RP between Degu and Ave
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Zaffre
The estate was sprawled over a small chunk of the easternmost side of New Haven. The French-Normandy styled home was enveloped with lovely gardens, exotic fish ponds, and towering trees. The owner was the epicurean Swan Queen herself, the delightful Zaffre, giving orders to her tittering staff to make preparations for her honored guest. No milk glass, cameo, or painted vase would go unchecked for dust, and if it was spotted, was hastily fluffed away. They fussed too much. Then again, so did Zaffre.
The gates would open to Judax the minute he arrived. The guards did not bother to check him. There was no need. It was a sign of good faith and trust.
Zaffre delighted in his arrival. Had his goons followed along, the Companion would give each of them a peck on the cheek if she knew them, or else a warm hold of their hands and a “Thank you for coming, please help yourself to some refreshment and food.” There was a gesture to a table laden with alcohol and mouth-watering cakes. Antique sofas and oak tables provided comfortable places to sit.
The crime lord himself was saved for last, bestowed with Zaffre’s usual greeting: not one, but two pecks on the cheek. Those closest to Zaffre usually received this gesture of familiarity.
There was a weight on Zaffre. One she carried in silence, and hidden behind tired eyes and tender smiles. At least there was no doubting the pleasure she took of having the guests in her home.
The more nosy populous of New Haven might take notice of the infamous Judax visiting the Companion Director. The more clever paparazzi hidden in bushes, or utilizing camo tech would surely take notes and have a field day. Zaffre was aware of these… curious little mice, but “Rodents are so hard to exterminate,” she would say.
Judax
Judax arrived with his usual hoard of goons, some towered over him even though he was tall himself. Others were shorter but boxier. Zeke was among them and he smiled upon the sight of Zaffre, leaning his head in to the attention to press a kiss to her cheek. The others didn't know Zaffre as well and all looked stunned, secretly giddy or wary of her greeting. Judax gave the lot of them a look that suggested they accept it all gracefully though.
"Zaffre" He finally greets warmly and stands to be greeted with those kisses. He doesn't return them, he cannot, not in front of his goons anyway.
Instead he places a deadly clawed hand upon the small of her back and walks with her inside "Take a load off in tha garden fellas." He was fine on his own, they'd watch from outside.
"Ya place is fancy, suits ya." he comments as his acid-green eyes wheel back and forth to examine the whole place, but then they land on Zaffre contemplatively "I could have 'm shot if ya want?" he smirks "Or at least rattled."
He looks her in the eyes, that smirk fading "What is it? ya okay baby?"
Zaffre
It was like watching a swan being ensnared by a very large wolf, but the swan seemed content to lead the wolf into her home while his ‘pack’ got to experience the gardens outside. It was a place chock full of curiosities from distant moons. While the flowers were pretty enough, some of them seemed to have a level of sentience and would give any touchy man a playful nip with their mouthy petals.
Zaffre poured Judax a generous helping of champagne, and only a little for herself. “Thank you,” she said graciously, handing the Crime Lord his glass. The compliment brought a well disposed smile on her face. “Gifts from admirers and patrons,” she said, opening her palm up in a kind of flourish around her. “I wish I could say the same about our dear Federation; they seem only concerned with giving me nasty grams and not love letters.” She brought the champagne flute to her lips. The word ‘Federation’ was not something her tongue found tasteful, and needed to wash it down with drink. The motion considered her thoughts without needing to explain: she was still having a great deal of trouble with them.
“They’re just lowly mice,” the Companion purred, waving her drink. “Shooting one will just give the press more reason to hate me. Or love me, depending whom you’re talking to. Thankfully, I happen to be really good handling political damage control.” She snorted into her glass. “Your visit is the least of my worries. If anything, our little get together would be a welcome controversy. I can just see the headlines now: ‘Companion Director Zaffre, in cahoots with Crime Lord Judax!’ Oh, and it won’t stop there, I assure you. These little mice… they enjoy their stories. I’m sorry, darling. It’s what we big names burden ourselves with. Controversy.” And oh how mice delighted in the fall of big cats.
Zaffre sat delicately on one side of a sofa, and offered Judax to sit, if he’d like. The Companion was ever a delightful hostess, and preferred to take up the mantle where usually her staff would. Old habits die hard.
“Speaking of ‘controversy,’” she continued, offering a wry smile. “How is taking territory going for my Crime Lord?”
