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Post by Artie Cade on Mar 19, 2017 20:49:39 GMT -5
Artie nodded pleasantly at Laura, but he could tell something had put her off almost immediately...he'd guessed it might be Mystique, but why? She was a mutant, like Laura, so what was there to be...
Oh.
Ohhhhhhhh...
Chuckling, Artie motioned to Mystique and grinned.
"Oh tonight went well indeed! Mystique is one of my new business partners, dear," he said, "The one that uh...tonight's operation revolved around."
He knew he'd mentioned this Fisk framing business to her, so he needn't say anything further and casually leaned on the bar counter, examining the bottle. He nodded in approval. Laura always knew what to grab for him when he simply requested a beverage type. She really was a spectacularly capable bar tender.
He poured a glass of Scotch for himself and looked up at Mystique.
"Whatever it is, I'll pay." he grinned, still wary of what Laura was probably thinking at that moment.
Probably Barbara. Now he was too. Was she here? Oh God. That wouldn't go over well. He could feel Laura's eyes go from him to Mystique, putting on a more pleasant air with the woman when she'd spoken. But he knew his daughter well enough to tell when something irked her, and Laura's displeasure wasn't something to be waved off. He certainly knew that well too.
Come to think of it, only a handful of times had Artie and Laura ever really been terribly at odds with each other, but it was when she was far younger. He could hardly assert his authority these days by grounding her, she was too important to both the dirtier business and the bar itself. He sipped his Scotch and looked Laura up and down as subtly as he could. He was grateful she was keeping whatever was going on quiet.
"SO uh, hope your night's been good too?" he offered a bit stiffly, "No trouble in the Suit?"
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Mystique
Villains 
Raven Darkholme is not a woman to be trifled with.
Posts: 107 
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Post by Mystique on Mar 24, 2017 14:38:12 GMT -5
There was a definite feeling of unease surrounding this meeting that Mystique couldn't ignore. She couldn't just bring it up, either. She had no idea if this was her fault or if there was something else going on that she wasn't aware of, but the sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach was that this was about her and Artie. In hopes of doing her part to make it less awkward, she took the subtlest step away from Artie and shifted her body to be a little more conservatively dressed. She didn't like feeling like she was at the center of a scandal, but it was hardly the first time and (knowing her luck) it wouldn't be the last.
She smiled sweetly at Laura and thought for a moment, finally deciding on a drink. "Scotch on the rocks, I think," she answered, taking a seat on one of the bar stools. "This is a wonderful place! Whoever maintains it certainly does a marvelous job of it!" She brushed her hair back out of her face and smiled, despite the overwhelming feeling that she was intruding on something. She just wished she had a clue what she was intruding on.
"Artie, you never told me you had such a beautiful daughter," she teased. And honestly, the fact that this human was raising a mutant child with such obvious love won him some real points with her. She had, too often, seen human parents abandon their mutant offspring, and it sickened her. This human was really something special. He was different. If she didn't know better, she'd say she was starting to fall for this man.
"Laura, tell me about yourself." It was a terrible attempt to climb out of the uncomfortable feeling that surrounded this meeting. "If I'd had known Artie's daughter was going to be half as fascinating as you, I'd have pressed him for more details! What do you like to do for fun?"
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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 Mar 30, 2017 11:57:55 GMT -5
Things were starting to make sense now, Laura had never actually gotten the chance to ask her Father how on earth he was going to frame Fisk, and had been wandering about that ever since he'd left for the day. After all anything he could do he'd have surely done by now right? Well apparently not if there was suddenly a new mutant on their side. Mind control perhaps? illusions? Regardless. "I see. In that case I am glad to have you around." Laura told Mystique pleasantly.
Laura smirked at the slight heightening of Arties heart rate. The only thing he had to worry him right now was it clicking why she was annoyed with him. It might be petty but it made her feel better to have been standing up for her friend. "I have been well. One of your other business partners came in but has gone out for the day I think." Laura replied, dispensing what little she knew of where Barbara was right now. "Some idiot sailors almost started a fight. I convinced them to calm down and leave." Or her shotgun did. either way. possibly both. Most trouble was caused by people that had never been here before, Laura thought with a sense of pride.
