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Post by Marceline Labelle on Sept 5, 2020 16:52:26 GMT -4
"Hmmm... how to make it clear this is from me..." She tapped her chin lightly as she looked over the message she'd written by hand for Eduardo. Beyond the fact she planned to leave it with the frog he left as a guard in one of her cafe apartments there wasn't much she could do to really proooove that it was her sending the message to him, and she knew he could be a very cautious fellow if the fact she was pretty sure he still didn't trust her was anything to go by. She leaned back a little, just thinking on it for a moment before snapping her fingers as a thought occurred.
A flick of her wrist, her halo descended just over her head, suddenly wearing a fine, pinkish hue of a lipstick and laying it on the paper she left with a kiss. It wasn't EVIDENCE sure but she'd like to think Eduardo knew how playful she could be, and it was a touch that no average goon looking for him would think to leave on a message. It would probably make him uncomfortable, giggling at the thought, but it should certainly prove she was the one leaving the message for him.
She tucked the paper into an envelope, sealed it off with a strike of her tongue, and pressing the seal flat as she laid it on the bed beside the frog... toad on her bed. Ugh. She should learn the difference if she was gonna be working with him more.
"I.. don't know if you can understand me but that needs to go to Eduardo so... I'm gonna assume you'll either take it to him or you're gonna just sit there and guard it till the next time he drops by. Good?" The creature didn't seem to react as far as she could tell. "Good..."
She'd pick up her bag and move to leave, thinking over the wording of the letter.
Hi Ed~ Hows it going?
So, I heard you've actually been doing alright for yourself with this whole spy business thing and while I am mooooore than happy to continue offering you my apartments as free little hidey holes for you and your frogs I was hoping I could employ your services for once myself. I never ended up needing that help with the Yakuza afterall and I have something new that might be riiiiiight up your alley.~ Nothing too dangerous, just some good old fashioned 'spy work' for you and your friends.~
If you wish to meet, Saturdays at 3pm there will be a black limosine driving down Wakoma street, every week, all of september until they see you.~ Hop in, and it'll bring you to me.~ Sorry for the discretion and security, my friend is lending me her office space and I have to be discrete.~
I hope you consider the deal. Au revoire.~
Some time later, that weekend, maybe the next, maybe Eduardo would really make her wait and it'd be the end of the month, who knows.~ If he played along he'd find himself driven to an underground parking lot, unable to tell exactly the route they'd taken thanks to the blackout windows of the limosine, and when he was allowed out, he'd be advised on exact directions to take, entering the building the lot was connected to, what floor to hit on the elevator. He'd never see anyone beyond vague security staff who were matching the attire of the driver who picked him up so nothing out of the ordinary.
When he eventually came to the room Marceline had been working out of, it'd be structured like a planning room for a typical office building, a wall filled with pinned up pictures of people and places, some small lines connecting them. It was extremely clear and easy to read too, mostly seeming to have 'problems' connected to 'solutions', or problems connected to their source, which were then connected to potential solutions, but all in all it was easy to follow with no branch of ideas straying into anothers territory. Marceline stood at the main table in the middle of the room, looking over two patches of fabric in her hand.
"Oh, Ed, glad you could come.~" She began barely looking away, though she did turn to him, presenting the fabrics, one a little brighter than the other. "What do you think for carpets? Scarlet or Carmine? Carmine's a little duller sure but we don't want anyone thing the place is TOO bright..." She hummed as she brought them back to herself to look over in thought, placing them down and grabbing a green sample. "Or maybe I should stay on theme for myself..." She was a little absorbed, clearly not realizing Ed had no idea what she was even doing yet.
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Post by Eduardo Sapo on Sept 8, 2020 6:09:44 GMT -4
Wakoma street... Ed was skulking on a rooftop, with Rosita and Don in tow, as he glared down a black limousine. It continued its trip forward without even stopping. "Krrrrrrr..." His croak emanated leading into a bunch of other croaks moving further alone, following the car. Ed for a moment just sat down, placed Rosita and Don in front of himself, and glared at them. "She wasn't lying, that much is for sure." Don nodded and croaked in agreement. Ed then proceeded to pull out the note Marcie had left him, and held it in front of Don. "And you are SURE she didn't say anything else? Behind closed doors maybe?!" Don shook his head, even after Rosita gave him this look of confirmation. Ed bent his neck its side as he rubbed it. "Well... just in case, lets see where it's going first. Can't be too safe."
There it was again. That feeling of 'trust'. Or perhaps better described as 'wanting to trust'. It was common with his dealings with Marcie. She had offered him a lot of outside help in awkward situations, and outright made sure he had a safe place to hide in, even bringing him food. That and she had kept Don alive for this long. So there was a certain precedent. However, the letter itself seemed to be asking for that payment Ed had been expecting for her to ask. But for some reason the girl couldn't have them discussing it in the safety of her cafe. Instead "A FRIEND" of hers supposedly had given her a place to go to, and now she was expecting him to follow... What if that friend of hers wanted him caught? It's not like Marcie had been... no, you couldn't really call it friendship, more like uh... partnership? Partners in crime! Yes!
He rubbed the kissmark on the paper, giving it a brief sniff, cringing. "These senoritas with this whole bubblegum attitude are really spooky to try and understand!" Soon he could hear the ribbit line reporting back. Apparently the place the car drove in, was an underground parking lot. On one hand, a stereotypical 'trade spot'... but on the other hand, a perfect place for murder! Well, late at night anyway... this was in the middle of the day... Ed groaned. On one hand, keeping good relations with his clients was a big priority. but was he ready to be forced down an almost literal rabbit hole for it?
