"This is the final warning. I mean it this time. Gabriel, you're better than this, and I have given you plenty of chances to recant your ways. Every single time you go back to them. I'm sorry… but grab your belongings and leave. This is no longer your home."
Gabriel stared at the Scrafty in disbelief. "... What? What did you say?"
"Y-You heard me. I promised to put up with you for a bit. And I did just that. Now this whole thieving business, coming home late at night, I... I can't put my family at risk anymore. So, go on. Get out and don't come back. Your father's power is running out. He barely has enough saved up to pay off the guards whenever he heads out to the yard. I gave you ample time to prove yourself. You're eighteen now, so you're of legal age to be kicked out."
Gabriel wasn't quite sure on what to say. He had been staying here for a few years now and considered the small abode his home. Sure, he snuck out every so often, but that was mainly so he could get away for a bit and see some old friends. As it turned out not everyone had been caught in the raid that day. For instance, Rick was still around. The small ghost met with Gabriel once a week so the two could hang out, get a bite to eat, and seek some thrills around the city. Sure, sometimes Gabriel came back with a stolen purse or some jewelry, but it wasn't like he was followed. So he really had no idea why Eizen was freaking out now of all days.
"... Fine. I'll go." He muttered. "I'll just have to find somewhere else to live then." He rushed up stairs and grabbed his pack. He mindlessly shoved the few items he had into it, not caring for how they were arranged. He stormed right back down and past the Scrafty and out the front door. He grumbled under his breath as he walked along the sidewalk, every muscle in his body tense from the anger brewing inside. His father would hear about this. The attorney would make sure to tell his father. He had been good for his dad. He had followed through on his orders to train up his skills whenever he went out with Rick. Still… without a home things were bound to get tougher.
He did the one thing that he could think of. He slipped behind some alleys and went to the usual place where he met up with Rick. He sat down, took off his pack, and fiddled with a crossword that he had been neglecting for the past six weeks. Time slowly passed as the Weavile penciled in letters.
"That's actually Warren."
Gabriel smirked and looked to the side to see Rick crouched next to him. "Hey, heard about the house thing." Rick stated, "Yeah, it looked like it would be going that way no matter how you played it."
Gabriel wasn't surprised. In this part of the neighborhood news always traveled fast. "So, do you have a place I could crash?" Gabriel asked as he stood back up and grabbed his pack, "Anywhere will do."
"Well, yeah, I do!" Rick snickered a bit. "So, ever since your father was bagged a lot of our old territory has been lost. But!" He held up a finger. "We have some help now. Turns out that your dear daddy has funded some of Maxi's activities lately and he's encouraging those left out in the streets still to join his side. There's some turf war going on between him and Remund at the moment for lost dark territory, and that's territory we want! Now that you're out of that mad house, how about you join up? Sort of show your stuff and help us out?"
Gabriel thought on the offer for a moment. He scratched at his chin, "Isn't Maxi that Machamp? He led some fighters or something?"
"Yeah, he tried to take our territory a long time ago and your dad slashed him up good." Rick chuckled, "That was hilarious, really. And Remund is that snooty Alakazam everyone hates. Since your dad was put up there have been clashes over his leftover territory and word on the street is that Remund is aiming to be the new king of the streets. So, how about it? You're trained to be a great infiltrator! It'll be a piece of cake! And you get brownie points from your father too."
Gabriel's heart skipped a beat at the mention of those points. He bit his lower lip and nervously rubbed a strap on his bag, "I mean… I've been trying to stay away…"
"Yeah, really?" Rick snorted, "How about all those times you headed out with me? Face it, Gabe, it's in your blood. It's in all of our blood. Soooo?"
Gabriel took in a shaky breath, "Alright… fine. Yeah, I'll join up."
"I knew I could count on you!" Rick said as he slapped the Weavile on the back, "Now let's get moving. I hear that there's going to be some action tonight. Just the perfect spot to put you in!"
"If you say so." Gabriel muttered.
"Let's get going. They have a sweet pad near the square. No one ever bothers them there."
The two made their way through the streets as they filled up with working mon who were being let out of their offices. Gabriel and Rick slipped through the crowd with the Weavile being lucky enough to snag a Jynx's purse along the way. The building that Rick led his friend to was actually one that Gabriel had passed by every so often. It was but one of the metalworking stations that supplied mined ores in a more beneficial from. The intense heat inside caused Gabriel to turn back, but Rick grabbed hold of his wrist and pulled him inside. The workers tending to the various metals were mostly fire and fighting types, and being the partial ice type that he was, many eyes were turned curiously at Gabriel. Already the poor Weavile was starting to sweat while Rick pulled him along and to a door that, thankfully, led to a much cooler hallway.
