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TBA
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Cherry Grove Park is a part of 
Throme.
3 Characters Here
Kaden Jannsen [3] "Oh, sorry, you were there? Hmm. Hadn't realized. What do you want? I'm writing, so be quick."
Crow [1] "With that drink, you've just destroyed your liver some more. I need you healthy. Stay that way."
Caine Strauss [1] The Moon
Start Character Here »
Caine Strauss, Itex Moon; Throme
A new voice appeared and with it came new questions, asked in a torrent. Caine tried to speak an answer as they came, but the woman no longer cared for an answer. After all this work they put him to, alone no less, these higher ups couldn't even be bothered to hold a conversation, ordering him around yet again. And it would seem they couldn't even pay attention to who they were talking to, giving visual directions to the blind. No matter. Things would get done one way or another. If it had to be done, it would be. But... the complications? Who was she?
Caine winced in pain from his shoulder wound as he stood up carefully. He was exhausted, and the battle with the magician (strange to think there were others here) had near depleted his strength. There would be revenge, of course. No one who messed with Itex would be allowed to get away. Soon enough, he and others would find out the whereabouts of these interfering mask-users and take care of them. It was difficult to escape from Itex, especially if they were looking for you. They'd get what was rightfully coming to them. Itex wasn't in the wrong, of course. Right. Caine rubbed his shoulder, wincing again. He was tired, and it was time to get going. He reached his hands to his mask and sighed. "It's all on you now, Kaden. Don't you dare fail us."
Kaden Jannsen; Throme -> Cherry Grove Park
Kaden pulled off his mask, starting from the sudden shock of the cold, the wet, the pain. Cursing, he shoved the mask in his bag and gasped from a throbbing shoulder. "Blasted Caine! I had an umbrella in here! Use it! And gods, what did you do to yourself? Here it... gah!" Pulling out the umbrella from his bag and opening it, Kaden winced again from the pain. Sitting back down, he leant against the wall, the umbrella slightly blocking the steady downpour, slightly protecting everything in his bag, though most were probably on their way to ruin anyhow. He examined the package, wet as everything else from the rain, and sighed.
I suppose I'd better get going. Cherry Park, was it? Thirty minutes, thirteen seconds. Nine minutes leeway. Less, now. Running would be cutting it close, and most of Kaden's argen had been spent earlier, on the balloon, on the movie. There wasn't enough for a taxi. The subway would have to do, and Maybelle station was close enough. Packing up everything and adjusting his umbrella, Kaden stood up with a wince. He felt the bandaged wound on his shoulder and brought his hand away, damper still than it had been. Blood. Great. The projectile, whatever it had been, hadn't hit clean, leaving what was probably a larger cut than normal. It was painful, at least...
Kaden began walking at a rushed pace, figuring out where exactly he was and heading toward the subway station. Once there, he paid the required amount to get to Academy Square and waited for the train. It was scheduled to arrive in two minutes, approximately 8:55, but at least he wasn't standing out in the rain. Though, he wouldn't be dry any time soon. It wasn't a busy time of night: the worktime rush was over with, many were still out partying or whatever they did on a Friday night, and the rain kept many others at home, except for the sad few still with things to do and places to be. There was a couple, late to party. There was a man pacing back and forth, something definitely on his mind. A woman here on the phone with a friend, a pair over there arguing. A kid running by, dragging his mother. A group of friends laughing at some joke another had made or maybe at nothing at all. Others here and there, but none paid much attention to Kaden as he stood leaning on the wall. Well, except a man nearby, who offered him a smoke, only to be ignored. The subway arrived, and Kaden got on.
