Harlow Posted June 9, 2012 Share Posted June 9, 2012 Well, after a long time in the scrap sections, I decided to retake writing again and try to gel a story I couldn't give the attention I wanted. I'm not a writer nor have any experience, but I just have urges and motives. Any help you want to give me will be greatly appreciated. Even though it's an original anthro story, it takes place in the Starfox Universe, since I took a liking to it and to me it seems easier to use anthros in that world. I really hope I can get some following and/or commentary As gender-wise, it'll have a bit of everything, mainly I'll let the ball roll, see where it goes; I'll try to add a bit of action, tramas and comedy So... here's goes nothing. Hope you enjoy... As Destiny Speaks... “All the time I’ve asked myself: How did I end up in this ride of a life? Were my losses disguised victories? Did destiny really tried to help me out after I kept cursing it? I’ll guess I’ll never know. All I’ve wanted in the life is to be of some importance to something… to somebody… I’m satisfied where I am now, but I always reminiscence about the past and a plethora of ‘What ifs’, ‘What fors’ and ‘What would’ves’ arise. Heck, maybe I’m bordering on paranoia and my mind’s alerting me by telling me “Shut the fuck up. Be thankful†Anyway, I try to live it the best possible. Motto Is: Now is the time to melt the ice, and to give your life a price.†~Reono Sheppard. -------------------------- Sheppard, Reono -Age: 20 - Species: Lion (White) -Height: 6’ 1†-Residence: , Corneria City, ULC, Corneria Sheppard, Kara -Age: 16 -Species: Lion (White) -Height: 5’ 9" -Measurements: 36â€, 23â€, 36†-Residence: Corneria City, ULC, Corneria -Sheppard, Maxwell -Age: 15 -Species: Lion (Brown) -Height: 5’ 7†-Residence: Corneria City, ULC, Corneria Life in the Cornerian underworld was tough. One either succumbs or struggles in a half-assed street gang who most of the time winded up rotting in lewd jails or in the middle of the streets with an article in the newspaper to match… There was one way one could be “saved†from that fate; it seemed like an easy alternative, but one had to sacrifice a lot more that it thought and those who tried to outsmart that system hardly survived to make a manual. It’s was nicknamed “The House†by most of the people; one or various estates controlled by a “leader†seeking for the well being of its various members. One had to give away part of its earnings and realize tasks if asked, which ranged from attending crops or operating factory machinery to shadier jobs like illegal transport or even “eliminating competitionâ€. In return, they got stability, housing, security for plausibly the rest of their lives. Pretty simple and monotone, but for homeless and desperate, this was their haven, their living, their salvation, their worst is nothing. It’s was like a clean and legit Mafia if no crimes were committed or discovered. There was one that stood up from the rest at the time. The “Sheppardsâ€, didn’t work as other houses did. Originally a steel refinery, the owner scammed a family, the Sheppards, into buying it and thought of letting them and the decaying industry die out and retire in luxury with their paycheck. But what he didn’t foresee is that, in little less than two years, they rose from rock bottom and made it an extremely lucrative business. No wonder he threw himself off a cliff when he knew their income numbers. The changes they made were simple. Instead of keeping the factory as it was, they focused on producing spare parts for machinery instead of extracting the raw material. With the growing demand left from the ongoing conflicts, their net worth went through the roof. With their futures assured, they could go to the next level and turn it in a House: recruiting homeless people and give them a refuge, food, security, complete tax payment in exchange of 50% of their earnings of a respective job of their liking that the own Sheppards would help to start. They recruited and rescued close to 500 people, with this method. Great life for them and capacity to share it with those less fortunate? Seemed just perfect. An indiscreet sigh sounded in a bedroom. “Well… It’s been three years since it blew all up in pieces…†Reono Sheppard, a white lion recently turned twenty, said to no one in particular. One day, it all took a 180° turn: The feline’s parents were murdered out of the blue one evening. Marcel Cromwell, a man that the couple especially picked to help him control the business when they started, seemed to be guilty, even when Reono and his brothers themselves defended their “uncle†at first from every accusation. Cromwell then led everyone to believe that it was the lion’s own father who perpetrated a murder/suicide with fake, but believable evidence. The three lions were utterly broken, but there wasn’t any other option but to believe his side of the story and try to restart again with Marcel at charge of the House, the business and, most importantly, the money. The worst came months after, when Marcel ordered to “kidnap†the lions and abandoned them in another city with barely something to survive or even documents to officially identify them. Everything was clear for them at that point. Meanwhile, many of the people protected by the Sheppards suffered abuse, were forced back to the