]”Not a lot. I paint and do other art and I make a lot of money doing it! I got my TV and my apartment and everything I [i]need[/i]. I just want [i]you[/i] to stop being sheep and start being people again. You don’t have to take any of this lying down.”[/color] She paused. Now came the scary part. She held out her hand. [color=tomato]”And I know how scary being the underdog can be. Just recently I had to deal with a whole lotta people wanting me dead, and they nearly succeeded twice.”[/color] Her fingers were suddenly wreathed in flames, the small, low energy ones. They danced and flickered. She carefully watched the faces in the crowd. [color=tomato]”Yeah, I’m a meta. I’ve got powers. I didn’t ask for them, but I have them. And I [i]guarantee[/i] that there’s more in this city. And all those scared people who tried to kill us, they just had misplaced their fears. Metas are people, just like you. It’s not like having powers takes away your emotions, your compassion, your jealousy or greed. You’re still a person. What those people [i]were[/i] scared of was [i]change[/i].”[/color] Zoë leaned forward, and the flames on her fingers arced above her suddenly, a huge plume of dancing fire, sweeping around her like a cloak before calming back down and settling on her hair. The front two rows had winced in the burst of heat, but oddly none of them looked worried. The fiery theatre making this little slice out of their day memorable. [color=tomato]”That’s the thing about change, though. It comes whether you like it or not, just like these powers. So you’ve got to either adapt or run. Well, here’s what [i]I[/i] say: We can change this city for the better. We can kick out all the fat bastards who live off your backs, we can change the rules, and we can even change the [i]game[/i]. It won’t be easy, it won’t be fun, and we may even get hurt. I won’t lie, we’ll face [i]fierce[/i] resistance from very powerful people. But we [i]can[/i] do this. Together, we can take back Detroit and make it [i]work[/i] again.”[/color] [color=tomato]”This ain’t a town hall, though. I’m not taking questions. But there’s pamphlets if you want ‘em, with the address of my building. You can stop by for a chat any time you want. Have a good day, people, and remember. It’s up to [i]you[/i].”[/color] The flames went out as she turned, and walked swiftly back behind the curtain, listening to the chatter of the crowd behind her. Twenty out of the whole group would probably bother to come by the office, but that would be enough. And who knew? Maybe here had been a meta or two out there as well. The Ambassador’s expression shifted subtly, knowing full well her investment would be worthwhile in Forge. Unknown to Odette, Forge successfully captured the attention of the crowd and a certain metahuman at the edge of the rally. She moved back behind stage, meaning to give her praise. Zoë had moved back to her little sofa, and was doing her best to stay calm. Her hands were shaking like paint mixers, at least to her, though in reality they weren’t so obvious. She stared ahead of her, poring over what had just happened in her mind, face pale and little tiny beads of sweat on her forehead. She wasn’t used to sweating, it didn’t happen from heat. But the body still had its programming, of course. She wiped her face with the back of one trembling hand and smiled weakly at Odette as the Feyspeaker came around the back. [color=tomato]”well, that wasn’t a [i]total[/i] failure, at least!”[/color] [hr] Across the street from the rally, in a little bookstore halfway down the block, two people in suits sat at a little outdoor table, drinking tea and looking nonchalant. The woman looked off down the street towards the hubbub, whilst her dark haired partner read the newspaper. He glanced up at her. “Any clues?” he said in a rumbling baritone. “Not as yet,” she said, brushing back a loose strand of auburn hair. Her accent had come under control only a little, and it was very obviously French. “I mean, it could be who we’re looking for, but they’ve never really been the public type, oui? Always in and out, no real solid evidence. Zis would be an extreme departure from the pattern.” Her finger pushed at this glass in front of her, and it was suddenly almost a slushie more than simple iced tea. “Sure, I suppose,” said the man, “But Emily, we haven’t really got much of an established pattern to [i]begin[/i] with.” “You are correct. Well, once it’s broken up, let’s get a pamphlet and see what we can see.”