Island Rivayle

[Sea]

Rivayle #9
@Guren ​

Introductions were made, their names become known to each other. Selena whom quickly catch on that Simon doesn’t seem to be from Rivayle thanks to his outfit giving it away. Yet regardless, Selena doesn’t seem change her tone whether or not Simon is from Rivayle or from the outside world. Simon would let known of his objectives, which is to head to the Prosperity Office Branch in regards to a mission they have put up. Selena’s mouth clamped up a moment, subtle yet those whom are quite observant may notice her slight change of expressions and emotions that she hides. She has started to softened up a lot more as her thoughts now focused upon the conversation at hand.

“I see, so you are working on that job...”

Selena spoke as she started smiling. Simon would make note of double checking the location – a smart thing to do given that he is now conversing with an actual local, which meant more clarity in his destination and therefore spending less time searching for the right way.

“Beyond here is the district for the rich, you will find their office being the tallest building out of the rest within this district, it’s a pretty big clock tower, not as big as the other one however. It’s adorned in gold so you can’t miss it.”

Selena told Simon, confirming the location of the office he intended to head towards is not only the right way, but the physical description would have likely be more than enough to find his way. Just as Selena would speak, a loud but dull bell chimes from afar.

“Looks like I have to go, work is about to start soon. You should go soon, the people from Prosperity are pretty business-minded.”

“Cya~”

Selena started to walk away to a different direction past Simon, waving her hands as she bids good bye. Should Simon continue his way forward, he would soon exit the market, he would finally reach his destination, or at least just a bit longer more left to go. Here he would finally reach the core of a very different looking district, or well – in a sense a grander version of what he has seen in this town so far.

He would find that this particular district overlooks the Rivayle’s outer rings of towns in its entirety, depending on where they stood. This is because Rivayle is built with increasingly layered height. Should Simon look around the district, he would find casinos, clubs and many other entertainment, all well-built establishments. Should he find an edge of this district, he could see even the town of Mudgorge, although given the distance it is difficult to make out its people in that town. It’s both incredible, and potentially even somber scene. Regardless of how Simon would internalize his thoughts so far, should he look around the district some more, he would find two buildings of note. First is the closer one, just a short trip ahead – a gold adorned clock tower, quite a large building. The second one, he would find it towards the back-central of Rivayle. Simon is already quite essentially at the centre of Rivayle, where the most modern of Rivayle stood. And far back, he would see another clock tower, or at least one could assume to be – this building however is incredibly massive – towering literally any other building in Rivayle by a large amount, the tower looked much like a castle at its top almost like a monolithic structure.

Presumably that Simon would continue his route to the smaller but well-built clock tower like building, he would only take only at most another ten minutes to reach his destination. Here, should Simon enter the building would find its building interior essentially modernized. Several staffs are seen going on their business, but here is where Simon may notice all the staffs essentially wore suits, whether male or female. Sort of like a mafia to an extent. In front of him however, is a receptionist of sort, a single man standing alone closest to Simon.

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #9 @Sea

As quickly as Selena arrived as equally quickly she left. Giving Simon the directions he needed she went ahead with her life, the sounds of the bell tower ushering her forward. To whatever job that needed her presence. The young man could do nought else but observe and check in which direction she ran. With a scratch on his head, he turned, facing the tower she suggested and continued on his route towards the prosperity branch.

Finally, he had reached the district that he needed to see and quickly it became apparent that it was for the elite within Rivayle, it all screamed money and..well prosperity. All forms of entertainment were settled within this district but what caught his eye the most were the two clock towers, off in the distance. Continuing on the path for he had seen enough of the land for now. The time to start this mission in earnest was now but first, he needed information.

Stepping inside what he presumed to be the Prosperity branch office he looked for a reception desk. It didn't take him very long to spot it, all things considered. With a few steps and weaving through the single-mindedness these people harboured Simon, at long last. Had reached his first objective.

"Good day, sir. My name is Simon and I'd like to apply for the mission that was on the board back in Mudgorge." The young man said, revealing a piece of paper. The contents of the mission on it. A precaution, for it wasn't clear how many jobs these people put up on a singular basis.

