The Adorable Archfae - vol. 01

"If he wanted to replace the rulers with himself he would have continued on the whole rich asshole route that his father had picked out for him. Micah is down here in the trenches with us. You can trust him." Sean nods along as you ask to see Micah and talk with him in person. "I figured you might say that. Come on, let’s go see the man."

The two of you hop on a bus and ride back towards Micah’s neighborhood. You have to walk a couple of blocks to reach it and most of this is done in silence. When you finally reach the familiar home, Sean knocks on the door. It is answered by Micah himself.

He looks considerably better than he did the night before. The scared look in his eyes is entirely gone. At first you think he looks tired but on a closer look you get the feeling that he is just a solemn kind of guy. He gives off the aura of a monk. Micah gives you both a small smile and moves out of the way so you can walk inside.

Micah shows you to the living room where everyone sits on old and expensive looking sofas. "Hello. Sean tells me that I have you to thank for getting me home safely last night. He says you stood up for a scared man running from a whole group of tough looking customers." He smirks at Sean. "That was a very selfless thing to do. Thank you."

He sounds very sincere; even if he does not appear to remember exactly what happened when he was, for lack of a better phrase, a dog. The way his voice sounds reminds you of a preacher. One of those ones you might see on TV. It is comforting and hard to stop listening to, but in a practiced and manufactured way.

It is clear from Lex's face she was not expecting her request to work. As she follows Sean she's on alert for any sign of an ambush, even as the walk up to the house. She uncertainly tugs the hat on her head down slightly, to be sure the circlet is concealed. Perhaps if this was all true she would eventually let them no. For now though that was asking for her to get offed so they could claim the circlet.

She studies Micah carefully, barely sitting, ready to run if she needs to.

'Well I didn't exactly have anything better to do. And I'd heard the rumours. The more I know what is going on with the kidnappings the more I can ensure the few people I care about don;t go that way.' She tries to stay guarded. She still wasn't convinced this all wasn't a show for her benefit.

'So, if I did sign up, what would you all have me, and the others you convince do?'

Micah shakes his head when you mention the kidnappings. You can see the frustration on his face. "We’re doing all we can to put a stop to that operation. The efforts are not going unnoticed by the group responsible as they have started a propaganda campaign putting the blame on me. Rest assured, we aim to shut down that exploitative fight club down for good as soon as possible.

"They are using similar recruiting tactics to our own. They look for people fed up with being kept down by a system that ignores them and promise a better life. Once they get you within their grasp, you end up drugged with a collar around your neck. Next thing you know you are being forced to fight other captives for the entertainment of Crowfall's elite." Micah shakes his head in disgust. "It has been a hard battle going after them but you certainly wouldn’t be put in harm's way if you aren't comfortable with it.

"I’m not going to lie to you and say this work doesn’t get messy from time to time. Unfortunately, revolutions aren’t bloodless. We have plenty that are willing to fight for us and many more that offer their talents in other ways. Cooks to man our soup kitchen, therapists to talk to those that need someone to actually hear to them for a change, carpenters, drivers, logistics, organizational skills, computer programming... Everyone has a talent that can lend a hand. People tell us what their talent is and we figure out how it can help others."

'Where is it?' The words slipped out of her mouth before she could think. 'Do you know? Perhaps if someone could get in as a fighter?...' She was partially musing to herself. If she knew the location then no matter who was running it shoe could shut it down. Though at the same time in the ring she would have no magic.

'I guess that is a foolish thought. Though the other things you say. I can't cook worth a damn, and would be a hypocritical therapist. If he was being genuine, such things did seem like a good idea. 'I guess i could try my hand at building something.

She still had no idea who was being truthful or not. She wanted to ask about Brian's friend, but would it get him into more trouble.

'Would I still be able to talk to be? Only Brian, he said he;s lost all contact with the friend who joined you.' She wouldn't mention the late night meeting not yet.

"I’m afraid the actual bouts are mobile. Sometimes in the sewers themselves, but more frequently inside the inaccessible estates of Crowfall’s elite."

Micah smiles when you suggest you would be willing to assist his organization. "That's great to hear. The infrastructure in this town, as I’m sure you know, is in need of quite a few repairs. Not to mention some of the less fortunate who can’t afford the upkeep on the homes they live in. We try our best to help in both areas. Sean will give you the numbers of some foremen that would love to have some help. And of course, you would be compensated with a fair wage for your time."

Micah looks troubled when you mention Brian losing contact with his friend. Micah looks to Sean who displays a befuddled expression. "Do you know the name of this gentleman? We aren’t in the business of telling anyone who they can and cannot associate with. Nor where they are allowed to go. If this young man is affiliated with us, you have my word we will find out what is going on."

'I suppose that does make sense.' There went the easy way.

She tense as she is asked the name. Still if she didn't mention that he turned up at Brian's it would be okay right? 'I think he said it was Todd?

