Wild ARMs: Group 2, Chapter 1, Chasing a Dream of Freedom.

[Krylo]

Little Twister: you will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. A town mere miles from the edge of the outer sea, yet with no dock, no rail road tracks, and few roads--yet a bustling economy. It's out of the way locale, and laissez faire attitude toward any but the most violent of crimes made it a hot spot for black markets, bounty heads, and those who had no place else to go. Even the Sheriff of this little town would admit that he doesn't take his job too seriously--believing that one must strike the proper balance between freedom and law. The 'citizens' undoubtably agree.

It was also a hotbed of information, despite its ramshackle appearance and out of the way locale. With so many wanted drifters coming and going, nearly any information one wished to find could be found by following the proper venues.

All of this made it perfect for a small group of three drifters and a young girl, each hiding from their own demons, having banded together to avoid their cruel fates, and all of them with nearly empty pockets.

(OOC: Interact with each other and the townsfolk. Bars tend to be good places to track down info)

[Tarrin]

The road to little Twister had been long and dusty, Yet Dexter looked almost as if he had Just got dressed, A little bull dust smudged him here and there but still he looked fresh.

A smile sprung apon Kanes lips as he spotted a couple of ladies crossing the street, Lifting his hat and noding dexter greeted the girls "Lovely day isn't it ladies". The two women giggled and looked up at the wanderer with a flutter of eyelids.

"You know" Dexter said to noone inparticular, "I think i might like it here"His eyes lay on a Tavern up the street a way, More precisely to the second floor where a few of the local whores were sitting waving to the passers by.
"Yup think i'll like it good" Kicking his pace up a notch he headed for the Pub, "See you guys inside" Dex shot back to his traveling companions.

[Dynamite220]

July walked through the streets of the city of Little Twister with little thoughts of the goings on there. The simple facts were that he was just into town, he was poor and hungry, and there were few better places in the world for a drifter to look for a job. July had been here at least twice, usualy with semi decent results, if somewhat dangerous, and whenever disaster struck or a prospect went sour, this was the place of choice to fill the old wallet.

As he walked, July noticed a little girl following nearby trying to get his attention. He wondered where her parents were. She wouldn't last a whole afternoon by herself. "Mister, can you give me some coins?" Exactly what July didn't want to hear. Newcomers often fell for this trick. People used children to con alms from people who's hearts were bigger than their heads into giving away money and in return, they would not harm the child or rob the family, as well as protect the child while he/she was on the streets. July knew better. No child would last on these streets without the support of some adult. He shook his head. "Sorry."

"You'll be sorry." The little girl yelled after him. "Tell whoever you're working for that, if they threaten me, they can kiss their butts goodbuy." With that, he reached his destination, a small brick tavern near the heart of the city, and bid the nusance a fond farewell.

(If that was too much, i'll tone it down some, or remove the second paragraph.)

[Inbred Chocobo]

"You sure that was wise July?" James said, coming in behind him. "I know giving them money isn't a good idea, but their wrath is much more of a pain than is their attention." James said that with a smile. "Tell you what, you see what you can find out about making some money, I'm going to ask around about some of peeps that want us dead." James casually said to July, waiting for his response before moving.

[PhoenixFlame]

Jen followed the three through little twister without so much as a word, though she was still quite visibly alert. The town was... Atypical, the cacophony of voices somewhat out of tune in comparison to the average city. Louder, more defiant, but still an incomprehensible sea of thought.

"We don't have any money to spare, James." She spoke, in response to the man's latest comment to July, "Even if it was to our benefit."

"A job however, would be most welcome." she agrees, gesturing to the tavern.

[Dynamite220]

July shook his head without turning around. "People who use that trick are used to dealing with children and whores. People who fight monsters are out of their leauge, and they know it." He then walked into the building. It was a small building in relatively good condition, consitering that brauling was a favorite past time of the regulars at the bar.

One of the local whores started making eyes at him as he entered (just part of the job, he supposed) but he shooed her away. "I'm here on business, and besides; I haven't got two gella to rub together." The second statement was instant whore repelant. Everyone basicly left him alone after that, and becuase of the medium sized and dangerous looking weapon hanging from his belt. That, thankfully, also meant that anyone with a job knew he was ready and able, and as a group of guys sitting at a table in the back bekoned him over, all he could think was cha-ching. Just to be safe, however, instead of sitting down he told them, "Wait a minute. I've got some friends coming." When negociations go sour, it's best to have leverage.

