At the center of the continent somewhere close to the southern regions lies a city of vice. A city where all the sins of the continent and possibly the whole world was kept. The city's name is Roanapur, where villains among villains make their appearance. Found at the center of lake Amagasteron, the city is like an impenitrable stronghold. No righteous man would dare traverse the waters, no man outside would care. As long as the evils of the city were kept within, it did not matter to anyone. However, a few days ago it was said that an evil among evil had appeared in the city. A highly professional serial killer. Not even the great families of corrupt nobles could handle this villain among villain. If these humans could not quell this murderous wretch, then there was only one solution.

Two days ago Don Henricos, head of the notorious Pizzapasta gang had called forth the assistance of the Organization. It seemed the situation was worse than anyone could think off. Even so there was no solid proof that the murders were done by a yoma. The kills were too clean, too systematic it was the product of a truly criminal mind. However there was one thing that was common with all the victims, missing eyes, ears, nose and tongue, liver, heart and the lack of an intestinal track. Could it be that this was truly done by a yoma or just some sick sadistic psychopath?

A couple of Claymores were sent to deal with the problem. Why a couple and why not one? The place was too big and was too restrictive. If not careful anyone can be killed in the streets. Muggers won't hesitate to cut you up and play marbles with your eyeballs.



~ Present day, at the edge of lake Amagasteron ~



A man in a black cloak was waiting for the other Claymores assigned for the mission to arrive. He sat patiently on a shored piece of driftwood. He had a peculiar bag with him. Inside the bag where smaller bags. Inside those bags were items of importance. They were props needed for the infiltration of the city. The man in black took out the bags and layed them on the rocky shore. The bags were color coded, red, black, and blue.

"Those warriors are late... the smuggler ships will soon embark," said the man. Even though he was patient, the means of entering Roanapur would not wait for the tardy.

The mission was to contact Don Henricos as soon as possible and start investigating the murder sites. Further information would be given by the Don. Entrance to Roanapur was through a smuggler's ship that leaves in the afternoon. If the culprit is not a yoma, the mission statement requires the Claymore's assistance to capture the non-yoma criminal and bring him to the Don's place.

-bows-

OOC: I think Lemon would bei nterested in this, may I please reserve a spot for her? I know she is like dead in this forum...And technically it isn't her fault, her computer will be rebooted by Thursday night. ^_^;;;


-Lemon's friend.

OOC:@Flemon There are a lot... and I mean a lot of free slots open. Feel free to jump in, tell Olemon (Original Lemon) that too. Also next time, please use the lounge for OOCs. A corresponding OOC thread is there (applies to all RP threads)

Artemis approached the edge of the lake. It was actually a sparkling lake filled with crystal clear water and gave off a calm feeling. Yet, with it came a darker, deeper meaning for it was the mask that hid the horrible, hideous city that man had built. The city was supposed to be a place for scoundrels and mercenaries, and of people with no mercy. Kind of like her, which was probably one of the reasons why Claymores had been sent.

Artemis highly doubted why a gang of villians couldn't solve a crime in their city, it was their city and they were a bunch of high level thieves and robbers. At least that was what her handler told her, maybe he had been wrong and they were just a bunch of sissies who were afraid.

She closed her eyes for a second, Yet there is nothing wrong with that, for the cowardly are always the ones to survive.

A small smile played on her lips, if she were the bandits, she would have done the same thing. Except instead of staying in the city, she would have taken all her belongings and evacuate, then find a cellar to hide in. Maybe she wouldn't be that afraid, but that would have been the smartest thing to do.

She finally reached the lone man sitting on an equally sad piece of wood. He looked at her with an angry expression on his face, impatience maybe? "You're late," he spoke rasply.

Artemis gazed down at him keeping her cool demeanor, "Sorry, I got held up along the way."

He sighed, "Nevermind that," he pointed to the bags by his feet on the ground. "Pick."

Artemis gazed at them; red, blue, black. The colors didn't matter to her, colors were of no importance, though the content in them were. A thought crossed her mind, did each bag have a different sort of equipment? What if she was unlucky and go the worst bag for her to use? Ideas flew into her head, the man beside her was growing more impatient, and she had to pick in a minute.

She liked the color blue, it was a nice color that reminded her the ocean where she lived by when she was little. It was also the color her father used for much of his drawings which was why she picked a blue handle for her Claymore. What was there to lose? Another part of her was screaming on about how she shouldn't just pick a bag because of its color, and just lift all three bags and shake them around to get a good idea of what was in them. The problem was that she might break something, and the handler wouldn't let her, so technically she was making the right decision. Also...father.

She gazed at the bag sadly, "I'll pick blue." She picked the bag up with one hand and headed toward the ship.

Her silver eyes gazed at the water, and widened in shock before returning back to the normal, piercing gaze they had when she saw that the water from the middle of the pool to the island was a murky black.

The black cloak watched as Artemis made her way to the ship. "She isn't as unlucky as the one who went in earlier," he mumbled with a grin. He watched as the waves hit the shore over and over again, like a clock ticking. It was only a matter of time before the ship would leave. The other warriors were still no where to be seen.

"What is this? Am I bored?" the handler asked himself. He felt that something lacked. Then he remembered what it was, but the Claymore that had arrived a while ago was already nearing the ship. There was quite a distance to traverse if he would try to catch up. "She won't be able to get in if she doesn't use the contents of the bag."

Truly, a Claymore could not enter Roanapur, especially if that Claymore was not disguised. Roanapur was a place of hatred amplified. If normal towns and cities would fear and despise silver-eyed witches, how much more in Roanapur? An angry mob of fellow felons could be dangerous for a Claymore. Not in the sense that a Claymore could be killed by a human, but in the sense that a human might be killed by a Claymore.

After thinking it through the black cloak didn't care. He waited for the other warriors to arrive. It was only a matter of time.