 

[Sea]

Rivayle #10
@Guren ​

Inside the building, Simon would quickly approach the receptionist to inquire about the mission – in which the receptionist would quickly greeted Simon politely in response after checking the piece of paper that Simon presented to him, before eventually positioning his hand towards a corner past off a wall towards Simon’s right.

“Ah! The one in-charge of the bandit extermination is simply behind the hall, the first corridor to the left.”

Should Simon heed the instructions, he would find a long hallway just past the wall on the further side of the ground floor. However, he would very quickly find a corridor just to the left after another short walk where there stood a guard. Here he would find several people armed with weapons, mostly pistols – whether Simon presented the paper once more to the guard did not matter however. For people from all sorts of outfits and appearance come and go from the room.

Inside the room, one notable person sat by the bench with various paperwork, he would look to be someone in his early to mid-30s, rough yet dressed in a suit. This time however, a small line of queue stood between him and this particular person. Talks of missions and rewards are done between them as the queue would slowly lessen in size. If Simon joins the queue, he could hear talks of various nature, and from here he can probably garner the purpose of this room to a certain extent. Eventually however, the queue would exhaust. And all that would be left is Simon.

“Next.”

The man spoke in a rough manner. Should Simon continue, likely presenting the paper for the mission or through words. His inquiry would eventually be answered. The man whom would look at the boy before him. Unsure if the boy would seem to be up to the task. But no matter, the man didn’t care for appearance. All that mattered is the success of the mission. If the paper is presented to him, the man would return the paper back to Simon. And from here, the man would put out two pieces of paper with a picture of a man and a lady.

“Your targets are this two, Bunny and Baron. Defeat them, dead or alive doesn’t matter. You will be rewarded a million beri if you succeed. Additional five hundred thousand if you bring both of them back to us alive. Be careful however, Cripple Creak Town is controlled by them, even though people can come and go at any time – but the gang of bandits are watchful of things that happen around the town.”

“Any questions?”

The man questioned Simon. If Simon have to inquire any further information now would be the time to ask.

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #10 @Sea

Simon introduced himself and was quickly led into another location within this building, around the corner and the first corridor on his left. Once there he'd find several people armed with mostly firearms. With a queue forming Simon naturally followed suit and awaited his turn which didn't take that long, all things considered.

When his turn came around he moved the paper over only to receive another in turn together with two pictures, that of a man and a lady. They were called Bunny and Baron, respectively. A rough rundown on the mission details was given, as a location and a slight warning about the situation.

"Anything I should watch out for, civilians? Guards?" Simon said a roundabout way to check if this Cripple Creak Town was governed by the main force here in Rivayle or if these people were outcasts in the eyes of society. If he asked such a thing plain he'd more likely than not received a blank or very vague answer. This would, hopefully, get more information out of the man before him.
"Also before I forget, what's the fastest route to Cripple Creak?" Simon added after the man's reply. Whether the response was satisfactory or not was not a real concern. He'd not get any straight answers from these people anyway given the current situation and context within this island.

With context given and a location set, Simon made his way towards his objective. The two pictures were in his pocket, to not forget their faces.

 

[Sea]

Rivayle #11
@Guren ​

With the mission details handed down to Simon, the man tried to pry for more details, perhaps sensing the town being strangely still affiliated and connected to the rest of the city itself. And Simon would be right to find that strange, normally such situations would have been resulted in an isolated part of the city. However, perhaps Simon’s words may have ended up misinterpreted by the man before him.

“Well. Perhaps both. You seem like a sharp one I’ll give you that. Cripple Creak is still connected to the city as I said, the people come and go whenever they wish. There are guards in Cripple Creak – they are more knowledgeable of what’s going on there.”

A vague answer, in which Simon ended up getting. But perhaps reading between the lines Simon may have figured out what the man meant. His answer shed some light on the situation in Cripple Creak, that if Simon have enough experience being in many cities or town may come to right conclusion. Secondly, with the second question – it pretty much concluded the man’s thoughts on Simon, a foreigner. However, no matter a foreigner or a local, the man only cared about the completion of the bounty he is assigning, thus chose not to delve into Simon’s reason for even coming here.

“As you may have already figured by now, the train is the best way to move around to different parts of the city, Cripple Creak is no different. The benefits of a modernizing city isn’t it?”

“Any more questions you like to ask?”

