duddlered
patreon
The Big Oof! Volume 2 Chapter 70: Unsteady Alliances
🕑 Added 2023-11-28 18:55:15 +0000 UTC“You realize, I’m the one with leverage here, right?” Indi said in annoyance as her tail flicked around irritably. The morning sun cast elongated shadows on the cobbled streets as the two of them weaved their way through the bustling market square.
Elijah scoffed, waving his hand. “Sure, you spotted us some money when we didn’t have any, but I could have easily just worked out something for Ulina herself." He paused for emphasis. "Considering you’re scrounging up anything and everything about me, I’m sure you know that my medical knowledge surpasses everyone in this shit hole.”
Coming to a stop, Indi glared at the man and crossed her arms. Her cat-like eyes flashed with indignation. “You’re much more insufferable than I’d ever imagined you to be, you know that?” She said, flashing her sharp canines.
“Why, because you can’t wrap me around your finger?” He said with a smirk. “Or maybe you're just not used to dealing with anyone who has more brains than a soggy sock?”
Her tail bristled, and her nostrils flared. “Oh, darling, I've dealt with Kings, Queens, Lords, Ladies and even Warlords! You, you’re just an arrogant and insufferable GNAT in comparison!”
Raising his eyebrows in amusement, Elijah continued to push her buttons. “. A 'gnat' that knows how the body truly works. A gnat that has the ability to cure things that you people found incurable beyond your potions, salves, and rudimentary treatments.” He said while watching Indi’s face grow more and more infuriated. “So I think my ‘arrogance’ is kind of warranted.”
Indi, clearly struggling to keep her composure, took a deep breath. "You really know how to test a lady's patience," she growled. “But fine, let’s say you possess some unique skills.”
She then moved closer, her eyes scanning his face intently, "However, this doesn’t put you in the position to make demands. Especially from me..."
A low chuckle left Elijah’s mouth as he put a hand to his face. “You see, Indi…” He began, leaning in so that their faces were inches apart, his voice soft but firm. “I’ve been doing stuff like this enough to spot someone trying to box me into a corner. I recognize the gleam in your eyes, the hints of a manipulator looking for a puppet.”
“And let's be honest.” The man said as he gestured toward the woman. “You’re not as subtle as you think you are.”
A cold and calculating look spread across Indi's face. "Is that so?" she said, her voice dripping with a mix of amusement and disdain.
Elijah held her gaze steadily. "Oh,ya, definitely. You’re skilled by small town standards." he replied, his voice calm and even, "which means you’re just average when you go somewhere where they actually have standards.”
Indi’s eyes flashed with anger, a sharp hiss escaping her lips. "My dear Elijah," she began, a dangerous purr entering her voice, "You seem to forget that you're not exactly in your precious big city now.” The feline’s hand gripped the dagger at the small of her back tightly. “And it's my small town standards that you'll need to navigate if you're ever going to keep breathing."
She began to circle him, each step deliberate, her eyes never leaving his. "It's always amusing when some outsider waltzes around, thinking they've got it all figured out.” She continued with a dangerous tone. “But I’ll admit, I find you much… MUCH more annoying than the others." Her voice dropped to a threatening whisper. "There's a certain arrogance to you, an unwarranted self-assurance that's very unbecoming for someone in your... precarious situation."
Elijah’s composure never wavered as his hand rested on his pistol. The same infuriating smirk was spread across his face as his head tracked the woman. “Oh I’m not saying there’s no value in small town expertise, but let's not kid ourselves. You, my dear Indi, are in just as much of a precarious situation as I am."
He paused, his gaze unwavering. "Why push so hard to recruit some muscle with some novel healing ability? Maybe it's because after that little blunder with Azeline, and what should have been an easy job, things haven't gone your way. The way I see it, you've been backed into a corner.”
Indi came to immediate halt as her face lost color for a split second before becoming neutral again.
An even larger smile spread across Elijah’s face after he hit the nail on the head. "You sent your best to secure a key route for your boss, but only to have them wiped out and you stabbed in the back.”
“And you wanna know the worst part?” Elijah started to laugh as he narrowed his eyes at the livid woman in mirth. “Somehow, the Inquisition got wind of some hidden storage network in that quaint little town. Burnt it to the ground, purged every trace of your organization's influence and now you’re on the hook for it.”
"I would know, I was there." He whispered, leaning in slightly. "Quite the spectacle, it was. The town's burning backdrop illuminated by the righteous fury of Salvanius himself."
Indi's pupils contracted, a clear indicator of her almost unrestrained rage. “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t slit your throat open right now," she hissed through clenched teeth.
