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Post by ChapterSerf on Jan 5, 2018 9:41:19 GMT -8
Kayto Shields sat in his office. His feet on the desk, a glass of cheap hooch in his hand. Alongside his feet, a Clot .45 Six-Shooter revolver, the bottle of cheap hooch, an ashtray with a lit cigar and a fancy desklight: a gift from a satisfied customer.
Of course, he never smoked the cigar. Never smoked in his life. It might not have even been a real cigar. It always sat there. Always burning. Yet it sat there burning all the same, making the office stink of terrible liquor, tobacco smoke, failed aspirations and misery.
Another sigh, another sip of the hooch and he pulled out his paddle with a ball attached to it on a string. A soft, rapid, rhythmic thumping filled the office as he absentmindedly played with it. It did little to drown out the pounding rain that drenched Cera City.
Suddenly, the door flew open. The words "Kayto Shields Private Eye" on the door window were visible as was the eye that they surrounded. The dame walked in, and the ball and paddle flew out the window opposite the desk. With long pink hair, and tits the size of the Veniczar's flagship, Kayto knew she was trouble. Trouble with a capital T.
"I'm Claude Trillio and, and I need your help. Only you can help me." She said as walked over to the chair on the other side of the desk and sat down.
"Well, I'm Kayt-"
"I know who YOU are." Claude said. "Kayto Shields, Private Eye, Private Investigator."
"Well then, what do you need, Troub- Miss Trillio?" He said as he poured the dame a glass of hooch.
The dame gave the Private Eye an odd sideways glance as she pulled out a picture and set it on the desk. "I need your help. Your help to find the lost Ryuvian Princess."
Kayto's eyes widened. This was the job. This would be the job that ended it all: either in a luxury orbital loft, or a ditch, it would be the end of his career as a Private Eye.
"Money is of course, NO object," Claude continued. "I'll expect results and updates."
She stood up and left without another word. No more words were needed. This wasn't the job a man turned down. He grabbed the picture. Black and white. Couldn't really glean anything from it, save from the pigtails and the fact that the gal looked more like a Fucking Idiot than a Ryuvian Princess, but everyone knew Ryuvia had gone to the dogs lately, so if the Ryuvian Princess was an Idiot, it wouldn't be too off. Maybe...
Grabbing his gun, he holstered it and finished both glasses of hooch. He walked over to the coat stand, put on his trench coat and hat, and walked out into the rain drenched night, on the rain-slick streets of Cera City our story opens...
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Post by ChapterSerf on Jan 6, 2018 22:41:06 GMT -8
Kayto walked down the street. Eyes straight ahead, he kept up a good pace, either in spite of or because of the rain. He only stopped for a red light. And even that was only to let a car go by. Once by, he crossed. Despite the fact that the light was still red.
After a little more walking, he finally stopped and looked up. A holo-sign above his head read "Magpie's Bar". An easy to miss place if you didn't know where it was.
Pivoting on his heel, he entered the bar. It was crowded. It always was. The Usual Crowd was gathered around tables and in the booths, talking, gossiping, complaining, joking, gambling, laughing and nursing a variety of drinks. A perpetual haze hung at the ceiling. Kayto actually found himself wondering if it was real or simulated. A cheer erupted from from somewhere on his right. Looks like someone just had scored well at the dartboard. A band played slow jazz, as was normal: a sax, a trumpet, drums and a piano. He eyed the crowd. He finally spotted his query, seated at the bar, nursing a wine.
She wore a slinky dress that showed off her legs. The right arm was entirely covered in a full, arm-length love, the left arm was bare. A piece of fabric hung down the left side that would have covered some of the outside of the left leg, but did nothing of the sort while the dame was seated. A long barreled pistol was strapped to her right thigh. Her brown eyes lazily eyed the establishment while her unoccupied left hand held her long brown hair back.
Kayto moved to the open seat next to her. Magpie the bartender was already standing there.
"Rotgut," Kayto said. "And the finest red you've got back there for the dame."
The bartender nodded and wordlessly filled the order.
Kayto took his hat off and looked at the dame. "Miss Crescentia."
"Idiot."
"Need your help, Ava."
"Oh? What does the great Kayto Shields need of a, lowly, individual like myself?" Ava asked as she polished off her drink, making way for the new one.
"I'm on a case, and I'm dishing out favors and scratch in equal measure to solve it."
Ava's eyes widened. "Damn. What's the case that's got you being so generous? Admiral or Veniczar get whacked or something?"
Kayto pulled out the picture and handed it to Ava. "Missing Person."