Surprisingly, Lina was not annoyed. At-all. When she was given orders, a light disgust and a bit of an anger appered, but very soon after depurture nothing of it was left. Maybe because she hated training "camp" more then humans? Maybe because she expected this little journey to lighten up her mind and help her relax? She did not know for sure, but the result was there, and it was surprising. Yet wonderful. Usually she hated surprises, as they brought unnecessary worries into her life, which was full of them without any surpsises. But now she was glad that her superiors came up with this idea, to sent her to this mission. What could a trainee do on the field? How could she possibly help her more experienced and powerful comrades? But, for some reason, the order appeared, and she recieved it. The order that she thought to be totally dumb. But then again, heads of organisation couldn't be insane, which meant that there is a deeper meaning to it. May it be that the mission is expected to be so easy, that even trainee would be able to complete it? Or is it totally reversed - and the mission is so hard that trainee will surely die - may it be that higher ups want to get rid of her? Nah, thats unlikely - there are ways much more simple if they wanted her dead. No need to bother creating something as comples as this mission. But still.... It doesn't hurt to be cautious.

Man in black. Some disgusting freak. Too bad she can't kill humans...

"You're late," He said. Lina shuddered. Whatever. Then he pointed on two bags. Wants her to pick one of them... She took the black one. Black, colour of west, colour of death, colour of missfortune. Her colour. Lina smiled. Here we go again.

Late, of course. She was starting to make this a habit and it was truly bothering her, discipline had to be maintained after all and if she could not expect this of herself, then why should she expect it of anyone else? Pushing such thoughts to the side, Mara approached the group under the cover of her concealing abilities, her outline blurring faintly as though she were melting into the surroundings. An ability that, by all reason and logic in this world, "should not work" yet it did. She suspected it had something to do with her strong desire to hide away from the torments and twisted reality that her "mother" had sought to "teach" her about. The sounds of the other warriors talking could be heard now, and she dropped the facade that her yoki projected around her, her silhouette solidifying in the revealing light of the camp. There would be no secrets here, between comrades.

Enjoying the effects of her dramatic entrance, whatever they might have been (or lack thereof), Mara simply walked over and picked the last bag. A dark cloud crossed her features for a second - red, the colour of blood and the mist that descended over the kitchen while her "mother" continued to feast on the guts of the innocent. However, it passed quickly and her features quickly became impassive once more, surveying the assembled warriors. She recognised Artemis from their shared experiences in the forest on that one fateful mission...yet another mission in which her foolishness and compassion had cost her.

Too many memories surrounding this mission. Mara did not have a good feeling about this. But she made no comment or gave any impression of this. She simply stood to attention.

The smuggler's ship was about to set sail. The sails rose among the filthy mist of second-hand smoke belching from the mouths of and pipes of criminals. The winds were starting to pick up, as if destined to move the ship. Illegal cargo continued to make their way into the vessel. Animal skins, drugs, weapons, even slave children were brought. Before the planks were the ship guards. Muscle-bound would have been the best way to define them. They were even more intimidating than the thugs boarding the ship.

One of the guards, the bald one, looked at bay side. Three people were approaching. "Witches," he muttered. A malicious grin surfaced from his ugly face. He was thinking that something enjoyable was going to happen. It as in the guards' nature to bully and discriminate. Anyone who did not fit in to the atmosphere of evil would get their hearts booted, as well as their behinds. "We're going to get an ass-load of fun," said the other guard. They knew they couldn't be harmed no matter how harsh they'd be to the Claymores.

For the warriors to sneak in they had to use what was given to them. The blue bag was a set of mafia items. In it was a aristocrat's attire, something used by the high-class criminal organizations; a gold-tassel decorative dagger, used for criminal organizations for initiations requiring blood pacts; a map of Roanapur showing the location of the Pizzapasta territory and other organizations, its not too far from the ports of Roanapur; a bottle of ale, can be used for drinking or something else; three pieces of application forms for criminal organizations, though it would seem they have no real purpose; lastly five pieces of suppression pills. The black bag contained a set of bounty-hunter items; a black cloak and hat; an authoritative letter allowing the carrying of cello case; a map similar to the one in the blue bag but it shows the location of the famous information selling tavern named the Bottlefoot; a bottle of milk; a bounty-hunter's crest, it allows its wearer to access really top-secret information in the Bottlefoot; and lastly five pieces of suppression pills. Finally the red bag, it contained a set of items for a prostitute; a revealing velvet dress, daring attire even for a prostitute; a purse of fancy make-up, makes one wonder where the black cloaks get them; a leather whip; two pieces of application forms containing profiles and previous works; a crude amateurishly drawn map of Roanapur, the red light district encircled with lip balm; a note with the inscription "Who can have ten faces at once, but a blond who can juggle knives," on it; three pieces of sleeping pills, for obvious purposes, they also seem to have amnesia inducing properties; and lastly five pieces of suppression pills.

Heavy footsteps upon gravel filled the air as a lone figure came into view. The man wearing a black cloak turned to the sound of the heavy footsteps and as the figure walked closer the man's scowl grew deeper and deeper. "You're late Siegfried." The man looked at Siegfried dissaprovingly.

"Sorry sir..." Siegfried began but was interrupted by the black cloak. "I don't want to hear it." The man brought his right hand up to rub the bridge of this nose. Siegfried quieted down and looked at the feet of the Black cloak. It looked like there were bags which use to sit there. At his feet there were small indentation in the ground which Siegfried presumed the bags use to sit. There didn't seem to be anymore. Siegfried knew he was in deep trouble. So Siegfried silently stood at attention and looked on with a frown at his own blunder for being tardy.

While waiting for the black cloaks reply Siegfried looked to the side and noted the three other warrior heading toward the boat. Each one carrying a different colored bag. If what Siegfried could comprehend was correct than he was screwed. Siegfried turned back toward the black cloak to await his tongue-lashing.