streets or were incarcerated due to illegal jobs requested by the new leader. Some still kept their jobs, but were struggling since the new leader increased the earning exchange to 80% with a drastic reduction of benefits, all in excuse of the “crisis caused by the past murderer†and “the stress caused by the disappearance of the Sheppard siblingsâ€, with the police declaring a low chance of success for their rescue. Reono and his siblings were in rough times; with nowhere to live, no money, not even a way to officially prove themselves as the Sheppards, they passed some time on the streets before they were able to return to their hometown and try to see if they were able to get someone to help them; a hard task because many either cut ties with the “lunatic, murderous lionâ€, did not want any problems with the law, or they just didn’t believe in their word. In the end, after six months of struggling, an old friend of their parents did believe them because of him actually knowing the lions on their childhood. He gave them a small apartment and few facilities in order to get them to start again. Unfortunately, two and a half years later since the murder, the mansion and the money were still in control of Marcel for the time being and, in one month from today, the Sheppard case will be closed and they will be officially dead, Marcel will be granted full property of everything and they will be officially erased from history. His concentration broke as he heard his door being knocked. In came his younger brothers: Kara, a young, beautiful white lioness, and Maxwell, a normal-colored lion; the youngest of the three. “You wanted to see us?†spoke out the lioness. “Yes, it’s something that’s I need to tell…†replied the eldest feline. “Where’s Setareh?†“No response, though she may appear soon. Anyway, what’s happening?†He took a deep breath “I feel the need to do something to help our house out. Our real house. At this rate we'll disappear from Lylat. We won't even exist…†“I already heard this for the hundredth time†Kara never really trusted his brother’s plans fully, which usually fed a slight tension between both. “…What can we do? We’re damned anyway we see it!†“You know well that I’m going to recover what’s ours by right or die trying, Kara†“But we tried just about everything permitted by law! He has every paper, every right in the money…†“And police it’s too damn stupid to get over his sweet-talk!†jumped Maxwell. “That’s why I’m playing a different game…†It was that cunning undertone that triggered the worries and added tension in the room. “What did you do now?†asked Kara. “I'm rallying people in order to take what's ours rightly. Whatever it takes…†“Hold up! Are you talking about some sort of… military op or something like that?!†“You could say so, but it's more of an undercover affair. I brought you here because I needed to warn you. I don’t want you to risk yourselves†“Risk ourselves?! You don’t see the shit you’re going into?!†“Plus, situation’s pretty tense; any slight suspicion and…†“I will win this; and get this safely. Trust me“ After some hesitation, the other lions finally succumbed. They knew his operation could be suicide; but he was always quite the accomplisher. The one that, if he’d set a goal, he would make almost anything anyone could think of to fulfill the mission. Sure, trying to add more cash to the paychecks of temporary jobs wasn’t so similar to a huge merc operation, but whatever suited him… “Very well. We’ll tell Setareh later…†Kara sighed. “No, it’s fine…†he cut. “…I’ll tell her personally. I know a place where you can stay safe for the time being. This apartment and our benefactor most surely won’t be at risk, but it has to be off-limits for the time being…†He then handed his sister with a piece of paper with the whole locations and instructions. “Don’t lose this and be careful†“I’ll better… go now†She said before getting out of the room, unsure of what to think of his brother. But Maxwell could not help but dig deeper on this. Reono wasn’t in the mood of briefing out his mission by details, but he knew his brother was never a burden. A welcome burden at most. “What now?†“Numbers? Stats? How? Who? When? you know well you can’t keep this info out from us.†The young lion didn’t really wanted to know the in-depths of his plan; he wanted to make a point that he was hoping the white feline would understand. That his business can be family business, and that he could ditch the paranoia in front of them. For a 15 year old, he surely knew his way around words and mind games. Would it be a blessing or a curse if all of the kids his age were that eloquent? After a heavy sigh, he gave up. “Promise that you will never speak of this with nobody. Even with Kara if you’re out on public sight; this can’t get out there.†Even though he was dead serious, a simple nod was enough confirming. “Okay. I got an agreement with really important people, many of them with useful “staff†you might say, all willing to intervene as necessary. That’s most of it.†Simple, yet stable. “You do know you could be outnumbered?†“May even numbers…†“Tactic?†“Just kill the guy and deal with rest later†“Any backup?