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Post by darkblade on Mar 21, 2016 2:43:40 GMT
The Club; Caritas.
In another city, this would not be one of Iko's usual stops, and although Luke was familiar enough with the club setting, having the experience of a college student and all, this was not his usual forte as well. But this place had taken quite a different tone recently: with Beverly's 'takeover' of Whitewater just a few weeks prior, the regulars of Caritas had changed quite a bit. Sure, there were still the normal party-goers, but the darker side of the club perked its head a little more often.
And though it aggravated Luke to no end, the wolf-man was quite invested in this city. The quickest way to figure out just what had happened, was to take it straight to the source.
For this reason, both Iko and Luke made their way to this beach-side nightclub. Reaching the front of the line, Iko simply gave a growl and a nod to the blue-beast, Gam, before proceeding in with Luke after paying their cover. Like many evenings, this place had quite the jibe going: a Lillymon trained in fire-breathing let forth dazzling streams of purple flame on-stage; the dance floor, freshly prepped just a few hours ago, was in full swing with several Digimon of various shapes and sizes. Despite all this, it was still a slow night for this place, evidenced by the fact that both the human and the tamer were able to be seated bar-side without any bit of hassle. Perhaps this was due to Beverly's strong words to the city? A lack of confidence, mainly?
"Hmph." The wolf gave another low growl: with the loud cover of sound, only his human partner next to him would be able to clearly make out his words. Seeing the Ankomon's scowl, Luke gave a sigh. "What is it?"
"Doesn't make sense. Don't know much about this place, but if this is the reaction... I don't think its like them to make such a risky play. Especially if they already had the place this successful. Maybe-"
"Shh." Seeing the bartender, a Lobomon, approach, Luke hushed his partner, and sat up, Iko following in kind. And just like that, Iko's tone changed entirely: "Two Devi-Bombs. Open a tab." His voice seemed chipper, like he'd been here a thousand times.
Indeed... this seemed off. What did this 'Beverly' really have to gain by trying to extend her feet? Did they really think that the owner of a club-member was going to be a popular pick for governor, or whatever she was trying to do? And even then, who was going to take her passive words seriously? All that really resulted thus far was a bunch of talking under the table. Was it just a case of misdirection? Maybe a failed publicity stunt?
For Luke, this was just curiosity.
For Iko, however, this was a pointed interest. Perhaps even an opportunity. "Hmph. Place has always been a little too heavy on the rave for my taste." Iko gave a dry chuckle.
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Post by *Lady* Beverly and Ghost on Mar 21, 2016 3:23:25 GMT
The Lobomon returned, having set up a tab and giving the two their drinks in short order. He also began to speak with them right afterwards with a calm tone.
"Heavy on the rave? Then you've come at the wrong times then.
Also, I am obligated to tell you that if you have any questions or concerns about Beverly, you should go speak to her yourself."
Were they to look at him, they would see the Lobomon tap one of the ears on his helmet. Saibot's hearing was considerably better than average. As a musically inclined digimon who worked at a bar, his hearing allowed him to pick up on more obscure sounds with a bit of effort.
And there's nothing like a bit of gossip to spice up the barwork.
"Personally, I don't quite agree with it, but I'm not against it. I'm certainly in no position to try if I was.
Fair warning, if you are going to try to fight her on this, do it outside. But if you are just going to talk to her, I can have her come."
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Post by darkblade on Mar 21, 2016 3:45:53 GMT
Well, well... straight to the point, were they? Although Luke looked on in a bit of shock, and seemed ready to deny what he had said, Iko merely gave a chuckle as the Lobomon tapped his helmet.
"She's quite well-staffed, isn't she?" Taking the black-colored drink in hand, Iko took a long drink, before setting it straight back onto the table with a 'clack'. He should have figured that there was at least someone like Lobomon with their ears open. If not the bartender itself, then at least part of the crowd. And if that was the case, it made sense that it wasn't the only precaution: that weird-looking bouncer probably had blood on his claws, at one point or another.
Seeing that the situation had diffused a bit, Luke simply gave a sigh, taking a sip of the drink... before following it up with a cough. "Oh jeez... what is this-"
"Virus data and cherry. When you're raised in the Dark Area, you get used to that kind of swill." Giving a chuckle, his focus returned to the Lobomon, raising a brow. "Hm... that confident to just have her come out? Don't worry, I don't have any fantasy of fighting her directly, dear light-digimon. Though if she'd be so kind, I'd certainly like to have a talk with her."