"I don't think this is a good idea, Rick." Gabriel panted out as he wiped his brow.
"Relax, it's not all that bad once you get used to it." The ghost stated. "You need to see Maxi first though. He's just down this way in the foreman's office. He's going to love you, I just know it!" He moved behind the Weavile and pushed him forward, "So get going. Come on! You want to head out tonight, right?"
"Well, I guess." Gabriel responded as he moved closer to the office door and knocked upon it.
"Hey, it's open, get on in here!" A loud voice boomed out.
Gabriel glanced back at Rick warily, but the ghost just eagerly nodded his head, "Go in."
Gabriel took in a deep breath and calmed himself down while he stepped forth and into the room. "Close the door behind ya. I don't like tha draft."
Gabriel quietly closed the door as requested and looked toward the large desk and the Machamp behind it. Gabriel had never seen Maxi before, but it was like the tales said. The Machamp was rippling with muscle and as he got up from his chair Gabriel did the only thing that came naturally. He bowed his head low, "H-Hello Maxi." He stammered out. "My name is-"
"Gabriel. Heard your temporary housin' got turned upside down." The Machamp smirked and scratched at his six pack. "News always travels fast. Some of my… underlin's saw you and Rick headin' this way. So, I guess you're lookin' fer a job." His eyes roamed up and down the Weavile, "Hold those arms up and flex fer me."
Gabriel straightened his back and did as requested, flexing for the Machamp. He couldn't help but feel a bit odd as the fighter circled about him, "Heh, not bad form." He commented. "Yer father really put ye through the ringer." The four armed mon chuckled. "Ye look strong for a Weavile. Well, as strong as one could be, I imagine." He crossed his lower arms, "Ye can lower yer arms now. So, want to roll with us, eh?" He leaned back against his table.
"Yes, sir." Gabriel said. "Rick said that my father was helping to fund some of your activities, and that some of his gang had come here to work for you now. I figure he would want me to come to you as well."
"Heh, havin' his blood along wouldn't hurt." The Machamp stroked at his chin, "What's the purse fer?" He asked as he gestured to the one that Gabriel held.
"Took it off a woman while we made our way here." Gabriel explained. "I know how to get things without anyone noticing."
"Heh, that's what I like to hear." The Machamp's lower arms uncrossed and placed themselves against the top of the desk while his upper ones crossed against his chest. "Being fighters we don't usually care for stealth. I only have two other mon who can tiptoe around, but that's it. But first you gotta prove yerself."
"How, sir?" Gabriel asked.
"We have a gig tonight. Word on the street is that Remund is wantin' to ally with some ghosts. They are supposed to have some sert of meetin' tonight. Head in with my two boys and see what ye can find out. Report back to me and I'll see where I rank ye. About an hour yer'll head out. They are in the back rooms right now. Get chummy and get the job done. Now, get out."
Gabriel gave a small bow of his head and made his way back out to the hallway to see a grinning Rick, "Heh, you're not dead. Means he liked ya." He patted Gabriel on the back, "What did he say?"
"He wants me to go out tonight. He has two other scouts that I have to go with."
"Aaaahhhh…" Rick rubbed his chin, "He probably means Tylor and Bruce. They aren't… well, the way Maxi uses the term 'scout', and the way your father used it are two very different definitions. You're fast, not wanting to be seen, and sneaky. These guys… aren't. Hey, if you do well enough then I'm sure Maxi will sub you in for one of them."
Gabriel nodded, "Okay, well, I'll just get to know them. I mean, if we're going to be in the same place we'll have to depend on each other."
"That's the spirit! Get going then, let me know if they give you any problems."
It didn't take Gabriel long to locate the back rooms, but once he did he saw that there were a few fighting types already lounging about. Some looked to have just finished working and were packing up to leave while others were busy with other tasks or just chatting among each other. Barely anyone paid Gabriel any sort of attention. As Gabriel moved in further he saw that some training equipment had been set up. At a punching bag stood a Hitmonchan whose arms moved in a blur as his fists slammed into the tough material. A Machop was busy using a steel beam to perform some pull-ups, and a Mienshao was chopping at a wooden training dummy.