It would be some time still until the train arrived at Academy Square station, so Kaden sat back and relaxed. It was strange, though, that the two others assigned to this mission, even the leader of the mission himself, hadn't arrived. Instead, there were two others, one maybe a random passerby, the other more likely an intentional interferer. Both had known of Masks, neither was Itex, and they hadn't seemed to know one another. Was there an information leak? Had the others encountered trouble, for whatever reason divulging this information about the meeting? But the Hanged Man... he was supposed to be "monitoring the security" of the chat. If something had happened, might there be more that would? It would be worth it to be a little cautious, even if there was someone with cloak and ribbons waiting for the meeting. But still, to have to doubt even those in Itex? If so... well, that was a topic for another time. Who was that other mask user, and how had Itex not known of her? Too many questions had been raised for Kaden's liking, and it was likely too few would be answered by the end of the night. Either way, next stop: Academy Station, and Kaden got off as the doors opened, a few others exiting, a few entering. Kaden headed toward the park.
The trees gave some protection from the rain, but not much. It was unlikely there would be many people here, and there weren't. The contact would be around. She would be, somewhere. Kaden wandered, looking for a cloak. Eventually... ah, there. There was someone, it seemed a woman, in the middle of Fountain Square, the black cloak and red ribbons distinctive. She was idly running a hand through the water, and she turned at his approach. It had been about thirty-three minutes since the call, but better late than never. "Good evening, ma'am. A beautiful night, isn't it?"
??? and Kaden Jannsen ; Cherry Grove ParkAlmost as though it was meant as a response to his question, the woman stared at the new arrival, whom she seemed to recognize on sight. "Thirty-three minutes, fourty-seven seconds. Well within acceptable deviance," she stated idly, before turning back towards the fountain. One of her dark-blue-gloved hands escaped the folds of her cloak to gesture to her left side. "Moon, I presume that we shall not be interrupted?"
The voice was the same, as was the tone. The meeting didn't appear to be compromised, though considering how quickly it was formed and executed, that probably should have been expected. Kaden moved as she gestured, standing to this woman's left. A gust of wind blew his umbrella and rain to the side, and he shivered. "To the best of my knowledge, no. I've not informed anyone." The package was to his side, to be presented when asked but not before. Questions were running through Kaden's mind, but how to ask them (and when) was important, and now didn't seem quite the time. Hopefully this wouldn't take too long. His shoulder was growing numb from the rain.
Although her cloak moved slightly from the gust of wind, the woman's features remained in shadow. "That may do for the moment," she informed the boy, before plunging her other hand back into the fountain. Then, scanning the horizon for other arrivals, almost as though she was expecting someone to pop out of the shadows, she continued. "The package. I do hope that it is still in perfect condition." She stretched out her gloved hand palm up towards the Itex Moon.
Perfect condition? Did she really think it would be just fine in this horrible rain? Well, she'd have to take it in the condition it was in, and if it was ruined, too bad. Still, she seemed rather... nervous? Like someone might arrive, even if neither party had told of the meeting. And she had been untrusting of Hanged Man in the chat room as well... Could it be that- No, people should know what betraying Itex would get them. But still, what was Hanged Man doing, and why was he not doing as told? What might make him so brazen? He had always seemed like a careful guy, not one to make enemies of his allies so easily. What had gotten into him? Right. This woman wanted the package. "It's a little wet, but other than that, it's in the state I received it in." The package was placed in her hand, Kaden's hand returned to his side, and he waited for his next set of instructions. And to be done with this blasted rain for now.
Taking it calmly, the woman nodded and slipped it inside her cloak. "Very well," she murmured, before a flash of silver from the fountain caught her attention. She turned towards the water, before her ungloved hand flashed outside with a fish in her sure grasp. It didn't take long before she had stabbed its head with her thumb and flicked it backwards on the ground. That done with, she addressed the Moon - allowing the hood on her cloak to slip slightly, and revealing a glimpse of red cloth. "Run through the complications. Details will make or break the case right now."
What? Fish? In the fountain? When had those arrived? Ah, well. It seemed this woman - what was that cloth? - she wanted to know about that battle. The other two who had arrived to mess everything up. "I had arrived at the pier and was waiting for Hanged Man and Hermit. And the contact, but those two first. They never arrived. Instead, a different pair did, each separately. The first attacked me immediately with some projectile, I - No, wait, I have it here." Kaden dug through his bag for his sketchpad, flipping through until it came to the page that Caine had drawn the projectile from.