†"Planning on it†“Well I’ll be damned. You seem ready…†“I try†he quipped before the brown feline stepped out of the room. He actually came in realization. What will happen if he dies? Will his family be at risk? Those doubts weren’t really getting into him; in fact, he didn’t thought about it before. Would he really care if he died while on this operation? Course, they’ll probably have to move out and would need to start working twice as much. Knowing Setareh, she would still be visiting his brothers and helping them out. So rhetorically, would he be happy if he left this world? “We’ll have to see how this goes…†he thought; relatively emotionless outside as in the inside. -------------------------------------------------------- Sinclair, PaweÅ‚ -Age: 31 -Residence: Barrowville, Corneria (Originally Fichina) -Species: Cougar -Sinclair, Aileen -Age: 32 -Residence: Barrowville, Corneria -Species: Cougar On one of the most populous cities in Corneria; Barrowville was known for being a haven for young, freshly-graduated scholars anxious for a start in their job area in order to get prepared for the grueling Capital City life. Unfortunately, it was also one of those places that raised the Cornerian Criminal average, despite not being always on the front headlines of the “Events†section. Education was something different in that region of Corneria. Almost every experimental new technique was “tested†in Barrowville and the Northeast Basin schools. Some saw it as annoying, tedious and a waste of time, but one school in particular found the experimental “co-direction†concept somewhat of an advantage for their small family. Even though Headmistress Aileen and Biology Teacher PaweÅ‚ were happily married and having a stable income, it was hard managing the work, since, even they were on the same page, both of them differed heavily and there wasn’t any way they could help each other. There was also the issues’ concerning their only child Ryan. God knew how many times one of the two had to escape from their respective hours of work in order to check if everything was ok with the babysitter of the week. So, when Aileen heard of the concept of two directors, she requested to test it without even thinking twice. Everything has been simpler ever since. A usual scenario was going on the Everett public school Teacher’s Lounge: Aileen was busy with paperwork, her only “tedious†part; PaweÅ‚ had free time between his tutorials of his new position and Ryan was toying with some books nearby. “Unstable surroundings, Insecurity… You know; don’t take this the wrong way. Sometimes I ask myself if even migrating here was a good move…†commented the black cougar while flipping over the local newspaper. “Honey, don’t be ridiculous...†said his wife. She knew of his critical nature, something she was on a love-hate stance. She got up his chair and approached him. “You got a high-caliber job that you are the boss of, nice house, car; a brilliant baby boy and especially… A trophy wife†she commented while laughing. “I’m just a tad worried about where Ryan’s going to grow up†“I understand, but you have to understand that vices won’t take him over as long as we guide him. That’s how you teach children, and I have the Diploma to prove it†“Meh, glorified papers…†She decided to change the subject. “So, how do you feel about your “raise†so far?†The black cougar folded away his newspaper. “I miss teaching on one hand, but on the other, Thank goodness I’m no longer the one that has to give all those pesky Sex-Ed classes to immature 6th gradersâ€. There was always some complain to everything, no matter how good he actually thought it was. He claims is his way to “face changes positively†but sometimes, he just loved to push her buttons. “Now seriously, this co-ed system isn’t for every school. If you and I still clash every now-and-then; imagine two complete strangers†His wife slightly winced at the quick thought. She duly noted that in between their conversation, their son started toying with an advanced anatomy book from one of the main bookshelves. They could tell he was doing a bit of effort to read it. “It’s just surprising how he shows some traits way above the age average…†he said, in slight awe. “Well, kids are learning a lot quicker these days. Reflexes that normally took two months for us take only one these days…†“It isn’t only that. His cognitive and motor developments are those in par with a six or seven year old. Maybe he’s just an indigo kid…†“C’mon, you know I think pseudoscience is pure bull†“Could happen…†“Whatever…†At that moment, the bell rang, indicating not only recess for kids, but “class†time for the black feline. It wasn’t any different from an old man reading you a dictionary. “Okay, break’s over†said the female feline. He groaned, with a sarcastic overtone. “Time to get lectured… Again…†“Oh, grow up, you big cub†He got up the couch and headed for the exit; after picking up his son and kissing him on the forehead. And speaking up loud “Coffee, don’t fail me now!†mostly for Aileen to hear and laugh. She went over to Ryan. “C´mon sweetie, time to sleep†The cub pointed to the books in protest. She carried him over and put him in a pen they made for him on her office. “Later, ok?†He was already asleep before he could respond. Then, she continued with her paperwork. ----------------------------------------------------------------- “He just what?!†The scream echoed through the spacious, lavish room. “He just resigned and doesn’t want to be a part of anything you do…†he was replied by a secretary. “He just deserted us.