Ava eyed the picture and handed it back. She looked thoughtful as she sipped her new wine. Kayto grabbed his drink and took a large sip of it, before spluttering and coughing. Damn. You order Rotgut, you get Rotgut here.
"Well, this would explain the generosity. Sadly, I can't help you, idiot." Ava handed the photo back. "But you know Isidolde, right?"
Kayto paused from taking another swig of his drink and nodded slowly. Of course I know who Isidolde is... Icari Isidolde: a real piece of work and one of the two major crime bosses in town. Owns half the city, and tries to get the other half from the other major crime boss: Cosette Cosmos... Kayto involuntarily shuddered at the thought of Cosette Cosmos. Cosmos was a real piece of work among real pieces of work. He had only had one encounter with Cosmos. He thanked whatever god happened to watch over him that he got out of that in one piece. Isidolde was slightly better. Sort of...
"Yeah. I know Isidolde. Worked with her on rare occasion."
"She might know. Though I've heard she's lost a bit of control over the information trade to Cosmos. So Cosmos might be a better lead to where you're going."
"Better lead to my grave is more like."
"You said you're being generous with money and favor. Cosette likes money."
"So does Magpie, but he doesn't start busting out automatic weapons because of the tiniest of misunderstandings."
"No, but he does bust out slug-loaded shotguns if provoked. Makes me wonder..." Ava leaned her head over the bar. "Does he have more alcohol or shotguns back there...?"
The world may never know, Ava. The world may never know.
"Anyways," Ava said after another sip of her wine. "I'm not even certain Cosmos is in town right now. Apparently some two-bit, half-baked gang is trying to take over some of her mines."
"Poor bastards..." He looked at his swill. "I'm almost tempted to pour one out for the saps."
"You'd pour that crap out for them?"
"No." Kayto shook his head and took another swig of his drink.
"Regardless, Isidolde is probably in her usual place," Ava nodded.
"You wanna come?" Kayto asked as he polished of his drink.
"No. I don't need to see Isidolde, or the undertaker, any time soon."
"Why not? This has all the makings of a grand adventure for us! It could be fun!"
Ava gave him a flat look. "Yes, fun. And in another plane of non-existence you're a starship captain and I'm your first officer. Good luck to you, idiot. If you're alive at the end of this, I might just collect on a few favors, and maybe ask a few of my own."
Kayto nodded. He left the money for the drinks and tip on the bar, collected his hat, and played a round of darts before setting off once again into the night.
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Post by ChapterSerf on Jan 23, 2018 17:53:54 GMT -8
Kayto's Holo said the rain was going to only get worse as the night progressed. However, the weather app had words on it and was making predictions, so naturally, he didn't believe it.
The rain was coming down harder as he entered the Office District of the city. To his chagrin, he flawlessly navigated the towering spires of the Office District to the building he wanted. The doors slid open to the dimly-lit and deserted atrium. He moved with a purpose to the elevators and rode the first one up to the 33rd floor.
The 33rd floor was well-lit, but as abandoned and deserted as the atrium was. Snaking his way through the floor, he came to the back office. An ornate door barred his path, and raised voices from within kept him from opening the door.
"And you sold out to that skank Cosmos!" An angry female voice said.
"Yeah I did." A male spat back. "Who the hell are you anyways?!"
There was a pause as Kayto continued to reach for the handle, when suddenly...
"FIRING! HIGH CALIBER ROUNDS!"
The female's voice took Kayto by surprise. He had a fraction of a second to hit the floor before a torrent of bullets tore through the door and wall, bouncing harmlessly off the reinforced glass behind him.
"ONE CUT, ONE KILL!" The female shouted again after the bullets stopped.
Kayto involuntarily winced.
"Icari. Isidolde. Remember my name!"
A soft plop from the other side of the door.
"I'll see you in hell," Isidolde said calmly. Rough day at the office...
Kayto stood up, straightened out his coat, collected his hat and replaced it on his head. Before reaching for the doorknob again, he checked to make sure his own gun was loaded.
With a determined exhale, he reached for the door knob. Only to pull back and check his gun to make sure it was loaded one more time.
Kayto reached out to open the door and it proceeded to fall off its hinges.
Icari Isidolde sat with her feet up on a large desk absentmindedly wiping the blood off of a sword. A heavy automatic rifle with a still smoking barrel sat on the desk next to her feet. A massive number of shells, far more than should have fit in the rifle's magazine, surrounded the crime lord.
"Oh. It's you." Icari said as she withdrew her hand from the rifle and back to the sword while taking her feet off her desk.
"Yep. It's me." Kayto nodded as he made his way around the body and blood to take a seat across from Icari.
