pawnstorm | [open] climbing out the back door didn't leave a mark

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[open] climbing out the back door didn't leave a mark

Who: Shinoa and you!
When: About 4/4? Backdated to before Gilgamesh's rescue catchall!
Where: In and around a bar in a shadier part of Capablanca.
What: Shinoa narrowly escapes getting kidnapped, and decides to warn fellow Heroes about it. If someone wants to go in and ~~beat stuff up~~ make sure no one else fell for it in this particular establishment, Shinoa is all for it.
Rating: References to human trafficking, violence

[You don't hand a teenaged girl a drink and expect her to drink it these days. Considering that in this case you're a stranger, and that this is a shady bar, there's really no reason to take anything other than a 'no' for an answer.

But the bartender seems to disagree, because he's not taking Shinoa's refusal well. Shinoa stares down into the plastic cup she's holding, smelling innocently of grape juice, and repeats that she'd rather finish this outside thank you very much.

"Oi, I'm bein' hospitable!"

"Do you want the drink back? You can have it back." She offers the cup with one hand, while her other hand slides to a ready position across the handle of her scythe. Her clothes are not the standard uniform, but no one's pretending they're not uncomfortable about the Hero in the room anymore; it's just too hard to hide a scythe twice your (small, but still) size. She's not about to walk into this kind of place unarmed, though, which is clearly a good call considering how the adults to her left and right are eyeing her with a hostility that rather implies complicity.

"I'm a Hero and quite experienced with my weapon, for the record." Shinoa informs the bartender, and then marches out.

If you're also around the entertainment districts tonight, whether investigating for Blanc or simply taking time off, you might find a girl clearly armed and clearly uneasy circling a particular row of taverns. If you're recognizable as a Hero, she might pull you aside and point out a certain bar-]

Be careful about that place. I think they tried to drug me in there.

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[ It's definitely been an interesting few days. Capablanca is everything and not at all like they'd been told, although Minato is a master at taking most things in stride. After a mishap at the beach, he decides that heading further into town--one might guess to get something to eat, which is more than likely--is the best idea.

Of course, it's hard to miss a weapon like that, let alone its wielder who seems to not quite fit the look. Hm.

But--hey! She's cute. And Minato is all about cute girls.

He's most clearly a Hero based on his own garb, not seeing much of a point in pretending otherwise. (He did hear the warnings, yes.) Hands in his pockets, he plans to approach her but she beats him to the punch when she pulls him aside. ]

...To drug you?

[ Wait, what? ]

How do you know?

[So Minato got off lucky for not even having to try a pick-up line today. Good for him. They even already have a very conducive topic to chat about, i.e. likely illegal proceedings. Shinoa's very engrossed in the matter, scowling with a backward glance to the offending establishment.]

I fed the drink they gave me to a stray when I got out. It passed out.

[It passed out pretty quickly. Shinoa's small, but she's nowhere near as small as the average dog.]

I'd say 'don't go in', but.... do you think other people have fallen for it? I don't know how long they've been at this.

[ He had a few ready and everything, but...he'll just save them for next time. Clearly illegal proceedings are right up there with, "Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"

Wait, so some dog or cat is now asleep in an alley? That's too bad. Or maybe he should be jealous? Asleep is one of his favorite states of being. ]

...Well, back in the capital most people have been pretty willing to put heroes up or buy us things. So...yeah, it's possible other people have if we're used to getting things.

[If you want to be induced into sleep you could always walk right into the establishment Shinoa'd just pointed out. It's not recommended, though.]

I've gotten a lot of shady looks when in uniform in this part of town.... what if someone else fell for that? There're crime rings in Capablanca, so it's likely that.....

[It's impossible to tell from what she's seen if victims end up with forced labor or body parts on some black market, or if there're victims at all.]

Do you want to check it out with me?

[Minato is scoring an unfair amount with this meeting! First the girl approaches, now the girl's asking him out! The outing could very well get the both of them killed, but who's quibbling over the details, right?]

[ He has heard about some of the more underhanded activity in the area, but he spent most of his time on the beach having to fight for his innocence with mermaids. (Not as fun as it sounds.)

Minato hums thoughtfully in response as he casts his gaze back over to the bar she'd indicated. It doesn't look unfriendly...but it doesn't look friendly, either.

