When Two is One The Drowning Crew

ChelonianCommander

ChelonianCommander

Strength of Steel, Will of Iron
The Drowning Crew is a shady hive of scum and villainy, but even so is the local watering hole for the Grounders. Most Grounders come here to forget about life for a while with cheap escorts and cheap drink. It doesn't help that usually half of what a Grounder earns in a day will end up in the Crow's beak.
 
A new day arrives as the sun rises above the towering smokestacks of the factories. People who make their living literally waking up other people to make sure the workers won't miss work. They leave as quickly as they arrive. The Grounders don't get much daily information as the Commons or Royals, but what some do know is that a Foreman by the name of Johnathan Baker and a Drowned Crew dancer named Mary Callai went missing about a week ago. Now the Guard is a bit riled up, or at least more then usual. Still despite the increased patrols and random shakedowns, the Guardsmen still didn't do much to solve the problem. Only add to the difficulties of the Grounders.
 
Lucius cast a sidelong glance as his partner's pace began to slow ever so slightly. What was his deal? Must be this damn air, he thought. Having lived here for a good portion of his life Lucius understood the complications. The smog, the shallow air that filled the spaces between each group of degenerates milling about with a sense of impending nothingness. At some point it starts to weight you down and it could certainly do a number on a man's conscience. A flash of teeth jolted him from his thoughts and he found himself staring into a massive grin that could've blinded the sun. Something about it seemed... was it forced? The man seemed determined to constantly present himself as a positive person and frankly Lucius didn't understand why this was.

A burst of sunlight flared in his vision. Glancing up he found the origin of this sudden flash- the facade of the Drowning Crew. It was a mixture of steel and grime, although nowadays it was more of the latter as the steel began to rust away and the grime just piled on. Suddenly remembering his past visits to the Grounds District's favorite watering hole Lucius stopped and stepped to the side of the doorway, grabbing Karsin by the arm and pulling him along. Despite his broad and burly build his touch was surprisingly gentle and there was nothing aggressive to be perceived from it. He seemed a bit on edge and he made eye contact with the younger man. "You ever been here before?" It was a simple question and from another person's tongue it could've been smalltalk. Yet from this tongue in particular it was dead serious and his steely eyes were even more severe than before. His tone was stern as it was during their brief questioning back at Karsin's place yet there was an unmistakable, albeit underlying, hint of worry in the urgency of his articulation. With steel in his eyes he waited expectantly.
 
Karsin did his best to keep his grin there but it fading away as he saw the actual building. It looked much dirtier than he remembered and without warning Lucius suddenly grabbed him by the arm and yanked him aside, asking if he had been there before with upmost urgency. “Yah a couple of times, not recently though” he explained his tone showing his confusion. He knew the Grounders area wasn’t the safest of areas but nothing to install this sort of worry, or at least nothing he knew of.
 
Realizing how absurd he must look he released his grip on Karsin’s arm and tried his best to present a calm demeanor. Yet his eyes remained hard as steel and his lips were drawn tight. “You know how to use one of these?” In his now extended hand was a revolver, short, silver, and inconspicuous. Bullets were already loaded into the six cartridges of the revolving barrel. Not wasting any time on awaiting a response he shoved the gun into Karsin’s hand and brushed a side of his jacket back to reveal a larger revolver tucked into the waist of his slacks. “Keep it concealed, but keep it handy.” His eyes shot up and from one side to the other before back towards Karsin. “Watch my back. If shit goes south follow my lead.”

And that was all he said on the matter. He made no mention of his previous affairs at this establishment almost a decade prior. If it wasn’t bad enough that the joint had a notorious reputation, it also had a history with Lucius. He’d been doing a security job for a major drug dealer in the area, acting as the man’s bodyguard, when gunfire broke out. A maelstrom of bullets had torn through the patrons and when it was finally over Lucius was the only survivor. His employer and his friend who’d accompanied him on this particular job died along with everyone else in the bar. All these years later he still remembered what people of this sort could do and were sometimes willing to do. That would not happen again.
 
Karsin glanced down at the gun in his hands, eyes visibly feaful as he carefully shoved the thing deep into his pockets. He had never used a gun before but he had definitely seen it used before, and that was enough experience in his opinion, but staying silent he trudged in alongside Lucius. The pub was a good deal emptier than when Karsin had last been here, and as he stepped in front of Lucius and pulled the door open everyone looked towards them. He gave a nervous smile as he stepped inside Lucius right behind him, and making sure not to make eye contact with anyone he swiftly made a Bee line for an empty stool. With the upmost of grace he slide onto the spinning stool nearly sliding off but just managing to catch himself, and he rested his arm on the counter, the gloved fingers of his right hand thrumming rhythmically against the wood. Turning his head back towards Lucius he nodded towards the stool beside him, the few people in the bar stared at them most not of good intent.
 
The stares engulfing the two radiated from hollow sockets set in pale faces. Any hope of the place looking better on the inside was dashed as soon as they entered and it was clear that the hospitality ended at the door. The people that came here did so not because of the quality, but from lack of an alternative.

