WC : 600/1000 | Soloing | Outfit

Étaoin once again stepped into the streets of Crimson Quarter, this time though they were dressed not to impress, but to not be bothered, after all usually they only step into this area if it meant helping out Suzumi-san, but this time it was a whole new level, and Étaoin wasn’t sure if they were prepared for whatever task they had intentionally taken on. Glancing down at the sheet of paper with instructions written on it, in what was actually extremely neat handwriting, that had Éta slightly jealous considering that their handwriting was god awful handwriting to the point where they could barely read it themselves. God forbid anyone who receives a notice or letter from Étaoin in the future. Sighing they soon made their way to the location given to them.

Nervous? A big giant YES, was that going to stop them? Hell no!

This was after all their first proper solo mission, in Étaoin’s opinion. As much as they appreciated Azure, with this mission, it was proof that, yes, Éta could look after themselves, and not have to rely on someone constantly. Shaking their head, Étaoin scanned over the information given to them. So they had to find this gang or whatever and uncover their secret dealings?

'Now why would I do that?' Snorting at the request, Étaoin just stepped into the strange so-called ‘base’ that the gang hung around in apparently. “Lovely place you guys have here… Could do with a bit of a tidy up though~”

“Who’s this brat?”

“I’m whoever you want me to be… Girl, boy… Someone to take home, and prove to mother dearest that you can snatch up a doll despite yer looks and attitude.”

“You should watch yourself kid, speaking like that is dangerous around this part. You could easily just disappear.”

“Oh scary... “ Éta fake trembled before letting out a snarky chuckle. “I know these areas like the back of my hand, big boy. Don't patronise me.”

“Enough.” Purple turned to the voice, before staring at the man.
“What’s your business kid?”

“Oh I don't know… This maybe?” Showing the notice, Éta raised their hands shrugging at the man. “You guys have a hefty price on your heads, and I’m willing to bet that you don't want to find out what happens if you are caught by officials right?”

“What’s your gain?”

“What everyone’s gain would be in this rotten world.” Raising their hand, Étaoin rubbed their thumb against their forefinger and middle finger. “Money, honey~”

“You have quite the mouth.”

“So I’ve been told.” A sly smile laced Étaoin’s lips at those words, it’s gotten to the point where lying about things has become a necessity after running away from Cael. “I could probably also lie my way out of failing this request if I wanted, but only for the right price.”

“No hiding just for a sneak attack to happen?”

“Nah that means obeying the law and that really seems to not be my style lately, or ever.”

“So what do you plan on doing then?”

Shrugging, Étaoin wandered around the layout of the allotment, glancing at the barrels and crates of weapons, and unknown liquids. There was a lot there to uncover that could get these guys in a good ol’ lot of trouble, but that would be hypocritical considering where Étaoin’s rested when it came to obeying the law, and that was on the wrong side of it. Good just did not seem to run in Étaoin’s veins one bit, ever since they were little, it just didn’t work for them. Is it a loss? Nah.

WC : 1435/1000 | Soloing | Outfit

The guild they were in for one was probably not the best starter. Then there were those accidental deaths that just suddenly happened when they were in the mines with Azure. Misfortune and Étaoin just always seemed to happen, it wasn’t their fault. Honest. Tilting their head towards the leader, or who they assumed to be the leader, a grin laced Étaoin’s lips.

“Here’s the deal, I tell a little white lie, and you pay me a little extra than what it says on that sheet. I get my money, you get off scot free, and the law doesn't need to know about you smuggling these not so legal weapons from Caelum into Hosenka?” Blinking, Étaoin nodded as well, “Also it’s really helpful that you all speak Caelese… Jus’cause my Fiorian is horrendous.”

“How do you know it’s Caelum?”

“Ahh now that would be letting on secrets that you aren’t paying me enough for.”

“You are a stubborn one kid.” The man sighed looking around all the stock that was sitting around them. It would be bad if they did get caught. “Fine. You have yerself a deal. Tell that white lie and I’ll pay you more than being offered.”

“Pleasure doing business big guy.” Stepping up to him, Étaoin pulled out a small slip of paper. “Send my half here and you’ll be as good as gold itself. No officials bullying you this week, scouts honour.”

“Wait. How do we know, this kid ain't gonna swindle us, and actually tell the truth?”

“Me… Tell the truth.” Étaoin gasped, setting a hand over their heart. “Would a cutie like me, ever lie to a big guy like yerself?”

“W-Well, what if this is just an act!”

Étaoin sighed, obviously this guy was an idiot and too paranoid. Étaoin didn’t want to get their hands dirty but from the looks of things, if this guy didn't shut his goddamn mouth, that might have to happen, and really that would just bring misfortune upon Éta themselves because it meant losing the trust of the leader, and it isn’t something that they needed to accomplish at all!

“Look! Send the payment to that account, I’ll make sure you don't get caught smuggling your useless crap into Hosenka.” Turning back to the leader, Étaoin gave them a stern look, shoving their hands into their pocket. “I get what I want, you make whoever you are doing this for, happy. No bloodshed or injuries. We all walk away perfectly healthy… well, I do anyway.”

“What’s that meant to mean?”

“Well, if your buddy doesn't stop being a paranoid dipshit, he might not gain any goddamn scars. There are many sharp items around, and I am quite fond of the colour red.”

“Seriously, kids these days.”

A snarl left Étaoin at those words. They were not a kid! In fact they were almost a goddamn adult! If this continued, red was going to be shown, no matter if they got paid or not. A tired sigh left the leader, before he turned to his men, and bellowed out in a deep commanding tone. It slightly frightened Étaoin, but they were too wound up from being referred to as a child so much in the interaction to care about the fear.

“Stand down you idiot.” Turning back to Étaoin, he soon handed the mage a note. “Call this number when you have done your end of the deal, then I shall transfer the money.”

“Fine.”

Snatching the paper, Étaoin soon turned and walked away, they’d just phone the guy whilst explaining what went down. Éta was pretty sure the client was waiting for them on the edge of Crimson anyway, so they had time to phone before arriving, and once they would arrive, Étaoin stood in front of the man, explaining that the warehouse that he had given them strict instructions to locate was in fact completely empty. No stock to be found, no signs of markings indicating stock being moved in a rush or anything of the sort, no leads to if someone had leaked that they were onto the gang either. Zilch leads on anything. Étaoin just stood there as the man went on to having his little tantrum about failing his boss on finding a lead, before sending Étaoin on they’re way with a hint of disgust, neither agreeing or disagreeing to give them what they were promised, despite failing to find anything, which just had Étaoin almost telling the man to go do one, and die, but they refrain themselves from doing said thing, and just growled at the man, before walking away.Once they were far enough, Étaoin just muttered to the man on the other end, leaning against the wall of the alley they were hiding in.

“Happy now?”

“Well time to keep our end. Rynn.”

“Tch. Whatever. Laters big guy.”

Hanging up, Étaoin just pulled their hood over their head and decided to just go back to their hotel and sleep this freak hazard away.