Well... Marcie would need to wait a week, until Ed finally gathered up his courage to stand where he was expected to. As the limousine drove in front of him, Ed slipped in instantly, and looked around. Rosita and Don were still with him, and he was sitting like a cornered animal on the soft leather. "Drive! Quickly now! We will suffocate here othervise!" Ed had driven cars, but had never been exactly a fan of how tight and airless the things could be... He felt like he was a cornered rat. "CAN'T SENÓR GO ANY FASTER!?" Eventually, the drive ended, and he was still being lead-on. These pretty much faceless guards just gave him the heebie jeebies. The frogs on his shoulders were about as annoyed by their presence, giving slight screams at any sudden moves. Honestly, the lift he was forced into was WORSE than the car. He literally felt like the roof of it could just suddenly start falling, and squeezing him into a paste... pretty much leading into him pretty much laying flat across the floor, catching some weird gazes from the guards.
As he entered Marcies office, his head turned around quickly, as he didn't even walk straight. Instead he was jumping from side to side, like trying to get the full picture... What were these things? It was a big pile of paper and Ed was hitting minor information overload! Most importantly, his eyes tried to catch if there was a picture of him somewhere, and seeing if there would have been some horrible plan coming... Only for Marcie to greet him, making him hop from shock!
The girl was apparently looking at Carpets... he really didn't know how to react at first. "You told me, there was business to talk! So here I am!" He slowly inched closer. "On one hand, I've always been into the whole 'multiple hiding places' thing myself but... Krrrrrr... Sudden changes like this make you really doubt intentions!" His hands shakily moved forward like he was ranting. "Just one wrong move and those guards would have WRUNG my neck!" Rosita whipped his nose with her tongue. "Ah, yes... a little rude to someone who invited us I suppose...!" After all, he was pretty much in a lions nest. The ladies quirk wasn't that dangerous in itself, but who knows what sort of stuff this room had for sudden betrayals! His eyeballs were clearly still jumping all over the place, trying to concentrate.
However, he did lift his finger up, waggling it. "I will say though... Your relationship with Don here is perhaps the main reason I even dared to come around. You've placed a LOT of trust in him, and I like that." He grabbed Don and patted him on his head, as Rosita turned away in annoyance. "But I did bring them along, just to make sure I am safe. From people. You understand." He let out another "Krrrrr..." As he considered something else. "Speaking of people... Is this... FRIEND! Of yours going to be here as well? These deals are supposed to be a private deal after all!" The frog was still a little agitated from being put through all that stuff.
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242 Posts
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24 Years
Female
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Post by Marceline Labelle on Sept 9, 2020 5:33:05 GMT -4
“Hm? No comments on the carpets? Well okay. I guess I can go with Crimson for now and always rip it off if I’m not satisfied with it in practice.” She tossed the other example of fabric back on the table and walked over to her pin board to pin the scrap of crimson carpet to it beside an example of a game floor she’d gotten from another casino’s website, rubbing her chin as she tried to picture how it would work out in practice before just giving herself a quiet nod to confirm it should all work out, drawing back from the pinboard and taking one of the empty seats around the main table, sitting rather casually as she crossed her legs over one another. “Sorry for all the secrecy and that. My friend Ishtar is letting me work out of some of her office space for this plan of mine, help keep it out of my usual work spaces and she just asks for a degree of secrecy before letting anyone else here. If it means anything I was given the same treatment, even I’m not entirely sure where we are.~” A subtle lie of course, she was given the whole shaded screen limo ride to get here this morning, but more to keep up appearances. Thanks to her relationship with Ishtar she knew pretty much exactly where they were but… well, she had to respect the other woman’s need for secrecy.~ “Besiiiiiiides. If I havn’t killed you by now I’m quite offended you think I’d finally choose to kill you today. And in such an obtuse manner. If I truly wished to kill you at this point I’d do it while you were sleeping in one of my cafes.~”
Very morbid humor perhaps but she was getting a little tired of his lack of faith in her, so why not make a joke out of it? Yeah, that kinda helped her feel better about it.
She was honestly oddly appreciative though when he mentioned he was trusting her based on the faith she put in one of his frogs. In fact- “well I’m glad that helped though… just so I don’t step on any toes, I’ve been meaning to ask, are you allying yourself with frogs or toads? I always forget and I wouldn’t want to offend you by calling them all by the wrong title.” She was genuine in how she asked, no sarcasm no joke, no mean to offend. Eduardo, as odd as he was, was her potential ally and she wanted to offer him a degree of respect in how she addressed him and his spawned allies. “And Yes don’t worry I understand your cautions… though please. Take a seat. I can assure you this will just be the two of us. My ‘friend’ Ishtar isn’t going to be intruding on this meeting I can assure you. This is work between just the two of us at this stage. At least in what I’m going to ask of you today.~”
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107 Posts
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31 Years
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Post by Eduardo Sapo on Sept 13, 2020 11:15:52 GMT -4
Perhaps Marcie hadn't yet made the connection, that Ed didn't really care about fashion that much. Being a frog living in the wilds... well, wilds as in 'parks and anywhere with space', Ed didn't exactly have anything to put any noticeable regalia or anything of the sort. Heck, back when he lived on the boat with the vagabonds, his room had been pretty much a sailors cabin, filled to the brim with different sized aquariums for his frogs. Not the most comfortable place to live in, something to be ashamed of really. Savage had always promised something way better for his frogs, yet aquariums he got. Not like it mattered anymore.
