A Devils Worth

[Blitzfrieg]

The leathery-faced gambler leveled his gaze at this modestly stunning young woman before him.  His fifty-seven years of experience and his most devious tricks had proved unable to pierce the incredible genius hiding behind those bright blue eyes.  Those eyes stared back at his with a level, almost bored expression.  If ever he had seen such a flawless poker face, she possessed it.  Even as he moved his long fingered hands towards the table to take hand of the means of his daily earnings....he dared not look away for a second lest he give away his intentions.  Those eyes would surely see it if he did.  They missed nothing he did, so he could afford to let nothing slip.

”You know the game.  Watch close.”  He grinned.  He had her this time.  He was sure of it!  He had bested the most arrogant and brilliant minds that came to his stall in search of a quick Beri.  His speed and dexterity were second to none.  His every move was a calculated motion with the ruthless intent to either deceive, misdirect, or distract his opponent from the truth of his movements.  “Keep your eye on the ball!”  Diego began spinning the halved coconut shells in front of him on the table.  He moved them in a blur of speed and awe inspiring precision that had left even practiced swordsman grasping for the truth of his movements, the gimmick behind his game.  Beneath one of the halves was a small ball.  Even his spinning movements were carefully calculated so as to spin the ball beneath the shells rather than bounce it around, risking even a small settling sound to give away the final destination.  

And yet....those eyes still never left his.  They didn’t watch the halves.  Just as every other time she had played his game, doubling and tripling her money with her previous two wins.....those eyes cared not for the motions of his hands.  Unfortunately the motions of his hands were the keys behind his strategy.  Her gaze was unsettling to the extreme, and took all of his fortitude to resist.  He picked up his speed, hoping to draw in her attention with the skill and dexterity of his display.  That’s when he had an idea.  She wasn’t looking at the halves!  Even as he resisted all but the feintest of smirks he began swiftly trading the ball between halves with barley observable motions that those keen eyes would have easily caught had she been looking.  Was it just him.....or did he see some acknowledgement in her eyes?  Did she shift slightly or was he imagining it?  Did the corners of her mouth ever so slightly curve upward in response to his tiniest of expressions?  No.  He had this game won.  With everything on the line he doubled down, transferring the ball several times before he came to a dramatic stop.

”NOW GIRL!  Choose wisely or...”

”That one.”  His words caught in his throat as the orange haired young woman casually pointed to the half on his right.  His chest sank in despair.  Was her confidence faux or did she know something he did not?  In his speed and desperation, even he had lost track of the ball.  So desperate he had been to fool her and win back his money, that he had paid more attention to her than he had his own game.  Slowly, his old hand trembling with anticipation, he turned over the coconut.

Several minutes later, the young woman burst into a bar with a broad and self satisfied grin on her countenance.  Several hundred Beri the richer for her cleverness and observational skills.  It was a small amount of money.  But more than enough for her purposes.  Approaching the counter of the bar with a confident smile and a haughty strut.  That confidence ignored any looks cast in her direction, and brushed off any comments, requests, or propositions of the like that were oft leveled at young women who entered into salty pirate establishments.  Not that this was an openly pirate affiliated bar, but it was certainly solicited by the types of ruffians and rogues whos skills she required at the moment.

“Excuse me bartender?”  Ruby Bright slapped her money in full upon the counter, spreading it into two piles.  The smaller of the two intended for the person to whom she spoke.  Whilst the other larger piles propose would be made clear soon.  The bartender was a large woman, middle aged, with a mass of curly hair clumped about her thick neck and broad shoulders.  She was currently cleaning a mug when she turned to meet Ruby’s call for attention.

”Yeah?  Is school already out girlie?  You sure you in the right place?”  The woman smirked at her before looking skeptically at the bills.  Ruby let the feintest of smiles crack her lips as she adjusted her glasses with her middle finger.

”Oh I certainly hope so.  I’m told a thief can be found here?”  Ruby tapped the bills in turn.  “I’m looking for someone with both finesse and speed.”  The bartender set her mug down and leaned on the counter.

”Lots of thieves here.  You may want to be more specific.  Unless you want me to ask around?  And if that’s the case....”. The woman nonchalantly swept up the smaller pile and held it up, quirking an eyebrow waiting for Ruby’s permission.  Bright signaled her ok and settled into her stool.

”By all means!  The other pile is to pay for the lucky fellows drinks whom hears me out.”  Ruby reached out and caught the woman’s sleeve before she turned away.  “OH....and make sure they know.  I need someone who isn’t afraid to make powerful enemies....but the reward is well worth it!”

”Aye girlie I’ll spread the word.  You just keep your head down before you start a fight over that dress. Last thing we need is a brawl.”  Ruby just smiled and spun around on her stool as the woman went about her work, casually dropping hints of a well-paying job to the customers of the establishment.  Ruby didn’t mind starting a fight.  She was no fighter, but she certainly liked to watch.  And seeing as no small amount of eyes were on her, from the simply curious to the salaciously envious......she was sure it wouldn’t take long for someone to do something stupid.  Her life was about to get more dangerous in staggering degrees if all went well.  She had to observe and learn if she was going to survive.  She had to experiment and dissect the ways of the rough pirates who thrived in the world she was only just setting foot for the first time.  And there was no better time than the present.

[imoofan]

    A devilish grin spread across Denda's face as he watched some pirates drop anchor just outside of town. Where there are pirates there's treasure and Denda loves to steal treasure. He leapt down from the branch he had been standing on, transforming into a raccoon as he fell, landing gracefully on the ground and bolted towards the coastline. Once there he hid in some nearby bushes and waited for the pirates to come ashore. When they finally made it to shore Denda almost couldn't keep his mouth from watering seeing the rather large sack of treasure they were carrying. 'They don't look tough, this should be easy.' He thought to himself and he stalked them into the woods.