†Marcel was furious. A former associate from him was now an enemy. “Nobody disrespects me like that and goes on like nothing has happened†Dialing some numbers on a rather dated cellphone, he waited for one of his contacts to respond. “Sir?†“You know our old friend, right? The one who promised us to complete the recent mission? He flunked on us. I want you to find him… And take care of him. Any costs. Make a scene if you wish, no one will suspect of any of us after all.†“Yes, sir†“He will regret itâ€. He walked over an old-style world globe and opened up to reveal a personal bar and served himself a rather generous glass of Scotch. “In one month time, I’ll just send every one of those stupid homeless little shits to hell and can officially say that I won.†Everything was getting prepared for that special day. He bought a quite luxurious house on Zonness, was in process of moving all the money to a Zonnessian account free of any Cornerian eyes, and will head to the planet in short time, becoming a new person and living in the fancy. “Sounds like a perfect life, don’t you think so Sheppard?†the vulpine asked rhetorically as he let out a low guttural chuckle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harlow Posted October 26, 2012 Author Share Posted October 26, 2012 “What are you doing!? Everett’s on the 66th!†“Do I need to say it again?! The K Ave.’s under maintenance, it will take us forever if we keep going straight! It’ll be easier if we go through Wilcox instead, that place is always deserted†“Fine, but drive fast, I want to get over this as fast as possible†“Don’t be such a cryba-†*POW!* Something impacted the windshield, leaving it badly stained. It was so sudden they couldn’t tell what it was. The driver, a canine, tried to clean it off, but the moment the wipers moved, the stain went wider and denser, completely obstructing visibility, forcing them to stop. “What the fuck was that?!†“Iunno, but I can see nothing. We have to clean this by ourselves…†The other passenger, an avian, got out of the car to inspect the issue. What he saw was possible one of the most peculiar scenarios that could happen, but that never crossed his mind. He then went to the drivers’ door and tapped the window. “…This is egg. This whole mess is egg, I think…†he commented, straight out baffled. “Bullshit. How could it?†replied the canine. “I don’t know, a fucking nest, perhaps? Whatever it is, it'll get worse with the wipers. I’ll grab the sprays on the trunk; this’ll take a while to clean out…†And a while it took for the avian… to appear over and start. Too much time passed for such a simple task of searching the cleaning supplies. Groaning heavily, the canine had no other choice but to get out and see what was happening. “Where you at?! Hey!†The avian was nowhere to be seen. He completely disappeared. Something was wrong; the canine’s fight-or-flight reaction triggered. He had to get out of there, but had to take care of the incident first, so he headed over the trunk to get the cleaners. “If this is a fucking joke I swear to-†A figure ambushed him from inside the trunk and threw him to the ground, holding a rag to his face. The canine started to thrash over frightened, but he felt his energy draining over by every second it passed, and it was harder to keep awake. Before he knew what was going on, he felt unconscious. Immediately after, another shady figure emerged from under the car and went over to the driver’s seat, while the first one had his victim bound, gagged and thrown in the trunk of the car with the avian. “Got the direction?†“Yes. 66, E6†One of them took out a phone, and dialed the only contact it was allowed to. “We’re on our way†“Perfect. That guy will soon be back on his knees begging. I helped that worthless excuse of an architect so much and he still refuses to repay me. You know what to do: Tear it down.†------------------------------------------- Kleinenberg, Ralph Haydn “R.H†-Age: 31 -Species: Wolf (Grey) -Height: 6’ 5" -Residence: Reichhaltig Hafen, Dresden, Macbeth Sorel, Setareh -Age: 19 -Species: Lion (Brown) -Height: 5’ 7†-Birthplace: Al-Kiarah, Keshwar, Titania -Residence: Stone Bay, ULC, Corneria Kara and Maxwell didn’t support their brother’s course of action, but, at the point, there was nothing they felt they could do. It was for honest cause that they felt it had to be made, but the way it developed; made them feel like obstacles. But alas, they collaborated and just sat on the sidelines for the time being. Secrecy could be his way of saving their lives. Both were meanwhile on an office building in the center of Corneria City, where the lions were hired for doing random errands as a way to pay for their current residence. “How do you think Reono’s doing?†asked Kara, feigning indifference while staring at the Cornerian skyline. “I really want to think he’s okay, but it seems that might be taking its toll on him†“He’s one of the most even-minded people I’ve known Kara, I really don’t think he’ll lose his mind†replied Maxwell. “Still… all of this planning and secrecy and… violence… I really don’t know how someone can handle that environment, much less a first timer†“Kara just… just forget about it, just try to survive this upcoming days, it's the best we can do†They kept stashing papers and stapling different documents, when the sound of doors sliding open diverted their attention. In came a young lioness with coffee colored hair and fawn fur; a bit older than the pair, walking to their direction. She donned a brown, light jacket with skinny jeans, contrasting with the pair’s mostly grey and white ensembles. “Hey guys, all good?