Ed blinked. "Ish... ISHTAR!?" He took a step back almost in shock! Ed didn't know whether to feel insulted, scared or to snort. In the end, he snorted out of frustration. "That explains the limousine, I suppose. Putting that lemming money to use...!" He grumbled. It was not sure from his tone whether he was implying Marcie to have become yet another lemming of ishtars, or if for once the frog was giving the lady some credit, leeching money from a bigger villain. About her killing him... Eds long tongue just slapped against his eye in a moisturizing motion. "You wouldn't. My frogs would keep an eye out and warn me, and any window could work for escape. And the noise would be a telltale sign of something wrong. Here however..." Underground, probably solid walls, maybe barely a thing for ventilation. His eyes started immediately scanning around if he could find such a hole to climb in. "Like I said: I am putting myself in VERY much danger by coming here. So leave it at that, senorita."
In the end, it might have been a joke. But Ed didn't know what a joke even was, unless he himself was telling it to one of his frogs. He was pretty much always ready to book it. And now that he knew her ally was ishtar, even more so.
...However, the man immediately softened up when instead of continuing her taunts, the lady asked him what the species of his creatures was. And Eds eyes lit-up like a proud mothers. "Oh, did you hear that, Rosita and Don?! She wants to know what you are!" He chuckled, surprisingly not maliciously. This was his kind of joke. "Well, let's just say that speciesvise, they are all the same type. Type Anura if you will. Basicly, none of them have tails, and all of them are bouncy. Of course, Technically frogs and toads don't have too specific changes, but toads are part of a little bit more specific family. In the end, I usually let them decide it themselves, which they consider themselves, hehe!" This was the first time someone had actually asked! "Rosita here for example, considers herself a frog. You know, frog prince and all that, still waiting for the right one!" Rosita croaked, out of embarrassment. "While Don here, considers himself a toad. Very big! Feels responsible for others. You know the drill! That, and he is respectably warty in his own eyes."
Honestly, that was the perfect mental lightener for him to calm down a bit, and take the job offer more casually. Ed proceeded to walk to the chair rubbing his hands together. "Perfect. I suppose I could still ask, if you are planning on giving this info to her after? Of course I don't mind, the idea is just getting info for you and what not, not withholding it, but..." Ed licked his lips as Don hopped onto the table, making himself comfortable. "There is the risk of her not being exactly as nice as you about it so, I would prefer you do not tell her about me. Right?" This came at perhaps a little bit naive assumption with his lowered guard, that she hadn't already informed her. But Ed was in a good mood. For a moment, he didn't assume bad.
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242 Posts
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24 Years
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Post by Marceline Labelle on Sept 13, 2020 16:54:37 GMT -4
"Aye. Ishtar... Oh. Right." She tipped her head back as she realized why he reacted so sharply. It was practically because of Ishtar that most of his old hideouts had been anihalated. She should have thought of that before revealing anything... she shook her head, dissapointed at her own mistake and running her fingers back through her hair. "Sorry sorry I... I assure you she'd just allowing us to use her space. She has this... silly dream of a villain society of some sort, I'm just using it, and her generosity because of it, to my advantage as much as I can... as you put it, I'm putting that lemming money of hers to some use.~" She offered a sly wink, hoping to present herself as more on his level because... well she was. As intimate as he relationship was with Ishtar she was still keeping the woman at an arms length. Couldn't risk getting too close too soon, especially when she was still able to have all the benefits without any of the commitment to the woman.
His words about being well guarded at night earned a chuckle... but not a dismissive one, more 'I should have known' in nature. Eduardo was a paranoid soul afterall, he was bound to have such measures and... as he mentioned how dangerous this was by comparison? She let out a long breath, nodding as she realized, and simply stating after a pause-
"Yes... I appreciate the faith you have in me meeting here... genuinely. I understand it must have been difficult for you especially." She meant it too, no teasing in her tone, no jovial witty remarks... she genuinely did appreciate what she now realized was an immense display of faith. Or... desperation for a paying job. She preferred to think it was the former.
The calm moment was quickly broken when she asked about his pets, a little stunned by his eagerness to explain their situation. So they were neither frogs nor toad officially but... he let them choose, less like changing a gender... perhaps more the ability to choose a race or, perhaps between the family names of your parents? Yes that seemed more accurate and less potentially offensive. She actually took a mild interest, though more in the mind of what was the frog equivalent of a crazy cat lady. "So you let them choose... an interesting choice but I'll try to respect it." She dipped her head to the pets. "I hope you have patience with me if I ever miss-species you all."
Taking her own seat as they got back to business, she chuckled calmly as he asked if she was going to be in on the collection of info, she simply shook her head. "This is solely my project. You don't need to be worried about Ishtar at all... now-." She shifted to lean over her own lap, clasping her hands together, just looking closer into Eduardo's eyes. "I want to get a sense of what you've been doing since you took up this new little 'role' of yours. What I'm going to be asking if you is not necessarily risky but I want some assurance you have experience... have you done any work in gathering blackmail?"
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107 Posts
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31 Years
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Post by Eduardo Sapo on Sept 15, 2020 5:28:54 GMT -4
Ed wasn't sure if Marcie was telling the truth or backpedaling upon being called out. According to her atleast, she was abusing Ishtars wealth. Apparently Ishtars plan was to pretty much make humongous villain society, with her at the top of course. Ed pinched his nose briefly. "Take it from someone with experience about tying yourself down... No matter how good and generous they are..." He threw his hand quite suddenly in a wide arc in front of him, spooking Rosita in the progress. "The higher they are the higher spot they can throw you off from!" There was a reason he called her followers 'lemmings'. People who just randomly would throw themselves off a cliff, even if they couldn't swim. Not actually proven behaviour from them, poor things, but it was a very... fanboyish way to handle it. "So keep your feet on the ground. Or learn to fly!" He grinned. He himself had his way of making sure he could land on his feet.
