The Adorable Archfae - vol. 01

You mumble incoherent rants to yourself as you walk down the streets during this sweltering heat wave and are forced to see so many air conditioners hanging on the windowsills of wonderfully cooled down apartments. Some people just don't know how good they have it. You continue along the street with no clear destination in mind while trying to avoid direction sunlight for just a little while. As you turn the corner you come across a busy street filled with people who aren't wealthy enough to afford air conditioning and have to find more creative ways to beat the heat.

Smiling kids are running up and down the street as water flies into the air from a popped fire hydrant. They dance, laugh, and chase each other without a care in the world. Even some of the parents join in, while others keep to the shade of the sidewalk and joke around with each other. It is an all around jubilant atmosphere. All except one little boy who holds a mostly untouched melting popsicle and seems transfixed by the water draining into the sewer.

You can't help but wonder exactly what the kid is seeing; especially after remembering the rumors you have been hearing about some strange man recruiting people and taking them deep underground beneath the streets of Crowfall. In addition to the extensive sewer system, the city is home to a very robust subway network. Practically every square inch of Crowfall has tunnels below it. While you initially wrote off the rumors as silly a conspiracy theory, the existence of this network of tunnels does at least make it possible.

"Eric, time to come in." A woman shouts and the kid snaps out of it. "Let's get you cleaned up in time for dinner." The kid smiles when he remember he has a popsicle. He greedily tries to devour it and winches at the ice cream headache before running back inside.

You can't help but look down through the sewer grate, but don't see anything that would have captured the kid's attention so vividly. There are still a few hours before the sun goes down and a relative escape from the heat can rush over the city.

What are your plans for the rest of the evening and going into the night?

She didn't care. She shouldn't care. It wasn't any of her business. Except that damn fairy had had to die and make her business. As she stares at the drain she tries to think like a kid, but that time was far gone. He probably wasn't aware of light reflections or something. Probably.

She tugs her beanie down, as if it would help with the heat. The weight of the circlet underneath was ever present. She should try and give it away. Except part of her already let her know that wouldn't work. She was stuck with it. For now.

She sighs and makes a mental note of the house. Perhaps she could catch the boy at some point, ask what he had seen. If not she would be the victim of endless nagging from Magpie. For now though she needed shelter. The heat made it even more urgent. Hopefully she would find a place we air conditions, or at least a freezer she could sleep by.

She tells herself she is purely looking for signs that a house is inhabited for a time so she could break in and squat, yet her eyes keep flicking around, at people, at side alleys, at drains Just in case something was up. Not that she cared.

The sun slowly drops in the sky but the heat is stubborn and doesn't seem to abate at all. The streets are pretty lively because of it though. Those without air conditioning don't want to be cooped up inside and it is pretty easy to tell which houses have people home too, because of the sound of the AC motors running at full blast.

What does catch your eye is two kids walking hurriedly down the street. The older boy is probably about 15 while his little sister is maybe 6 or 7. She is way, way too overdressed for the weather; wearing a big, baggy windbreaker. You watch as they pair walks up to a fresh fruits and veggies stand. The boy stands so he is blocking the shop keep's vision as the little girls gingerly reaches out her hands and pockets as much food as she can. The boy keeps talking about being given a chance to work for the shop keep until the little girl gives him a pat on the leg, the signal that she's done, and he abruptly cuts off his speech and thanks the man for his time before he can even get a reply.

The pair turns to walk away but the little girl doesn't move as the two of you make direct eye contact. Like a deer in headlights, her eyes go wide. She knows you saw everything and freezes. Her brother tries to get her to walk, pulling her by the hand but she doesn't budge. When the apple falls out of her jacket pocket they both freeze.

"Hey!" The shop keep shouts. "You filthy kids, get back here!" Finally the girl snaps out of it and runs alongside her brother down the nearest alleyway.

It was the perfect opportunity. She waits for the shopkeeper to run after the kids, she can move in and grab wahtever hse want. Perfect opportunity, she could have food for a while.She would be fine. The kids may not.

'Ah fuck' She grumbles to herself before she starts to run towards the ally. 'I'll get them mister, watch your store' She calls out. She slows her run the second she is sure she is out of sight.

Yo. Just wanna talk. I don't care 'bout some missing carrots or apples o whatever. He can afford to miss a few. She calls towards the fleeing bodies.

The kids slow down to a jog before turning to face you. The older brother shields his sister, placing himself between you and her.

"What do you want?" he asks while trying to sound tough. "Look, we don't want any trouble, ok? We're just hungry. Our mom got sick and money is tight."

The little girl pokes her head out from around her brother to get a look at you, and then darts back into cover.

The fear in the little girl's face fades away as she realizes you mean them no harm. Her older brother remains suspicious. "Its not that I don't want help. Obviously we're desperate, but excuse me for not trusting you right now. There hasn't exactly been a lot of people jumping in line to help us out. I can't take any risk that would leave my mom and sister on their own. Right now, you're sounding an awful lot like the last bunch of Micah's men that tried to talk me into joining them. If you got handouts, I'll take whatever you're giving, but if you're trying to recruit me again, the answer is still no."

'I mean if you trusted me straight away I'd call you an idiot.' She leans back against the all, crossing her arms. 'Who's this Micha? I assure you have no intention of making a crew.'

"You haven't heard of him? Where you from? I feel like his people have approached everyone in the neighborhood. I've never met Micah, himself. I don't know anyone that has. His people show up offering promises of a better life and talk about how Micah is going to 'cast off the shackles and free us from the oppressors.' Even an idiot like me is smart enough to not fall for that crap. But I know people who did join up. Haven't seen any of them sense."

"That's because they moved on to a better life, son." A small group of men step out from around the corner behind the brother and sister. The pair jumps at the intrusion and the brother rapidly shifts his sister around so she is now shielded from the new comers instead of from you. The little girl turns and looks to you with fear in her eyes once more. Her grip on her brother's hand is turning his fingers white.

"Look, I already told you guys I'm not interested. Why don't--"

"And that is your choice. But we can't have you out here slinging mud around about Micah and what w're trying to do." The leader of the group, who is doing all of the talking, tilts his head to the side so he can see around the boy and get a better look at you. "I don't believe we've met before. Do you have a few minutes to talk?"

'Wait, he's one of those strangers dragging people underground? Was thinkin those were just the latest urban legend' Preferable to a flying fairy at least. She was still dreading the moment that rumour started flying.

As the men turned up she immediately straightens up, ready to engage in fight or flight. 'Depends on what you want to say. I don't think much of people who scare kids.' Only because it meant they could be dangerous to her as well of course.

The new arrival smirks at your comment. "Micah is most certainly not the one responsible for the dragging people into the god forsaken tunnels beneath Crowfall. That is exactly the type of evil we are trying to combat in order to give this fine city back to the people that sacrifice so much to keep it running." The man and his cronies begin to walk down the alley, aiming to breeze right past the young man and his sister as if they weren't even there. To everyone's surprise, the brother steps forward to block their path.

The two of them lock eyes for a moment before Micach's mouthpiece holds up his hands as if to say 'I'm not looking for a fight.'

"I feel like tensions are running unnecessarily high. And besides that, a dank alleyway is no place for a civilized discussion. Why don't I take us all out for dinner and we can talk things over like rational adults?"

'That's exactly what someone who;s boss is dragging people into godforskaen tunnels would say.' Lex does not relax, eyes trying to take in the men, keeping and eye out for any openings if they decide they aren't happy with no.

'Unfortunately I am not a rational adult, that's why I'm out here.' The offer of food was appealing, but she;d find some eventually and it was an easy way for a trap. She doubted someone looking after a girl so old would turn down such offers unless there was a genuine concern.

'Tell you what, you give me the quick version of the pitch, then I decide if I meet up with you on a different night for a longer chat, after I make sure these two are safe.'

The man smiles at your offer and in unison the men behind him mimic the same used car salesman smile. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a business card. "You don't seem to be in the most receptive of moods tonight. How about you contact me at your convenience. We can meet when and wherever you want. And of course, I will fit the bill." He holds the card before his lips and blows outward. The business card floats up and over the two kids before fluttering and falling at your feet face up. It is a blank white card with a phone number in solid black letters. No name or address. "I look forward to hearing from you." The group of men then turn and begin to walk away. Just as the reach the corner, the leader turns and looks directly at the older brother. "Offer still stands for you too, Brian."

Brian's hand tightens it grip on his sister's hand until the men are completely gone. Brian then turns and addresses you while looking at his feet. "Umm, thanks for backing me up there."

'Flashy.' She speaks deadpan, but does pick the card up. 'I'll thinking about it' It's clear from her tone theres no promises. She needs to figure out whats up first.

'Eh, I just hate it when people try and one-up my offer to give help' She responds to the boy, Brian he was called, as she stretches, finally relaxes. 'So what's their deal and why is it a bad one?'

"I wish I knew all the details myself. That's the third time they've come to see me like that, showing up seemingly out of nowhere." Brian's head is darting back and forth as if he expects them to show up right behind him at any second.

"The first time I thought they were creepy and said no. The second time, I was with my buddy Todd. We took them up on their offer and they bought us dinner. Talked about brotherhood and taking back the streets from people that sit in mansions and count money all day. They said if we came with them we could make a difference. All sounded like bullsh--" he looks down at his sister and bites his tongue.

"All sounded like, umm, total phooey. But Todd was super into it. Kept trying to convince me to join up with him. I haven't seen him in a month. I went to talk to his parents and they slammed the door in my face. Wouldn't say a word to me. None of my others friends have seen him either. A few nights ago I--" he takes another look at his sister's face with is increasing so more and more fear.

"I gotta get her home, fed, and into bed. You, uh. Man, I don't know the correct way to say this, but you don't look like you're doing a lot better than we are. You can crash on our couch if you want. Not like mom will notice. I don't think she knows what her own name is most of the time anymore... I hope you don't think I'm hitting on you or something... oh god, that sounded super awkward, didn't it? I'm sorry..." His sister starts laughing.

"Ohhhhh, Brian has a cruuuusssssh."

"Shut up, Brie!" The little girl just keeps laughing and Brian can't bring himself to look you in the eye.

'Huh. Perhaps worthwhile looking into a free meal at least then' She looks at the card. Magpie had better not learn of this. They would insist she agree to go along with it and see where the kids were taken. Or worse go themselves.

'I get the sentiment, but I find those preaching it only want to take the mansions for themselves and use us lot as fodder.' If she could find the men perhaps she could follow them, see where they went, better than willing walking into the lions den. Wait no. This wasn't her problem to deal with.

She breaks out of her thoughts at the offer, which just causes a smirk, even with Brian's awkwardness. 'I've been at this gig for a while, I'm fine. Though not used to crashing on a sofa while others are in the house..maybe one night. Though I still need to find you two..me that food.'

Brie gives a little sheepish smile and opens up her windbreaker to reveal their haul for the night. It seems they have sewn in some makeshift pockets and they are packed the nines with stolen food. Most of it is junk food, but there is also the small bit of fruit stolen from the vendor earlier that Brie managed to hold onto. "I told him I didn't want to go after the apples. Bleh. We got more than enough. But nooooo. He doesn't listen to anything I say."

"We can't live off of Cheetos and chocolate, Brie." The little girl just rolls her eyes and closes the jacket back up. "Her skill at picking this stuff off unnoticed seems to be directly tied to how tasty the food we're trying to get is. Isn't that right, you little pig." Brie sticks her tongue out at her brother and he rolls his eyes in return. "We haven't had a real meal in a few days. Just this kind of stuff. You know anyplace we could get something good without having to sell our souls to Micah?"

'Annoyingly he has a point.' She grins at Brie. 'Even though they are boring.'

'Yep' She keeps grinning as she gestures to various houses. 'If you meant a place that didn't involve breaking and entering, they sometimes crop up, but eventually they go away again. Giving food away to us 'lazy lot' isn't profitable.

"Yeah, I've tried some soup kitchens and food banks. They are a total joke in this town. You're more likely to get a knuckle sandwich than a BLT. So screw it, I'm in. Let me take Brie home and then you can show me how it's done." Brie tries to put up a fight about coming along, but eventually gives in when Brian tells her she can eat as much of the junk food as she wants until he gets back. You walk with them back to their apartment building and wait outside while he runs Brie upstairs.

Not 10 seconds after they go inside you hear the sound of sneakers smacking rapidly into puddles coming up from the sewer drain. You take a step into the street and peer into the darkness below just in time to see the blur of a person run past which is then followed by a dozen or more dark shapes chasing after it.

'Of bloody course.' She shouldn't have thought being able to get an easy bed for the night would be easy. Of course she could just ignore it. She didn't even know if the person needed help. Brian would wonder where she went.

Yet even as her brain tried to argue ignorance her feet were moving. She would just check it out, not necessarily intervene, she told her self even as she tried to identify the figures she was chasing.

You slide through the sewer grating and drop into the darkness below. The sound of your landing echos off the walls but there is enough noise down here that the men and woman in front of you do not notice.

The sewer tunnels are absurdly spacious and you are able to stick to the shadows while tailing the large group, just in case any of them happen to turn around. The are dressed in dark clothing, mostly black jeans or work pants, with t-shirts or tank tops to try and keep cool in the heat wave. All of them appear to be unarmed.

The chase drags on for longer than you would like as their prey frequently changes direction when they approach a fork. You cannot quite make out the appearance of the individual they are chasing but it is clear they are alone and feel threatened.

Tired and sweaty, you fail to notice the group slowing down and when you turn to follow them around the next corner you slam into the back of one of them and are knocked to the cold moist ground. Looking ahead you see that their target has run down a dead end and is backed into a corner. They are hunched over with their hands on their knees trying to catch their breath. Their basketball shorts and t-shirt are soaked with sweat. You would guess the man is in his late 20's, early 30's. He has a shaved head and a couple days of beard growth.

None of the individuals that were chasing this man even appear slightly winded. They seemingly forget about the original target and all turn to face you. A man works his way through the group and offers a hand to help you back to your feet. You are not at all surprised to see it is the same man you spoke to in the alley earlier in the evening.

"Didn't think I'd be seeing you again so soon. You really should have called to make an appointment though."

Well this was great. She should have stuck with the free couch. She grits her teeth but accepts the hand. She needed to lowe their guard if she was going to get out.

'Well Brian told me you want to take back the streets. That got me thinking.' She had to keep herusual sarcasm out of her voice, or this would go south. 'So when I saw someone who looked like they needed help I decided to jump in. Though a little dissapointed, you told me Micha wasn't the one dragging people into sewers.

The leader of the group looks back to the man they were chasing. When he returns his gaze to you he breaths out a sign of frustration and shakes his head. "I realize this doesn't look particularly good, but believe me, we are the good guys here. This man is confused and scared because was he taken from his home and dragged down here. We're rescuing him. The people that took him are not gentle. He is scared and not listening to reason because he thinks we're trying to take him back. If you are as invested in our mission statement as you say you are, then perhaps you should be the one to speak to him. Convince him to come above ground. That's all we want. We're not forcing anyone to do anything. Help us get him out of here, out of danger, and the two of you can go off on your own wherever you want. We just don't want him to be recaptured again."

The men and woman part, giving you a passage to the frightened man at the end of the tunnel. He is still breathing heavily and has a wild look of fear in his eyes, but he does not speak to confirm or deny what this man is telling you.

'Rescuing him from who?' She eyes the group cautiously, looking for the trick.

She makes no attempt to move forward as the group part. She didn't want to get trapped in a dead end with a bunch of goons behind her. Sadly it meant that they would all hear what was said between herself and the man. First important thing, get him out of the bad position he was in.

'You heard them mate. And whether they're telling the truth better you come over to me and we can chat with a tunnel behind us, instead of staying there with no escape route.'

The man is hesitant. His eyes dart from the group that chased him and back to you several times before he starts vigorously shaking his head up and down in the affirmative. He practically sprints to your side and offers a smile before he opens his mouth and barks. That's right. He barks like a dog. Several quick high pitched yelps that perfectly mimic the sound of a yippy little terrier. His eyes keep darting upward indicating that he at least understood everything that was being said and is on board with the plan to head up above ground.

Lex bites her tongue against making a sarcastic remark about how explaining is far easier than chasing. While trying to keep a stoic face she can't hide her surprise as the man barks. She tries to see if it is as surprising to the others even as she pulls herself up.

'Perhaps I should leave with him, he seems not fond of you guys for some reason.' The sarcasm was back. 'You just wanted him on the surface right? And then I can call you at some point about that dinner. When I find some change.'

All eyes are on you as you speak. No one makes a move to stop you or the man from walking toward the nearby ladder. You nudge the chased man forward to climb up first.

"Aren't things always a little more complicated than they seem? Fate seems to have intertwined our destines." The leader of the group tells you. "When we next meet, I'll answer all of your questions. I promise. In return, I hope you'll be more trusting at that time." He gives you a tip of the imagery hat and his group begins to walk off down the direction they came from in the sewer. As you start to climb the ladder, he shouts back one last time "I don't want to give you the wrong idea by walking away. We're not slinking back to our underground lair, if that is what you are thinking. Just giving you guys your space. We'll go topside a few blocks down. Have a wonderful night."

