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Post by Artie Cade on Dec 8, 2016 22:02:08 GMT -5
Frank Santino sipped on his glass of Scotch and swirled it in its glass idly. The private plane was comfortable, the high backed chair and the supple leather of its cushions certainly beat even the first class area of any airliner he'd ever been on. It was like a section of the Wicked Suit, really: red leather, black surfaces, the lights were scattered. All very comfortable and contained. Opulent but not too much.
"Hope the Scotch is to your liking," Artie Cade purred from across the small table, "Our favorite label is the same, at least we have that going for us."
Frankie nodded and raised his glass.
"It's good of you to bring me out personally to see about this new uh...business venture of yours," he said as he puckered his greasy lips to the glass once more and took a sip, "If it's all you and your lady friend say it is, I may chip in myself."
"Oh the other usual boys are all in," Artie said reassuringly, throwing a look to Barbara that only would betray his delight to her since she knew him well enough, "It's a prime location. Can build anything there. Hotels. Casinos. The works."
Frankie chuckled.
"Sounds like you're really in deep this time, Artie," he said as he shook his head, "I'm not really in the gamblin' business outside of my own turf."
"I think you'll find this whole venture to die for," came the guarded reply from across the table, "And besides, if you don't like it? You can always just walk away. But I may have to charge you for your seat."
They laughed together and Frankie patted Cade on his back, admittedly rather roughly but Artie wasn't the sturdiest fellow. Still it didn't interrupt their mirth as the plane continued on toward the islands and began to put down its landing gear.
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Cheetah
Villains 
This sort of thing doesn't happen to Barbara Minerva. I don't let it.
Posts: 129 
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Post by Cheetah on Dec 8, 2016 23:07:51 GMT -5
The flight had been rather smooth so far and, unlike other planes she had been on in some of her travels, the seats were pleasantly comfortable. This made Barbara consider looking in to getting her own aircraft, even if she rarely ever used such a machine. In fact, the only downside to this entire jaunt was one half of her present company, pilot excluded. Frank Santino was still exactly as she remembered him to be, not having changed a bit despite the difference in scenery. He still drank like a fish, and when she and Artie had met him right before the flight, he still gave Barbara that long, slow, appraising look, as if she were another part of this ‘gambling endeavor’ they had told him about.
Perhaps that was why she had distanced herself ever so slightly from the two of them, sitting in a seat diagonal to Frank, rather than next to or directly across from him. The harder it was for him to touch her, the better. The book she was reading simply added another line of defense, keeping her attention away from him. Not that it was something hard to do. It was a well-worn book, one Barbara had read many times before, but still enjoyed it. It was John Henry Patterson’s account of the construction of a railroad bridge in Kenya and the two lions that caused havoc and killed more than a few of the workers. Before pulling out the book, she had briefly wondered if the title, The Man-Eaters of Tsavo, would be a bit off-putting for Frank, but then Barbara came to the conclusion that she really didn’t give a damn.
Though she visually looked distracted, Barbara managed to follow along with the conversation between Artie and Frank, smiling a little as she felt the former glance over at her. She would have returned his gaze, but she was well aware how Frank saw her as a prize to be had and he did not like competition, even if it was from someone like Artie. Let the man think the smile was due to something she was reading and not because she was anticipating his demise.
Upon hearing what sounded like reluctance in Frank’s voice, Barbara looked up from her reading. “I can assure you, Mr. Santino, that, unlike gambling and casinos in America, when it comes to international locales? Rules are much more lax. Mr. Cade is speaking the truth when he says you can build anything and do anything. Small islands, like the one we’re about to land on, are immune to nasty things like regulations and taxes,” she told him with a smirk as she recrossed her legs, perhaps showing a bit more thigh than normal. Barbara was willing to tease Frank with whatever would keep his interests for just a while longer.
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Post by Artie Cade on Dec 9, 2016 19:47:26 GMT -5
Not being one for being outdoors too much, Frank had to admit the island was gorgeous. Clear blue waters, green luscious palms covering most of the island above its white sandy shores. The only thing indicating human involvement with the place was the landing strip that the plane soon took as its nest and the large outcropping of rocks on one side of a waterfall not far off the shoreline which was peppered with windows and an expansive porch protruding from the side of it.
