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Post by Deleted on Mar 7, 2012 4:08:42 GMT -5
His name was Jason Fang. Having turned thirty earlier that year, he felt in that area where he was not too young, but not too old. As if to keep a hold of his youth he was dressed in a white tank top and black sports pants with two red stripes on the side. Over his white t was a dark red and black jacket.
Naturally Fang had black hair, but in testimony to his youth he had dark brown highlights. Finally around his neck was his signature item, a string necklace with a shark tooth on its end. The tooth had no magical properties, but the majority of people who recognized that tooth knew exactly who it was they were looking at.
Currently Fang sat in his office. Every member of the organization had their own, but his was second largest. Seeing as he was the Vice President of the Committee it was only natural that he had an office larger then the majority of others. In fact, Fang thought he ought to have the largest office.
Vice President of the Committee was basically just a title. It gave him the power to "officially" carry out all the necessities and dirty deeds that the President thought was below his station. That meant that basically everything except for a few major decisions were left up to him to make.
Believe it or not, there was a lot that went into the running of an organization. Fang knew this better then anyone. There was a reason they had only seven members in their organization. They had the budget for seven members. Adding another was going to tighten things munny wise.
"Just what is Smiles planning?" Fang thought to himself as he starred at the laptop at his desk. Why bring another member into the organization? And why didn't Snake object? Fang had explained all the negatives of adding another member to the Committee.
Tapping on the keyboard, Fang brought up Smiles file. As always there was little to no information. Nothing on his past at all! There was a list of his kills, but Fang couldn't understand why the list was so small. Something wasn't right.
Of course Fang had brought this to Snake's attention, but again Snake had just brushed it off. Fang had his suspicions about Snake and Smiles. He was eighty-five percent sure that they were related in some fashion. Why else would Snake let Smiles do whatever he wanted.
Everyone else was expected to follow protocol, but not Smiles. Sighing, Fang stood up. He walked over to the window that looked over the land below. This castle had once been the headquarters for Keyblade Masters. According to the records Fang had killed the remaining Master here and had taken over the castle for himself.
Fang had his own reasons for being an assassin of Keybladers. And he made sure that they were not on his file. He had filled out the majority of his past, but for a few key instances that would explain his reasoning. Some things were better in the closet.
Glancing out the window, a portal caught his eye. Glancing at it, he watched as Bullseye strolled down the pathway that led to the castle gates. So she had returned... And it seemed she had failed as well. This caused a sigh of frustration to escape Fang's lips.
They'd have to expand the budget. They needed more munny and that meant taking contract with some clients that Fang almost always tried to avoid. But there was no helping it now. They needed the munny. And there was no one richer then the Reality Shifters.
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As Bullseye entered the castle, another portal opened at the edge of the pathway. Out of it stepped Smiles and then Ivory. Dressed as he always was, Smiles waited for Ivory to take a good look at the place.
The castle ahead of them was one of the largest she had probably ever seen. Made up of many tall white towers and a single base, it seemed to have a magical effect to it that allowed it to be construct that way. The pathway that Smiles stood on led to a gate and then to long white stairs that ended in the main entrance.
"Welcome to the Land of Departure. Or as the majority of us know it, Headquarters." He said with a wide smile. It was after all Ivory's headquarters now as well. If he knew anything of what Fang was thinking about him or about the adding of another member, it did not show on his face.
Smiles held the same content that he always had. He was glad to be back actually. This place still had many interesting wonders that he had yet to discover. It kept his interest in the place. Once he figured out all the secrets of this place, he'd probably destroy it. There would be nothing left to do but destroy it. At the moment though he wasn't too worried about loosing interest.
"Let us head in. Things are about to get interesting." He said, and oh did he love that word.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 8, 2012 1:28:05 GMT -5
Ivory stepped out of the portal and set her eyes on a large castle. Not having ever seen one before, she couldn't help but gaze up at it in awe. It really was a beautiful place to behold. Who would think a group of assassins would own such a place? Sure, they were assassins but their jobs weren't entirely evil. Sure, they murdered certain people but sometimes murdering others was the only option to save the lives of others. That was, as far as she knew,how they seemed to work. Ivory was still mentally coming to terms with being what she was. She had no choice in the matter unless she wanted to be killed instead. Since she didn't wish to, here she was now. Where Darius was, she hadn't a clue but it frustrated her to think he wasn't upholding his promise he made to her. It might not be pretty if she were to ever run into him again.
Smiles seemed to understand that she would wish to gaze at the beautiful architecture of the castle, so he waited patiently for her to soak it all in. It truly was an amazing sight. When he spoke, she took her pale blue eyes off of it to peer at him in order to listen to what he was saying. This was their headquarters. "This is a lovely place!" she commented.
It was a good thing Ivory couldn't read minds. Where generally one could guess someone's thoughts just by their facial expressions and body language, normal people couldn't read minds. As mentioned before, it was a good thing that she couldn't read minds for if she did, she would've been running concerning Smiles thoughts on the headquarters. Where it was interesting to him, she had no idea that he would go as far as blowing it up once he lost interest in it. Still, she knew that Smiles wasn't exactly normal. One good hint was the fact he never seemed to stop smiling and his eyes being so wide open all the time, Ivory wondered if his face ever grew tired from staying that way all the time. Of course, she'd never dare to ask him since that was just asking to get shot.