It was an easy drink to make Mystique, and she'd had plenty of practice pouring it on busier nights, so Laura quickly had it put in front of the blue woman having barely had to look to see what she was doing. "Thank you, I try to keep it well kept." And a surprising amount of Laura's insomnia was dealt with by cleaning as easy repetitive tasks were at least productive when she could not sleep.
The compliment made Laura blush and suddenly find something near her feet very interesting to look at indeed. She was used to moronic compliments from drunk men she had no opinion of but not as much those that were sincere and surprising. Or at least from anyone that wasn't her Father. "Thank you." she said again, this time quieter and with slight hesitance. The sudden request for information about herself was only another thing Laura was not used to. Someone actually taking an interest in her rather then "Artie Cade's mutant daughter/enforcer." and as a result Laura took a moment to think up an appropriate response.
"I am skilled at Martial arts." Laura finally began, because enjoying fighting was probably not the best way to phrase that. "I read. Play the piano. Meditate. Do extra work for my Father." That felt like enough of an answer and Laura felt she could politely shift the spotlight off herself. "what about you? I am sorry to say I do not have anything to go of other then the last minute of meeting you."
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Post by Artie Cade on Apr 11, 2017 0:58:49 GMT -5
Artie was put a bit more at ease with Mystique's compliments toward Laura. That was always appreciated. He never felt he offered it enough, but then again, he felt himself insufficient in most areas. He was never great at being a dad, in his mind, and certainly wasn't the most...stable person to look up to.
Even so, he nodded and smiled, reaching over the bar and petting Laura's hair for a brief moment, feeling relaxed enough again to do so.
"She's a looker," he chuckled, "I keep tellin' her, she never quiiiiite believes me. Beautiful's the word."
His chuckle turned to a proper laugh for a moment as he stood straight again and took his drink in his hand.
"She can do anything, I'm fairly convinced," he said, very much meaning it, "She's a pilot, to boot. Give her anything and she'll learn how to do it in no time. Like it's been her trade for twenty years."
Another laugh, one of good humor as he took a sip of his drink.
It was an immense relief to him that Mystique seemed so taken with Laura so quickly. He supposed it was since they were both...what was the term....mutants? People with powers. Whatever they preferred.
He was mostly just happy that this seemed to be going better. Laura had an incredible gift for knowing just how to make Artie's senses heighten themselves in defense. Reminded him of someone else he used to know. But that was a long time ago.
He sipped his drink quietly as Laura asked Mystique what she was all about. He was always interested to learn more himself, so he listened intently.
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Mystique
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Raven Darkholme is not a woman to be trifled with.
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Post by Mystique on Apr 21, 2017 14:51:58 GMT -5
Mystique smiled and sipped her drink, almost surprised that Laura had sprung for the good scotch. Then again, she had sauntered in with Artie, so maybe it was customary. Either way, it was delicious and she made a mental note of which bottle was used so she could pick up a bottle for herself to keep at home. "I don't want to make you uncomfortable, Laura, but your father's right. You are quite beautiful." She wanted to know more about Laura's mutant powers, but that hardly made good introductory conversation, so she decided to wait until it came up. If it came up at all.
"You play the piano?" Mystique smiled and set her glass down. "I play a little too! I haven't played in years. Since before the war, at least, but I trifled back home in Germany. Maybe sometime we could play a duet?" She didn't quite feel right telling Laura about all of her hobbies. After all, Laura was among the only other mutants she'd ever met. There weren't many she'd come across, and she wanted to make a good impression. It was hardly polite to mention some of her mercenary work... Then again, she did say she did work for her father, and this was Artie Cade we were talking about.