As the plane hatch opened and the pilot stepped out and waited for the staircase to be wheeled forward and locked into place, Artie let Frank get to the opened door first. The man stopped and looked the pilot up and down.
"Your...kid was flying the plane?" he asked, stunned. She always gave him the creeps.
"Problem with that?" Artie asked as he smirked at Laura and patted her head, "She has the best reflexes for it. Couldn't fly safer."
Frankie moved away from the girl and looked out at the beach and surrounding island.
"Oh...it's not too hot out here, Mr. Cade..." he said as he removed his hat and was surprised that he wasn't sweating, "Warm but not scorching...."
Artie nodded and smiled wide behind the man, turning back and looking up at Barbara.
"Of course, Frankie," he said as he threw her a wink, "We had to be sure it was the most ideal spot. And it most certainly is. The surf is warm and the breezes are cool in the evenings. Once we get settled into the villa I'll give you a little tour."
Frankie nodded and stepped out of the plane, Artie offered his hand to Barbara and helped her down the stairs after him. Not that she needed the help and he would be of little assistance were she to stumble, but it was just the thing to do.
"Take the luggage up to the villa if you would, Christian. Anything of value in his, you divide with Francis." Artie said quietly as he handed an extra wad of cash to the attendant who had brought up the staircase, who nodded. Artie signaled for Laura to join he and Barbara in approaching the stunned Frank.
Artie limped on his more appropriate bamboo cane to Frankie and joined him in surveying the gorgeous landscape.
"Gorgeous, Artie....really..." he said, astonished by it all.
"Isn't it?" Artie said as he looked Frankie up and down through his dark lenses as he considered the man's vital points idly, "And I'm so glad you think so."
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X-23
Heroes 
There are two types of people. you are weak, or you are me.
Posts: 120
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Post by X-23 on Dec 9, 2016 21:20:00 GMT -5
Laura ran through the shut down checks three times before she undid the safety belt and stood up in the cockpit of the plane, stretching her legs for the first time since take off. Like with everything she did, Laura had taken piloting the plane with the utmost seriousness and attention, and wouldn't have been able to focus if she'd given things over to the co-pilot. He had flown her and Artie plenty of times and she had no doubts he was a capable pilot. he was more experienced then her and certainly better (being the bosses daughter trumped those things on occasion) but when it was her job to fly the thing there was no way she was trusting anyone but herself to get it done.
it wasn't paranoia, it was commitment to the fact Artie hadn't even hesitated in just giving her control of the plane when she'd asked for it. There was no way she wasn't going to earn that.
When she joined her Father, his new business partner Barbara (or whatever she was. secretary? assistant? they hadn't really been in the same room long enough for Laura to get that bit), and the "guest" of honour for the trip, she was feeling pretty good about herself, and the odd way Frankie looked at her wasn't going to ruin it. She strolled down the small stairs with confidence.
when Artie stuck up for her, and gave her the little gestures to show he was on her side, Laura found herself smiling softly back at him. "The Plane being such a good model and extremely well looked after counted for most of it." she answered, noting the areas Artie himself had been responsible for, quite deliberately.
as they walked upwards, Laura deliberately let everyone else walk one step ahead of her. It had used to be hard to make seem natural with Artie's limp, but practice had gotten it down to the point where she could watch the back of any group the two were in and still remain part of the conversation. The island was stunning, certainly, and Laura predicted she could spend a great deal of time alone out here quite happily, just to get to see all of it.
"The blind could feel this place's beauty." Laura noted, "The sound and smell of the place gets it across just as well." she closed her eyes and let her enhanced senses let things the others would never pick up on wash over her. If there was time she would come out to the beach past sunset to prove her own point.
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Cheetah
Villains
This sort of thing doesn't happen to Barbara Minerva. I don't let it.