The cool yellowish red rays of the setting sun spill into the sewer as the barking man pushes up the manhole with ease. He motions for you to follow and gives another yelp of a bark.

Perhaps the man was speaking the truth. Or perhaps he felt gaining her trust by letting one of their victims go would be better in the long run. She scoffs at the idea of fate. No such thing. Just really irritating coincidences.

As they came up topside she looks around to try and get her bearings, figuring out if she could take the guy back to Brian's, and explain her disappearance. But then the guy was off, heading somewhere, but clearly wanting her to follow. She sighs and starts to do so. Onward then Lassi. Hopefully wherever she was being taken would give her answers.

You give chase after the man for what feels like hours. He seems to have nearly infinite amounts of stamina and despite the sweat dripping off his body, he never slows down. After running for blocks in the heat you are more than ready to give up when he suddenly skids to a stop.

Looking around you see that you have come a long way from Brian’s neighborhood. No one is out on the streets here. There are no broken or burnt out street lights. All of the cars parked on the street are luxury sedans and none of them are more than a few years old. The man you have jokingly dubbed Lassi barks a few more times while motioning his head to the house you both stand before.

You consider walking up the steps and knocking on the finely crafted wooden door but never get the chance. The door is thrown open and a woman in her early 60’s comes running down the steps to embrace the man in a tight hug. He barks several times in response.

"Oh my gosh, Micah. I was so worried. You’re going to give me a heart attack one of these days." The woman keeps an arm wrapped around the man and turns to address you. Her expression turns to one of slight distaste as she looks you up and down. "I suppose I have you to thank for my son’s safe return home?" She awkwardly looks up and down the street to see if any neighbors are watching the exchange. "Do you require some sort of monetary reward? I have my check book inside if you’ll just wait out here for a minute. I hope you understand."

Wait what. Micah? That was who was supposedly in charge of the men. Now she was really confused. She considers asking the lady what was up with the barking, but is immediately distracted by the mention of a reward. If the lady was offering she wasn't going to turn it down. Though the mention of a chequebook was troubling, having no bank account. Perhaps she could sweet talk someone into the bank to having it cashed out immediately.

'Well I just wanted to make sure he got home safely, but a little bit would be appreciated.' She should probably try and act not completely money grabbing. She pauses wondering if she should mention he was being chased by people, but right now she wasn't sure who fit where in this scheme of things.

The woman gives a simple nod and tells you she will be back in one moment. She takes her son inside and lightly closes the door behind her. After a minute, Micah can be seen in the window looking back out at you. His barks are muffled by the glass but you can still hear them. It has been a very strange night but Micah's goofy happy smile is nice to see.

The woman returns with a filled out check and hands it to you. It is made out to ‘Cash’ and is for $1,000.

"I hope that is adequate." She turns her head as you both hear the phone ringing from inside the house. "Thank you, again. I truly am grateful but I must get that."

Lex;s eyes widen as she see the amount. Perhaps there was some benefit to this helping others buisness. 'It certainly is. I'll leave you to reuniting with your..with Micah, and the phone.' She quickly goes to make her exit. The woman was probably about to natter for ages to some friend or something. But what if she wasn;t. What if it was something to do with this entire Micah and dragging people to the sewers buisness?

Lex curses as she ducks down a side way after checking no-one is watching. If she was going to be caught it may aswell be as not her. People in this mess knew her face too much already for her liking.

'Alright you bloody piece of metal, do your thing. She mumbles as she tries to draw on whatever was in the circlet under her hat. After a few moments she sigh. 'Please?'

That seems to do it a few moment later she;s trying to remind herself how to fly as she heads to the garden to try and eavesdrop.

You carefully and silently land on a sturdy looking awning overhanging the deck area in the backyard. Lucky for you, the kitchen window is open and you can quite easily hear her end of the phone conversation.

"Yes, yes, he's home now.... Some street urchin dropped him at the front door... Yes... I didn't get her name... That's right... Yes, alright... Still just barking, I'm afraid... I'll get him cleaned up and in bed and will let you know in the morning... Goodnight."

Still just barking. That suggested it was recent. Had they been experiment of those they kidnapped and he got caught up by something?

That whoever was on the phone wanted to know her name was concerning. Most didn't care about the people on the streets, that was one of the few perks, to be invisible.

She wasn't going to get anymore today it seems, and if she already like this she may as well get some flying practice as she headed back to Brian's. She didn't like breaking promises. too many people did. Still if she took her time to get used to flying that would be fine. It was just practice, not patrol or anything, she tells herself as she heads off.

While being invisible was a perk of life on the streets; the incredible aerial view of Crowfall was a much more exhilarating perk of playing hero. Looking down on the city brings a sense of peace and for most of the journey you are perfectly content to enjoy the view as you neither hear nor see any signs of trouble. Not that you were looking or anything.

You soar a little lower as you come back onto Brian's block and something finally catches your eye. A man with a hood pulled up around his head stands on a roof with his foot preventing the roof access door from closing. Not the most suspicious sight on its own, but you decide to circle around and continue to watch.

The man is obviously nervous. His head rapidly looking in every which direction screams lookout. And a bad one at that. On a hunch you swing by the alleyway and find a white cargo van parked at the bottom of the fire escape. A getaway vehicle.

---

Dice pool limit: 5

Optional Threat Rating
Approach or subdue the lookout without attracting attention: 2

Well that was interesting. And concerning. She hoped they weren't after the siblings, and it was just a robbery or something. She somehow doubted it with the day she'd had.

She lands on a opposite roof, ducking into covering as she tries to focus. Last time she had been transformed she could..there, she could sense some stubborn weeds that had grown in the cracks of the roof and had yet to fall to the dismal industry of Crowfall. Now if she could just figure out how to do this.

She closes her eyes, imagining the weeds growing, becoming strong, longer and vinelike, before wrapping around the lookouts mouth and legs, to quiet and knock him down at the same time. As she visualises her mouth moves on its own, speaking old Fae words to encourage and manipulate the plants, as they move to follow her bidding.

The lookout hears the plants well before he sees them. He head starts to dart around in every direction at the sound of the weeds rapidly growing and stretching into sturdy vines. When he finally spots them it is already too late. Vines jump forward and wrap themselves around the young man. They drag him back until his entire body is trapped against the bricks. His screams of protest are completely silenced by the vines that cover every inch of his face except for his wide fear filled eyes.

---

Dice pool limit: 5

Optional Threat Rating
Approach or subdue the lookout without attracting attention Success
Interrogate the lookout: 2

The crook's eyes grow to comically large sizes as he sees you land before him and he struggles in vain again his constraints. When you make your pun, he abruptly stops and his eyebrow raises at the unexpected quip. He then nods his head indicating that he will cooperate with your questions.

As the magic language of the fey is uttered, the vines around his mouth fade backward. He wastes no time telling you everything you want to know.

"Look, this wasn't my idea, ok. You gotta believe me. This guy just inherited some really valuable stock certificates or something. My dumb friends thought it would be a good idea to break in while he was out and steal the things. I somehow got talked into being lookout. Oh man, I can't believe I am so stupid. There's five of them inside and one in the van waiting on everyone. So... are you going to let me go?"

---

Dice pool limit: 5

Threat Rating
Mooks: Inexperienced Thieves: 5

Optional Threat Rating
Interrogate the lookout Success
Enter the building with stealth and remain undetected: 3

She tilts her head as if she's thinking. 'Yeeah, no' She speaks to wrap the vines back around his mouth. 'Can't have you warning your mates now can we?'

She looks into the building. She couldn;t fly inside, and despite corwfall being a dump, it was an industrial dump so she doubted plants had managed to grow inside teh building. Yet. She begins to enter before realising something, and quickly popping into the air to spy the van. On the ground there were thankfully more weeds, maybe even a poor lone patch of grass with a tree someone had planted in an effort to cut through the dreary grey.

Again she focused, imagining vines and weeds wrapping around and clogging up the vans wheels and axels. Now if she messed this up, at least she would have more time before they could make their get away, and hopefully the driver wouldn;t realise this till he tried to leave.

With that done she enters the building, wishing she had someway to muffle her steps. Perhaps when she got more used to her powers.

"Oh come on--" his voice is cut off as vines wrap around him once more.

Inside the van, the driver taps his fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of that new Panic Unlimited song that seems to be on the radio every ten minutes. He doesn't notice vines breaking up through the tarmac and entwining themselves around the axles and through the spokes of the tires of the van. He is in for a rude awakening when he tries to use the gas pedal.

You carefully creep down the stairway and turn the corner into the hallway of the top floor of the apartment building. There is another lookout standing out front of a door about 25 feet ahead. He is a large man in jeans and a white tank top who holds an aluminum baseball bat in his hands. Not the greatest weapon for a cramped hallway but you certainly don't want to find out just how much momentum he can swing it with in this limited space.

The guard turns his head and the two of you lock eyes. He jumps backward, startled at the sudden appearance of someone in the hallway. His eyes grow wider when he takes in your appearance. At this point in your career it is unlikely he knows your name or what you can do; but the getup gives a pretty unmistakable impression that he is looking at a superhero.

He bangs his bat on the door he was guarding, no longer worrying about alerting neighbors to their presence, and shouts "We got trouble! Get what you can and let's go!" You can hear footsteps scrambling inside the apartment as the man with the bat yells a battle cry and sprints down the hallway toward you.

---

Dice pool limit: 5
Archfae HP --- 3

Threat Rating
Mooks: Inexperienced Thieves: 5

Even as the guard starts to yell arcane words flow out of Archfae and winds begins to pick up in the corridor, mostly circling around her, at speeds that would knock those advancing away. She hoped at least.

'Hey now, I was hoping for this to stay private.' She speaks as he starts to charge, focusing on the winds around her, imagining some going forwards to knock him over, and hopefully out. 'Though now I think about it, you're really not my type.' She instinctively sticks out her hand to guide the large gust. If she was lucky maybe some of the others would get caught as the ytried to escape.

Just as your hand raises a neighboring door swings open and smacks you right in the face. You fall to the floor and the swirling winds calm.

"Would you kids shut--" An annoyed neighbor looks up and down the hall from the man armed with the baseball bat to the super hero he just accidentally laid out on the floor. "I didn't see nothing." He shuts the door.

Mr. Baseball Bat renews his charge and lifts the bat up over his head. You manage to recover and quickly recite the ancient language allowing a gust to wind to lift the man off his feet only to drop him back down to the ground in front of the apartment they were robbing.

His friends start to leave the apartment with makeshift weapons in hand. Unplugged table lamp, kitchen knife, bowling ball. Anything they could find with sort notice. They help their friend to his feet and everyone turns to face you. They seem to have forgotten they could simply run downstairs and are focused on fighting their way past you to get to the roof. Not the brightest bunch of thieves.

---

Dice pool limit: 5
Archfae HP --- 2

Threat Rating
Mooks: Inexperienced Thieves: 4

'Fuck this.' She growls as she stands up holding her nose. 'Oi asshole, at least call the police before you hide She yells at the door before facing down the rest of the thieves. Plan b was twice as much dynamite as plan a. She thrusts both hands forward, willing the winds to rush down the corridor, turning it into a makeshift wind tunnel. She didn't need to defend if no one was left standing.

For a moment all of the thieves stop in shock. They look at one another with pure confusion plastered over their faces. One even mouths to their friends 'Did that super just say fuck?'

The winds pick up rapidly and they snap back into fighting mode. The walls and door shake with the force of the winds as the group struggles to stay on their feet. This only causes you to push them even harder. A smile spreads across your face as the group starts losing their footing and tumbles down the hallway.

It is starting to look like you've won the battle when something pops into your head. 'There's five of them inside.' That's what the lookout said. You do a quick tally of the bodies sprawled out in the hallway and only see 4 heads.

"Bwhaaaaaaaaa!!!!" The last member of the group of thieves come sprinting up from behind and wacks you across the skull with a frying pan; sending you falling to the floor once again. This really could be going better. At least no one is watching.

You hear some giggling and see that one of the neighbor's doors has opened. There is a kid, probably 10 years old, pointing and laughing at your struggles against the thieves.

---

Dice pool limit: 5
Archfae HP --- 1

Threat Rating
Mooks: Inexperienced Thieves: 2

See. This was why she hadn't wanted to be a superhero in the first place. Archfae grits her teeth. She needed to look cool, not be laughed at.

She grits her teeth, focusing as the wind gathers again, lifting her up from the floor and righting her, with some extra spins and flourish. The kick aimed at the guy as she spins was also definitely intentional, and in no way as accident as she tries to control the magic.

Learning her lesson from last time, some winds stay around her as she attempts a pose.

You are a little surprised when your foot makes contact with Frying Pan's face. He drops his weapon in surprise but latches onto your leg which completely sends you off balance. This combined with the winds swirling around the hallway sends the both of you flying around uncontrollably. You bounce off the walls and ceiling several times before crashing back down to the ground.

The little kid is literally on the floor rolling around in laughter at this point. Through tears they shout for the brother to get out here and see this.

The other thieves have mostly decided to abandon their friend who is now lying unconscious on the ground next to you. They finally realize that the smart thing to do is to make a break for it. They take off down the stairs heading to the van that they do not know has been sabotaged. The huge guy with the baseball decides to stay. His face is dead serious as he hurries down the hallway to try and get a hit in before you regain your footing.

---

Dice pool limit: 5
Archfae: 1 HP, -3 Ego

Threat Rating
Mooks: Inexperienced Thieves: 1

'Oi kid, haven't your parents told you about calling the bloody authorities?' This was one thing wrong with the city, people either laughing at something or ignoring it as it didn't concern them. The guy was going to get robbed and others only cared it was good entertainment, doing nothing if it didn't concern them.

She growls as she stands, under her mask her face clearly done with all this messing around. As the guy runs towards her she uses no magic, no tricks and just aims a punch to stop him in his tracks, her other arm up to guard her face

The man runs down the hallway with the bat raised above his head, ready to swing. Having only used magic up until now, he never sees your fist coming. You strike him square in the nose and he falls flat to the ground like a freshly cut tree. Unfortunately, with your other arm protecting your face you never notice the heavy metal bat that falls out of his grip and lands right on your toes. It isn't as painful as the earlier blows, but it still stings like nobody's business and you end up hoping around on one foot while holding your hurt toes as the kid and her brother stand by laughing.

It seems like someone did take your advice during this whole ordeal and you hear cop car sirens approaching outside. Venturing outside you find smoke pouring from under the hood of the getaway van as the driver must have tried to floor it until the engine gave out. The vines held true and the vehicle did not move an inch. When the cops arrive, everyone piles out of the van and tries to run but they don't make it very far before being tazed and brought to the ground to be handcuffed.

---

Archfae: 0 HP

Threat Rating
Mooks: Inexperienced Thieves

She tries not to curse in front of the kids as the bat hits her foot. This really wasn't as glorified as Magpie had made it up to be. Also with the kids watching she couldn't nip into the place being robbed and check what he had in the fridge. It was only fair she got a reward after all right?

She huffs and picks the guy up by the collar and starts to drag him out. Once in sight of the cops she drops him and points. 'There's also this one, and one tied up on the roof.'

This should probably be the point where she poses and announces who she is, that she's new on the scene etc, but everything hurts and she just wants to go to the couch she was offered. The second the cops start to react to her message she takes to the air to fly to a convenient ally to change back, and go to the kid's place.

You hear the cop's frustrated shouts as you fly away from the scene. You stopped the bad guys and that is what matters. Surely the cops can do their job and put the clues together to piece together exactly what happened. Baring that, you have no doubts that the little snot nosed brat will fill them in with far too many details.

As you fly into the air your gaze drifts to some of the apartments with lights on in Brian and Brie's building. By pure convenience, Brie happens to be standing at her window, with a chocolate bar in hand, as you fly by. Her jaw drops and she forgets all about the chocolate bar as you drift further upward in a blur. Her shocked expression is mildly amusing.

After a few minutes you are able to get changed back to normal and find yourself on their stoop. You buzz the intercom for their apartment and a minute passes before you hear Brian's annoyed tone. "What do you want?" None of the annoyance leaves his voice when he realizes it is you. "What the hell happened to you? I came back down and you were no where to be found. I can't rely on anyone..." At this point, he does not buzz you up.

'Yeah yeah, everyone is a piece of shit, you can't trust anyone but yourself. I get it. I know that, which is why I came back, so you know I'm not like that' Damn, those hits to the head had made her sappy. Look, stuff happened, I had to go do my second good Samaritan act of the day. Someone was being chased and I'm too nice for my own good. I didn't exactly have time to explain.