Not able to tell who was who Gabriel had no choice but to sit on down and watch the fighting-types train. A few minutes passed and in that short span more of the workers left while other mon began to shuffle into the back rooms. Most were fighting types, yet others were dark-types. In fact, Gabriel could spy a familiar face or two among those who gathered. And, of course, the big man himself showed up. Gabriel was convinced that the oversized doors that led here were put in place simply for Maxi's sake. The large Machamp glanced around the gathered mon as everyone fell silent. The Machamp crossed his lower arms and spoke, "So, as ye all know, we have a pretty important infiltratin' fix tonight. We're finally goin' to see what's up with Remund and those ghosts he's been butterin' over. Our usual scouts will head out, all two of them, and the new guy."
Maxi gave a nod toward where Gabriel sat, "Yeah, yer eyes aren't deceiving ye. That's Gabriel, son of Remus. He's gonna put himself on the totem pole tonight. For everyone else, make sure that ye get any street intel that ye can. I want facts, not rumors or gossip. Now get out of here!"
Even though Maxi boomed out his last order the mon in the area were slow to take off. Some were chilling and chatting with each other while others got up, stretched, and walked out at a slow pace. Gabriel noticed two other mon heading his way. One was a Machop and the other was a Hitmonchan. "So, you're saying you can help, eh?" The Hitmonchan asked as he glanced down at the Weavile, "I'm guess you know a thing or two about getting in and out."
"Well, we know stuff too." The Machop proclaimed as he crossed his arms, "My name's Rubon, his is Kyle, and we're the best scouts Maxi has!"
"Mostly because we were the only one who would volunteer." Kyle murmured out the side of his mouth.
Rubon jabbed an elbow back against the Hitmonchan's knee. "So, you think you're tough stuff, huh? If that's the case then this job shouldn't be too much of a problem for you."
"I'm sure it won't." Gabriel said as he eyed the Hitmonchan rubbing his leg in pain. "So, where exactly is it taking place?"
"Over at the train station." Rubon answered. "Word is that Remund has been paying off some of the night time shift to leave the station alone while he and his underlings slip inside. They don't go there every night, but they've been going more recently now. They were spotted an hour ago slipping inside too, so that's where we need to break in. Basically, find out what's going on and report back to Maxi. Word on the street is that they are trying to pay off some of the ghosts for something. It can't be anything good though."
"So it's just get in, overhear what they're saying, and get out?" Gabriel asked, "That sounds pretty easy to me."
"Well, let's get a move on then." Rubon stated as he began to march off. "Maxi will kill us if we miss that meeting."
Right off the bat Rubon made the dynamic clear. He spoke and Kyle wouldn't. Whenever Gabriel asked a question of the two Rubon would always answer, even if he had addressed the query to Kyle only. Kyle just looked away for the most part, seemingly not bothering to pay attention while Gabriel and Rubon chatted. Eventually Gabriel gave up on trying to get a peep out of Kyle and fell silent, which Rubon didn't mind at all. The train station in the city was plenty busy during the day. Given that the city was plenty large and had a lot of mon in it everyone just naturally used the trains. They were but one of the relics that humans had left behind when they had migrated away and it had taken some tinkering for a few mon to figure out how to operate them. That wasn't to say they were all entirely safe. There were accidents that happened every so often, and his own father distrusted the machines, so Gabriel never had boarded one before. Of course when Rubon's own questions finally caused Gabriel to admit to that fact Rubon couldn't help but talk on and on about how amazing the trains were.
Gabriel was about ready to tear off a few of his red feathers, but thankfully the train station came into view. Gabriel was surprised as Rubon piped down and sported a crouching stance. He made his way to the side of the station building and gestured toward a higher area along the wall. Gabriel glanced up at a vent opening and began to scale the wall. He dug his claws into the brick and held himself in place as he used one clawed hand to unscrew the vent on all four corners and proceeded to crawl inside. He made his way in a bit as he glanced back and saw that Rubon was squeezing inside, soon followed by Kyle who looked to have a more tighter fit.
Still, Gabriel crawled along the steel interior as he did his best to keep any potential noise down. Rubon and Kyle, on the other hand, noisily banged their bodies against the vents. At this point they would surely have a few psychics following along the noises and waiting for them once they exited. To that end, Gabriel increased the pace of his crawling as he used the techniques Ben taught him to slide along the steel and eventually found another vent covering that he began to work open. With a soft pop he pushed it out and slipped the metal covering inside the vent and peered outside.