"I've done some mercenary work, myself," she admitted. "Mostly freelance. My abilities come in handy when it comes to spying on political leaders. I did a lot of spying in Germany and Austria during the Great War." Which wasn't a lie. It was just not the whole truth. She was never sure how people would react when she told them how old she really was, so she didn't mention she spied during the FIRST Great War.
"That's actually part of why I came to America." She glanced at Artie, almost apologetically saying, "And why I ... well." Blew up his ferris wheel. "I'm here to bring awareness to the mutants that live here. In Germany during the war, they were treated more cruelly than you could imagine. Part of the reason I'm here is to see what I can do to protect the mutants here. There have to be some, if Artie has fathered one."
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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 Apr 27, 2017 15:46:11 GMT -5
Both her Father and Mystique calling her beautiful caused Laura to turn a slightly brighter shade of red as she tried to form an adequate response to them and failed to bring up anything better then a small mumbled response that did not compose of much at all. but still, she appreciated it and smiled a little all the same. It was always encouraging when Father went about singing her praises to someone, which happened more often then you would think, and Laura finally looked up and gave him a smile that carried a real amount of warmth to it in thanks.
Laura was surprised that of all of those things, it was the piano that had caught Mystiques interest the most, but was enthused at the positive reaction. "I would like that." she answered honestly, "I have not had the opportunity to play with anyone else since my instructor. There are a couple songs I have missed being able to do justice." It didn't matter how good you were, there was some pieces of music that you could not play with just two hands. The fact Mystique was apparently German was something Laura considered carefully before deciding not to comment on. She was not one of the idiots who held blatant grudges against people who had been through two crippling defeats and a dictatorship in recent memory, since she didn't really see how it would help anything.
Mercenary was one of those titles that meant something unique to everyone that carried it. she had encountered several and they ranged everywhere from psychotic blood thirsty mad dogs to a man you would mistake for an upper class business man if not for the knowledge his case held a high powered rifle not contracts. "i am impressed." Laura said, her opinion only going up at the knowledge Mystique had fought against the Nazi's. it was funny how much they apparently had in common through all this, but Laura did not want to explain how similar a job she had done personally. "It can not have been easy, from what I heard the Nazi high command was prone to paranoia?" Or had that just been Hitler himself? Laura could remember hearing something like that but was lost for the full details, and unaware she was asking after the wrong set of German leaders.
It was an interesting concept, protecting and working for Mutant kind. Laura noticed, and lacked context for, the look given to her Father and assumed it made sense to him. "it will not be easy finding more of.. us." referring to herself as part of a collective she had never met beyond the woman in front of her felt strange, no matter how true it was. "i agree it will be nothing compared to what you have experienced. but it is something you do not make a large showing of here too. For our own safety." Laura was the exception that proved the rule. No one was stupid enough to voice anti-mutant sentiments anywhere in Artie Cades territory since it was common knowledge he was fond of at least one. but she had seen plenty of dirty looks from his men when using her powers that she pretended not to notice, if only to spare them her Fathers wrath.
The last part gave her pause. "Oh. I am not Father's biological offspring." she corrected. this was not something she gave thought too most of the time. genetics be damned, he was her Father and that was that. "At around eleven, I was orphaned and homeless." There was a moment of sadness in her voice but when she continued talking she looked at Artie with what was unquestionably love. it occurred to Laura that her Father was romantically interested in Mystique who was devoted to helping mutants. The best thing she could do was continue talking. "Father was in the city on business and by chance encountered me. He was the only person that saw me as a child and not a mutant." It was a true fact, rather then any kind of embellishment to talk him up. "When he realised I was alone, he took me back to New York with him and gave me a home." in spite of how ugly that time in her life was, and how many issues had arisen getting back to New York, she was smiling by the time she had finished.
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Post by Artie Cade on Apr 29, 2017 15:46:14 GMT -5
Artie's bravado visibly softened at the things Laura had said. A genuine smile spread over his face and he winked at her.
She was a good kid...a real good kid.
He took a sip of his drink and looked back up at Mystique, unsure of what she would say and so offering a bit himself.