"Something that looked like this. A feather. It made some keening, and it was obviously magic, a Mask user? Anyway, not long after, the second complication arrived. She had a gun, shot the two of us, and spoke of Masks as if she knew them. Another Mask user, perhaps? Maybe a third party, since the three of us fought one another, but no matter. I kept up the charade of ignorance, withholding my powers until either backup or the package-deliverer arrived. She arrived first, that messenger, with the package. She seemed to think she was the one who needed to know and pass on what was happening to the higher ups. But a messenger doesn't need that information, and I would tell you all that was required. Either way, she passed me the package, and I made my escape, though not before getting this injury... Darn complications and blasted backup. I never did find out... why didn't the two who were sent with me show up?" Maybe that last question was overstepping his bounds, but Kaden deserved to know. If they had been there, things would never have gone so poorly, and there wouldn't have been witnesses leaving the scene. Three could have beaten two Mask users, but not him alone. Would she answer? And, more importantly, did she even know the answer?
"A third-party," the woman sighed, ignoring the second section about the Hanged Man and the Hermit. "And a messenger that might have been compromised. What a shame." She seemed to find extreme interest in the sketchpad, leaning over to stare at the image intently. "Stil, Moon, you are to be commended for your work and attention to detail. This information will do Itex handy should they show up again." Once again, she deliberated for a mere moment, before slipping a hand in her cloak and pulling out the just-obtained package. Opening it up with quick, deft movements, she plunged one hand through the countless packing peanuts before pulling out a slip of paper. She read it, obviously displeased by its contents.
The true package is hidden in the yet unopened exhibit of the MTAH. Good luck finding it.
After this quick perusal, she brought her attention back to the Moon. "What were your motivations in joining Itex?"
Compromised? What was this about? The messenger? Was she maybe working with those defectors (that is, if that's what they were...)? Nothing was making any sense, except that things were not going as planned. This normally didn't happen... Whatever that slip of paper said, it wasn't what she wanted to read, and it probably had to do with that messenger being compromised. Why was Itex suddenly making these mistakes in planning, in caution, mistakes they hadn't before? But she was still Kaden's superior, and she had asked a question. "My motivations? I was... dissatisfied, with life in general. There wasn't much point, and I was bored. I didn't do what was expected, and people began to expect nothing of me. Then came my mask and, soon after, Itex. It was something to grab ahold of, something to do with my life, to make some difference, one way or another. It- I'm rambling, aren't I? Suffice to say, it was something that made me feel important. I felt I was actually doing something, you know? And things were actually beginning to change, little by little. Well, uh, that's it, I suppose. Nothing much, really." Gods, he was really sounding stupid, wasn't he?
"Interesting, Moon. Interesting," was all the woman had to say to this grand revelation. Even then, she mused over his statements calmly, before coming to a decision to go ahead with the true reason behind this clandestine meeting. Then, dropping her voice to a low whisper, she continued onwards. "I hope that I do not have to remind you that the details of this conversation are to remain secret from even your Itex comrades."
...and Kaden was making himself an idiot again, or so it felt. Whatever. What was said was said, moving on. Then, suddenly, after this longer pause, she was whispering. Things were to be secret? That reminder, again? Interesting things appeared to be happening here! Well, there wasn't much to do except find out what was to come, so in whispered reply: "Reminder noted." This conversation could go anywhere, but Kaden was likely to benefit from this. With Hanged Man out of the picture, was this a chance to move up in the rankings? Hanged Man had been getting more privileges, but with this recent failure... maybe things were looking up?
Hm... and here was the chance to go ahead. While she kept her voice lowered for secrecy, she made sure to carefully enunciate every word. It wouldn't do for him to miss what she had to tell him. "I am sure that it's come to your attention that there are certain failings within the Itex organization itself." Sure that she had caught his attention, she then stepped backwards, still facing him, but stopped talking. There was another gust of wind and the hem of her cloak blew up slightly, revealing signs of blue fabric.