[Krylo]

The men, consisting of one obviously well to do man, apparently royalty or at least very rich--judging by his pale skin and soft hands--in his twenties with three men who appeared to be servants, most likely along to keep the man out of trouble, stopped for a second at this. One of the older men whispered into the younger's ear, before he nodded and smiled.

"Very well, the more of you their are the better you can complete this job, yes?" he said with a soft and lilting voice, bubbling over with just a bit of glee. It was the kind of annoying pampered rich boy voice that made you want to beat the hell out of him, but it was obvious he had money and wanted something done.

(OOC: I've pretty much got what I want you guys to do decided.)

[Tarrin]

"July..july... july, You really must work on your people skills" Dexter patted July on the shoulder as he shot a wink at the departing working girl who shot a wink back at him.

Dex looked over the gathering infront of him seeing the contempt of the upper class, A smile came to his lips as he remembered past 'misdeeds'.

"Nice to meet you gentelmen." Dex removed his hat and made a very slight bow.

[Inbred Chocobo]

"James sat odwn beside Dexter. "So Dex, you handling negotiations like always?" James said with a smick, taking a good look at the possible employer and his fools. At least it looks like this guy has the money to pay us with. James thought as he glanced them over.

[PhoenixFlame]

Jen stood behind the three men, appearing as unimposing and innocuous as possible while the three... Older gentlemen proceeded with the negotiations. Particularly Dexter.

But that was all the best for her intentions. The little girl stood in the back, minding her own business and attempting to interest herself in various... Mundane things. Particularly the wall.

Meanwhile, her true aims were far more insidious. While it certainly wasn't polite to prod into other's minds without permission, in Jen's, and... the other's... line of work, it was very helpful. She focused on the noble man in particular, while attempting to keep her maneuvers secretive.

[Tarrin]

Dex frabed a cig from his case and sat the polished box on the table, The reflection of Jens face was seen, During this conversation Dex would glance at the case often watching for any warning from Jen he had come to trust the girls abilities, After all anyone who had gotten them out of scrapes as many time as she had with just a nod of her head had to be trusted.

Lighting the cig Dex took a draw, settled down and proceeded with the 'interview'

"So how may we be of use to noble gentelmen such as yourselves?" Dex loved these things it was were he truly came into his element.

[Krylo]

The rich boy smiled brightly, "Well, you see, I've been told of a magnificent gem that lies in the center of some runes some distance to the north... and I'm a bit infatuated with a certain girl... but she claims that she isn't interested. Can you believe that!? Not interested in me!? It's utterly pre..." at this point he was cut off by the man whispering in his ear again, which settled him down into a relaxed smile once more. "Well, anyway," he continued, "She, of course, couldn't resist me were I to present her with the Crystal Rose. She simply couldn't! But, I'm afraid I'm simply not fit to go crawling about in those dank... disgusting ruins. Oh my, certainly not fitting for a man of my stature... no offense, of course," he added with a bright grin, attempting to throw off any possible maldiction that might be caused by his words.

"Of course, such a gem as this is quite valuable, and so I'm willing to pay you tw..." once more the man next to him whispered into his ear allowing him to finish it off more properly, "Ten thousand gella for its return. Is that acceptable, my fine gentleman?"

[Inbred Chocobo]

James whispered into Dex's ear. "I've heard about this Crystal Rose. It won't be easy to find the ruins, but I know where to go, and I know what to look for. Oh, and supposedly no one has come back alive when searching for it." James finished and withdrew his hand quickly. He would let Dex keep doing the talking, since people seemed to like him more than they did the rest of the group. Right now, he was just glad they would be doing something he had an idea of.

[Tarrin]

"How any lady could resist yourself sir is utterly unbelievable" Dex gave a look of disbelief,
"If you need this Rose than i believe that we could be your team, Alas you are not the only person to be looking for this Gem" Dex watched the looks on the advisers faces.
"Let us not mention the fact that noone has ever come back from these ruins" Dex was starting to fire now
"My team would be all too glad to help your noble quest for Eighteen thousand gella, Plus surplies" As he said the amount he glanced down watching Jens expression, Having an edge seamed like cheeting, But then again loosing was worse.
"After all who could put a price on love" Dex caught himself before he cracked a smile, Love...It didn't exsist, Even if it did this fool only wanted the girl because he couldn't have her and Dex would make him pay thru the nose for it.
"Oh and we would require half up front as a gesture of good faith" Dex waited for an answer leaving no sign on his face.