"Well she makes me sound like some...I dunno," he said with a chuckle, "I'm no saint but...well, I'm not the Devil."
Not entirely true. But still.
He began to slowly realize how much he was investing in seeking Mystique's approval.
Was he coming on too strong? Was it all too...well it had been an exciting night, so maybe mostly...adrenaline? No, it couldn't just be that. It was Mystique. It was something about her, it was everything about her.
As he tended to his cigarette before lighting another one, Artie looked back over at Laura and smiled again.
"I know ya get a bit self conscious talkin' about yourself, kid," he said as he leaned over the bar counter and patted his daughter's hand, "Didn't mean to put ya on the spot. Just knew you two would hit it off and, well, what's more important to me in the world than my little girl?"
He meant that too. He hadn't scripted it, it just came out. But he knew Laura knew that....still, it felt good to say it. As often as he could, he liked to make sure Laura knew she was appreciated. Even needed. It had taken so long for her to accept that in any capacity that he occasionally forgot that she needed that boost every now and then.
But who didn't?
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Mystique
Villains
Raven Darkholme is not a woman to be trifled with.
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Post by Mystique on Apr 30, 2017 3:36:21 GMT -5
Mystique smiled brightly, absolutely thrilled that Laura was interested in playing piano with her. "I have a piano at my place that hasn't been used nearly enough, if you would like to come and remedy that." In truth, she had never had a chance to play a duet with someone, but there were a few pieces she had learned both parts of in the event she ever had the chance. "Besides, it might be nice to have the two of you over sometime." And it was certainly nice of Laura not to comment on the German accent, or take a political stance on what kind of person Mystique might be because of it. She had enough of that out and about in the general public, but of course they were fresh out of a war. She could hardly blame anyone, or argue with them, or say much more than "I know, I know, I'm on your side."
It took a great deal for Mystique not to grimace or smirk from the knowledge that they were having two separate conversations about her mercenary days. It was a little amusing, and one of these days she would correct Laura. But not today. Once they got to know each other a little better, maybe. "Hitler was very paranoid," she corrected. "I think the paranoia might have spread to the others in the high command, but it was mostly Hitler. I got ... uncomfortably close with a Nazi officer, and he was hardly paranoid." That was almost true, and probably as close to the truth as she would get on this subject.
"You know, I think you're right," she said. "It won't be easy finding more mutants, but someone has to find them. I'd rather it be me than someone that wants to hurt us. There were a lot of mutants killed in the holocaust, just because they were mutants. I'd hate to see another genocide happen. I've already come across anti-mutant sentiment here in the city," she looked at Artie, smirking, knowing he'd know what she was talking about, "so I know mutants are in hiding. I want to make somewhere safe for them to live. A part of the city where they don't have to hide, because we shouldn't have to hide."
Then, when Laura told the story, she found herself looking at Artie, her heart welling up. She felt a surge of emotion she hadn't felt in a very long time, more intense than she could have expected. She found she was smiling, though she couldn't remember her brain giving the command to smile. True or not, it was the most heartwarming thing she'd heard in years, and she could tell there was a grain of truth behind it. Whatever the details were, Artie had taken in a mutant child and raised her as his own, and that was more than she could ever have expected. And seeing the two of them together? They really might as well have been biologically related, the way they acted.
It didn't occur to Mystique to speak before she acted. She got up from her stool, walked over, and kissed Artie with as much passion as she thought was appropriate in front of his daughter. She let the kiss linger for a moment before slowly pulling away and looking at him, the purest affection in her eyes. "Artie, if I wasn't in love with you before, I'm getting dangerously close now."
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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 May 7, 2017 14:48:27 GMT -5
"That sounds like it would be a nice way to spend a day." Laura replied to Mystiques suggestion they both visit her home. It would be interesting to see what kind of place it was if it was big enough to comfortably keep a piano. Apparently Mystique was quite well off too, which was an extra little bit of information about her. The new context on the war made Laura nod appreciatively. "I see. I am sorry to hear you had to deal with such scum." As Mystique herself had noted, the Nazi's were not nice people to anyone different, and Laura hoped for the older womans sake that the story was short and boring.