Failings? So this was about the Hanged Man incidents? Or was there more? Still... how was one supposed to respond to something like this? What would be the expected response? Because giving anything besides the expected could be... troublesome. She seemed to be waiting for some response, the reason for this pause. Well, the apparent answer was Yes, so it was given. "Yes." But no more need be said, so no more was. Let her continue if she felt comfortable doing so. Kaden would listen.
The voice was the same, as was the tone. The meeting didn't appear to be compromised, though considering how quickly it was formed and executed, that probably should have been expected. Kaden moved as she gestured, standing to this woman's left. A gust of wind blew his umbrella and rain to the side, and he shivered. "To the best of my knowledge, no. I've not informed anyone." The package was to his side, to be presented when asked but not before. Questions were running through Kaden's mind, but how to ask them (and when) was important, and now didn't seem quite the time. Hopefully this wouldn't take too long. His shoulder was growing numb from the rain.
Although her cloak moved slightly from the gust of wind, the woman's features remained in shadow. "That may do for the moment," she informed the boy, before plunging her other hand back into the fountain. Then, scanning the horizon for other arrivals, almost as though she was expecting someone to pop out of the shadows, she continued. "The package. I do hope that it is still in perfect condition." She stretched out her gloved hand palm up towards the Itex Moon.
Perfect condition? Did she really think it would be just fine in this horrible rain? Well, she'd have to take it in the condition it was in, and if it was ruined, too bad. Still, she seemed rather... nervous? Like someone might arrive, even if neither party had told of the meeting. And she had been untrusting of Hanged Man in the chat room as well... Could it be that- No, people should know what betraying Itex would get them. But still, what was Hanged Man doing, and why was he not doing as told? What might make him so brazen? He had always seemed like a careful guy, not one to make enemies of his allies so easily. What had gotten into him? Right. This woman wanted the package. "It's a little wet, but other than that, it's in the state I received it in." The package was placed in her hand, Kaden's hand returned to his side, and he waited for his next set of instructions. And to be done with this blasted rain for now.
Taking it calmly, the woman nodded and slipped it inside her cloak. "Very well," she murmured, before a flash of silver from the fountain caught her attention. She turned towards the water, before her ungloved hand flashed outside with a fish in her sure grasp. It didn't take long before she had stabbed its head with her thumb and flicked it backwards on the ground. That done with, she addressed the Moon - allowing the hood on her cloak to slip slightly, and revealing a glimpse of red cloth. "Run through the complications. Details will make or break the case right now."
What? Fish? In the fountain? When had those arrived? Ah, well. It seemed this woman - what was that cloth? - she wanted to know about that battle. The other two who had arrived to mess everything up. "I had arrived at the pier and was waiting for Hanged Man and Hermit. And the contact, but those two first. They never arrived. Instead, a different pair did, each separately. The first attacked me immediately with some projectile, I - No, wait, I have it here." Kaden dug through his bag for his sketchpad, flipping through until it came to the page that Caine had drawn the projectile from.
"Something that looked like this. A feather. It made some keening, and it was obviously magic, a Mask user? Anyway, not long after, the second complication arrived. She had a gun, shot the two of us, and spoke of Masks as if she knew them. Another Mask user, perhaps? Maybe a third party, since the three of us fought one another, but no matter. I kept up the charade of ignorance, withholding my powers until either backup or the package-deliverer arrived. She arrived first, that messenger, with the package. She seemed to think she was the one who needed to know and pass on what was happening to the higher ups. But a messenger doesn't need that information, and I would tell you all that was required. Either way, she passed me the package, and I made my escape, though not before getting this injury... Darn complications and blasted backup. I never did find out... why didn't the two who were sent with me show up?" Maybe that last question was overstepping his bounds, but Kaden deserved to know. If they had been there, things would never have gone so poorly, and there wouldn't have been witnesses leaving the scene. Three could have beaten two Mask users, but not him alone. Would she answer? And, more importantly, did she even know the answer?