There was a moment of silence before Smiles finally suggested they head inside. At the mention of things getting interesting, she could only wonder how interactions with the other members would go. Bullseye, where she had seemed to accept the fact that Ivory was now a part of the team, still most probably disliked her. She didn't know the history behind Smiles and Bullseye but she knew that she didn't want to cross anymore members. How would she be able to sleep at night if everyone was after her blood? She'd have to rely on her training and learn to sleep with one eye open at night.
Smiles's remark about things getting interesting was warning enough for her to keep her cool but also keep alert. Surely, there were some like Bullseye that didn't like her joining. So, as she walked behind Smiles, Ivory allowed her eyes to take in the surroundings they passed before they reached the main entrance. Where she had the biggest itch to summon her armor just in case, she decided against it. The worse thing she could do was look like she was scared. That alone just brought in more trouble for someone and she knew that from her unlucky experiences. Where Darius was the outgoing sibling, Ivory was the introverted one and people tended to pick on her because of it. It was also because of her passive, weaker personality that also allowed others to manipulate her to do their bidding or end up as a part of their group. 'Old habits apparently die hard!' she thought.
She noticed a change in herself though. Where she was usually fearful of something, the will to live was what allowed her to prevail since her time with Smiles. Ivory wasn't sure whether she should call it bravery in herself or just plain cowardice. She was still learning about herself and this whole change in her life seemed to help her see that side of herself. Maybe, all along, she was meant to go down a path like this? Even her armor was a foreboding color and had powers that were that of darkness. 'I guess I never saw myself that way...' she thought as they finally entered the massive castle. For the time being, she remained silent so as to not disturb whatever thoughts Smiles had. She didn't want to make herself a nuisance to him after all seeing as he was the only ally she had right now.
No matter how much time she had spent training under him, Ivory still had this feeling like she was walking on eggshells around him. That didn't mean she didn't respect him though or appreciate his help. He could have killed her from the very beginning when she had heard him shoot someone. Who he murdered, she still didn't know nor would she question him on it. Ivory was just grateful to be allowed to live and for the time Smiles spent training her. Where to him, she was probably just some "project", Ivory thought very highly of him. Speaking of him, it looked as though he was quite pleased being here. That wasn't something she saw often since he was usually the content one. So, knowing this, she tried to not disturb him in his moment of happiness.
Ivory had no idea that her very presence could stir chaos around them as they walked in the castle and she had no idea that it would only amuse Smiles all the more to witness.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 8, 2012 18:07:47 GMT -5
Smiles entered the castle first. There was still a barrier upon entering the main hallway that initiated the moment a person stepped into the castle. The barrier was none of their making. It had been installed by the previous owners. But Smiles had figured out a solution to that problem when he had first come here with Snake.
As expected a very life like image of a man in armor appeared at the end of the wall. A keyblade summoned in his hand as he charged down the hallway. Smiles had expected the fearsome sight as it charged towards them. Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his business card. Ivory might notice it by the fact that it was the exact same as the one he had put on the corpse of the dead hero in Halloween Town.
When the armor came upon him and raised his blade, Smiles held up his card to it. This seemed to do the trick for the enemy stopped its descending blade. "Welcome Master." It said before disappearing into a puff of smoke.
Glancing over at Ivory he was sure she was most likely quite shocked. "That is one secret I have yet to figure out the history behind. He is the guardian of this castle, and even with new owners he continues to be."
Walking down the hallway, Smiles placed his hands in his pockets nonchalantly. They came to a pair of twin wooden doors. Fashioned into the door were different symbols of keys, keyblades, and hearts. The doors were made of old oak with golden door handles. Pulling the door open revealed a long staircase that at the top abruptly ended. To the right and left were seven different stair cases hanging in the air that connected to different hallways on top. .
"The moving stair case." Just as he said this the main staircase moved to connect to a staircase to the left. Standing at the top of the other staircase was a large dark man dressed in camouflage pants. He was about six feet tall and his arms and legs were more like tree stumps then actual skin. Finally his big round belly shook as he stepped down the steps. He was coming right towards them.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 9, 2012 15:57:47 GMT -5
Not aware of what was about to take place, Ivory gave pause when she saw someone in armor down the hall at the end of the wall nearby. Looking at him, she could see that he had a weapon drawn. In her eyes, this image looked very much like a human being. So, as would be expected of someone that hadn't been expecting this sort of thing, she lifted her arm to summon her armor at will. It was more difficult than summoning it from the statuette but she hadn't much time. That man was going to cut them in two!
"S-Smiles-!" she tried to warn him but the man was nearly upon them. When he managed to cover the distance between them, Smiles held out a card up for him to see. Stopping abruptly, blade just inches from Smiles, the man spoke calling him master before dispersing into a puff of smoke.
Of course, Ivory was very shocked. She had seriously thought it was an enemy about to attack them. When he had disappeared after Smiles had revealed that card from before, she couldn't help but feel rather dumbfounded. "Wha-?!" she exclaimed but Smiles was already there a step ahead of her, explaining that the entity they had just seen was something that had been around since before the assassins took up residence here. Honestly, the thing almost made her have a heart attack!
"Could have fooled me!" she stated before following after Smiles. She had made her armor return to whence it came as she walked. Going down the halls, she was amazed at how large it looked from the inside. The orphanage in Meadows could easily fit inside this castle without taking hardly any space. As she walked, she couldn't help but wonder about that mysterious guardian with a keyblade. Who was he and who made him? Questions that Smiles had yet to find the answer to as well. How did he manage to accept the new owners though?