"You sure you should be that forward?" Luke glanced at his partner, taking another tentative sip. The wolf merely gave a low grin.
"Well. Let's just say I'm not entirely opposed with what she's doing either. I just find it... off. Let's just say I caught the scent of something."
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Post by *Lady* Beverly and Ghost on Mar 21, 2016 4:36:08 GMT
"Well staffed? Well, that sounds like a peculiar statement. Not that it matters, the employees are either Bev's family or closest friends." He had a feeling that was a reference to Garm (as chances are he and the Lobomon himself were the only ones they've seen so far).
The Lobomon shrugged, not bothered with the comment at all.
He didn't say anything about Luke's reaction to the "Devi-Bomb", either. Many times has he seen someone introduce a drink to another friend. The results wildly varied from patron to patron, but from the looks of it, the mop wasn't needed. At least, for Luke and Iko.
Once they were sure they wanted to see and talk with her, Saibot reached under the bar and pressed one of several buttons, producing a buzzing sound and a speaker to pop up.
"Hey, Bev, are you free up there?"
"We're all free up heeeere Saibot!"
"Ghost? Stop messing around. Can Bev come on down here? Got a two guys who want to talk with her."
There was a pause for a moment, and then Ghost continued. "Is this a 'come down chat' or a 'come up chat'?"
Another pause, this time from Saibot. "I'll send them up."
The Lobomon pointed to a pair of flights of stairs some distance from the bar. It was seemingly unguarded, but obviously sectioned off from the normal club area.
"Head up those stairs and knock on the door. Beverly will meet you up there. And do not, for any reason, go into her bedroom. I doubt you needed to be warned but... fair warning anyway."
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Post by darkblade on Mar 22, 2016 0:45:54 GMT
If anything, Iko was surprised that it would be that easy to talk to talk to Beverly. As the Lobomon called upstairs, the wolf downed the rest of his drink, clacking the empty glass against the table. Luke set his down as well, although leaving a good three-fourths of the apparently foul drink before him, earning a small chuckle from his partner. "Lightweight."
"Shut up." Returning a light chuckle and a dry cough, Luke gave a light nod to the Lobomon, standing up next to his partner. "Thanks." Luke gave a small bow to the light-sword wielder, Iko giving a more casual wave over his shoulder as the two would move towards the stairs. It wasn't that hard to avoid the bedroom: they were looking for Beverly's office, after all, and had no reason to go deep into Beverly's personal area. And this wood door seemed correct enough.
"... Hm. They let us up here pretty easily... you sure this isn't some sort of trap?"
"Oh please. She's never even met us. At worst its an advertising shpiel." Confident enough in at least that, Iko would knock at the door with the back of his knuckle. "Iko the Ankomon, and partner Luke. We were told to come up and visit."
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Post by *Lady* Beverly and Ghost on Mar 22, 2016 1:09:20 GMT
And so, Saibot nodded as the duo left.
A shame to waste a good drink, though. Even if they had a tab, it would be a shame to dispose of it. At least it's still in the glass and not on the floor.
At the door, there was some movement behind before it opened, revealing a green clad female digimon. Her body seemed cloudy, as if it was densly packed smoke. An oddly formed body under an odd attire. And on her pale face she grinned.
"I'd expected you to be taller. Oh well." Her voice also seemed to have this odd reverse reverb effect. Not too pronounced, but clearly noticeable. "Come on, follow me, I guess, hee hee."
It wouldn't be hard to follow her, as the door led to a wide, spacious hallway with doors and openings every so often.
The digimon led them through one opening, very much like a guest room, with some couches, tables, and some security monitor equipment, with TVs displaying some areas of the club itself.
By said equipment was the owner herself, in her Galaclivamon form, sitting down in a large, comfy chair.
"Sit anywhere you'd like. I'm Lady Beverly, owner of this club."
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Post by darkblade on Mar 22, 2016 2:03:02 GMT
"Well, we all can't be blessed." Taking Beverly's initial comment in stride, the wolf spared a polite glance towards Beverly, before taking a similar glance at the open room around them. He and Luke followed and Beverly led on, through the first doors, into a completely separate hallway - just how elaborate was this place? - reaching what seemed to be a staff-lounge, more or less. Or perhaps this super-mega simply liked to be in comfort while she watched the dance floor from a safe distance.