-Lina-

Dressed as a hunter, Lina went out of the bushes and was approaching the ship. Others took too long with their preparations, so she decided to go on ahead. "It would probably be better if we went there separeted. This way there won't be an officially established connection between us, and the rats from the city would waste their time and energy trying to find and prove this connection. And while they are at it, we'll get a chance to identify them - and it is always good to know exactly who your enemy is." Lina sighed. This spyish mission gave her creeps, an despite her being more relaxed then in training camp, she still was uncomfortable in this conditions. "Oh well, I'll just let my superiors decide. They are ranked warriors, they should have enough experience and brain cells to make wise decision. Hopefully...." Lina didn't trust them. The truth was that she trusted noone, but it was the kind of truth that one hides even from herself.

While approaching the ship, she investigated its' form, surroundings, people there and, of course, guards. Those looked like they were asking to b killed. Too bad she can't help them with this...

As for the ship... well, the ship belonged to the city, and it well suited it's reputation. The same rotten, old, filthy peace of... She didn't expect it to be any beautiful of course, but even darest of her thoughts were nothing compared to realitys uglyness. Oh well. This world always has something to surprise you with. Something so dirty noone sane would expect to exist even in fantasies of the devil.

- Siegfried -

"A slightly different option has arisen for you," said the black cloak. He got up and revealed another red and black checkered bag to the tardy Claymore. "You won't be following the others. You will take on a different approach to finish the mission," the man added. Aside from the separate bag, there seemed to be a small bucket of metal strips prepared for the tardy Claymore. The pieces of steel had engravings on them similar to that seen on beras. "You won't be able to carry your sword with you. You'll have to improvise unlike the others. You're going to be a counterfeiter."

The handler looked at Siegfried... tall, and not smart (nerdy) looking. It was definitely not the type of person to be a counterfeiter. "You'll have to lose some of your armor. There will be a robe inside the bag. As well as alchemist materials needed for small time production of fake currency. Of course they are not functional. A map of Roanapur's counterfeit agency location is already in the bag. Go now... you've wasted enough time," said the man in black he pointed his fragile looking finger at the direction of the smuggler's ship.


-Lina-

Lina stood before the blackened ship. The seven sins were no doubt celebrating among the crew members and passengers. Villains among villains indeed come to Roanapur and now she witnessed the vile constitutions run a muck. The smoke flowing out of the ship's helm seemed like an diabolic mist yearning to smother any poor soul who would inhale it.

"Hey!" shouted one of the guards, the bald one to be exact. "Did you see a silver-eyed witch on your way here?" he asked, foolishly letting the warrior slip by his sight even though she was right in front of her.

"What is your business in Roanapur?" asked the other guard as he meticulously ran his eyes on Lina. There seemed nothing to let them think she was a Claymore...

Artemis peeked at the contents of her bag, there seemed to be some mafia looking items. A beautiful bunch of clothing and a nice dagger. She gave a small smile, this was all items used by some high-ranking noblewoman. She would fit the profile perfectly, for in those days where she was human, she lived in a rich family in the South in a great city. Etiquette and formality wouldn't be a problem for her. Her eyes sadly gazed at the items, though her serious look didn't fade, gone were the days she was human.

A familiar yoki was around her and she quickly identified it as Mara's. Turning around she saw the silver haired and gave her a small smile. "Greetings Mara, how have you been since the graduating mission?" How long had it been since she last seen her old comrades? She felt a pang of guilt rush in her emotions, Meagre had definitely proved her incompetence. In that mission, Artemis had thought so highly of herself, thinking she didn't need teamwork. Their team, she had to admit had been a bit hasty on getting to places and was very disorganized, though she could blame it on no one but herself. She should have took charge, or done something.

Noticing the red bag Mara was carrying, Artemis glanced at it, and turned to her bag. "What is in yours?" she asked opening hers a little, so Mara could see the contents inside while the people close by could not. She took out the map. "I'm a mafia member," she said softly with a bit of dry humour. "I guess we're masquarading." She gave a small sigh, "I sensed another yoki around her, but I think she took a supression pil a minute or two ago because I can't sense her anymore. I don't think she'll work with us, and technically I think it would be better if we went our seperate ways." Artemis paused and looked at the other warrior straight into her eyes, "We should meet everyday to exchange information though, or so I think. It would make this mission much easier. I don't know where we should meet since I haven't seen the city, but since we know the culprit of these crimes isn't yoma so he or she can't sense yoki. Yet we have to take those suppression pills, but could you?-late at night night not take them? I'll release a burst of yoki, and we could meet and exchange information. Is that alright?" The raven haired Claymore asked. Mara didn't have to accept, but from the last mission she had been on where everyone seemingly worked alone; teamwork and being organized seemed crucial.

Another yoki beloning to another warrior that she knew (Siegfried) seemed to be approaching.

"...Yes Sir." Siegfried set the bag down and quickly removed his armors and clamore. Siegfried set them down next to the black cloak and quickly took out the contents of the bag...'1 Alchemist Robes, 1 Bucket of Easily Malleable Fake Gold, 1 Map of Roanapur with Bottlefoot Tavern and the red light district's Plucked Rose Rouge specified, 1 Golden Ring, 1 Thick Spectacles, 1 Satchel of Fake Alchemist chemicals, 5 Suppression Pills'.

Siegfried looked at the contents and quickly put on the Alchemist robes over his white suit. The robes somehow managed to fit his large frame and for that Siegfried was grateful. Looking at the ring and thick spectacles, Siegfried guessed he was suppose to wear them. Taking a quick glance at the annoyed black cloak was all the motivation he needed to know that he was to hurry up. Quickly Siegfried put on the thick spectacles and the golden ring. It was disorienting at first but Siegfried got use to the thick lenses quickly and made his way to the boat with great haste. He also took 1 suppression pill before he began boarding on to the boat.

-Lina-

"Hey! Did you see a silver-eyed witch on your way here?" The bold one was pretty straight-forward. "So, this means that they already know we were coming. Thats no good, it may very well mean that someone from organisation sold them this information. However we can't do anything about it. What a pain!"