†asked the new figure in the room; a slight accent in her voice. “Hey Setareh†replied the pair at the same time. “It sure has been a while since I checked on…you…†The feline’s eyes wandered around the room, searching, even though she felt she could not find what she was looking for. “…Where’s Reono?†The lions weren’t so sure if it was prudent to even remember what their brother told to them, let alone tell another person. Maxwell didn’t even spoke to his sister about what he was briefed on the other day. “He’s not feeling… well at the moment, called a sick day†commented the brown lion. Setareh felt taken aback. Something wasn’t right for them; and that, whatever they were thinking; it was lingering on their minds for a while now. Then it hit her; it was clear, but wasn’t sure if it was prudent touching that subject. She was heavily trusted to stay silent, and a leak might have dreadful consequences. Then again, they were Reono’s own siblings; they had to know, don’t they? “He told you, didn’t he?†The pair was seriously caught off-guard by the lioness’ question, confirming what she originally suspected. Kara’s heart skipped a beat, while Maxwell tried to keep with the pretend game. “Yeah, he’s on very bad shape, can’t get out of the bed and…†“It’s ok, Max. I know…†It was odd. They knew both of their families were close to them, especially to their brother, but the lions never really thought that Reono would’ve told someone outside his decimated family circle. “How? Did he tell you?†asked the white feline, worrying to no end. “He did Kara. We met on my house a week ago and confessed me what he was going to do†So not only there was this huge operation he never told them he was going to do; he preferred to told it to an outsider over than his own family. Angst and frustration were filling them slowly. They weren’t going to let go that one easy. “So, what do you think about it?†asked Maxwell. His sister and he weren’t sure what to say to how to feel about such notice; maybe she had a solid opinion. With that question, the feline felt her heart sink. She hasn’t made up her mind yet about an issue of such magnitude. Mentally, she was set, but emotionally, she wouldn’t accept it. After toying with her hair in slight anxiety, she ignored those thoughts and continued. “Well… I can’t help thinking what you do, but remember: It has to be done, and Reono’s the only one that showed at least the determination to clear this problem up. Am I worried? Yes, but all I can do now is trust him and hope justice is served†Both lions didn’t say anything in return. Setareh’s statement was exactly what they were feeling, but their own thoughts were too opaque due to the initial shock. They made up their minds. “If you excuse me, I have to retire. See you later†said the lioness before she departed the room, letting them continue with their current jobs. ---------------------------------- Every little bit of Reono’s time was consumed between phone calls and managing. He even minimized what he could of work-time, sleep-time and basic needs in order to perfect his move. The feline would spend most of the time on his bedroom. Could’ve made up to 50 calls a day to old friends of his parents and various mercenaries scattered across Lylat, but many would plain out reject for various reasons. He was either accused of fake identity or couldn’t afford the initial paying requirements they requested. At first he felt a bit disappointed of lying to Maxwell about his current status, but it was figured he wasn’t in such a terrible shape. Not what originally wanted, but everything could still go as expected. With some people to start a riot at the house, he could go straight to Marcel and kill him in the spot. From the information he got, the target wouldn’t even think of calling the police or any authority at the point his plan was, and preferred to take care of any accident by throwing people to the warzone. But there was something that never escaped his head; that was always running in his mind; something the feline felt that had to be resolved. He picked up his phone, once again and dialed a set of numbers of someone whom one of the contacted people recommended him. The lion comforted with a contact that wouldn’t take forever to answer. “Hallo?†“It’s ok Reono; they told you he may dissuade callers†“Hello sir? I’m looking for a… Ralph Kleinenberg, is he there?†"Tut mir leid, Sie sind falsch verbunden" “Wait, I’m looking for him urgently for a job, something to do with a bit of… Vorgehen?†The lion hoped the contact wasn’t joking. After a few awkward seconds of pure silence, the voice came back. “You don’t know shit of this language†the voice replied, in perfect, yet heavily accented English; laughing wholesomely. “But you got the code right. Call me R.H. Hitman for hire, what’cha want?†Reono let out a sigh of relief. That detail could be taken care of. “I need you to protect some people undercover for me while I’m out. Urgent†“You do know that’s not my main job right? I’m here to kill someone!