[Inbred Chocobo]

James was starting to get the bigger picture. The way the whipsers the servants gave, how the kid started to offer shitloads before the whipser. This kid could be ripped off, bad too. James just realized he would have to seperate the kid from his servants. They were the ones negotiating, not the kid. But the kid had the money.

James gave a strong cough, and said. "I'm sorry, but I need to discuss a few things with my companions. If you will excuse us." He grabbed Dex by the arm and brought him outside the bar were they couldn't be seen. He then looked Dex in the face and said "Look man, this kid can be ripped off. We just have to get him alone and then make the deal. I bet you could even get him to pay it all up front at that. You convince the kid to seperate from his servants, then you milk it for every cent he is worth. Got it?" James made sure he was out of hearing range before he started telling Dex his plan.

[Tarrin]

Dex shot James a sly smile, "Who said we weren't gonna rip him off".
"Now answer me this question did u notice howmuch he said the rose was worth" Dex waited for an answer from James
When one didn't come "Exactlly now i'd be fairly sure Jen read howmuch it was worth, And 1/2 up front plus su not 'finding' the gem equalls mucho cash"

Dex turned and started back inside "Now if there's nothing els my friend?"

"But your rite getting rid of his people might save us some trouble" Dex looked at James "See what you can russle up" with that he steped back inside.

[Dynamite220]

People seemed to have a way of trusting Dexter that July simply didn't understand. As he sat and listened to the exchange between his "friend" and their new client, he heard Dex lie through his teeth more than once, and, from the reaction of the servant men at the table, it seemed the boy might actualy pay up in advance. July wouldn't put it past Dex to take advantage of this idiot kid and take the money and run, or to take the money and then go find the gem and sell it elswhere for a hefty sum to add to the bounty.

Or it could be that the lad across the table only wanted them to believe he was an idiot. Considering the fact that many things can be done with the legendary treasures of the ancient world, like the Kisim Fire and other rare artifacts, besides sitting around and looking prety, that July didn't know exactly what this Crystal Rose was, and that he had no skill at all in reading people, he had to acnowledge the possibility silently in his mind.

Of cource, they did have a "psycic" with them, but he wasn't sure he wanted to trust her either. July had only recently joined this little troupe because Dexter, in his usual persuasive manner, had convinced him that larger groups could make more money on average by tackling larger jobs, but after making only the short treck with the group to Little Twister, they were already begining to grate on his nerves, and his estemed comrad Dex gad shown behaveures when dealing with people, in spite of his smooth talking, or maybe because of his smooth talking, that made July unwilling to turn his back on the man.

Still, July had yet to actualy do a job with them and this one looked promising, assuming that they acctualy did it instead of taking the poor fools money and then walking away like a bunch of con-artists. He decided to give this group thing a chance, just this once. He sat down and leaned back in his chair, and waited for their negociator to return from his conversation.

[Krylo]

The rich nobleman smiled idly at July, as he waited for the negotiations to continue.

"I do hope you'll all do this fo..."

His servant elbowed him in the side to shut him up and then whispered to the boy again, noting that he shouldn't let himself appear desperate.

The other two servants merely sighed.

[Tarrin]

Dex entered the saloon again, He cursed at himself for not being on his game
James of all people had bought to his attention smething he should have seen for himself.

Taking his seat once again Dex looked at the young man across from him... and smiled.
Many people found Dex's smile contagious and he hoped the young man would also find it the same.

"You know it sure is thirsty work" Dex looked at the youth his smile growing even wider "Wouldn't you agree sir".

Dex awaited the nobles reply, His new plan coming to him quickly now.

[Krylo]

"Oh yes, quite," the nobleman replied, still maintaining his optimistic and somewhat silly smile, as he turned to one of the two servants who hadn't been whispering to him. "Matthew, could you order all of us a round of drinks?"

The man stood, bowed to the young nobleman and said, "Of course, sir. The finest they have on tap, I presume?"

"Yes yes, of course!"

The man bowed once more and turned to leave.

[Tarrin]

Smiling dex continued " We will all need a drink" signeling to the group t head to the bar Dex nodded at the remaining servant "I'm sure they could use a hand"

Before the servant could answer Dex cut him off "After all someone as intelegent as yourself my young friend should be allowed to use you bargening power to it's full".

"Unless it's this man" Dex waved to the whisperer "I should be bargening with?"


