Howl of the Mad Beast (Open)

Night fell slowly as the sun sinks into the horizon; even at a time like this the atmosphere was livelier than ever. You can citizens streaming back and forth across the city, some only stopped to markets while other chose to drawn themselves in liquor at the sanctity of the pubs. A few performers can be seen out the streets, one dressed in a symphony of black and white, no words escaped this man’s lips as he phased his hand into the air having projected fictional objects in his mind, such for the entertainment of children, earning nothing more than smiles and laughter.

Another wields a brass instrument sounding off melodic tunes, with each beat the musician dances waving their crouch up and down claiming that they are more “Saxier” than anyone in the block. This however cause commotion on some musicians who happened to pass by, a total of three people were challenged by melody that would cause one to make movements that expresses youth. Within a minute, a part of the town became an arena between musicians that drawn the attention of nearby people who were drawn to the musical battle. Some would dance and others would simply listen to such art, serving as the musician’s public audience.

Last but not least is a simple woman who hid from sight, wearing well-made puppets. Both young and old are welcome to come by and listen to the numerous stories told with or without payment as the puppeteer itself find it pleasing to entertain others for her past time. A mix of comedy, suspense and romance was stirred into the stage, unraveling a fruitful result, a satisfied audience. Though small as they were, as long as someone comes to hear her stories would be more than enough reason for her and her puppets to dance.

As one may walk across the market, they may notice that some vendors soon began closing their tiny shops, withdrawing all merchandise from display and rolling up the shutters and call it one heck of a day. Having some certain markets close caused the consumers to run through different locations were the goods would still be up and available for sale, may it be cakes, food, or anything the common person needs leaving only but the miscellaneous to remain.

Such made its atmosphere; the night would be perfect if not for the rising cloud of smoke coming from a part of the city. It was coming from the industrial district, a storage facility that housed hundreds of supplies, now having been trimmed down by a burning disaster. A warehouse was caught on fire as numerous workers on scene were all but shaken and frightened, claiming that there was been some sort of fighting going on which soon escalated to a big fire. What concerns them most is if the fire spreads, there will be an economic breakdown in the city. According to witnesses, a phantom appears to be attacking a syndicate that has yet to be named. Sheets of metal were torn, barrels and crates were burnt, fire screams out the window, the heat rises as smoke rises into the air to signal all those who see it.

A massive fire…..

---

Hours ago...

“I was informed that Degardos would be here, is this the right address?” In the alley corners of the city, a stoic man in attire to what make him appear like noir makes his presence known before the guards that stood by the door. As they came closer to inspect him and confirmed that he was an expected guess, he came into the building, escorted by two guardsmen that belonged to a certain crime family that recently became dominant in controlling the city’s economic status. Having earned political power, the crime family was but almost unstoppable; devouring whatever interferes with their work.

'Really now, to think that she would seek my aid out of all our siblings. Negotiator? Hmph. More like clean-up stand in. Why would she even involve us in her slip up? As if I don't have enough work already.'

Crimson hues looked to the building before her, taking in its overall appearance and surroundings before referring to a folded piece of paper in her grasp. This was the location, supposedly. She grumbled to herself again, bemoaning her ill-luck and stupid step-sibling. The stupid girl was older than her and yet caused much trouble for the organization - it was a wonder that Takashi hadn't married her off to some other family and left her in their charge. That would make things much more convenient. Approaching the guards at the door, she remains unfazed as they turned their gazes on her, eyeballing her for a moment before regaining their professionalism. Attempting to look intimidating - they weren't, naturally, she'd seen women that were much more terrifying or had more presence than any of them ever will have - and asked for her purpose here, assuming she was on business due to the way she dressed. Sporting a neat bun, her signature red scarf and a black turtle-neck long-sleeved dress, accompanied with a pair of flats, professional business was obvious in her appearance.

... That and maybe the Manila envelope she was holding on to. She gives the information needed for clearance, having been told that an appointment should have been scheduled by Charlotte herself three hours ago. She was, unexpectedly, denied audience and told that there had been no such appointment. Clicking her tongue in annoyance, she turns away, retrieving small communicator from her pocket, a heated discussion ensuing moments later with Charlotte, who by right should be cleaning her mess up by herself instead of dumping it on her. Her mentor was adding on to her foul mood, speaking and throwing in ridiculously snarky remarks and suggestions whilst her conversation with her step-sibling was going on. Eventually settling for extra payment, Hana ends the conversation abruptly and extremely irritated, her only consolation being the promised additional jewels that would go to her bank account and Asarael's silence in her head.