Judax
Judax ignores the flowers, jerking his arm away as they seem to reach for him with an irritated and confused sound. The paparazzi discussion makes him snort and roll his eyes with a sneer "Ya got all that public image ta think about, I get it. Spose we both do in different ways." Long claws gracefully cup themselves beneath the glass of champagne and he brings it to his lips, rolling the glass idly before taking a long sip. He doesn't bother with the formality of toasts around Zaffre. He's dark and thoughtful, staring about the room and at the windows perhaps a little suspiciously.
The offer of a seat snaps him out of it for long enough, he takes a seat a little close to her but there's still at decently sized gap between the two of them. He snorts "Not your crime lord." he shoots her an almost unreadable look before lowering his glass and heaving a sigh "It is going well. New Haven's easier pickings than I could've hoped fer. Got a base of operations here now."
Zaffre
“Public image.” Zaffre hid behind her glass in disgust, not liking that word, either. “Once, that was a dream. Now I wish I knew how to not give a damn. You ever just regret taking up the mantle? Sure, the role of boss can be all fun and games, but then you realize that you have this whole… flock under your wing, looking up to you, looking at you for protection.” The Companion poured more into her flute a little forcefully. “I wish someone else was in my place.” She shoved the lip of her glass into her mouth, and drank deep. “Especially now, since…” Zaffre tilted her head, bright eyes cast on the floor in deep thought. She shook her big curly blue hair. “For one, people keep disappearing from here. Like my brother. Thankfully… by some miracle, he’s alive and well.” Well, that was one stress to unload, among a massive laundry list of others. That one was definitely Number One.
Zaffre lowered her champagne and regarded Judax with quiet curiosity. No, she thought in agreement. You are not my ‘Crime Lord’. What he really was to her, she would not dispute out loud. Let actions speak for themselves. Despite this, she could not help but quip with a cheeky smile, “You’re right, darling. We should let social media decide. They will have a blast with that. Secret lovers, client, associates, blah, blah, blah. ‘The Swan Queen is keeping secrets again’ and ‘what is the Companion Director hiding now’ is what they’ll go on, and on, and on about until their silly little faces turn as blue as my head. It’s become a game of dice. I wonder what they’ll say, now.” The sound she made in her throat was half amused, half derisive. “But I suppose that is why I keep my locks so nice and plump. I hide all my secrets in there, you know.” She laughed and swept back her hair.
Zaffre was an indulgent soul. It was hard not to sit close, but a sentimental creature, Judax was not. Her gaze followed his to the windows. She smiled big and waggled her fingers at some of Judax’ dogs looking in. “They all look well,” she offered. “Anyway.” She smacked her lips uncharacteristically. There were rare few she could comfortably drop all propriety. Judax was not exactly proper, either. It was a part of his charm. “Congratulations, darling, I am pleased to hear of your growth. How did you manage that without some curious kittens poking their noses in?”
Judax
Judax narrows his eyes dangerously at his goons peering in and they quickly pretend to be looking elsewhere and walk off to 'examine' the garden. He snorts irritably and takes a long drink of whiskey "The hive is thrivin', got more people workin' for me than ever before but it comes wid it's own risks." He crosses one leg over the other, one arm across the back of the couch. Ominous, brooding, quiet.
He looks over at Zaffre and snorts "You decided that yaself, ain't got shit to do with social media." he smirks and shakes his head. "What tha fuck is a swan anyway?" he grumbles, he's on edge and that much is obvious. Everything about him tense and irritable. He'd been fighting a little harder these last few months, trying to expand his domain but making plenty new enemies in the process.
The crimelord leans forwards and sets the glass down, giving Zaffre a look "Uh yeah, 'kittens' ...wid guns..." he chuckles "Problem wid bein' at tha top baby, ya gotta fight real hard ta stay there."
Zaffre
Zaffre studied her guest, frowning. “Something got you uncomfortable, darling?” She really did not need to guess. Judax often came off as a bit paranoid, especially now. “You’re safe,” she reassured.
