Colors of Remnant

The past few weeks for Castor have been nothing but one shit show after the other, losing the Beacon academy tournament was bad enough, but he was still reeling in what had happened in his little away mission. All of it just confirmed what had been readily obvious to himself, neglecting his studies and more importantly training nearly cost him his life. At least though his was rewarded with a name…title would be more accurate on who he was finally following.

Enough about that, for now Castor had to focus on his current “job”, only reason he was able to make it this far was due to his connections within the Guede “family.” While not an official member of their group the Guede crime family has provided him with ample support on his little “adventures.” In return Castor has helped them in return, whether it was the odd job here and there, though in most cases it involved putting up with mama’s Brigette’s favorite “golden” child…In an instant Castor’s skin crawled. This current job has him posing as one of many staff members in one of the few hotels not “working with” them. From what little info Castor could remember it was the host of a large business conference of sorts for much of the underworld community. On the outside of course it looked like any other gathering of different companies talking and doing their usual activities. The hotel in question certainly had the flair to host one, Castor noted the hotel looked like it had more in common with mistral in its design than anything normally found in Vacuo.

Castor scratched his head trying to remember the details on what and why this place was so important, but after a few moments he shrugged with a sigh. What and why aren’t important, what was important was Castor’s target.

What would that target would be? Well, it’s the deed to the hotel’s land of course! What did the Guede family want with it? Castor did not know and more importantly didn’t really care. This was just another job to him in the end. Luckily finding his way around the place proved easier…and much harder than expected. Thanks to the uniforms being provided he and the other staff were all dressed in dark blue suits along so Castor, for the most part, looked like any other worker there, given the “conference” being held it was easy to pose as an extra temp worker. The hard part came with just how massive the hotel itself was.

Castor was slumped on how to proceed in the middle of his “break” castor buried his mind in thoughts on how to proceed next “the one time I actually need help and that bastard is off to do who knows what.” He through to himself, tonight was the last night for the conference, so he had to get his hands on that deed.

August still wasn't entirely sure of the staff uniform, too little style for his own tastes. He tugged at the uncomfortable collar as he recalled some of what B.Bee had informed him of the conference, it being mostly a gathering of underworld contacts. He had been warned to not kick the Grimm's nest, draw attention to either himself or B.Bee and that the items that were needed were on the list that August had memorised by this point. Various types of Dust, some untraceable money and various different parts and components for weapons and other tools.

'Man this place is huge though.' August thought to himself as he walked the corridors with a level of confidence he didn't really have. At least he had a map to get around with, though he was having to recall it from memory at this point, since walking around with a map in hand is a good way to get caught out. The break room should be around here somewhere... August turned one of the many identical corners of the hotel and stopped in front of a rather plain door, at least compared to the richness of the rest of the hotel. With a final flick of his ears, listening for any footsteps, he pushed the door open and stepped in.

Oh good, he managed to find the right room, now there should be a locker in here somewhere. He cast his gaze around, looking for the 'marked' locker, noticing a young man absorbed in his own thoughts. Crap, he still hadn't found the locker and if he took too long the other staffer might become suspicious of him. Nothing for it, he'll have to speak up to try and bleed any suspicion.

"Hey? You alright?" August moved over a little, approaching conversation range whilst still looking out for the marked locker... which was right in front of the young man.... damn. That complicated things just a little, especially as B.bee said no one should be on break at this time... he needed the code breaker in that locker so he could gain access to the hotel vault without causing a ruckus. Better just continue the conversation for now and look for an opportunity to grab it later.

Castor was quickly losing patience with just how fast this job of his was going nowhere, if he did not start making some progress one of the other crime families’ goons would be him to it. He already noticed a few of them among the staff as we did, though a few of them seemed to have already been kicked out partially due to them sticking out like sore thumbs but more importantly due to one persistent thorn in everyone’s collective side. With a shrill voice so nail biting sharp and loud it could wake and kill the dead all over came the voice of the assistant manager of the hotel. It was a frail old woman who by the look of it all her energy comes from the spite she felt for the world and those around it, that or potentially the little amount of joy when it came to mistreating her employees. She has seemingly popped out nowhere behind Castor and seemingly another staff member who had just entered the break room, Castor started to wonder how long the other staff member was there but before he could even say anything the old corpse of a manager waddled he way through swearing up a storm on why both of them weren’t working and how she had half a mind of firing both of them if they didn’t get their crap together and head back to and clean up the mess made by one of the “guests.” Castor had half a mind of knocking her out…and with that came a sinister idea creeping into his mind. Of course he wouldn’t put his hand of a nearly half dead lady…but if something were to happen to her, like if a can deodorant suddenly followed itself rolled under one of her feet as she walked away caused to fall face first into the locker he was just behind a few moments ago…well it’s not his fault gravity work the way it does? With a matter of seconds, he enacted his plan which played out exactly he thought it would…almost save for the fact he didn’t expect the locker to be made so poorly that the small metal door fell off it’s hinges as her face slide down to the ground. Castor would have hoped either the other staff member was either to lazy to notice what he did or didn’t care enough about the now unconscious assistant manager to start a scene. To play It safe though “can you get a medic over here for her? Looks like she took a nasty fall” he said without a hint of genuine concern. Almost like he was glad the banshee of a woman was finally able to shut up and his ears could enjoy some peace and quiet, In the corner of eye Castor caught something inside what was left of the locker?