The station was quite the sight for Gabriel. Tall white pillar were erected in the hallway he saw. There were numerous windows that gave a clear view outside and the lights had been turned off. Tiled floors stretched all around the area and two mon were leaning against a wall. One was a Chingling and the other was a Gothorita who were busy conversing about some sort of novel series. Of course psychics would be the king to talk about such topics. Gabriel leaned out a bit from his entrance and fell to the ground. As he was about to hit against the tile he rolled his body against the wall and pressed his back against it. The psychics couldn't detect his presence, he knew that much. He readied a clawed hand and slipped along his cover. Once he got close enough he struck out with a clawed hand to hit against the base of the Gothorita's neck, causing him to fall forward unconscious.
The Chingling had but a few seconds to let out a startled cry before Gabriel reached down and slammed the back of his hand against the top of the psychic's forehead, silencing her. He glanced back up at the vents as he heard some shaking. Figuring the two fighters would still be some time he grabbed the two bodies and placed them in a shadowed corner. He couldn't have anyone coming upon them now. He creeped along the hallway, satisfied that they were the only two guards in this area.
The hallway had two endings, so he wouldn't have to worry about anyone coming from behind him, nor from the other direction. There were, however, several openings along the hall that led down to, presumably, where the train would be waiting for passengers. Peering down one of the shorter hallways that led there Gabriel saw no one. He had no choice but to start heading down it when he felt a hand on his shoulder pulling him back. The Weavile cringed inwardly as he saw the frustrated look on Rubon's face. "I ALWAYS lead." The Machop hissed as he punched the Weavile right in his stomach and walked on forward.
Gabriel wheeled from the very effective blow and gripped his abdomen in pain as Kyle gave him a pitying look, but too walked past him. Gabriel had to take a few moments to recover before he made his way after the two fighters. With them being so brash and forward Gabriel was convinced that they would blow their cover. He considered it pure luck that no guards were waiting once they made their way to what Rubon called turnstiles. The Machop and Hitmonchan leaped over them and so did Gabriel. The area was now far larger with benches laid out along the floor. There were signs sticking to the walls where vendors could set up to serve snacks and drinks to waiting passengers.
Further ahead Gabriel could clearly see two more guards lying in the dark. One was a Espurr who gazed out with his wide, creepy eyes, and the second was a Mime Jr. Gabriel stopped, waiting to see if there was an alternative path around them. His face paled as Rubon and Kyle kept going forward. Of course, they couldn't see as well in the dark as Gabriel could! Gabriel grabbed Rubon and tugged him back, "There are guards up there!" He hissed. "We can't go that way!"
Rubon wasn't so much stopped by the grab, as he stopped of his own will. "What do you mean? There's no one up there."
"I can see in the dark. You know, dark-type." Gabriel sighed, "I see two guards up there. We have to be cautious."
Kyle opened his mouth to speak but Rubon was, once again, quick to talk, "So what? We'll just take them out then. Afraid of a bit of blood, eh?" Rubon smirked and pulled his arm free of Gabriel's grasp. "Now watch how fighting types work." Rubon kept on moving forward with Kyle following.
Gabriel stared on, but he didn't follow this time. Fine, if they wanted to destroy their element of stealth, then so be it. He would use this distraction to find Remund and figure out what he was up to. Gabriel snuck down along to the wall and glanced along it, easily finding another vent he could use to his advantage. He clawed up to it and once again worked to unscrew it and slipped inside. He didn't bother to look toward how Kyle and Rubon were fairing, instead moving slowly through the vents. They winded about to the left and right and took him to an end that was pure darkness. Gabriel couldn't see anyone outside of it, so he slipped out and down to the ground. He could tell he was in some sort of storage area, given the empty boxes and discarded materials that lay in heaps across the room. But there was one important aspect of this room. That was the lit area where an Alakazam and a Gengar sat. Both talking to each other with psychics on the Alakazam's side of the room and ghosts floating on the Gengar's side.
None of them had reacted to Gabriel exiting the vent so he was quick to use the opportunity to sneak in just a bit closer as the words from the conversation dribbled into his ears.