†“Trust me, things will get so complicated enough for me that you’ll most likely get to that point. Plus, you’ll be paid handsomely if everything goes as planned†After yet another seconds of uncomfortable silence, the voice responded back “You know, I normally wouldn’t take cases like you…†The feline felt a knot forming in his stomach. “…But I’ll do it. Fucking crisis and job droughts†The lion discarded of the phone for a moment in order to rejoice for a second. “You just have no idea how you just helped me. What else to close the deal?†“Won’t be easy; you need to go to Barrowville and we’ll close the deal there. Thousand on cash as initialâ€. It was quite the drive from the feline’s current residence. It seemed too much work, but it had to be made. “I’m around the suburbs of the Capital, so I’ll be around there at… 3 o’ clock. Maybe by 2 if traffic’s tame enough†“Fine by me, here’s the direction, take note…†The man then said a long series of numbers and letters, all of which Reono wrote in a mechanical fashion on a small notebook. After the respective farewells, the lion didn’t waste any time and got ready for the meeting. A simple ensemble of jeans, a t-shirt and a hoodie, each one on a different shade of grey, were enough. Low profile was key on these times. Well, he really didn’t have much, but one had to see it on the bright side, right? As he was looking for some rather worn sneakers, deprived of their original shade of white, the doorbell chime started ringing. He went to open the door, and his mild annoyance became joy when he saw who it was. “Hello there†said the visitor; a tawny lioness with coffee colored hair, embracing the lion in a warm hug. “Baby!†He wrapped his arms around her waist as a reply. “How’re you? What’s going on?†“It’s been a while since we last saw you. Wanted to pass by to see how you’re holding up†the lioness said as she made herself comfortable and sat on a couch. “Well Star, this visit will have to be caught short. Going out for the day†She frowned in response. “Wha-Where?†Reono sat down next to her as he put on his shoes. “Barrowville. Business†“What f-†Her question was resolved before she could finish asking. “Oh…that one†“Exactly†The lion felt a throbbing pain on his ankles; the usual one he felt every day. The canine-fit type of footwear wasn’t helping him in his day by day. The brown feline did not like seeing him struggling in his current life. She knew him when his life was nice and stable. The thought of having all that stripped away and be thrown in the streets never left her mind since the day she re-encountered him. “Star? Star!?†She snapped out of her chain of thoughts at the stark, sudden calls of her boyfriend. “You’re alright?†She let out an instinctive “Yeah†in under a second. “Something wrong?†“Don’t worry… It’s…nothing…†Reono saw this before. These last days she was sulky and evasive. He didn’t really give much importance at first, but it was getting too persistent. Confrontation was the only option this time. “Setareh, I’ve known you for years; you can’t fool me. Whatever you have to say, spit it out… or we could never get out of this room†She didn’t expect that answer. His tone was stern and demanding, but not threatening. Still, it put her on a hard spot. “So?†“I…I’m… I’m just worried about you…†The evident emotional weight of her answer made the white lion’s initial attitude simmer down. Seems it was going to be a deeper answer than he originally thought. It was hard to say for Setareh, but she tried to keep herself composed “…I don’t know if you realize… how much you’re putting at risk with this. Kara and Max are horribly worried; we are all faced with this… uncertainty…†Some things are maybe better kept a secret. “I said I don’t want you to get involved…†Same old answer. That was the breaking point. “But at what price? The trust from the people who love you?! Your own life?! You know how awry the future will be if you get yourself killed?!†“Setareh…†the feline placed his fingers over his temples and gave out a hefty sigh. The last thing needed was more drama. “…I could’ve left all of you and pursue this op by myself; let me get driven by all this mixed emotions in the most egoistical fucking way, but at least I have the pretty dangerous courtesy to let you guys know how, who, what and when…†The brunette lion was shocked by his blatant honesty. Angst, desperation, impotence; she gave in at that point to that concoction of feelings, letting out a few tears as evidence. Reono went forward to close that awkward episode in order to settle down his point. He helped her to get up of her feet and went outside, to where a fairly decent hovercar was, in order to part ways. “It’s by keeping you distant from all of this, how I’ll protect you from anything that can happen. I don't want you to feel this way nor let this go to your head. But it has to be done, and it's too late to stop. The best thing you can do for me it's to continue with your life, ok?" The female feline wasn't more comfortable about his position, but this chat made her feel more confident about it overall. It reinvigorated her faith. "...I have to go now. Please tell Kara and Max, and take care.