If Simon decided to continue his way to Cripple Creak through the trains as recommended by the man, the train would eventually take him towards the north-eastern side of Rivayle, going back down to the outer districts of Rivayle where things weren’t as modernized as where he was originally. Here, Simon would soon find himself at about the same chaotic lifestyle as in Mudgorge, but with lesser people in comparison. Cripple Creak, one of the more 'poorer' districts.

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #11 @Sea

Simon was ready and didn't have any need for more questions. It'd seem that the location of Cripple Creek was a lot more complicated than what reports could relay to him. Or perhaps they simply didn't want to do them to not push people away from taking this mission. Taking the man's advice Simon took the train straight towards Cripple Creak. Upon setting a single foot inside it was immediately apparent this town had a stark difference to the wealthy mudgorge.

Simon's eyes scanned the neighbourhood as he walked through the town. Eyes in his pocket and guard up high for this was hostile territory. That and he'd stand out way more here than in mudgorge was much more accustomed to tourists than this backwater town. Things that Simon looked out for besides his obvious targets were signs of distress or some sort of commotion. He also kept a lookout on the guards the recruiter mentioned earlier. He'd try and check if their badges aligned. This town could have guards but if they operated separately from the large scale of Rivayle his infiltration would implode before it even got started.

"Now then, let's get to business."

 

[Sea]

Rivayle #12
@Guren ​

Simon took the opportunity to quick head towards Cripple Creek through public transport, and the easiest way forward is via train. As he arrived in Cripple Creek, a poorer district of Rivayle. Due to being much less crowded, Simon’s way in which he walked as well as his clothing stood out quite a bit, something that would otherwise quickly get lost in the sea of crowd. Aiming to look out for several points of interests, Simon took to look at commotions as well as guards of Rivayle that he could use for information, while making sure they weren’t part of the bandits. Unfortunately for the latter, Simon would in fact find guards around – not too many of them but all of them dressed quite effectively speaking the same. They may not look exactly the same, but what is truly the important part to look for are the sheriff badges, which denotes their authority towards the Rivayle Law. Most of them were just about the same which is quite smartly dressed.

This time however, not much commotion could be seen or at least gleaned from his observation. Simon could continue his walk around the town should he decide to continue looking for commotion, ways to get into the meat of the matter. Otherwise, he may have to speak to the officers, as for his concern, it would be quite impossible physically speaking to know if an officer is part of the banditry that he feared. In fact, it is almost a gamble to say the least. Alternatively, he could wait to see if there are commotions that should prompt the attention of the officers around where judging the manner in which they handle may give into more insights as to who he may trust to speak to. But otherwise, Simon would find himself as much of a normal citizen as to everyone else. Trouble doesn’t find him so easily it seems.

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #12@Sea

It'd seem trouble had a tough time finding the young man. Deciding he had done enough running around Simon would move to one of the local guards standing by. Time to light the fire a little bit, he thought to himself. He'd stand before one of the guards with his hands in his pockets—confidence overflowing from the young lad. "Howdy. Word has it this town has a bit of a bandit problem. And I'm here to solve it, care to point me in the right direction?" Simon said, bold and very straight to the point. He also didn't make any attempt to lower his voice so those who stood nearby would be able to hear him quite clearly.

If these guards were part of the bandits they'd surely lead him into a trap and if not they'd lead him to the correct location. Whatever path he had set himself upon it was a win either way. In regards to locating his target, he could always be swarmed or ambushed. Fortunately, the young man was a walking battalion.

 

[Sea]

Rivayle #13
@Guren ​

Simon has decided that there is no point in waiting for something to happen – having considered that regardless of how his choice may affect his path, they would ultimately converge into progress in regards to the mission at hand. Approaching one of the guards nearest to him, Simon would notice this one is a duo, likely perhaps a buddy system has shown to work wonders for policing. Quickly, Simon spoke to one of them – asking about the bandits that he has been tasked to handle. Simon perhaps either chose to not reveal with the Prosperity family’s given task or perhaps believed that everyone knew what he meant. Regardless of it, the guard duo processed the information and looked at each other for a while. And then, they laughed.

​

“Hahahahaha!”

The two guards laughed. A very strange interaction has occurred. Are they part of the bandit group or not?

“Ahhhahaha! You mean must mean Bunny and Baron.”