"So what brings you to my domain, Shields? Not that I plan on offering you any help to begin with, mind you!"
Kayto produced a bottle of hooch and two glasses from his coat. "Hooch?"
"N-now why would I ever THINK to drink with you?!" Icari stammered.
"Was just being polite." Kayto replaced the glasses and bottle into his coat. "Anyways. I came here for information."
"Why would I ever help you?!?" Icari demanded. Because you want to be nice for a change?
Kayto took the picture of the Ryuvian princess and set it on the desk in front of Icari. "Because I'm looking for this dame. And I'll be dishing out cash and favors in generous amounts."
Icari took the picture and bolted straight up on seeing it, but said nothing. Got her. Icari may enjoy trying to hate me, but she knows the money's going to be good on this one...
"So, you gonna help me or not?" Kayto asked.
"I...I suppose I can help you... For a price! But don't think this means I like you or anything!" No, you like my soon to be bottomless bank account you dolt. "Go to Bigfoot's pawnshop. Just outside the Dock's District. He's one of the few informants that hasn't sold out to that whore Cosmos. He'll have some good information for you!" Icari handed the picture back to Kayto. "And don't think that I'll be letting you off easy! You find this dork and I'll be collecting! Big time!"
"Figured as much, you rampaging lunatic..." Kayto muttered to himself as he stood up.
"What was that?!"
"Thanks Ms. Isidolde." Kayto nodded.
"What did you say before that?!"
"Nothing. Nothing at all." Kayto smiled sheepishly as he quickly exited the office. Swallowing hard, he left the office building into the rain once again. The Docks District was Cosmos's home territory. Even if Bigfoot remained loyal to Icari, Cosmos's dogs would likely know he visited... He checked his gun over one last time to make sure it was loaded before turning on his heel and setting off for the Docks District...
========================================================================================= Sorry it took so long! I kept exiting my browser halfway through writing it and didn't get back to it for a few days! I'll try and be more consistent!
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Post by 白龍 on Feb 7, 2018 15:42:56 GMT -8
Terribly sorry to interrupt you. But if this is a Fanfic, it goes Here.I like it so far!
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Post by ChapterSerf on Feb 19, 2018 15:57:49 GMT -8
Terribly sorry to interrupt you. But if this is a Fanfic, it goes Here.I like it so far! If the mods/admins/Community Manager see fit to move it, it'll get moved. If it gets moved, it'll get moved, and I'll work on it there. Otherwise, I'll keep working on it here. The walk from the Office District to the Docks was as soggy as everything else had been this night. Does Cera City even know the concept of good weather? Bigfoot's store was right next to the main Dock District. Man was known for his limited questions and large bank account. Likely he served as an unwitting fence for every freighter crewman bringing something into the city that belonged to someone else. From Solaris to New Eden, Ryuvia to Diode: anyone coming to Cera looking to ditch something stopped through Bigfoot's Pawnshop. If some non-existent Intergalactic Police Force wanted to solve a good number of robbery crimes, Bigfoot's Pawnshop would be the place to go. Bright red and yellow neon lights caught his eyes. "BIGFOOT'S YE OLDE PAWNSHOPPE" flashed in various rhythmic patterns. Other equally brightly colored signs flashed things like "LOW PRICES", GOOD BUYS", "OPEN 24/7" and "FEW QUESTIONS". Kayto pushed open the door open. Bells attached to the door jingled. "Yeah, Yeah! I'll be with you in a minute!" A voice from the back called out. "Take your time." Kayto called back as he stopped before a picture of a dame. He recognized the Dame in the picture: it was Miss Crescentia. With a childish beard drawn on it. Oh."Kayto!" Bigfoot called out as he burst through. "What can I do for ya, ma friend? Buyin? Sellin? Or is this another case?" Kayto was still fixated on the bearded-Ava picture. "So, uh... Is this why Magpie banned you from his bar?" "Wha? Huh?" Bigfoot followed Kayto's gaze. "Oh. Yeah. I think so. Think he as a thing for that gal." Can't blame him... "Well, I'm here for a different dame." Kayto pulled out the picture of the Ryuvian Princess. "I'm looking for her. And I'm being generous with favors and money alike." "Never seen her." "Your boss claims you can help me." "Icari?" Kayto nodded. "Gal says decidedly too much at times... Regardless. Like I said, I didn't see her. But someone came here a few days ago. Selling. In a big hurry. And I mean a big hurry. I offered him one price and he sold it for a third of that for no questions. Let me go grab it for ya real quick. I still can't put it out for sale over the table but..." He disappeared back into the back. Kayto drummed his fingers on the glass display case and took a look around the shop. Guns, oddities, jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry. A