Laura had not said what she said for her Fathers sake but his expression told her it had been something he appreciated, and she smiled at him back, happy at the knowledge she'd made him happy too. "you are not allowed to sell yourself short around me." she teased, sipping her own drink as she went back to watching the interactions between the two of them.
she felt a little rise in warmth at his small sign of affection and nodded. "I know, and I appreciate the intent." she told him honestly, since even for this short while it had been pleasant enough to talk to Mystique that Laura was convinced he had made a smart call. she wasn't certain she could put into words how much that last part meant to her, so she didn't try and instead turned her hand over so the next time he patted it she was able to catch it and give it a brief squeeze to try and let him know. Knowing her Father he probably would. it was good for her to have such clear cut proof someone loved her.
The thing about Mystiques words about Mutants was that it was all things Laura had never given thought to. But she could not deny the logic behind any of it, Mutants (and no one else for that matter) did not deserve to be mistreated for the way they were born and Laura would like the idea of not receiving the looks and insults she had for being what she was. "if I can help, I would like to contribute to your plans however possible." she offered with a confident voice.
When Mystique went to kiss her Father, Laura found it sweet but not something she was interested in watching so let her gaze carry around the bar. her hearing picked up on something as soon as she was letting herself take everything in and Laura quietly slipped out from behind the bar, leaving her Father to have a moment to himself with Mystique without distracting him. She moved to the back of the bar where at one of the corner booths, the one most out of the way and hardest to see from the rest of the establishment, there was Kevin one of her staff stammering and trying to explain himself.
Laura did not bother to explain who she was and just looked at the tall man sitting there, glaring at Kevin and then her as she approached. "We have a strict policy here that people who harass the staff are made to leave." Even from the bar she'd heard the surprisingly varied list of insults he'd been dishing out to poor Kevin. "we do not offer "tabs" to people who are generally unpleasant either. It makes it more likely they will come back you see."
Apparently the man was drunk, vain, and not used to short skinny teenage girls talking to him like he was an idiot child. "who the HELL are you?" he half grunted. "i'mm good for it. man o' my word! what fuckin' country we in that a working man can't be trusted to repay the price of one crappy beer?"
Laura ignored the questions and gave Kevin a small gesture to tell him to just get back to work, which he did with a nervous smile. "you have run out of money and feel this is somehow our fault. Go home. find a new place to drink when you have the money." She was actually planning to just turn around go back to her Father at the bar, and assume he would do as he was told. most people knew who this place belonged to and didn't risk getting into danger.
The man reached towards the inner pocket of his coat. Laura sniffed once, gunpowder. clearly a pistol. before it was even half way there, Laura had moved in a flash, her left hand grabbing his wrist and dragging it back to pin it to the table while her right hand unsheathed its claws and stabbed into his palm, she let go of his wrist and was still pinning his arm regardless. He yelled in agony and shock and Laura twisted just enough to kill his noise to a strained whimper.
"you started this. Feel free to blame me if it makes this easier. Go to a hospital and you should make a full recovery." Laura stated with a cold calmness. When she pulled her claws free it amused her how fast he ran from the place, even leaving his hat behind in his panic. clutching his hand to his chest.
Laura picked the hat up and made her way back to the bar, putting it on Kevins head as she passed him before coming back to where Artie and Mystique were. "sorry. I had to deal with that." She explained, picking up the bar cloth and idly wiping the blood from her claws.
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Post by Artie Cade on May 20, 2017 23:06:25 GMT -5
Artie was about to say something else to Mystique before her lips contacted his own in unbridled passion.
He reciprocated without even thinking, holding her hips as she did....oh she was good...
When she broke the kiss, Artie made sure to try to adjust his eyes as best he could or they might be swirling loops from the sudden rush.
"Oh...I think we can get there..." he replied with a wink as he licked his teeth.