"It seems that there was a slight miscommunication. However, my request for an audience with Degardos remains. I will not leave until we settle our... Misunderstanding. Don't even think, dream, of picking a fight with me. I assure you, you won't last a full five minutes, maybe lesser now that I'm in an unpleasant mood. And if you do, it would do you well to remember just who exactly, that you are up against." she speaks casually, but the underlining tone of threat and annoyance is clear in her voice.

Your presence here is one of the great importance do you want to know why? Simple in order to completely control the Neutral Grounds, I became a Politician now controlling both the organization and majority of the Neutral Grounds, however there have been... recurrences of old rivals that still lurk within the city. The wisest option they would make is to prove that I'm indeed the head of the organization by gathering all pieces of evidence. I would not like that now would I? So here's the thing, I'm looking for a trustworthy man who can at least control the flow of the organization in the right track, there are a list of people I can send in for the job but you, you'll be the perfect face of the organization, what do you say?

"I decline... my involvement with the organization will hinder my progress, I have someone to serve, I accept jobs in my past time but if you expect me to lead your crime family, this won't go well for the both of us."

Alright fine, I'll have someone else manage the work then but at the very least do this for me... I want you to head over to the piers and negotiate with the Fritz, they are one of the few people trying to ruin my plans by trying to lead the police to the cargo, if I can't hide it then I might as well burn it to the ground. Second of is the Aaguchi's, though I believe these two organizations aren't allied, even with the leader gone, the aaguchi's are still trying to get back at me. Lastly is the Diablos who are present in the area, I was told they hired some kind of special group to help them carry out the process of eliminating the key members of the organization.

If the support beam falls, the glass breaks. I rather not have any more rodents and...

Sir we got a lady here that requests an audience..

Its probably Charlotte, tell her the appointment bring her in, proceed to regular protocol and you Dubhlainn... time to work.

---

Shadows cloaked in black dance throughout the darkness of the night, they move through the top of the buildings, acrobatic and swift and the only notable thing about their appearance is their white mask that resembles that of a skull. They were figures moving through block by block jumping from one end to the other, seeking relentlessly, the preparations has begun and another war of the underworld would once again begin. These people were no ordinary individuals of any syndicate, they were much worst. Degardos had mentioned that one of the crime families would go to such measures into hiring the infamous HASSANSINS.

Of all periods of time, it was the longest living organization that specialized in assassinations and murder all serving under the single flag, their leader called Hassan.

“Hue hue hue… This will be easy…”

"Lady Suzuki, your request has been granted. This way, please."

She harrumphed, striding into the building quickly and following after the subordinate. Crimson hues dart about, taking in and noting down the interior of the building to check for anything suspicious. She scrunched her nose up slightly at how strongly the air smelled of cigar and alcohol, still unused to her amplified sense of smell that made anything putrid or slightly unbearable become extremely horrid.

The faint pulse of another magic source notified her of another mage's presence, but she had little reason to care. It was likely a mercenary or dark hired - commonly seen within the underworld. She moved in deafening silence behind the male, who was cowering ever so slightly under the piercing red gaze that was unintentionally focused on his back, as he led her to an empty holding room. "What is the meaning of this?" she questioned authoritatively, accusing pools of red narrowed at the man before her. Even though he dwarfed her by a head or so, her presence definitely overpowered his. "E-Er, Sir Degardos is busy at the moment with another guest! Please do wait for a few moments, they will be finished soon!" He explains, and hurries out of the holding room to inform his superior of her location. She sighs, plonking herself down on a cushioned seat and pulling the papers out from the Manila envelope to run over them again.

'I swear, Charlotte, I will make sure father has your head for even trying to deal drugs as the first order of business with an family that we're barely acquainted with. Didn't even read the contract, huh. No way will any of us vote for you to keep your position - even our playful 4th brother can read a damned contract without getting duped!' she thought, barely restricting herself from crushing the fragile sheets of paper in her grasps. Hopefully the situation could be resolved soon, without conflict. She was getting an unsettlingly feeling that night, oddly enough.