There is a pause but after a minute you hear the familiar buzz and the front door unlocks. You feel a rush of air, like a very strong breeze that comes completely out of no where and spin around to look for the source but there is nothing in the street behind you. You can't help but feel like someone is watching you, and after everything the has happened in the last few hours you are kind of starting to expect that. Unable to spot any source that could be causing this feeling, you enter the building and let the door shut behind you.

Brian is waiting in the hall when you get off the elevator and lets you in. Their apartment is small and a little messy, but is pretty much what you'd expect from a high school kid being the de facto head of household. The living room and kitchenette sort of blend into one another. There is a closed door which you assume is the bathroom and it looks like two bedrooms. Inside one of the rooms you can see Brie sitting on her bed with a box of crayons drawing on some loose leaf paper. There is another bed on the other side of the room which holds whom you presume to be their mother.

She is hooked up to an oxygen tank and is very pale and frail. It isn't immediately clear what disease she has, but she doesn't look all that aware of her surroundings.

Brian takes a seat on the couch. "So what are you, some kind of homeless superhero?" He jokes. "You don't really expect me to buy this whole chase story do you? You hedged your bets and when nothing better came along, decided to come back here, is what I think. I was hoping you would at least bring something to eat with you..."

She was tired, but at the same time she understood Brian's lack of trust all to well. 'You got me, I'm actually a fairie who had to go and do superhero business' She speaks with a sarcastic tone as she puts her hands up. Sometimes the best way to lie was to come clean. There was no-way he'd believe her anyway.

'look I know how it sounds, but there was a chase. I helped you guys, why can't I help others. It was those guys again. Then I had to get the guy home, and police were around another building. I think someone tried to rob you neighbour or something, so I had to take the long route.' As she speaks she realise she should have nicked the thieves wallets. Damn.

'I'll get you food tomorrow.. unless there's someone is the building you know has spare and is likely to be out?'

"This place is the last thing I got going for me. I think I will stick to the old sage advice of 'don’t shit where you eat.’" Brian responds. You hear Brie in the other room let out a long ‘awwwwww’ at hearing Brian say a bad word. Brian gets up off the couch and stomps over to her room. "It’s bedtime Brie." He shuts off the light and closes the door as Brie complains.

"Doesn’t surprise me that my neighbors were getting robbed. Not like anyone around here has much to take, but if someone does they usually end up losing it. Did you say you ran into the same guys again? The ones from the alley before?" Brian looks to Brie’s closed door and motions for you to follow him into the hallway. He leave the door open a crack so he’ll hear Brie if she needs anything or tries to leave her room.

"I was going to tell you about my friend Todd that joined up with them. His parents won’t talk to me and none of our friends have heard from him. Todd came by here a few days ago. Rang my buzzer at like three in the morning and asked if I could come down to talk. I invited him up but he didn’t want to. Said he couldn't talk for long.

"So I went down. He looked... rough. Was wearing this baggy hoodie that was pulled up to cover most of his face. Had this nasty black eye and some cuts he was trying to hide. He wouldn’t tell me where he got them or what had been going on. Just warned me to stay away from Micah and that he wasn't everything he's cracked up to be.

"I tried pressing him for more information and to get him to come inside. I mean I’m in a tough spot right now, but he clearly had it worse. He wouldn’t let me talk and eventually ran off mid-sentence. The whole time we were talking he was looking over his shoulders like he was expecting to be caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

"I wish you really were a superhero. It’d be nice to have someone fighting to help people like us out for once." He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "You’re not planning on meeting with that creep are you?"

'Nah, I'd make a pretty crap hero. I've survived this long running, not fighting. I'd get my ass handed to me.' The lie flows seamlessly from her mouth, followed by a strange pang of guilt. I heard buzz of a hero who bothered to help your neighbours though, so maybe there's a bit of hope. She liked the kid but she wasn't sure he wouldn't try and take the circlet for himself in this dog eat dog world.

'That, that doesn't surprise me. They're up to something but there just, too many pieces for me to figure out right now. Maybe meeting them is the only way to work it out. Plus I can get you and Brie a doggy bag.

Look this gonna sound strange but, they let me take the person they were chasing. I took him back home and I even got a cheque out of it. Though I've stashed it. Another quick lie. The sort of money on the cheque would tempt most people. 'Tomorrow I was considering cashing it, I'll even give you a bit to make up for today, but there's just one problem. The lady who wrote it, she addressed the one I 'saved'. Michah. '

Brian tries to act cool but it is hard when you keep mentioning giving up some of your hard earned food and money to help him out. You can practically see his mouth watering at the prospect. Mentioning that Micah was the one being chased brings him back to reality a bit.

"You think it's the same guy? The one that runs this ‘clean up the city brigade’ or whatever they call themselves who are kidnapping people? He was being chased... by his own men?" He stops to think about everything you have said. You can see the gears turning in his head, but just like you, he cannot seem to piece it together. There just aren't enough puzzle pieces to get the full picture.

"What was he like? The way they talk about him, I would expect nothing less than second coming of Christ levels of charisma."

'... Well he was certainly... Unique. He was..barking. No I' m not pulling yours. It was strange. But I overheard something suggesting it was temporary. Maybe they're experimenting on people or something and he got caught in it? '

She sighs finally collapsing next to him of the coach and stretching out, tryingnot to wince as she disturbed the bruises from her introducing to being a hero earlier.

'Or it all a big ploy to get me to trust them. They claimed they were rescuing him.. But if I want answers I need to go to dinner. It should be fine though.. You walked away right?'

Brian goes from looking like he's going to burst out laughing at the mention of Micah barking, to looking terrified that they might be experimenting on people. "Well... I didn't go to dinner with Micah's men. Only Todd did..." Brian gets up off the couch and goes to a linen closet. He tosses clean sheets and a pillow your way.

"I need to get to bed. I got a part time job delivering papers and have to be up in a few hours. Promise me you don't go talk to these guys alone. This is really starting to sound serious and I want to help. I need to find Todd and make sure he's ok." After receiving your response, Brian tells you goodnight and heads to his room.

---

You wake up the next morning with bright rays of sunshine hitting your face. The doors to both bedrooms are open, but you only see Brian and Brie's mom laying on his bed inside. Brian appears to still be out working and Brie is sitting on the ground next to you still coloring away at the drawing she was working on last night. When she notices you are awake, she turns to you with a smile and shows you the picture she drew of Archfae flying out of the alleyway.

"What do you think? I told my brother about this cool superhero I saw flying around last night. He thinks I made it up." At the bottom of the page in bold lettering she has written 'Super Fairy!'

'I promise' The lie rolls easily of her tongue. If she hadn't agreed he may do something stupid. She would decide later if she would actually bring him, but that could just endanger him for no reason. He had no powers, nothing to defend himself if these people were as dangerous as they sounded.

-----

She'd woken up on coaches too many times to count. She wasn't used to waking up to others in the house though and starts slight at seeing Brie, before she remembers.

She looks at the picture curiously. She had to admit the idea of being drawn by someone was slightly cool. She was used to avoiding attention and not being noticed. Being seen as cool was knew one. It would totally be cooler if she was on fire or had armour rather than being a fairy though.

'Well you can tell Brian that it was real. I saw her too, there was a little..altercation at your neighbours. I heard the police talk about how there were like 10 or 20 bad guys as I passed.'

Brie’s eyes light up as you tell her about seeing the superhero and the amazing odds she totally overcame last night. Brie gets up and gives you a high five, which is only somewhat awkward, before running off to the fridge to get something to drink.

Brian returns about 5 minutes later. He walks through the doors looking like he might fall asleep at any second and is taken aback when he sees you. "Oh, hey Lex. I forgot you were here... sorry, that came out wrong. You’re welcome to stay as long as you like. I don’t mean to be a bad host but I gotta crash." He then stumbles through his bedroom door and collapses on the bed.

If you wanted to set up a breakfast or brunch meeting with Micah’s second in command without Brian getting in the way, now would be a good time to do it. If so, let me know any plans you have for the meeting. If not, is there anything Lex wants to explore on this bright new day?

'Perhaps. Stationary is not my style.' A coach was nice though. 'Brie was right by the way' She calls after him before he collapses.

She starts to head to the door instinctively. She was yet sure what to do in regards to Micah's lot, but she had a cash to check. ANd well it that turned out to be a trick of some sort, while then at least she technically wasn't breaking her promise.

Money first, crisis of morales later. She checks its still in her picket, and even attempts to make herself look slightly less 'homeless vagrant' in a car window before heading the nearest one she is aware of,

The bank teller’s eyes go wide when he sees the amount on the check. "One second. I’m afraid I’ll have to get a manager’s approval before cashing a check this large." You start to get a little nervous as you watch him go over to speak with the manager. She in turns gets on the phone and has a brief conversation with someone. Thoughts of baling cross your mind, but you could really use that money.

In the end, it is a good thing you stuck it out. The bank manager comes back with a smile and asks you how you would like the money cashed out. "$100’s? $20’s?" After getting the cash, you walk out of the bank with a smile and a bit of paranoia that everyone on the street knows how much money you’re currently carrying.

As if to confirm this paranoia is justified, you are punched hard in the arm after taking literally three steps from the bank. You instinctively flip the switch to fight mode only to find the punch came from a smirking Magpie. She has a bit of mustard on the side of her mouth from the half eaten hot dog she’s holding. She offers you a bite as the two of you continue to walk down the street.

"Where the hell have you been, Lex? Checked the usual haunts this morning but I never expected to spot you walking into that place. You better not be using a certain circlet for evil and going all bank robber on me."

'20's' Flashing 100's was asking to get rolled. She was also paranoid about who the manager was talking to. Was it the lady, confirming the cheque? She still wasn't completely sure this wasn't some complicated trick. Perhaps it was a dream. Though if that case her brain sucked for how bad that fight with the common thieves went.

'Oi careful.' She growls, debating taking the entirety of Magpie's food for scaring her, but settles for the bite. Which reminds her it' been a while she was eating.

'And no, I got this totally legit. She draws and single note out and rapidly passes it. ' Didn;t even use the bloody thing. Though I guess there were heroics involved. As for where I was, someones couch. Maybe some parts of this heroics thing has benefits. It also got me attacked by a desklamp...'[/b]

"Yeah, I read all about it in the paper." Magpie smirks. "Some little kid talked a reporter's ears off with all the details of your glorious battle. That's how I knew to look for you in this neighborhood. Unless there is some other new fairy themed super in the city and then I found you by pure coincidence." She steps in front of you and holds a hand to your chest, stopping you in place. "You know I'm glad you're out there fighting the good fight, but this whole thing isn't just about punching baddies in the face. You gotta play the PR game, Lex! They literally called you 'Unnamed new hero' in the paper. How are you ever going to be able to introduce me to Fortuna if nobody knows who you are?"

'Whether it was me depends on what exactly those kids said. Lex shrugs, before rolling her eyes as Magpie stops her. 'Excuse me for not being willing to talk to the police. And doesn;t it like, add to the allure of something, of this mysterious fairy, instead of just queuing up for pictures and interviews.'

'Besides with how that fiht went, not sure I want to be known for that one. Wait till I like,..I dunno whats a big thing heroes do. Save a bank? Beat up a known villain? Like that other new one you were going on about. Missaim or something?'

Magpie ponders what you have to say about different methods of being a superhero and comes around to see your point of view. "Fine. I'll admit, it works for Deadnite. Of course the whole having taken down all the biggest villains in town, and oh I don’t know, having risen from the dead like a billion times, also helps their image. Maybe you just aim for getting hit in the head by frying pans less often?"

She laughs at your inability to remember basic facts about the elite community you have suddenly found yourself a part of. "You mean Miss Direction? Dude, she is killing it. Did you see the news clips of her taking down Matchstick? Badass. Meanwhile you’re even being shown up by that new guy Micah. That’s not good, considering how lame his name is and the fact that there hasn’t even been a single verified photograph of the guy." She stops at your reaction to the name. "What? Do I have mustard on my face or something?"

Lex grumbles as Magpie starts to descending into fangirling. Until that name shows up. Again.

'You do but that's not...Who the hell is Micah? He's..somehow involved with some of the crap I've got caught up in but, I don't know whether he's the mastermind, the hero, or a dog trapped in a mans body at this point.'

"A dog trapped in a man’s body?" She gives you a questioning look and goes to put her hand on your forehead to check your temperature. When she realizes you aren’t joking she looks a little more concerned and decides to tell you what she knows about Micah.

"He’s another new hero, Lex. Name has been cropping up more and more over the last couple of months. He doesn’t operate like the rest of you guys; patrolling the streets and helping people in need. This guy wants to start a revolution or something. Rumors say he is an escaped captive of the Order of the Eternal Court. They supposedly did experiments on him which gave him the ability to fly, super strength; all that jazz. Now he wants to assemble an army of the forgotten people of Crowfall to take down the corrupt fat cats at the top."

It is pretty clear from the way that Magpie talks about him that she doesn’t believe all the rumors. She’s recounting the tale as it is being told but you know she is an expert and any good superhero expert will know that public origin stories rarely have much basis in reality.

"If you ask me, he seems a little too power hungry. Being a superhero isn’t about punishing the wicked. But I can’t deny he’s doing some good out here. I heard that Micah and his group have been conducting regular raids in the sewers trying to wipe out a weird cult that has been kidnapping people off the streets. None of the big supers are doing anything about that. I bet they don’t even know about it because the reporters don’t care about people like us. No one wants to come down here and look into disappearances of people that are easily forgettable. If Micah can put a stop to that then maybe I’ll cut him a break. If he even exists. You know how rumors are."

'Or he's causing them.' She goes to run her hand through her hair before catching herself, remembering the circlet hidden under her hat.

'That and he's trying to recruit me, except the ones doing so in his name were chasing someone, who barked like a dog and when I got him home, the lady called him Micah, and honestly this hero stuff is way to complicated.' She sighs, before givinga more in detail version of events, including Brian and Brie. She was only going to get nagged till she spilled anyway.

'I have a 'dinner date' with his recruiters at some point. The same type Brian's friend went to. That may get me some answers. You should stay away from the name, at least for now. I've already got one kid I need to keep away from this stuff.'

Magpie has to stop walking as you fill her in on everything. She takes a seat against the brick wall of an apartment building and you sit down next to her. "Shit, Lex. Shit, shit, shit. Do you know what I mean by that? We gotta help. It sounds like a lot more people are in a lot more danger than I realized and you’re the only hero really equipped to do anything about it. Archfae, protector of the downtrodden!" She looks around because she is talking way too loud about this before realizing that there is no one around and even if there was, they wouldn’t be paying any attention to you two.

"I gotta say, I am really impressed. You’ve actually been doing your homework and seem to know more of what is going on here then I did. Even if you kind of fell ass backwards into it. Holy fuck, is that the Warden!" She jumps to her feet and points at the top of a building. You see him too. Standing there on the roof across the street. It is abundantly clear he is looking right at you and you wish he didn’t look so pissed off. And just like that, he is gone. He flies away in a blur of motion.

Magpie is ecstatic. She is practically bouncing around on the sidewalk and reminds you of a puppy or a cat happily tapping their feet while going around in little circles. "That was so cool. What do you think he’s doing in town! Dude, do your thing and go after him. You guys could do a team up!" You both know he moves too fast for you to have any hope of catching up. Magpie doesn’t seem to have noticed the look of displeasure that was on his face while he looked at you.

Lex was used to staring down those glaring at her. Yet the various stories from Magpie, and what little common sense she has made her look away, even as her heart spedup. Why was he here? Did he know who she was? He couldn't know right? Was he just disappointed in how her first attempt had gone? Or that someone like her had somehow got powers?

When she looks back again he was gone. She'd have assumed she'd imagined it if Magpie wasn't in danger of blowing a fuse in excitement. 'Yeah I'll pass. He didn't seem in the mood for a chat. Whatever reason for the displeasure she doubted he would tell her. Just probably blame her for whatever she didn't know what she was doing wrong. Business as usual. So her best bet was to never run into him again.

'Anyway no. 'We' don't need to do anything. Do I need to remind you want happened last time. You have no powers.' Why was she beginning to get the feeling she was going to have to be often fishing bother her, and possibly Brian out of trouble constantly? This was why they shouldn't get involved,

' Also I less did my homework and more fell into that soon. Maybe this bloody circuit is some sort of trouble magnet. Anyway whatever is happening, it revolves around 'Fido' so I guess I'm getting dinner.' She sighs as she stands and after looking around carefully, pulls out some of the cash she'd just got. About 300 she reckoned at a glance. 'Look, make sure some of that gets to the kid I mentioned. Tell him he can be all disappointed in me breaking promises like every else if I turn back up. rest is yours. Don't spend it on plastic figure or whatever. Every bone in her body was telling her this was stupid. She should take the money, get on a train to a less of a shithole city, and leave Micah to whatever he was up to. Especially if Warden was watching her. Was this darn circlet giving her feelings?

Magpie’s eyes go wide at the amount of money you hand her but her expression quickly sobers. "I don't like this, Lex. You’re acting like you’re going off to face your doom. I like that you’re acting the part now, but going into this with no back up is dangerous. Be careful, ok..."