“I guess I like to play with fire.” Zaffre’s expression was set to neutral as she put her glass down with a soft thunk. “It’s a bad habit.” It’s why it got her in trouble in the past. Judax’s question about a swan earned a smirk. “A swan is a really ugly bird from the human world, you wouldn’t like it.” Silence now, as Zaffre mulled over the crime lord’s words. “I guess the only difference with our jobs is that mine is awfully boring and anger-inducing. I’m pretty sure I’m developing anger problems—“
An ear-splitting noise interrupted Zaffre followed by a terrific explosion. The room of which housed Companion and Crime Lord rocked ominously, sending Zaffre from her seat, knocking her shoulder into the coffee table. Stunned, Zaffre managed only a grunt and nothing more. The shuddering sent dust down on them. The house alarm went off, as did the sprinklers.
The explosion caused a blaze to rise up on the east wing of the estate, sending smoke and a plume of fire into the artificial sky.
Judax
Judax looked up when he was asked what had him uncomfortable "Nothin' worth botherin' ya with doll." he shrugs a shoulder. He'd relax in time, right?
He chuckles a little as she brings up her anger problems but his laughter is cut short by an explosion rocking the home. His eyes snap wide and he catches himself before he hits the table. He instinctively goes to cover Zaffre with his own body and urges her to get behind the couch, turning it towards the direction of the explosion.
He can hear his men and women yelling outside and surging towards the explosion and scattering around the building to cover ground. "I should never-a come here" he growls and tries to make any sense of what sort of attack they're under. The radio in his ear lights up with his underbosses yammering quickly to him about their search.
"Ya got a safe room? ya need ta get ta it now" he asks quickly, arm over her shoulders, ready to move her in an instant.
Zaffre
Within minutes of the explosion, Zaffre had already risen, her dress ruined, and her hair falling from its delicate pins. She was sopping wet from the sprinkler system.
A sudden burst of energized pop pop pop came from outside, followed by screams, making the Companion ball her fists and grit her teeth Several more followed, the familiar sounds of her guards’ pistols heard and shouts just under the din.
“I am fine,” the Sorashi answered Judax with surprising calm. “And I’m not going anywhere.” Despite this, the look she sported now was a dangerous one. There was no time; Zaffre looked for her commlink and merely only needed to push one button. “Send the staff to the cellars. Until we know what’s going on, it’s the safest place for them. No, not where the fire is, idiot. Because there’s FUCKIKG ACTIVE SHOOTERS OUTSIDE. YES, THE ESTATE IS UNDER FIRE. MOVE. NOW.”
The remaining staff did as the Companion bade, and retreated underground as fast as possible. Meanwhile, Zaffre stepped over the rubble in her heels to open up a secret compartment on her wall, revealing Kaelee-brand weaponry lining the shelves. Since when did Zaffre possess an impressive arsenal of—wait, was that an AK-47?
Zaffre turned swiftly to the Crime Lord. “Will you help me, Judax?” Was she being serious? Holy shit! “The city guards will be on their way soon, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to wait around for more of our people to get killed.” She ripped a burst rifle from the compartment and loaded it, looking fierce.
Judax
Judax readies himself, he knows she's capable (though he has no idea just HOW capable) but he can't help but feel responsible "I shoulda never-a come here" he growls and bares his claws. His 'family' are out there being shot, maybe killed. He has to trust in his men and women.
He certainly plans to join the fray.
Zaffre snaps him out of it by shouting down her comms. The secret compartment and the woman's battle-ready stance leave him there gaping for the briefest of seconds with a toothy grin. He nods and tears a near identical gun from the wall "Gotta admit baby" He lifts the weapon, loads it and flicks the safety off with a smirk at her.
"Kinda hard right now" typical. Even through all this he can appreciate a strong woman wielding serious artillery. "Lets fuck em up." and with that he hurries towards the direction the explosion had come from. He has to trust Zaffre to hold her own, she'll have to trust him to do the same. No time for worrying and fussing.
Zaffre
“We’ll have time to feel sorry for ourselves later,” she growled, hoisting up her burst rifle. “I took an interest in self defense and handgun training after Blackout.” Zaffre quickly explained, casting a wicked little smirk. She must know how she looked in front of Judax: completely soaked from head to toe, her dress tattered and clinging to her curvy body, whilst holding a rifle that looked much too big for her, but somehow, the Companion managed just fine. It’s not the first big object she gripped tightly in her hands, after all ( ).
The commlink at Zaffre’s waist blipped and a voice came from it: “Madam, we got a bunch of hooded assholes forming barricades and shooting at us…”
“Lux?”