August winced at the high pitched screeching of the assistant manager who apparently had the ability to appear wherever she was least expected. He was pretty sure he had left the old hag behind corridors ago, but here she is. He considered dropping one of his limited supply of flashbangs, just for fun. Suddenly the old hag tripped, the sound of something skittering across the floor as she face-planted the locker he was stood near. Ouch. As she slid to the floor, the locker door she had had a rather intimate experience with moments prior swung open.

“Can you get a medic over here for her? Looks like she took a nasty fall.”

August slowly made eye contact with the young man, holding eye contact for a moment before letting out a low chuckle. "Hehehe... Oh man you probably have no idea how much I've wanted something to happen to her all evening... Sorry to disappoint though, I don't know where the nearest first aider is." August pauses for a moment before his gaze drops to the prone woman. "On second thoughts, I'm pretty sure it's her..." August looked back up, with a growing smirk on his face, noticing the young man's gaze fixed off to the side, as if he was looking at...

He starts, turning to look at the locker, finally noticing the door swinging open with it's contents free for all to see. Within the locker is what could best be described as a gadget, a small screen with a keypad and several cables with various different connectors to account for various different ports. He panicked, picking up and storing the code breaker with his semblance, it disappearing from the locker. He froze, already hearing B.Bee giving him a lecture about panicking while trying to work undercover...

"Alright... I've appeared to have played my hand." August flicked his ears in the direction of the young man, his gaze following a moment later. "Buuuut... If I'm reading this situation..." He waved his hands between the prone woman and the young man. "... properly. I'm guessing you're also not a member of staff?" The smirked that had returned to his face as he spoke continued into a full grin, as he waited for the young man's response.

Castor couldn’t help but bask in the glory of the destruction he caused, granted he was…mostly sure the old hag was alright, more importantly he couldn’t help but chuckle when the other staff member showed no concern for said hag’s health. His suspicions were all but confirmed when the other staff members grabbed the strange device from the newly opened locker and in a moment the item disappeared as if an invisible monster ate it. Castor did not immediately answer him, but soon realized he could use this to his advantage “no and lets be honest no amount of cash would make this job worth dealing with.” He would walk towards his fellow would be thief with a hand towards them “so what do you say to a truce, as we split the loot fifty-fifty?” Castor figured whatever object the man was so desperate to get could be key to getting into vault? Was it a gamble? sure but it beat trying to force a fight, cause a commotion and ruin the night for everyone. Besides, in the worst-case scenario Castor would just backstab them and make off with his true prize and some extra loot like the true bandit basted he was. It also helped Castor didn’t mention who he worked for, and more importantly what he was aiming to steal. Not at least until he knew he could “trust” this new potential friend of his.

Castor would head towards the far wall, with small old-style phone was placed on a small table, he would connect a small call. His new accomplice would only hear Castor’s side of the conversation...

“yup…bad news, you know the manager lady? Yeah…bitch is dead, fell face first and everything.” And then quickly hung up, “well that should give us some time, their aren’t going to focus on two random staff members not pulling trash or serving drinks if their to busy looking this old hag?” while there was some truth to that statement a sense of hung ho stupidity carried with it, though given this hotel’s. tenuous relations with locals and more importantly the police It may be some time before they have to worry about their cover being blown. Though it may now involve having to deal with even tighter security from this point forward.

“Going to stuff the leather bag into one of the larger lockers and then we can head out?” he said, “oh by if were going to work together what’s your name?”

August eyed the proffered hand for a few moments, before his eyes flicked back up to meet the young man's face. Now he wasn't much for hand shakes... but he could always make an exception. And anyways... they were both trying to use the other for their own gain. He clasped hands with the young man.

"A truce? You make it sound like we're rivals... 50-50 huh...? Sure, why not?" He flashed his teeth, shaking hands for a moment then withdrawing his hand and pulling out his scroll. August searched through the files, searching for the map of the hotel. He was curious as to what the young man wants so badly as to willing team up with him... He inspected the map, searching for the route to take them towards the vault. He took a few, swift steps towards the door, opening it slightly to check if the coast is clear. They wouldn't want another member of staff walking in on them.

His ears twitched towards the young man as he picked up the phone and declared the old hag as dead. August turned his snort into a cough. Man this kids' a hoot!