"Now that's asking too much, Remund." The Gengar stated as he smirked at the psychic, "Trying to pull a fast one on me with that. I like the garden, it's the perfect place to sit down, relax, and spook some kids." The ghost burst out with laughter, "Lots of gooood memories there!"
"And yet it's a fine place to meditate." Remund pointed out. The Alakazam stroked a finger along one of his spoons, "As I said, the market district is fine for spooks such as your kind, Eurheit. You can spook kids there."
"You mean teens." The Gengar shook his head, "Teens aren't as easy. They don't scare easily! I want bone chilling terror, the kind that sticks with you until adulthood."
Remund rubbed at his forehead, "And you're making this more difficult than it should be. Perhaps a change of topic for the time being?"
Eurheit formed a wicked smile upon his purple face, "Like how to deal with Maxi? I hear he's getting uppity. Says he wants to take you down."
Remund chuckled softly, "As if he could. Let his fighters come this way and try to smash my door in. I'll just break each of their necks instead. Muscle mass means nothing compared to the power of the mind. In fact, his scouts just infiltrated. They were ever so nosy in those vents. I have some guards waiting further ahead for them, in case the younger ones aren't able to take them down. It should be of no worry to either of us."
Gabriel frowned at that. They knew they were coming? It was quite possible that Maxi had sent those two idiots out before to spy on Remund and the Alakazam had figured out. The question was whether Remund knew that Gabriel had come as well.
Eurheit gave a few nods, "Good for you… I want one of them. I need a nice strong mon to act as a lounge chair for my aching feet. Having a fighter wouldn't be too bad. Plus I would loooove to see Maxi's face! That old clown would be fuming!"
Gabriel saw two doors opening that spilled in bright light. The Espurr and Mime Jr. walked into the room with a squirming Machop and Hitmonchan in their psychic grasp. Both fighters were tossed before the two mob bosses and the doors closed shut.
"Well, well…" Eurheit smirked evilly, "I like the look of the Machop. I call dibs!"
"It is of no matter to me." Remund stated as he waved his hand, "Take both if you wish. I have no need for such pathetic mon."
"Screw you!" Rubon spat out, "Maxi'll chop your heads clean off!"
"Of course he will." Remund stated as the room of ghosts and psychics let out soft chuckles. "Away with them, then."
Gabriel peered out at the scene as the Gengar rounded up his forces and began to lead them out of the room. On the one hand, Gabriel's job was more or less done. It looked like the two were in an alliance and switching up who controlled what territory. On the other… Remund and Kyle were now going to be held hostage, probably for some sort of concession from Maxi. If Gabriel left then, sure, he would be rewarded for a job well done, but he couldn't just leave the two to their fate. Letting out a weak sigh the Weavile made his way back to the duct and crawled inside. Discretion was key here as he managed to slowly work his way along and out the other side, just as the last ghost floated out of the darkened area. Gabriel hurried his pace as he jogged back toward the entrance. The last remaining ghosts floated through the glass, but Gabriel would have to get out through some other way. He could try the ducts again, but that would take too much time, not to mention he would have to run all the way out toward the entrance as well.
He put a clawed hand up against one of the windows and quickly swiveled it about in a circle. The piece of glass that he popped out left a hole that was big enough for him to squeeze through. By the time he was on the other side the ghosts had floated a bit further away. Gabriel rushed along the paved road after the congregation of spiritual mon, his eyes narrowing as he easily caught sight of the two fighters up ahead. He took in a deep breath as he got his attack ready, and an Icy Wind whooshed out from his mouth and into the crowd.
The unexpected attack took quite a few of the ghosts by surprise as multiple panicked cries echoes out. Now that there was a chill in the air Gabriel took the initiative to rush past the spectres and toward the ones that held the two fighters captive. Two of his attacks wouldn't even work on the ghosts, so he had to use something else. He curled up his right hand into a punch and shot it out at a Haunter. The ghost was struck by the Power-Up Punch and was pushed back a bit. The Weavile could feel a bit of muscle forming along his arms thanks to the effect of the punch. "Go, go!" He shouted at Kyle and Rubon.
The ghosts were now focusing their attention on Gabriel as the Weavile once more blew out icy winds at the now enraged group. He glanced back and saw that Kyle and Rubon hadn't wasted time to start running. Good, good, they all had to get out of here now. Sure, Gabriel COULD have left them, and he didn't like them all that much, but they were part of the same group now. As he turned about and started to run as well he felt something grab at his leg and tug against it. With a cry the Weavile fell forward and twisted his head back to see that a Banette had grabbed his calf, "Oh no you don't." The ghost sneered.