Why else would there be a plethora of images of the entire club? "Ritsy place you got here..."
"I'll say." For both of them, the tone was a little awkward. Expecting something a little more formal, it was more or less a shock just to see such a comfortable room. Still, at least they could see their hostess a little more clearly now. But with the difference of power?
"My, my. Now I feel a little 'under-dressed'." Giving a small laugh, he still took her invitation, taking a seat on what appeared to be a side couch. Luke sat next to him, clearly along for the ride, his Digimon taking direction in this conversation.
"Well... I suppose I'll get to the point. And forgive me if I'm a little late to the party, but as someone who's been... 'acquainted' with Whitewater's politics," Luke gave a small cough behind that, Iko ignoring it, "What's a night-club owner like yourself, doing as the 'owner' of this city? I mean, the nightlife is great, but its very little compared to the coastal economy here."
His gaze focused on Beverly, eyes giving an interested, slightly narrow stare. "Its just hard to think its all for public benefit. You get where I'm coming from."
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Post by *Lady* Beverly and Ghost on Mar 22, 2016 2:32:50 GMT
Ghost sat down elsewhere in the room, closer to Beverly. Beverly turned the chair to more directly face her guests.
"Thank you for the complement to my place. Still I don't want it to be too flashy. Simple, practical, neutral, just like a room like this should be.
And don't worry about your clothing... This building is where I run the business that is Caritas, but this floor is very much my home. Despite my 'title', I'm actually not that formal. But I am the 'lord' of this place... or 'lady', which is more appropriate. "
Iko's implications didn't seem to bother Bev... in fact, they didn't. This sort of suspicion towards Beverly was something she readily expected. She *did* declare herself ruler of this city, afterall. That's enough to ruffle a few feathers.
Afterwards, she chuckled and did a wave to the side.
"Pah haha, oh you don't have to beat around the bush.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love this city. It's not perfect, but it's my home. Call it selfish, but I've wanted to 'own' it for quite a while.
That being said, I do not intend to make any major changes or shake things up too much. And I know it's my responsibility to tend to the needs of the people should the time come."
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Post by darkblade on Mar 22, 2016 3:36:35 GMT
To be fair, it wasn't common for Digimon to own real estate at all, so the claim that this entire set-up was 'neutral' gave a twitch to Iko's ear. No... multiple screens? Sofas? On top of the most hip night-club in town? They'd think of it as anything but neutral... not that it really served well to agitate their host over such a moot point. Though on the topic of clothing, Iko gave a smile. "Well, its either this, or perhaps the most gaudy golden-armor you've ever seen. And I think this serves much better for hanging indoors."
It didn't take long for Beverly to get to the point. And in fact, it was even more blunt than Iko, something that came as a surprise to Luke. At least, for a moment: the latter answer given just sounded like the bog-standard words of a politician. "Wait, own it?" Luke seemed more confused than anyone. "I could see governing it, but isn't owning it a bit of a misnomer-"
"No, no... that's something more natural to Digimon than you'd get, Luke." Resting his chin in his palm, the Ankomon thought it over. No, could it really be something so innocuous? "But just declaring yourself the leader just to have the name-in-title... no. That can't be it, you have to have some stake in it." Stretching his neck, the wolf took a few stabs in the dark: "The money from the port? Better screen of transport for the water-route? Less fighting for permits to expand your nightclub?"
"I don't think that she'd-"
"Well? Do you own a nightclub?" Iko chuckled, and crossed his arms. He wasn't expecting to get entirely a straight answer, but still enjoyed tossing around the ideas. "Or maybe you're trying to be a little more able to protect it... hm. I wonder if it could be something so innocent."
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Post by *Lady* Beverly and Ghost on Mar 22, 2016 5:46:36 GMT
"You know I'd be curious to see that gaudy suit of armor." Ghost chimed in. Bev merely shrugged in response.
"Anyway, my stake in this, though... hahaha... really, there no real stake. Although I admit I did consider expanding, but I'd think that would be rude to do it now. There's a variety of places for digimon and humans to visit here. Caritas is merely one, but it would be boring if it was the only game in town, so to speak.
Let me tell you something... it's personal but not exactly a private matter..."
Beverly got up and pointed to one of the screens; a specific one that shown Garm working as the bouncer.
