Smear Campaign

It had been over a few weeks Artemis had been given the news of the secret organisation he would be taking over. It was a lot to take it at once, the change in his lifestyle, all the new found responsibility. He had gone from being in charge of nothing but his own wellbeing to being a leader of a fundamentally grown organisation. There was so much work that went into it; he pretty much was spending every waking minute on the job — even going so far as to rent one of the rooms underneath the guild. Going home and getting back to the guild was just too much hassle, it was easier for him to stay there for now. Until at least he got on top of things, then maybe, he would be able to spend more time in his new flat. He hadn't even had time to unpack yet.

Amongst initiating members, dealing with his little brother suddenly going missing, and preparing for the mass initiation that was coming up soon. He just about had his hands full, then his father so kindly suggested that he take some guild work under his belt. To get a feel for the job as such, as if he didn't have enough on his plate. He had informed Blanche to send over something that didn't require anything too violent; he hadn't quite figured out how to bring Morte into this. Morte who quite frankly was loving the change of pace. Using him in front of his guild members was going to happen. Before when Morte had made an appearance, it had been when Artemis was on his own, and when around others he rarely addressed people. There was that one time, but that guy was long gone. Artemis was pretty sure he had gone missing with the rest of the Black Rose officials. Not that it mattered, they were highly unlikely ever to meet again.

The job that Blanche had sent over seemed relatively simple enough, one of their assigned clients needed to incriminate his opponent somehow. Simple enough. It wasn't exactly the easier candidate to make look bad; the guy had a glimmering record. But still, if he had a sin, Artemis would find it. Paint yourself however you want, you can never cover up your sins, they linger in the dark, waiting eagerly for exposure. At least, that was Morte's stance on the matter. Frankly, Artemis didn't disagree too much on that matter. He would be wearing his guild uniform, the same uniform as the unclassified units of his team would wear. Except that it was painted a mixture of Red and black tones. He really needed to get an upgraded armour of his own soon, he had taken a look and liked the look of the Combat armour. But for now, this would do. At the very least it suppressed his magical energy, his aura and any features that may give away his identity, even down to his scent.

Artemis arrived in the set location; it seemed he would be doing this job with another. Unusual for the guilds standard protocol but it seemed the Client had submitted requests out to more than just them. Artemis understood, he was desperate and wanted the job done. Plus Hidden Blades hadn't official contracted with him openly as themselves but an external 'special services' company. Who credentials seemed good but unfamiliar. It was fine, he would just have to hope whoever he ended up working with wasn't a moron, or worse, someone he knew. He walked towards the allocated meeting point, spotting his supposed partner. A fellow, who funny enough was also wearing a mask. Yet one of a different kind. As he stepped over to him, he passed him some documents. Under his mask, Artemis would arch a brow. Well, that was to the point. He skimmed the documents, which had information on it. Most of which Blanche had already provided to him, but some slightly altered information. He looked back up to the job partner; he had to bear in mind this wasn't a guildmate or underling — bit a lone operative, doing his own job. Artemis didn't have to bark orders or instructions, but rather allow for some leeway.

"Do you have anything in particular for this task?" He asked, his voice coming out deeper and more gravelly due to magical influence of his mask.

Artemis looked down blankly as his partner fo the job spoke, his accent was alarmingly striking for him. It did not suit his appearance whatsoever. When Artemis looked at this individual, he imagined his voice to be deeper, steadier, and as uneccentric as possible. The voice didn't match, was he putting on an accent for the sake of disguise. Well, he couldn't blame him, Artemis appearance and voice was completely disguised. Perhaps, the individual was void of trust, this was a shady business after all. Artemis decided to focus on what he was saying, the accent was thick and not the easiest to understand. He mentioned planting drugs, that was a possibility, but difficult to follow up on. Mr Goodwill didn't exactly have a record of drug abuse, there were no hospital reports that suggested otherwise, nor had he ever failed a drug test. He was squeaky clean. They could somehow get him to consume drugs by accident, then tip off the authorities. But that wasn't easy, they would have to get something strong enough to get him high but not so strong that it would kill him. Death was not an option in this job, that at least was a relief for Artemis.