"A third-party," the woman sighed, ignoring the second section about the Hanged Man and the Hermit. "And a messenger that might have been compromised. What a shame." She seemed to find extreme interest in the sketchpad, leaning over to stare at the image intently. "Stil, Moon, you are to be commended for your work and attention to detail. This information will do Itex handy should they show up again." Once again, she deliberated for a mere moment, before slipping a hand in her cloak and pulling out the just-obtained package. Opening it up with quick, deft movements, she plunged one hand through the countless packing peanuts before pulling out a slip of paper. She read it, obviously displeased by its contents.
The true package is hidden in the yet unopened exhibit of the MTAH. Good luck finding it.
After this quick perusal, she brought her attention back to the Moon. "What were your motivations in joining Itex?"
Compromised? What was this about? The messenger? Was she maybe working with those defectors (that is, if that's what they were...)? Nothing was making any sense, except that things were not going as planned. This normally didn't happen... Whatever that slip of paper said, it wasn't what she wanted to read, and it probably had to do with that messenger being compromised. Why was Itex suddenly making these mistakes in planning, in caution, mistakes they hadn't before? But she was still Kaden's superior, and she had asked a question. "My motivations? I was... dissatisfied, with life in general. There wasn't much point, and I was bored. I didn't do what was expected, and people began to expect nothing of me. Then came my mask and, soon after, Itex. It was something to grab ahold of, something to do with my life, to make some difference, one way or another. It- I'm rambling, aren't I? Suffice to say, it was something that made me feel important. I felt I was actually doing something, you know? And things were actually beginning to change, little by little. Well, uh, that's it, I suppose. Nothing much, really." Gods, he was really sounding stupid, wasn't he?
"Interesting, Moon. Interesting," was all the woman had to say to this grand revelation. Even then, she mused over his statements calmly, before coming to a decision to go ahead with the true reason behind this clandestine meeting. Then, dropping her voice to a low whisper, she continued onwards. "I hope that I do not have to remind you that the details of this conversation are to remain secret from even your Itex comrades."
...and Kaden was making himself an idiot again, or so it felt. Whatever. What was said was said, moving on. Then, suddenly, after this longer pause, she was whispering. Things were to be secret? That reminder, again? Interesting things appeared to be happening here! Well, there wasn't much to do except find out what was to come, so in whispered reply: "Reminder noted." This conversation could go anywhere, but Kaden was likely to benefit from this. With Hanged Man out of the picture, was this a chance to move up in the rankings? Hanged Man had been getting more privileges, but with this recent failure... maybe things were looking up?
Hm... and here was the chance to go ahead. While she kept her voice lowered for secrecy, she made sure to carefully enunciate every word. It wouldn't do for him to miss what she had to tell him. "I am sure that it's come to your attention that there are certain failings within the Itex organization itself." Sure that she had caught his attention, she then stepped backwards, still facing him, but stopped talking. There was another gust of wind and the hem of her cloak blew up slightly, revealing signs of blue fabric.
Failings? So this was about the Hanged Man incidents? Or was there more? Still... how was one supposed to respond to something like this? What would be the expected response? Because giving anything besides the expected could be... troublesome. She seemed to be waiting for some response, the reason for this pause. Well, the apparent answer was Yes, so it was given. "Yes." But no more need be said, so no more was. Let her continue if she felt comfortable doing so. Kaden would listen.
??? and Kaden Jannsen ; Cherry Grove Park"Yes, indeed," she stated, extremely calmly, all the while slipping the package back into the folds of her cloak, not mentioning it or its displeasing contents. Now, with her hands free, she took the advantage to draw the hood more firmly down over her face. "Now, Moon," she said, addressing the boy carefully, "which of these problems have come to your attention?" She'd go further if she could, but at the moment, this was more than enough.
Problems? There had been a few. "A leader who neglects his duties and mission. Complications and third parties disrupting what should be secret meetings. A... compromised messenger, was it? To name a few. Yes, problems, those." Similarly to today, not all had gone perfectly in the past, but these were the most immediate of faults. At the very least, with his response, she might say more? Kaden paused again, to let this cloaked woman say what she would.