The more she listened the more he was seeming sincere. That was probably the point though right. Sound good on paper, then when she turned up at one of the foremen get jumped? Or was it truly someone else jumping people

Micah searches his memory but can’t seem to recall anyone by the name of Todd. He looks to Sean, but the second in command also shakes his head indicating his lack of recognition. "Don’t worry. We’ll keep an eye out for him and I’ll make sure to meet with everyone that is going after the group in the sewers to see if they might know something." The phone rings and Micah gets up from his chair. He reaches out a hand for you to shake.

"Thank you again for making sure I got home safely the other night. And for being open-minded about my... condition. It isn’t easy to let people see you at your worst. I hope we can speak again soon." He walks off into the kitchen to answer the phone and Sean shows you out.

The two of you walk down the street in silence for a little while before Sean asks, "So, Lex... what you thinking? We still seem like the boogeymen of Crowfall?"

'If what you say is true.. then I can understand not having the best parents, and being affected by such things.' She takes his hand. Her response is still slightly guarded, but if it was true she was truly sympathetic for him. As he leaves she wonders if there is a way to listen in on the call, before Sean shows her out

'I don't know. I am so used to people selling lies, to scams, to trying to seem holier than thou to take advantage of people like me. We have so little many will jump on anything. I'm going to need to see it to believe it. But I will help. Plus if she helped she may be able to get more information. The fact Todd had warned Brian away from Micah specifically, that was at least one reason to still watch her guard.

"I don’t blame you for being skeptical," Sean responds. "You’d be dumb not to be. But if this city is ever going to get better, people gotta start trusting each other and taking action against those that think only for themselves." You guys stop walking, only about a half block from Micah’s house. Sean looks you up and down and suppresses a smile.

"No offense, Lex, but you don’t strike me as someone that is going to last 10 minutes on a construction site swinging a hammer." He holds a hand to stop you from responding. "Now don’t go trying to make me out to be some kind of chauvinist male. I’ve known plenty of women that knew their way around construction better than most guys. I think you latching onto that job when Micah mentioned it is just you being guarded again. You not wanting to let anyone know about your real talents; as if they would diminish in value if not kept secret.

"Again, don’t take this the wrong way. Your friend Brian is the type I see volunteering for whatever odd jobs he needs to pay the bills. You’re a different kind of survivor with a very different kind of skill set. I’m going to level with you here, because like I said earlier, we’re real big on honesty. Micah is the idealistic heart of the organization. I’m the pragmatic brawn. I am always on the lookout for talent for more... covert ops. You think you got the skills and interest for that, then we should talk some more. If not, have fun swinging a hammer."

It has only been about a minute or two since you left Micah's house. It is possible you could excuse yourself and circle back around to spy on Micah. He may or may not still be on the phone.

'You're making it sound like I know my real talents, if I have any? I'm not exactly well schooled, didn't really get a chance to figure things out. I would trust myself with a hammer more than a pot and soup for example.' She shrugs, thinking carefully as he continued speaking. Why did he think that. He didn't suspect anything did he? If he did now was not the time to try and act suspicious by doubling back.

'It depends what you mean by covert. I may have picked up a few ways to increase the likely hood of getting food for the night. Though I'm definitely not the only one. It also depends on what these covert ops are?' A trick, or a way to find out more of what was going on. She wasn't sure. But as long as she kept the circlet a secret, she should have an edge in she got in over her head.

"The group of us you saw in the sewer last night; all ‘agents.’ Highly skilled and gifted athletes. You were able to keep up with us in unfamiliar territory. And living the life you live has to mean you have all kinds of survival skills. This usually includes being pretty damn good at getting into places you aren't meant to be in. Not to mention you got this cool ‘I don’t give a shit’ attitude about everything. Nothing seems to fluster little Lex, here."

The two of you start walking down the street again. With no destination in mind, there is no need to hurry, so the two of you walk rather slowly. "Covert ops means exactly what you think it means. Gathering intel on our enemies and taking action when we deem it is necessary. Some agents are more social. We send them to parties held by the elites to gather information on whether they are up to no good. If they can get some dirt to blackmail them, all the better. Other agents are better at stealth. Get in, gather what you can, get out. Some are good at both. These types, unfortunately, are put in harm’s way more than anyone else. They become double agents. We got one inside the fighting ring right now. At least I think we do. Lost contact about a week ago."

'To be flustered is to show a weak point. Also yes if you've lived how I have its often the same old shit. What you are suggesting is new though, I will admit that. Yes maybe from time to time I've had to be.. a bit forceful in my entry to get food or a bed.'

She lets out a long sigh. 'I have to admit, information gathering is what I was considering anyway as I still.. don't quite know what to think. So a direction in which way to go would be good.. especially these underground rings you talk of.I am used to being in harms way.