Posts: 129
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Post by Cheetah on Dec 9, 2016 21:34:12 GMT -5
Artie truly did know how to pick locations, Barbara thought as she looked out the window at the beautiful beaches and lush forest that was quickly approaching as they landed. Maybe after this hunt, she could request to stay a few days longer and enjoy this little bit of paradise. As she stood to disembark from the plane, Barbara couldn’t help but overhear the comment Frank made about the pilot. Whipping her head around, she saw a young woman standing there. Shock registered on Barbara’s face as she recognized the dark haired woman, having seen her around Artie’s club, but not having made the connection between the two. After all, they looked nothing alike, save for perhaps the height. Artie had never mentioned having a child before, and he didn’t quite seem the fatherly type to Barbara. This would most certain be a topic of discussion later.
Stepping out of the plane, she graciously accepted Artie’s offered hand, taking her time as she descended simply due to the beauty of the island. Gaze settling briefly upon the nearby jungle, Barbara sighed, the sound being akin to someone who had just returned home, and while she was at peace in places like Africa and other wilderness, the brief rush of contentment upon the green expanse, enough so that she closed her eyes to soak it in, did take the English woman by surprise. She felt almost giddy. “God, Artie. You truly do know the best places to vacation at. I’m almost tempted to use you as a travel agent,” she smirked.
Frank was most definitely not the type to have ever set foot outside the city. Central Park was likely the closest he had ever been to any sort of wilderness. If he thought that the temperature here was warm, Barbara wondered what he would think of Africa in the middle of the dry season. Oh, that was a temptation; simply drop him off in the middle of the savanna and watch him try to fend for himself. Unfortunately, it would likely be a long and boring death, one that consisted of him dying of thirst or being stung to death or bitten because he failed to notice any sort of danger, especially any that was right in front of his eyes. So this little excursion could actually be seen as a mercy killing of sorts.
Barbara stayed by Artie’s side, acting as whatever he would need her to be; from business partner to arm candy, all the while watching Frank with a cool, predatory gaze hidden by her sunglasses as her hands idly flexed as if in anticipation of what was to come. This was going to be a wonderful day.
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Post by Artie Cade on Dec 9, 2016 21:50:05 GMT -5
Artie patted Frank's very prodigious back and pointed to the trees with his cane.
"All perfectly preserved," he said as he limped forward, then gesturing to the entire island, "Untouched except by me in these last two years. This is the only island of the three with a villa-"
"Three?!" Frankie interrupted, dumbstruck and looking between the three of the others, "How....three islands?"
"Oh of course!" Artie said with a giggle as he twirled his cane between his spindly fingers, "Thinking...cottages on the others. The larger villa on this one."
Francis, one of the servants on the island who kept up the villa, approached the group clad in a white linen suit and black tie carrying a silver tray on which rested a bottle of champagne and four flutes.
"AH! Francis, there you are," Artie said as he limped over to help the man steady the tray onto a taller rock, "Well, Frank, Barbara, Laura...seemed a good enough time to toast this little adventure, wouldn't you say?"
He flashed his white teeth in a wide grin as Francis opened the absurdly expensive bottle and poured the glasses, handing them out to each present...but with a particular bit of attention to grasp the glass he handed to Frank with his left hand instead of his right. And to allow his thumb to touch the rim.
Artie then raised his glass.
"To a prosperous day." he said with a chuckle and Frank nodded in agreement, taking a particularly long sip of the champagne.
Eyeing Francis, Artie was pleased to see him wipe the powder from his left thumb. If all went according to plan, Frankie would soon be feeling rather...drowsy.
"...don't know if you're the champagne type, Laura dear," Artie said with a chuckle and a smile to her, "Just seemed best to include everyone and hey, you're not flying anymore today."
Frankie laughed at that and tussled Laura's hair. Artie laughed in time but a quick flash of rage went across his eyes as he feigned humor at it.
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X-23
Heroes
There are two types of people. you are weak, or you are me.
Posts: 120
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Post by X-23 on Dec 10, 2016 19:29:02 GMT -5
Laura had already decided she didn't like Frankie, so had decided to pay more attention to Barbara. someone she was likely to see again after today. it wasn't exactly interesting to see how much she liked the island, it being the normal reaction, what she paid attention to was how close she stayed to her Step-father at all times. Laura knew a lot of things but she didn't understand relationships, and so she had absolutely no idea what to make of it, or what to make of it all. What Laura did know was the feeling of burning energy being held back. restlessness and the will to act.
