Thread: The Fate of the world is in our hands (Max and I)

They were jittery, antsy. Henri could tell that. Were they used to a world like this? Of shady dealings? Where one wasn't even sure what they would turn to around the corner? He doubted it. The way their bodies seemed so stiff and ready to move at any sound they heard? It made the man give a somewhat small chuckle to himself, sighing softly before their target arrived. Indeed, the guest of honor. Mainly because this gentleman was going to pay him a hefty sum of gold for the revolver that he went through hell to get. It definitely did not phase him that he stole from the church. A refuge, a sanctuary, a place of worship and hope. It could be the ultimate dishonor, a true staple of his character that he didn't care. It was just for the money. And quite frankly? It was. Shells were needed like the air in one's lungs, clean water, and fresh food. Because Shell bought those. Even the air, yes. How? Henri wasn't sure, but somehow it just seemed to be. It just felt like it. When Evelyn spoke, her gaze was met with his own. Mada- But she began walking, and the men themselves approached, the lot of them. Evelynn. His voice came quickly as he grasped her wrist to stop her. Something didn't feel off. Usually, Henri didn't let these things hinder him from getting some Shells, but... this time felt different. Excuse me, my wonderful, oh so generous client. He stepped forward a bit, between Evelynn and the man. This seemed to cause his goons on either side of him to reach for something upon their hips. Should Lucia or Evelynn respond in kind, Henri shouted out for everyone to relax. Now, now. This is a business function. No guns drawn, boys. Looking over his shoulder at his two female companions, he smiled reassuringly to them. Ladies, you too. Turning to face his client he got a closer look at the rather plump man. He seemed displeased with this sudden interruption, pointing a rather fat finger at Henri. What's the meaning of this? We had a deal! His voice was rather incessant and angry, his face dotted with sweat. Judging by his appearance, he looked like he didn't fit into this back water dump that was the Western Market. His hired muscle, Henri couldn't make anything out of them other than that they were big. Very big. You want the money up front, Vagabond? Hmph, I don't even know if that's the real deal. Allow me to inspect it. With that, one of his arms tapped one of the other men, ordering them to bring him the piece. There was a moment where the towering figure didn't do anything but stare at the revolver in Evelynn's hand. Oh come on, get it. I'm not wasting all those Shells on something he may have forged. Usually, Henri would be a bit defensive, though he seemed eerily calm as he hummed softly with an expectant smile. Oh, trust me, I could have forged something more grandiose than that, monsieur. He said as finally the man he ordered walked over cautiously, one hand resting on whatever weapon he concealed. Once again, he simply stared at the revolver before slowly beginning to reach out. Mmn, actually, Henri suddenly interjected, pressing a hand against the man's chest. His smile shifted to a grin. Change of plans. The being in front of him faced him fully but before he nor Evelynn could do anything, Henri suddenly drove a dagger through the larger target's side. Or, at least, where he thought would be the gut. A wail of pain was expected, but instead, a furious roar left this... this thing . Its twin then revealed himself, forest green skin covering its human body, though no hair adorned its bald head. Its muscles were bulky and massive, its biceps the size of Henri's head. They both stood a solid six and a half feet tall with some crude leather armor that looked like a pair of slim pants struggling to hold in their large thighs and calves, and a leather tanned jerkin. To top it all off, a pair of orcish tusks replaced the bottom canines and extended a full inch or so upwards from their bottom line of teeth. And the stench... The orc before him had been partially revealed, but instead of ripping out the dagger, it immediately reared its fist back and prepared to slam it into Henri's skull. The dagger was expendable, a throwing knife more so, thus he could part with the piece. He then shoved Evelynn back and dove out of the way, grunting as he hit the ground beside her as the swing barely missed a lock of his hair. Uh! Quickly pulling out a pair of larger fighting daggers, he held them upside down, blades pointed to the ground as he stood up quickly, looking over to Lucia. Incoming! Was all he got out before the other orc was suddenly barreling forward to Lucia in a furious attempt to ram into her and send her to the ground. Oh you've gone and done it now, Vagabond. The fat man laughed cockily. Chieftan Baronk will not be pleased. But then again, he'll still get his revolver, and I'll keep my Shells once we pull it from your dead corpses. The orc before Evelynn and Henri pulled out a black, crude looking scimitar and seemed to have his eyes set on the woman. After all, she was still holding that treasure that they so desperately wanted. Even Henri began to mule over why this human had wanted such an archaic relic. When it was demons behind the scenes, it just made things that much more difficult to piece together. And much more sinister...