Gabriel whipped his head back, very certain that Kyle and Rubon would be heading on back to help, but they were long gone. Of course. The Weavile began to part his lips again when a pair of red eyes stared right at his face, "I wouldn't do that…" Eurheit whispered softly. The Weavile felt his entire body freeze as he stared right into this glowing eyes. He took in shaky breaths as the Gengar's Hypnosis sucked his entire attention. To any onlookers they would see that the Weavile's eyes had taken on the same ominous red glow as one single word was spoke by the ghost, "Sleep."
Gabriel wasn't sure for how long he was asleep, but as he roused from his forced slumber he was quick to realize that he was somewhere new. The place was dark, so dark that Gabriel couldn't see. His arms were elevated a bit and when he tried moving them he could feel bits of metal that had been wrapped about his biceps, elbows, and wrists keeping them restrained to some sort of structure behind him. He had been forced onto his knees as well. Even though his lower body wasn't restrained he found it difficult to try and move due to the way his upper body had been bound. As he wiggled about a bit he felt some fabric rubbing along the sides of his head. Of course, he had been blindfolded. At least he hadn't been blinded.
He squirmed a bit more, using all of his strength to tug against the restraints when a familiar voice spoke, "Oh, come now Gabriel. You aren't a Machop. What hope do you have against such strong metal?"
"Eurheit." Gabriel muttered.
"My my, you've grown into such a handsome lad." The ghost spoke, more from his left side. "I remember seeing you when you were but a small child. Your father had such high hopes for you back then. He even had high hopes for his own empire. Funny how things turn out."
"And here you are needing help to raise your own empire. My father did it on his own." Gabriel retorted.
"Ah, Gabriel Gabriel Gabriel… you silly boy. Sometimes you need help. Your father surely could have used some on that day a long time ago, but that doesn't matter now. What matters is why you were in the station along with those two fighters. You even went through the trouble of freeing them too. Why would you care so much about them?"
Gabriel fell silent. Okay, so they didn't know that he had allied with Maxi's gang yet. They would find out eventually, but it was at least an advantage he had. Eurheit let out a weak sigh and Gabriel felt his blindfold being ripped off. The unamused look on the Gengar's face told him enough. "... How shall we go about this, then?" Eurheit asked him. "Perhaps… electrocution? Tie you up to a nice metal chair and see how long you can go before you start screaming, hm?"
Gabriel felt his face pale as the ghost grabbed his jaw and angled his face up to gaze into his eyes, "Perhaps some knives? See how easily your flesh can slice apart?" He leaned in closer, causing Gabriel began to tremble. "Ooooorrrrr, maybe I can grab a nice open flame and see if a Weavile melts." He held Gabriel for a moment, then let out a dark chuckle and released his grip, "But I won't. I'm not a monster. In fact, I have the perfect punishment set for such a wily mon like yourself. I think you'll like it well enough. I'm not sure if you've met my butler yet." Eurheit let out a whistle, "Oh Martin, time to shine! Do entertain the boy."
The Gengar floated out through a wall while a new ghost floated up from the floorboards. A Dusknoir gazed upon the bound dark-type. "Hello, young one. I am the butler of this fine establishment. Of course, being restricted to just one room, you won't be able to see the rest of the establishment, nor my usual uniform." The Dusknoir let out a dramatic sigh as he placed the back of his gray hand against his forehead, "I had the most exquisite tie and top hat, but alas, I had to leave them behind."
Gabriel didn't respond to the Dusknoir, only struggling once more against his chains. "Hm, not a talker, huh?" Martin asked. "Well, if you don't want a chit chat like proper adults then I suppose I'll have to get started." The Dusknoir flexed his fingers and slowly floated closer and closer to his victim. Gabriel squeezed his eyes tight, ready for the pain to begin. Instead, he felt something far different.
A single solitary finger glided along his exposed underarm, enough to cause the Weavile to emit a light giggle of surprise. His eyes snapped open to see that Martin had both his hands quite close to his armpits. "Laugh for me." Martin commanded as the set of five fingered hands pressed against his sensitive flesh and began to flutter wildly along his hollows. Gabriel clamped his mouth shut, trying his hardest to keep from laughing. He managed such a state for five seconds before his lips parted and high-pitched squealing laughter escaped his maw.