You part ways and pull into a phone booth. The man from the alleyway picks up the phone on the second ring. He somehow simultaneously sounds surprised to hear from you and like he was expecting you to call all at once. You give him a time and place and he agrees to meet you there.

You arrive a good deal early to scout out the place. Big large windows on a heavily trafficked street. It would be hard for them to pull anything here, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. You wait for him to arrive and are a little shocked when he shows up alone. No entourage in sight anywhere. Taking your circlet into account, this should give you the upper hand if he tries anything.

The man gives a small smile as you enter that looks like it took a lot of effort. He looks like he hasn't slept since you last saw him. "I’m really glad you decided to give us a chance. Name’s Sean, by the way. I don’t think I properly introduced myself before. Things were a little tense both times we met. So I gotta know; what’s up? What made you change your mind and decide to hear me out? I honestly thought I had a better chance of teaching my dog to speak English then ever getting a call from you." He watches you very closely as he says this last sentence. His eyes narrow as he tries to gauge your reaction.

'Nah I'll be fine. I'm some sort of super fairy now remember. You can yell at me if I'm not.'

She was having doubts about this plan the second she parted from her friend. Though she and Brian were right. It was stupid to go alone. But she was the one who had a magic bit of metal, and as crap as the world was, they were a few of the good things it in and she wasn't going to risk them for this. Better if someone was going to go down it was just her.

As she meets the second in command, Sean he said, she tries to keep a straight face. 'Lex' She had to let him think she was genuinely interested. To be honest if all the horror stories were incorrect, she might actually be. But she doubted it. Everyone had an ulterior method in this city.

Her face hardens slightly at the last sentence, not used to hiding her thoughts. She knew what he was getting at, but how much?Did he merely mean the fact Micah was barking, or was the use of 'my dog' more important. Was Micah actually in charge or just a front man with this guy actually in charge, or hell was Micah actually a mutated dog they were trying to teach to speak. How did heroes do this without having a constant headache?

'I mean I'm never one to turn down free food. You've got a good marketing ploy there. Also well my own querying on Micah turned up too many different answers. So it seems to be the only clear answers can get are by going to the source. Especially given my experience of the only 'Micah' I have heard of is very different from any of the stories I have heard. She tries her own attempt to watch him at the last part. He had to know what she was talking about . She didn't believe in the coincidence that Fido just happened to be called Micah.

'And well, you did say the only way I would get answers as why to were chasing Lassie down in the sewers was by meeting you. And again, free food.'

Sean appears amused at your attempt to turn the tables back on him. You get the feeling that he is used to everyone around him obeying his every order and he is enjoying someone actually speaking their mind to him for a change.

"Look, Lex, I’m not going to lie to you. Our organization always aims to be truthful and we hold everyone to that ideal. Even people near the top like me. Lead by example, Micah always says. But lies by omission are an interesting thing. Is it really a lie when you fail to mention something? I’ll leave that debate to the philosophers.

"You’ve sort of jumped ahead in knowledge about Micah. Only a select few have seen him as you did the other night. I hope that won’t make you think any less of him. Micah is a great man with a huge heart. He only wants to help people and his genius is great enough that he can actually do it. I’ve pledged my life to helping him."

Sean sounds incredibly sincere as he speaks. You don’t feel like there is any sort of trickery going on. Sean would absolutely jump in front of a bullet for Micah.

"Are you familiar with the old saying ‘genius and madness are two sides of the same coin?’ It is unfortunate that you met Micah on one of his bad days. When he is on, he is really something to behold. He could be president if he wanted to. His words could move mountains. But all he wants is to help people like me and you.

"I’ll answer any questions you have about Micah and our group as best as I can. I'm willing to give you more information than some of my most trusted allies know. I do have to ask, whether or not you believe in what we’re trying to, that you do not speak of what you saw. We’re doing a lot of good for a lot of people. Please don’t hurt our ability to do that by telling the world about the private troubles of good man who is trying to do his best to help people."

Sean looks a little frustrated. It is clear this is not the typical sales pitch he makes to new recruits and he is having a hard time finding exactly the right words to approach a difficult subject. "I am not trying to deceive you. It is unfortunately necessary to deceive our standard rank and file by never allowing them to see Micah like you saw him the other night. People are fickle creatures. If they saw their leader acting like an animal, do you really think they would continue to follow him?

"I am not sharing this information because I see some grand potential in you. As far as I can see, you are just a normal run of the mill individual. No offense. But you stumbled upon Micah at his weakest and I feel I have no choice but to explain before you get the wrong idea.

"Unlike most of his followers, Micah comes from a very rich background. Graduated from Yale and still was a disappointment to his overbearing father. Micah’s father was a real monster. Nothing ever good enough for him and nothing Micah did could impress him. His old man treated him like dirt on his worst days and like a dog on his best. That must have left an impression.

"Eventually, he pushed too hard and something inside Micah snapped. He went feral, you could say. Tore his father to pieces. With meds, he’s generally able to keep that side of himself in check these days. But every once in a while it finds its way to the surface and you don’t know what is going to happen. He fell into one of these... dog delusions the other night and all we wanted to do was get him back home safely. His mom is a real good lady and can generally calm him down. You seemed to have that same effect. I had my doubts when you two went top side but he didn't take off again. You got him home safe and you have my thanks for that."

'Okay, good. I was hoping you were about to spout a load of bull about potential. Seeing what I shouldn't have, that's more fitting. Till I get dealt for knowing to much.

She's unable to keep her face impassive as Sean spoke of abusive parents. She knew that all too well. Most people like her did. Though that was another reason they were probably an easy target. Everything Sean was saying made some sense. But that's what people relied on, and he;d had a while to work on his story.

'Look I don;t believe you don;t want to take a better piece of the city for yourself from the assholes who currently run it. My concern is whether you lot generally intend to share it, or are just using us lot as easily riled fodder that can easily be gt rid of when the job is done. You said it yourself, Micah's from a rich family. Why would he care for us, except as a mean to an end.'

She hesitates briefly, before steeling herself. 'I want to talk to him. If your story is true its clear why you do all the headhunting. But I know, so seeing him shouldn't be a problem. Especially if I 'calm him' as you put it.

"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.

Magpie pumps her fists and does a little silent happy dance. "See, that decision is you proving you got smarts too. Way to go, champ. I won’t let you down." Brian returns a few minutes later and tries to nonchalantly tell you guys that it is cool if you crash here tonight.

"Oh, we’d love to, Bri-bri," Magpie says while making an exaggerated sad face. "Lex was just telling me about a friend that needs some help. Abusive boyfriend is going to be out tonight and we’re going to help get all her things moved while he’s gone. You can bet we’ll be back in the morning for flapjacks though!" Magpie tries to deflect any questions or offers for help from Brian and pushes you out the door. Apparently she has no problem with excluding Brian just like you wanted to exclude her.

"Alright, let’s get to work. Stay safe and I’ll meet you back here in a few hours."

---

You arrive outside the 7-11 and find who you presume is Dr. Moon leaning against the brick building while eating taquitos. He looks to be in his mid to late 20’s and is wearing loose jeans and a white tank top. His hair is shaved on the sides leaving a short mohawk on top with a long skinny braid coming down off the back. His arms and necks sport numerous tattoos

He spots you walking up to him and eyes you up and down. "You Lex? Wasn’t sure if you’d show." He wipes his hand off on his pants and reaches out for a shake. "Kyung-Sam Moon. You can call me Sam. Did Sean give you any idea of what we’re doing tonight?"

'You to. If you get into trouble I'll kill you.' The worry is clear in her voice as she passes over Michah's location.

____

'I am. Wasn't sure myself.' She also looks the contact up an down, clearly on her guard as she slowly takes his hand. 'I know its following up a lead on one of these fight clubs. Exactly how, I don't.

Sam shakes his head and quietly laughs. "Sean is something, isn’t he? Good guy. Helpful and a total badass that you want at your back when things get rough. Not big on details though." He tosses the cardboard container his food came in into the trash and motions for you to walk with him. He gets into the driver seat of a 10 year old Honda Civic and unlocks the passenger side door for you.

"We not only know the location of a fight happening tonight; we got ourselves a couple of invites. Well, work permits is probably closer to the truth. It's taking place at a mansion on the outskirts of town during some weird masquerade ball. We’re going to be part of the 'hired help'. Open the glove box." You do as asked and find a couple of mail envelopes. Taking one of them out you open it up and find dozens of tiny metal disks about the size of a sesame seed.

"Those are tracking devices. Emits a pulsing signal every 30 seconds which can be picked up by antennae I have set up all over Crowfall. Our job is to get up and close with as many of the rich weirdos who attend this thing and plant those devices on them. Drop it in a coat pocket, slip it into a drink, or even press it onto the skin in a spot you don’t think they will notice. The device will attach itself like a tick. We do a good job, get these things on a lot of folks, and in a few days when we collect the data we should be able to figure out who’s under those masquerade masks. Sound like something you can do, Lex?"

As Lex looks at the devices she makes a mental note not to eat or drink anything given by these guys for a while. 'They won't hurt if ingested' Not that she was bothered by some rich folk getting indigestion, but her paranoid mind was reminding her this could all still be a trick, and the devices could do something completely different from what she was being told.

'I'm used to take stuff out of pocks, putting stuff in shouldn't be too hard.' Plus she was sure this lot could afdord to be lightened of a few valuables at the same time.

'But if we're tracking.. what about the kids involved in these fights. We're just expected to leave them?'

Sam waves off your concerns about them causing harm. "Nothing toxic or anything. In fact, they are designed to be completely biodegradable. Inside someone’s GI tract, those little babies will get reduced to nothingness before they even have the chance to pass them... Sorry for that mental image."

He gets more serious when you bring up the fights and those taking part in them. He looks out the front windshield at the road as he speaks. "I’m afraid you are correct on that count... I don’t like it anymore then you do. Sean talks about omelets and breaking eggs. I don’t like it. What else are we supposed to do though? I’m good with tech. Like crazy good. But I’m not like James Bond or something. This shit gets real, I’m booking it."

He hangs his head low for a minute. "We may not like it, but tracking down who’s at the top of this thing is the only way to stop it. Cracking the skulls of a few fight promoters and VIP guests might feel good but more people will suffer in the long haul. We gotta do the dirty work so we can slay the dragon... Speaking of dirty work... if they ask you to clean a toilet, you cool with that?" He cracks a smile. "Shouldn’t come up. Just want you to be prepared if it does. All that weird ass food rich people eat sure does seem to do a number on their bowels."

'Even if we finish tracking, and then try and disrupt them?' In her head she was already planning to come back as Archfae when Sam left.Placing devices would be a good time to scope, and see what their security was. Hopefully there were no desklamps.

She pulls a face at the mention of a toilet. 'If I must.'

"Not my call. I’m no fighter. I want to help these people as much as you do and I’m doing it in the only way I know how. You think you can single handedly take our dozens of guards and rescue these poor souls, be my guest. Just do it after I’m out of harm’s way."

You drive a little ways out of the city and come to a gated community. The guard at the check in station briefly speaks with Sam, and then lets you on through. When you finally get the mansion, the trip up the driveway takes almost as long as the entire rest of the drive here did. It twists and turns through gardens and past marble sculptures. When the house finally comes into view you almost laugh out loud at the outlandishness of it. Only three stories tall, but wider than most high schools. You could house every homeless person in Crowfall in this building and they might go days without running into each other.

Sam drives around to the side where there is a ramp leading down into a basement level garage for the staff. A camera buzzes as it moves to get a good look at the occupants of the car before the garage door slides open, allowing you inside. "Intimidated yet? Don’t worry, Lex. Just be smart, do your job, keep your head down, and we'll be out of here in a few hours."

There are about a dozen other cars parked down here. Sam leads you to a door where a well dressed man waits. You assume he is a butler or servant. He closes the door behind you. "Ladies to the left, men to the right."

Sam gives you a nod of assurance. "See you on the other side." You are ushered into the lady’s changing room.

Inside you find a number of lockers with a series of benches between them. Higher quality then you might find at a gym, but the idea is the same. Near the door are piles of black slacks, white dress shirts, and bow ties (with laminated instructions on how to tie them attached to the wall). Everything is laid out by size.

A few women are gathered at the far end of the locker room. There is a wide range of ages among them, but you recognize the tired faces of people who work very hard for every dollar they earn on each and everyone one of their faces. They have already changed into their uniforms. Some give you a glance as you enter, but quickly go back to their small talk.

Lex took everything back. The cursing at being a hero, at the inability to tell who was right or wrong. Anything was better than trying to tie a damn tie. She ignores the other girls as she struggles with it, a stream of curses flowing out, until eventually she gets it just about right.

She's about ready to go out then she realises she is still wearing her hat, and the crown underneath it. Another string of curses occurs.

The rest of the women fan out of the locker room and you feel compelled to follow them. In the hall you are joined by a set of men from their own locker room. Sam is among them. His bow tie is a complete mess. He hasn’t even buttoned the top button of his shirt, which makes his tattoos easily visible.

The butler motions for everyone to walk down the hall. His eyebrows raise a little when he sees you; hat still covering up the circlet. You awkwardly look down at the floor which allows you to get a good look at your fellow employees' footwear. A lot of scuffed up sneakers, one unpolished set of dress shoes that are clearly borrowed and at least 2 sizes too small, one person is even wearing sandals.

Sam puts an arm around your shoulders and ushers you forward. "Try not to feel self conscious but don’t kid yourself about what we are to these people. This is a zoo. They don’t hire people like us because they want to do good and spread the wealth. They hire us so they can point and laugh at the poor uncivilized slobs that are so beneath them. Don’t go thinking that the rest of the ‘help’ is to be trusted just because they aren’t part of the corrupt elite. They’ll be watching you more closely than anyone. If they catch you slipping those things into a drink they'll sound the alarm faster than anyone, in hopes of getting a reward."

You walk out into the main room of the party. There are dozens of tables set up with food and drinks and four times as many party guests. They are all dressed to the nines in elegant gowns and tuxedos. You have no doubt that the jewelry any one of these people wears is expensive enough that pawning it could provide you with a 2 bedroom apartment for the next year.

In the center of the room is a raised platform; about 3 feet up off the ground. Rows of hand crafted chairs encircle what you imagine to be the stage where the fight will occur.

Your fellow servers get to work, grabbing trays and loading them up with drinks and/or appetizers. "Good luck." Same tells you before heading off to do the same.

---

Dice Pool Limit: 6

Lex --- 3 HP

Trackers Planted: 0

Threat Rating
(Three Round Time Limit) Suspicion Counters: 0

As you make your way through the crowd a few individuals catch your attention.

There is a rich woman who has to be in her 90's who has gathered a small group of young male servers around her. She is very hands on, and everyone is sure to give loud and long fake laughs to everything she says. She is one of the few guests sitting down and has placed her gigantic purse on the ground behind her.

There is a middle aged man in the corner of the room who does not appear to be one of the guests or hired help. He has a deep five o'clock shadow and wears a cheap looking suit. Looking closer it doesn’t look like the jacket quite matches the slacks. He leans against the wall chain smoking and people watching.

One of your fellow servers catches your eyes. A man in his 30’s who selected pants at least 4 sizes too big for him. He has his belt cinched tightly around his waist to prevent them from falling but gravity is fighting a tough battle. It is clear that his pockets are heavily weighted by multiple objects.

The butler that greet you stands by the hallway leading back to the locker rooms. For the most part he remains perfectly still. Almost statue-like Not even his eyes seem to move except for occasionally blinking. You hear a faint beep and the butler brings his arm up so he can look at his watch. He turns on his heel and walks down the hallway back toward the locker rooms.

---

Dice Pool Limit: 6

Lex --- 3 HP

Trackers Planted: 2

Threat Rating
(Two Round Time Limit) Suspicion Counters: 2

Have to admit, I did not even think of that possibility, but it makes sense and I love it. I am going to say the inventive strategy reduces all attempts (which includes stealing, placing trackers, and putting stolen items back) to only adding 1 suspicion counter instead of 2.

The purse looked like a good target. Anything with the chance of a wallet where she could pocket a couple of notes for herself without it being noticed. As she she tilts the plate, causing the last hors d’oeuvre to fall off. Almost a sham it wasn't champagne over everyone, but that could get her kicked out. So she had to settle for watching the lone morsel of food bounce on the floor before gasping and letting out a string of apologies as she leans down overt he act of trying to clean up. Sam had called them the entertainment, she doubt the was little more thought than a lowly working class not being capable of balancing. As she makes a show of cleaning up, her hand slips into the purse, looking for a wallet, or at least something to grab.

As she watches her fellow server she wonders what could be in his pockets. He could be a scape goat, but also she didn't know what situation he was in. Still he could help with the diversion of attentin of herself. He was bound to miss some of those things eventually.