She seemed to find this interesting, tilting her head a fraction to the side. "Yes, those are issues. Interesting that they are the first that come to your mind." As she prepared to continue, a mechanical beeping started, and she retrieved a small, silver phone from her cloak. Looking at its screen for a single moment, she then turned her attention back to the Moon. "There are yet others which serve as the root of these complications. Other members of Itex itself."
That was a strange ringtone. Ah, wait, what had she just said? Members of Itex were the root of the complications? "I- I see..." That was... surprising, to hear someone admit that. Just what was going on? Deserters, disrupted missions, secret meetings, disorder and disorganization... but people seemed to be taking charge, and things could get very interesting. As long as Kaden didn't take the wrong side in whatever conflict arrived (for where else could this be headed?), he might have a chance to move up in Itex. It said something that this woman chose to talk to him. Either he had showed promise... or he was disposable. Either way, good work was normally rewarded, so it was best to take opportunity as it arrived.
Other than a slight movement of her head, the woman remained perfectly still before she started spinning her tale, but still made sure to keep her voice absolutely calm. "Itex has been led through thick and thin by a leader of uncommon grace and intelligence. But, there are some for whom the pursuit of power is more important than any of Itex's dreams. They have entwined themselves in the hierarchy, and have created problems in our organization. Moon, some of the problems that you have noticed have doubtlessly been as a result of their meddling. But now, they are no longer happy with merely messing up our operations, and have placed their eye on the ultimate prize." She paused to give her next words some emphasis, a little bit of emotion trickling through. "Itex itself."
"They mean to replace our most noble leader with one of themselves, twist the ideals of Itex, and destroy the organization for their own nefarious purposes. They mean to turn everything we hold dear into a laughingstock."
Kaden stood there, completely dumbstruck. It wasn't that it was completely unexpected; there was bound to be some explanation for Itex's recent mistakes. What was so surprising was that it was actually said, even to someone so low as him. How deep was this threat? A full-on rebellion? Replacing the leader with... someone else? Changing everything, destroying the organization, even? Or just adjust it, using- abusing the trust of lower-class Itex who would have no idea what was going on. Who were these people manipulating everything? And... had he helped them? Had they manipulated him through information unsaid, playing him on both sides of this internal war? What in the world was happening here? Kaden's mind was reeling, as he was trying to make any sense out of this. What were they doing? What had they done? What had he done? ...how important was that package?
Still obviously surprised but recovered somewhat, Kaden finally got a few words out. "This- this can't be allowed. Destroying the- the very fabric of Itex? How? Who? I... yes, they must be stopped. But how?" His mind still couldn't make sense of the situation, but he could at least understand that he needed to help this woman. This organization had become his life, and letting it fall without putting up a fight... he couldn't do that.
"How, indeed," she murmured. "There are numerous solutions to this one issue, true. However, despite the horrible implications of such a... group, Moon, there is much to gain for remaining loyal to the Itex cause, if you would be able to keep yourself informed on the actions of those in your tier. There is always a chance that they have been corrupted by power, and it would do much good to exorcise these thoughts." Throughout this entire speech, the woman kept her voice soft - even though there were no other people in the park to hear her words.
"Yes..." Kaden had calmed down some, and his eyes had hardened as he considered what must be done, if it were to come to that. "Staying informed is often good, and corruption not. Now that I know, I can keep an eye out, see what I will. Do what I can. I suppose the chat is not so safe anymore... Keh." His mouth turned down in distaste; betrayers were the worst, and that his comrades had done so... they probably expected him dead, did they, so they could rise up even higher. Well, he was used to enemies, in some part. Just... these were more dangerous than those of the past...
She listened to what he had to say cautiously, before finally speaking herself. It seemed as though she was pleased by his answer, and her tone softened somewhat. "Moon, you may be correct about the chat's lack of security. Assuming that the events are as dire as they seem, the upmost amount of care is be utilized in all communication through the medium, as the rebels may use this to strike at Itex through yet more dangerous methods if otherwise."