It was practically Laura's default. So she saw that clear as day and wondered what it was she wanted to be doing, not that she had much to go on.... maybe explore the islands? it was what Laura liked the sound of the most and-
Laura only just heard Artie offer her a glass, which she took and sniffed at for a second before sipping it. she wasn't much for champagne at the best of times, it couldn't effect her and she was left without the main draw for what became odd tasting grape juice instead. But she sipped at it as the others talked. "not really. But it is an occasion." she answered diplomatically, when she was around his business associates, Laura tended to do that a lot. Give answers that were mostly what was expected of her but did contain how she felt, which Artie was long since capable of paying attention to. "only because it would waste fuel." she added, thinking she would fly the plane every day if it wouldn't be a waste of resources and money.
And then Frankie was touching her and Laura flinched on instinct, her hand clenched and she dropped the glass, where it luckily didn't break against the soft sand. she had to try her hardest not to slap his hand away, or slash at his wrist, only managing because she saw Artie contain himself and was going to live up to his standard. as soon as Frankie took his hand away, Laura took three steps to the left, putting Artie between her and Frankie, she wasn't sure it was as natural as she was used to making her actions, but she didn't really care.
it was for Frankie's protection rather then anything on her part, it had made her extremely uncomfortable and she'd wanted to lash out. she glanced at Barbara, thinking that once again it might be smarter to pay attention to her so she didn't do anything stupid. "My apologies. I almost knocked into you." it wasn't true, not even close, but it was her not dealing with the situation so it would do.
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Post by Artie Cade on Dec 10, 2016 19:57:32 GMT -5
Frank paid no particular attention to Artie's kid when she dropped her glass and shied away from him at first, but he did realize it after the fact and turned around to see her behind Artie himself.
"Meant no offense there, uh, Artie." he said as he sipped his champagne once again, "The freaky keep to the freaky I guess huh?"
"Not me you have to apologize to." Artie said as his voice darkened as he looked intently at Frank, who began to blink rapidly.
Artie calmly smirked and turned around to Laura, reaching a hand up to straighten out her hair idly.
"And if you touch her again, I'd drag your guts out with a meathook myself..." he said as he turned to face the swaying Frank, "...not that you'll have the chance. And y'see that would deprive our dear Barbara of her revenge. And today is her day."
He raised his own champagne again and sipped it as Frank fumbled and fell over into the sand, unconscious. Francis dutifully retrieved both Laura's glass and Frank's glass from the sand and tapped them out. He nodded to Artie then turned over Frank's body to make sure that he did not inhale a face full of sand as he snoozed.
"...didn't think he'd be stupid enough to touch you, dear," Artie growled as he kicked the face of the unconscious man then turned back to Laura, "But you didn't do anything rash. Proud of you."
Francis then returned with another attendant and they began to remove Frank's garments, namely his coat and his shoes, depriving him of his shoulder holster and pistol and especially his wallet which they handed to Artie. It contained minimal cash, nothing of terribly much interest, but Artie made sure to remove his forms of identification and keep them himself. After all, he needed a backup image of the man in case by the end of the day's frivolities Frank's face wasn't intact enough to cast a proper death mask of for his collection.
He began to idly go over the rest of its contents before he looked back up at Barbara and grinned.
"Well, dears...the day's young..." he purred.
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Cheetah
Villains
This sort of thing doesn't happen to Barbara Minerva. I don't let it.
Posts: 129
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Post by Cheetah on Dec 11, 2016 1:11:27 GMT -5
The champagne was unexpected and, in Barbara’s case, not exactly welcomed. Normally she would have gladly sipped on the beverage or at least feigned some interest in being offered, but instead she took the glass and simply held it, as if it were an obligation to do so. She had no stomach for alcohol right now… no, that was a wrong way to put it. She had no interest in such a drink, even one like champagne. Besides, something more intriguing happened that did capture her attention.
When Frank touched the girl’s, Laura’s hair, she recoiled not unlike an animal. She wanted to lash out as well, the tension in her body was a dead giveaway, but for some reason, she refrained from doing so. Instead, more oddly, the girl deliberately moved away and not in the most subtle way either. What she said next caused Barbara to raise an eyebrow. They were nowhere near each other, so why would she apologize for something she hadn’t done? Was the girl slow? Certainly she couldn’t be Artie’s biological child, not unless she had been dropped repeatedly on her head as an infant. Perhaps the Cade intelligence skipped a generation. There had to be a reason for her strange behavior, one that she would love to hear Artie explain so point in the future.