Technically it should be his job, as a hero, to investigate, right? But it's more his job as a protagonist to agree to all expeditions, especially when they're offered by cute girls. So when his gaze settles back on her, he nods. ]

Safety in numbers, right?

[ All 170cm of him will protect you and your, uh...giant...scythe? ]

[Well played. She's an important NPC where she comes from, dispenses the tutorials, but her protagonist sucks and doesn't listen half the time. He's getting better, but not by much.]

Yes. Let's check out the back of the place and see if they're keeping anyone?

[She nods, looking relieved she's got a partner, and indicates an opening from the street that squeezes into an alley beside the bar.

And don't worry, his 170cm just has to concern himself with self-protection. The giant scythe is to protect herself with! All, like, almost 2 meters of it.

[ Oh she offers tutorials? She must definitely be an important one. He also knows that those conversations aren't the best ones to power through, because you'll inevitably realize you missed something important in the middle of battle. Duly noted. He's learned from his mistakes. (Mostly.) ]

Sounds like a plan.

[ All shady bars have backdoor shady entrances, right?

If not she might be able to make one with that weapon of hers.

At her indication, Minato moves towards the opening, sparing a quick glance around to see if anyone else has gotten the same idea, before slipping through. The alley itself is dimly lit with just the sort of ambiance that one would expect when sneaking around.

And, you know... ]

...It sinks.

[ It also kind of smells. ]

[She's so important. It's literally easier to get yourself killed than to get her killed when she's in your party. It's kind of disappointing that she has this sort of protagonist, has she mentioned that before (she has). So it's okay. She's set a low bar this time.

She flanks Minato's side as they enter the alleyway, falling a step behind him due to its narrow width. As the.... smell..... settles over her, she covers her nose with a hand. From what can be seen of her face, her brows are wrinkled in evident displeasure.]

Let's get this over with quick. Do you see a back door?

[ Covering her nose seems like a good idea. Minato brings the collar of his shirt up over to cover up half of his face. Does it give him a mysterious edge? Or is it just going to stretch out the fabric? We just don't know.

He looks around, spotting what appears to be an dip in the exterior. He takes a few steps forward, noting a wide door set back about six inches into the wall. ]

Yeah.

[ Now, it will be difficult for them to get inside if it's--

--nope. Not locked, actually. ]

...Guess they're not worried about intruders.

[Shinoa pushes the door ajar, pressing herself to the wall next to it. She tilts her head, listening.]

Doesn't sound like anyone's in that room at the moment.

[She glances around, putting on her best superspy impression, before looking back to the door and pushing it open a bit wider.]

Before we go in- I'm Shinoa, and you?

[It's good to know who to call for help if you need it.]

[ Too bad heroes aren't really dressed to be undercover most of the time. He's so used to having a variety of ridiculous outfits to equip, too... When is high-cut armor inappropriate for the occasion? Never. The answer is never.

Luckily, Minato is used to sneaking around. Whether or not he's good at it without everyone being inside coffins is about to be tested. ]

Minato.

[ He offers his name with a nod. Guess that means code names are out the door. Maybe next time. He pauses, listening as he crosses to the other side of the room. The door itself is a tall, swinging door with a small square window. He peeks through it. ]

There's a short hall...I think that's a kitchen to the left. Two doors on the right and one on the end. Guessing the last one is to the main bar area.

[High-cut armor isn't 'undercover', Minato.]

Okay. We'll look for a storage area- that's where they'll keep any hostages- and anything that might provide information on their plans?

Let's stay together, but call if you get jumped and need me.

[In case that sort of thing ever happens to a protagonist. Shinoa pushes the door a bit wider, hears no response, then moves to slip into the darkness of the back rooms.]

[ It isn't? It always worked for him. And by him we mean his teammates of the female persuasion. And by that we mean they put it on because he's the leader and apparently abuses his position. Whoops.

Protagonists are never the targets of anything, why would she think that! Nice of her to offer, though. Minato nods in turn, before following suit behind her.

So, one of the doors must be storage, right? He keeps alert as they make their way down the hall, pausing just by the kitchen. A half-door hangs in the arch, giving a clear enough view of the kitchen. He sees feet shuffling back and forth, but doesn't hear much. Something smells, good, though. ]

...Beef?

[ No, now is not the time for food. ]

[Doesn't everything go for you because you're the protagonist? They just never succeed because they take too much time doing monologues about their plans, or offing background NPCs.