"Surely you've met my 'bouncer' already. He's also my keyboardist and DJ.
He's also, barring Ghost here, my closest confidant. That one constant in my life that drove home an aspect that I regarded as a young DemiDevimon highly, but realized the longer I stayed with him... Loyalty.
I was a very different digimon back then, but no matter what I did he stuck by me. I wouldn't be here were it not for him.
I like loyalty. I like respect as well. Say what you will about my direct takeover... I will attempt to earn their respect and loyalty. I, as well, will give others respect and loyalty. That is why my takeover is non violent. Fear will get some peeved enough to boot you out. But true loyalty and appreciation will sustain great bonds.
Hahaha... I just realized how cheesy that must sound... but it is how I feel."
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Post by darkblade on Mar 23, 2016 0:28:39 GMT
"Heh. Maybe another time." Ghost's little quip did enough to lighten the mood, though: Iko's deep analysis of Beverly's curious move could come across as a little strong. Hell, it was downright arrogant, coming from a relative stranger.
And yet? Beverly was more than willing to discuss her position. Actually, this was treasure troves more than what Iko had expected: his little bout of speculation not only earned an apparent motive, but even a glimpse into the Super Mega's personal life. Her drive for loyalty, to seek the same 'affection', as it were, that she received from that blue monster. The way she made it sound, so bubbly and upright, made it seem like she was talking of a true objective, of a grand, trusting city that she hoped to build.
"... What a dangerous sentiment." Muttering under his breath, Iko closed his eyes a moment in thought. If her words were genuine, then she was playing a risky game, one that could turn the city into a weapon at her disposal. However, Iko's tone was not one of disgust, but that of intrigue, earning a bit of a tilted eyebrow from Luke. Was he honestly considering-
"I will say this. There's nothing that will make people more temperamental than a 'passive' leader. You should know by now: asserting yourself into a leadership position in such a way will only serve the opposite of your goal. People will talk amongst themselves. Questions will run deep, and ultimately, doubt will seed its way into your structure. There is a way to out this..."
"Iko..." He was. Iko was trying to help her.
"It doesn't matter what you do. You could take the reigns more forcefully, or you could announce a digitarian effort, like an extension to the docks. But until there is action behind your words, no-one will be able to take you seriously." A slight grin perked at the edge of the wolf's lip. "After all. Who would vote in a nightclub leader as a mayor? A few, perhaps, but the title alone will become an issue, unless you make a mark for yourself."
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Post by *Lady* Beverly and Ghost on Mar 23, 2016 2:26:31 GMT
"Yes... I do understand... and I appreciate your suggestions."
"However..."
Ghost got up from her chair with a wide grin on her face. Beverly knew what she was about to say, and was about to stop her, but the HyldenImpmon raised her hand up.
"You can be so stubborn sometimes, Mistress! It's not too much different than what Burst said to you."
"Ghost..."
Beverly didn't continue, remaining silent. She seemed worried... but not particularly scared. Meanwhile, Ghost faced Iko directly.
"Now, you say 'until there is action...'. There is no 'until', she has already acted.
Ranging from that Lobomon you met at the bar. Him and his wife, she saved from death! Even gave them a job here because Saibot wasn't exactly in the best of positions then. She had gave plenty of other people jobs through Caritas!
There was that giant sea monster a while back that Beverly aided in defeating! She helped rebuild this city after part of it was wrecked with a giant tidal wave!
And then there's Burst..."
This was the bit of information Beverly was nervous about.
"Burst, as in Mayor of Rustport and the head of the Rustport Restoration Project... He worked on the wiring here, and Beverly was the one who actually started the RRP, and placed Burst there to be the head there! She even has sent some funds and workers there as well!"
"Yeah... haha... I am the one who started the RRP. But aside from Caritas, I simply didn't want anything to happen to me or Rustport and make some sort of chain reaction to the other. And I don't want people thinking Burst is some... puppet leader I placed. He's a good digimon, and I don't want my actions to effect Rustport or him... That's why I haven't publicly told people this... just a handful of close associates and the group I had made to start the project."
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Post by darkblade on Mar 23, 2016 3:18:43 GMT
Aha... so there was a little more to this story after all. This wasn't just some random upstart civilian trying at a bide for power. No, there was quite a bit of experience behind it: as Ghost took center stage, Iko leaned back in his chair, keeping a respectful smile as he went through his points.