"No, I have not. But whya re you asking? There is no business for filthy witches to have here, no?" Lina sounded like a man. She have chosen to change her voice - there was more fitting for a man to be bounty hunter, no normal woman would be able to handle that job. Her hair were short to begin with, and the clothing was just right. So there was only voice to take care of to fit into character. And she did that.

"What is your business in Roanapur?" One more appeared. Why do they need them here anyways, a test on filthyness? The ones not dirty enough shall not pass?

"I'm looking for more jobs and money, of course. I hear Roanapur is full of those fitting for me."

The disguised warriors were all in line. The ship of corruption was about to depart to its destination.

"I'm looking for more jobs and money, of course. I hear Roanapur is full of those fitting for me," said the bounty-hunter with a manly voice. The fruits of training were put to use.

The guards murmured amongst each other like gossipers, awkward looking as one can perceive. "Get in... take the lower deck where the information dealers and the other mercenaries are," said the bald guard to Lina. He was quite disappointed to not find a silver-eyed witch to bully on.

Next in line was a rather large person. He could the guards easily. However he looked like a misguided intellectual. His thick rimmed-glasses were nothing like the guards have ever seen. They started laughing their hinds off. "That is the ugliest shit I've ever seen!" mumbled the bald guard, though most of the words were eaten by his mocking laughter. He laughed on and on about the hideousness of the man's attire despite not knowing what he himself looked like in a mirror. "What is your business in Roanapur four-eyes?!" said the other guard as he glanced at the big man. A bucket of metal strips, the item the large man gripped. It was then he knew that the man before them was an alchemist, more specifically Siegfried in disguise.

"Give me something of monetary value," said the other guard. His eyes were already fixated on Siegfried's gold ring.

"Well I am an alchemist and I wish to seek work in the city of Roanapur." Siegfried smiled at the gaurds as he took one finger and pushed his glasses back up his nose. Siegfried had both his hands folded in front of him while holding the bucket. Watching one of the guards eye his ring, Siegfried knew what he was looking to take, so he flaunted his ring hand a little.

"Give me something of monetary value," Hearing this Siegfried smiled on the inside. "I'm not sure if I have anything of value on me dear sir. All I have is my tools, the clothes on my back, and my dear glasses. Wait! I do have this here gold ring. Though it would hurt to part with it, would this ring suffice?" Siegfried gave the gaurd a pleading look while lifting his hand with the ring before the gaurd.

- Siegfried -

The bald guard scratched his itchy scalp. Though for there to be lice on his barren head was certainly an impossibility. Nevertheless he scratched away. "Hey, Barnes, what's a alkomesto?"

The other guard, Barnes was busy taking Siegfried's ring. "You don't know what an alchemist is? Are you a dumbass? Haven't the thought you that in school?" replied Barnes with a hint of irritation. He inspected the ring if it was really gold.

"What the hell... I don't know what an alkomesto is so I won't let you in," said the bald guard with a malicious grin. Several teeth were missing... showing these absent teeth only made the ugly guard look even more hideous.

Suddenly, Barnes gave the bald man a punch to the gut. It was so powerful that it left a slight dent on his breast plate. The bald guard coughed up a few spittles of blood then said, "What the hell was that for you shit? I ain't never been to school so I don't know shit about an alkomest dudes."

"You arse, alchemist can make gold out of shit... I think," Barnes said as he allowed Siegfried to pass. There were already a lot of counterfeiter's in Roanapur. It wasn't the first time for Barnes to encounter such a professional. Many alchemists enter Roanapur because materials were abundant in the city. Alchemy was banned because many officials believed it was aligned with diabolism. "Get in four-eyes... the upper deck is for bitches like you," Barnes rudely stated while pointing at the stairs to the upper deck.

"Thank you Kindly sir." Siegfried smiled and swiftly made his way to the upperdecks. While moving to the upperdecks Siegfried took a small glance backwards to see how the others were progressing. Siegfried made sure to slow down his pace, so he can intervene quickly should a problem arise. Though he knows his comrades can take care of themselves, he still can't help but worry for their safety. 'I'm starting to sound like a mother hen. (taking a small glance at himself) A rather BIG mother hen.' Siegfried inwardly sighed at his sad little inner monologing attempt at a joke.

Mara was not at all amused by the contents of her bag. Sadly that was all they had and she endured wearing such garments with barely a flicker of discomfort across her face. Instead, she made her way towards a secluded part of the ship, away from the rest of the people, and tried to remain unnoticed for the remainder of the journey. Using her natural skills at stealth, she kept to the shadows and tried to listen out for anything that might be of interest while simultaneously searching for some sort of cover story that she might be able to use in case she was asked any questions. Suddenly, she remembered the application forms that were in the bag and took them out - best to know what exactly she was getting into. Training to impersonate a human meant being prepared for anything, even this, and even though Mara didn't like it she decided she might as well put all of her effort into it. Under the cover of shadows, she read from the parchment.

"It is a strange thing, to be without my powers..."

Artemis gave a small sigh as Rabbit ran off. Siegfried's yoki seemed to have disappeared too. The armor clad warrior headed for the bushes changing out of her normal armored clothes, to that of the male artisan's. It felt weird dressing up as a man, but she expanded her vocal cords making her sound like someone with an eloqueant tone. It wasn't too girly though, and despite sounding soft and charming, there was hidden venom to it. It sounded of that of someone who was polite but had the calm, commanding tone of someone who was refined and used to having order. She gave herself a more manly posture, and despite looking so feminine in the silk clad clothes that had gold embroidered. Her hair was another problem, but many men grew their hair out, and hers was silky and long. Maybe some women went for that?

She gave a bitter smile, and took one of the supressant pills in the bag. Hopefully she would find the other Claymores and start a system of communication. They would have to somehow exchange information.

She saw her new look in the water and couldn't help giving an elegant smile. Her form was a little womanly, but it seemed to have the look of a refined nobleman. There was a sly, cunning lookin her eyes that gave her face a mischevious look, maybe a little dangerous. Artemis held the bag lightly in her arm, fashionably, and headed up the ship.