    Half an hour later Denda was walking along the rooftops nearby town as a raccoon feeling pretty proud of how he humiliated those pirates when he saw an older man trying to get people to play his cup game. Denda thought how funny it was that people were losing good money to this man's game when following his movement's was child's play to Denda. What Denda was interested in though was stealing the old man's winnings after they had built up so he turned back into a dwarf and decided to wait. Just when the man had enough money for Denda to bother stealing a woman started playing. ‘Well that's just more money for me to steal.' He mused as he sat back to watch another sap lose their money. Only the woman didn't lose, she won all the man's money and Denda's interest. He decided to follow her right into a seedy bar. Keeping close to her Denda followed the woman up to the bar and began eavesdropping on her.


    "I'm told a thief can be found here? I'm looking for someone with both finesse and speed."
Denda's devilish grin grew as he heard this. He had both of those things in spades. “I need someone who isn’t afraid to make powerful enemies....but the reward is well worth it!” The thought of powerful enemies gave Denda pause but the promise of a reward quickly convinced him. Besides, he’s not in danger if he isn’t seen, and if he was, well this girl could take the fall for him. He decided to first steal the finder’s fee from the bartender. Using his small size and incredible speed he weaves through the crowd of ne'er-do-wells, lifting weapons and money off of some and planting them on others as he makes his way to the bartender.


    A minute later Denda jumped into the orange haired woman's lap. “I hear you're looking for a skilled thief. Well look no further!” He exclaims, giving an exaggerated bow and pulls out the money he stole. “Just to show that I'm not all talk here's the money you gave that bartender.”


    At that moment the patrons of the bar began making a ruckus, accusing one another of stealing something them. “I also planned a distraction to get away from here. You don't happen to have a quieter place we can talk do you? It's going to get very loud soon.” Denda’s devilish grin flashed on his face as some of the more rowdy patrons of the bar started to get into fights.

[Blitzfrieg]

Ruby had barely so much as turned in her seat when a small and fuzzy creature positioned itself in her lap.  For a split moment before it spoke she presumed a squirrel had come searching for food.  However when the small thing spoke, she adjusted her glasses and inspected it closely.

”Fascinating!”  She exclaimed as her photographic memory pulled forth a trove of scattered information gleaned from a multitude of textbooks that she had read in her youth.  Information on races in the New World was slim and not in any way considerably reliable, however she was more than familiar with at least the surface level data on most species.  “Dwarf....unknown hybrid of some kind...unless...”  She was about to study his features more closely, likely with little regard to his personal space, when Denda produced the money she had just spent on information.  Her eyes lighted with understanding, then with subtle excitement.

”Even more fascinating! You must be swift indeed!”  The corners of Ruby’s mouth turned up as she took note of the possibilities.  This Dwarf was perfect for her needs.  Far more than she could have hoped for from a human.  His size, his obvious speed.....both would make his infilitration far easier than she could have hoped!  Her own infiltration was a simple matter, but the thief’s had always been a kink in her plan.  She had hoped to leave that up to whomever she hired, however that would virtually handle itself.  
Ruby looked up at Denda’s mention of causing a distraction and took note of the rising commotion.  Various shouts and exclamations of anger and surprise filled the bar as patrons began noticing their missing belongings.  She could only surmise this little creature was the cause, and her trust in his abilities solidified.  However she would indeed need to take leave before things got too hairy.  Holding out her hand she allowed Denda to stand on her palm and raised him to eye level.

”Two doors down to the left.  I’ll meet you there.  The abandoned school building with the red window shutters.  We can discuss the particulars there?”  She adjusted her glasses, repressing the desire to pet the Dwarf.  Her girlish side was fighting with her intellectual one over the cuteness of the little guy.  “My name is Ruby Bright.  And I am VERY glad to make your acquaintance!”  With that she let him slip down and stood up herself.  The bar was quickly descending into chaos as patrons threw accusations at each other, brutes shaking fists and waving swords threateningly.  Ruby slipped between the shouting ruffians easier than she had expected, practically sauntering by with a confident stride.   She had only to dodge a single mug that was thrown, before she was standing once more on the outside of the bar.  She clicked her tongue and smiled as her heels clicked onto cobbled streets, turning to the left to catch up to her potential companion.  The schoolhouse was mostly empty, save for a single room that she had set up as a temporary bedroom.  It would serve until she arrived.  It had a bed, heating lamp, and a table that served her purposes.  The rest of her worldly belongings currently existed on her person.

”HEY!  You!”  She had barely made ten paces when a shout obviously directed at her caused her to turn.  A rather large, intimidating mountain of muscle had burst out of the bar, and was approaching her at a cautious, but angry gait.  “You came in just when my stuff disappeared!  Thought you could just slip out with all our things you little twerp?!”  Ruby knew her limitations.  That man was enormous, and she could in no way resist her defend herself should she allow him to come close.  Her hand darted to her coat and pulled out her leather bullwhip with a flashing movement that caused a loud *CRACK* as it snapped against the stone.  The loud noise gave the man pause, but as he realized she was armed his body tensed in preparation to lung forward. 

Ruby had no intention of letting it happen.  Her hand moved like a blur, arcing the whip around her in a horizontal circle that cracked the head of the lash across the mans cheek with a crack that sounded like a gunshot.  The man cried out in pain, reaching for his face and raising his weapon.  This was one of many potential reactions Ruby had predicted, and responded with machinelike efficiency.  Her whip lashed out again in another horizontal arc, this time snapping painfully across his knuckles, causing her opponent to lose grip on his blade, which clattered to the ground loudly.  Ruby then snapped her whip back behind her, ready to strike again.  Once more she adjusted her glasses.

”Buffoon!”  Ruby sneered in a domineering manner.  “Look at me!  Do I look like I am carrying your things!”  She motioned to her form.  The man grimaced through his pained face and hand, which he still cradled. 

“But you...” She stopped him with a threatening crack of her whip.  