Eventually, Smiles took her to twin wooden doors with all sorts of symbols, keyblades and hearts carved upon its surface. Stepping inside through the doors, they came out into a hallway with staircases everywhere leading off to the upper floors. As she looked around, wondering where each staircase lead to, she heard Smiles announce the name of this place. Apparently, the stairs moved.
As he said this, a large man with camouflage pants and a large belly began to descend a set of stairs after it moved. Who was he?
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2012 0:57:20 GMT -5
He went by really only one name. Gat. It was one syllable, no more. He was a man of order. Everything in life had order, and he was no different. Of course he often saw himself as part of the top of that order. In fact an enforcer of that order. That was what had attracted him to the committee in the first place. The order, the power, the enforcement. He wanted to be a part of that. And this gave him the chance.
As the stair case connected, Gat made his way down the stairs. He had yet to lay eyes on Smiles, but at about half way down he noticed him. He straightened his back, which was sort of hard given that he weighed close to four hundred pounds. Smiles was a subordinate. He was underneath him, and as superior to him, Gat felt that he had every right to make him do whatever he wanted him to do.
Noticing the girl next to him, Gat couldn't help but lick his lips. What a cute lookin young thing. Oh he'd wrap his arms around that! Gat came to a stop in front of Smiles. The fool held that same smile he always held. Gat stood over him, about a foot over him. "What you smilin about boyo?"
Smile seemed to just notice Gat. "Oh I was just showing Ivory the layout. She's the newest member to the Committee."
Gat looked her up and down. "I see. And what make's you think a boy like you is settled for such a job." It was a direct challenge at Smiles. This was something that was quite normal. Usually Smiles would shrug it off and come up with some excuse as to prove why what he was doing was not only beneficial but a need. That was one thing that the smiling fool was good at. Being sneaky.
"Well we wouldn't want her to get lost. Something that has happened to almost every member the first day they come. Why take up the time of such important persons as yourselves. Mine as well leave it to me."
Gat smiled. That's right. He did have important things to do. He was an important person. Even someone below him had some importance. "Alright then. Well best continue the tour. But should you need something warm at night darlin' come to my room. Smiles will show you the one."
Not having the time to wait for an answer, Gat walked to the double doors and exited the staircase. -------------------------
Smiles watched Gat leave. He had no intention of letting that man anywhere near Ivory. That man did perk Smiles's interests, but if their was one thing that Smiles did not tolerate, it was someone playing with his interests. And that was what Gat had threatened to do. Well he would not allow it. Ivory was his new toy. If Gat thought he was going to use her, he would find himself replaced.
But none of this showed on Smiles's face. He was as friendly and content as earlier. "Ready? Let's head up the stairs." Taking the first step, Smiles began the climb.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 10, 2012 5:06:03 GMT -5
The large figure resumed descending the stairs. It wasn't until he had reached halfway when he took notice of them. Ivory didn't know why but she really didn't like the look Gat had given her. Maybe she was imagining it though? There was a chance that she was just being overly jumpy considering she had encountered that castle guardian earlier. As the large, lumbering man approached them, Ivory could see just how much taller he was compared to them.
As the man stopped, he spoke to Smiles. The way he was talking to him, Ivory got the feeling this guy had to be some kind of higher up. Smiles merely explained that he was showing her around and even stated that she was the newest member. Already, Ivory got a horrible knot in her stomach as Gat looked her up and down. It felt...unpleasant and it sickened her but she fought to keep her face neutral.
When next the man spoke, it was quite clearly a challenge demanding why Smiles saw himself fit for the job. Honestly, Ivory hoped that she wouldn't end up having to follow the larger man. There was a very strong vibe that told her if she did, bad things would happen worse than death. Keeping her cool, she wondered if Smiles would provide a good enough excuse. 'Please have a good excuse! Please!' she thought uneasily, fighting hard to keep a straight face for the time being. It looked like she wouldn't just have to be worrying about her mortality in this place!
What Smiles said seemed to please the large man. Before taking his leave though, he made a point to make a rather unpleasant offer. At this point, it was very very hard for her to not look appalled. Her face was twitching, as well as an eye, as the large man finally left their presence. 'Yeah, if I want to be squashed like a pancake!' she thought darkly. No way was she going to do something like that!
Through it all, Smiles just seemed to remain Smiles. Nothing ever seemed to phase him and Ivory couldn't help but continue to feel more surprised by that fact. Maybe the world was a huge joke to him? That would explain the constant smiling. Well, at least one of them appeared to be content. Pulling herself out of her repulsion, Ivory nodded. "I'm ready." With that, Smiles turned and started heading up the stairs, Ivory following his lead as always. She discovered that she didn't find out whom that man's name was. Oddly enough, Smiles didn't seem to find it of any importance to mention who the man was.
As they traveled up the steps, Ivory could only wonder where they were headed next. Most likely another hall but where to? 'Hopefully whatever encounters we have next will be slightly more pleasant!' she thought.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2012 2:50:02 GMT -5
Seeing that Ivory was indeed ready, Smiles led the way. The first stop would be to see Fang. There were the necessities that they needed to get straight. Climbing up the stair case Smiles came to a stop at the midway point. The stairs swung to a different set of stairs. When they connected Smiles continued.
"Another mysterious feature of the moving stair case. It seems to always know where you want to go. I have solved this mystery however." As he climbed the stairs he continued. "I believe it has something to do with eye contact. Something picks up our retinas and sends a signal to the moving stairs." He had yet to find that scanner, but he did notice that when he looked towards a staircase a brief light shined from the other staircase. What else could it be but a signal.