The other Claymore had somehow taken her sword, so she had nothing to worry about, and her black hair definitely proved that she wasn't a silver eyed witch.

She stepped up the ship, giving a handsome smile to the sailors, and noticed that some of the women on board (who were missing a tooth or two) wearing filthy rags were giving her half grins and showing off the grudgy bosoms.

I guess I would have been a handsome man, she thought wryly.

--------------

I guess I'll just say that Rabbit left in a hurry and Artemis is by herself, (if that is ok with you Rabbit).

And reinard, let's just pretend (as you said in the discussion) that Linda took Arty's sword.

The spelling is off, I'll edit it later.

With everything in place, the rowers began to put their strength into their arms and sail the ship towards the forsaken city. It was rather abrupt as the planks to the docks were not even pulled in. It was unprofessional, crude and all sorts of other degrading words could be used to describe it as well. The guards started their duties, checking if everyone was in the place they were supposed to be. Barnes headed to the upper deck while the baldy headed below. The bald guard was also in charge of seeing that the rowers did their job, regardless if it was the right way or not as long as it was 'his' way.

"We sure have a whole new set of wenches this time around. The mainland seems to be losing more economy by the day," said Barnes. It was a somewhat intelligent comment from an uneducated brute. He continued his head count through the prostitutes, thieves and other non-fighting occupation people. Two people caught his eye, the alchemist from earlier and a man in dark robes.

Barnes approached one of the veteran smugglers and asked "Who is that man in the ash-trodden robes?" The smuggler looked at Barnes, hesitation was in his eyes and it seemed an answer would come after a short pause. "He's an information dealer. I've heard he's really good in passing down information but for some hefty prices," whispered the smuggler. A malicious grin painted itself on the guard's face, an oily and gritty canvas. Thoughts of coercion reeled in.

"His name is Jacobee and he's very dangerous when the bill isn't paid," rudely intruded another smuggler. Jacobee... a very fake sounding name indeed, and it appeared this information dealer was interested with Siegfried the alchemist.



~ Artemis ~

Artemis reached the place where rogues and gangs congregate on the ship. Big, muscular men, feared mercenaries and their richly clothed bosses playing karnofell on a round table enjoyed talking about their latest undertakings. Brags and boasts and an array of different types of trash talking were part of the game. More revolting was the prize at the end of each game. You get to keep your fingers if you manage to not lose.

"Look at them... to gamble your limbs for such a trivial game," said a voice from behind the camouflaged warrior. "You appear veteran with arms and coats but you don't seem used to seeing fingers being gambled." The voice was from a man of wealthy stature, probably another member of a one of the criminal orders present in Roanapur. "My name is Boris of the Pizzapasta... and you are?" the man politely asked Artemis.



~ Mara ~

"That's my spot," said a little girl to Mara, who appeared to be sulking on the contended corner of the ship. The little girl was dressed in a colorful yet dirtied dress. She had reddish-brown hair, untidily kept, and eyes of sapphire. A rag doll in the shape of a bear was in her hands. The petite presented the bear to Mara then said with irritation, "That's Carissa's spot!" She was pretending that the bear was defending her. Typical of a child.

"Seems you really don't know your way around Roanapur to not know me" said Jacob in his deep threatening voice - he needs to show he means busineess here and that no one can screw around with him..he won't ignore a good occasion to get some cash on himself..and also a valuable informations.

"Nowhere near downfall of economy, but what one would expect from a thug like you to understand to whom the money are really passed and who really profits from the chaos like in here - not that I will enlighten you..unless you will amuse me.."

Jacob took his both hands and snapped his fingers, he liked his mouth lips and smiled to both figures.

"Quid quo pro - state your busineess and I will state mine, we could help each other a lot. This city holds no mysteries before me"

Truthfully, even if Jacob knows more than average person here, there are still mysteries to uncover, but they don't need to know that - they just need to see how confident he is in what he says, the rest can be bluff.

-Lina-

"Huh, this place looks nice. Like a museum of scum." Lina liked humanity. She simply adored it. And now was quite happy to observe the best members of human society, all gathered in one place, as if it was some banquet of human elites, waiting for Nobel Prize awards in nomination of Greatness. The atmosphere was just great, fitting for a place where nobles gather. Its not that Lina loved them all so much she'd massacre them all right away if she could. It's just... in a place like this she started to doubt whether her job is actually a good one. Won't it be better to let a couple of Yoma troops eat them all? Instead she is here to save them...

*Reinard-fox sighs

"No more dreaming, they won't allow me to bring real justice here anyways. I guess I'll just do what I'm told for now. And for that purpose..." Thats right, it is time to looks around. Maybe she'll find something interesting... Lina walked around the desk, trying to feel even the slightest bits of Yoki flowing around and carefully observing passengers. She was searching for someone, who would be trying to make himself invisible. Someone, who's been hiding himself. Only such people interested her now. Only they might be connected to her business here.

Mara stared incredulously for a few seconds before shifting from the mindset of a warrior back to that of an ordinary human. It was best to be subtle and avoid drawing attention to herself if at all possible - not that it would be easy in this ridiculous dress. Again she wondered why humans even bothered with this but then put it out of her mind. If it was what her superiors had given her to blend in for this mission then who was she to question it? She blinked slightly and looked at the girl with a false, confused expression before smiling and petting the bear on the head.

"It's alright", she said quietly, "I think we can share this spot, don't you?"

~ Jacob(ee) ~

Exercising his freedom and dealer rights, Jacob waltz clumsily towards the congregation of idiots. True intentions were hidden by his poor decorum. Whimsically, he did a rather strange array of hand gestures until he ended it with a snap of the fingers and an awkward smile. "Quid quo pro - state your business and I will state mine, we could help each other a lot. This city holds no mysteries before me," he said somewhat arrogantly, although with all honesty his face did not concur.