He then proceeded to go on about Mr Goodwill's image, talking about ruining his reputation somehow. They didn't have a great amount of time to do it, he mentioned three specific areas. As well as, unless Artemis was hard of hearing, he could only assume was his 'security' force. Although he wasn't entirely sure, boy, was this guy was hard to understand. "So to clarify, you reckon we should target the security team first, get them fired, then target his family? Forgive me, you're accent is so unfamiliar to me, it's a little difficult to ...grasp."  He commented, wanting to make sure, he was sure the guy had said some other stuff too, but who knew with that accent. It was starting to grate on Artemis a little bit, if it was a fake accent, then surely he could've picked something easier.

He introduced himself as 'Lemon Shark' or 'Mr Shark', Artemis raised a brow. Wondering for a moment if the guy was fucking with him. Normally, he would've taken the opportunity to call him out. But this wasn't some bozo in a pub that he could tempt into squaring off with him for a good fight. This guy was a mage, and at least had some idea what he was doing. "You can call me Bill, or Mr Bill, whatever you prefer."  The choice of the alias was so bland it was almost comical, but he didn't know this guy. He couldn't exactly tell him to call him Chairman or Morte, they were his Hidden Blades Aliases. And he definitely wasn't going to give him his real name, that wasn't ever an option anymore. Not on jobs.

"If anyone is hiding anything, I'll be able to find out. I have certain skills that ensure that I just need to get close enough. I also have some connections in publishing, they can have a life-ruining story out first thing in the morning. We just need to find it. Where shall we start, his home or the office?"  He asked, wanting to get the Shark's opinion on it.  it was would simple enough, he would just need to report the details back to Blanche and she would handle the transference of information. It wasn't the wrong time Hidden Blades had been the force behind media exposure of a wrongdoer. Even if a fair few of those particulars individuals had never done anything wrong.

Artemis said nothing as the guy offered to write it down for him, his patience was weaning off by the minute. Something about that guys voice, just he wasn't sure. A part of him suspected that the guy was fucking with him, and he didn't like that. Normally, he was all for jokes and banter, but trying to understand this kid was like listening to a garbled radio. More work than seemed necessary. Still, he had to give it to the guy, whatever the reason, he was sure committed to it. He wasn't even trying to make it easier for Artemis to understand, just continued on in that damn accent. His eyes watched as he pulled at the pad, well there was that. But still, he just wasn't fully convinced.

Neither was he phased whether the guy believe him to have given him a real name or not, to be honest. He hoped he realised it was fake, it meant they understood each other. Neither of needed to know who the other was to do the job at hand, and that meant no prying. No bullshit trying to get to know each other, the time for jobs like that was long gone. His thoughts flickered to that job he did with Amora and Verus, that had been so much more long-winded than it needed to be. The endless strategizing, the way they pried just a little hard for Artemis liking. It had been a clear definition of how poorly he worked with others. Inspite of all the empty threats and dominance Verus had attempted to establish with him, he never did see him again. Which was a plus in Artemis's book, after all, who wanted to deal with an insufferable idiot who acted like they were in charge. Artemis remembered the way he had threatened to kill him just for flirting with Amora, which was frankly baffling. It wasn't like Amora was really a worthy target, sure she was hot but that was really all she had going for her. Growing up in the wilderness and barely understanding normal social cues. It was just... way to much effort. Not to mention a little dull. Yet in spite of this Verus had acted like Artemis was about to savagely ravish her at any moment, it had taken a lot for Artemis not to make him swallow his teeth for even suggesting something like that.

But alas, all of that, was in the past. That was then, a distant piece of history from his time in Black Rose. Insignificant really, then again, maybe it reflected just how little he fit in there too. First Silver Wolf, then Black Rose, and now Hidden Blades. The key difference being, he didn't really have the option to leave of destroy this guild, it was a part of him. He was stuck with it, regardless of whether it fit him or not.