“No buts!  LOOK!”  She waved open her lab coat, revealing a complete lack of anything which could be used to store stolen goods.  The only thing she had was a small satchel in the small of her back which housed her chemistry set.  But there was no need to show that.  The man scratched his beard and grumbled unintelligibly.  “SPEAK CLEARLY! You have a tongue! Use it!”  Ruby spoke with a surprising amount of authority.  All the more to send this man away without a fight.

”Well...I suppose you ain’t the thief.  Sorry lady.”  Ruby smiled, quirking her head with a friendly expression.

”Much better!  You may go now.”  The man grumbled a weak thank you and rushed back inside the bar, which from the sounds of it had devolved to a straight up brawl.  The sounds of crashing were plain and clear coming from within.  Not wanting any further involvement, Ruby headed to meet with her potential partner in her improvised apartment.  

[imoofan]

’This woman sure is peppy.’ Denda thought to himself as she introduced herself. When she let him slide off her palm Denda landed lightly on the floor and took off into the crowd. Not one to let an opportunity go to waste he even steals a few Beri here and there on his way out while the patrons are busy before scurrying out into the street.


Once outside he quickly scaled the tavern building, turning into a raccoon when he reached the top. He sat and watched as Ruby exited the tavern and start towards the schoolhouse when a man stumbled out from the tavern behind her.


”HEY! You! You came in just when my stuff disappeared! Thought you could just slip out with all our things you little twerp?!” The man shouted at her as he slowly approached.


Denda leaned in closer to watch, if she could handle this then he picked a good employer, if not well there’s always other people looking to hire a thief. He was impressed with how quickly she went for her whip and used it’s intimidating sound to cause her would be assailant to pause his advance just long enough to give her the edge. Denda knew it wouldn’t take long.


He grinned as he watched Ruby strike twice, stunning and disarming man with little effort, and could barely contain his laughter as she proceeded to berate this man that was at least twice her size into submission. She was going to be a fun employer indeed.


Having had his fun watching those events unfold, Denda hurried off across the roofs of the buildings to the school house. Utilizing a hole in the ceiling, he dropped down onto the floor without a sound. A quick scan of his surroundings told him, except for the room Ruby clearly set up in, this place was abandoned. A good place to plan a heist. He figured the room she had cleaned out was as good a place as any to wait for her so, still in raccoon form, he sat down on the table in the room to wait.


When she came into view he sat up and greeted her. “I didn’t get a chance to introduce myself before.” He hopped off the table, transforming back into a dwarf and gives and exaggerated bow. “I am Denda, I ate the Raku Raku no Mi becoming a Raccoon man and I’m the best thief you’ll ever meet.”

[Blitzfrieg]

Seeing Denda transform upon her entering the room only slightly startled Ruby.  She had suspected something of the sort when she noted his appearance the first time.  Though her knowledge on Dwarves was limited, she had never heard of any animalistic variants of the species.  The most logical suppositions in lieu of more detailed information were either a hybrid of sorts, or a Zoan Devil Fruit user.  She adjusted her glasses with a smile, and approached him, kneeling down on one knee and extending her hand.  

“Ruby Bright!  You can call me Professor if you like.  Or Red.  Those are what most people call me.”  After shaking his little hand, Ruby immediately shifted into planning mode.  Her attention and intellect turned towards the rapid reconsideration of her scheme whilst taking into account Denda’s size and speed.  “I have to confess having you here will make things even easier than I originally expected!”  She flashed him an eager glance.  “You are certainly faster than I could have hoped.”  She then rolled out a large map of what looked like a palace on the table, brushing aside odds and ends of little importance.  She held it down with a lamp, and smoothed the edges.

”I won’t waste your time friend.  This is our target.  Theron Castle.”  She knew how big of a deal that would be, and didn’t want to sugar coat it.  Theron Castle was the capitol of Frost City and the home of their King.  It was quite a formidible structure, and by no means an easy place to infiltrate.  “Before you go running.  Hear me out.  Because I believe together we could do what has never been done.....steal from the King of Frost City!”  Ruby chuckled with a self satisfied smirk.  She had spent weeks, and every Beri she had preparing for this night, and it was her last and only chance to get what she came for.  She motioned for Denda to observe where her fingers were pointing.

”Tonight is a special occasion.  The anniversary of the coronation of King Georges.  There is to be a grand celebration, as well as a once in a lifetime hunting contest with a prize worth even the Devils wrath itself!”  She allowed herself to sit down, almost oblivious to anything but her plan. She got like this at times.  Whenever she was focused, her vast intelligence became like a laser, aimed at one thing and one thing only.  “Our target will be held in the royal vault until it is brought out to be presented to the constest winner.  And even though that is the most guarded way, that is precisely where we will strike!”  Ruby produced an envelope from her pouch and placed it on the table.

”It took some considerable effort....but I procured a perfect copy of the Royal invitation to the party.”  That was no lie.  She had spent far too much Beri getting guards drunk until she found one with an invitation as well as stupid enough to go to a hotel room with her alone.  A few choice chemicals put them to sleep for long enough for her to perfectly copy the invitation.  Luckily the invitations were not individualized.

”The first step of getting into the castle is going to rely on you my friend.  You see though the invitation is perfect, it requires an up to date official seal to be valid.  Technically I need two stamps, one to prove the invite was official which should have been done before it was sent, and one to prove it was stamped on the way into the party. Otherwise we will never make it inside the gate, and would be kicked out upon future inspection.”  Ruby leaned back, crossing her legs as she adjusted her glasses, which had slid down her nose enough to get in the way.  “The seal is carried by the head of the guard, who won’t leave the castle save for greeting and approving the guests tonight, before the party.  That’s when you are going to have to steal it for me, get it to me so I can seal the fake invite, and back to his pocket before I get to him.”  

