"A horse? Seems like you're in the wrong city, girl," he said over his shoulder. "You'll probably be having to go to that hot, dry Desierto country to get a horse. Did someone tell you you could get a horse in Motor City? They were just befuddling your mind, blondie. But don't worry, if you stick with me, I'll make sure you don't get cheated."
Nita appeared the picture of innocent surprise. "Why are we saying anything about buying horses? I don't believe I made any mention of buying horses."
"Forgetting things now, are we?" the cab driver asked, now convinced his passenger was a stereotypical airhead. "Wasn't it you who said you came here to buy a horse?" Nita giggled in amusement. "No, silly. My mission in this city regards the wellbeing of a horse." The man scoffed. "What? You expect that you'll find a vet doctor here in Motor City? It's best if you let someone like me--" Nita interrupted him by bursting into laughter. "You're one of the most amusing cab drivers I have ever met. No one ever said anything about vets, you darling dunderhead. I want to get a tractor engine. My client's horse has been overworked since his tractor's engine got knocked. So I came here to get an engine to relieve the poor horse. What else did you think I was talking about?" It was all a lie, though; Nita was not here to save the back of any beast of burden.
And the rest of the journey was spent with the cab driver foolishly trying to prove his intelligence with words, only to end up having Nita make him blunder in his understanding of her comments, which resulted in her laughing at him. By the time the cab arrived at the Garage, those who saw the vehicle arrive wondered why the driver was red in the face, and his passenger was looking tickled pink. He almost even drove off without collecting his pay. As the Pergrandian chuckled to herself, a man dressed in a full suit and sunglasses walked up to her. "Nita Fortune? The boss would like to see you." She looked the man up and down, "Well, you aren't looking bad yourself, but isn't it a little too hot to be wearing a tie?" There was a stony silence. "Lead the way, then," the Luminous Rose mage said with a laugh, falling in step behind him.
The man in the suit led her to where three other similarly dressed individuals stood around a very much shorter man (shorter than her even), who was dressed like them, except that everything he wore was all white. "Nita Fortune?" he asked. "You don't look anything like I expected. I thought a highly ranked mage would look more fearsome." She responded with a nonchalant shrug. "Same goes for you, Mr. Criceto. I was told you were a man of high standing, and I'm afraid I can jump over you, literally." There was a moment of silence, as one of the man's guards reached into his suit. But Mr. Criceto burst into laughter, nodding his head. "Touche!" he said waving his hand dismissively at the guard who had reached for whatever hidden device. Nita grinned and winked at the guard. He was as responsive as a pebble. "I like spirited people," Criceto was saying, as he began to walk. "This way, Ms. Fortune."
The Pergrandian followed him, the two of them flanked by the four bodyguards. "One of my best engineers came up with this neat engine idea. I'm no grease monkey, but hearing him describe it made even me interested in seeing the wonders of this engine. He's built it, and we're currently fitting it into a racecar, as there's going to be a major race tomorrow. This car will be driven with all my bets on it. With the things I have seen and heard about this engine, and the quality of my racer, this race is as good as won. However, I have realized that some elements do not want me to win this race, which would be rather unfortunate, were such a thing to happen. which is why I have spared no expense in acquiring the services of a powerful mage, such as yourself. Your job is to ensure that the engine is not stolen until tomorrow, when the race happens. And I will ensure you get your money; maybe even a bonus, if you impress me."
"I always aim to please, Mr. Criceto."
WC: 929
@Willow
Last edited by Fraag on 23rd March 2022, 9:32 pm; edited 1 time in total