That felt...incredible. Her passion was something that he found so incredibly attractive, not just in any woman, but in this woman especially.
His attention was drawn to Laura. A cackle escaped Artie's throat as he nodded and patted Laura on her back as she passed him. She was the best for these kind of situations. He was too slow anymore with his bum leg, and she didn't even need to draw a weapon. These idiots should know who runs this place, and they don't even need to worry about Boss Cade when it comes to the wrath visited on them. They'd have to worry about this quiet girl.
"That's my girl!" he chuckled as he sipped his drink, looking back at Mystique, "She deals with the unruly patrons around here better than anybody could. Hell I'd be surprised if other places around town didn't bring you in as security..."
He smirked and leaned closer to Laura.
"...has anybody offered?" he asked with another laugh.
He was pleased with how this was going. Mystique's interest in Laura seemed to have established more of a bond between them, which would of course only help him feel more settled into the idea of having feelings for two women. Or at least, the feelings he was developing rapidly for Mystique that made him think he could work having the two of them. Was he being selfish? No, he deserved to be happy like anybody else. If that took dividing his attention between two, he could swing that.
Or so he figured.
After all, Barbara and Mystique were both self sufficient enough in their own ways. And having a constant like him about might not be the worst thing. How did these women find him attractive in any way....a thought that didn't stay in his mind for very long before he took another sip of his Scotch and looked back at his daughter.
"Say, Laura," he said as he leaned more comfortably on the bar counter, "I have a reconnaissance job in mind if you're game for it tonight. Nothing major."
He cleared his throat and took another sip of his Scotch.
"Fisk's right hand lackey," he sneered, "That Bullseye fella. May have seen him around. Irish guy, bull's eye mark on his forehead. He's bound to come snoopin around here eventually, and if he does I want you to give him no reason to suspect anything happened here. But if he goes off without starting a ruckus, it'll mean he doesn't believe ya. Follow him. See what he says to whatever's left of Fisk's crew, I've gotta know what he suspects. Can ya do that?"
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Mystique
Villains
Raven Darkholme is not a woman to be trifled with.
Posts: 107
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Post by Mystique on May 25, 2017 12:54:24 GMT -5
Watching Laura take care of the annoying human was .... almost satisfying. Well, really satisfying. Mystique clung to Artie, but released him upon realizing this was not the time or place. Not in front of his daughter. That was just inappropriate. She, instead, rubbed his shoulders and kissed his cheek, smirking at Laura, as though she was proud of her. In fact, Laura reminded her of someone. With those claws... She smirked. "Well done indeed. That was quite a show!" She grinned. "Maybe in addition to playing a duet, we might spar together sometime. It's been a while since I've had someone interesting to fight."
Mystique rubbed Artie's shoulders gently and smirked. "She certainly does an amazing job with security! I'm honestly impressed." And she truly was. She had only seen a ferocity like that from one other person, and she hadn't seen him in decades. What were the odds? She wondered if that meant he was around. If her story was true, probably not, but it might have been interesting to have a little reunion.
She tenderly kissed Artie again, gently petting his hair as he spoke. So, Bullseye was still a threat, huh? Well, she could always do a little bit of spying. She wasn't going to take away from what Laura was doing, but she was curious herself to see what Bullseye had to say about what had happened. Of course, how could he suspect a mutant? As far as they knew, there weren't any shapeshifters in New York. But, it would be hilarious to see what kind of theory he might come up with.
"If you need any help, you know you can rely on me," she offered. "After all, spying is my specialty. But I'll only help if you really want it. I don't want to step on any toes."
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X-23
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There are two types of people. you are weak, or you are me.
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Post by X-23 on Jun 11, 2017 16:44:27 GMT -5
Laura smiled gratefully at the compliments as she returned to the bar. "I am disappointed to say no." Laura replied to her Father, just as amused at the concept but finding laughter harder to express then him. she tossed the now stained and useless rag into the bin nearby and found herself a clean one. She considered mystiques offer with surprise but was quick to nod. "i would like that. Most fights end too quickly for me."