Reaching the top finally, Smiles turned to Ivory. "Our first order of business is with Fang. He will get everything settled for you."
Opening a door, Smiles walked into the large common room. It was a place that had been outfitted before they arrived there. But now that it was under the committee's control it was refashioned. Before it had looked like something out of the medieval times. It was much more high tech of a place now.
The room was set up with marble floors and lightened by florescent lights. There were couches and television in one section of the room where people come and sit and relax. In addition to that were televisions and small tables for people to eat and talk. It had a very lay back kind of feel to that area.
Another part of the area a man sat behind a bar mixing drinks and cooking food in a small kitchen. You could see everything that the man was making in that kitchen as well. Or you could walk and fix something up yourself. The man was dressed in a black and white suit.
Finally there stood a portal hanging in the corner of one room. Whatever was on the other side of the dark portal could not be seen. "The common room. This is actually used more by the clients then ourselves. That portal is the only link the outside world has into this castle."
Of course what Smiles did not mention were the many security measures in place. The man behind the counter himself had to just press a single button and if a hero charged through here, he would find himself in a load of danger. But the only people who knew about that were Fang, Snake and Smiles. Not even the other members of the committee knew about the security measures.
"If you have free time, you are welcome to take use of this place. However I don't see you having free time soon." There was never really time for an assassin to lounge about. It was something that every assassin eventually learned. Often quite quicker rather then later.
Walking across the room, he gave the man behind the counter a smile. He walked right up to another staircase. This one did not move, but it did lead to another door at the top. They were about to enter the upper section of the building.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 11, 2012 3:42:11 GMT -5
As they were walking up the stairs, the staircase seemed to remain still. Ivory couldn't help but wonder how the members dealt with the feature of the moving steps without ending up frustrated. Since she didn't know how the stairs worked, it looked like the staircase just decided where it wanted to take you instead. Seeing Smiles pause midway, she did too and looked around curiously. The stairs, as he did so, turned to another direction leading upwards.
After it did so, Smiles told her about it. Apparently, some sort of indicator picked up on retinal information. Some kind of eye contact took place and somehow, because of that, the stairs knew where to go. Where it was picking it up though, Ivory really couldn't tell. She hadn't been here before in her life so unlike Smiles, she wouldn't notice any changes like he would.
Finally, they reached the top. As Smiles turned to her, she focused her eyes on him to listen to what he was telling her. Their first stop was going to be meeting this 'Fang'. Who he was, she hadn't a clue but apparently he was going to help with getting her situated here. "Alright, got it!" she said with a smile. With that, Smiles turned and opened a door into what appeared to be a large lounging room. There were many seats and televisions as well as tables within. Following Smiles inside, Ivory got a good look around. It was really nice in here. They even had what looked to be a bar as well. Who would think such a medieval looking place would have such up to date things inside of it?
As they walked, Ivory came to the conclusion that this place would never cease to amaze her. At least, this part made her feel more at ease. It felt more normal compared to the moving stairs and the 'guard dog'. As they went, Smiles went on to explain that it was the common room and was more often used by the clients than those that worked here. After training under Smiles, she learned rather harshly that assassins barely had time to rest in between. She was only lucky right now that she had managed to find some rest before they had gotten here. She had almost been on her last legs with exhaustion after the whole Wonderland incident. Endurance, she figured, would come with time.
Ivory glanced over at the portal when Smiles had mentioned it. Surely, they weren't just open to the public? There had to be some sort of security measures! Still, she didn't bother to question about it. If she did, she feared that she would sound like she was trying to decipher the building's weak points and cause further suspicion with those that were still distrusting of her for being new. If anything, Ivory was just curious but politely understood that sort of thing should be left alone.
"It's really nice in here."
Eventually, they made it right across the room and up to another staircase. Unlike the ones from before, this one appeared to be immobile. The kind of steps that Ivory was more accustomed to. Well, in Meadows she had seen escalators in a shopping mall but she was generally more used to the sort of staircase that was still. Another door lay atop this new staircase. As she peered up, Ivory guessed that maybe this was one of the higher floors of the castle. Maybe even the top most?
'Are we really that high up already?'she wondered before they ascended the steps.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 11, 2012 21:12:46 GMT -5
Going through the door at the top of the stairs brought them to a room that split into two separate hallways. The first would take them through a few offices and eventually higher up to the conference room and Snake's office. The hall they walked towards was the one that continued to a single door at the end.
Smiles walked right up to the door and opened it. He was quite aware of Fang's opinion of people barging in, but Smiles didn't feel that applied to him. Then again nothing but his own interests really applied. Fang looked just as he always did.
Dressed in an outfit that was not too young but not too old, his black pants and blue and red jacket over a sleeveless white tank top accompanied his black hair. One thing that one might take notice was the necklace with a sharp tooth hanging around his neck.
Fang's office was very much business like. A flat screen sat on his desk that acted as a computer. In addition were several other paper cabinets and even a stack of papers on the desk as well. Even though the desk looked cluttered, the office was kept fairly clean. There was a couch against the right wall and a window behind Fang's desk. Finally there were two empty chairs in front of the desk, and Fang himself sat in a revolving chair.
"This is the newest member of the committee I take it?" He asked, never looking away from the flat screen on his desk.