strange mask caught his eye. It was labeled "Late Veniczar's Mask: Authentic! Worn by the late Arcadius himself!" Yeah, right..."Alright, got it here!" Bigfoot came out from the back. "BIGFOOT! YOU BLOODY TRAITOR!" The door burst open and many armed men swarmed in. "COSMOS AIN'T HAPPY WITH YA! AND YA KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS, RIGHT?!" Kayto didn't even think. He drew his gun and fired at the first man. He took the bullet right in the chest and fell down hard. Two more shots, two more corpses, before Cosette's Goons realized what was happening. One of them opened fire, spraying bullets madly throughout the shop. Kayto hurled himself behind the glass counter grateful for any cover. Bigfoot and thrown himself back into the back. Kayto picked off the mad gunner with one well-placed shot between the eyes. "SHIELDS! YOU'VE CROSSED COSETTE FOR THE LAST TIME! I'M GONNA BRING YOUR HEAD TO COSMOS AND I"LL TAKE YOUR GUTS FOR GARTERS!" "Try it!" Kayto said as he blew the man threw the front window of the shop with a fifth shot. Three men still remained. With a determined exhale, Kayto stood up from his cover and fired. Three shots, three more corpses. "You saved me!" Bigfoot came out from the back. "Here! Take it! I don't know what good it'll be, but I need to get out of here! Cosmos ain't gonna like this one bit!" Kayto took the offered item. It was a model of a non-standard Ryder. A small plaque on the base read "Black Jack". Given the size and ornamentation of the model, it seemed oddly light. Perhaps it's hollow...? "Thanks Bigfoot, I owe you," Kayto said. "Yeah, Yeah, I'll be sure to collect on it! Don't worry!" Bigfoot waved as he hightailed it out the back. A few seconds later the sound of a door opening and slamming was heard. Kayto headed back out onto the rain-slick street. Heading back towards the city, he made his way back towards his office with his clue in tow. He moved once again with purpose, pausing only to empty the six spent shell casings down a sewer drain and reloading his gun.
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Post by Nemjen on Feb 19, 2018 23:35:54 GMT -8
Hehe I did initially try to move it however my admin console can be somewhat temperamental at times and refuse to acknowledge me. Thanks for the reminder, given it another go and its gone through this time. Boring bureaucracy aside, keep up the good work Chapterserf. Reading your past entries has really got me worked up with wanting to do another playthrough of LA Noire, 'you're lying Morgan!!!'.
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Post by ChapterSerf on May 2, 2018 20:39:41 GMT -8
Back in his office, Kayto flopped down in his desk chair and pulled out the model and a magnifying glass.
He scanned it thoroughly and slowly. Examining every square inch of the highly detailed Ryder model. After several minutes of running his keen private eye over the surface, he finally noticed it. One of the arms was mobile. He pulled it and a small compartment on the Ryder's back opened. Inside was a small piece of paper that was lodged extremely tightly in the model. After several futile attempts of using his fingers to get the paper out, he found pulled out a pair of tweezers to keep working it.
It soon became clear that any attempts to pull it out with force would likely destroy it, and whatever secrets it held. However, Kayto, being the trained private eye that he was, was used to dealing with stubborn evidence.
"I should not have had as much to drink tonight as I did," He said as he dropped his tweezers on his desk in exasperation and reached for the bottle of cheap hooch and took a large swig of it.
Several eternities and swigs of cheap liqueur later, he finally managed dislodge the paper and pull it out. It was a picture of another dame. The only indicating factors were what looked like a baker's apron, a bakery in the background and a funny bow on the top of her head. Scrawled across the picture in terrible handwriting were the words "TALK TO HER".
Kayto pondered the meaning as he paced back and forth in the office, looking over the paper as he did for anything else of note. Was it the kidnapped identifying the kidnapper? Too easy, but one could hope. More than likely it was another clue. Sadly, he had no clue as to the identity of dame in the picture. But Miss Cresentica or Magpie might know.
Sadly, Magpie had probably already closed up so that was a dead end for the moment.
Sighing, he flopped back into his chair, dropping the paper on the desk. He reached over and flipped on the radio out of boredom.
"..And now over to Sorzo with the sports."
"Thank you MrNickUniverse. Little to note today in the sports world, but in Boxing, Fontana boxed the Devil tonight, and won by knockout in three rounds. No one knows what in Hell, or Heaven, the spread or odds were, but I don't think that was expected."
"Thanks, Sorzo."
Kayto clicked the radio off and headed upstairs as he pondered the boxing match.
Well that can't be good...
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