Ed hadn't expected being calmly apologized to. He himself proceeded to bow his head briefly. "Thank you for the worry. Now, lets keep going." It was a nice gesture, but Ed still didn't want to spend too much longer than necessary in whatever this bunker was. It was an even nicer gesture for her to give his frogs such frugal treatment by actually addressing them. Although Dons reaction was mostly just blinking and a burpish croak. "I think he is alright with it. Like I said, he likes you!" In the end, there was still some level of a language barrier between all of them. After all, Ed was a toadal weirdo in some ways. But in his head, it perhaps allowed him that little bit of personal space he craved.
But yeah, in the end, this was all on Marcie. And Marceline had standards. "A job interview, huh?" His mood lowered a little. "Let's just say I've never been any good at those... let me think...!" His fingers started tapping over his brow and face, as the frogs moved around on their own. Guess they were starting to feel a little bit peckish for something. That and they of course weren't too interested in the discussion, they were here for his protection, and to keep the conversation on track. Of course, this was easier than an actual job interview. Just pretty much what he had done as of late.
"Well, let's just say that I have currently something up my sleeve that could ruin a heroes career AND a villains plans as an extra!" He let out a satisfied Krrrr, as a grin grew on his face. "I also have a very close, friendly relationship with said villains... close friend." He tried to keep it semi anonymous. "The position I have allows me to know all the gringos that join their team... I would say that is quite successful proposition, wouldn't you?" Admittedly, he had technically done that for the connections instead of money, but it had certainly made him more confident in his actions.
"That and of course, whenever there is something happening in town, that has folks talking, I usually hear about it. People do not exactly keep an eye on small critters." Just a little affirmation. "I think it is quite clear that I can hold my end of a bargain, if it comes down to that."
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242 Posts
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24 Years
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Post by Marceline Labelle on Sept 15, 2020 5:55:22 GMT -4
Marceline chuckled a little as he seemed to have some personal vendetta against such a person, he was a paranoid soul perhaps but the brief flash of rage he showed seemed to come from some level of experience. She wondered who had burned in him the past to garner such a reaction, but she wasn't about to pry so suddenly. She just got the sense he'd been a part of something... bigger, and it had burned him hard. It certainly explained his distrusting nature if it was true. "Don't worry dear, I plan to keep myself on my own two feet. I'll take advantage of their generosity when I can but I don't plan to be anything more than my own person at the end of the day. I can assure you of that.~"
She dipped her head again, and was thankful that Eduardo didn't force them to linger too long in the apologies they shared. She did appreciate the trust he had with her in coming here, resting her head back as the two relaxed, chuckling with the reaction from one of his toads... yes, toad, she was sure that one had identified as such. She giggled a little at the reminder this one apparently liked her, shaking her head. "Well I do try to keep them well fed. Can't have them starving in your absence... out of sheer curiosity, do you prefer to be addressed as human, toad, or frog?" She didn't mean to offend of course, and quickly elaborated. "You seem to hold more comfort with your pets is all, and if you prefer not to be 'related' to fellow humans i completely understand, I've just grown curious is all...~"
With Eduardo having his time to think on her offer and her request for evidence of his talents, Marceline's eyes drifted to his pets with a faint smirk. She realized the antsiness of the toad specifically, lifting out of her seat a little to lean over her desk of carpet samples and blueprints, picking up a small tin she'd brought with her knowing that Eduardo might be joining her today. She leaned in towards them, no longer showing the caution or fear she once had when they all first met, parting the tin from it's lid and displaying beetles that had been captured in crystalized honey. She'd never offered them to the toad before but she imagined it would be a sweet yet crunchy treat they might enjoy. "May I interest you fine amphibians in a treat this evening?~" She teased with a smirk, letting them each try one for now before re-sealing the tin.
Focus back on Eduardo, she relaxed, her elbow resting on the table and her cheek against her palm. She was DEFINITELY interested in the gossip he was hinting at but she respected the professional aspect of such work and tried not to pry too quickly. He was selling himself quite well...~ Choosing more to focus on his connections than anything to do with how he'd actually find such blackmail, but it was a powerful sell in it's own right. "Well... let's say I want you to find blackmail on someone you had no connection with... how do you think you'd go about it? Say if I was looking to hold something over..." She gestured flippantly. "A big land owner in Tokyo...~"
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107 Posts
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31 Years
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Post by Eduardo Sapo on Sept 18, 2020 14:49:57 GMT -4
Marcies assurances were starting to get a little overtly abundant. Like a parent assuring a child that 'yes, the dessert will come after you eat your broccoli'. It felt almost like babying again and at this point, Ed just gave off a scoff.
However, what was perhaps supposed to be a joke from her side, instead made Ed seem quite thoughtful for a second. "Hmmmm..." He looked at the roof. Or well, that's what it looked like. He was just spacing out for a second in his own thoughts. On one hand, Yeah, he disliked people quite a lot. Being associated with jerks like the Vagabonds and Ishtar of all things made him sick in the stomach. In that regard he was definitely a frog or a toad. However, intellectually speaking, none of even his frogs were exactly THAT smart. Well, aside from maybe Rosita. His hand went to rub Rositas head. "...Consider me just a fellow crook." A jerk, a villain. Someone less than human, yet still clearly intelligent enough to not be an animal. That and it was semi easy to remember. which brought another point. "Ah, that's right! I've been using Crook as my code name if you will. So if you can, please use that on the documentation, if you feel the need for it. Entendido?"
A minor break came, as the lady proceeded to seemingly bring up something, that caught the attention of Rosita and Don. Both of them ribbited, as Rosita joined Don on the table, as she opened a tin, and revealed insects. Crystallized in yellowish honey. Almost like some sort of weird amber. The frogs ribbited excitedly, before Ed let out a brief croak. The frogs stopped, and looked at him a little bit annoyed, as he proceeded to reach forward, grabbed one himself, and looked at it. Sniffed it... gave it the briefest of licks... And then slurped it into his mouth, sucking it like some sort of candy. "Not exactly a lot of nutritional value but... Krrrrrrr!" He purred. And the frogs took their own snacks, purring on their own as well. Ed usually didn't eat bugs unless absolutely desperate (getting sick was a big concern with the wild ones), but when it was something this specifically made, it had to be at least semi safe to eat. Besides, being a taste tester was surprisingly fun.