Smiles didn't wait for an invitation to sit down. He took a seat in one of the chairs and indicated that Ivory do the same. "That she is." He said with a smile.
Fang turned away from the screen to pull out a drawer and take a packet of papers out of them. Placing it on the desk he finally looked over to Ivory. "I hope you don't mind signing a couple of things then?"
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Post by Sprow on Mar 11, 2012 22:49:24 GMT -5
Once they reached the top of the steps, they came out into an area that split off into two separate hallways. One looked like it held more than one door down it where the one they turned down had just a single door at the very end. It seemed that this is where they were suppose to go so Ivory followed Smiles' lead. The closer they got to it, she wondered whom this 'Fang' was. Hopefully, he wasn't like what his alias implied.
When they reached the door, instead of knocking, Smiles opened it and walked right in. Ivory couldn't help but watch him enter in amazement. Weren't they suppose to knock first? Awkwardly, she followed Smiles inside with the urge to rub the back of her neck but she refrained.
Once she was inside, she turned toward a desk. There, a man sat that looked no older than his thirties. He didn't even look up when they entered and merely spoke to Smiles, asking if this was the new committee member. Obviously, he was asking Smiles about her. Not even waiting for an invitation to sit down, Smiles helped himself to a seat. As he did so, he indicated that she do the same.
Quietly, Ivory made her way over to the seat that Smiles indicated and sat herself down. As she did so, Fang turned away from the screen to pull open a drawer. As he was doing this, she surveyed him. The man had a fang attached to a necklace about his neck. Maybe that's where his alias came from? Well, at least right now he didn't seem demented. Taking out a packet of papers, he finally turned to her after setting them on the desk. Hearing his question, Ivory peered back at him. Well, at least this guy seemed to cut right to the chase.
"I don't mind." Why would she anyways? It was an odd question to ask someone.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2012 1:11:51 GMT -5
Fang sighed. Looking at this girl he didn't understand Smiles's decision in making her a member of the committee. Was this some sort of girlfriend? Smiles was serious about adding this girl to the roster? He was being forced to do all this work with re-budgeting and organization for her? But what could he do? He had made his attempt to try and stop this from happening. Bullseye had failed. Fang could not outright go against Smiles. To do so would be suicide.
Looking over at Smiles, he wanted nothing more then to slap that happy go lucky smile right off his face. "I take it, she will be accompanying you on your assignments?" He asked Smiles as he got out a pen.
"Yes, we will take both of our case loads and combine them. She is still in training and she would only tackle recon missions anyway until she faced the trials."
Fang had to blink at that one. Smiles wanted her to face the trials? Fang rubbed his head. That was going to cost more of his time to set up! Not only that but if she passed the trials.... Fang didn't want to think about that one. The trails were basically a challenge an assassin can participate in to challenger their rank. Depending on how well one did in the trail, one could find themselves as high as Fang. Which would in turn knock him a number down.
There was a lot of politics that went on in the committee. Fang understood that probably better then everyone. Smiles was a person who usually never took a hand in the inner workings of the organization. He usually just did his own thing. But now he was taking an interest in the politics, and that girl was his entry to it.
Glancing at Ivory, Fang handed her a pen. He flipped the stapled papers to the back. "This is a contract. It basically swears fealty to the organization. It gives you a vote with the weight of your number behind it. I'll leave Smiles to go through all that details. It states you have the right to challenge the hall of trials for the advancement of your rank. This also states that you will hold the committee as the middle man and your clients. As thus you will be giving a tax of ten percent of each finished payment. Finally it states that you are responsible for the clients you meet. We are not reliable if something is to happen to you. But as Smiles will I'm sure describe you have free use of everything in this vicinity including top class healers and cooks. If you have no objections please sign here."
Fang handed her the pen and placed it in front of her. Smiles nodded to Ivory to sign it.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 12, 2012 2:15:33 GMT -5
Ivory may have been nervous but she wasn't stupid. She could already pick up on idle hints that Fang didn't appear to be pleased with this situation. Maybe it was just time consumption that was bothering him? Never the less, she remained polite even if it seemed like he didn't want to bother. As he got out a pen, he had focused on Smiles and spoke to him. According to Smiles' response, Ivory was going to be accompanying Smiles on missions. Recons would apparently be her portion at least until it came to face the trials. What were the trials? Looking between the two, it sounded like some kind of test. Well, she went through one test, she didn't expect them to end any time soon.
Judging by Fang's reaction to what Smiles had said, it looked like it bothered him. Yet, he said nothing about it. Whatever irritation they were causing Fang, Smiles seemed to hold a lot of respect from this Fang for him to not openly object to anything. Not really aware of what was going through Fang's head, Ivory was finally handed a pen from him. "Thank you," she stated before watching Fang flip the pages over to the very last page.
Fang went on to explain to Ivory what this paper packet was all about. Apparently, it was a contract. A contract for her to become one of their number and swear fealty to the organization. It gave her the ability to vote as one of their members with her number behind it. She would be allowed to have free use of everything here as well as challenge the trial to increase her rank. Plus, she would be responsible for the clients that she met and the organization wasn't to be held reliable for whatever happened to her. Ten percent of the final payment from the clients were to go to the organization. Paying close attention to what Fang said, Ivory glanced sidelong at Smiles. He seemed fine with everything and even gestured for her to sign.