“I don’t know, not sure how they got in New Haven if they are, but they brought big guns and they’re trying to push their way in—“
“Hold the perimeter, Judax and I are coming to help. Bet they’re Lux, or they’re a bunch of burglars who really want my nude paintings.”
“What?!”
“Just hold them off long enough until the New Haven guards to show up, damnit.”
Zaffre gave a swift nod to Judax, and followed his lead out to where the explosion happened, keeping behind pillars before moving ahead. She was not practiced in military-style strategy, but she was not dumb, and had a lot of time on her heads poring over books and gleaning an understanding of how it all worked. Time to put her knowledge to practice, and Judax would be her guide.
Ahead, a gaping maw yawned out into the open air, smoking thickly from the fire that had been put out by the sprinkler system and staff before they went underground. Zaffre inhaled sharply, examining the wreckage and seeing bodies strewn on the ground, buried in the rubble, a few she recognized. Her heart broke. No time to tend to the dead, she has the living to focus on.
A bullet whizzed past Judax’s face. “Heads up!” Zaffre shouted, ducking behind a broken pillar. “Judax, to your right!” The gunman swore as he reloaded his weapon.
Zaffre didn’t hesitate, she warned her partner anyway, it was necessary in case her shot missed—she aimed for the the head—fired—
The gunman’s head exploded violently and splattered across Zaffre’s front. She trembled.
Judax
Judax hissed "If they're here f' me, m' real sorry baby." he growls and leaves it at that. They have to focus.
Zaffre perhaps hasn't seen Judax in combat before, his body moves strangely...it's fluid, like a stalking predator. His tail adds to the effect as he flows like water between each pillar.
As they get to the smoke he could see the dead, none of his own men had been here so he had no idea how many of his own staff were dead.
The bullet snaps him out of it, head ducking and teeth baring. He turns his head to the right just in time to see the man's head explode into pieces. "Good shot" he says quickly and disappears into the smoke "Use what cover ya can." he calls back to her as he practically uses the thick smoke to hide himself. He doesn't suffocate, not yet, he holds his breath.
There's another gunman up ahead. He spots Judax's silhouette coming towards him in the smoke and fumbles with his weapon, dropping it in his alarm. It's enough of a blunder that Judax manages to spring forwards and slash that claw across his throat, leaving him to bleed out on the floor.
"Lets keep going" he says as he finally takes a deep breath, waiting for Zaffre to join him at his side for them to keep pushing forwards side by side.
Zaffre
It was not the first time Zaffre killed someone. Blackout. The Companion lost count of how many guards she put a bullet in. Yes, she was one of many who fought back. A good thing, perhaps, because it prepared her for this moment. It was a lot of paperwork and tiresome commentary to the press she was forced to endure, and she surprised herself that killing those vile sons-of-a-bitches did not leave her traumatized—no, she knew then what she had done, and knew that she was capable of doing it again. She inhaled and tore a piece of silk from her dress to tie around her nose and mouth just as Judax managed to slash open an intruder’s throat.
Without a comment—she couldn’t bring herself to speak, she could still smell the acrid, smoky air and the flesh of burning bodies and blood—Zaffre fell alongside Judax, weapon held to her chest.
A shadow fell over the Companion and slammed against her side, making her topple down and the shadow with her. Pinned on the ground, a gun was pointed at her soggy hair.
“Hey, asshole. Knew I’d find ya here.”
The laugh that came from beneath the hood sent chills down Zaffre’s spine. She grunted and gnashed her teeth, feeling pain shoot through her entire delicate body. She could smell the breath coming from him, and it wasn’t human. Not Lux, Zaffre thought. “Just shoot the fucker,” snarled the Sorashi, who received a hit with the butt of his weapon.
“Oooh, spicy little broad, aren’t ya? Might have fun with you later… Annnyway. Judax, how’s it hangin’? You know, you really oughtta be careful whose house you end up in, ‘specially this one. Shame about all the expensive crap. So… who is this juicy morsel to ya, anyway?”
Judax may recognize the voice from somewhere—not the Big Bad himself, but still a member of the Grizzy Sabers all the same, which made the lackey a scumbag like the rest of them. This one in particular gave the fixer some trouble some time ago, having successfully intercepted a shipment of precious drugs. This particular lackey spearheaded the plan. The name might even poke and prod at Judax’s memories. Carma. Flickering tongue, scales as green as emeralds. He peered at Judax with slitted crocodile eyes, a wicked little grin spreading over his lizard face.