As Frank began to sway, Barbara’s narrowed ever so slightly due to Artie’s threat against the man. This was her day and he had better not take it from her. Let him have his fun with his little Rabbit Hole murder house, but out here, she was the one who pulled the shots. Thankfully, the mention of meathooks was nothing more than bravado on Artie’s part. He knew better than to touch what was hers. Once the fat pig of a man hit the sand, Barbara unceremoniously pour out her champagne and handed her glass over to Francis, not even acknowledging him or giving him the smallest of glances.
“How long will he be out?” she asked, nudging Frank’s torso with her shoe. It was tempting just to do it right then and there, letting his blood turn the white sands red. The thought was immensely pleasing in Barbara’s mind, but there was a small hitch to her idea. He wouldn’t suffer, he wouldn’t know fear, and he wouldn’t be awake to beg for his life. She wanted that. She wanted to have his heart pound and his breath run ragged. Barbara found herself staring at the unconscious man, almost displeased that he wasn’t already up and running. She made a noise in her throat, something like a growl and it sounded terribly unladylike, before turning away from the situation.
Seeing the other attendant walking with her luggage, Barbara approached him and, without a word, simply relieved him of the duffle bag and rifle case he held. Naturally, Barbara had a rather nice set of luggage she used in her travels, but this was not right for the occasion, and besides, the duffle she now carried had been with her for every safari, including her last one. It only felt right to bring it along. “I’m going to change,” she called out behind her. One never hunted in a dress.
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Post by Artie Cade on Dec 11, 2016 4:19:57 GMT -5
As Francis transported Frankie's belongings away, Artie smiled broadly and called after Barbara.
"No more than half an hour!" he called, "And no peeking!"
Francis soon returned from the small airplane hangar with two more members of the island staff and they picked up Frank's not inconsiderable body and trudged it away into the trees, soon disappearing from sight.
"Laura, if you would." Artie said as he leaned on her and put an arm around her side, "Sand and my leg don't mix...agh..."
He hobbled as best he could through the soft sand back toward the plane, leaning on her as he went. He didn't weigh much at all so he assumed it wouldn't be a burden, and Laura was no stranger to helping him along. She was a good kid. Until he needed her to be bad. And she was good at that too. He smirked at the notion.
"What do you think of the islands?" he asked, looking out at the sea as he hobbled, "I know New York can be a bit cramped at times. And loud. We'll come here some time, just us. None of this dirty business on our shoes either."
Artie was being deliberately vague. He didn't like explaining his business to Laura on the offchance she might find it souring.
"But you'll have to do the woods-y thing, you wouldn't want to stay in the villa would you?" he chuckled, "I still don't know how we got through that snowy night that first time I brought you back with me. But there you were, getting a fire going, found us an outcropping under the stars...and there I was as useless as a wingless bird. Well...maybe not that useless but you didn't let me use my lighter."
He laughed as they neared the plane hangar and stopped for a moment, looking up at Laura.
"If you don't want anything to do with this business today," he said earnestly, "You're welcome to head to one of the other islands. Or go up to the villa. Or, if you'd like a bit of sport....there's a Frankie hunt going on in about twenty minutes."
He chuckled and looked back toward the trees off the beach. It was her choice ultimately, she could do what she liked. He trusted her and rarely would ever insist on anything. One of his only soft spots, this kid.
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Cheetah
Villains
This sort of thing doesn't happen to Barbara Minerva. I don't let it.
Posts: 129
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Post by Cheetah on Dec 11, 2016 13:55:22 GMT -5
A half hour? Plenty of time, Barbara thought as she walked towards the villa. It was a beautifully constructed building, with what seemed to be the most up to date furnishing and amenities. Artie clearly spared no expense and Barbara briefly wondered how long he had been working on this little project and just what was its original purpose. Despite the attendant’s protests and statements to the contrary, Barbara made her way inside and towards the master bedroom, slamming the door in the man’s face and locking it with a click.