Elijah didn't flinch. Keeping a calm demeanor, he said, "Besides the fact that you need me more than you'd like to admit? I'll set some clear terms if we're going to have any form of partnership. I’m not your fucking pet."
“Hah!” She scoffed, “Terms? You're in no position to make demands.”
“Neither are fuckin’ you!" Elijah replied with a voice full of incredulity. "Look, I may not have the lay of the land, but if we're bartering on a curve, here, I'd say we're about neck and neck in terms of how fucked we are.”
Indi's eyes darted to the side, clearly processing the truth in his words. For a few tense moments, the two of them stared each other down, a silent battle of wills playing out.
Putting his hands up to indicate he meant no harm, Elijah continued, “Look, I need help finding something, you need help staying alive and retaining whatever power or standing you have left in this 'organization' of yours." He gestured between the two of them. "It's clear we can help each other out. So, why waste time with threats and posturing?"
Still glaring and gnashing her teeth. Indi took a moment to process what Elijah said before slowly hissing out her next words. "I despise the fact that you have a point.”
"But," she continued, pointing a finger at him, "I do not need anyone. I've survived much worse than some insolent cur getting cute ideas. I just... acknowledge when certain... alliances can be advantageous.”
Elijah raised an eyebrow, "Alliances? Strong words for someone that just threatened to shove a knife in my throat.”
A resentful huff left indi’s mouth as her hand moved away from her dagger. “Well, maybe if you considered being less infuriating, then I wouldn’t be so tempted," she retorted. "But fine, let’s entertain your fanciful ideas for a moment," Indi said, pacing a few steps before turning to face him again. "Say we were to form an 'alliance' as you call it. What's in it for me?"
The mocking smile on Elijah’s face turned more sinister as it stretched from one cheek to another. "Intelligence, for one," he began, his voice dripping with a tone of authority and expertise. "We just obtained a rather powerful and unconventional asset and knowledge is power.”
Indi's eye twitched in irritation, but she stayed silent, prompting him to continue.
"First," he began, holding up one finger, "we'd need eyes and ears on our target. Bring me a list of potential informants that are a part of this guy's operations. If we know what he's doing, where he goes and who he speaks with, we can start painting a picture of his daily life, his routines, his associates, and most importantly, his next moves."
“And we potentially have the perfect agent for that…” Indi whispered to herself as she looked Elijah up and down. “Go on,” she urged him, her tone laced with interest.
Obliging the woman, Elijah walked up to her and placed his hand a the small of her back and urged her forward in a casual manner. "Next, we need to understand the routes he and his people take and their communication methods. What does he do? Security, logistics or finances? Does he do things himself? Does he use couriers?”
As they walked, they passed as another couple as Indi wrapped herself around his waist. “All of these questions are ones we’re going to need answers to in order to find and exploit any of his vulnerabilities.” Elijah continued as they walked through the crowd of people.
"Once we understand his movements and his operations, we introduce chaos in a subtle and tangible way. Missing shipments, miscommunications between his men, perhaps some financial records that don't quite add up." Elijah added as he looked at Indi as if they were lovers. “You start planting the seeds of doubt between him, his men and leadership. Make those in actual control think-”
“Think there’s no way this man could possibly replace me.” Indi interrupted, her eyes narrowing in delight. "Because my... 'Failure'... was a one time anomaly. A one-off."
Elijah chuckled and gave a slight nod. "Exactly. And while they're busy trying to figure out what's going wrong with his operations, we dig a little deeper. With every new ‘mistake’ he makes, or every mistake we make him seem like he's making, we gather evidence, twisting the narrative so it points towards him being the sole architect of your disaster."
“Well, he WAS the soul architect of my disaster,” Indi mused, her voice dripping with bitterness. "He was just the first to point a finger and my peers found it a good opportunity to undercut my influence," she admitted, her voice laced with a mixture of resentment and venom.
Nodding in agreement, Elijah continued, "It's all about leverage. His current vulnerabilities, the mistakes he’s going to make, everything he’s ever done or failed to do. We exploit it, and when the time is right, we hit him fast and we hit hard and no one will bat an eye.” The man closed his fist with such force it caused Indi to blink in surprise. “As a matter of fact, they’d thank you for getting rid of such an incompetent liability.”
Indi's hand slid up and down her new partner in crime’s chest. "You've got a sharp mind. It seems I have underestimated you." She purred. “I thought you were just another brute with a dull mind and strong arms.”
“Well…” Elijah replied, gently grabbing her chin while manipulating it as he inspected her face, "Let this be a lesson in how appearances can be deceiving.”