The one with the cheap suit she wondered his purpose. Perhaps a tracker would be good on him, and also if no one else knew why he was there...

She walks up the server with a smile when he has an empty tray, and takes it to put on her own coveniently empty. 'I'll get us both fresh ones yeah?' She gives him a wink even as a hand goes to search his pocket and discover what he has, secreting what she can away.

A quick trip to the kitchen and delivering his tray later she approaches cheap suit. 'Champagne sir?' She asks even as she tries to deposit the servers items, into a pocket. Another pass with hors d’oeuvres and she tries to get in an individual track and another stolen item she hasn't been able to discretely return.. Now if the items being missing were noticed she was;t the one holding the evidence.

The server with the baggy pants reads way too much into your wink but this easily allows you to easily lift a few items from his pocket. Once you are back in the kitchen you look through what you got. He had an electronic garage door opener, several keys, and a plastic case containing molds of even more keys. It seems he might be intending to sneak back into this place later on.

You open the wallet stolen from the elderly woman. Oddly you find that there is no cash. However, you do find her bank card with an attached post-it note containing the pass code. Her poor memory could be your good fortune.

The man in the cheap suit is surprised when you approach him but relents to taking the glass. "Thanks," he mutters and downs it in one gulp. He seems pretty distracted, which easily allows you to do everything you need to do. "I don’t remember seeing you at one of these things before. First time?" He laughs. "Hope you got a strong stomach."

The butler returns with several people in tow. Behind him are two men in their early 20’s. They are shirtless and have handcuffs attached to their wrists. A chain goes up from the handcuffs to wrap around their necks and then flow behind them like a leash which is held by a very large man in a black suit and glasses. Each man in chains is covered in scars all over their bodies. They each exhibit the 1000 yard stare and walk toward the ring as if they don't even know where they are.

When Crowfall’s elite notice the men being led into the room everyone smiles. Some ting their champagne glasses while others give a polite golf clap. You get the impression that the applause is directed at the hosts for bringing this entertainment and not toward the actual men who are about to fight for their enjoyment.

---

Dice Pool Limit: 6

Lex --- 3 HP

Trackers Planted: 4

Threat Rating
(One Round Time Limit) Suspicion Counters: 4

Okay, this was not what she was suspecting. Was he an ally, or just a thief? Lex hesitates what to do for a while, before secreting the stuff in a hiding place she can find in the kitchen, and writing on a napkin, with a time after the end of this fancy shindig, and and street nearby. She would meet him as Archfae. If he was a friend, he could have his stuff back. If not... well it would come in useful.

The bank card was too tempting to ignore. After a quick 'bathroom' break it ends up in the universal card storage, close to her chest. Hopefully if people were searching for lost items they would search that close.

'Yeah, friend helped me land it. I, haven't been told all the details yet.' She tries to feign innocence as she continues on her rounds,.

As the men are brought in she fights to keep a blank face, remembering what Sam said. Now was not the time. She tries to pass close by the men on her rounds, attempting to slip a tracker on at least one set of manacles, before making herself busy, making sure she is seen everywhere, but near the set pieces she's set up.

Cheap Suit sticks close by as you continue making rounds of the party. "Nah. They wouldn’t want to let you know too much. Part of the fun is watching the faces of the newbies react to the show." He is much too close, and observant, for you to attempt to plant a tracker on the cuffs of the fighters.

The two men are led to the ring and positioned on opposite sides. They have the attention of everyone in the room. Servers included. "Excuse me for a moment," Cheap Suit says and makes his way to the stage.

He steps into the middle, slowly spins around while taking in the sights of the room. His gaze pauses on you for a little bit longer then it does on anyone else. "I would like to thank our hosts for putting this whole thing together. I’ll keep it short, because I know none of you want to hear me yap all night." He pauses and smiles as if he is expecting laughs. No one laughs. It doesn’t seem to bother Cheap Suit, though.

"Now for those of you that might be new," he glances your way for a brief moment, "let me tell you that this is but an appetizer of what I have to offer. If you enjoy the show, please do not hesitate to contact me." He takes a bow and walks off the stage in your direction.

Cheap Suit reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small electronic device. He presses a button and it emits the recorded sound of a bell ringing. The chains and cuffs on the men drop to the floor.

Their faces instantaneously morph into something animalistic. They snarl at one another and bear their clenched teeth while squatting down into a position that offers easy mobility in all directions.

Surprisingly, Cheap Suit does not stop by your side. He offers you a smile and goes back to the corner of the room he originally occupied. From across the room you notice that Sam is eyeing you. He has a look in his eyes that says ‘don’t do anything stupid.’

The men in the ring launch forward at one another. The blows are fast and furious. Neither seems to even register when they are hit. They don’t make any attempt to defend themselves. They are reckless, violent, and machinelike in the way they fight. Bruises are already forming and you think you might have saw a tooth fly three rows deep. If you want to act on this fight, you’d have to do it soon. Neither of these men are going to last much longer.

---

Lex: 3 HP

Trackers Planted: 4

Threat Rating
Suspicion Counters: 2 --- It is likely someone saw you do something and suspects foul play of some sort... but who?

So her scapegoat turned out to be the one running things. That was either good or bad. I mean if they all thought he was stealing their stuff, they may be les inclined to come along. At the same time he didn't have his own tracker. The original plan was to make a scene about something being lost but perhaps it was now best to wait as see how things went. Either things went with the original plan, or the one reasonable went back with a fuckton of trackers on him.

Her planning is cut short as the fight starts. She had been expecting forced boxing or something. The feral reactions, the no hesitation. Something had been done to them. Also the feral behaviour brought another thought to her head. Micah. Was it related? He hadn't been feral in Fido-mode, but was it related? If so was he a victim, or accidentally caught in an experiment? Or perhaps the story about his father was true and this was coincidence. A very big one.

As the fight continues she begins to realise that perhaps they weren't going to stopped before ones heart was no longer beating. She grits her teeth. That wasn't the case right? They wouldn't kill off assets.. except they seemed like they had several, and no one would morn the loss of one of them. Yet while not as Archfae she could do little more but chirp at birds. Plus cheap suit was watching her, perhaps. She couldn't just duck out to change.

So chirping at birds it may have to be. She start looking out the windows as she shifts, towards them, to nonchalantly leans, look like she didn't care about what was going on, even as she tries to spot anything she can use some semblance of her powers on.

The fight continues and escalates in savagery. Unlike a pro wrestling or boxing match, the spectators are silent. It makes every thud of a fist smashing into muscle or bone sound so much worse. Turning away to look out the window only seems to amp up the volume of these impacts.

Beyond the city limits you find there is a lot more wildlife. From your vantage point you see a flock of birds flying high in the sky, a few geese swimming in a pond, and a couple of squirrels running up a tree.

The sound of glass shattering on the floor brings your attention back to the party. The fight is over. One man lies on the ground in a bloody heap and you assume the brutal sight of the man caused someone to drop their champagne glass. The victor stands motionless over the battered human he has defeated. The elite offer a quiet golf clap and whisper to one another. Most of the wait staff either look horrified or are trying their best not to look at all.

A chill runs up your spine. Many others show visible signs of feeling it as well. Red light begins to swirl directly above the loser of the fight. The energy gathers in a ball which grows to the size of a softball. The winner tosses his head back and the red ball is drawn into his chest.

The room goes hush once more as the winner is rapidly healed of all wounds he suffered during the bout. The light fades and he breathes out a deep sigh of relief before immediately being strapped back into handcuffs and chains. The loser of the fight groans in agony as new wounds appear all over his body, matching the ones the winner was just healed of. Whispering among Crowfall’s elite grows once more. It is clear that they like what they have just witnessed.

Too far away. Lex grits her teeth even as she sees if she can beckon some near to act as a distracting.

But the fight was over. She couldn't stop it, couldn't help. She isn't able to hide her horror as the wounds are transferred. That was not good. Was it an ability of the kid in particular, or something that ha bee granted with the feral instincts. A chill runs down her spine as she begins to think of implications. What if they weren't just altering these kids for the fights, what if they were up to something more sinister, and this was only a way of showcasing what they could do?

The winner of the fight is led away in chains back the direction they entered from. The guests get up from their seats and continue to mingle. More than a few go to get a closer look at the loser of the fight as he writhes in agony. No one makes any attempt to aid him in any way.

A throat clears behind you. "Excuse me." You turn around to see the butler that originally greeted you and Sam when you arrived. He is flanked by two large goons in dark suits. "I would like to have a word with you in private. Can you please follow me?"

She should go to help. She would be watched, stand out. Besides what did she care? Even so Lex went to go to the loser, to see what she could do, before the throat clearing makes her turn.

'I;m guessing the only answer is yes? If this is about the dropped tray I tried to clean it up the best I could. Hurt my arm the other day, incident wit ha desk lamp. It won't happen again.' This wasn't good. But running would confirm her guilt. Her only hope was to blag her way out of whatever the butler was up to.

The butler offers an insincere smile."Do not worry about the tray. Follow me, please." He turns and starts walking off in the direction of a new hallway. The two goons stare you down. They wait for you to follow before continuing uncomfortably close behind you.

The butler leads you to a library. Two stories tall with thousands of books stacked on the wall. There is one of those long ladders on wheels that can swing around the room to allow access to the top shelves. It doesn’t look like a book has been taken off any of these shelves in years. All the books are lined up to be perfectly flush with one another. The room is immaculately maintained though. Not a speck of dust to be found.

One goon stays in the hallway while the other enters behind you and shuts the door. He stands directly in front of it, blocking the only exit from this windowless room. Cheap Suit emerges from a shadowed corner and gives you a smile as he goes to take a seat in one of the leather chairs.

The butler motions for you to have a seat but makes no move to take one himself. "I believe you have already met Mr. Dustin Barris," the butler indicates Cheap Suit who is currently helping himself to some brandy. "He informs me that you have been taking advantage of this fine employment opportunity and helping yourself to items which do not belong to you. Would you care to offer your side of the story?"

Ah fuck. Of course it was him of everyone who had seen. The question was how much.

'I'm sorry, I'm not quite sure...I mean I understand how someone like me could be tempted, being in a place like this but I didn't..I mean you can search me if you want.' She tries to sound slight concerned and she goes to turn out her pockets to show they are empty.

The butler holds up his hands and shakes his head. "That won’t be necessary. We simply--" Dustin cuts him off.

"We simply know that any decent thief stashes their goods in order to avoid situations just like this one."

The butler gives Dustin a look of annoyance. "Well. If my services are no longer required here?" he lets the sentence hand in the air before turning to face you and continuing. "Mr. Barris will show you out once your discussion concludes. Your services will not be required in the future. Have a pleasant evening."

He steps out the door, leaving you in the room with the goon and Dustin Barris. Dustin indicates the chair opposite him. "Please have a seat and tell me all about what you’ve been up to. Are you working alone? Here with friends? What’s the target? Oh, but where are my banners? Would you like something to drink?" He pours another glass of brandy for himself and waits for your response.

Lex narrows her eyes suspiciously, mostly at the goon, but sits. 'Look I don't know..I just heard from a friend of friend about this place and gig and thought I could earn some money among these rich folk.' She leaves her sentence open, suspecting the innocent play was likely no longer working. So if they suspected something at least they could think she was just an opportunist..

Her suspicion does not change at the offer of drink but she nods, noticeably watching him and the glass the whole time.

Your attentive gaze brings a smirk to Dustin’s face. He pours the drink, without any funny business, and hands it to you. "Darling, being drugged is the last thing you have to worry about right now. With a snap of my fingers I could have that man," he says, indicating the goon by the door, "make sure you disappear in a very efficient manner. No one on earth would ever find a trace of you.

"Did you realize that was the type of environment you were walking into tonight? The laws are different inside buildings like this. I don’t think I have to explain that to you. Money can buy a lot of leeway that the common man can only dream of." He crosses his legs and down the glass of brandy in one quick gulp.

"I don’t give two shits about you stealing from anyone out there. I watched you during the fight. You didn’t seem to enjoy it too much. Why is that? Someone like you must be used to violence, so I don’t think that was it. Did you know one of those men? Did you want to step in and help them? Or maybe you did like watching it and that is what is bothering you. You wanted to be the one up there doing the damage and it scares you to learn this. Am I in the ballpark?"

'I had heard rumours, and that's it. And I don't need a goon to make sure there is no trace of me. I'm invisible, just like those fighters were. They could have been me or my friends and you and your posh lot wouldn't give a damn as long as there was blood. So no big surprise I didn't enjoy. Just because I am used to violence doesn't me I have to enjoy it, or am any good at it.'

She tries to copy him with the brandy only to a immeadiatloy start coughing as the burn rise up her throat. 'Fuck I didn't know you lot also liked to hurt as well' She coughs more. 'Not that you seem exactly in the same circles. Your suit is as cheap as my taste in booze'

Dustin chuckles at your inability to handle the brandy. He rolls his eyes at your attempt to mock his attire. "Appearances can be deceptive. Do you think these people want to believe one of their own would dabble in the type of work I do? No. Much better to look the part. It's all about giving them the show they want to see."

He uncrosses his legs and leans forward. For a minute Dustin does nothing but stare at you. Study would actually be a more appropriate word for it. Finally, he breaks his gaze and shakes his head. "You’re a tough nut to crack; you know that? Enough beating around the bush. Either you are interested or you’re not. I don’t have to tell you that the money is very good if you can win. If you lose... well at least you tried, right? So... Any interest in participating in a match?"

'I can't even start to think what you assholes do. Super rich, or more middle. I don't give a fuck. You're all crazy assholes'

'I'm not a nut, that's why. She growls her dislike of Dustin obviously showing. The surprise at the offer also clearly shows as she tried to quicly think through it, obviously hesitating. If she said yes, she would be in thei location everything was going down. But also potentially a injected with shit juice. You..what?..like hell I'm gonna try and fight fuckin' Fido. I saw what bloody happened. To shit woth the money I would be in shreds The words came even as she was still trying to consider. If he took no for no, then she met the other guy where she said. If he tried to convince her, she got more info.

Dustin breaths out a sigh of disappointment and leans back in his chair. "Ever heard the saying ‘you can’t make an omelette without breaking a few eggs?’ Your unwillingness to break eggs is what makes you an egg and me the chef. Best of luck with your future endeavors."

Dustin gets up and walks to the door. The guard opens the door and lets him out. The guard the motions for you to follow him. As you walk back down the hallway he says, "We will return to the changing room. Leave your uniform in the designated spot and then exit the changing room. I will be waiting outside and will then show you to the exit. Understood?"

The party seems to be dying down. A few of the elite guests have already left and the servers don’t look like they have much to do anymore. Most of them are gathered in small groups throughout the room and chatting with each other. Sam is in one of these groups, until Dustin walks over and pats him on the shoulder. They exchange words, Sam looks at the large guard that accompanied Dustin and then follows the two of them into the kitchen.

Your guard leads to you back to the locker room and ushers you inside. He then takes up his stance right outside the door.

'So you are saying you are a cannibal?' Lex fixes him with a look to hide her surprise he gave up so easily. She had hoped by saying no she would get at least a little more info. Still this way she would be able to meet up with that other guy.

Except she may not be able to retrieve the guys break in gear, with the guards insistence on keeping an eye on her. She guessed it made sense if they thought she had hidden her stash somewhere. She nods and follows the instructions even as she looks for a way to sneak back in after. At least till she sees Sam being led away. That may not be good. Was he going to be given the same offer? Which would he choose?

She doesn't think she's ever changed so fast before. To be fair it was amazing to finally be free of that tie. 'I'm ready she calls to the door' The second she got kicked out she would find a place to transform, and see if she could eavesdrop, or at least retrieve the break in gear.

Dustin laughs at your cannibal comment. Just before leaving the room he turns to look at you one more time. He spreads his mouth wide and comically chomps down, taking a big bite out of the air, and then he walks out.

---

The goon leads you back to the parking garage and closes the door as soon as you step through. He must think you drove yourself.

You find yourself alone among the cars. Surprisingly there does not appear to be any security cameras in the room. You should probably be safe to change into Archfae, if you wish.

As for getting back in... You test the handle and find it is locked, but you could probably pick it. Waltzing directly back down the same hallway you just came from could prove problematic, however. Overhead you see some spacious ducts that you might be able to squeeze into. No telling if that works as well as it does in the movies though. There is also a button near the garage door which appears to open it. You could venture outside and see what your options are out there.

This was torture. Also these cars, no camera's and she had to break back into the house with bloodthirsty rich assholes, rather than seeing how many cars she could raid, before leaving in the fanciest one.

She sighs and wanders towards the garage door to open it. If they had camera's they may find it odd she never left. As she leaves, not bothering to close the garage door, she moves into a jog, keeping an eye out for any cameras. She needed to make sure Same wasn't in trouble, and get the gear, but she had to make it seem like everything was normal.

The second she thinks she can get away with it, and is not being observed she ducks behind cover and changes. She stretches her wings before continuing to circle around the building in cover for a bit, before taking to the air and scouring either a place she thinks she can eavesdrop in on the kitchen, or a place on the roof she can use to get access.