Whilst the frog and toad were having a bit of a tantrum for losing the snacks so quickly, They got to the main point of the meeting. A landowner, huh? "It depends on how much info you have already. You know where they live? You know what they do at what time? If that's the case, I could maybe outright justify bringing you the info in two days!" A bold claim right off the bat. "If you don't have it, well... I would need to find it myself. I would tell my frogs to listen for somebody mentioning the persons name, perhaps if they could see their face. Something to allow me to follow them... and then, I would help a frog sneak in into their office, and see if they care about it listening." He shrugged.
"However, if they try to remove the frog..." He leaned forward himself this time almost to emphasize. "Well, the poison will pretty much shut down their muscles for a little bit. The frog of course tries to lead them out, and makes sure that I have a place to shove myself in from, then I copy whatever info there is, and I leave. The frog leaves with me. And perhaps, the victim will wonder what the heck that was, when there is nothing else to see, except themselves in a bit awkward position. I know some folks go to the doctors afterwards to ask about 'sudden fainting' and what not." He scratched dons head with his finger, as Don proceeded to bite it. As expected, even ed didn't flinch. "They haven't yet found out how the heck the frogs get in these places. I am pretty good at being unnoticed when i am not in a rush, you understand."
Telling this to her of course meant that it wouldn't work on her. Besides, villains typically were a little bit smarter about 'sudden creatures' than a regular person. "The question is... what do you want from them?"
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Post by Marceline Labelle on Sept 23, 2020 11:22:48 GMT -4
Just a fellow crook huh? Well that made Marceline smile in an odd way. He wasn’t quite identifying as human but he wasn’t demoting himself entirely to frog either, it was a nice little middle ground and it suited his nature perfectly. Sometimes he seemed almost too innocent to be the crook he was… he constantly seemed like just a poor fellow who’d constantly been down on his luck and was rolling with it from there. Was it his connection to his frogs and the illegality of using his quirk that made him a criminal? Or was it something else… questions for another time perhaps as a chuckle pierced her lips. “Crook it is. Don’t worry about any paperwork though. Unless I put you on my payroll permanently there’s no reason to risk you or myself by keeping your name lying around on scraps of paper, alias or not.”
Marcie narrowed her gaze but still held a smirk when Ed halted the advance of his frogs, shaking her head a little but trying not to show too much disappointed. Maybe he was just curious what they tasted like, maybe he was testing them to see if they were poisoned in some way. Knowing Ed? Her money was on the latter, but she was trying to show more belief in the faith he showed and didn’t voice her concerns, if anything she just smiled brighter as he seemed to enjoy them. “Not really my type of snack so I hope you don’t mind if I don’t indulge with the three of you.” She’d idly tease as she placed the tin aside.
Right to business though, when questioned about what she knew already Marcline sighed with some frustration. “Not too much I’m afraid. He pretty much lives off the money for renting out his land rights, doesn’t check on the properties just owns that little plot and collects on the cash it generates. I’ve tried to track his movements but he’s just as likely to go to a sushi bar as he is to go to a local spa so there’s no real routine I can provide. However, I do have his address…” She looked around for something to write on, picking up a slip of paper. Her halo hovered over her hand and descended to her wrist before fading, the once blank piece of paper now having print level quality typing upon it, detailing everything she knew about the target, where he lived, his car, his typical phone numbers. She doubted Ed would use that would use that last one but every little helps.
She narrowed her gaze however at the idea of the frogs doing the infiltration. “You feel they can stay hidden in a foreign environment like that?” She’d simply ask with some genuine curiosity to their skill.
Of course that soon seemed to be answered by him leaning over to emphasize how deadly his frogs where. For the briefest moment Marcie got the impression this was supposed to intimidate her too, swallowing a lump in her throat as calmly as she could, but ultimately it was infact quite a… reasonable method of infiltration. If a second party got involved like an intern there’d be some issue, but this man didn’t seem like the type to have staff who might care if they hear a sudden thud from his office. “I see…”
As for what she wanted from them… well sadly that answer was a little more vague. “I simply need… leverage. There’s a real nice plot of land near the center of Tokyo he holds ownership to. I want to build an establishment of classy gambling and carnal delights, and not have to associate it with the red light district and Thunder’s turf. As such, I need his land, but he already has well paying tenants and I can’t seem to convince him ‘a foreigner’ is worth the risk… so that’s where I need your help finding something to twist his arm with. Anything illegal he does, anything he just wouldn’t want getting out there, perhaps a new land deal he’s planning that might screw someone over… anything he just wouldn’t want someone knowing when making a deal with him.~”
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Post by Eduardo Sapo on Sept 29, 2020 14:09:04 GMT -4
There was something comforting about Marcie having his back on this. Well... more like both of their backs. The satisfying feeling off not leaving any marks behind was present. In that regard there was perfect understanding, as Ed just nodded with a grin. She however didn't partake in the bug snack. Now, usually Ed would immediately start pointing fingers about somebody not eating what they themselves offered. But on the other hand, these were bugs in honey. Not exactly a delicacy a lady like her would eat. "They are not for everyone. Though back home, they used to dry up crickets, and spice them up." He licked his lips, while other frogs were still taking in the sweetness their own things. "Those come with a recommendation if you are ever in the area. And don't worry, the frying process removes any Bacteria that they could have." Even slight casual discussion, how long had it been since he had talked like this?