The request for a job was what made things slip back into an ordinary night. It was a familiar moment to have a night at the bar end with the offer of a far more challenging task from her Father. She listened to the information with growing interest. Laura had heard plenty about Bullseye and had to admit she was interested in him. after all most fights ended too quickly for her. "i can do that. it will be easy if it all goes well. if not I will always keep an escape option open to me." That last bit was something she did instinctively no matter where she was, but it was the kind of thing that helped her Father not worry so much about sending her into possible danger.
besides she saw the use and potential in what they would get out of the chance to spy on whatever forces Fisk still kept loyal to him. Laura looked over to Mystique with consideration. "What are your powers?" she asked, having been wondering that since the blue woman came into the bar. obviously there was physical mutations there but it was hard to guess from the colour blue alone. "i am not doubting you if you think you can help, nor am I turning you down, it will simply let me start planning if I know what you are capable of."
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Mystique
Villains
Raven Darkholme is not a woman to be trifled with.
Posts: 107
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Post by Mystique on Sept 1, 2017 22:53:05 GMT -5
Mystique could see the shift on Laura's face. Obviously being asked to do something akin to mercenary work was normal, though that was kind of surprising to her. She wasn't used to parents treating their children as mercs, but she decided not to get her hackles up. There was obviously a lot of love between the two of them. Were it two other people, another human and another mutant, she might have wondered if that human was using the mutant for their abilities. But she'd seen the way Artie was around her. She didn't believe that about him for a second.
In fact, she was surprised the thought had even crossed her mind.
When Laura turned attention back over to her, she smirked and slid off the bar stool she was sitting on, demonstratively shapeshifting into Artie, mask, cane, and all. "I'm a shapeshifter, my dear," she said, imitating Artie's voice perfectly.
She paced around to the other side of the bar, to show that she had imitated his limp exactly, and stood next to Artie. It was impossible to tell them apart.
"But he's easy. I've spent all night with him now." She winked at him and leaned against the bar, as if her leg was really bothering her. As he really might. "Let's try someone I just met."
Now, she was just showing off.
She shifted into Laura. The long black hair, permanent scowl, and stance that suggested and offensive defense. "To some extent, I can mimic SOME powers," Laura's bone claws, or something like them, extended from Mystique's hands, "but I've never gotten them quite right. It's mostly cosmetic."
The claws retracted themselves and Mystique once again became herself before leaning down and kissing Artie briefly. She wandered back around to take her seat, smirking proudly to herself.
"Now, who is this Bullseye? Fisk's right hand guy, Irish guy, bullseye on his forehead. I got that, but is there anything special I need to know about him? I mean, we did just ruin his boss, so I imagine he's gonna be gunning for you, Artie. What do I need to be on the lookout for?"
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X-23
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There are two types of people. you are weak, or you are me.
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Post by X-23 on Sept 3, 2017 16:13:35 GMT -5
Laura couldn't even mask the blatant shock on her face as she stared at the transformation, and even more bewildered at the sight of two of her Father standing there. If she had to be honest, this was a little unsettling to try and wrap her brain around. Never in her life had she experienced the scent of someone change to another person, change because of perfume. or from the smell of a living person to a corpse. but never 'this is clearly this person.' become 'this is clearly someone else.' to say nothing of just how odd having two of her Father standing there.
And if THAT had felt surreal, seeing the image of her Father turn into a perfect replica of herself was a whole new level. Laura took a step back on reflex, taking in the sight of herself without knowing what to think. Laura couldn't help but feel seeing herself like this was disturbing somehow. She wasn't sure she liked having to look at herself like this, and was glad when Mystique returned to her natural form. "that." She began, her mind swimming, "that is something new." Laura had no idea shape shifters existed, had never even considered the idea. the things that could be done.... the potential... the fact she was on their side now! "I have never been jealous of another persons powers until now." Laura said honestly, not sure how better to compliment Mystique then that.
still, the sight of her claws on another person. Laura shook the thought away and focused on the things that mattered. "he is some form of sharpshooter." Laura noted, leaning against the bar. Father had actually encountered Bullseye before, so would have more information then Laura did but it was worth getting the ball rolling. "Not just with firearms though. We have found some of our men dead from being hit with common place objects used as projectiles. From a simple wind resistance stand point, it must be less effective to use them. unless he has some kind of superpower to help. which there is no evidence of him having, meaning either he is a narcissist, or he thinks letting people know he is simply that good, will let him psychologically unnerve people. possibly both."