Great. So nothing at all was safe. How in the world did the higher ups let this happen in the first place? Inadequate leaders, them... well, eventually things would change, and Kaden would help bring that change. He turned to ask a question, "Ah. Well then. How do you suppose - "
She turned around suddenly; the folds of her cloak flapped in the breeze as she raised one hand for her subordinant to be quiet. "No, Moon. Now is not the proper time for these questions. There shall be further communication in the future, but do make sure that your interests remain with Itex and should that not happen... there are a few complications that may occur." Then, without waiting for a reply, she walked off into the growing gloom, but not before a final word. "You are dismissed. Stay out of any tangles."
Kaden watched the woman leave with growing frustration. What was that last bit about? What had he done that made her think he'd, what... betray Itex or something? Whyever would he do something so crackbrained as that? He looked up into the dark sky, the rain still pouring down in the dark of night, now not making any difference. He was already soaked to the bone, and he'd likely catch a cold after all this was done. Nothing was going right for him, was it. First, that stupid Moon persona ignores the rain and leaves his umbrella in the theater, and who knows what happened to that expensive balloon... Then, only unexpected complications show up, for the blind Moon to deal with, himself. Now this woman brushes him off after a last-minute talk in the freezing rain. He couldn't get home fast enough...
Kaden trudged back to the subway station in the rain, not bothering about anything but hoping the warm and dry of inside would start getting him into a better mood. What a long night, and he hadn't even faced his parents yet!
He didn't realize it, but just as he had left the area, a certain pasty-skinned sorceror showed up. Twisting her fingers through the air, she pulled out a sparkling white feather and aimed it, whistling, through the air. It hit no one, and her displeasure was nearly obvious. Just where had that apprentice boy disappeared to after pulling his trick?
Still, it was growing late, so at long last, Crow ceased her wanderings around the now darkening Throme. Tomorrow would bring another clue... and she'd turn him into a human pincushion sooner or later.
Problems? There had been a few. "A leader who neglects his duties and mission. Complications and third parties disrupting what should be secret meetings. A... compromised messenger, was it? To name a few. Yes, problems, those." Similarly to today, not all had gone perfectly in the past, but these were the most immediate of faults. At the very least, with his response, she might say more? Kaden paused again, to let this cloaked woman say what she would.
She seemed to find this interesting, tilting her head a fraction to the side. "Yes, those are issues. Interesting that they are the first that come to your mind." As she prepared to continue, a mechanical beeping started, and she retrieved a small, silver phone from her cloak. Looking at its screen for a single moment, she then turned her attention back to the Moon. "There are yet others which serve as the root of these complications. Other members of Itex itself."
That was a strange ringtone. Ah, wait, what had she just said? Members of Itex were the root of the complications? "I- I see..." That was... surprising, to hear someone admit that. Just what was going on? Deserters, disrupted missions, secret meetings, disorder and disorganization... but people seemed to be taking charge, and things could get very interesting. As long as Kaden didn't take the wrong side in whatever conflict arrived (for where else could this be headed?), he might have a chance to move up in Itex. It said something that this woman chose to talk to him. Either he had showed promise... or he was disposable. Either way, good work was normally rewarded, so it was best to take opportunity as it arrived.
Other than a slight movement of her head, the woman remained perfectly still before she started spinning her tale, but still made sure to keep her voice absolutely calm. "Itex has been led through thick and thin by a leader of uncommon grace and intelligence. But, there are some for whom the pursuit of power is more important than any of Itex's dreams. They have entwined themselves in the hierarchy, and have created problems in our organization. Moon, some of the problems that you have noticed have doubtlessly been as a result of their meddling. But now, they are no longer happy with merely messing up our operations, and have placed their eye on the ultimate prize." She paused to give her next words some emphasis, a little bit of emotion trickling through. "Itex itself."
"They mean to replace our most noble leader with one of themselves, twist the ideals of Itex, and destroy the organization for their own nefarious purposes. They mean to turn everything we hold dear into a laughingstock."