"My name?" August glanced back over his shoulder, a grin plain as day on his face. "You can call me August. Now keep up and tell me yours." He stepped out into the corridor, moving with purpose towards his goal of the vault, not looking back to see if the young man was keeping up. He approaches a crossroad, a quick glance sent both ways before crossing over. He continued like this for several minutes before coming to a stop before a door.

"Well, the vault should be through here... if this map is correct that is."

Both were aware they were using the other, regardless Castor was confident he could take on his new “partner” in crime if the need came. But the handshake at least showed they were able to play along, “the name’s Castor”. Now that they were done with their little introductions the duo slowly but surely made their way to the vault’s location. On the way it became apparent the old hag had more control over everyone than they realized as the rest of the staff and security were running around like headless chickens. Made blending with the chaos around them easy. Eventually the two of them would reach their destination…which was an office closet…

“You sure this is where were supposed to be?” Castor not hiding the skepticism on his face. Another look at the map showed the little broom closet housed also double as a secret elevator of sorts to the actual vault room itself, but there was a slight problem…the dam thing was two small for both. Before either of them could argue about who got to go first, they were interrupted. a voice coming from behind them.

“what do you think you’re doing?!” the source came from of the security chief in charge and more importantly a former huntsman, the man in question was a large and lanky man, dressed in a similar blue uniform as they were save though much more regal, sported a striking if overly stylish handle bar mustache and shaved head. Given his appearance and accent, Castor figured he was from mistral. Though their weapon of choice was more western in appearance as a quick glance showed a rapier and a…flintlock pistol as their weapon. Along with him was a group of five or so regular security guards all draped in padded blue armor, not like that would be of any help with fidi…but Castor was not risking exposing himself in such a display. More importantly a former huntsman is not something you deal with every day, so he had to be careful, the concern and discomfort soon sketched itself on his face looking at August and with sign of recognition simply said, “whelp they caught us.”

The security chief took that as a confession and unsheathed his blade and aimed towards both of them while his guards aimed their riffles, Castor was already familiar with the kind of face the old man was making. He had no intention of letting them leave alive.

“Let hope you know how to fight August.” Castor thought to himself and internally realizing he…forgot his weapons at beacon.

Ever since the young man had introduced himself as Castor, August had been turning nickname ideas over in his head. He had already discarded several ideas before one stuck out in his mind. 'Kay.' August glanced over to Castor and was about to open his mouth when a deep voice spoke up from behind them.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” How did-?! Gah his was so distracted with coming up with ideas for Castor's nickname he didn't hear someone 'sneaking' up on them. August caused his scroll to vanish before turning around, revealing empty hands to those gathered before them. August could feel his heart sinking as he saw who had caught them. "Oh no..." B.Bee had warned him of the ex-hunter turned security chief, and this moustachioed man fit the bill to a tee. He grinned nervously as he considered his options, he could try running but that would defeat the purpose of being here and a straight up fair fight was out of the question.

August murmurs to Castor out of the corner of his mouth. "Alright Kay -that's your new nickname by the way. Shut your eyes when I tell you to, unless you enjoy being blinded." A grin bordering on feral spreads across his face as he speaks up. "What? Does the big bad ex-hunter need his goon squad to take us on?" He gives a meaningful glance to Castor before speaking up again. "Shut your eyes Kay." With a moment of focus, a primed flashbang is placed into the air, a foot or so from the face of the ex-hunter, giving August enough time to squeeze his eyes shut before the flashbang completes it's one purpose.

A blindingly bright flash with a loud bang fills the corridor, followed shortly by cries of alarm and pain, hands going to blinded eyes and slightly deafened ears. The advance of the ex-hunter halted as he takes a step back.

August once again focusing his Semblance, he brings his weapons to his hands, a pair of pinkish-red tonfas, as he surges forwards intending to finish the fight before it really starts. He goes low striking at the back of the ex-hunters' knee, causing it to buckle and bring the man down. August follows up by delivering a hard strike to the hand holding the rapier, smashing it into the floor and causing the weapon to fly from their grasp and across the floor.

August hoped Castor was following him here as the initial effects of the flash won't last for much longer.

Both Castor and August were in a tight spot being caught when their goal was just a step away, but it wasn’t anything Castor figured he couldn’t handle. Though…admittedly “never had a chance to kick an ex-huntsman ass.” He said getting ready for his “partner’s” que. Ex-huntsmen were far more common than people expected but most of stick to the criminal underground tend to be no better than your average thug when you get down to it. From a glance Castor could see the man was uncomfortable with the weapon in his hand, holding…. like with some disdain for the blade’s very existence. The man did not bother to reaffirm his command to them and simply snapped his finger as his “goons” slowly started to flank them with their stun batons ready. Castor’s train of though soon crashed by his “partner.”