Barnes was taken aback. Dumb as he was, he knew mentally challenged people existed in the world. Roanapur was a breeding ground for them. ”You shits really think this guy’s got the balls to be running around with highly-priced information?” the guard ranted to the already shuddering smugglers.

One of the smugglers stepped up and stuttered a phrase composed of bitten-off syllables and other unintelligible sounds.

“What the hell you talkin’ bout? Huh?!” roared Barnes as he took the smuggler by the collar. Not understanding a word the smuggler said seemed to have infuriated him.

The smuggler could not do anything. He tried and tried to speak but his tongue tied itself in three different knots until finally… ”Ask him anything!” cried the strangled smuggler.

Barnes looked at Jacob and with his free hand pointed with disbelief and persecution at the information dealer. ”What shit of a god does the Church of Violence worship?” he rudely asked with his grungy voice. The question was like a death wish… his life had undoubtedly shortened.



~ Lina ~

The lower deck was filled with the pungent smell of sweat. Although there were a lot of bloodstains on the wooden ceiling, the scent of blood was weak. The dominant stench was made by the rowers who were present in the area, not to mention that the place was really confined. Other mercenaries and warriors sat patiently for the ship to reach its destination. They were sharing stories of their encounters throughout the continent.

Lina, unwilling to sit still in this hellish place took a walk around the area. She wanted to check if all the present yoki were of other warriors and not something else... of course that was impossible as she had taken a suppression pill and probably so did the others.

”Can’t you just sit down?” said the bald guard. He was sitting at the back row of paddlers. It appeared he was annoyed with Lina’s actions. It looked like he was doing a head count from his place, a considerable feat for an uneducated person.



~ Mara ~

Carissa stared at Mara thinking her eyes were piercing the prostitute. However, it seemed her tactic was not threatening enough for the warrior in disguise. She pulled the bear back to her chest to show that she did not agree to Mara’s offer. "No we can’t!" the little girl pouted then gave the frowning puppy-dog look. ”Only two people can sit here…” the girl added. There were only two people conversing, who else was there? Why would the corner be crowded? Of course, Carissa was also counting her rag doll. That would make the bear the third head and since the corner was declared a two-person seating, someone had to go… but perhaps Mara had an idea.

- Jacob -

That was hilarious - he really asked that..well, why not.

"It would be boring if I have simply told you that - better yet, I will SHOW you. But there is a price - let's see...bring me the best hooker from the city and I will lead you to that place..bring as many man as you want, if your scared."

That was the greatest.. He wanted to see it - His face, his fear, his astonishment.

...and also he would get a free meal of a woman who no one cared about.

-Lina-

Above being full of shit, it smelled like shit too. The filthy rabble filled the deck, there were so many of them it was hard to move around, let alone searching for anyone suspicious. And considering that pretty much anyone around her fell under that category... Only her sense of Yoki could give her accurate information, so she used it to maximum - too much depended on whether they can find their enemy fast, or they will find Lina. So she continued to search.

”Can’t you just sit down?” - the lamp pole was talking! Mumbling something... what does it have to do with her? Lina turned her head in his direction giving him a scary look. It was not hard for her; the life she have lived before becoming a claymore give her enough fuel for hatred and murderous intent to put in her eyes. Her hometown gifted her with unforgettable memories. And her hatred feeded upon those memories, filling her glance with the impression of death and horror. The true horror of hell.

Siegfried noted the information dealer who was interested in him walk off to speak with the guard and smugglers. So as they were talking Siegfried tried to make himself unnoticable and slowly crept away. That informatin dealer, Jacobee, seemed kind of dangerous and somewhat familiar. Did he meet him somewhere before... a mine? Siegfried had no idea what connection a mine had with the information dealer in front of him but for some reason they somehow connect. Siegfried pushed that thought aside and thought of the mission instead.

They were suppose to find out information about the murders going on within the city. Siegfried decided to go back and speak with this information dealer. It seems his information is rumored to be reliable. So in mid-escape Siegfried silently crept back to the small group of smugglers and that information dealer; Jacobee. On his way over Siegfried recalled Jacobee's information being 'hefty' in it's prices. Siegfried had no idea what to do. Maybe he can trick Jacobee with a casual conversation to reveal some information. On a very quick review of the information dealer so far, that thought was quickly buried and forgotten. Siegfried came to a halt near the group. Close enough to hear them but far enough to not get caught up. Basically back to where he started.

This girl was something strange, something else. But Mara supposed that all children must be like this when they have something they truly care about. Well, she needed a place to sit where she could collect her thoughts but at the same time this girl risked drawing attention to her if they kept arguing, so she tried again. Noticing that a hint of steel had appeared in her expression when the girl had tried to stare her down, Mara took a moment to settle down and allow the wariness that had been drilled into her as a warrior to fade.

"Well, why can't your bear sit on your lap? Then we could both share this corner. I need to be someplace quiet too, you know."

"Look at them... to gamble your limbs for such a trivial game," a voice said behind her in an bored tone that had a hint of malicious amusement to it.

Artemis turned around to face a man dressed in gold and a fine suit. It was obvious that he was wealthy from his tone and stature. He seemed to also fit the profile of being in a criminal organization like Artemis did.

He spoke again, "You appear veteran with arms and coats but you don't seem used to seeing fingers being gambled. My name is Boris of the Pizzapasta... and you are?"

Artemis looked at him calmly, "I am Leon." The Pizzapasta eh? So it was the ciminal gang that hired Claymores in the first place. Artemis felt a hint of amusement that they couldn't identify her as one. Leon was just a random name she came up with, and from the looks of it, it was the one she was going to be using through this whole journey.

She turned her gaze back to the men who were gambling, looking at them with disdain and amuesment. She spoke again to Boris in the same tone he used when speaking to her, "I'm not fond of putting pieces of my body to threat to such little games."