“Of course, he’s going to be actively using it, so we need a distraction as well.  I can cover that....but we can’t be loitering around without raising suspicion.  So all this has to happen once we are in line to be approved.”  She grinned and leaned on one hand.  “Do you think you are fast enough to handle that my little thief?”  She already had an idea how to get close.  She had purchased a special dress for the evening.  And THAT was his ticket in.

[imoofan]

    When Ruby rolled out the map Denda immediately began to study it, familiarizing himself with every route in and out that was available to him. It didn’t take long for him to guess where this was and Ruby confirmed it moments later as Theron Castle. She sure knew how to pick a difficult target but Denda liked a challenge. He continued listening to her while committing the map to memory.


    At the mention of the prize he looked at her, trying to discern her intention with what he could only assume was a Devil Fruit, but she was so focused on her explanation that her face gave nothing away for him to pick up on. ‘She certainly is a determined woman. I’ll give her that.’ He smiled slightly as he thought that before his attention was brought to the letter. ’Resourceful too.’ He made a mental note not to underestimate her. She would be a troublesome enemy if it ever came to that.


    He could already tell at least part of his role in this job when she mentioned she still needed a seal. He was the thief after all, and he figured it wouldn’t be all that hard after all. That is until she mentioned who was holding it and how they would have to get it. The head of the guard is bound to be more observant than the lackluster guards Denda has seen around town. That plus the small time frame he’d have to not only steal it but get it back into his pocket made this a difficult job. Denda could barely contain his excitement.


“Do you think you are fast enough to handle that my little thief?”


    Denda grinned mischievously. “I’m the fastest person you’ll ever meet Red. I’ll get you that seal. Though I do hope that’s not all you’ll require of me for this job.” He was right from the beginning. Ruby is an interesting employer and clearly she was going to give Denda a good opportunity to put his skills to the test.

[Blitzfrieg]

Ruby smiled as Denda affirmed his skill.  She had already seen it firsthand, so she knew it was up to snuff.  His confidence was inspiring as well.  And his ambition suited her just fine.  “Of course I’ve got more for you!”  Bright reached into her satchel and produced a pair of very small Den Den Mushi, one was white with purple spots, the other was purple with white spots, both barely a couple inches long at most.

”These Mushi communicate with each other, and each other alone.  They have very short range, and only work once.”  She shrugged her shoulders.  “I’ve put everything I have into getting this done, so I’ve had to make do with what I could get.  But one time will be enough for our needs.”  Ruby drew Denda’s attention to the vault, more specifically the series of hallways that lead up to it.  There was only one room near the vault, the master bedroom for the King himself.  Then it was two left turns, each segment of hallway about thirty yards long.  

“Once we are inside, we are going to have to seperate. Things will also get dangerous for both of us at that point.”  Ruby leaned on her chin, sighing as she pondered both of their risks.  “It doesn’t show on the map, but I happen to know thanks to a particularly friendly....and lonely, aging architect that the King let go many years back....that these hallways are loaded with traps.”  She adjusted her glasses, leveling her gaze on the little Dwarf.  “He says they surely would have added onto it over the years, but in his time there were trap doors, poison darts, and saw blades.  There is supposedly a secret pressure plate somewhere that only a few trusted individuals are allowed to know about that disables the traps.” Ruby sighed.  “Unfortunately I wasn’t able to find it.  However with your size and speed, I think you have a better chance of beating these traps than anyone else!”

”That being said....there is one catch.  And that relies on my performance tonight.”  Ruby got up and moved to a closet where she had her dress hanging up.  It was a thin, silky red material that shimmered with the light.  A long slit trailed up from the foot length skirt to very high on the thigh.  It had no back, looping very low down to her hips, while the front came up to a high necked halter.  “The final vault is by all conventional means, completely and utterly impenetrable.  The one and only way to get in besides Massive explosives is a verbal password given by the King himself.  A single attendant guards the inside of the vault at all times.  Upon receiving the password he opens the vault for the King.”  Ruby turned to Denda again.

”While you are dealing with the traps, and getting to the vault, I will find my way through the party and woo the King with every ounce of my boundless charm!”  Ruby smirked, again adjusting her glasses.  She was quite the charmer.  She had no doubt if she could just get close, then she could get the password from the King.  She already knew the password, but it had to be Georges voice.  “Once I figure it out, I’ll call you on the Den Den Mushi, where the Kings password will get you into the vault.  At that point I’ll slip out of the party, meet up with you, and we can make our escape!”  Ruby moved up close to Denda and knelt down.

”As for your reward.....”. This was the tricky part.  “I have nothing to guarantee you.  I have no money.  Everything I have went into this.  I want the prize.”  She wanted to tell him it was a Devil Fruit.  But she was worried he’d take off with it if he knew.  She couldn’t afford that at any risk.  “But anything else in the vault is yours....and I will personally help you take whatever you can find.”  Now all that remained was to discuss their escape.  She had a loose plan.  But that would be by far the most dangerous part of the whole mission.  It required a severe distraction and plenty of chaos to get out of their with any substantial amount of treasure.  “What do you think?  Are you up to make history?”

[imoofan]

    Upon seeing the Den Den Mushi’s size Denda was relieved at how small it was. He’d have to have a bag just for it but at least it wouldn’t be so big as to get in his way and he’d need as much maneuverability as he can get to reach the vault. He was no fan of traps but he hasn’t been stopped by one yet and he won’t let any get in his way now.



    This woman’s preparation for this job amazed him. Up until this point any job he had taken he had to go out and do reconnaissance himself before he could even steal anything. Ruby had already done what he’d do and even more. Though if she hadn’t done even half this work he doubted he’d even help her on a job like this. He still made a note to be careful what he says around her. No telling what she’d be able to figure out about him.



    As she presented her dress he had no doubt she would provide a good distraction for him to get his job done. He just hoped she could actually pull off her end of the plan. Drunk and lonely men are easy to seduce with some kind words and a gentle touch, but a king would be much more difficult. She seemed confident so he said nothing. He could always get away by himself if things went south.