Mr Shark would nod in response to her admittance of his skills, it wasn't going to be nice, using those abilities. Personally Artemis felt they were pretty invasive all things considered, but what better way to find dirt on someone than to see the sins they'd commited with you're own mind. It wasn't pleasant, but it would damn well do the job. "Sounds good, wife then, maybe the daughter too." He confirmed bluntly, the Shark then went on to answer his follow up question. Deciding on the house, it made sense, if they were to get the job done quickly. Once The Shark had collected his things, Artemis would nod before beginning to 'lead the way' as the Shark had stated.

He already had the house's location learned, Blanche had prepared him a quick discreet route to take. He walked through the streets of Crocus, fortunately it was a place he was pretty familiar with too. Having spent a lot of time in the city growing up. They journeyed for a while, Artemis said nothing, he'd had quite enough of trying to decipher the Shark's accent for now. Plus if you wanted to move quietly, you needed to stay quiet. At least he hoped, that he partner would understand this much. They arrived at the location after over an hour of walking and winding through the streets and alleys. Artemis had been sure to stay in the shadows as much as he could. His armour, although all-concealing didn't do much in the case of blending in. At the very least, he could only hope individuals assume they were just wandering mages. Off to deal with some job or other, which was true. It was just the nature of the job that had a deeper, darker intention.

They approached the house, Artemis stood in the shadows, taking a breathe. He allowed the scents to fill his nose, he could smell them, a few guards. Not too many, most of them were probably with Mr Goodwill himself. It was likely that the guy didn't put too much stock into the risks of someone coming after his family. He was after all a shining example of 'good morals', and people like that tended to be too trusting. He turned to Shark, speaking in a low whisper, "I have a spell that will target several of them at once, but it's risky. If I don't land a hit right, they might have time to alarm eachother. Do you have anything in mind?" He would asked, only to give the guy the oppurtunity to provide a better, more efficient plan if he could. If not Artemis would resort to summoning his orbs, if he timed it right, he might be able to knock them out before they knew what was coming. But as he had told the Shark, it was a risk.

The guy would seem almost amused by his question, asking him if he was willing to uncover her mask and stroll right in. Artemis stiffened slightly; he didn't even need to consider it. He knew his answer, "I'm even less likely to show you my face as you as likely to show me yours. So No, I will do this mission with my face covered." He answered seriously; he wasn't in a position where he could reveal his face. He didn't have a disguise prepared, so it meant taking off his helmet would reveal his real face. Considering who it was, he was representing. It just wasn't worth the repercussions. That was the thing about his guild, even though he was technically in charge, didn't mean he didn't have the same restrictions. Failing to keep his cover and exposing Hidden Blades in any way, shape or form would likely result in his own death. Regardless of his role in the family, he couldn't put it past them. He'd seen what they were capable of, their cold and heartless nature. Even if he was the heir, he knew his replaceability. It was the face of his little brother. If Artemis failed, Ren would simply take his place. They weren't short of heirs that much he had grown to accept.

Mr Shark spoke again; this time it was a little more challenging to interpret the first part. His words were so garbled to Artemis; he could barely make sense of anything other than the word 'Security'. He did get the later part; however, the locations of each of the family members. The daughter on the second floor within the window over, the wife on the first floor, the centre room, and the son was in the room next to the sister. Interesting, Artemis has been able to smell the individuals, but for this guy to figure them out so quickly, by gender and age. Just how the hell did he get such information from just standing here. He was skilled, and Artemis was going to use that to his advantage. Artemis eyed the windows he had mentioned; his sharp eyes spotted that the wife's window was slightly cracked open, suddenly he knew what to do.

"I can get close enough for my ability to have an effect without the risk of them seeing me, I'll find out what I can from the wife and daughter, while you plant evidence. I'll meet you back here after." He said simply. He heard a malicious chuckle in the back of his mind, telling him that Morte was watching anxiously. He knew why. Artemis didn't hide the fact from Morte that he hated reading the sins of others, it was like an intense invasion of privacy, and some of the things he saw were... unforgettable. But his job meant he needed to get information not openly available to the public, and what better way to do that then to rip it from their minds themselves.