~ Jacob(ee) and Siegfried ~

Jacob caught attention with his loud mouth plus Barnes bantering. It seemed like they had become the center of unwanted attention. Painful gazes went around... lots of painful gazes. In such an evil place, these eyes were without a doubt abundant. Jacob continued to play along with Barnes’ ignorance. It seemed this information dealer had a lot of information, and it appeared some information were dangerous to have. There truly was knowledge to kill for.

Then Jacob made his offer, a whore for the reality of the Church of Violence’s god. What was the Church of Violence anyway? The Church of Violence is a prominent house of worship in Roanapur. Strange as it may seem, a god of religious origins in a faith-deprived city existed. Most people in the city of sin would probably pray to money or power, but to find a heretical religion prospering was unimaginable. What made the church run? This was what Barnes was thinking about… probably.

”A whore? Is that all that’s needed?” asked Barnes with his voice booming. He looked around. The place was literally crawling with prostitutes. ”You there!” he called out to a woman in what appeared to be only undergarments. The woman of course, having experience knew who to avoid, and Jacob looked like someone to avoid. Barnes became a little frustrated, not too much just a little frustrated. He produced a small bag of jingling coins and raised it up high, with boastful voice he publicized, “Two hundred beras for the whore who comes up!”

In a strange twist of fate, a man crept closer to the conversing smuggler and dealer. It was Siegfried. Although he did not approach them all the way, he still went closer and the people around were full of malicious thinking…

”Do you like male prostitutes?” Barnes asked Jacob.



~ Lina & Artemis ~

Lina gave the baldy the face… of repugnance. The bald guard ceased the moment and looked at her. He did not know how identify good-looking from bad-looking bad he knew that the face Lina gave was that of a defiant person.

”What is that fugly, you want a piece of me? he boorishly clamored. He grabbed his guard spear and was ready for action… if it were to be described that way.

Onlookers started to abound. Some of the rowers turned their attention to the upcoming war of words and a probable fight finesse. Even some of the rogues and gangsters took a short pause from their finger games and glanced at the on going feud.

"I'm not fond of putting pieces of my body to threat to such little games," said Artemis to the now preoccupied Boris.

The Pizzapasta member’s attention was caught by the bald guard’s bickering. ”Osus has a really loud mouth… disturbing the lower deck again as always,” Boris narrated. It seemed the bald guard’s name was Osus and was the usual trouble maker. It was common for him to get into fights such as these but in the end he was just someone who mouthed a lot and not really someone who would go anywhere. ”It has been said that even the threat of power has power… but in Osus’ case his threats don’t have power. Even newcomers can shut him up.” Boris bobbed his head to the direction of the oncoming squabble as if to say to Artemis ‘let’s watch’.



~ Mara ~

A battle of expressions began between Mara and Carissa. All seemed hopeless. The little girl continued to make her point that only the bear and her could sit on the spot. No one else could sit with them. Mara’s persuasion did not seem to catch on. A child from a world full of evil would most likely have a stubborn heart. Carissa was such a child.

”Don’t wave around Donnie like that,” a woman calmly intruded. She came into the corner to avoid what seemed to be a prostitute baiting session at the other end of the deck. The woman was another whore who sought employment at Roanapur. Her attire was of the same fashion as Mara’s. ”This girl is just lonely that’s why she likes to argue with others. She’s a close friend’s child,” the woman said to Mara.

”But she’s on me and Donnie's seat!” the little girl continued to argue.

”No ‘buts’ little girl. You behave yourself because we’re going to go meet with your mom,” the woman scolded the child, taking the bear then plopping down beside Mara. ”C’mon, all of us can sit here,” she told the selfish little Carissa. She gestured to the child to come sit, but the little girl shook her head in disagreement. The woman sighed with discontent. ”Kids nowadays… by the way I’m Wyndia, and actually it’s my first time traveling to Roanapur,” the woman introduced herself to Mara who also happened to be having her first trip to the city of sin. Fact is, it was Mara’s first time being a prostitute as well, but that was something Wyndia did not need to know.

-Lina-

”What is that fugly, you want a piece of me?" What a funny guy. "Sorry, but I have to decline. Unless you pay me for killing you, of course." Lina smiled. The very-manly-smile that shall make kids cry. Even if kids are old and bold.

"i don't wanna waste my time here anymore. I have to go find Siegfried. I have things to talk about with him. I guess I'll go to another deck that Siegfried has entered once I finish with this idiot."

- Jacob -

"Hahaha" said Jacob while putting his hand on Barnes shoulder..then crushing it with his superior strength, still having his mask intact, not revealing his true self.

"Don't fuck with me - I want the best, get the whore of a class which gang leaders take for themselves - that the gang leaders whisper greatest secret, that corrupted politics make their personal thing, that even priests dishonour their vows to be with her. When I say the best, I say THE BEST. Or maybe your not really serious about getting that info." whispered Jacob to Barnes ear, loosing his grip on his shoulder and making distancing himself from the crowd.

”Do you like male prostitutes?” asked the man named Barnes as he was indicating Siegfried who was slowly moving back into his previous position. He stopped in his attempt to be unnoticable as all eyes were on him now. '...eh? ...what did he say?' Siegfried thought as his face was set into that of confusion. Was he just indirectly reffered to as a male prostitute? Did he even look like one?

Siegfried quickly looked over himself after the last thought. Siegfried had become a little self concious now. Very self-concious. 'I look like a male prostitute? Is it my robes? My face? Hair? The way I look? What!?! The male prostitutes dress like this? They have male prostitutes? Good god what kind of mission did I get myself into? No one else must know of this...No one must know I was being bargained off as a male prostitute. At least it's not Mara, Artemis, or Lina. Hopefully they are safe. But...Why me though!?!' Siegfried mentally yelled out, while outside he still had on a confused face for everyone to see, like he didn't know what was happening.