Seeing as if she didn't sign this paper, she'd probably be in for some trouble, Ivory guessed it sounded good enough. As the paper was finally placed in front of her, Ivory scribbled her signature upon the line where it indicated to. Once that was done, she looked through the rest to see if there was anywhere else for her to sign. Once she was certain that she signed everything as appropriate, she handed the papers back to Fang. "Thank you, again."
Since she wasn't sure if she had to sign anything else, she settled the pen on the desk but within reaching distance in case she had to.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 12, 2012 16:11:16 GMT -5
Smiles never took his eyes off of Fang. He understood a lot more about Fang then the man thought. Smiles could read his mood by his voice. But that was to be expected. Fang was a man of business. But more then that he was a man of power. And he liked that power even with all of the trouble it came with.
Of course he would see this as Smiles taking more of a play in the politics of the organization. Before he didn't have to worry much about himself. He could focus on his other opponents in the committee. Smiles was very aware of the allied parties. The only two who really took no play had been Smiles and Snake.
But now there were new players in the game. Fang reached into the drawer once more and took out a single business card. He walked over to his computer and ejected a cd tray out of it. Placing the card inside he tapped away for what seemed like a few minutes. Finally finishing he clicked the mouse twice and the cd tray ejected.
Taking out the card he placed it in front of Ivory. The card had the same written signature on the front as Smiles. "The Keyblade Assassination Committee["/i], the front said. On the back was "XIII", Ivory's current rank. "This card has your personal signature on it. It will allow you through the main door at the entrance. As protocol dictates your required to leave this card on all clients. It will leave a copy of the card there. After that make sure you pick the card back up. Don't actually leave it there."
What Fang was saying was something very true. The key card had magical properties that did more then what Fang had said. But not even Fang understood the full abilities of that card. Only Snake and Smiles did. It would be to expected though since they created it.
"You are not allowed to take personal clients until after at least a week of recon. Smiles I'm sure will see to that."
Smiling, Smiles responded. "Of course I will."
Nodding Fang spoke one last time. "Alright then, welcome to the committee Ivory. I look forward to watching you to grow." It was a lie, and Smiles knew it.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 13, 2012 2:55:41 GMT -5
Ivory could feel some tension floating around in the air. No one was acting upon it though so she considered it likely to blow over soon. The less time they spent in here, the better. Turning away from them, after she had signed the papers, Fang took some kind of card from a drawer and wandered over toward his computer. Ejecting the cd tray of the computer, he placed the business card on top of it. Typing away again, the tray closed for a brief moment before ejecting once again.
Walking back over to his desk, Fang set before her the business card. Just like what she had seen on Smiles, save for her own personal signature on this one's surface, it read the same thing. "The Keyblade Assassination Committee" is what it read including the roman numeral for thirteen. From the looks of it, her ranking was that number for now. Ivory could've sworn that she was their eighth member though. Maybe it was a typo? She looked between Fang and Smiles as Fang explained to her that she had to keep that card with her at all times.
This card allowed her entry into the main entrance. Would she have to hold up her card to that guardian as well like what Smiles did? According to Fang, she'd have to leave the business card on the clients but she was to never actually leave the card there. Was he saying the card could magically duplicate itself for others? That was a handy trick.
"Alright, I'll keep all of that in mind." Next, Fang went on to tell her that for a full week, she wasn't to take in any personal clients and was to do recon. That, she already knew since Smiles had already made it obvious to Fang that she would be doing recon for a bit. That was fine with her. Ivory could do with recon missions. Still, even after Smiles spoke, she got a tingle down her spine. Oh, she knew very well that he'd make sure of it. Smiles had put Ivory through a hell of a lot but it was thanks to him that she had got this far. Sure, it would be rough but at this point she was already getting used to this way of things.
Ivory looked back over at Fang as she took the business card. As he spoke, formally welcoming her, it gave her a vibe of some kind. Where she couldn't pick up on the things like Smiles could, she had some kind of vibe like she wasn't exactly welcome. Honestly, she wasn't all that surprised. Most of the members seemed to be against the idea of her joining. It was to be expected and she was to keep her guard up. She already had a feeling the obstacles she faced weren't going to end anytime soon. Still, she remained polite despite the vibe she was picking up on.
"Thank you, sir. It was a pleasure to meet you! I look forward to working with you all." It was short and to the point. As for it being a pleasure, she wasn't exactly sure to be honest. Well, at least she remembered her manners. Carefully, she placed the card in her pocket for safe keeping until she could find a more suitable spot to put it.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 13, 2012 21:59:08 GMT -5
Smiles nodded. If that was all then it was time for them to get going. They had some other things that still needed to be done. Fang responded to Ivory as Smiles stood up, "We'll be looking forward to work with you as well." Another lie of course.
Giving Fang a smile, Smiles said, "A pleasure as always Fang." Turning about he indicated for Ivory to come with him out of the room. Once he closed the door behind him, Smiles walked back to the main hallway that split to the conference room and back towards the common room.
He stopped there. "Why don't you go get something from the common room. Go eat, I'm sure you must be hungry. I have some business to attend to with the leader of our organization."
Smiles didn't wait for Ivory to say anything, he went ahead and headed towards the other direction. ---------------------
Fang watched them go. Ivory had the right of it. The fact that the number on the card was thirteen instead of eight meant something. the X would actually turn to a V after the first week of training. All members were not given their actual rank until after recon. It was a grace period. Fang didn't mention it, but it was also the only time that one could walk out of the contract. It also meant that due to the rules set and voted upon Fang had one more week to convince Ivory to leave. He could not kill her now, but he could act in other ways.
Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a flip phone. Pressing a number on it he listened to the ring form the other side. It didn't take too long before Bullseye picked up. "Come to the office. We have much to discuss about your failures." Fang didn't wait for Bullseye to respond he shut the phone with a snap.
Intertwining his hands, Fang turned the chair so that he was facing the window and looking out of it. One week. He had one week to get Ivory to leave and prevent Smiles from entering the game of kings.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 14, 2012 23:25:37 GMT -5
Ivory knew for a fact that what Fang said in response to her words had been a lie. A good number of the members had made it clear that they didn't want her in the committee. She would just have to keep a careful eye on her back. Never the less, she acknowledged Fang's words with a nod of her head. Since it looked like there really wasn't anything else to do, she glanced over as Smiles stood. It was time to leave. Nodding her head at Fang politely, she turned and left.
It felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders once they left Fang's office. She knew that Fang didn't appear to be thrilled with her there. Whatever his reasons were, she couldn't guess. All she knew was that for now, she'd have to be careful with those that she came across. Thankfully, none tried to kill her other than Bullseye so far. Even still, she didn't want for any others to try and make any attempts. It would be best for her to just remain wary.
Following Smiles all the way back into the common room, Ivory tilted her head as he spoke. Smiles would be taking his leave of her for business of his own. That was fine, she figured that he'd have to eventually carry on with whatever things he had to do here. It would be foolish and selfish of her to expect to stick around with him all day. "Alright, thank you, Smiles!" she said but he didn't even wait for a response and simply headed off.
Unsure of what to do, Ivory glanced around the common room. She knew she should grab a bite to eat, she was just seeing if there was anyone else in the room other than herself and the cook nearby. Seeing no one, Ivory turned toward the area where the cook was and walked over to the serving station. "Um...hello? Could you tell me what you have for a menu, please?" she asked the cook.
The cook showed her a list of what they made here and Ivory scanned it to see what sounded appealing. She figured that something simple but big enough to hold her for the rest of the day, worse case scenario, would be good enough. So, she picked out a meatball grinder with milk being her drink choice. As the cook turned further into the kitchen from the serving area, Ivory took a seat nearby and patiently waited. It felt good to sit now and then. Maybe she could sneak in a nap? Probably not, she didn't think she could sleep out here without fearing someone would try to slit her throat while she slept.
Ivory wasn't aware of the fact that there were schemes being formed to get rid of her in a week. In fact, she didn't even know of the plans that lay in store for her, things that were expected of her. She was a pawn in all of this and wasn't even aware of it.
As time passed, she heard the cook call out to her and got up. Walking over to the serving station, she took the plate with the nice sized meatball grinder on it and her drink. "Thank you!" she said. Turning away, she found a table in the common room and seated herself at it. Quietly, she began to eat and drink. At least this would keep her busy.
'Guess this is home for a while...not sure how long I'll last but it's somewhere to stay for now,' she thought. As she ate, she couldn't help but wonder about where Darius was and if he was even bothering to try and find her. Even more, she dreaded to think what he would say if he knew of the things she did since their separation. Where her heart was generally good, her will power was weak. Even if Darius found her, she wasn't sure if even he could pull her out of this situation. She was already too far in and now it looked like there was no turning back. If she tried to turn back, she wouldn't doubt it if the others here would try to kill her for it. Yes, Ivory was certainly stuck.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 15, 2012 14:43:25 GMT -5
While Ivory enjoyed her time in the common room, Smiles walked up another flight of stairs and past the conference room. Coming around the corner he stopped finally at main office. Smiles was never one to knock despite whose room it might be. So he went ahead and walked right into the room.
Sure enough Snake was sitting at his desk. Set up similar to Fang's office there were some differences. For one there was no window to Snake's back. Instead there was a single wall where gun after gun hung from holsters on the wall. There was everything from mini pistols and a pair of six shooters too a large sniper rifle and machine gun.
The place had Snake's own touch to it as well. The wallpaper was similar to that of a desert. There was a skeleton bird that acted as a coat hanger resting on a pole and small tray. The coat that hung on the bird's wing was a brown trench coat dusted with sand and dirt.
Snake himself was an older man with long black hair and green eyes. On his head was a black cowboy hat trimmed with red. He was a strong looking man as was noticeable by the way his black shirt hugged his muscular torso. Even though you couldn't see what pants he wore, there was no doubt that he was wearing his regular black bell bottoms.
Looking up Snake gave Smiles his regular mad expression. It wasn't that Snake was angry at Smiles, rather Snake naturally had a tough guy kind of attitude. "Close the door." It was a command and that was exactly what it sounded like. Smiling, as he always does, Smiles shut the door behind him.
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"I don't feel safe. The monsters could jump out at any moment. We should leave. Run. Run. Run."
"No kill. They all deserve sweet, glorious death. Kill them all. Let's watch them suffer. Kill. Kill. Kill."
"What if they don't like us. Let's just curl in our circle. We need protection. Circle. Circle. Circle." The voices said to Tears as she walked down the hallway. The voices all sounded like her, as was right since they were all inside her head. They were her manifested worries and they never shut up.
Sometimes they were easier to diminish and that was what she did. She focused on what was in front of her, letting her drive sound them out. It was a little trick she had learned. Coming to the common room, she came to a stop upon seeing Ivory. So she was here....
Tears was only sixteen years old. She was dressed in her common white suit coat and black dress shirt and pants. A blue scarf was tied around her neck and it matched the ribbon wrapped around her white top hat.