The estate was sprawled over a small chunk of the easternmost side of New Haven. The French-Normandy styled home was enveloped with lovely gardens, exotic fish ponds, and towering trees. The owner was the epicurean Swan Queen herself, the delightful Zaffre, giving orders to her tittering staff to make preparations for her honored guest. No milk glass, cameo, or painted vase would go unchecked for dust, and if it was spotted, was hastily fluffed away. They fussed too much. Then again, so did Zaffre.
The gates would open to Judax the minute he arrived. The guards did not bother to check him. There was no need. It was a sign of good faith and trust.
Zaffre delighted in his arrival. Had his goons followed along, the Companion would give each of them a peck on the cheek if she knew them, or else a warm hold of their hands and a “Thank you for coming, please help yourself to some refreshment and food.” There was a gesture to a table laden with alcohol and mouth-watering cakes. Antique sofas and oak tables provided comfortable places to sit.
The crime lord himself was saved for last, bestowed with Zaffre’s usual greeting: not one, but two pecks on the cheek. Those closest to Zaffre usually received this gesture of familiarity.
There was a weight on Zaffre. One she carried in silence, and hidden behind tired eyes and tender smiles. At least there was no doubting the pleasure she took of having the guests in her home.
The more nosy populous of New Haven might take notice of the infamous Judax visiting the Companion Director. The more clever paparazzi hidden in bushes, or utilizing camo tech would surely take notes and have a field day. Zaffre was aware of these… curious little mice, but “Rodents are so hard to exterminate,” she would say.
Judax
Judax arrived with his usual hoard of goons, some towered over him even though he was tall himself. Others were shorter but boxier. Zeke was among them and he smiled upon the sight of Zaffre, leaning his head in to the attention to press a kiss to her cheek. The others didn't know Zaffre as well and all looked stunned, secretly giddy or wary of her greeting. Judax gave the lot of them a look that suggested they accept it all gracefully though.
"Zaffre" He finally greets warmly and stands to be greeted with those kisses. He doesn't return them, he cannot, not in front of his goons anyway.
Instead he places a deadly clawed hand upon the small of her back and walks with her inside "Take a load off in tha garden fellas." He was fine on his own, they'd watch from outside.
"Ya place is fancy, suits ya." he comments as his acid-green eyes wheel back and forth to examine the whole place, but then they land on Zaffre contemplatively "I could have 'm shot if ya want?" he smirks "Or at least rattled."
He looks her in the eyes, that smirk fading "What is it? ya okay baby?"
Zaffre
It was like watching a swan being ensnared by a very large wolf, but the swan seemed content to lead the wolf into her home while his ‘pack’ got to experience the gardens outside. It was a place chock full of curiosities from distant moons. While the flowers were pretty enough, some of them seemed to have a level of sentience and would give any touchy man a playful nip with their mouthy petals.
Zaffre poured Judax a generous helping of champagne, and only a little for herself. “Thank you,” she said graciously, handing the Crime Lord his glass. The compliment brought a well disposed smile on her face. “Gifts from admirers and patrons,” she said, opening her palm up in a kind of flourish around her. “I wish I could say the same about our dear Federation; they seem only concerned with giving me nasty grams and not love letters.” She brought the champagne flute to her lips. The word ‘Federation’ was not something her tongue found tasteful, and needed to wash it down with drink. The motion considered her thoughts without needing to explain: she was still having a great deal of trouble with them.
“They’re just lowly mice,” the Companion purred, waving her drink. “Shooting one will just give the press more reason to hate me. Or love me, depending whom you’re talking to. Thankfully, I happen to be really good handling political damage control.” She snorted into her glass. “Your visit is the least of my worries. If anything, our little get together would be a welcome controversy. I can just see the headlines now: ‘Companion Director Zaffre, in cahoots with Crime Lord Judax!’ Oh, and it won’t stop there, I assure you. These little mice… they enjoy their stories. I’m sorry, darling. It’s what we big names burden ourselves with. Controversy.” And oh how mice delighted in the fall of big cats.
Zaffre sat delicately on one side of a sofa, and offered Judax to sit, if he’d like. The Companion was ever a delightful hostess, and preferred to take up the mantle where usually her staff would. Old habits die hard.
“Speaking of ‘controversy,’” she continued, offering a wry smile. “How is taking territory going for my Crime Lord?”