    When she confessed she had no money to actually pay him he wasn’t really surprised. After seeing the building she chose to stay in and the Den Den Mushis she was able to get, he had already guessed she was broke and he had already come to accept it. She had already done most of the work and this was too big a job to pass up.



“What do you think? Are you up to make history?”



    His eyes gleamed with mischief and he smirked. “Red, I was born to make history. As for how we escape. Got any plans?”

[Blitzfrieg]

Ruby was practically ecstatic to hear Denda approve, and agree to join regardless of not being paid up front.  She knew that would be the biggest issue, and one she couldn’t get around.  Her opportunity was going to disappear very soon, and she could no longer afford to wait.  

“Of course I have an idea.  And its going to be a real hoot.”  Ruby folded up the map save for the portion showing the vault and a small, barely noticeable pathway leading from it to an unmarked area.  “This right here, is our key to getting out.  But I’m going to be honest, this will be the most dangerous part.....and its gonna cause a lot of chaos.”  Ruby leaned forward, tracing the pathway with her finger.

”Inside the vault is a lever that opens a secret passageway.  The passage leads down into the animal pens where they keep the beasts before being released into the hunting areas.  This is the last line of defense should the vault be penetrated.”  Ruby snapped her fingers.  “One pull of the lever and a horde of viscous animals are unleashed on the intruders.”  She grinned at Denda.  “Only we aren’t going to be there to greet them!”

Her plan was simple.  They would get access to the vault, knock out the guard, then pull the lever themselves.  Once the passage was open, they would have to make a swift break back through the trap-laden hallway and hide in the Kings room as the beasts rampage their way through the castle into the party.  The chaos this would cause would keep the guards busy, and also help block any attempt to get to the vault.  Ruby and Denda could then go to the vault uninterrupted, steal whatever they could carry, and flee down the passageway into Frost Park.  Sure there would be a risk of monsters once they were in the park, but it would be far easier to deal with than armed guards and marines.  At that point all they had to do was find a boat, steal it, and escape the island entirely with their haul.

”Well what do you think?”  Ruby asked after explaining the plan.  There was still a few hours before the party, but she was getting anxious to get going. 

[imoofan]

    Denda listened carefully as Ruby explained the escape plan. It certainly was dangerous, but then again so was this whole mission. If anything, the animals would be much easier to outsmart and elude. With that kind of distraction, and his size and speed, Denda had no doubt he would be able to make off with a fair amount of loot.


    With all that had to be done he was glad he had a few hours to prepare. He’d have to make sure he had plenty of sacks to hold all the loot he’d be stealing for one thing. Another thing he wanted to do before the job is check how many and which boats will be in the harbor when they made their escape.


    ”Well what do you think?”


    What did he think? He was excited for this job, almost visibly so, and yet terrified at the same time. This was not going to be easy or safe in anyway. He didn't want to reveal any of that to Ruby though. Instead, he just flashed a devilish grin and responded with, “I’m hoping you’re stronger than you look cause I’m gonna make you carry a lot of gold if that’s going to be my pay.” He chuckled at his own joke a bit before clearing his throat and continuing. “I’m going to have to get some things of my own together before we do this. I’ll meet you back here in an hour and a half.” Without waiting for a reply he transformed into his raccoon form and scampered across the roofs of the buildings.


    Once he was at the outskirts of town he transformed back into a dwarf and ducked into a hole in a tree he had been using as a hiding place. Emerging minutes later, garbed in all black, he hurried off to the harbor to scout out the perfect ship to escape on.


    An hour later Denda, covered in empty loot bags, scampered to the roof of the abandoned school Ruby has chosen as her hideout. Dropping in through a hole in the roof he called out. “I’m back, right when I said I’d be.” He walked over to the room she had set up in. “I think I may have even found the perfect ship for us too! How much time until this party starts anyway?”

[Blitzfrieg]

As Denda left Ruby was filled with a feeling of elation and anxiety.  Her ambitions deterred anything that resembled fear, but she was not immune to doubt.  Her plan was in truth borne of desperation.  She had no more time to waste.  As she approached the dress she closed her eyes, running her fingers over the soft, shimmery fabric.  

“Professor....very soon.  I’m going to make sure it was all worth it.”  Her chest swelled as she filled her lungs and exhaled with a look of determination.  Was she over her head?  Yes of course.  She had no powers.  She was no fighter.  She had no strength to speak of beside the indomitable muscle between her ears.  Her mentor had always referred to the brain as such.....

”Lass.  Your brain is your ultimate weapon.  The most powerful muscle in your body.  Wield it with the precision of a scalpel....and the force of a hammer!”

“I won’t let you down professor! I won’t let myself down!”  Ruby began dressing purposefully.  She had an elaborate harness of thin leather straps where she could tuck away vials and pouches around her thigh.  Once dressed Ruby took the opportunity to prepare a set of vials while Denda was away.  Two of which would create smoke when broken, three were filled with a simple greasy substance which was flammable, but could also be used as a slick.  Two additional vials would prove to be the distraction Denda required to get teh seal from the guard and back without him noticing.  And those vials were.....perhaps the most nefarious items in her alchemical toolset.

The last vial was the most important of all.  She had carefully concocted the agent over the course of several days.  She would have to swish it in her mouth discretely, then breathe on the king.  If she managed to get it into his system, the results would be quite spectacular.  Loss of inhibitions, increased endorphin generation, slight loss of motor skills, and most importantly....he would become extremely open to suggestion. 

Lastly she slipped a a simple bag of magnetic iron sand into her purse, which could be useful in a myriad sort of ways.  Her professor had a habit of carrying a bag on him at all times, and she adopted the practice after he showed her how to detect hidden metal such as the kind used in traps using the sand.  By the time Denda returned, she was dressed, equipped, and prepared for their big night.  She turned to greet him, twirling her dress to show it off.