Martin's fingers didn't waver as they moved along the exposed hollows. Slowly they moved down along the Weavile's ribs and down to his hips before ascending just as slowly. Gabriel's face began to redden from embarrassment as all he could do was laugh for the probing ghost. The loudest of howls came whenever Martin's fingers danced along his hollows, and so the Dusknoir kept his hands pressed against the weak spots.
Gabriel wasn't sure how long he had been tickled for, just that as he was gasping for air the Dusknoir halted. "Aw, you look so cute with that blush on your cheeks." The ghost commented. The statement caused Gabriel to grit his teeth as his blush brightened slightly. He couldn't quite speak, given that he was busy taking in much needed air. He barely had enough time to begin calming himself before Martin's hands once more slipped under his arms and resumed the torture. If anything, Gabriel had to grudgingly admit that the Dusknoir was quite skilled. Not only did he know which areas of his bound form to stroke and tease, but he managed to not push him over the edge. Whenever Gabriel felt that he was close to falling unconscious the Dusknoir would either ease up on his tickling or stop altogether and allow Gabriel some much needed air.
"Well well, this has been a very pleasant two hours." Martin observed, smirking with his larger mouth down at the trembling Weavile. "Such sweet laughter you have. However, I must leave for a short while. I have other duties to attend to other than reducing you to but a quivering piece of jelly. Do not worry, I shall resume when I return. And you'll be able to see my usual attire too, so that is a bonus I think you shall enjoy." The Dusknoir gave a short bow before phasing through the floor.
Beads of sweat had formed among Gabriel's fur and head feathers as he focused on taking deep breaths. His heart was beating a million times per second, and he was feeling rather weary. He could barely hold his head up when he heard someone new moving into the room. He managed to open one eye to see that a Yamask was floating there. "Oh, there you are!" The female cried out. "I was worried, but with Martin attending to his duties I can help out!"
"W-What?" Gabriel managed to ask. Instead of responding the Yamask floated to his bonds and worked her small hands at them. As each arm was freed they fell toward Gabriel's side and then the Weavile himself fell against the floor with a soft thud.
The Weavile slowly pushed himself up with his hands until he managed to get into a sitting position. The Yamask eagerly floated around him, "We need to get moving! No telling when Martin will come!" She glanced about, "Oh… um, this way!" The Yamask turned and phased right through the wall. Gabriel just stared at the spot she had disappeared through. The ghost floated back in and rubbed the back of her head, "Ooooohhhh… right. You aren't a ghost."
"Who… are you?" Gabriel panted out. His legs still felt shaky, so he didn't even bother to stand up.
"I'm Cici! I bet you know all about me." The ghost twirled on the spot. When Gabriel didn't say anything she frowned and tapped her hands together, "Did your father… really not say anything?"
"I don't know who you are." Gabriel said, "He certainly didn't mention a Cici."
The Yamask tilted her head a bit, "Oh… well, I'm on your side! Think of me like a secret agent! I can get you out of here easy!"
"And how can you?" Gabriel frowned, "I can't phase through walls and I'm sure if you take me out of this room then every single ghost in the building will know something is up."
"Not if I help you out." She giggled. "There's a secret passage up through the ceiling, however if we go up there we have to remain really quiet."
"I'm good with that." Gabriel stated. He slowly rose to his feet, his legs feeling far more solid now.
"Well… there are some weak points in the ceiling." Cici explained. "And it's thin as well. I think you can be very quiet, yes, but I can't just guide you with my movements. I'll have to tell you when to jump, when to walk lightly and such. Again, the ceiling is thin and any words could be heard by anyone down below. But I have a solution for you!"
"And that is?" Gabriel asked warily.
"Well…" The Yamask reached down and tugged the mask off of her body and held it out to the Weavile. "This is it!"
"This?" Gabriel asked incredulously. He gazed upon the yellow mask warily, noting that it was shaped like a human face.
"It'll fit perfectly on your face! It's flat and nicely shaped. Just put it on and I'll guide you from there."
Gabriel wasn't quite sure what putting a mask on would achieve, but he figured it couldn't hurt. And at this point, he was feeling more than desperate to get out of this place. He held the mask up and placed it against his face. The mask had no eye holes, so he didn't have the opportunity to see the Yamask fade away. The mask didn't look to have any straps to hold it in place, so Gabriel had to wonder if he had to keep it against his face with a single hand.