Judax
Judax ignores the flowers, jerking his arm away as they seem to reach for him with an irritated and confused sound. The paparazzi discussion makes him snort and roll his eyes with a sneer "Ya got all that public image ta think about, I get it. Spose we both do in different ways." Long claws gracefully cup themselves beneath the glass of champagne and he brings it to his lips, rolling the glass idly before taking a long sip. He doesn't bother with the formality of toasts around Zaffre. He's dark and thoughtful, staring about the room and at the windows perhaps a little suspiciously.
The offer of a seat snaps him out of it for long enough, he takes a seat a little close to her but there's still at decently sized gap between the two of them. He snorts "Not your crime lord." he shoots her an almost unreadable look before lowering his glass and heaving a sigh "It is going well. New Haven's easier pickings than I could've hoped fer. Got a base of operations here now."
Zaffre
“Public image.” Zaffre hid behind her glass in disgust, not liking that word, either. “Once, that was a dream. Now I wish I knew how to not give a damn. You ever just regret taking up the mantle? Sure, the role of boss can be all fun and games, but then you realize that you have this whole… flock under your wing, looking up to you, looking at you for protection.” The Companion poured more into her flute a little forcefully. “I wish someone else was in my place.” She shoved the lip of her glass into her mouth, and drank deep. “Especially now, since…” Zaffre tilted her head, bright eyes cast on the floor in deep thought. She shook her big curly blue hair. “For one, people keep disappearing from here. Like my brother. Thankfully… by some miracle, he’s alive and well.” Well, that was one stress to unload, among a massive laundry list of others. That one was definitely Number One.
Zaffre lowered her champagne and regarded Judax with quiet curiosity. No, she thought in agreement. You are not my ‘Crime Lord’. What he really was to her, she would not dispute out loud. Let actions speak for themselves. Despite this, she could not help but quip with a cheeky smile, “You’re right, darling. We should let social media decide. They will have a blast with that. Secret lovers, client, associates, blah, blah, blah. ‘The Swan Queen is keeping secrets again’ and ‘what is the Companion Director hiding now’ is what they’ll go on, and on, and on about until their silly little faces turn as blue as my head. It’s become a game of dice. I wonder what they’ll say, now.” The sound she made in her throat was half amused, half derisive. “But I suppose that is why I keep my locks so nice and plump. I hide all my secrets in there, you know.” She laughed and swept back her hair.
Zaffre was an indulgent soul. It was hard not to sit close, but a sentimental creature, Judax was not. Her gaze followed his to the windows. She smiled big and waggled her fingers at some of Judax’ dogs looking in. “They all look well,” she offered. “Anyway.” She smacked her lips uncharacteristically. There were rare few she could comfortably drop all propriety. Judax was not exactly proper, either. It was a part of his charm. “Congratulations, darling, I am pleased to hear of your growth. How did you manage that without some curious kittens poking their noses in?”
Judax
Judax narrows his eyes dangerously at his goons peering in and they quickly pretend to be looking elsewhere and walk off to 'examine' the garden. He snorts irritably and takes a long drink of whiskey "The hive is thrivin', got more people workin' for me than ever before but it comes wid it's own risks." He crosses one leg over the other, one arm across the back of the couch. Ominous, brooding, quiet.
He looks over at Zaffre and snorts "You decided that yaself, ain't got shit to do with social media." he smirks and shakes his head. "What tha fuck is a swan anyway?" he grumbles, he's on edge and that much is obvious. Everything about him tense and irritable. He'd been fighting a little harder these last few months, trying to expand his domain but making plenty new enemies in the process.
The crimelord leans forwards and sets the glass down, giving Zaffre a look "Uh yeah, 'kittens' ...wid guns..." he chuckles "Problem wid bein' at tha top baby, ya gotta fight real hard ta stay there."
Zaffre
Zaffre studied her guest, frowning. “Something got you uncomfortable, darling?” She really did not need to guess. Judax often came off as a bit paranoid, especially now. “You’re safe,” she reassured.