You fly up above the three story leviathan of a home. It only takes a moment to locate a skylight that will easily allow you to regain entrance to the mansion. You quietly land upon the roof right next to it and peer down through the glass. It appears to be the single most spacious bathroom in the history of humankind. Luckily, it is not in use.

You ease the skylight open and hover above the jacuzzi bath. Seriously, this is bigger than Brian’s entire apartment. You slowly make your way out of the bathroom, through the connected bedroom which looks like it receives very little use, and into the hallway.

The kitchen is down on the first floor and it has already been several minutes since you saw Sam led away from the party. You are going to have to move quickly if you have any hope of catching some of the conservation; if it hasn’t already concluded.

Quickly, but quietly, you move down the hallway. You come across an elevator, a staircase, and an opening that looks down below to the second and first floors. Unfortunately it also is well within view of the main area where the party is taking place. The festivities have certainly quieted down but there are several party guests, guards, and servers still milling about. You could hop the railing to quickly get to the bottom floor, but it runs a higher risk of being spotted.

She'd been waiting all evening for the chance to disrupt these assholes. She quicly peaks around the corner to get a lay of the room, before thinking on her idea, letting the arcane words come to her. As she speaks a wind batters against one of the fair windows, hopefully even knocking it off it's hinges and buffeting the tables and those nearby. The second she thinks everyone sheould have the attention on the commotion she jumps down the stairwell.

Wind wreaks havoc inside the mansion. Glasses are thrown from tables to shatter on the floor, chairs tumble over, a tablecloth flies into the air and tangles up a guard, the flirtatious elderly woman’s dress gets blown upward ands shows everyone way more than they wanted to see. You have no problem using all of this chaos to your advantage.

You leap off the balcony and slow your descent right before hitting the ground. One quick glance down the hall confirms that no one is looking this direction, so you sprint for the kitchen while doing your best to stay as quiet as possible.

Luckily there is a rear entrance to the kitchen which has a two way swinging door that is easier for wait staff to manage when they have full hands. It is already swinging slightly from the wind and you only need to nudge it a little further to slip into the kitchen. Once inside you are able to hide behind a stove and listen to the conversation taking place.

"What in the hell is going on out there?" Dustin asks no one in particular. A guard that is leaning out the door tells him its wind. "What!? Get out there and make sure everything is alright." Dustin shakes his head in frustration and turns back to Sam. He places a hand on Sam’s shoulder and it is obvious this is not appreciated at all.

"Now where was I? Right. The fights. You keep on coming to these events. This is, what? The fourth or fifth time I’ve seen you at one of these? Seems like you must be seeing something you like. Most people are scared off by the first one and never come back."

"You don’t think I’m just in it for the cash?" Sam responds.

"No. Not at all. You like the violence. It makes you feel alive, doesn’t it? Something inside of you wishes you could be the one up there throwing the punches. Am I in the ballpark?"

Sam seems very uninterested in Dustin’s used car salesman speech. He waits the appropriate amount of time, places a full glass on the table, and replies, "Are we done here? Thanks for the drink, but I think I'm going to get going." Even from here you can feel the heat of rage coming off Dustin. He is 0 for 2 on the night.

Dustin waves Sam off and a guard escorts him from the kitchen. Dustin grinds his teeth and kicks a nearby table out of frustration. You and Dustin are the only ones left in the kitchen.

The smart move would be wait for Dustin to leave, grab the gear she had hid early and leave. Sam had just also made teh smart move walking away. She was slightly surprised he gave up the in, but then again so had she. They had both seen what happened to those who fought. Still that he had been given the offer, Sam at least seemed in the clear. Maybe Brian had misunderstood, or the goons who had taken his friends were pretending to be from Micha.

The stupid move of trying to deck Dustin and take him out now however was very tempting, and would be extremely satisfying. It would achieve nothing though, that was she tried to tell herself. He had some of the stolen goods on him, they could follow the trackers, save the fighters. If whatever had been done to them was reversible.

So against the wishes of her fists she remans put, watching him rage, waiting for him to leave, or perhaps give something away that would come in useful later.

Dustin stews in anger for a while longer. He slams his fist on the table, nearly knocking Sam’s drink to the floor. He decides to down the drink and then tosses the glass onto the table; paying no attention as it rolls right off and shatters. He walks out of the room and you are let alone to collect your stolen goods.

The party is all but over at this point. No sense in hanging around. Luckily, getting back out of the mansion proves even easier than getting in. From up above you can see the headlights of dozens of cars making their exit down the long winding driveway.

You fly back into the city, keeping an eye out for Sam’s car. You are unable to spot it with any certainty. You still have his number and can fill him in on what happened later, so you instead take a detour to the meeting spot you set with the would be thief at the party. A time and street address was written on a napkin left on the tray that you passed him before going to chat with Dustin Barris.

Silently, you glide through the air. The only indication that you may be up above is the increased breeze which sends trash fluttering about the street below. The server from the party doesn’t seem to notice any of it as he waits on the corner of the street. He is out of his car, leaning against the side of it and checking his watch.

To be a fairy or not to be, that was the question. She disliked the appearance, yet it may be risky to let her actual form be seen getting caught up in all of this. Sean and Micha already knew she was, and Archfae could be a nice ace in the hole.
Plus they guy may run from a supe.

So she lands out of sight and changes back, before strolling out of an alley and stopping a bit of a distance away and holds up his gear.

'Looks like you were planning a different party than everyone else. The kind of party I'm interested in. I found the previous one...not to my tastes.'

Baggy Pants looks up when you speak. His expression changes from surprise to confusion when he sees the items he stole, along with his case containing pressings of keys. Now out of his wait staff attire, Baggy Pants still stays true to the nickname. He’s wearing a bright green tank top, flip flops, and beyond baggy cargo shorts.

He looks you up and down with suspicion. It is clear that he remembers you and does not feel he has any reason to trust you. "Mine either. I was only there for the money. What’s that stuff you got there?" He nods to indicate the items you are holding. He looks up and down the street to make sure there is no one nearby and then casually strolls up close to you. He whispers, "You a cop?"

'Do I look like a bloody cop?' She lets a short laugh. 'Well if it's not your stuff, I guess I'll keep it. Though it is odd someone else would misplace their stuff in your pockets.'

'Look I;m just interested in a partnership of sorts with someone who owns this stuff as we may have the same goals.'

His eyes remain squinted tight with suspicion. For a long minute he does pretty much nothing but stare at you. There clearly isn’t a lot happening upstairs with this guy. Even though you have spelled it all out for him, it takes ages for him to connect the dots.

"You saying you want to hit the place with me tonight?" He pauses again and considers this. "Two people have twice as many hands." He looks down at your pants and frowns. "Not the biggest pockets though... How much stuff do you think you can carry?" He holds his hands away a few inches from each other and gradually spreads them further apart. With each increase in size his face shows more and more excitement over the potential score.

She was beginning to think this guys wasn't the ally she had hoped he would be.

'That depends on why you are hitting it.' Though some valuables would be nice she had the card. Would there even be any traces of what had happened earlier left?

'Pockets that big make you noticeable, I'm just saying. Anyway I've got some muscle on me. I can carry a fair bit.

He looks at you like you have three heads when you ask why he’s hitting the mansion. "Uhh, you saw that joint, right? I get my pockets filled in there and I’m on easy street, baby!"

He hurries around to the driver’s side and hops in before leaning over to open the passenger door for you. "Your muscles may not look like much to me, but I can never say no to a pretty face. Let’s roll!" He turns the volume way up on some hair metal and revs the engine to try and impress you.

Yeah, it is probably a safe bet at this point that you put your money on the wrong horse with this guy.

'Yeah sorry mate, turns out you're not my type.' She turns and begins to walk away, waving a hand behind her. 'Good luck on your haul. And watch out for the camera's in the parking lot.' maybe that would keep him out of trouble

That had been a waste of time. As she leaves, keeping an eye out to make sure he doesn't follow her she throws a message to Sam.'Andre the Giant throw you out to?' As she waits for a response and thinks through her next options she also looks around for a cash machine. May as well take advantage of the card before it was cancelled after all.

It doesn’t take long to locate an ATM vestibule and you head inside to make a withdrawal. The passcode written on the post-it note works like a charm. As the money starts to filter out, you feel the phone in your pocket vibrate. You grab the money and pull the phone out of your pocket while turning to make your exit. The text from Sam reads: ‘Shit, Lex. Where are you!?!?!? Been driving around in circles looking for you. You safe?’

You never heard the door to the vestibule open and with your head looking down at your phone, you fail to notice the man until you bump into him. He looks down at you with a blank expression on a face that betrays his true age. It is clear that his now plastic like skin has been stretched over and over again to mimic the appearance of youth. Inhuman is the aura it ends up achieving instead.

The man is dressed in a finely tailored three piece suit. All black, except for the white button up shirt. On his head is a black bowler hat. Both hands are resting on the head of a cane which stretches down to the floor in front of his shoes that are shined so brightly you can see your own reflection in them. You know you have seen this man before but cannot place where.

"Good news, I hope?" He nods toward the forgotten smartphone which is now limply held in your hand as you back away from the man that blocks the exit. You wouldn’t normally be afraid of such a frail looking man. His clothing might actually weigh more than he does. But something overrides common sense and lets you know that you are correct to be afraid.

"Cat got your tongue? No worries. That is probably for the best. It only ever gets you into trouble anyways, my dear Archfae." It takes a few moments for the recognition to hit you. For you to realize what name he just called you. When the realization washes over your face, he smiles. "I’m sorry. Would you prefer I use Lex instead? That is fine by me. After all, I never wanted you to be Archfae anyways.

"You were supposed to be a pawn. A tool used to pass the circlet onto Millie Dawson. Magpie, as you usually call her. You would fall in battle trying to rescue her and she would be motivated to pick up the circlet and become one of the greats. It appears I underestimated you and now that is leading to problems."

The cellphone in your hand rings. You manage to pull your eyes away from this man long enough to look down and see that it is Sam calling you. "Go ahead and answer it, Lex." You do as instructed.

"Lex, where are you?" Sam asks as the man takes a few steps toward you. "I’m pulling out of the 7-11 where we met. I’ll pick you up... just...whoa...that’s weird--" You can feel it too. A sudden sense of nausea coupled with the feeling of vertigo.

"He sounds lightheaded, doesn’t he? Dangerous condition when you’re driving." The man is real close now. Right up next do you as he whispers.

"Lex what is going on? I--" it sounds like Sam drops the phone. You hear it falling and bouncing around as it is tossed about on the floor of the car. The engine suddenly revs as if the pedal has been pressed all the way to the floor. There is a terrible racket. Glass breaking and metal crunching. The man next to you shakes his head.

"That’s a real shame. Not everyone can handle the stresses of exposure to other worlds. Tell me, Lex, how do you feel when you look at your phone?" You cannot help but look down at it. It finally dawns on you just how wrong all of this feels. It is a phone. That much is obvious. But you’ve never seen one like it. You have no idea how it works without wires. How it sends and receives those text based message. The screen comes to life once more and a notification informs you that you have an email acknowledging your application has been received. What the hell is an email?

The phone falls from your grasp and crashes onto the floor. You fall next. Your legs are jello and your head feels like it weighs 1000 pounds. You push yourself backwards until you are stopped by the walls of the vestibule and can no further. The phone ignites on fire and quickly burns away to nothing but ashes which flutter around the vestibule.

The man slowly closes the distance between the two of you. He lowers himself into a crouch so he is at eye level and snatches the money and bank card from your hand. It also lights ablaze and crumbles to ashes. The man reaches out his ash covered hand and yanks away your hat; revealing the circlet that grants your powers. He taps it with his cane and then uses the end of the cane to hold your chin up so you are forced to look him in the eyes.

"You may not have been the one I chose, but we’re stuck with you. For now. I need you to shape up your act. You are messing with forces you don’t understand. We’ve managed to maintain this delicate balance all these years through careful planning and a lot of hard work. I won’t have a mistake like you messing that up. If you’re going to be a hero you need to act like one, Lex. Do you understand?" He stands up and drops the hat into your lap.

"Sam needs your help, so suit up and get out there. I’ll be seeing you." He tips his hat to you and walks out of the vestibule. You watch as he appears to fade away a little more with each step. It is impossible to pin point the exact moment you lose sight of him. Everything goes dark.

You wake up on a bench across the street from the ATM. Groggy and confused, you look around but there is no one in sight. The ATM remains well lit across the street but is empty. You reach up to your head and feel the familiar cotton of your hat. Pulling it off you run your fingers across the circlet. You go to cover it back up with your hat but stop when you notice the ashes that stain the fabric.

'What the fuck?' Had there been something in that scotch after all? Or was it some other supe messing with her. Maybe it had been a ploy to get the money. It had to be right? After all he had been talking complete gibberish. Delicate balance? What was that supposed to me and how was she meant to be messing it up as a superhero who struggled to take down a few thugs.

Magpie was meant to be Archfae not her. Sadly that was the one part of everything that made the most sense. The superhero nerd would barely sleep if she got powers. Still how would he know that it was meant to be Magpie? Futuresight? More bullshit to steal her hard-earned money? Still the idea stung slightly, even the thought someone considered her fodder for someone else's story.

Act like a hero? What the hell was that suppose to mean. No-one had ever given her a bloody manual on this mess, or lessons on what to do. She was doing her best with the cards she'd been dealt. Well okay maybe she shouldn't be robbing old ladies. Though how else was she meant to survive unless someone started cutting heroes a cheque? And how would that effect anything?

She stares at the hat for a moment. The ash meant it hadn't been a scotch based hallucination. A thieving villain then? Though why making her imagine that weird phone. Sam responding had taht been part of it as well?

Sam. He had sounded in trouble. Or had he? She pulls herself up and looks around, before running to a place to change. Whoever had done this said he needed help. Which was probably just another trick. After all there was no way she could have been speaking to Sam earlier. Still why then had she'd been so convinced till now she had already contacted him.

He was fine, everything was fine, just some asshole had tried, and succeeded, to steal her money. An asshole who knew her name, and that she was Archfae.

'Sam you'd better be in some bar with a beer right now.' She mumbles under her breath as she takes off into the air.

It doesn’t take long to cover the distance to the last location Sam mentioned in the possibly imagined phone call. The overhead view does not paint a pretty picture.

Sam’s wrecked car is in the middle of the road. Water is propelled 20 feet into the air from a burst fire hydrant. After the car hit that, it must have careened into the traffic light which is currently resting on top of the partially crushed roof of Sam’s car.

You spot Sam lying on the sidewalk in a bloody mess. When you fly down next to him you are relieved to find he is not only alive, but still conscious. He groans in pain but manages to speak.

"Is that you, Micah? I’m not doing good, man. I could really use some of that healing magic right about now." His body goes limp as he loses consciousness. Sam still has a pulse, but it is weak.

'Bloody hell. What the.. Learning little from her encounter just now Archfae goes to scoop Sam up in her arms, hoping her wings were stronger than they looked. This made the previous experience even more weird. How had he known about the accident. About Sam? Had she genuinely heard the accident heself on that weird phone?

She could do with that phone right now. An ambulence, that was what would be good. It takes her a moment in her panic to realise Sam's words. 'Healing magic i don;t.. wait Micah has some?' The question comes to late though as Sam passes out.

Looks like she has a destination. She gives a quick glance around to make sure no one else is hurt before taking back to the air, to Micah's house.

'Fido you'd better be in.' She mumbles to herself as she land by the back door before starting to bang on it loudly. In the rush it hadnlt occurred to her to change back. Sam's life was what mattered right now.

You fly faster than you previously thought your wings were capable of and arrive at the backdoor of Micah’s house within minutes. The frantic knocking brings Micah to the door very quickly. His eyes go wide at the sight of Sam’s condition. Without question, he waves you inside and instructs you to put Sam on the kitchen table.

Micah turns his back to you and holds his hands over Sam’s chest. You watch as a yellow glowing light seems to surround Micah. The light moves over his body until it comes together in the small of his back and spreads outward to form impressive wings of light. Feathered like an eagle, or an angel, the wings lift Micah a foot off the ground.

You walk around him to the other side of the table so you can see Sam better. From here you can also see Micah’s face. His eyes are closed and his lips move as if he is speaking, but he remains silent. Wisps of yellow light spread from his fingertips and float over Sam’s body like fog over dry ice.

For the second time tonight you watch as wounds are removed from one individual only to reappear on another. Micah transfers Sam’s wounds to himself. Identical cuts and scrapes appear all over his body. His silent chanting is momentarily stopped as he coughs up blood, but this barely slows him down. With a minute, Sam is looking like his normal self and he regains consciousness.