Once alone, she exhaled slowly, collecting herself as she leaned against the bed. It was a brief respite and she was soon back to work unpacking her duffle. Inside, everything was sectioned off; one side being for her safari clothing and the other for everyday affair, though why she brought the latter, Barbara had no real idea. She had expected this to be nothing more than a day trip. Actually, to be truthful, she had expected this whole damn thing to take place in Artie’s Rabbit Hole, but as she had learned early on, he had a flair for the dramatic and this was his treat to her, so she shouldn’t be the one complaining.
Pulling out her khakis and cotton blouse, Barbara’s hand unexpectedly hit something cold and hard at the bottom of the bag, causing her to recoil almost instantly. Her rifle and hunting knife were in the case and she had packed no jewelry so it came as quite a surprise when she removed the statue of Urzkartaga from the bag. Why was it here? She hadn’t packed it as there was no reason to bring it along on the trip. She had left it back in her room safe in New York, remembering locking it up before she left. Confusion slowly faded into a slight contentment, however, as she held the idol. Running her hands over its gold surface made her fingertips tingle, almost like a subtle static cling. Barbara realized that she knew better than to question any of this. The idol was here and for some reason that made her happy. “Soon, my darling,” she whispered, kissing the god’s face before placing it lovingly back into the bag.
Naturally, one would have expected a ritual to take place next, but if someone had been watching, they would be sorely disappointed, unless they believed a woman changing clothes was some sort of ceremony. Exiting the villa, Barbara looked rather different in her long khaki pants, cuffs tucked into safari boots, and a simple white cotton blouse. Her auburn hair was pulled back into a basic ponytail and she wore gloves. A bolt-action rifle was slung over her shoulder while the belt at her waist held a hunting knife and ammunition pouch. Lastly, the sunglasses were gone, revealing amber eyes that were cat-slit due to the bright sun. It was safe to say that she looked nothing like the wealthy woman who owned an ancestral estate located in Nottingham, England. Striding with a purpose, she quickly made her way back to the edge of the jungle, wanting to start as soon as she was able.
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X-23
Heroes
There are two types of people. you are weak, or you are me.
Posts: 120
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Post by X-23 on Dec 12, 2016 20:43:29 GMT -5
Laura just hung back and let things happen around her, not having much of anything to contribute to the conversation or the planned activities of the day, and barely moved from her spot until it was just her and Artie alone. On an intellectual level, Frankie meant nothing to her. People she didn't know died every day and she was never upset about it so it would clearly be stupid to give a damn about this guy. But still, she felt odd and didn't know how to rationalise watching him be carried away to be killed.
Hearing Artie say he was proud of her was a reassuring little boost that helped distract her, and caused her to feel good about herself, but it was still there scratching against the back of her skull. She was getting the feeling Barbara was one of those people not taking much notice of Laura's existence with a far more charismatic and attention drawing Father around. Not that she minded so much. what is is and Laura didn't feel like she needed the womans approval.
"Of course." Laura said, reacting immediately to put her one hand on his shoulder and the other to steady his arm, she was well accustomed to helping him whenever it got hard on him to move around. "Perhaps the villa has painkillers that might help you for the rest of the day?" she suggested, already trying to come up with ideas to help the man. she could probably carry him with ease but his pride would not allow that and Laura respected that. she wouldn't want to be carried either.
"they are beautiful." Laura answered honestly, "The lack of pollution alone makes me like it here." For most people it was unpleasant, for Laura's sense of smell New York was like living in a cloud of poison. she had gotten used to it purely because there wasn't anything else to do, but it still felt extremely good to remember what the air was supposed to be like. She was surprised at the offer, not because she had any doubt he meant it, but because he was so invested in his little part of New York, she was amazed he wasn't already itching to get back and make sure it was still there. "that sounds nice. But what about your leg? would it not be a problem for several days here?" Because there would be no point coming if it was just going to hurt Artie every step of the way. She understood the words behind Arties speech and let him gloss over it as the awkwardness it really was.
Laura nodded at his guess, having already started thinking in her head what she could and could not do with what the island had on it. which was hard when she hadn't actually gone into the woods to take them in yet. "it would make things more memorable." she agreed. It was not the hardest thing to turn sea water into drinkable water, or to catch fish. Really she could enjoy going for a few days and never even unlocking the villa's front door.