And perhaps, for the first time, Beverly's position felt a little more convincing. Granted, all the wolf could go on was hearsay, but there wasn't any reason to doubt the imp: Beverly had been a provider, using both her experiences in Caritas and potentially her connections with the city to bring the best possible result of the people here. Past that - and Iko had no clue of this one - it was apparently through this woman's efforts that the absolutely erased city of Rustport had managed to get back on its feet. At least somewhat, anyway. Tilting his head, and turning back to Beverly as she took control of the conversation again, Iko gave a small nod.
"Hm... now its hard to decide if you're a bleeding heart, or just an opportunist. Not that either is bad, mind you."
"Still... that's quite a lot to leave in the dark, isn't it?" Iko's ear twitched as Luke spoke up. Just as it would seem that everything was on the up-and-up, Iko's partner brought up one more point: "Experiences like that, made more public, might already have given you the trust you need for this. Maybe even getting others to recommend you for the position, rather than forcing your way to the top like that. Why would you-"
"Luke." Iko sighed, shaking his head. "The politics of your world don't work here. I wouldn't be surprised if Luminas wouldn't detain me for just being a Dark Area Digimon. And certain areas of the desert will lock you up and throw away the key for next to nothing. Its more common for a single Digimon to make a claim for power than you think... its not inherently wrong at all."
"... Huh." Was the two worlds really that different? Even in a place like Luminas?
"Even so... Ms. Beverly, dear imp, he does have a point. It doesn't need to be as much or as grand as your previous accomplishments, but people rarely look to dig this much. Unless, of course, you act as the enigma you are now. I'd suggest an improvement to the port, or even the night-strip. A safe move that won't incite the opinions of too many 'mons, while giving you good publicity. Because..."
Iko chuckled. "You may be a good person. But a sub-par politician."
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Post by *Lady* Beverly and Ghost on Mar 23, 2016 4:36:57 GMT
"Of course I'm a sub-par politician. I fully admit to using my power to aid in skipping all that politic mess. But I wouldn't be here of power was all I brought to the table.
But I don't think I'm as much of an enigma as you might think. That said, I could go public more often.
However, there is a bit of an issue with a particular... thorn in my side...
There's a digimon named Tweek I had the misfortune of knowing. When I publicly stated that I would take over this town, he decided to show up and cause me trouble... I chased him off but not before he killed a few bystanders. And Tweek... weak in combat he may be, more than makes up for it in manipulation, shape shifting, and evasion. Since he knows I can easily kill him, he rarely uses anything other than clones to bother me.
I do have someone to keep him busy for me, though. An old friend of mine who helped me out a while back. Still, he's not to be underestimated, and I admit, I fear him harming anyone else.
Anyway, before I ask you specifics about the port... why are you so eager to help me, Iko? "
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Post by darkblade on Mar 24, 2016 2:40:02 GMT
"Politics is all about perception. You're an enigma until you prove it otherwise to the Digimon of this city."
Iko just managed to get that point in edge-wise, folding his fingers over each-other as Beverly went on another tangent. All things considered, this was going very well: the city's new leader was now on about sharing the more intricate problems of her city. An irritating creature going by 'Tweek', who had more than a little blood on his hands... at that note, the wolf's claws curled a bit inside his palm. A moment later, the tension vanished, once more relaxing his arm on the comfortable armrest.
But, the elephant in the room came up soon enough: just why was Iko here? Honestly, Luke didn't know much about the situation himself, but the champion's lips curled in interest. "Well, I suppose its only fair... you've already proven yourself to be quite trustworthy of an outsider." He paused, taking a moment to gather his thoughts, before going about explaining it: "Whitewater's stability... let's just say its of somewhat an interest to me. I've taken jobs around this city before, and I guess, after a while... you get used to its structure.
"Now, it wasn't exactly solid, but it served well for my line of work. But then you get attached to certain things... and lo and behold, some new upstart Digimon comes and changes the entire game."
Despite the wording, he managed a playful chuckle, as all the color faded out from Luke's face, timidly looking at the stronger creature.
"For now, its for my own stability. As the roles have shifted, I'd like to stay as close to the 'light' as possible." A bit ironic coming from a shadow wolf, but it worked! "If you can accept that as more than just a political shpiel, I think I may be of some use to you."
((Whoops, dock 1 from TSF when you get a chance. Sorry!))
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