†Just before he departed to Barrowville, he overheard a phrase which significance was well marked in his mind. "Habibi " He wasn't that fluent in languages, but having Setareh in his life gave him a little bit more insight in some foreign factors; it was loud and clear. -------------------------------------- “God, can it get even more annoying?†The black cougar went out of a rather distant classroom, on his way to the Director’s office. It was going to take a while to remember that was now his workspace, instead of the sometimes crowded teachers’ room. While on his way, a young secretary called his name. Judging by her looks, he thought she was one of the various Education students who were making an internship. Barrowville was known for its constant evolution of the Education system, so interns and new teachers weren’t that rare of a sight, even on the afternoon hours, when the school was already devoid of any student and when many teachers started to leave. “The electricians for the faulty lights on the second floor classrooms are on their way…†“Thanks for letting me know. What about the report on the new Biology teacher?†“I’m… I’m sorry. I forgot that, I was busy with other paperwork†“Meh, it’s fine; that one fills itself up most of the time. It’s close to your break, so you may go now…†he smiled. “Thank you sir…†It was twice the income of reports and decisions since the feline was promoted. Lucky it was a divided responsibility, and with someone as savvy as his wife, it wasn’t really that much of a bother. Inside the room there were his wife and his son sleeping in a corner. “How did it go this time?†“As always, lots of reading and indiscreet insulting to my ethnicity†“That the superintendent of Barrowville for ya’†“Not the first or the last bigoted cun-†“Don’t†Aileen stopped him before his thought was completed; her only gesture pointing at their baby. He decided to end with a groan instead. “Well, in other news, the electricians are on their way; the two applicant teachers of yesterday are in process of hiring and I just gave Jodie the rest of the day off†The female feline furrowed her eyebrows “Day off? Why so?†“Why not? You told me I should get evens with everyone…†“Just don’t overdo it†She ended with a slight chuckle. Changing subjects, she asked “What are the electricians working on exactly?†“Didn’t really caught that, something on the 2nd floor, but they headed to the basement. Maybe maintenance to the main power plant?†“It’s been doing fine, but… they’ll know better, won’t hurt us if they check on that…†----------------------------------- It was rounding the peak hours; the cars going back and forth, and a constant flow of people walking by the streets. For a moment, he had regrets about parking the hovercar and taking the streets, but it paid off at the end. The feline gained more liberty to move around this new environment; get familiar with the surroundings in the case of any events or a future return. In the streets, there was also the benefit of becoming nothing more than just another item; there weren’t any explanations to give or anything to justify. The lion basked in those little moments of tranquility, a much needed comfort between his duties at his present time and the turmoil he was about to go into in the near-future. "82th Street/ Rue/ Strada Avenue/Viale C7" Barrowville was at the limits, close to the countries of Bordeaux and Spoletto, so multilingual signage wasn't an exotic sight. Reono kept looking for these in order to get to the main reason he went there. "So many friggin' numbers here. Way easier back at the city..." After what could've been a 20-block walk, the feline supposed he was on the right spot. The flow of people grew significantly thinner as he progressed, and a series of monotone, below-the-average residences became the main sight. One of this matched the description given, so he set straight to the place and knocked the white, wooden door. It opened partially, revealing not only one, but three sets of door chains. Seemed like he was the paranoid kind. "What is it?" "Client from Corneria City, we talked this morning" "You followed?" The neighborhood was practically deserted. "No" The door slammed shut, only to reopen immediately after; the figure almost forcing the lion to enter. As quickly as he came in, he reset the system of rudimentary security. Only then, it revealed itself to Reono. A grey-furred lupine that towered over his six-foot figure and had the aspect of a foreigner. His clothing seemed casual, but the leather holster on his belt meant he wasn't the kind to be taken lightly. "So you're the employer...." asked the lupine, in a heavy accent, analytical and seemingly distrustful to the feline "...You don't look like someone who can promise a thousand papers." The lion gave a stoic glance in response, to which the wolf broke an egotistical sounding laugh. "Just kidding, take a seat" The inside of the settlement was a stark contrast from its outside. Exotic stones and polished steel were evident, even though the room, and possibly the apartment itself, seemed empty. Surely the living room was the only decent one, for the purpose to cause an impression for his clients. They both sat down, facing each other. "Name's RH, Care for a smoke?" "I don’t smoke… but what the heck?" replied Reono, accepting the offer. The people around him would nag him endlessly, but it would suit his spiked, overridden