Artemis flexed his neck and shoulders; the Shark had already left to handle what he needed to do inside. Artemis's felt the dark magic pool out of his hands, the thorn black vines pushing at his armoured gloves. The gloves shifted, moulding around his magic and creating an opening, pushing through the material and out into the open air. The vines pressed against the ground, lifting his up slightly, and carrying him over the window. He positioned himself to the right of the centre room window on the first floor. Peeking around, he peered through a tiny gap in the curtains. The wife was lying there on her bed, her headphones in, engrossed in a book. There was no security in the room, meaning if they were guarding somewhere, they were most likely outside of her bedroom door. It was an opportune time to use his power.

He called forth the magic from the source inside of him, Morte released it eagerly, allowing it to pour out of his body in a black mist. He stretched it as thinly as he could to make it less noticeable, allowing it to creep around the room, sticking to the shadows made the furniture and the like. It manoeuvred itself way over the headboard and seeped slowly over the woman. She let out a small gasp as her mind drifted into her subconscious and Artemis began exploring her thoughts. Her sins came rushing forward, like a wave of memories, starting small. Like the time she had pickpocketed a toy as a child, or the time she cheated on her high school boyfriend with her teacher. Little things, but not enough to sabotage her current husband. He needed something worse; he needed to go deeper. He pushed forward, feeling the uncomfortable probing sensation of forcing himself into her mind. He had to be careful, if he used his magic too forcefully, he could break her, and she would start screaming. This magic was designed to cause suffering, to show you your worse sins and nightmares, to riddle you with guilt. Using it this way was strange; he usually just blasted people with it as a means of rendering them immobile. This was the first time he had actually tried to learn something from it. A face came into the woman's mind, a man, they were talking in hushed tones. Something about... a charity, the GFTP, he'd heard of it. It was listed under one of his charity organisations, Goodwill for the People, they provided funding for homeless shelters and paid medical expenses for the less fortunate unable to cover the cost.

"And Stephen doesn't know?"

"No ma'am, the payments are listed under a guise of medicinal goods imported from Minstrel used to provide treatment for our registered patients."

"Good, I can't have him know, Stephen is kind and caring when it comes to the people, but he so easily forgets about our needs. I need to ensure my families well-being... even if it means resorting to this."

The conversation went on, but Artemis didn't need to hear much more, he got the details of the offshore account along with. He knew what he needed to; he withdrew his 'Sinner's Revelation' and used his vines to manoeuvre himself to where he was discreetly. As the Shark joined him moments later, explaining about the set up he had left. So he just... killed someone. It was a pretty strange thing, to have him so casually admit to murdering someone and setting someone else up. Artemis swallowed, but then again, wasn't that also what Deleronark did? These people... these assassins, they were just used to this. Did that make it ok?

He heard his suggestion and shook his head, "I learned what I need from the wife, didn't even need the daughter in the end. The wife has been using one of Goodwill's charities as a means of embezzling jewels for herself. We can just hand this information over the publishers and along with the set up you just laid, Goodwill's campaign will be crushed and our mission successful." He said, it was strange, the words he was saying. He sounded so cold...so heartless, even to himself. Was this job changing him? He began to move, walking along, he thought about it. Still, maybe he could learn a thing or two from this 'Shark' guy, he had handled the task pretty expertly. In fact, from his perspective, the guy was an ideal candidate for his guild, despite his ridiculous accent. He stopped, "Mr Shark, This may be sudden, but I'd like to offer you a proposal. You see, I am the leader of a certain... underground organisation, we often handle jobs like these, you know things that involve 'discretion'. The skills you've shown are... impressive to say the least. We could certainly use someone with such valuable skills as yourself. Of course, the position would come with its own perks too; you would be paid handsomely for your work. I'm sure freelancing this type of career can't be easy, should you be interested, you would have unlimited access to jobs. Additionally, we provide any support you might currently be lacking. Of course, if you're not interested I understand, however... it would be a real shame. Why swim in a pond, when you can enjoy the whole ocean, wouldn't you agree, Mr Shark?" The offer was out there, his father might be a little annoyed that he decided to recruit someone without having them investigated first. But then again, this way HIS guild, maybe it would be a little easier if he just took charge..