With a satisfied smirk, Indi allowed herself to be held momentarily before expertly slipping out of his grasp. "And you think I'm just another pretty face in this underworld, don’t you?"
Elijah raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth twitching into a smile. "I'll admit, you're an intriguing blend of beauty and ruthlessness. But I think you’re much too dangerous to be merely labeled as 'another pretty face'.”
A cute giggle left Indi’s mouth as she pushed him away and stepped out in front of him. "You definitely know how to say the right things.” She cooed affectionately with a slight blush on her face. “But don’t think flattery will get you anywhere.”
“Who said anything about flattery?” Elijah chuckled as he closed the gap and put his hand on her hips before pulling her in close. “Is it flattery if I’m telling it how it is?”
Indi’s breath was heavy as her hands slid up and down Elijah’s chest. Dropping her nose to the nape of his neck, Indi Inhaled deeply, taking in the man's scent before suddenly giving him a harder shove. "Easy, there charmer," she chided, while biting her lip. "It seems you’re dangerous in more ways than one.”
An indignant huff left Elijah’s mouth as he looked her up and down. “Didn’t expect me to be capable of biting back?” He shot back, crossing his arms. “Well, you’re not the only one that can play your little games.”
She rolled her eyes, but there was a playful spark in them. "Alright, alright, enough. Let us go back to discussing our… business."
“Hmmm…” Elijah hummed, straightening up. "Right, our business. Now, in exchange for my help in getting rid of your troublesome pest, I expect a favor of my own."
The two continued their walk, but this time Indi kept herself a less intimate distance from Elijah. “And "What is it that you had in mind?"
Elijah paused, choosing his words carefully. "I’m in search of a list of particular items. They appear to be magical to the untrained eye, but they don’t have even a hint of magic in them. Artifacts, trinkets, anything that seems enchanted but isn’t."
She frowned, trying to understand the nuance of his request. "Why would you want such things? If they don't hold any power, what's the purpose?"
“They were stolen from me.” Elijah's voice held a hint of raw emotion, an edge that wasn’t there before. “And I want them back.”
Indi turned to him and raised an eyebrow, assessing the intensity in his eyes. “Well, while it's not the usual type of job I'd take on, it's certainly within my wheelhouse. I have connections to the underground market and it’s awash with ‘magical’ trinkets and baubles.” She replied with her arms collapsed behind her back. “Most are fake, some are genuine, and others fall right into that category you're describing.”
A deep breath Elijah didn’t know he was holding exhaled from his nose. Finally some semblance of progress was being made. “Good, because I have a very promising lead that I’m more than certain you could have your people follow up on.”
"There's a magical shop in the shopping quarter of the higher class district. The fucker has something that belongs to me and I want to know how he got ahold of it and from who.” He finished.
A bout of silence reigned as Indi looked up in thought. “And in return for this assistance, you shall help me in getting rid of Einar?” She queried, her gaze piercing, making it clear that her need to deal with her predicament was paramount.
Elijah met her gaze unflinchingly. "That's the plan. I help you discredit and dispose of some shitbag, and in return, you assist me in retrieving my stolen items and thoroughly punishing those who were responsible.”
Indi suddenly came to a stop and faced Elijah. “Then we are in agreement.”
-
Walking through the tall and imposing gates, the large mansion revealed itself in its full splendor to Indi. This wasn't her first visit to the epicenter of the Syndicate’s power in this region, hell she practically lived here, but her visits were becoming more and more uncomfortable with each passing day.
The sprawling estate was more than just an opulent display of wealth; it was a statement, a warning to those who dared challenge the Syndicate's might. Each stone, each design choice was deliberately chosen to remind visitors of the raw power that resided within its walls.
She took a moment to survey her surroundings and the heavily armed guards stationed in almost every corner of the compound. At first glance, they seemed intimidating with an assortment of personal weaponry and dark attire, but they held a more casual atmosphere as they leaned lazily against walls.
With a few turns and bends, Indi took note how the guards chatted amongst themselves, their conversations filled with laughter and crude humor. She couldn't help but overhear snippets of their conversations, which ranged from the latest death ring results to the most sought-after girls at the brothel.
As she confidently strolled through the place, more than a few of the guards looked her up and down, their eyes lingering a tad too long, their expressions a mix of hunger and admiration. Some even whispered comments to their comrades, leaning in to ensure she wouldn’t catch their words, but nothing was hidden from those large feline ears as they rotated to the guards.
"I'd kill for just one night with her," one murmured to his companion, a glint of lust evident in his eyes.