Then his hand pulled away of it's own accord. Gabriel tried to move, but he couldn't. He couldn't see anything, yet he could feel his fingers moving and soon his limbs moved as well. His arms gave an experimental flex as he could hear a soft whistle, "Heh, not bad."
Even though he couldn't speak Gabriel could still think. ... Cici
"That's my name." The Yamask spoke again. Cici's voice didn't sound quite as feminine before, instead now sounding more like a copycat of Gabriel's. "I'm sorry about this, but this is the only way we can get out through the ceiling. We can chat to each other while you wear me, so no need to fear about being too loud." Gabriel felt his hand move down to rub along his lean stomach, "Not too bad for a Weavile, but we should get moving. Don't worry, I can see just fine. I'll get us out of this place. Now…" Gabriel felt his legs tense up as he jumped up to hear his claws tapping against the ceiling. He heard something shift a bit above head and another jump allowed his claws to slip up along what he presumed to be the secret entrance. He soon pulled himself up and into what could only be the passage Cici had mentioned.
Now… this way, Gabriel felt his body move once more, this time moving along the passage. He could hear the wood creaking slightly under his feet as the ghost led him along. He stopped at a point, only to give a small jump over… something. He presumed a weak spot in the ceiling. Cici moved him further and further and soon he began to hear voices.
"He won't last another two hours. He was blood red by the time I left, sir."
"I hope you're right. We need time to break him further. … You missed a spot."
"Impossible."
"There, the floorboard there."
"... Oh my! I'm so sorry, sir. I guess I was just thinking about my later responsibilities. Where my fingers should probe next and such."
"Don't let it distract you too much."
Cici had been right, the ceiling was thin, especially if they could hear Eurheit's and Martin's conversation. If she had been leading him and telling him where to go when they would certainly be stuck here. Cici moved him along to and he soon held his arms out to balance himself while one foot was placed in front of each other on what seemed to be a single wooden plank. Perhaps this was the strongest part of the ceiling above this room.
After crossing and moving on the conversation between the two ghosts faded away in the distance. The Weavile paused for another moment later on, but other than that it looked to be smooth sailing, judging by the fact that the Weavile's hand moved up and pushed against something. A cool breeze blew against his body. He felt himself slowly stepping out and onto what felt like a roof. He moved to the edge and twisted about to start clawing his way down until he jumped down. Cold hard ground greeted his soles. He turned and felt himself starting to run. He wasn't sure for how long he ran but he could feel his thighs starting to burn by the time he stopped.
See? Nothing to it.
Gabriel let out a weak sigh in his mind. Thank you.
Of course, there's always the talk of payment~
... Payment? I thought you were doing this because of my father.
Well, yeah., He felt his hand reach back to scratch lightly against the back of his neck. It sort of it… and isn't. It's known to everyone that your father is losing some major coin while rotting away in jail. He won't be able to really pay me for this, but you can!
And that's by… ?
Well… hehe, this body of yours is quite something else. I'm a ghost, long since dead, and it feels good every so often to breathe again, if you get my drift.
It didn't take long for Gabriel to figure this out. So… you want to possess me?
Oh, every so often or so. Say, take a nice body like yours out on the town every so often. Barely anyone knows how Yamask work, you know. Apart from other ghosts. Just say… take you out, meet some friends, stuff like that. Have fun and eat and drink, do things I can't do while I'm like a ghost.
Gabriel had to think hard about that. If he agreed then who knew when Cici would show up to, essentially, body-jack him?
Or we could head on back to Eurheit… Cici softly mentioned.
F-Fine. I agree. Gabriel grumbled in his mind.
With a soft giggle the mask peeled off his face and Gabriel staggered back a bit, the sensation feeling rather odd for him. "Thank you! And in return I'll see what I can do to keep Eurheit off your trail!" Cici offered. "He still trusts me, you know!" She gave a small bow to the Weavile, "Best get back to Maxi's territory if I were you." With that, the ghost floated on off.
Gabriel watched her go and looked up at the setting moon, very much certain that he just signed a deal with the devil.
~~~~
"So, he's gone?"
"Yes, sir." Cici giggled, "It all went according to plan."
"Excellent." Eurheit's smirk grew, "The second part shall begin. Oh Maxi, you fool, how easy you shall fall."