“Good to see you came back.  Not going to lie I wouldn’t have blamed you for bailing on me.”  She sat down, crossed her legs, and adjusted her glasses.  “It’s quite a mad scheme.  And risky.”  She smiled.  “But more for me than you I imagine.  Far less so now that we have a boat!  Excellent work on that by the way!”  She sighed.  Even as he asked about the time, she was already thinking it.  It was almost time.  “Denda.  I’m counting on you here.  I can’t do this without you.”  Standing up, she walked over to him and carefully dropped to her knees to protect the dress.  She then extended her pinky finger to the Dwarf.  “You watch my back, I’ll watch yours.  Deal?”  She grinned broadly.  “Besides if I get arrested there won’t be anyone to pay you!”  She laughed and stood.  Glad to have found the dwarf, she motioned for him to ride on her shoulder if he wanted, then threw a cloak about her person to disguise the gaudy and attention-attracting dress she was wearing.

”We only have an hour before the party stops receiving visitors.  Which means all the most important people have arrived.  With any luck the guards will already be weary from accepting so many people. Are you ready partner?”  With that Ruby headed out of the building at a brisk pace, letting Denda ride on her shoulder or go his own way as he pleased.  It wouldn’t take too long to reach the castle gates.  And the closer they got, the more noticeable the sounds of joviality and merriment became.  The streets got more and more busy with castle laborours and attendants seeking more food and drink for the festivities.  And eventually the long line that led to the gates.  Once they got in sight, Denda would need to take refuge beneath Ruby’s dress to stay close and avoid being seen.  More specifically, it was the only way to get the stamp to her in time.  She couldn’t risk the guards or any of the other dozens of citizenry and nobility noticing an invitation fluttering about.  

[imoofan]

    Denda couldn’t help but noticed just how fetching Ruby looked in her dress. He also caught a glimpse of the hidden strap and vials that she had strapped to her thigh when she twirled around. ‘Good to know she won’t be completely helpless in that get up.’ When she brought up that she was relieved he came back and outstretched her pinky, he spoke up. “‘Course I came back.” He grinned mischievously and shook her pinky with his hand. “You’re my best bet in pulling off my most daring heist yet.”


    When she offered her shoulder to ride on he lept up onto it from the floor and hid under her cloak as she put it on. “Are you ready partner?” There was only one answer to that question. “They won’t know what hit them.”


    Outside, Denda could hear the muffled sounds of the city around him through her cloak and after a few minutes of walking he could hear that the party was already in full swing. He took this time to gather his thoughts and recall the layout of the castle. This would be his toughest job yet so he couldn’t afford any distractions or slip ups on his part.


    As the muffled sounds of the event grew closer he couldn’t help but think back to his times as a slave in a place much like this one. He couldn’t wait to take another nobel type down a few pegs and couldn’t help but grin ear to ear as his chance came ever closer.


    Once Ruby stopped walking Denda pulled his goggles over his eyes and prepared to move faster than he ever has in a long time. This would be a great test of how his speed and precision have grown with time and he was excited.

[Blitzfrieg]

Once in line it was a simple thing to keep her head down, and avoid attention.  The guard was heavy, pairs of men standing on either side of the line as it proceeded up the steps to the castle of King Georges.  All were armed, but many looked tired.  Their heads heavy from the weight of their cobalt colored metal helmets, arms dragged down by their long halberds.  Half a second counted forty soldiers in total by her awareness.  Another four up at the gate.  Taking a deep breath, she readied herself and staggered forward.  Upon bumping into the morbidly obese nobleman ahead of her in pristine white military style garb Ruby planted one of the two distraction vials upside down in his belt.  If everything went as planned the second wouldn’t be needed.

“Oh dear I apologize!  These steps are treacherous in heels!”  She apologized to the officer as he spun upon her enraged.  A massive prickly beard covered most of his face, but his head was quite bald and every inch of exposed skin was beet red from the exertion of walking up the steps.  At first he seemed ready to reprimand her, but upon seeing her he was disarmed.  Grumbling something insensible he turned back with a grunt and continued his march.  Ruby smiled.  Easy as pie. 

“Denda....get ready.”  She whispered low enough that only the dwarf on her shoulder would hear.  With a hearty and very fake cough as cover, she reached out and plucked the stopper from the vial letting its pungent contents spill down his trousers.  She casually looked around, and it seemed none of the guards had noticed the action.   Denda would know when it happened.  And it didn’t take long.  A gentle breeze carried the potent cocktail of pheromones and chemicals quickly off into the foliage....and to the waiting senses of nearby vermin. 

“Do you hear that my dear?”  A noblewoman asked from somewhere behind them in line.  It was faint at first.  Louder and louder it grew, the sound of chittering creatures enraged by some unknown cause.  Then like a storm of fur and claws, a horde of squirrels, rats, and other vermin swarmed over onto the steps and onto the military gentleman.  Confounded by the sight, he simply stood frozen in panick as they rushed over his clothing, biting, clawing, and ripping the fabric to pieces.  The procession descended quickly into chaos, and Denda had his distraction.   She felt only the briefest flurry of motion as he swept down her cloak and onto the ground.  Not once did she see him.  She gnawed her lip nervously as she saw the guard captain working his way down the line with his personal guards, even as the standing guards desperately tried to protect the gentleman.  Suddenly there came a tap on her leg.  Reaching down into her cloak she took the seal from her partners hand and stamped it as planned, handed it back, and sighed in relief as he burst from her cloak again with that incredible speed.  Her invitation was set, and now it was simply to wait for her companion to get back.

She allowed herself to enjoy the spectacle of the guards trying to kick and throw away the vermin as they obsessed over the increasingly enraged noble.  Eventually the Captain arrived and began swinging a torch around the man.  Howling in anger, the creatures fled in the face of the flames.  Primal fear took precedent over her concoction, and in a few moments the man was finally free....albeit a complete mess.