Sean smiles and nods his head. "Glad to hear my intuition is still working pretty well." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet. He has a host of business cards and scraps of paper with names and numbers written on them. He hands you one. "This is for Eddie Buckner; a foreman working on renovating a low income housing apartment building a few blocks from here. He works with us and is willing to teach unskilled workers how to do the job. In exchange, Micah supplements both Eddie's and his employees incomes so everyone is happy. Give him a call in the morning if you want to go that route."

He slides the wallet back into his pocket. "If you are interested in the work we just talked about, go home and get some sleep. We got word of a fight happening tonight. You want to come along and get a glimpse at what we do, meet my man Dr. Moon outside the 7-11 on Winslow street at 2 AM." He gives you a little wave and moves to cross the street, walking away from you.

You return to Brian’s place and are surprised to find Brian, Brie, and Magpie all sitting on the floor around the coffee table with smiles on their faces. They have sheets of paper in front of them and Magpie has her dice strewn about the table.

"We’re playing superheroes!" Brie shouts. Magpie frequently tries to get you to play tabletop RPGs with her. Everyone at the table seems to be having a great time. You notice a couple of pizza boxes on the stove.

"Help yourself," Brian tells you.

"And then get your ass down here and roll up a character," Magpie adds.

"Yeah, get your ass down here!" Brie mimics her, causing Brian to give Magpie a dirty look.

Lex bites her tongue to avoid making a comment about the name 'Dr.Moon' as she tucks the card in her pocket and nods. 'I will, have a think.' It was the perfect set up for a trap, but also if it was true, she needed information on the fight.

Just before she enters Brian's she steels herself for a frosty reception, so for a moment she just stands staring, before walking over to grab pizza. All this being on edge works up an appetite.

She gives Magpie a careful look as she sits down. 'Superhero's huh. What brought that choice? And I see you've got acquainted quickly'

"Of course I did. Everyone loves me." Magpie says and blows you a kiss. "Unlike some mopey people I hang out with way too much." You guys talk, joke around, and eat cold pizza for a few hours. All in all, it is a very enjoyable evening. Brian eventually tells Brie she has to get ready for bed and after a bit of fighting she finally relents. Brian excuses himself to take care of his mother, which leaves you alone with Magpie for the first time since you arrived.

"Oh my god, I am dying here, Lex. Fill me in on the big meet up. You have no idea how fucking relived I was when you buzzed the intercom." She gets very serious. "I really wasn’t sure I’d ever see you again." And then she punches you in the arm as hard as she can. "You jerk."

'Hey!' She swatsat her before leaning back with a sigh. 'Well I wasn' t kidnapped and forced to be in an u dergroud ring, which is a start. Though that may happen too ight. I met Micah but I still can't get a read on them, if they're being sincere or not.

She fills her in on the details, often glancing towards the doorstop make sure Brie and Brian didn't accidentally overhear.

"That’s kind of weird." She crosses her arms over her chest, foot tapping on the ground, as she thinks about everything you told her. "It almost sounds like a different person then the rumor I’ve heard. This Micah just sounds like a good natured rich guy; as if that actually exists. The way I heard it, he literally flies through the streets at night commanding this army of do-gooders. That could just be exaggerated rumors though. You know how people are."

An idea comes to mind and she snaps her fingers. "So I’m assuming you’re going to meet with this Dr. Moon guy, right? Sounds dangerous, but worth it. Why don’t you give me Micah’s address? I can sneak around and see if I can find any information. Gotta be safer than me tagging along to an underground fighting ring, right? And there is no way you’re telling me I can’t do either. I’m helping one way or the other." She gives you a look just daring you to say no.

'Yeah...I still wonder if he's really that 'Micah' though yeah people love to twist stories...I dare not look whats already being said about last nights fiasco.'

She narrows her eyes slightly. 'Surely you can help by babysitting? Do I need to remind you want happened last time?' There's a protective tone in her voice. 'I mean we don't even know if this guy has powers.'

Magpie rolls her eyes and looks incredibly annoyed. "You can’t keep throwing that in my face. You know I am just as smart and as capable as you are. So I made a mistake and got caught once. Big deal. Doesn't mean it is going to happen every single time I help you. And believe me," she reaches out a finger and starts poking you with each word "I am going to be helping you.

"You could walk right into Leapfrog and not recognize him. You’re a guppy among sharks. I am the one making sure you don’t get eaten. You’re the muscle and I’m the brains, baby!" She gets serious. "You can’t keep turning away help forever or pretend like babysitting is really helping you. Brian’s a big boy and has a good grip on things here. Let me do this, Lex."

'Who the fuck is Leapfrog?' Lex proves Magpies point as she frown. 'I' m not just muscle I can be smart to. And if you get hurt who's going to tell me was ashole villain I need to kick next? '

She manages to stay strong for a moment before esighing. ' You're gonna follow me if I say no aren't you.... Fine.