In one instance the room was engulfed in a blinding light, if it were not for the heads-up Castor’s own eyes would be burning in pain as well. But a moment later Castor left into action throwing a right uppercut as he dodged a baton swing from the nearest guard. Landing straight into their chin causing them to slump in the floor effortlessly. Castor would try to rush the other guard near him but would suddenly stop with a loud crashing sound filling the air. Behind him was his Partner in crime who had just recently bought a chance for them to escape, now headfirst into the wall behind them.

The security chief had made a thrusting motion towards August in response to the bang, who had parried the blow and sent the blade flying, under his breath the old man muttered “as expected of scrap.” He then went into what Castor could only assume was an old martial arts position, it looks liked it lacked the mobility of something like Castor’s own fighting style but in a moments breath the ex-huntsman’s palm was against August’s chest and with a “gentle push” sent the criminal flying and crashing into the wall. Before Castor could process what had happened the “old” man was racing towards him, Castor wasn’t if he was fast enough, the difference between was just big enough or if he was just plain lucky, But Castor barely managed to avoid death as he gripped the security officers fingers which felt like a spear at this point. Was it barely grazed his chest. But even that was enough as all it took for the old man to make successful contact was a step forward and easily slipped through Castor’s fingers jabbing the man fingers into between his ribs. Castor tried to retaliate with a swing of his left hand, but it was soon caught and with quick twist disarmed along with the rest of his should which was dislocated. Aura provided amazing benefits against an opponent with this particular skill it seemed to be of little use. The old security officer would quickly knock the remaining criminal out before turning to his men.

“Get medical for the wounded and there two fools into a cell.”

August had only blinked and now found himself sailing through the air, the ex-hunter back on his feet, arm outstretched from striking him. He would have flow for several more meters if not for the wall, which brought his impromptu flight crashing back down to earth. He could only watch as Castor tried to fight the ex-hunter, before he got laid out as well. He checked the contents of his semblance, trying to find something, anything that could turn the tide here.

Nothing.

And even if he did have something, he was pretty sure the ex-hunter wouldn't go so easy on him if he tried something. He left himself be picked up, cuffed and dragged towards these cells the ex-hunter mentioned.

August leaned over to Castor as they walked, whispering to him. "Hey Kay? You doing alright?" He tried to keep track of the turns and corridors as they walked, but he lost track at some point, uncertain which floor they were on. "This is a real nice date you boys are taking us on. Though I am curious, what sort of a menu does 'The Cell' have on offer? Bread and water? Gruel perhaps?" August joked, earning himself a swift punch to the arm from one of the men escorting them.

Ignoring the snide remarks of their prisoner, eventually both Castor and August would find themselves thrown into one the many jail cells housed beneath the hotel. At first glance it seemed they were the only prisoners, until deeper in the shadows wailed a horrible, agonizing scream before being quickly snuffed out.

“I do not have all day for your games.” The chief security guard yelled out into the void as if commanding some unknown force. At first there was silence but a moment later a soft tap could be heard coming from the shadows, the sound of someone walking towards them. Suddenly the air became tense as those who were aware suddenly readied themselves…to run. Even the chief of security found himself reading his weapon for a fight with his dominant hand wrapped around his hand ever tightening one might think he could snape his weapon like a twig if didn’t ease the pressure on it. “Welcome, welcome my guests to my fair little dungeon on mine.” The man from the shadows revealed himself in a short stocky man, pales skin…baggy skin even. As if he was a pile of bones loosely wearing someone’s skin as a suit. Castor soon started to wake him, slowly regaining consciousness, partially due to the strong and foul smell the new man gave off like waves of shamelessness.

It was the smell of rum mixed with rotten meat; Castor knew that smell all too well. “Looking up unsurprised by the new face Kriminel acquired...

“New toy?” Castor answered both nonchalantly, with a hint of sass thrown in for good measure

“You like it?” the crazy corpse of man answered “I got it recently; this hotel’s butcher was so messy with his knife. So, I showed how to cut up meat proper like…”

It was at this point the security…and everyone else was starting to feel nauseous just being around this thing pretending to be a man. The security chief would soon interject “I will be heading back up stair to attend to the guests…and waking the manager up if possible.” Before leaving he turned towards Castor and August would be “interrogator” “no dismembering until I return, I have questions of my own to ask of them.” The dejected Kriminel reluctantly agreed to the request, with the security team soon of their way, Castor would probe the corpse for answers “what the hell is plan here your bloated excuse of a pig?!”
Kriminel simply smiled and laughed “simple steal the deed to this dump, let you take the fall and after that point you wont have to worry about the details after.” With that the would be literal and figurative backstabbing bastard would slip into the shadows and out of sight.

Castor would turns towards his partner in crime, “probably should get out of here quick, before any of these freaks come back.”