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Post by Artie Cade on Sept 6, 2017 14:27:06 GMT -5
Artie stared wide-eyed at Mystique as she changed form into that of her daughter.
It was certainly a...strange sight to see double. And she could even approximate Laura's claws? That could prove useful.
Very useful indeed.
He waited while Laura explained and nodded when she concluded, grinning at the kiss Mystique had given him and winking up at her.
"The kid's sharp, isn't she?" he beamed, "She'll even put me to shame regularly with her observational skills."
Casually lighting a cigarette, Artie leaned on the bar and thought his additional notes through.
"She's right," he said, "Bullseye is really just what his name says. From all I've seen he can throw anything and score a direct hit. Paperclips, knives, playing cards, you name it."
He jostled his coat open and undid the first two buttons of his shirt collar, indicating to a freshly healing scar, some few months old.
"Took the suicide king right here," he smirked, "The guy's good, I'll give him that. Hell, I'd employ him if he weren't so loyal to Fisk. But that's what he'll be wanting answers for. If I were a betting man, and....well, I am, I'd say Fisk has already gotten reports of this and has given Bullseye instructions. He'll know it was me. Not for nothin', but who else could it be?"
His grin spread as he allowed himself a chuckle and took another drag on his cigarette.
"But I dunno if he'll come around here himself, now that I think about it," he continued, "He's no chicken shit but he certainly would know my territory is too hot to bust into right now. Boys are too fired up from the success. He may have great aim, but he's not bulletproof. If I could just get the right timing in..."
Artie aimed his finger toward one of the upper windows of the room as if he were aiming a pistol.
"...bang."
Just then as if on cue, the doors to the Wicked Suit were kicked open and seven policemen clad in their uniforms rushed in, weapons in their hands. Artie practically leapt backward, drawing both of his pistols protectively in front of Mystique,
"AND JUST WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK-" he started to shout, but was cut off.
"-I'm doing?" came the voice of Sergeant Tipton as he strolled casually inside brandishing a piece of paper, "I think I'm showing cause to search the premises, Mr. Cade. Your little....establishment."
The last word was practically sneered out as Tipton waved the warrant in the air.
"Anyone not directly involved with Artie Cade's illegal activities, please vacate now!"
And vacate they did. They people in the bar all poured out, some clearly pleased to not have to pay for their drinks.
Artie kept his guns up, glaring up at Tipton as the man approached.
"Think the city's gonna be happy paying me back for all these bills?" Artie hissed, "My guess is no."
"Ahhh maybe not," Tipton shrugged as he leaned down toward Artie, "But I think when I find something amiss-"
"You won't." Artie grinned.
"....we'll see," Tipton chuckled as he signaled to his mean to head into the office and begin searching, "We'll see."
Tipton turned his red face to Laura and mock waved as if she were a small child.
"Miss Laura," he jeered in false pleasantness, "Hope you've kept well. Been so long since we've seen each other. And your lady friend..."
Tipton turned his gaze to Mystique.
"...she's new. Care to explain?"
"Not til you explain what you're doing here." Artie said, letting his pistols down to his sides.
"...oh you didn't hear about the uh...incident?" Tipton asked, "Shame. Wilson Fisk was broken out of the jailhouse this evening. Don't feel too special, Cade, we're checking all known associates. No matter how...small."
Artie did his best not to move in reaction, but twitched for only a moment as he kept his glare fixed on his old enemy.
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