nerves just fine. "So, what is your business with me?" "We'll, due to important business I have to attend to, I need to supply protection for a group-" "Too vague, better speak out." The wolf picked up from the start that the lion was new to this. Actually, this was the kind of clients that he favored, for personal reasons and rough experiences with clients from the other specter. “No need to be that way. Explain yourself, I’ll analyze; if everything’s right, you give me the money and I’ll follow suit; as easy as that†He gave a sigh masked by smoke exhalation. Both options of either talking or not talking could convey serious risks. But since this "RH" was most likely going to be dragged into this storm as well, he figured the information will be crucial. Hope he stays shut. "Marcel Cromwell, this man stole much from me, and I'm getting revenge..." "He's one of the richest bastards in this planet, why does he come into the picture?" Reono revived bitter memories; even the thoughts hurt badly, but tried to speak in a most natural way. "Heard about what happened three years ago? The Sheppard case?" The wolf's interest was gradually increasing. "Yes?" "I'm sure that the story given to Lylat was the wrong version..." "The reason being?" No other option. The bomb had to be dropped. "I'm Reono Sheppard, their son" RH scoffed at his confession. "Bullshit, that man was kidnapped and left to die" "Try again. Man was captured by Marcel's cronies, left on another country to die, but found his way here and has been living incognito since..." RH was now plain surprised. Didn't believe in the feline quite yet, but he could strike gold with this mission. The feline made free use of his silence. "...I know he killed them, and I need to get what's mine and my brothers rightly." "Vait.. How-... Are you really who you're saying you are? How can I trust someone's word in a case that controversial?" "Vincent Sheppard and Catherine Hauserman. KeyLine, manufacturers and exports; Top Line Machinery parts. Became the main supplier of mechanical parts and other byproducts of Corneria and Fortuna for four years straight. Associated with 20 other companies all over Lylat. Net worth: More than you'll ever get to see..." Complete silence from the other end. "...Need I say more?" "Ok! Ok! Let's say you are the Sheppard's cub... what would my role be in all of this?" "The mission itself is getting prepared, but I don't want to leave any loose ends.... I need someone to protect my family, the rest of it, in any case Marcel knows we're alive. With so little time in this planet and the judicial immunity he got, he doesn't mind sending someone to cause chaos." "That's vhen I come in..." "...Exactly. You'll keep an eye on them until it's over by my side. It's important you do not reveal yourself unless you see them in peril." "Vhy?" Reono hesitated for a while before he gave a response thought adequate, seeming to start a sentence before taking it back. "It's just... All this it's getting to them, and I haven't told them half of it all. They don't need more mind messing..." The feline then got out a photo that showed both of his siblings, plus his mate. He also got a pack of bills, all rolled up. "These are the ones in question. And here's the money." The lupine passed his thumb through the wad, assuring it was indeed a thousand Cornerian Marks, ten of a hundred to be exact, before checking his “objectivesâ€. The wolf considered going soft on him because at least this out-of-his-zone job involved young females. “Sehr Gut… Two days from now I’ll start with this, ok with you?†Reono nodded. This trip wasn’t in vain, he thought as he suited to return to Capital City “Remember, whatever you end up doing, you’ll get more of those little wads if all goes good.†RH attentively saw as the lion left. “Pleasure making business with you.†He commented just before the door closed. It was a high-risk job. Not necessarily the job itself, but the thin credibility and the crazed circumstances. It was too good to be true, but the lupine could’ve hit a jackpot. Was worth the risk; if it was a fluke, he could just place a bullet between his eyes and case closed. Some time has passed since the lion culminated the meeting; the high noon sun started to lose its heat as it got lower, but it was still far from the night. But for Reono, it was time to get back home; an occasional look to a street sign or a standout building his only distraction. "74th Street/ Rue/ Strada Avenue/Viale D" “Consulate of the Republic of Napoca, Fortuna Consulatul General al Republicii Napoca, Fortuna la Barrowville†“Barrowville Language Center†adorned with flags from Bordeaux, Spoletto, Kaliopeia and many others. "66th Street/ Rue/ Strada Avenue/Viale E5" It felt like he had been walking for ages. “Almost there, just have to get ‘round this bl-†*BOOM* It occurred in under a second. A deafening noise came paired with such a shockwave that knocked the feline off, almost sending him to the highway. After getting up his feet, heart racing and balance somewhat impaired, he could detail what happened: From nowhere, the building next to him; a school he saw just seconds before, was reduced to a smoldering, hellish pile of ruins, ash and rubble. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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