“I guess I like to play with fire.” Zaffre’s expression was set to neutral as she put her glass down with a soft thunk. “It’s a bad habit.” It’s why it got her in trouble in the past. Judax’s question about a swan earned a smirk. “A swan is a really ugly bird from the human world, you wouldn’t like it.” Silence now, as Zaffre mulled over the crime lord’s words. “I guess the only difference with our jobs is that mine is awfully boring and anger-inducing. I’m pretty sure I’m developing anger problems—“
An ear-splitting noise interrupted Zaffre followed by a terrific explosion. The room of which housed Companion and Crime Lord rocked ominously, sending Zaffre from her seat, knocking her shoulder into the coffee table. Stunned, Zaffre managed only a grunt and nothing more. The shuddering sent dust down on them. The house alarm went off, as did the sprinklers.
The explosion caused a blaze to rise up on the east wing of the estate, sending smoke and a plume of fire into the artificial sky.
Judax
Judax looked up when he was asked what had him uncomfortable "Nothin' worth botherin' ya with doll." he shrugs a shoulder. He'd relax in time, right?
He chuckles a little as she brings up her anger problems but his laughter is cut short by an explosion rocking the home. His eyes snap wide and he catches himself before he hits the table. He instinctively goes to cover Zaffre with his own body and urges her to get behind the couch, turning it towards the direction of the explosion.
He can hear his men and women yelling outside and surging towards the explosion and scattering around the building to cover ground. "I should never-a come here" he growls and tries to make any sense of what sort of attack they're under. The radio in his ear lights up with his underbosses yammering quickly to him about their search.
"Ya got a safe room? ya need ta get ta it now" he asks quickly, arm over her shoulders, ready to move her in an instant.
Zaffre
Within minutes of the explosion, Zaffre had already risen, her dress ruined, and her hair falling from its delicate pins. She was sopping wet from the sprinkler system.
A sudden burst of energized pop pop pop came from outside, followed by screams, making the Companion ball her fists and grit her teeth Several more followed, the familiar sounds of her guards’ pistols heard and shouts just under the din.
“I am fine,” the Sorashi answered Judax with surprising calm. “And I’m not going anywhere.” Despite this, the look she sported now was a dangerous one. There was no time; Zaffre looked for her commlink and merely only needed to push one button. “Send the staff to the cellars. Until we know what’s going on, it’s the safest place for them. No, not where the fire is, idiot. Because there’s FUCKIKG ACTIVE SHOOTERS OUTSIDE. YES, THE ESTATE IS UNDER FIRE. MOVE. NOW.”
The remaining staff did as the Companion bade, and retreated underground as fast as possible. Meanwhile, Zaffre stepped over the rubble in her heels to open up a secret compartment on her wall, revealing Kaelee-brand weaponry lining the shelves. Since when did Zaffre possess an impressive arsenal of—wait, was that an AK-47?
Zaffre turned swiftly to the Crime Lord. “Will you help me, Judax?” Was she being serious? Holy shit! “The city guards will be on their way soon, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to wait around for more of our people to get killed.” She ripped a burst rifle from the compartment and loaded it, looking fierce.
Judax
Judax readies himself, he knows she's capable (though he has no idea just HOW capable) but he can't help but feel responsible "I shoulda never-a come here" he growls and bares his claws. His 'family' are out there being shot, maybe killed. He has to trust in his men and women.
He certainly plans to join the fray.
Zaffre snaps him out of it by shouting down her comms. The secret compartment and the woman's battle-ready stance leave him there gaping for the briefest of seconds with a toothy grin. He nods and tears a near identical gun from the wall "Gotta admit baby" He lifts the weapon, loads it and flicks the safety off with a smirk at her.
"Kinda hard right now" typical. Even through all this he can appreciate a strong woman wielding serious artillery. "Lets fuck em up." and with that he hurries towards the direction the explosion had come from. He has to trust Zaffre to hold her own, she'll have to trust him to do the same. No time for worrying and fussing.
Zaffre
“We’ll have time to feel sorry for ourselves later,” she growled, hoisting up her burst rifle. “I took an interest in self defense and handgun training after Blackout.” Zaffre quickly explained, casting a wicked little smirk. She must know how she looked in front of Judax: completely soaked from head to toe, her dress tattered and clinging to her curvy body, whilst holding a rifle that looked much too big for her, but somehow, the Companion managed just fine. It’s not the first big object she gripped tightly in her hands, after all ( ).
The commlink at Zaffre’s waist blipped and a voice came from it: “Madam, we got a bunch of hooded assholes forming barricades and shooting at us…”
“Lux?”