The captain apologized profusely, and offered to take the noble ahead of the line so he could recover and accept some complimentary clothing to replace his tattered uniform.  As he passed ahead with a insensible grumble, the Captains eyes fell on Ruby.  For a moment, she could swear they narrowed in suspicion.  It passed and he turned around, ordering everyone back to continue as intended.  As he turned around, an audible crack sounded almost comically loud.  The captain reached down, scooping up something from the ground.  He paused for a moment, glancing again at Ruby through his ornate blue helmet, then clutched the object in his gauntleted fist before continuing on his way.

The rest of the procession went quickly and as planned.  When Ruby got to the Captain, he paused as he inspected her invitation.  But he seemed satisfied and let her pass.  She was thankful that he had not searched her as he had some guests.  Ruby didn’t know if she could hide Denda from that.  Once past the checkpoint, she became free to proceed as desired.  Passing quickly past the other guests, she headed for the doors, and went inside with a smile.  Now there was only to split up, and see to their individual tasks!

[imoofan]

    Something in the liquid Ruby spilled on the man distracted Denda for a moment. It was smelled sweet and enticing. He almost leaped off her shoulder onto the man when the clamor of the nearby wildlife rushing towards them snapped him back to reality. He shook his head clear. ‘I wasn’t expecting that. I’ll have to ask Red what that was if she makes it out.’ Denda quickly stuffed some cloth up his nose to keep the smell out just as the critters leaped onto the man in front of them.


    In the chaos that followed Denda had his chance. Taking a deep breath he hopped off Ruby’s shoulder, rolling as he hit the ground, and zipped off towards his target. With time being of the essence he opted for the most direct route. Dodging past the feet of humans and the claws of vermin he quickly made it to the captain. He spotted the stamp hanging from the captain’s belt and, timing it with a squirrel that happened to go for the captain's face, jumped up and yanked it off.


    He quickly made his way back to Ruby, handed it over, and then, once he had it back, took off once more. He quickly put the stamp back with the help of yet another critter distracting the captain. His job done Denda made his way back to Ruby and scurried up he cloak onto her shoulder again. He got there just in time too as the captain turned to Ruby just as he settled in. The captain seemed suspicious of her and Denda was worried he’d have to bail already, but then the captain walked away and they made it into the party without a hiccup.


    Once inside and in a safe spot Denda whispered to Ruby. “I’ll see you at the vault then. Hope you’re ready to carry a lot of loot.” With that he climbed down her cloak and dashed off into the bushes nearby. Once hidden among the bushes he took a moment to recall the map she had shown him. Luckily he wasn’t far from his goal. Moving along the shadows of the wall, he made his way towards a door leading inside that the servers of the party were using often. He waited for his moment and dashed inside.


    The interior was sparsely guarded past the main hallways, as most were out watching the party, making it easy work to get to the hallways leading to the vault. When he arrived at the trapped hallways he stopped and crouched low. He scanned the floor of the first hallway and immediately spotted a tripwire about a fourth of the way down. The obviousness of it worried him and he cautiously moved up to it to get a closer look. His suspicious were confirmed when he saw the floor on the other side of the wire. It was a well constructed false floor and no matter what it would crumble under a decent amount of weight. Luckily he did not weigh nearly enough to crumble the floor and he passed the tripwire and tiptoed over the false floor. Feeling pretty sure of himself he started down the hallway again but immediately stepped on a pressure plate he missed. ‘Oh no.’ He dropped to the floor just as a pair of blades swung over him, just low enough that it would have lopped his head from his shoulders, and then folded themselves back into the wall. ’That was close. I need to pay attention.’ He carefully made his way to the end of that hallway and turned down the next.


    What he saw there confused him. A few feet in front of him the hallway ended in a brick wall. ’Was the map wrong?’ Not spotting any traps leading up to the wall he decided to go check it out. Up close he heard wind coming through the wall. ’That’s odd this shouldn’t be an exterior wall.’ He inspected it closely and saw faint marks on the floor near the wall. ’It’s a false wall! Clever humans too bad nothing escapes my eyes. Now where is the mechanism to slide it away. Ah ha! Here it is.’ He pushed a stone in the corner and the wall slid back with some noise but with luck the party outside drowned it out. From there he was able to avoid most of the traps, only tripping one dart trap that thankfully shot the poison dipped dart too high to hit him. He didn’t want to think what would have happened if it had hit him.


    Once at the vault door he sat down next to it and pulled out the small den den mushi. ’Alright Red. Time to fulfill your side of the plan.'

[Blitzfrieg]

“More than you know! Go get em!” Ruby whispered to Denda in response to his parting. In his eagerness and haste on his way down her cloak, the Dwarfs furry tail tickled her skin in a way she wasn’t prepared for. The tense drama of the past few minutes had her mind laser focused, so the flickering tail drew out a bubbly, and rather unladylike laugh from the red haired genius. “BAHAHA *eep*...” Slapping her hand over her mouth, she had already drawn the attention of several dozen guests.

”What a beautiful laugh you have my dear!” Turning as casually as she could, the blood drained from Ruby’s face as her eyes fell upon King Georges himself. He was surrounded by four special Marine guard in black uniforms. Ruby’s jaw dropped almost comically before she could regain her composure. The King, with his entirely nondescript features and rather average brown hair, seemed amused by her reaction. “Why I know one does not meet royalty every day young woman, but I would think one would be prepared for it when attending said royalties functions!” He seemed as amused by his own statement as he was Ruby, and started to laugh.

“Oh dear how clever!” Ruby laughed with the king as naturally as she could. It seemed to work to some degree. “You must forgive me your highness! Royalty simply stands an impressive figure when face to face!” Ruby wanted to vomit on the inside. Eyelashes were batted, lips pouted, and minute by minute she was more attached to the Kings side as he made his way through the party. It wasn’t hard. And in her mind it was nothing more than that most deadly of natural weapons wielded by her gender. It was chemistry really. And she had long since decided that every weapon she had was on the table. In addition. Very early....too early, in the party she had already taken a moment to swish the potion in her mouth. With all the people around, she was running out of time. The chemicals effects wouldn’t remain active forever.