"Hahaha" laughed the information dealer, Jacob(ee). 'What is he laughing about? He better not be considering the offer! Must get out...Must get out!!' Siegfried thought while he began to slowly inch back in what he hoped was the exit. He decided that contacting the others wasn't so bad. He can get information from someone else. So Siegfried attempted to slowly creep out of the room, without anyone noticing. This attempt of course was a failure, since one he had most of the attention of the room, and two he is a giant compared to these men. Both things weighed heavily against Siegfried.

~ Lina ~

Osus got the response he was so dying to get, Lina’s smile. That smirk was quite an agonizing one. Its victim would most likely writhe in the most exquisite of pain. It seemed the mercenary would walk away from the challenge, but the bald Osus had pride to keep. He stepped unto the aisle and brandished his pike as if he was some kind of master of it. Bluff was the smell that emanated from his exhibition.

”You think you can run away? boasted the hairless buffoon.

Steps made their way down the rickety stairs towards the upper deck. Someone had heard of the ruckus, probably someone who had lost all tolerance to Osus’ stupidity. ”OSUS!” said the non-tolerant fellow.

The bald Osus turned around only to have three bolts shot at his head, one for each of his eyes and one through his maw. The unexpected attack killed the guard instantly. The crowd of onlookers was both shocked and disappointed. ”It’s Master Jherin. He’s been pissed about baldy for quite sometime now,” the rowers gossiped.

”Smugglers Incorporated will now be needing a new guard. As you can see when you’re fired, you’re fired at. You will get deluxe funeral services so do not fret and apply now if you feel competent,” Jherin calmly announced. It was as if everything was just part of the job. He glanced at Lina for just a second then nodded after which he went back topside.


~ Jacob(ee) & Siegfried ~

Barnes dropped to the floor as the crowd started to dissipate. Jacobee and the giant alchemist backed away from the meeting. Punch-lines retorted and jokes half-baked and inconsumable, he grit his teeth in disdain.

”I told you the prices were hefty… and he is always serious. Whimsical as he may look he is always serious,” said one of the smugglers. However one thing did not seem to be right. The price for the information on the Church of Violence was not as large as it should have been. A handsome fee of ten thousand beras or two noble-breed stallions was more likely to be standard fare.

Barnes could only watch as the enigmatic information dealer disappeared into the mob. ”Shit… he crunched my shoulder real bad!”

~~~

Siegfried stepped out of the second quarter of the upper deck and into the quarter closest to the stairwell to the docking side of the ship as well as the stairs down to the lower deck. Did the laughter follow him? Did the boisterous guard follow him? Did the black cloaked information dealer follow him?

-Lina-

Baldy has gone to hell. This occurance seem to have disappointed all spectators, as they waited for something more entertaining to happen. Unfortunately to them, Baldy died without putting up much of a show. Too bad.

Lina smiled. What a familiar atmosphere. Well, at least she'll feel herself at home in this city. As if she ever wanted to feel herself at home ever again...

With Baldy gone hindrances to her investigation were gone to. She headed towards the stairs, willing to get to the place where her alchemist companion was.

"I'm Mara", she replied absently. Belatedly she forced a slight smile upon her face, having not interacted with people beyond other warriors whom she did not particularly care for, "I'm a stranger to this city myself. Actually I came here to...find someone. An old acquaintance of mine who might be able to give me some answers."

- Jacob(ee) -

"It will take him some time to get what I want, now this one might be risky..but if I will in contact with THEM, I could get far better prize for giving them free bodies. Then I would just get everything that this guy has - it's not like anyone needs to know about his death so quickly..quickly enough to collect it"

Jacob took his cloak..there was some kind of s*** all over this tavern or it was something else on it. He decided to clean up

"There isn't much to profit from here - I need more informations. If he actually suceedes in getting what I want, I might gain something more interesting than that blasted church"

.:Siegfried:.

Once Siegfried left the room, he let out a sigh of relief. Though it was momentary it still helped to relieve stress, if only a little. Siegfried slowly made his way across the quarter toward the stairs. He kept a wary eye on the door to make sure he wasn't being followed. Siegfried spotted the stairs and was but a few steps away from descending.

Siegfried all the while kept the guise of a clueless Alchemist, by fumbling around a bit from not being use to the sea. and laughing and scratching the back of his head if he bumped into anything and doing the same except apologising if he bumped into anyone.

~ Lina & Siegfried ~

Lina climbed up the stairs and it lead to the cargo area and another set of stairs which would lead to the upper quarters. Everything seemed in place, nothing amiss. All the cargo were intact and untouched. Jherin, the master of the cargo hold was busy checking around as if nothing had happened a while ago with Osus. Jherin caught a glimpse of Lina and smiled, a pleasant one at that. Even so it was something to falsify his true emotions. "The person you are looking for will come fumbling down..."

Coincidentally Siegfried came tumbling down the stairs from the upper deck. It appeared his acting was too much. He landed face first on the grimy deck floor. A befitting facial for someone who acted clumsily.

~ Mara ~

"Really? It seems lots of people are heading to Roanapur nowadays... even if it is a hell hole. People are desperate to find livelihood. Its been really hard for us," Wyndia replied to the absent-minded Mara. She looked at Carissa who was still pouting, cheeks puffed and all.

Roanapur was a great place to earn income, no matter how dirty the ways of attaining it. Everyone is cleared to do whatever they want in order to reach that life they always wanted. All one had to do was stay clear of the big crime institutions. One could say the safest job in Roanapur would be selling one's own body. Smuggling, stealing, information dealing even transportation to the island city was dangerous.

Wyndia glanced at the creaking wooden ceiling as if trying to find her next phrase. She twirled her hair slowly but relentlessly. "If not for the circumstances I wanted to be an apothecary..." the prostitute said with a big sigh. Her hopeful tomorrow taken by fate's mischievous whim. Wyndia looked at Mara and saw that she too had a dream, it could be just her imagination but she could definitely feel it. "You're going to the city to meet your friend, right? What are you going to do after that?" Wyndia asked insensitively. The answer to her question may very well be not something to be discussed publicly.