Hearing a little bit about his to be client though, Ed tipped his head to its side. "Ah, one of those people. Doesn't really aim higher, but banks everything on one source of cash." and once again, he got a little showing of Marcies quirk. Always interesting. This time it was simply used as a pen. He grabbed the paper and read it quickly. Hmmm. He scratched his head with a single finger like a monkey, holding the paper in front of his head. He placed the paper on the table, and croaked, as Rosita and Don gathered around it. "Now... do you think the others would be able to learn this? or would they immediately forget what this number means...?" Already he was making small plans. If there was something useful about being in a situation where you are forced to just survive. it makes you appreciate all the info you can get.
However, hearing her doubt made him lift his head with a curled eyebrow. "Be happy Don didn't hear that, or you would have broke his feelings." Don didn't need to hide of course, but there was still a reason the toad was more of a communication creature than part of the stealth team. However, ed lifted his hands in a single handed shrug. "If this person is as simple as you say, I assume so. After all, why would mice exist if they couldn't hide in the holes within houses?" He immediately lifted his index finger. "Rhetorical question! I STUDIED biology! I know!" There was a slight feeling, that he had been corrected a LOT whilst trying to be fancy about these things. Clear annoyance.
"But what I mean is, small things like a little creature, especially quiet ones slip by very easily if you don't concentrate on them specifically. I would even say a frog is a little better since they make less sounds when moving!" His pride in his froggy and stealthy tactics was clear. And almost embarrassing how deep he dug it in when a chance rose. But just seeing the girl a little bit uncomfortable surprisingly made him feel just a little bit MORE comfortable! He was really selling them!
And the last bit of information about the client came out. Ed rubbed his jaw... as Don decided to seemingly take seat on the paper. Admittedly, for himself, having someone like thunder as a client with all the other ones would be perfect. "Should be easy enough." This client however, was indeed easy. "Admittedly... I could have another option. Although that would require something from you." He pointed at her, leaning in his seat. "If I find something connecting them to a thing, You could perhaps manufacture something related to it, and then... I just place it in there, and we are done." He pinched his eyes. "Although, admittedly, that would take longer. I do not know what sort of timeline you have for this Casinordello of yours... But if its just a case of gathering info, I should have it by... end of the week?" A bit long time first. Classic selling tactic. "If I need that one part, it might take couple of extra days..." This he said almost like a mumble.
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Post by Marceline Labelle on Oct 2, 2020 10:54:50 GMT -4
Marcie’s brow rose with some intrigue as Ed mentioned the crickets that he gave his recommendation, chuckling a little behind her lips playfully as she actually considered it for a moment. Really if she was face to face with the things she doubted she’d have the guts to take the plunge and dive in to take a bite but… well she liked to at least THINK she’d give anything a try at least once so why not live in that fantasy now with these crickets. “I’ll see if I’m ever in the area for them, or if I can import them or something. I’m sure they must have their appeal to some extent.~”
She’d nod along as they talked business, folding her arms, still calm and fairly casual but certainly taking things a hair more seriously than she would have otherwise. “Yes yes, one of those. I mean personally I suppose I wouldn’t mind having a nice little ‘mountain’ like that to live on but I prefer to be a little engaged with my earnings wherever possible. Sure my quirk makes life relatively easy but I like to at least throw a little bit of spice and flair into things.~” Maybe not the best time, or person to talk about this with, she knew in some part Eduardo’s quirk, while a part of him, probably made him stand out a bit, didn’t give him the luxury of just CHOOSING to make things interesting like she did but… well, she’d deal with the consequences there, she couldn’t step so carefully around him all the time, especially as she treated him more and more like an equal.
She watched as he tried to see if his frogs could understand the numbers, smirking a little. Seemed it wouldn’t work but it was an amusing thought all the same and one she certainly would have been impressed if it had. Ce la vie. “Well to be fair Don knows I know he’s there, little fella just sits on the bed everytime I’ve been there… buuuut given you trusted him with the roll I’ll assume there’s a reason.~ Should I expect him to not be guarding your den for a while then?” She might almost miss the odd little croaks she heard when passing that room, they’d started to become an odd little form of amusement.
She was interested to hear what he had in mind when he started talking about another option, tipping her head to the side and smiling as he seemed to be playing things a little more deviously. “Soooo.. if you can’t find anything to blackmail him with, you want us to fabricate something, and plant it. Am I following right?~” She giggled if she was correct and added, her fingertips touching between her hands. “My my, your more devious than I might have expected. Where has this little sly monster beneath all that fear?~” She was trying to be playful, but even she might admit she felt a hint of condescension in her tone she didn’t quite know how to weasel out.
Still, it was a good idea. “Either way I’m certainly not against it and… a week you say? My my~ I’d love to get the ball rolling if you really think you can move that fast. A few extra days wouldn’t even hurt!~ Usually I’d have to give the usual Private a month or few beyond that but a week?~ I really hope you can deliver.~” She teased just a little with her bright tone, genuinely feeling happy he could get results so fast but… perhaps faintly setting him up for a bit of playful ribbing if he couldn’t meet his ‘week and a bit’ deadline. “Is there anything else you feel you’d need from me on the matter?~”
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Post by Eduardo Sapo on Oct 3, 2020 4:36:59 GMT -4
Ed let out a mild "krrrrrr..." Although this time out of annoyance whilst listening to her talking about doing this for funsies. There were still clear differences between. But this time, Ed kept them to himself. She was providing him a lot of good things. At this point, stepping on her toes or biting the feed hand would be moronic. "Atleast you are still better than some CEO. Dumping oil into rivers just to make things for cheap..." He was very nature savvy. Not exactly a rare trait among quirkers who were part animal themselves, or so he thought anyways. As usual, even villains had standards.