“So tell me again miss...”. The King grew bored after a short period, perhaps only twenty minutes at most. He had been far to busy for Ruby to make her move, and she was beginning to worry about Denda. So when the King asked the question, she almost missed it.

”Oh..oh! Wainright!” She held out her hand for the king to kiss. A bold gesture. But she needed to get close. The King seemed as amused as interested by the sudden glint in his eye. Hook. After such a boring party something like her would pierce the veil of boredom. “Lucy....Wainright.” The King leaned in to kiss her hand. Line. In that moment where his eyes were closed she pulled herself too him. He jerked up reflexively, but was stunned when she pressed herself against his chest. Sinker. “Please. Call me Lucy.” At that range her breath hit the King with full effect. His reaction was visible and quick. His eyes fluttered. She pushed away. “I apologize. I’m being too forward!”

”N..no! I mean. Perhaps. But it is....understandable I s..s..suppose. My being royalty and all that...ahem...” Ruby spent the next fifteen minutes coaxing Georges to his throne, and fighting off the armies of petitioners and nobles seeking his attention. Her proximity to his highness was already drawing more attention to herself than she would have liked.....but there was nothing to be done about it. The King seemed to be easily distracted, and possibly some mistake in her formula was enhancing that effect.

“My king....i know this must seem impertinent of me....but may I ask you a question?” She said, practically dragging him closer to her by his collar.

“Of course! Anything for you my dear!” She smiled at his heavily toxicated state. The man seemed completely in love with her very image.

“Is it true? What they say?” She batted her lashes and looked as cute as she could manage. It seemed enough. “That you’ve got the most heavily guarded vault in the entire blue?” She cocked her head, playing with her hair. “I’ve heard you keep wonders beyond that impregnable fortress....” Ruby was taken back by a swift and stark change in the Kings demeanor at the very mention of his vault. He seemed to....harden. He shifted as if his full attention was now upon her. His eyes narrowed for a moment....or did they? Was it an effect of the drug? She shook it off. Her formula may not be perfect but it was top of the line. She was psyching herself out due to the stakes.

“Why yes I do my dear. It is a thing of beauty.” He leaned closer. “The gods themselves would pay in blood to get behind those doors.” Something about that statement sent a shiver up Ruby’s spine, and apparently the King noticed. “Don’t you worry my beauty!” He flicked her nose with a laugh. That was way more forward than he had been all night. “I wouldn’t dare make you pay in blood.” The next glance froze her soul. And she knew something was wrong. “Perhaps in skin.”

”M...my king.” Not sure of what to do, she tried to salvage the conversation. “What could be so grand the gods would pay so dearly?” The king leaned towards her and motioned her to come closer.

”Power my dear. True power.....but you already knew that didn’t you?” Shit. Ruby froze in place. If she got up she would cause a scene, which would result in her immediate capture. So instead she could think of only one other option and acted without thinking. She casually pulled the cork from the last of her distraction vials. Then she smiled.

”What gave me away?”

“Honest? You’re very presence. I know every single person on those invitations. You may have one, and congratulations at that! Quite impressive.” The King relaxed, speaking casually, low enough that no one beyond the twelve foot perimeter around his throne could hear what was being said. “But no one comes in this castle that I do not know by name.” Ruby cursed her planning. How could she have known the King would actually be intelligent?

”Then I never had a chance.”

”Not at all. I was quite taken with you at first. And your little drug or whatever threw me for a loop at first. But I’ve gone through training to resist mild poisons. It didn’t take me long to resist its effects. I thought perhaps you were just another foolish yet attractive farm girl looking to win the heart of a king.” He laughed, and she sneered. “Happens more than you think really.” But then he clapped loudly, drawing the attention of everyone present. Shit.

“But then you asked about the vault!” He stood up, speaking loudly and clearly for all to hear. “That was the moment I knew why you were really here! To steal the power of the devil himself from my very own vault!” A hushed murmur ran through the crowd, and guards began moving towards them at the throne. Ruby started gnawing her lip, running scenarios of escape through her mind as the King monologued. “Truthfully? Even had you gotten the password from me, as I assume you were trying to do….it would have done you no good!” The King laughed, and the crowd laughed uncomfortably along with him. “Would you like to know what it is?” Her eyes widening, she rushed her hand obscured by her chair to the tiny den Den Mushi, and pressed the button. “Viva La Revolution!” She clicked off the Den Den Mushi and let it fall behind her. Denda would have what he needed…..along with a ill timed patrol of three rookie guards heading right for him.

As she continued her scanning of her royal surroundings.....her salvation became apparent. Again acting on reflex rather than careful thought. She sprang to her feet and laughed haughtily.

“OOOOHohohohoho!” She pointed dramatically at King Georges, who spun upon her, face flushed red with anger. He obviously didn’t like being interrupted. But before he could speak she shouted him down. “You think I’m here for your petty power? HA!” She reached into her dress and pulled out a metal flask. The crowd became unsettled at her interruption, and then confused at the steadily growing skittering sound coming from the windows. “I already have true power! Nature itself heeds my call! And it answers with the claws and teeth of its swiftest warriors!” The large bald man whom had been the subject of her distraction, began crying out. He swore to the truth of her power, remembering that she was standing behind him. As he distracted the crowd and the king, she hurled the metal flask with all her might across the room. As it cracked, and shattered one of the huge windows observing the city below…..the world fell into chaos.

A tide of creatures and critters of all kind, vermin and rodents alike descended through the portal like a hurricane of fur and claws that reduced the crowd to hysteria. Unable to wait any longer, she rushed past the king, shoving him over into his guards, and began running with all her speed into the halls of the castle, heading for the vault.