There Dex had started the ball rolling, He had bought the boy's abilities into doubt surely the boy's own pride would do the rest, If not Dex had a few more 'avenues' up his sleave.

[Krylo]

The man leaned in to whisper to the boy once more, who then whispered back this time. A few quick exchanges like this left the man shrugging and leaning back, apparently defeated--but apathetically so, as could be expected of a servant who didn't particularily care if his master did something stupid.

The boy, however, just continued to smile as he addressed Dex, "To be honest, I never really did like haggling or bargaining... I just want the crystal rose to give to my beloved... so if we could just finish this as quickly as possible, it would make me quite happy."

[Tarrin]

"Finally" dex smiled " I'll tell you what, Why don't we agree on an appropriate amount, I mean surely someone such as yourself must know as i do the enigma around such a piece as the rose" Dex liked this idea a bit better.

"Now before you do just remember the amount of people who want this rose and the amount they would pay for such an item, Surely someone would be easily talked into say fifty thousand " Dex leaned back into his chair looking at jen in his cig case "Also we'd want half of it up front, You understand, As a precaution".

[Krylo]

"Fifty thousand?" Even the dull young boy could tell this was obviously far more than any sane human being would pay, "With that you could buy your own sand craft and crew it for months... I did say I didn't like haggling... please, don't attempt to insult my intelligence. Eighteen, our previous deal, is already far more than most drifters make on five or ten jobs... I did do a LITTLE research," the boy finished, his smile returning to him.

[Tarrin]

The young man wasn't a daft as Dex had thought, Dex smiled at the youth, "I am sorry sir, I hope you understand that i had to make sure that you were serious about this endevour."
"It was a bad thing to do, I hope you understand" dex settled into his chair.

"As there are four of us we will require 5 thousand apeice however" Dex gave a serious look at the youth "To ask any person to go for less would be thoughtless, As noone has returned from such an endevour this would be a suitable price i would think". There dex had done it he had put the youth in a position of power, Or so the youth would think, Dex knew from the start the youth was going to offer twenty so why not take what they could.

[Krylo]

The youth shrugged and nodded amicably, "That sounds perfectly reasonable. My money is in my carriage outside. I can also transport you all to the trainstation, as well, if you'd like."

[Inbred Chocobo]

James had been thinking of saying more, but with the way negotiations were going, he decided it was best to keep him mouth shut. Though one thing did take him by surprise, and that was how the kid negotiated on his own. He wasn't as restraining with his money, but he kept a least some control still. Of course, if he really wanted the rest of his money, they could have kidnapped this "girlfriend" and used it as ransom, but then what little law was in this town might have a problem with that.

With that thought James started looking around. Now that he thought about it they were wanted by a lot of people, anyone of them could've strolled in while they were talking. He hoped to see if anyone seemed familiar or were obviously looking at them.

[Tarrin]

(OOC: sorry bout the posts guys, It's been busy at work so i didn't think them through.)

Tarrin looked at James and waved a quick finger wiggle at him, One that if you didn't know the language you would mistake for a nervise twitch.

The wiggle said however "In the coach hey!!!"

[Inbred Chocobo]

His glance revealed nothing, and so he followed the advice of the wagging finger, and to the coach he went. Well, at least 5000 is pretty good. He thought to himself as he climbed on it.

[Dynamite220]

Now very confused about their client's motives and inteligence, July gave a thankful sigh that it wasn't his problem and got out of his chair. After making a quick check of the bar to see where the lad's body guards had gone, he strode out and entered the carriage, weapons ready.

[Tarrin]

Dex waited for the youth to rise before saying anything else.
"I tip my hat to you young sir" Dexter bent the brim of his hat down, "I was truely taken by the use of your "Help" in our negotiations" Dex lowered his voice so as only his new employer could hear.
"It does put people in a positon ot underestimate you and to that i aplaud you" Dex smiled as he strode ahead ensuring all his team were also on their way.

[Krylo]

(OOC: Ok, I'm going to try to revive this by jumping forward a bit)

The ride in the carriage had been mostly pleasant and silent, with the rich youth sitting across from them all and chatting with anyone who bothered to speak to him, though he was obviously caught up in his own vapid daydreams.

Unfortunately the servant from before was sitting next to the noble boy once more, and so Tarrin's attempts to gain all the money up front were foiled. He was, however, able to manage an extra hundred Gella for each of them to pay for 'supplies', and their train fare.

They arrived at the station, made their way onto the train, and through the country side on a rather uneventful trip, arriving in Port Timney early the next day.