Kaden stood there, completely dumbstruck. It wasn't that it was completely unexpected; there was bound to be some explanation for Itex's recent mistakes. What was so surprising was that it was actually said, even to someone so low as him. How deep was this threat? A full-on rebellion? Replacing the leader with... someone else? Changing everything, destroying the organization, even? Or just adjust it, using- abusing the trust of lower-class Itex who would have no idea what was going on. Who were these people manipulating everything? And... had he helped them? Had they manipulated him through information unsaid, playing him on both sides of this internal war? What in the world was happening here? Kaden's mind was reeling, as he was trying to make any sense out of this. What were they doing? What had they done? What had he done? ...how important was that package?
Still obviously surprised but recovered somewhat, Kaden finally got a few words out. "This- this can't be allowed. Destroying the- the very fabric of Itex? How? Who? I... yes, they must be stopped. But how?" His mind still couldn't make sense of the situation, but he could at least understand that he needed to help this woman. This organization had become his life, and letting it fall without putting up a fight... he couldn't do that.
"How, indeed," she murmured. "There are numerous solutions to this one issue, true. However, despite the horrible implications of such a... group, Moon, there is much to gain for remaining loyal to the Itex cause, if you would be able to keep yourself informed on the actions of those in your tier. There is always a chance that they have been corrupted by power, and it would do much good to exorcise these thoughts." Throughout this entire speech, the woman kept her voice soft - even though there were no other people in the park to hear her words.
"Yes..." Kaden had calmed down some, and his eyes had hardened as he considered what must be done, if it were to come to that. "Staying informed is often good, and corruption not. Now that I know, I can keep an eye out, see what I will. Do what I can. I suppose the chat is not so safe anymore... Keh." His mouth turned down in distaste; betrayers were the worst, and that his comrades had done so... they probably expected him dead, did they, so they could rise up even higher. Well, he was used to enemies, in some part. Just... these were more dangerous than those of the past...
She listened to what he had to say cautiously, before finally speaking herself. It seemed as though she was pleased by his answer, and her tone softened somewhat. "Moon, you may be correct about the chat's lack of security. Assuming that the events are as dire as they seem, the upmost amount of care is be utilized in all communication through the medium, as the rebels may use this to strike at Itex through yet more dangerous methods if otherwise."
Great. So nothing at all was safe. How in the world did the higher ups let this happen in the first place? Inadequate leaders, them... well, eventually things would change, and Kaden would help bring that change. He turned to ask a question, "Ah. Well then. How do you suppose - "
She turned around suddenly; the folds of her cloak flapped in the breeze as she raised one hand for her subordinant to be quiet. "No, Moon. Now is not the proper time for these questions. There shall be further communication in the future, but do make sure that your interests remain with Itex and should that not happen... there are a few complications that may occur." Then, without waiting for a reply, she walked off into the growing gloom, but not before a final word. "You are dismissed. Stay out of any tangles."
Kaden watched the woman leave with growing frustration. What was that last bit about? What had he done that made her think he'd, what... betray Itex or something? Whyever would he do something so crackbrained as that? He looked up into the dark sky, the rain still pouring down in the dark of night, now not making any difference. He was already soaked to the bone, and he'd likely catch a cold after all this was done. Nothing was going right for him, was it. First, that stupid Moon persona ignores the rain and leaves his umbrella in the theater, and who knows what happened to that expensive balloon... Then, only unexpected complications show up, for the blind Moon to deal with, himself. Now this woman brushes him off after a last-minute talk in the freezing rain. He couldn't get home fast enough...
Kaden trudged back to the subway station in the rain, not bothering about anything but hoping the warm and dry of inside would start getting him into a better mood. What a long night, and he hadn't even faced his parents yet!
He didn't realize it, but just as he had left the area, a certain pasty-skinned sorceror showed up. Twisting her fingers through the air, she pulled out a sparkling white feather and aimed it, whistling, through the air. It hit no one, and her displeasure was nearly obvious. Just where had that apprentice boy disappeared to after pulling his trick?
Still, it was growing late, so at long last, Crow ceased her wanderings around the now darkening Throme. Tomorrow would bring another clue... and she'd turn him into a human pincushion sooner or later.
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