Lucius made sure not to shrink away from their gazes, though he did his best to ignore them. As he turned to the barkeep their stripped necks turned back to their drinks and the buzz of drunken recreation returned. He absentmindedly ordered a whiskey and eyed the patrons in his peripheral vision.
 
Karsin waved over the bar keeper and as Lucius ordered himself a whisky Karsin just asked for a basket of fries and a glass of water before turning to face Lucius. “Have you been here before or are you new?” He asked casually as the bar tender slid over their drinks and Karsin’s fries before returning to a large case of glasses and polishing them. Karsin picked up one of the fries and ate it thoughtfully before cringing back at the excessive amount of salt, and pulling Liz out of his pocket and setting him on the counter he offered to frie to the small lizard instead.
 
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Ignoring the fries Lucius continued to eye the crowd as if he expected them to attack at any moment. A soft crunch sounded from the floor as Asher nibbled at fries that had fallen from the basket. “Oh I’ve been here,” he replied, not taking his eyes off the patrons. Realizing how suspicious he might’ve seemed he took a deep swig and sighed. Finally, he turned his attention to Karsin trying to act natural. “I used to live here, ya know. The Grounds District I mean. Came here every week.”

After a moment of staring at something far off in the bottom of his glass Lucius called over the barkeep. His voice was low but resonated deeply in the space between the two men. “Mind if I ask a few questions?” The barkeep remained silent so he continued. “It’s about the recent disappearances of one Mr-“
The bartender shook his head and spoke in a hush tone. “No, no we don’t want any trouble now.”
Despite the rejection he pressed on. “Listen man, you’re the barkeep- if anyone knew the victims, one of which danced here, it’s you. So what’s it gonna be, ya gonna make this easy on us or what?”
The barkeep’s face was flushed and his fists were clenched tight. “Get out of here right now!”
Lucius sighed, appearing much calmer than the barkeep. “I’m afraid that’s not gonna work for my partner and I,” he said, gesturing to Karsin in the stool beside him.
The barkeep whirled on Karsin and, drawing a rusty knife from under the bar, thrust the jagged blade in Karsin’s direction. But Lucius was expecting this before they had even entered, knowing very well the way of grounders. Reacting fast he slammed the barkeep’s outstretched arm down onto the bar, pinning it there. With his other hand he clutched the man’s collar and pulled his face down hard onto the bar. Releasing the man’s arm he drew his gun in a blur and leveled it at his forehead, rising from his stool as he did so. Astonished gasps and a murmur of hushed whispers radiated throughout the bar. Through drawn lips Lucius released a slow, deliberate breath. “Now...let’s talk.”
 
It took all of Karsin’s will to not flinch away at the knife and instead he let Lucius do the talking. His fingers gripped around the gun in his pocket and he shakily pulled it out and pointed it at the bartender attempting to look threating. The bartender looked up at Lucius eyes panicked before he quickly blurted out, “Fine fine!lets do it outside alright?” He pleaded and Karsin gently pushed Lucius’s hand off of the man’s arm and grabbed him firmly by the shoulder. “It will probably be safer outside” Karsin said as he guided the man out from behind the counter his large hands holding firmly onto the Bartenders arm his gun still pointed shakily at his head. “Less crowed” he explained trying to sound calm and collected but his obvious fear was seeping out of his voice. He didn’t like holding a gun to anyone’s head in fact he didn’t even want to be holding a gun but after having a knife to his neck Karsin was considerably less nervous.
 
As Karsin escorted the barkeep outside Lucius watched from a few paces behind. He couldn’t help but wonder about this kid. While seemingly too soft-hearted at first he’d actually handled himself quite well back there. Relatively calm, didn’t panic, and had even taken control after he’d disarmed the barkeep. Perhaps he’d misjudged Karsin after all. Of course he’d need a little work but maybe his presence would help this investigation rather than deter it as Lucius feared it would.

Following the younger man outside he was well aware of the stares that followed them out the door. The barkeep was taken to the side of the bar where they were given complete privacy. Lucius cleared his breath and approached the man. “I trust you’re feeling a little more... talkative. So, what do you know about Mary Callai?”
 
The man kept his mouth shut his eyes darting around fearfully and Karsin squeezed his arm a little harder making the man Yelp. “All I kn-now is that one d-day around 3 ish she s-said she had to leave early and and didn’t come back the next day.” He explained the words tumbling out of his mouth his eyes darting between Lucius and Karsin, or more specifically their guns. “Does she have a family that you know of?” Karsin asked the trembling man. It was quite strange to see someone much taller than him and older for that matter, trembling in his hands and Karsin cringed as he thought about this.
 
As Karsin carried on with his interrogation Lucius was content with sitting back and observing the scene, allowing himself to stand in imposing silence. In fact, he was actually getting quite the kick out of this. For such a serious guy the transformation Karsin had gone through in the short time he'd known him- from grinning, teenage local to badass detective- was quite a hoot. And to see the barkeep trembling in fear at this boy who grinned like an idiot- priceless. Yet, the cringe did not pass unnoticed. The boy wasn't cold-blooded just yet and perhaps that was a good thing. Lucius didn't need any more of that in his life. Perhaps what he needed was a partner who knew when to exhibit restraint for he himself was not always certain.