"Right?" the other replied with a chuckle, "Well, you might just get your wish, especially if Armand can't protect her after her that spectacular fuck up."
Another guard, leaning against a pillar, joined in, "After they burned the whole town, some of the lieutenants are saying she should be removed... sold off to the highest bidder. The brothels would pay a pretty penny for someone like her."
A cold rage burned within Indi as she overheard their vile words, but she knew better than to raise a fuss, especially now that she had reasonably competent allies. While her internal position was tenuous at best with Einar betrayal, she had a new hand to play that was hidden to all the players within the walls of the Syndicate.
Pushing the doors open to the masters chamber, she found Armand deep in conversation with a tall, statuesque elven woman with hair that flowed down her back like liquid liquid gold and her sultry dress, although elegant, left little to the imagination.
Indi recognized who it was immediately, Selene. The pale skinned Aethari woman was the reigning mistress of the Syndicate's brothels, both sanctioned and those operating in a… less-than official capacity. Unlike most within the Syndicate, Selene operated from a position of neutrality, always calculating the best outcome for her and her business rather than aligning with political factions.
"...and now we have Koril’s Gang demanding protection money from our girls, or they're threatening to raid our locations," Selene was saying, her normally smooth voice tinged with a rare edge of frustration.
Armand's eyes narrowed. "Bold.” He said walking to the other side of the room. “They’ve been getting on my nerves by hitting the merchants in our pocket, but now demanding protection from us? That's cute."
Selene sighed, her delicate fingers drumming on a tabletop. "They grow bolder by the day. Koril's rise to power has been meteoric, and he's proving to be more ruthless than we anticipated." Her dainty hand slid up and started twirling the locks of her golden hair. “One of the girls servicing his boys caught wind they’ve managed to get a rather… substantial backer.”
A deep frown graced Armands face as he furrowed his brow in concern. “A backer that’ll make a bunch of thugs brave enough to attack us?” Armand turned around to show his baby face and jet black hair. “Any idea of who it might be?”
Selene looked between Armand and Indi, her gaze contemplative. “The girl wasn’t able to get a name, but she did hear them mentioning dealings with a local high ranking lorde, someone who has substantial pull with the city's guards to make them ignore their dealings.”
Indi's ears perked up, her senses ever attuned to the underbelly politics of the city. "Local lords meddling in underworld politics? That's unusual. They typically prefer to keep to themselves, especially ones powerful enough to have influence with the city's guards." Armand continued bringing a hand to his chin.
That's when his gaze finally shifted and landed on Indi, his eyes widening a touch in realization. For a moment, surprise flashed across his features before he smoothly recovered, turning his full attention to Selene.
"We'll need to continue this later, Selene," he said with a curt nod towards the elven woman. "There's much to be discussed, but there are also other pressing matters that require my attention."
Selene nodded, offering a knowing smile towards Indi. "Of course, I understand. I'll gather more information from my girls and reach out if anything urgent comes up."
Armand watched Selene gracefully exit the room before finally addressing Indi. "I wasn't expecting to see you here again, especially after everything that transpired." His tone was a mix of relief and caution, acutely aware of the tumultuous situation unfolding around them. “I would have thought you were running away.”
Indi moved closer, the sway of her hips exaggerated, her steps deliberate. "Run away? From this?" she purred, stopping only inches from Armand, her finger teasingly tracing the contours of his jaw. "From you?" Her voice was a husky whisper, her breath warm against his neck.
Armand swallowed hard, the sudden change in demeanor catching him off guard. He could feel the heat emanating from her, the raw desire that her eyes unabashedly displayed. "I uh…," he began, but the words were lost as she silenced him with a finger against his lips.
"Shhh," she murmured, her gaze never leaving his own. "You talk too much, Armand." With a sudden burst of strength, she pulled him towards the grand bed that adorned the side of the room, the plush duvet barely muffling the sound of their landing.
She pinned him beneath her, the weight of her body pressing him into the softness of the mattress. Her lips trailed down his neck, eliciting a groan from him. The tension in the room was palpable, fueled by a passion that was surprising even to Indi.
But even amidst that passion, Armand wasn't someone she really liked or desired. His position of power, his sway over the syndicate because of his father, it was alluring, yes. But the man himself? She found him lacking in a multitude of ways. But, after her little… game with her newly minted partnership, Indi couldn’t help the incessant pull within her loins.
Relenting to the feline’s aggression, Armand succumbed to the inevitable as their crashing waves of passion merged once more.
Comments
ElAyVee
Great as usual, thanks! Can't wait to see the next part of Elijah showing his opponents, and indeed business partners, who is boss.