A look of melancholy crossed Laura's eyes as she thought back to that night. "You have never been useless." was her first reaction, firm and warning Artie not to start putting himself down for no reason. Laura could rembember eying Arite all night, waiting for a trick that never came and wasn't ever there. She was used to others only trying to force her in someway or another. but-
but all that night, Laura had tested it. Even at the start when he'd been about to light a fire with a lighter and she'd advised. not demanded. not yelled. just given her opinion it was a bad idea and the reasons for that. how it was one of the only useful items they had to their name and they could get by without it as soon as she found rocks the shape she needed. He'd just thought it over and agreed, putting the lighter away as if it wasn't anything. He had no clue how he had blown the young girls understanding of the world into atoms with that simple act. So whenever she could make it natural, she'd said she wanted to do something, even if it was as tiny as her wanting to try and find something she could stick in a gap in the outcropping to block the wind. his only response had been "good idea kid." and then he'd sat there, offering some help and accepting her refusal just as easily.
in the end she'd packed snow in there and let it freeze up to plug the gap tightly. and Artie had complimented the idea. And Laura had to try and just accept he saw her as a person with the ability to make choices.
"you listened to me. I listened to you." Laura finally gave her opinion, it gives us two compatible set of skills that can solve the problem, rather then those who end up trying to fight to be in charge for pride when the goal is what matters." She didn't laugh, only because she almost never did, but she smiled at him as they stopped.
Here was him giving her a choice again. she thought it all over, from multiple angles and concluded she didn't have enough information to continue. "what did he do?" She finally asked. If he deserved to die, she would be content to at least follow as it would prevent her from becoming ignorant when everyone else on the island would be aware of the days events. Clearly Frankie was Barbara's for some reason. and Laura understood revenge enough that she had no interest in stealing any of the moment from her.
if the reason was one of those times that made Laura look at Artie and see the person she didn't understand then she would start walking in a direction and enjoy the place around her for as long as she could. either way she would be happy.
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Post by Artie Cade on Dec 12, 2016 22:59:27 GMT -5
Artie reacted somewhat self consciously to Laura's inquiry about would his leg bother him if they stayed on the beach. He didn't like having such a handicap, but it was a practical question of the girl to ask. I mean it would be inconvenient if she had to assist him every time they walked. He certainly preferred not to be carried, but...it might be the most practical means? He pondered on it for a moment.
"Well if it would be a burden, I could certainly stay back in New York instead," he offered, "Just give you some time by yourself if you wanted. But I'd miss ya around the place. Not used to giving vacation time either."
He smirked up at the girl and as they touched the landing strip pavement and the ground was even once more, he unslung his arm from around the girl and leaned on his cane, turning to face her.
"As for what dear Mr. Frankie did..." he said seriously, tilting his glasses and subsequently his mask down to reveal the seriousness in his eyes, "...well he had, shall we say, some...unpleasant contact with Barbara. She's been gunning for him ever since. Compound that with the money he's been taking off my workers at the docks for some fake racket he thinks he can slip by me and you end up with one serious case of gotta-go."
Artie swiftly realized that in tilting down his dark glasses, he had tilted his mask forward as well and revealed the scarred side of his face. He quickly corrected that and cleared his throat.
"Stole...quite a lot from me, actually," he continued as he moved toward the hangar, "That threat I offered him before he went under, oh I've heard tell he's had some things to say about you too. You know how THAT gets me."
He offered a growl as he limped into the hangar and activated a side panel, turning to Laura.
"But your call if you wanna stay or go off," he said, "Don't wanna keep you here against your will. I know you don't always like my.....well."
His voice trailed off as the panel unlocked and slid to the side, revealing a massive control room with many screens and dials. Francis was inside, setting it all up and he nodded to his boss as he entered. Immediately Artie reached for the microphone on the desk and tapped it. It spoke through the megaphone system hidden around the island.
"Well, well, well folks step riiiiight up!" he barked through it, "He should be coming to any time now....I hope you're ready."
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Cheetah
Villains
This sort of thing doesn't happen to Barbara Minerva. I don't let it.