"Kill her! Run! Why me? Save her!" Four voices said at once and the frustration of it all made her eyes to go wide. She smiled doing her best to sing a happy song and drown them out as she walked over to Ivory.
"And who might you be?" She asked, but it came off creepily.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 15, 2012 22:08:07 GMT -5
As she was eating, Ivory could hear footsteps coming down the hall. They were some distance away, nothing to be alarmed about just yet. Even still, she made a note to eat a bit faster. There was no telling who she might encounter. Who the owner of those footsteps were.
As they kept getting closer, her spine couldn't help but tingle uncertainly. Hopefully, for her sake, it wasn't anyone violent. She wasn't aware of the voices going through the girl's head whom was coming into the common room. If she were, he would be alarmed at this point since some wanted her dead. The sound of someone singing reached her ears. It was a girl's voice no older than her from the sound of it.
Looking over, Ivory's eyes fell upon a wide eyed girl with a white top hat perched upon her head. Her eyes looked rather eerie. Then again, Smiles's eyes were wide open most of the time too. It looked like she was coming her way. Bracing herself within, Ivory paused when the girl spoke to her. She had to be around sixteen or so. This girl wasn't all that older than she was. The way she spoke though was rather creepy. 'No need to insult her, Ivory!' she thought.
Sure, this girl's voice was creepy but she wasn't about to tell her that. It was rude and could offend her. Ivory didn't want to end up in any unnecessary confrontations. "Oh um...my name's Ivory. I'm the new member. And you are?" she asked her politely. Carefully, she set down what was left of her grinder on her plate as she gave this new girl her full attention.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 16, 2012 13:21:41 GMT -5
Tears tilted her head. "I...vo...ry." She said sounding out the name. Such a name did mean something to her. This was indeed that one's sister. "Kill her! Run!" Those two voices were always the loudest in her head. The one that wanted to kill everything was her angry and rage. The second was the part inside her that wanted to run and never turn back. She saw danger in every corner.
But Tears said nothing to the voices. "We don't need a new member." She said rather blatantly. It was more of something she was saying to herself, not Ivory. But she said it aloud anyway.
Looking Ivory up and down what she said was directed to her. "Your but a child! What can a child like you do?" This was odd coming from a sixteen year old. Tears was younger then Ivory, yet the way she acted it was almost as if she thought she was the older one.
"Whose pet are you then?" She asked. She knew very well of course whose pet she was, but she wanted to hear what Ivory thought of being someone's pet.
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Smiles shut the door behind him, having finished his meeting with Snake. He was now all caught up with what was going on within the committee. There would be a conference tomorrow, and that would be Ivory's chance to really see how things worked in the organization.
Walking past the conference room and back down the hallway, he entered the common room at just about the same time that Tears had asked whose pet she was. Before Ivory could respond though, Smiles spoke up. "She is no one's pet. But I am her mentor."
Tears looked a little surprised by his sudden entrance. Smiles grinned at that. "This is the first time I've seen you in a month Smiles. Still smiling I see."
"And I see you are still hearing voices." That caught Tears off guard. She took a step back and a look of fear crossed her face.
Coming to a stop next to Ivory, Smiles looked down at her. She had been eating her dinner.
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Post by Sprow on Mar 17, 2012 0:29:57 GMT -5
Ivory watched the teenager sound out her name slowly. Was she doing that to remember her name or something? Did she hear of the name before? Ivory peered back at her, puzzled before the girl finally turned her attention on Ivory once more. It seemed like the girl's eyes were somewhat distant at the moment but yet focusing in now and then. Ivory wasn't stupid, she knew there was something off about this young girl.
Her eyebrows raised slightly when the girl stated that they didn't need a new member. Was she going to try and attack Ivory? Thoughts of eating in peace had left Ivory at this point. At least she had managed to eat enough where it wouldn't disappoint her to have to waste what was left to defend her life, should she have to.
The girl made a point to look her up and down before stating that she was just a child. Honestly, it was odd to hear that coming from someone that looked maybe two years younger than herself. The way this girl was acting, it were as if she believed she was the older of the two here. Ivory blinked back at her as she questioned her as to what she could do. "...Uh...well...I've been training. I've also killed targets before, one being a keyblader..." Ivory wasn't exactly sure what to tell this girl. She didn't reveal the fact that she had an ancient armor she used to fight with. Not many saw it, save for Bullseye and Smiles.
If she didn't think this girl's rude attitude could go any further, Ivory was mistaken. Next, she went on to question her as to whose pet she was. Ivory hadn't a clue who this girl was but she opened her mouth to speak. Before she could answer, another voice spoke up, cutting her off. Blinking, Ivory turned her head toward Smiles as he approached them. He had returned from whatever it was that he had been doing. Inwardly, she was relieved he had arrived. Ivory wasn't sure how things were going to turn out with this girl.
The girl seemed to back of a bit, focusing on Smiles then. Apparently, she hadn't seen him in a month and mentioned he smiled just as much as ever. Well, that wasn't a surprise. Ivory often saw Smiles smiling. What he said in response seemed to take the girl off guard as her face seemed to become fearful. Hearing voices still? How did Smiles know that?
Coming to a stop to stand next to where she sat, Smiles looked down at her. "Hello again, sir." It had surprised her how fast he returned. She had nearly finished her food before then. If the girl from before hadn't interrupted her, Ivory might've just finished eating by the time he got here.
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