“I don’t know, not sure how they got in New Haven if they are, but they brought big guns and they’re trying to push their way in—“
“Hold the perimeter, Judax and I are coming to help. Bet they’re Lux, or they’re a bunch of burglars who really want my nude paintings.”
“What?!”
“Just hold them off long enough until the New Haven guards to show up, damnit.”
Zaffre gave a swift nod to Judax, and followed his lead out to where the explosion happened, keeping behind pillars before moving ahead. She was not practiced in military-style strategy, but she was not dumb, and had a lot of time on her heads poring over books and gleaning an understanding of how it all worked. Time to put her knowledge to practice, and Judax would be her guide.
Ahead, a gaping maw yawned out into the open air, smoking thickly from the fire that had been put out by the sprinkler system and staff before they went underground. Zaffre inhaled sharply, examining the wreckage and seeing bodies strewn on the ground, buried in the rubble, a few she recognized. Her heart broke. No time to tend to the dead, she has the living to focus on.
A bullet whizzed past Judax’s face. “Heads up!” Zaffre shouted, ducking behind a broken pillar. “Judax, to your right!” The gunman swore as he reloaded his weapon.
Zaffre didn’t hesitate, she warned her partner anyway, it was necessary in case her shot missed—she aimed for the the head—fired—
The gunman’s head exploded violently and splattered across Zaffre’s front. She trembled.
Judax
Judax hissed "If they're here f' me, m' real sorry baby." he growls and leaves it at that. They have to focus.
Zaffre perhaps hasn't seen Judax in combat before, his body moves strangely...it's fluid, like a stalking predator. His tail adds to the effect as he flows like water between each pillar.
As they get to the smoke he could see the dead, none of his own men had been here so he had no idea how many of his own staff were dead.
The bullet snaps him out of it, head ducking and teeth baring. He turns his head to the right just in time to see the man's head explode into pieces. "Good shot" he says quickly and disappears into the smoke "Use what cover ya can." he calls back to her as he practically uses the thick smoke to hide himself. He doesn't suffocate, not yet, he holds his breath.
There's another gunman up ahead. He spots Judax's silhouette coming towards him in the smoke and fumbles with his weapon, dropping it in his alarm. It's enough of a blunder that Judax manages to spring forwards and slash that claw across his throat, leaving him to bleed out on the floor.
"Lets keep going" he says as he finally takes a deep breath, waiting for Zaffre to join him at his side for them to keep pushing forwards side by side.
Zaffre
It was not the first time Zaffre killed someone. Blackout. The Companion lost count of how many guards she put a bullet in. Yes, she was one of many who fought back. A good thing, perhaps, because it prepared her for this moment. It was a lot of paperwork and tiresome commentary to the press she was forced to endure, and she surprised herself that killing those vile sons-of-a-bitches did not leave her traumatized—no, she knew then what she had done, and knew that she was capable of doing it again. She inhaled and tore a piece of silk from her dress to tie around her nose and mouth just as Judax managed to slash open an intruder’s throat.
Without a comment—she couldn’t bring herself to speak, she could still smell the acrid, smoky air and the flesh of burning bodies and blood—Zaffre fell alongside Judax, weapon held to her chest.
A shadow fell over the Companion and slammed against her side, making her topple down and the shadow with her. Pinned on the ground, a gun was pointed at her soggy hair.
“Hey, asshole. Knew I’d find ya here.”
The laugh that came from beneath the hood sent chills down Zaffre’s spine. She grunted and gnashed her teeth, feeling pain shoot through her entire delicate body. She could smell the breath coming from him, and it wasn’t human. Not Lux, Zaffre thought. “Just shoot the fucker,” snarled the Sorashi, who received a hit with the butt of his weapon.
“Oooh, spicy little broad, aren’t ya? Might have fun with you later… Annnyway. Judax, how’s it hangin’? You know, you really oughtta be careful whose house you end up in, ‘specially this one. Shame about all the expensive crap. So… who is this juicy morsel to ya, anyway?”
Judax may recognize the voice from somewhere—not the Big Bad himself, but still a member of the Grizzy Sabers all the same, which made the lackey a scumbag like the rest of them. This one in particular gave the fixer some trouble some time ago, having successfully intercepted a shipment of precious drugs. This particular lackey spearheaded the plan. The name might even poke and prod at Judax’s memories. Carma. Flickering tongue, scales as green as emeralds. He peered at Judax with slitted crocodile eyes, a wicked little grin spreading over his lizard face.
