Board Thread:Role Plays/@comment-5999656-20161216022828/@comment-5999656-20161226044623

Zanipher had changed into an outfit that was more suited for physical activity without being too nonconforming. She'd elected to go with a black leather jacket and navy jeggings topped with a baseball cap, heeled sneakers, and shades, the kind of look which the Syndicate preferred (though without the logo, of course), one which said, "Leave me alone, I'm attractive and I'm busy". She'd tied her hair back into a low ponytail.

She was diriving towards the gym when her Scroll buzzed. A quick check confirmed the best outcome: the kids were there right now. But it would take her another five minutes to get there, so hopefully Diaboli could keep them busy until she arrived.

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"Bernie," Automne called out, bursting through the doorway just to see her partner moving around several rows of adults, correcting their stances as they went through the forms he'd been teaching them. He glanced up, seeing how breathless she was.

"Five minute water break, everyone," he called out, before quickly making his way to her.

"What's wrong?"

"Resper found a Syndicate employee and was following her with the drone, but she and her friend saw it and took it down," she said quickly, the words tumbling out one after another.

Bernie cringed.

"That's embarrassing. I bet -"

"That's not the problem though. I know this sounds crazy, but both of em, they're mob bosses. We overheard most of their conversation. They control the Nine Dragons of Vale and the Patched. And she knows about Fen."

Bernie paused, and his attention snapped onto the Faunus. A local of Vale, he'd heard his fair share about the mafia. The Patched, he'd never heard of, but the Dragons... if they'd gotten caught going after Vale's most infamous crime group, then they were in big trouble. And if the Dragons were in cahoots with a second underworld faction, then this was...

"Did they see you?" he said sharply.

"No, we were in an apartment when they took our drone down."

Automne was on edge. All they'd wanted was to find where Fen was, but they'd smacked into a web of shadows. But, if that was where Fen was, did they have a choice but to go deeper?

"Resper and I split up so we could get everyone together. We'll meet up at his place."

Bernie looked hard at Automne, then sighed. Turning back to his class, he called out.

"Sorry guys, I've got a family emergency. You guys can practice with each other till the hour's over. I'll hold a longer session next time to make up for it."

The two teenagers left the back room and made for the main exit. Automne's eyes fixed upon the desk lady, who was eyeing the two rather uncomfortably. When they passed in front of her, she spoke.

"Bernie, Automne, there's a detective here who says he wants to speak with you. He's over there," she said, gesturing with her pen.

The two followed her direction and saw Diaboli making his way around the room. Automne narrowed her eyes at the man. They hadn't done anything, so why was he here? But that bright white streaked hair... could it be?

"We'll talk to him outside," she said firmly, before taking ahold of Bernhardt's arm and tugging him out the door.

At that moment, Zanipher pulled up to the parking lot in her black sports car, and stepped out with the air of someone very short on humor.