Returning his mind to the actual investigation Lucius tuned into the barkeep's reply. "I don't know. I-I don't know. I swear I don't. That's the truth you have to believe me." His stutter had noticeably disappeared. People often found their tongues once they realized the true gravity of the situation. However, his face was beat red and his cotton shirt clung to his perspiration.

"Alright, alright," Lucius waved a hand absentmindedly. "And the gentleman, this Mr. Baker. You know him? He ever get thirsty?"
 
Bartender glanced back at their guns before letting out a defeated sigh, “Ya I know him, he was regular here. Ya know funny thing is, I remember him leaving about the same time on the same day that Mary left, didn’t even pay his tab before bolting” he explained his gruff voice taking on a more suspicious tone though this didn’t last long as Karsin suddenly let go of his arm, startling the man in the process. “You hold him.” He muttered tossing the man in Lucius direction as he shoved both hands and his gun in his pockets. Liz who had been peacefully resting in Karsin’s pocket climbed out and up his arm to rest in his shoulder. Karsin had let go of the Bartender as a horrible guilt began to creep through him as he watched the man tremble from fear, fear of him. Sure he wasn’t always a bubbly happy go lucky guy, but to have someone fear him, it wasn’t something he really liked.
 
Although he didn’t have much of a say in the matter, Lucius caught hold of the barkeep and held him firmly by the arm. “Yeah, sure thing kid.” He released his grasp on the man, but the weight of his steely eyes held him firmly in place. “Now you best get back inside. Tsss,” he said, tilting his head back towards the bar.

As the barkeep raced inside Lucius turned his gaze on Karsin, though the steel in his eyes seemed to have melted away as he did so. “You alright kid? I’m sure this isn’t something you’re used to... but it gets easier. This part of the job is always difficult, but it’s important to remember that we’re a necessary force out here. No one gives a shit about these disappearances expect us. We have to do what’s necessary.” As the word “we” escaped his mouth Lucius realized there was something more he needed to say. “Sooo... back there you handled yourself pretty well. You remained calm, focused, took charge, and we got the job done. We have what we came here for: a new lead. Now that I have a heading I realize this may not be a job for a lone wolf. That perhaps what I need is... a partner. And I guess what I’m getting at is that I think you’ve got what it takes. I want you to be my partner, at least for the rest of this investigation. See how it suits you.”
 
Karsin listened to Lucius absentminded but his attention was suddenly pulled as Lucius mentioned the word “Partner”. At once Karsin’s eyes lit up in a mixture of joy and shock, “Uh sure!” He exclaimed his enthusiasm seeping out of his voice, though his quickly smothered it as he put on a more serious smile, “I mean, Yes”. He knew that Lucius didn’t really like him when he was really childish and overally positive and not wanting to lose this new found respect he quickly calmed his tone down. “So where should we go now?” He asked his guilt and original displeasure quickly disappearing as it was replaced by a new found excitement and nervousness. ((Man Karsin sure changes mood fast XD))
 
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For a brief moment Lucius stood in silence with a blank face, taking the time to take in the magnitude of what had just happened. This was new territory for him and he was uncertain of how to proceed. He started with a smile. It was a bright, genuine smile that glew under his ginger beard. “Glad to hear it!” He clapped Karsin on the shoulder and turned towards the road.

“Hmmm,” he pondered over the words of the barkeep. Truth be told he hadn’t left them with much of anything. “Well we know they were here shortly before their disappearance. We should investigate the other major areas here in the Grounds District, see if anyone has a clue of anything. We need to get to know the victims. Perhaps there’s a reason as to why they were taken.” He stroked his beard for a second before adding, “Lets start with the church. It’s a local hub of activity, surely someone would’ve seen them if they were indeed there.
 
Karsin nodded not really trusting himself to say anything else without blurting out his utter excitement. Instead he just reached into his overall pocket and moving the fun aside he pulled out a small pocket knife and a half finished wooden carving, it seemed to be that of a woman but it was hard to tell. “Here follow me, I know a pretty short way there” Karsin explained, though he kept to himself the fact that the shortcut wasn’t much shorter than the normal path as the church was almost all the way across the town. As he started to walk Karsin carefully carved the wood, his knife easily slicing off pieces of the wood, Karsin fully in control of it. Carving had always been a favourite hobby of his, s before he was old enough to use a real wood tool he had used kitchen knifes and would carve little figures using scrapped chair legs, it was calming and as the general excitement of Lucius last statement wore off the nervousness began to creep in and take it’s place.
 
As Karsin sliced away at the wood carving with expert precision Lucius stared in wonder, perplexed by the speed at which he worked and yet still managed to create the desired aesthetic. He himself pulled out a cigarette and lit the end before taking a lengthy puff, blowing smoke up into the blinding, midday sky. He would’ve offered one to his partner, but something told him the boy would prefer his wood to a smoke.

Lucius broke the silence like a window pane, shattering it into millions of fragmented pieces. He coughed up a plume of smoke and cleared his throat. “So... what do you do here? In the Grounds District?”
 
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