Micah lowers himself to the floor. His eyes remain closed but his lips stop moving. Sam sits up on the table. He looks from you to Micah but says nothing. Another minute passes and the wounds that Micah has inherited slowly heal until he too is back to full health. His eyes open. The wings and the light fade. Micah breathes out a sigh of relief and slides out a chair so he can sit down.

"Thanks, man." Sam says to Micah. He turns to you. "I, uh, don’t know who you are, but I’m assuming I owe you a thanks as well?" Micah looks like he as just run 20 miles. His head is drenched in sweat and he looks like he may need a minute to recover.

She had finally started to trust Micah, and now the same healing as she saw prievously casts doubts again. Archfae watches with morbid curiosity as Sam is healed, and then Micha.

'Neat trick. DOn;t suppose you can teach anyone else that?' She had to not sound suspicious. As far as these two were concerned this was the first time time they were meeting. Archfae didn't know the rumours about Micah, nor have some distrust.

She blanks briefly when Sam thanks her, before giving an awkward nod.. 'No worries. I was flying over when I saw the accident. Naturally I had to help.'

Miach wipes some more sweat from his brow and gives you a weak smile. "I am afraid I don’t even understand how I do it myself. I wish I did. Then maybe I could figure out how to do it without taxing myself so much. As is, this ability is really only good for emergencies like this."

"Well I am certainly glad you can do it, Micah," Sam thanks him again. He turns to you and says, "And I’m glad to see another guardian angel watching over the city." His eyes narrow as he takes in your appearance. "Are you that new hero that got taken out by some hoodlums with a frying pan the other night? The flying is cool and all, but maybe try signing up for judo classes or something."

Archfae's wings flicker slightly in annoyance, even as she tries to act ignorant. 'Is that what they are saying? Perhaps the thieves are embarrassed being beaten up by a fairy, and are spreading such rumours. I definitely came out on top in that suituation' What would it take to get the frying pan incident to go away?

You were supposed to be a pawn. A tool used to pass the circlet onto Millie Dawson. The words from earlier suddenly echo in her mind even as the embarrassing incident also plays in her head. Had her rescuing mMagpie really been a fluke, and she was destined to get knocked around by thigs until eventually one got lucky? Probably.

Destiny could fuck off however. She wasn't going to be some cannon fodder or necessary sacrifice if she could help it. She would figure out what they meant by real hero, show them not to judge people by their looks or situation.

"Not all problems can be solved with violence, Sam." Micah says. Sam nods in agreement and gets up off the table. He takes a seat next to Micah. "The fact that this young woman takes on personal risk to help others is what matters. The city is lucky to have you."

Sam looks down at his blood stained shirt. "Hey, I’m not knocking either of you. You’re both heroes in my book whether or not you’re out there throwing haymakers. We all play an important role in changing this city for the better; right Micah?" The leader smiles at Sam mimicking his teachings. Sam turns back to you. "So what do they call you? Besides using those fancy wings to fly, what abilities do you have?"

Sam’s eyes go wide as a thought occurs to him. "Aw crap! I forgot about Lex."

Micah’s face shows worry. "Lex was out with you? I wasn’t aware she was taking part in those kinds of missions."

"Uh, yeah. Sean said she wanted to help."

Micah is slow to respond. "I see."

Sam avoids Micah’s gaze and turns back to you. "Do you think you can do me one more solid and head to the sky to scout for a missing friend?"

'Archfae.' Magpie had picked the name, naturally. 'As for abilities, you'll have to keep an eye on the news. Unless it contains for rumours about pans. She tries to sound mysterious. Right now she should keep her cards close to her chest.

Her interest is imeadiatly piqued when she herself is mentioned. Turns out Sam really did care.

'Quite likely. Who is this Lex? And what kind of missions do you mean?'

Sam looks questioningly to Micah. He nods his head and tells him, "She saved your life and you’re not sure if you can trust her?" Sam relaxes and starts to fill you in on the details.

"Lex is a local who is tired of being oppressed by the people in this city that don’t play nice. Have you heard about this underground fighting ring? We’ve been working against them for weeks now. She went with me to help gather information tonight and we got separated. Before I lost control of my car, I was out looking for her. I talked to her--"

Sam gets visibly woozy and nearly blacks out again. Micah reaches out a hand to steady him and Sam slowly recovers. You feel it too. A wave of nausea. But it clearly hits Sam harder than it does you.

"Sam, I think you should lie down and rest. Archfae and I will make sure Lex is ok." Sam is reluctant to agree but ultimately relents. He gets up, pats Micah on the shoulder, and heads for the living room.

"If we split up we can cover more ground. Lex is in her late teens, tattoos on her right arm, and blue hair. She’ll probably be wearing a hat. If you find her, please just make sure she gets someplace safe. If she needs medical attention then by all means bring her back here. I’ll check in every 30 minutes until we make sure she’s ok."

Micah raises from his seat and moves toward the backdoor. His golden wings form once more.

Well that was accurate. She definitely hadn't been looking for more praise or anything.

It was a very rapid lie for someone who had just been through a car accident. maybe these guys really were concerned. They just needed to work on their frontman Sean to be les intimidating. As Sam mentioned they were talking Archfae stiffens. She had hoped that had just been part of the illusion, the accident coincidental, or known by whoever had done it to spook her. But no there was talking. On some conjure device. Wasn;t their.

She tries tries not to think of it, or focus on it. Right now it was the underground rings that mattered. Sam was okay. She needed to go find herself to stop people panic. Normal hero stuff right? After all tahts what she was. A hero.

She nods as Micah gve more details, going to follow, then pausing again as she sees the wings. Well he had definitely been holding back. Still if he was willing to show them to a near stranger to save that strangers alter egos life, it probably wasn't sinister. Probably.

She takes to the air herself, heading towards where she had been before calling..contacting Sam somehow. Keeping an eye she wasn't being followed she drops into a seclude place to change once one, before starting to walk her way back. It would be best it didn't seem Archfae found her. As then questions why they weren't together would be awkward So either Micha needed to find her, or she needed to find herself. Wait that was confusing.

Anyway she made her way back to Micha's as Lex, and started to knock on the door.

Travelling back to Micah’s house as Lex and knocking on the door might have been the plan, but something comes up along the way that may alter that.

You and Micah both take to the air. He gives Archfae a wish of good luck and you take off in separate directions. Soon afterward, you slip into an alley and make the change back into Lex. The walk back to Micah’s doesn’t take too long. The unexpected happens as you round the corner onto his street.

About a block from Micah’s house you see a few familiar faces and one new one. Micah’s second in command, Sean Miller, is standing on the sidewalk next to a luxury sedan. Inside the car is Dustin Barris. A second car full of Dustin's armed guards is idling behind him, keeping an eye on the street.

Dustin and Sean are mid-conversation and seem quite familiar with each other. You are too far away to hear what they are saying, however. Standing next to Sean is a teenage kid with a heavily scarred face. He looks like he is barely conscious and is struggling to stay on his feet. Neither of the men are paying much attention to this kid that matches Brian's description of his friend Todd.

Well that made things interesting. The question however was was Sean meeting Dustin on Micahs orders, or by his own choice. Micah had claimed he knew no Todd, and he and Sam seemed to generally care. They had sent someone they hardly knew to look for a teenager they had just met on the off chance she was in trouble.

Sean however was the link that made sense. He'd spoken to Todd. He knew Todd and Todd had gone missing. Was the man pulling double duty? Or just doing the dirty work while Micah acted all angelic.

Lex didn't even realise she was suddenly Archfae again as she snuck closer trying to listen. Once more vines went to encicle wheels, though the goal this time was only delay. If they found her listening, or just finished the conversation and went to leave Lex, Archfae now, was certain of one thing. Todd was coming with her.

Tiny cracks break apart the asphalt below the cars. Small, but strong, vines inch their way up through the cracks and begin to wrap around the axels.

You fly upward and keep to the shadows as you get to a rooftop position close enough to listen in on the end of their conversation.

"Don't forget you owe me for this loss of merchandise," Dustin spits out at Sean.

"None of this would be necessary if your people could have kept an eye on him," Sean responds.

"Or if you did a better job of tying up loose ends." There is a pause as neither man is willing to back down from blaming the other. The longer the pause goes on, the more confident Dustin seems to get. "I want twice as much juice this week. Then we're even."

Sean shakes his head. "That's not going to be easy."

"Not my problem."

Sean bites his lip and clinches his fists. "Fine." Dustin smiles and waves the two of them off. Sean turns to Todd and gives him a shove to get him moving in the direction of Micah's house. Dustin puts his car into gear and prepares to drive off.

Suddenly she understood why people said heroes had a tough time. Save Todd now, or watch this encounter. Sean wa going to Michahs maybe. What would be said upon arrival. that he found someone new? Or that he had recaptured the runaway and Sam would know what he was talking about.

She could ctah them both now. Dustin couldn;t lean, ad she would take Sean by surprse. But she would know Wouldn;t know if she had cut off the head.

Was it always like thius? Making promises then immeadiatly consider breaking them. No she wouldn;t be breaking it. She would still save Todd. Stop him from being harmed further. She just needed to hear the interaction. Hear what was said. Know who she had to take down to stop this completely.

'Fucks sake' She mumbles as she speaks to let the vines go. Let Dustin go. She would get him again. They were tracking him. Unless Sam was in his side. Damn. It wasn't meant to be this hard, from what she'd heard. She was the hero. the good guy, meant to save the day. No dilemmas, no morals. No freaky guys telling her she was meant to be the scapegoat.

As she takes to the air to follow Sean and Todd she makes yet another resolution to herself. She would solve this. Stop this. As a hero.

The vines retreat back into the ground. Dustin and his men drive off without knowing how close they came to a superhero beatdown.

You follow behind Sean and Todd at a safe distance. Not that it really matters. Todd is way too out of it to possibly notice you. He is having enough trouble walking. And Sean seems focused on the task at hand. He walks quickly, dragging Todd along when he needs to. He starts to put up more of a caring act when they get close to Micah’s place. Sean wraps an arm around Todd and helps him up the steps.

Sam answers the door and his eyes go wide. "Oh my god. Is he ok?"

"Does he look ok?"

"Shit. Micah is out, man. He--"

Sean holds up a hand. "Nothing Micah can do anyways. His wounds aren’t fresh. Those monsters really did a number on him and then tossed him aside when he couldn’t fight anymore. Help me get him inside."

Sam quickly takes the load from Sean. He helps Todd inside, careful not to harm the boy any further. Sean follows him inside and shuts the door behind him.

You fly around to the back of the house and find that the kitchen window has been conveniently left open again. The group stays in the living room, so it is a little hard to hear but you get the important bits.

Sam asks who this kid is and Sean explains that he is a friend of Lex. He worked all day to track him down and it is a good thing he did because Todd wouldn’t have lasted much longer out there on his own. Sam is clearly worried about how spaced out the kid is. He thinks he might have brain damage and wants to take him to the hospital, but Sean says Todd will be fine.

Sean was sniping the kids. Some of them at least. He was working with Dustin. Sam at least didn't seem to know. Did Micah? Was Sean actually going to do something bad in the sewers if she hadn't interrupted?

The question was what to do with the information. People tends not to react well if they're told one of their closest men is a traitor. Sam had only just met Archfae, if she jumped in now accusing Sean, it likely wouldn't go well. So she had to talk to someone without Sean in earshot. Todd right now at least seemed okay. Though she agreed with the hospital, still she would have to reveal herself to insist.

She takes to the air, and goes in the opposite direction she went last time looking out for golden wings. For Micah.

It doesn’t take long to locate Micah. In the night sky those golden wings are a little hard to hide. He is transfixed on the ground below and doesn’t notice your approach. On the ground there are plenty of onlookers gawking up at the angelic being flying through the sky. They only get more excited when a human sized fairy joins the mix.

Micah seems startled when he finally notices you coming toward him. "Archfae! Did you find her? I thought we would meet back at my house. Has something bad happened?" The worry on his face and in his voice feels very real. If he’s playing you then he is a damn good actor.

She looks cautiously down at the onlookers, before hoping they can't be heard. 'I found her, she's fine however...there is something we need to discuss.' She takes a breath, briefly rehearsing the story she'd worked on as she flew over.

'I've also been watching this group. I've learned a ringleader. He calls himself Dustin. When I fond you teenager she was tracking him, and the person he was talking to.' She hesitates, this was the fun part. 'Ot was another man. Dustin was talking about los of merchandise, as he gave the other guy a boy. I stopped your friend before she ran in. That bit at least was believable. 'She said...that the boy was name Todd, was why she got involved. And that the other man...was one of yours. Called Sean. As she says the last words she tenses slightly, watching Micah's reaction.

'I followed him and Todd. The boys out of it. They're back at your place, with Sam. Sean's acting like he just found him, rescued him. rather than getting him straight from the person responsible. Lex....she said she had been unsure to trust you, that..she had heard rumours. Perhaps this Sean of yours he's...not the person you think he is, is the reason behind these bad rumours.

Micah listens to you with deep concentration. There is no hint of recollection at the name Dustin, but his eyes light up when you mention Todd. This hopeful look is slashed when you tell him Sean might be involved with the fighting ring. For a while, he remains silent. His eyes dart about as if he is replaying dozens of memories in his head.

"Thank you... This isn’t something that I want to hear, but I'm glad to know. I..." he looks back up at you. "Lex is alright then? And Todd... I should have kept a better a watch on things. I have had my doubts about Sean’s... methods. I never imagined he might be working with our enemies though. I hope this is just a misunderstanding but I can’t sit on the sidelines any longer if it is putting people at risk."

Micah sighs deeply. "I’m going to have a discussion with Sean. Please tell Lex that I’m sorry I let her down. I’ll do everything I can to help her friend... could you watch over the boy? Todd? Things might get heated between me and Sean. It is probably best if we get him out of the area in case things get dangerous."

'Surely it would be best if I aid you, if Sean is to lash out. I have seen what they do to their pawns, what would they do to their own men? Though she did want to get Todd to safety, if Micah was an ally she didn't want to immeadiatly be by herself again after finally deciding to trust someone.

She could lie, say she would briefly take Todd to where Lex was. Except that would be leaving a dazed boy alone by himself. [b]'Perhaps..Todd looks like he needs a hospital. He could go there, or I get him to safety then I come back? I could also make sure your other friend is safe. I convinced her to head to a friends, rather than rush Sean, said I would follow and see would would happen.'

Micah thinks it all over. For a while. He seems very indecisive and you begin to get an idea of why he has entrusted so much authority in someone like Sean; even if that trust may have ended up being misplaced. "I could use your help. I have no idea what we’re walking into and I am no fighter. If things are as bad as you have indicated and Sean... you might be the only one capable of protecting Todd and Sam. It looks like I got my own guardian angel today. Thank you for offering your assistance."

The two of you fly back to his home, talking over a bit of strategy on the way. Micah is going to go in and talk to Sean. He’ll make sure the window is open and suggests you hang around back to listen in. If things go south, he wants you to see Sam and Todd to safety and only after that is done, come to his aid.

When you get to the house it is easy to hear the heated argument Sean and Sam are having about what to do about Todd. Micah dispels his wings and heads in through the back door. He leaves it open a crack, and sees that the window is already open. When he walks through into the living room everyone goes quiet.

"Micah, I’m glad you’re back. I’ve been out all day but I found the guy Lex was worried about." There is a heavy silence in response to Sean.

"Sam, can you take Todd into the other room. I need to have a discussion with Sean."

"No." There is clear hostility in Sean’s voice. "Todd is in no shape to... He should stay here with me."

For a long minute, no one speaks. It is as if each party is trying to figure out how much the other one knows.

"What’s going on Miach?"

"I would like to ask you the same thing. Todd isn’t well. Let me--"

"There is nothing you can do." It sounds as much a threat as it is a statement.

"Sean, don’t--" Miach suddenly stops. You hear Sam let out a gasp of surprise followed by the familiar sounds of a human imitating the barks of a dog.

Well this seemed like exactly what 'going south' sounded like. Archfae is through the back door before she even before she has a chance to think, getting in between Sean and everyone else.

'Sam get them both out.' Even as she speaks she realises that she as Archfae never explained how she knew their names, or where Micah lived to save Sam. She would come up with a lie later.

Micah had wanted her to protect Sam and Todd, but she wasn't about to leave him, especially if he had gone into Fido mode. She is barely aware of he vine that come in through the windows, trying to block Sean's path to anyone but herself. She probably should be trying to be more subtle, suggest they just wanted to talk. But that had failed with Micah, and right now she wasn't in a subtle mood.

'Why no hospital Sean? Don't want them to know what your friend did to him? What did you two do to stop him from sharing what really happened? What you did?'

Sean is stunned when you walk through the door. Micah is curled up on the couch and looks happy to see you. He gives a quick yelp of a bark. You can see the recognition in his eyes. It is unclear if it is Micah recognizing Archfae, or Fido recognizing Lex.

Sam wavers for a minute, unsure who to listen to. Ultimately, he goes with you. He grabs Todd’s hand and starts to lead him to the back door before Sean shouts for him to stop. Sam looks to you for reassurance.