Also, she's in charge where she comes from, so don't expect her to-

Shinoa is already a few steps forward when she realizes that the presence behind her isn't there anymore. She glances back, hissing under her breath when she sees Minato trance-like by the kitchen. Food, the folly of all men. Her whisper-scream is angry and urgent.]

(What the hell!! Stop being distracted!!)

[Just then, someone calls out from inside the kitchen, noticing Minato.

'Oi, Trevor, get me a crate o' booze, will ya?']

[ It usually does. Except for the tragic backstory and, arguably, equally tragic ending. But, you know, who's counting? He's kind of the outlier, anyway. She should see his sister from another mister. (A.K.A. Souji.)

But that's right, that sure is Minato kind of peeking over the door. He can definitely smell something. Maybe they can take out the bad guys, rescue everyone, and get a reward at the same time? Bad guys being the chefs, of course. Or he's hoping they are. That would be the most convenient.

He turns to look at her with that harsh whisper, only to snap back when he's addressed.

Oh...is he Trevor?

Minato coughs, lowering his voice. Because that's what Trevors sound like. ]

...You got it.

[ He looks back at Shinoa and mouths "Where's the booze?" ]

[Why would incriminating evidence be in the kitchen????

She sucks in a breath, starting to do that anime girl thing where they get agitated and fluff up. No point ducking around these trope conventions since everyone's in the know.]

(How the hell would I know???)

[This is not going too well. She motions angrily for Minato to move, they've already attracted attention and someone's going to get suspicious when "Trevor" doesn't come back with the goods.

He's not actually going to try to deliver alcohol to the chefs, is he?]

(We are not interested in the kitchen right now!)

[ Why wouldn't it be, Shinoa?

He is totally going to try to deliver the alcohol to the chefs. But he figures he's got a little bit of time before the kitchen staff start wondering where Trevor went. He falls into step behind her, but can't help himself.

"What if there's captives in there?"

No. No there isn't.

Either way, there is the door just a little ahead and opposite of the kitchen. He glances at her with a tilt of his head. Are they trying it? ]

(They wouldn't keep captives in the kitchen!)

[What had she said about 'look for storage space'!! She's not from his place so she's immune to his wily protagonist charms, he's just making excuses to get at food!!

That door doesn't lead to a kitchen, so why not try it. Shinoa cracks it open- darkness- and after listening to make sure the interior is silent, slips within.]

[ She sees right through him...what a cruel twist of fate this is...

Minato follows suit, slipping in after her, sadly without any snacks. It's dark in the room, but there doesn't appear to be any noises. So...he might as well try a light, right? Padding his hand against the wall, he finds a switch and flips it.

Which shows...hey, storage! Shelves of different boxes and ingredients, most of them not labeled. ]

See if you find anything suspicious!

[Chances are there might be booze in here somewhere.

Shinoa immediately goes to check through the room, peeking around corners in the search for any hostages. Minato is unattended- he could make a grab for his kitchen fetchquest if he wants to.]

[ He actually considers looking for the booze. He's not sure if Travis is the sort of guy who would just sod off when given an order. Minato's Travis may be.

...Yeah, he does browse a bit. Through the shelves, ducking around one of the units. But he spots something suspicous when he does. ]

--Hey. C'mere.

[ What he sees is a wall of pipes, a few with rope hanging off of them. It's clearly not to keep them together. ]

If you found booze-

[The warning note in Shinoa's voice disappears when she sees the pipes. Since they don't have DNA processing technology anyway, she goes forward to examine them.]

The ropes feel slightly warm....

Can you see any other signs of hostages? Gosh, it's dark. [She steps back so Minato can have a look.]

[ Booze is surely around here somewhere, Shinoa. But he'll get that on the way out. Minato crouches down, touching the wall behind the pipes, then feeling along the floor.

He does come upon something. He picks it up, inspecting it closer when he stands. A button? It might not seem like much, but it's distinctly the same kind found on their Hero uniforms. He holds it out to her. ]

[Do you know what this means!!

Shinoa looks up at him, her face grave.]

Some of us have probably been here before... we need to find out where they've gone.

[ He nods in agreement. There doesn't appear to be any other immediately clear clues, though. ]

Was that door the only way in here?

[open] climbing out the back door didn't leave a mark

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maybe they discover evidence of heroes recently moved out? since npcing kidnappees is a bit weird

that works for me!

Re: that works for me!

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