He nodded as Marcie brought up the fact, that Don was always under watchful eyes technically. However, he shook his head when she asked if Don would be leaving for a bit. "No, no. Don will be staying with you." For multiple reasons too: One of them was the one he had previously thought about, Don not being exactly a stealthy fellow with his size. The two other reasons were to alleviate his paranoia a bit: If he wasn't with Marcie, he wouldn't know if she was doing something weird. And secondly, with Don pretty much having gotten a bond with Marcie, there was a mild risk of him ruining the operation somehow. Problem about not having your frogs near you at all times, they start getting a little bit uppity. And speaking of the operation being ruined... "Have to make sure I have someone here to make it clear that the mission is a bust after all. If I am in prison, I don't wanna have you pointlessly waiting around." Could be pretty devastating for the whole working relationship if that happened.
It seemed like Marcie liked his idea, which made Ed grin, and rub Dons head. "Yes. That is exactly it." Not exactly a vagabond style plan. If they couldn't find anything to blame the person with, they usually just broke in and killed the bucko. But Ed could be a little bit more menacing with his plans. "That and of course, more proof about something they are actually doing is always better, isn't it, Senorita?" However, the way she worded her phrase couldn't help but feel a little insulting again. "It's called being efficient, and thinking of all parts of the equation! Not using every part would be a waste, and not considering every part CAN KILL YOU!" This time he snapped a little however. Thing he clearly noticed as he shuddered and shook his head. "It takes a little while for a person whose been a lackey for a long time to show their true individual colors... that's it." Rosita looked at Ed a little disappointed. "I know, I know..." He was so close to getting a good deal. that could easily ruin it!
In the end, quick service was one of the reasons why he had gained a bit of popularity. That and the fact that he could do multiple cases at once sure helped. With the deal seemingly in the bag, Ed chuckled. "It is my honor... Although..." With her asking if he would need anything else, Ed boldly lifted his hand over to his chin. "Well, I know I am sort of doing this as a payment for the whole safe house deal... But, if I could ask for a little extra, I would like to ask for... Life insurance." Probably something the lady didn't expect. And especially the form of it. "Basically, uh, I would really appreciate it if I got a little bit of money if a frog died on duty? Payment for emotional distress, and retraining of a worker, you know the drill, I hope?" He gave a bit wider grin, showing off his teeth. It was kind of nosy, and ripe for abuse. But Ed wouldn't abuse it. Just seeing one frog die was usually enough of a situation to make him want to avoid it all the more.
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Post by Marceline Labelle on Oct 5, 2020 3:33:42 GMT -4
Marcie could sense the mild annoyance in his croak like sound, her lackadaisical nature and approach to criminal activities could piss people off even she was aware of this, but as much as it might look like she was treating everything as a game she at least had the sense of mind to show the caution needed to survive in the midst of such a dangerous game of give and take and then take some more. “Mmm. I wouldn’t say all CEOs are quite so evil but… yes, I’d definitely imagine I’m better than them.~ I mean-“ She gestured to the images of casino designs and other blueprints and plans on the wall beside them. “I’m designing this plan to help criminals like yourself launder their money safely and efficiently… I’m helping people like yourself stay fed, nice and safely, and use the money you earned. I’d hardly say that’s evil.~” She still had a smugness to her expressions, but in the grand scheme of things she wasn’t as evil as say, those who caused a prison escape to get just one specific person back out…~
Hmmm… perhaps not best to slap her ‘girlfriend’s’ tactics like that but… oh well.~
She was surprised for just a brief moment that Don was going to be keeping her company. She worried it was a sign of his continued paranoia but she was growing more used to it, and the excuse he gave at least to it informing her of his failure was… oddly respectable. “I’m… sure I’d hear about it somehow.” Some mild concern seemed to show in her voice considering the possibility, but she quickly tried to dismiss it from her tone. “But I’m sure you’ll be fine, though if you wish to leave Don with me, so be it. I’ll be happy to keep him fed. Little fellow is getting a bit greedy but I’m sure you don’t mind him indulging in his more ‘cushy’ position.~”
When Ed worried that his own shift in tone to combat with her own accidental slip, Marcie could sense the annoyance again but… she recognized her fault, dipping her head gently. “My apologies, I shouldn’t have came off so rude. You’re right, it is quite simple at the end of the day… and I do genuinely appreciate you having the backbone to tell me so. Too many people willing to roll over because I’m the one who holds the money in an equation these days. Thank you for showing me you aren’t like that.” She kept her head lowered in a bow like gesture the length of her sentence, raising it with a calmer smile.
His final part of the deal did surprise her… but not quite for it’s true purpose. When he mentioned life insurance her mind began to question what he considered ‘next of kin’, and while a ‘death pay’ as she referred to it was reasonable for some high end criminals to request she didn’t exactly want to end up adopting a bunch of frogs or finding them a nice home. I mean they were sweet but they weren’t really her style. A sharp laugh escaped her as he corrected her assumptions and she covered her mouth to suppress the giggles. “I-I am so sorry I just… I-I was expecting you to request life insurance if YOU died. D-don’t worry I…” She took a slow breath, calming herself down. “Don’t worry, I fully understand the worry there. If any of your frogs die, rest assured you will be compensated. I mean… I’d need you to put a value on their life for this to be negotiated…” She looked to the frogs then back to Eduardo. “We can wait till they’re out of the room if you wish to be delicate.~”
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Post by Eduardo Sapo on Oct 7, 2020 9:20:22 GMT -4
Surprisingly, despite his annoyance, when Marcie once again gave off a little defense to those thoughts, Ed grinned and actually chuckled again. "Hehehe, it is always in the eye of the beholder isn't it?" Even this discussion was about ruining some other guys life... but in their eyes, it was just a day at the office. "...I hope you are putting some of that money to charity though. One of those things that helps, and gives a good cover." One of those old villain tricks again. With Ishtar having stayed hidden for this long... there had to be something like that involved. "Nobody wants to assume that person who drops a lot of money on good things is menacing after all."