"What is going on here? Who the hell are you?" Sean asks.

"It doesn’t matter," Sam finds his voice. "Answer her questions."

Sean remains silent. It is clear on his face that he knows the jig is up. You can see the wheels turning behind his eyes as he tries to think of a way out of this. Sam shakes his head in disappointment and goes toward Micah. That’s when Sean pulls the gun and starts firing at anything with a pulse.

---

Dice Pool Limit: 5

Current HP
Archfae: 3

Threat Ratings
Mini-Boss: Sean Miller: 1

Side Objectives
(1 round time limit)Protect Everyone Until They Get Clear: 3

The others safety was the most important. Even as Sean's draws the gun Archfae speaks arcane words, putting all her focus in it, causing the vines to grow and rapidly form into a wall separating Sean and herself from the other free and the front door, and protecting the otehrs from wild bullets.

'I'm the one done with your and Dustin's bullshit.' She speaks as thorned tendrils grow from the cage she's made around them.

Sean grits his teeth as the magazine runs dry and he is unable to score a single hit. He looks around at the vines that have layered around the two of you, completing an enclosure not unlike the fighting rings he helped force others into. His face shows the recognition. He has become the animal backed into a corner.

He throws the empty gun at you and charges forward. Punches and jabs are thrown with a mixture of speed, skill, and desperation. The surprising tenacity has you on the ropes for a minute. He may be a human with no known super powers, but he clearly has some skill.

You allow small openings to spread between the vines and force a large gust of wind through to get some space between you and Sean. He throws up his hands to shield against it but cannot stop from being pushed back to the middle of the room. When the wind stops he looks up at you with pure rage.

"I don’t know who you are but you got the wrong guy." Sean continues on like this. Spewing lies that stand no chance of being believed by anyone. All the while his eyes are darting around the room looking for anything that may give him an advantage in this fight.

When he finally finds it, Sean dives across the room toward a bookcase. Before you can stop him, he has a lighter pulled from his pocket held in front of a conveniently placed aerosol hairspray can. "Burn." The makeshift flamethrower spits fire all over the room. The couch, the ground, the ceiling, the vines. Everything lights up as Sean laughs.

---

Dice Pool Limit: 5

Current HP
Archfae: 3

Threat Ratings
Mini-Boss: Sean Miller: 1

Protect Everyone Until they Get Clear: SUCCESS!!!

'Then why did you just fire at your friends?

She could just enclose the burning vines on him. But that wasn't herolike, and she'd been told to be a hero. No it wasn't because she was tole. Its because she was. So instead she opened the vines behind her, letting a gust of wind blow in to stop the flames, even as vines lashed out to grapple and pin Sean to the floor.

As she clams she begins to speak new words, words to affect the air pressure, the clouds, the atmosphere around the house, the area, as the sky darkens preparing to rain if the fire spreads.

Sean has no answer for that. He doesn’t even try to respond. Vines wrap him up before he can spread more chaos and your magic quickly starts to douse the fires. Before long, this place is looking... well like total shit. But it is no longer an escalating issue.

Sean struggles against the entangling vines but it is no use. He isn’t going anywhere. He finally realizes this and awaits his fate while you deal with the last of the fire.

"I guess it was only a matter of time before Micah got someone like you in his employ. I didn't realize he was recruiting behind my back. He's more clever then I thought. I’m sure you guys will make a wonderful duo." He says this with both spite and a sense of hopefulness. "I do believe in the cause, but sometimes you have to be willing to crack a few eggs to make the omelet; you know? Micah ain’t willing to do that. If you’re taking my place, I hope you’re willing to get your hands dirty when time comes or all of this has been for nothing."

'The only asshole going behind peoples back is you.' She crouches on her knees in front of Sean. 'iI'm just someone who happened to be in the right place at the right time to cotton on to your bullshit. Micha only met me 20 minutes ago.Yet him and Sam trust me more then you. Why? because I saved Sam from a car wreck that you could have stopped by telling him you knew Dustin, that he didn't need to go tonight.'

She stands up again, removing all the vines except the ones trapping Sean. 'Cracking a few eggs.#? You mean the exact people you claimed to stand for? You're hands aren't dirty they're covered in blood and money. Tell me how to find Dustin.'

She didn't know what to do with Sean. Would she be able to convince the police he was a shitbag? Unlikely. Best let Sa and Micah decide if and when they returned

Sean shakes his head in annoyance and defiance. "You need to grow up. You’re out here flying around looking like a magic pixie and trying to tell me what to do? What do you know about life down here for people like me? Nothing, that's what. Everyone that grows up like me talks a bit talk about how they want to change things but do they ever do it? No. Because eventually they come to a wall. A line that they won’t cross. I’m willing to cross it if it means a better life for everyone.

"You think the elite scum at the top are scared of crossing those lines? Give me a break. Not everyone is all unicorns and rainbows like Micah. We were never going to succeed at changing things if we kept going about things his way."

"I’m sorry you feel that way." You both turn to look at the front door. Standing there with a paper bag full of fresh produce is Micah’s mother. She walks into the room and takes a look at her charbroiled sofa. You look back to Sean and his expression has changed. He looks like a kid caught with their hand in the cookie jar.

Micah’s mother acts as if you aren’t in the room. She places the grocery bag on an end table and goes to kneel next to Sean. "I had to do it," Sean tells her.

"I don’t doubt that you think that, Sean. Where is my son?" Sean looks at you. The woman stands and turns to face you. She waits as if she is expecting an answer, but does not repeat the question.

Lex grits her teeth at the pixie comments. She should probably make some comment about appearences, and true magic and what not. Nope. 'A lot seeing, seeing as I haven't known where my next meal is coming for for the past few years. Whihc is worse than you seeing I guess you get some nice cash for selling out those you are claiming to stand for. I've been a fairy for what, two weeks and already done better than you and your false pretence. If the line is selling out friends, then I;m walking in the wrong direction. /b]

Even with the hissed response her emotions are still built up. It wasn't going to get into his head. Nothing ever got into other people head. She's about to continue when Micha's mother turns up. She fight the age old need to point to Sean and immeadiatloy blame him for the burnt furniture and damage.

[b]'Sam. Sam took him to safety. She answers, not able to look the women in the face. Too many reminders. SHe points towards the door the group left by.

For a brief moment you see relief wash over Mrs. Beradi’s face before it returns to one of practiced neutrality. "That’s good. Sam has always been very reliable. Unlike Sean here. Can you do me a favor and sit him up? This is no way to have a conversation." Micah’s mother points at one of the burnt sofas. It is no trouble for you to rearrange him in a sitting position, and then she indicates for you to sit next to him.

"I take it that you are responsible for Micah’s worsening condition?" she asks Sean.

Sean cannot look her in the face. His silence tells her the answer. "Is his father involved?" For a moment, Sean’s eyes flick upward to meet hers before he looks back at the ground. Mrs. Beradi sighs deeply. "If only you had said something, we could have helped you Sean. He’ll kill you as soon as he learns you failed him. You know that right? I cannot do anything to protect you now. The best I can offer is a sincere wish of good luck."

She turns her attention to you. "Are you working with my son? I don’t recall hearing about any supers in his organization. What is your name?"

Mrs. Beradi looks confused. She asks Sean, "Dustin?"

He clears his throat and answers, "Dustin Barris. He’s--"

She rolls her eyes. "I know who he is." She turns back to you and laughs. "No. Dustin is not Micah’s father. Dustin is a skilled con artist that I thought Abram Beradi had cast aside years ago. Dustin may be a terrible man but he is not one I am afraid of. I am very disappointed in Sean, but there is nothing I can do to protect him from my ex-husband. If you want to try to protect him, be my guest."

Mrs. Beradi reaches into her purse and pulls out a cellphone. She taps it a few times and raises it to her face. "Micah, are you alright?" The world starts to be drowned out by an ever increasingly loud ringing noise. You feel as if you are going to faint. You close your eyes and try to shut off the world. The ringing stops.

When you open your eyes, both Sean and Mrs. Beradi are looking at you with very concerned expressions on their faces. "Are you alright, dear?" Mrs. Beradi asks. Her hands are empty. She doesn’t even appear to have a purse.

The phone in the kitchen rings. Mrs. Beradi excuses herself to answer it. She pauses next to you and places a comforting hand on your shoulder for a minute before continuing on.

"So are you willing to help me?" Sean wastes no time asking as soon as she vanishes into the kitchen.

She was beginning to fucking hate these not-phones. What the hell was going on. And just when she managed to take someone out without screwing up. Lex takes a deep breath as she opens her eyes. That thing, that device, it was gone. The others didn't seem aware. Sam had seemed confused as well. Was it a vision of the future of something, future tech? But since when she fairires care about that sort of stuff. It made no sense as a power for her. Maybe that mime Magpie kept going on about.

'I'm fine. Just, listening to the trees, making sure the area is safe.' She didn't want to be seen as a another moment of weakness.

As Sean speaks she rolls her eyes and let's out a disgusted sound. 'Help you? No. You deserve to be locked up, and pay for what you've done. But won't learn anything when dead, and I'm not going to let someone die while I'm around.' Though if Micah's Dad was coming for Sean, it could be a good way to get him to turn up. Though using bait...was that really something she should do?'

"I am not going to argue and say I haven’t done some bad things. I absolutely have. But you have got to understand one thing. She ain’t lying. As soon as Micah’s father learns that I messed up, I am a dead man. I won’t be safe under your protection. I won’t be safe in jail. My only hope is to put as much distance between me and him as possible. If you really want to stop him from killing me, you have to let me go."

There is panic in both Sean's eyes and voice. Before either of you has a chance to speak any further on the subject, Mrs. Beradi walks back in from the kitchen.

"It was Sam. He is having a bit of trouble managing both of them while Micah is in this state." She looks from you to Sean and then back. "One of us needs to go help him." It is clear she does not know who would be the better choice and is leaving it up to you.

'..you go. I'll figure out what to do here.' Internally she is relieved that at least everything is okay enough for Sam to call. 'Though be careful. Sam just had an accident, and the boy with him and Micah...I hope he is safe but he just got rescued from whatever Sean and your..Micah's father was doing to him.'

'though before you go... She turns back to look at Sean. '...how bad of an idea would it be for me to confront Micah's father directly. She was probably going to do it anyway, but having knowledge could help.

Mrs. Beradi starts to gather her things as soon as you suggest she be the one to go. It is clear that she is worried about her son and is relieved she can go to his aid. When you ask about Micah’s father, she pauses and turns around with a worried expression on her face.

"I cannot say for certain. You look very capable but... my ex-husband is a ruthless man with nearly endless amounts of money. Mix that with his clever brain and you are seeking a fight with a very formidable foe. If you can even find him." She looks to Sean with a mixture of disgust and sympathy. "Do you even know where he is hiding these days?" Sean just shakes his head 'no' and goes back to staring at his feet.

"I thought as much. I’ll be back as soon as I can." Mrs. Beradi leaves.

Sean clears his throat. "I don’t know where you can find Mr. Beradi, but I can lead you to Dustin."

'Well that is almost a relief. Was half worried he would come look for this one personally' She gestures towards Sean. Okay so it would likely be mooks or Dustin. She wouldn't mind knocking him around a bit.

Sean seemed to be reading her mind as he spoke about leading the way. 'Well I was planning to wait till they came to us, but if I can get the drop on them, then that is better chances for both of us. As long as you don't lead me into a trap. That's going to be a very bad idea. For you.' She wasn't sure if she trusted him but if he could lead her to Dustin, maybe she would be able to find more kids, or more information as well. Plus she would have a surprise advantage, rather than waiting around like a sitting duck.

"I know you think I’m a real poor excuse for a human being right now, but you’re my only hope of surviving. I have nothing to gain by betraying and I have no problem turning on Dustin. That guy is a true slimeball to his core."

Sean starts to detail Dustin’s headquarters. He owns an apartment building not too far from here. You’re familiar with the place. It has a bit of a bad reputation for taking advantage of its tenants and is generally only rented out by people that don’t have much in the way of other options.

He tells you that Dustin lives on the top floor and has his offices built into the bottom floor. In the offices there is a secret entrance to the sewers where he is holding all of the fighters captive.

"I could easily get you in there. You change back into... like not a fairy or whatever, and I can walk you in like your a new recruit. I’ll get you onto the freight elevator. It has direct access to Dustin’s floor. You can’t beat that, right?"

'Even if I wasn't always a fairy, why would I risk you knowing who I am?' Still it was a good idea.. if it weren't for the fact Sean knew Lex. Plus the fact she had already turned Dustin down tonight it could seem suspicious.

A bad plan emerged in her head. She knew two people who would likely be up for helping, but no that was a bad idea. It wouldn't get her entry anyway.

'Are you sure there are no conveniently big airducts or something I can get through. You aren't in the firing line then either' Where he would be she'd need to figure out.. tied up in a phone box somewhere or something.

Sean looks dejected and shakes his head. "Dustin is paranoid of capes. Sets a pretty tight watch on the roof. He’s got armed guards and a pretty sophisticated security system watching every inch of the roof. Superheroes always go through the roof. Why is that? Doesn’t matter. What is important is that he is lax in security from the bottom up. After all, you never hear about the Warden swimming through the sewers. But you go down there dressed like that and word is going to quickly get to him. He’ll be long gone by the time you reach the penthouse."

It is clear that the wheels are spinning inside Sean’s head. Fear is a very powerful motivator. "Don’t worry about putting me in the line of fire. Anything Dustin does to me will be like being tickled with a feather compared to what Mr. Beradi would do.

"If I can get to the top floor, I am reasonably sure I can get you past the guards on the roof. Only problem is that Dustin is pretty upset with me right now since I sprung that one kid loose. I gotta make that up to him. Replace the lost merchandise..." He can’t look you in the eyes as he says this. Even if he believes the ends justify the means, he knows he has done awful things. "I gotta either take a couple of new recruits up to meet him or supply him with a big ol’ batch of Micah’s healing juice if I’m going to get an audience with Dustin on the top floor."

Archfae looks at her wings. 'Hey if I'm forced to be a fairy, you can bet I'm going to get my mileage out of the wings. She shrugs. If she went from the bottom up Dustin may be gone, but didn't Sean say something else about the bottom.

'You know what change of plan. Dustin is fucking ass, and I will gladly take him down, but that's not what's important right now. You say the fighters are behind a secret entrance? You're going to show me that entrance. We're getting them out. Then Dustin has a choice of saving his hide, or coming to stop us getting them out. After all I imagine Mr. Beradi is going to be pissed if all the merchandise is gone, no?' Though getting this many people out.. she may need others to help kid them... maybe if Micah had calmed down he and Sam could.. otherwise it was Brian and Magpie and that was getting them involved.

'...wait what do you mean by Micah's healing juice.'

Sean seems a little worried at the change of plan. "I can’t argue with that logic. If Dustin loses all those capt-- all those fighters, then it puts him in my shoes. He’d be forced to stay and fight to keep hold of everyone or accept defeat and run for the hills in hopes that Beradi never finds him."

When you mention Micah’s healing juice you can see the regret on Sean’s face. He wished he never mentioned it. "Micah has a superpower. This amazing healing ability. We’ve been... sort of extracting blood from Micah... unbeknownst to him. Dustin uses it to heal up the fighters that win. He and Beradi hope to someday use the juice as like... I don’t know. A fountain of youth? Mr. Beradi, powerful as he is, he still fears aging and death like any other man. He wants to conquer death itself; no matter the cost. Even if it means torturing his own son." Sean hangs his head low once again.

Archfae grins. 'That's the plan. Why chase someone when we can bring him to us.' There was the problem if he chose run. She couldn't protect him if he chose that. Well she could try to find him. Still it was the wellbeing of several captives versus his. It was an easy choice.

'I see. I had though that Micah had been a prototype, which is why they shared the healing, but his blood being used also makes sense. And confirms how much of an asshole you are. Micha trusted you, even while you were leeching off him, off his cause. I can't even start to think of your justification'

She stands as she draws in a breath. 'We will go for the captives. We should check on the others, she if they ae clamed down enough to help guide them out.' Sam and Micah, they were already involved. Better use them as help if she could, rather than other option,.

You and Sean sit in silence while waiting for the others to return. Eventually, Sam, Micah, and Mrs. Beradi walk through the door. She informs you that Todd has been checked into the hospital. Sam adds that he called a trusted friend, and member of the organization with no connection to Sean, who is keeping watch over him.

Micah is still in Fido mode. He has a big goofy grin on his face as he sits down next to you. Mrs. Beradi explains that there is no way to be certain of how long he will remain in this condition but it usually lasts for for at least several hours. She will stay here and watch over him during this time.

"So I guess it is just you and me to the rescue," Sam says with some doubt in his voice. "I’m letting you know right now that I am no fighter. If it comes to that I’m going to have to seek cover. But I am a bit of a tech wizard. So if there is anyway I can put that to work to help us out, let me know."