Posts: 129
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Post by Cheetah on Dec 13, 2016 7:19:25 GMT -5
Standing at the edge of the jungle, Barbara quietly observed the area before her. It was thick and green, making almost an impenetrable barrier between her and the inside. Only almost though, since there were some small pockets that were either caused by nature’s growth or animals on game trails. Damn, she should have asked Artie whether or not there were other animals on this island. The thought of unexpected dangers both worried her and excited her. Once inside, she would see what she could find. She also smirked at the thought of Frank running in to anything here. God help him if there were any wild pigs on this island. Evidence of their existence was not something easy to miss as they tended to be rather destructive as they rooted and dug up massive furrows of land in their attempt to find food. Very bad for business. If Artie was smart, there wouldn’t be any on the island.
As she waited for whatever starting bell, announcement, or what have you, Barbara checked and loaded her rifle. It held five bullets and as she put each of them, adrenaline flooded her body as her muscles remembered each and every step she’d need to do between the shots. Done right, it was a simple and beautiful rhythm, not quite a drumbeat but similar. She had learned to shoot while in Africa, mainly for defense, and while some of the men had been faster, her grouping had always been far better and much more consistent. Upon returning to England, Barbara perfected her technique while on her estate. This would be the first time she had hunted live game since.
An audible crackle forewarned Artie’s voice coming over the loudspeaker. That was unexpected for some reason, him having rigged a communication system, but then again, she shouldn’t have been surprised by this. Artie wouldn’t have been able to easily traverse the landscape, so of course he would monitor things from someplace safe. Taking his carnival barker introduction as a sign she could start, and not really caring if it wasn’t, Barbara stepped inside the jungle.
She kept walking until the sounds of the beach and surf were barely audible to her, meaning her target wouldn’t be able to hear them at all. There she waited, listened, and breathed in the scents of the jungle, seeing if she could locate their slumbering friend. It smelled of plants, animals, and decaying vegetation. They had removed some of his outer clothing, so whatever alcohol and cigar smoke had been on him from the flight would be lessened. The jungle around Barbara was quiet, almost holding its breath along with her as if waiting for some indication of where Frankie was. If she knew him right, he would be furious upon waking, cursing up a storm, and unintentionally giving away his starting position. She smirked at that as she quietly and slowly began to slip through the trees, ears and eyes open.
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X-23
Heroes
There are two types of people. you are weak, or you are me.
Posts: 120
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Post by X-23 on Dec 14, 2016 18:17:21 GMT -5
"do not be ridiculous." was the only answer Laura gave at the idea of her leaving Arcade behind in new York. it was a silly idea that didn't deserve to be taken seriously, she'd never do that. ESPECIALLY if it was his island. "It will be fun. whenever we find time." Laura promised before giving herself over to thinking on the bit that mattered.
The man had done bad things. not to her, but to Artie, and his men who Laura felt an amount of responsibility for. They could not have him arrested due to how it would blatantly lead to their own arrests, and he was powerful enough simply threatening him would not work if he could just go over to Kingpin or try to make a play on his own. she whished that there was a better alternative but it sounded like taking him out was the smart way to do things.
The bit about Barbara helped but didn't tilt things either way beyond confirming that Frankie was hers to hunt. Laura was fine with that. she would have left the killing to others without the excuse when her heart was not in it, like now.
"i will go." she said after consideration. "someone needs to make sure nothing goes wrong. but I will leave him to your....." Laura wanted to ask about that but this wasn't really the time. "Friend, I shall hang back and watch." she nodded, "i will see you later Artie. Be good." the last bit was half joke half wishful thinking.
It did not take long for Laura to find Barbara's scent, it was the only woman heading into the jungle and she smelled slightly odd in a way Laura could not place. Laura made not a sound as she moved through the trees, not a footstep or breath being audible. it took all of her concentration to hide herself like this, but she had no right to interfere and so put in the extra effort. Eventually she found the older woman, noting her choice in dress and arms with silent approval. Laura followed after her without greeting, not knowing or really caring if Barbara had even noticed she was there yet.
She could find Frankie effortlessly, but it wasn't her place and so hadn't even tried sniffing his scent.
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