The tone in the air however felt very different when he explained, that he COULD fail. Almost like there was actual worry in the air. He tipped his head. Back in vagabonds worrying like this was rare, but they did have each others back. If one of them was caught, they would help get them out. Her buying him out of there would certainly catch some eyebrows. But eh, like she said, atleast Don would be safe. With how she worded it, Ed gave off a glare towards Don, who just croaked like admitting some small bad thing. "Just make sure if you see Rosita to let her in too. She is a little bit picky but..." Ed could feel Rosita sitting on his hand, smacking her tongue against his face. "...Hard times demand hard choices and sacrifices."
But ugh, what was he doing? He was pretty much commercialing that none of his things had a 100% success rate! That was not something someone making a deal should do! "NO! no! Sometimes the customer is right! But the risks are very real! And as a fair man, the client should know about them! Villains honor and what not!" Perhaps a bit panically, he pushed the paper towards her, with Don still on it. Don just blinked a couple of times awkwardly. The life insurance question was also accompanied a little bit by it, as he shook his head. "Don't worry, every other frog will be able to join the regular circle of life. Just the frogs specifically working for me during the job itself need to be compensated...!" He took a breath, as he considered the pricing. Although her worry made him smile. "Very much so appreciated, but, Rosita is a veteran, and Don here won't be in danger if you yourself won't do anything to it!" Him being able to joke about something like that probably showed his trust again. Rosita however gave off shifty eyes, while Don really couldn't keep up with it.
"Let's say... 5000 yen per dead Frog or Toad. That's about... 50 euros I think. Gives plenty of comfort food for me, lets me get a bit of a nest egg going, a candle, and overall... If you get that casino of yours going, I don't think it's that much out of your pocket." Completely reasonable in that regard. He gave off a brief grin, rubbing his hands together.
"If that is fine with you, I think that's pretty much it. Week and a little over. Although, I do have one last request." He pressed his fingers together, as he leaned against the table. "...You have any more of that coffee of yours? As you know, it's gonna be quite a long week for this sénor..." He pretty much had all the puzzle pieces to put together into a fine plan. The rest was about taking all the steps necessary to get it going.
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Post by Marceline Labelle on Oct 12, 2020 3:39:35 GMT -4
Marcie chuckled pleasantly as Ed seemed to be trying to give her advice on how best to burn her excess cash, and it was certainly already a method she was going for, nodding along to his advice with a chuckle behind her throat even as she tried to speak. “Yes Yes, don’t worry I have all that under control. I have a few charitable avenues everyone can get behind, even ones I might not personally agree with just so the anti-quirkers don’t look at me and assume I’m ‘one of the others’ or anything. I do also donate to a few pro-quirker politicians, though I do that through shell companies. I wouldn’t want a good politician being burned should I slip up somewhere down the road, you know? Have to play the long game on pro quirker politics.~”
As much fun as things could be playing a risky game like this, she wasn’t about to burn the quirker population as a whole just because she wanted to live a riskier lifestyle.~
Marceline gave a gentle nod as Ed showed concern for his other frogs. “Of course. Just make sure they never come in the front. I have a health code to stick to afterall.” It was only a half smile at that little joke, and she was at least a little serious in insisting they not ruin the reputation of her cafes, if only because- “I can’t risk any health inspectors making a surprise visit, I’m sure you can understand.” A bit of levity to lighten a sour topic, buuuut with a hint of seriousness to ensure her words were taken in a genuine manner.
She smiled a little more warmly as he turned to trying to defend his business, how even though he was selling a less than perfect success rate, that it was apparently good for him to be genuine about it and… well, she agreed. She didn’t want someone selling her on confidence and charm alone, she preferred someone like this who knew the reality of their work and, thus, the risks that could come with it. She was genuinely a little worried for one of the few people she’d formed connections with, business or otherwise in Japan, but the fact he was aware of those risks just made her assume he’d be all the safer because of it.
“5000 yen hm? I think I can manage that. I’d typically ask a summoner like you to not go sending out droves of the things for the payout but… I can see how much you care, so you’re either an amazing actor or I think I’m getting the better deal out of this life insurance…” She thought for a moment at the request. Really that was.. well it was a pittance to her, and while she didn’t want to be overly generous, she offered her hand across to seal a deal as she spoke. “7500 yen. Casino or not I think I can handle that, consider it my own penalty for risking the lives of such innocent frogs and toads if it helpst. If you like I can even just invest the extra 2500 for you. Make sure that nest egg gains interest if you like. Sound like an agreeable deal?~”
As Ed asked if there was more coffee on the go, Marceline shook her head sadly. “Not on me I’m afraid, I sadly don’t travel with an industrial coffee brewer… buuuut I’ll be sure to hold our next meeting at my usual residence, and I’ll have a nice cup waiting for you. How’s that sound?~”
A week and some change later and Marceline was sitting in one of her more typical offices. Reclining in her nice leather chair with her amber gaze glancing to the window behind her. She’d left Don with a message that she was ready to re-convene with Eduardo again, see if he’d found anything or if he needed help fabricating any sort of evidence. In truth she was perhaps just the faintest bit on edge, not because of the risk or anything but because this was the first time she’d officially worked with Ed, and she was curious about the results or… any complications that may have arisen. She was sure she’d hear a knock on the window soon enough though, a fresh cup of coffee waiting on the opposite side of her desk for him.
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