The guards slowly calm themselves down as the laughter slowly fades. The onlookers around them might saw the sudden laughter from the guards, but otherwise not much of an attention is brought forth.

“Well they usually are found at the ‘Spurred On’ Saloon, near the only church in this place.”

The guard gestured his thumb behind him, indicating the direction towards where Simon should go in a very frivolous manner. However, by this time – a change in what perhaps he would expect may have long struck him. Despite being called bandits; the guards did not seem serious at any point in time as if they themselves do not consider the duo as some form of wanted men. This can be really hard for Simon to assume if the men are part of the bandit group, as in under their payroll of sorts or they are real sheriffs. Both considerations meant that the reactions of the guards are quite strange, the former would led to a more cautious words that should give some heads up to Bunny and Baron while the latter seems to imply they are not as much of a concern as Prosperity Family seems to think at least. No matter the case, this would be quite concerning for Simon, are they leading them to a trap? Or are the guards unconcerned that Simon would succeed? Perhaps a string of failures up till this point? Or perhaps they simply don’t care because this is a poor district? The perspective of different sides has boiled down to a mix reaction to the bandits, from Mudgorge up till here.

Who are the duo, Bunny and Baron?

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #13 @Sea

It was a strange reaction to his question. It was a first when someone laughed audibly and made him feel like an utter fool. Simon's expression clearly represented that, eyes narrowed and his casual look shifted to stone-cold stoicness. "Didn't seem like I was doing some kind of stand-up comedy act here. Anything funny that I'm missing?" Simon said, hands in his pockets and with a glare in his eye that could kill. They had ticked him off big time, a weak point. The young man hated to be ridiculed. From where this originated was something even he couldn't tell.

"So, I'll ask again. This Bunny and Baron, are they bandits or not? For the bounty on their heads, they don't seem to be a high priority looking at you two if you know where they are." Simon said, his eyes still stuck on the two guards in front of him. Aura felt if these two posed a threat to him but his gut instinct told him they were not worth the effort. But still, he had to push back for his pride couldn't handle this exchange not before making these two realise who he was. A big shot in the making. That and Red probably teases him too much already.

"I'd appreciate a straight answer," Simon concluded, his fighting aura leaking from his body. But whether the two goons before him would feel or realise it remained to be seen.

 

[Sea]

Rivayle #14
@Guren ​

The guards laughed, but it was not to Simon’s amusement which prompted perhaps a rather characteristic trait to surface. A ‘weakness’ to say the least, anger. The man was quickly riled up by the mocking from the guards prompting him to quickly get on the defensive, or rather combative as his spirit rises along with his temper. However, that is perhaps a mistake – one may cost him more than just a ‘fight’. The guards themselves didn’t seem afraid at all, the people of Rivayle has seen powerful figures, fear do not easily have a firm hold onto them. And ironically, Simon became the commotion himself as others around him looks at him with quite an intense glare, putting him at quite an awkward situation to say the least. Simon would instead find the guards at a ready to pull out their revolvers as they quickly attempt to deescalate the situation – no longer replying to his question and instead respond much like a policing procedure.

“Stand down. Or you will regret it.”

One of the guards responded as they were pretty much about to withdraw their guns. Simon have two choices. To fight the guards and like incur the wrath of the local policing forces, or stand down if he wishes to continue to lay low. The public eyes are on him, one wrong move and it may cause things to be much more difficult in Rivayle.

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #14 @Sea

"You guys are lucky," Simon said as he backed off with a sigh not out of relief but out of exhaustion. He wanted to get towards the target but at every point, he found stop-gap after stop-gap. If he had been any other guy or wasn't here for a purpose he'd have definitely entered a brawl with these men. But alas he was here for something or someone. Using the earlier piece of information Simon moved himself towards the spurred-on saloon near the church in the place. Whether it was a trap or not he honestly didn't care any more he just wanted to find these people after running around for a few hours. With each passing moment, the young man started to forget this mission was supposed to be covert ops.

The lack of any excitement or interesting knowledge was weighing on his mind. Everyone was being far too secretive to his liking. If another person led him somewhere else or started to speak in riddles a vein would honestly burst. Patience was not his virtue.

 

[Sea]

Rivayle #15
@Guren ​

Simon decided that it is no longer worth it for him to get too agitated for his purpose remains to be unclear beyond the targets given, the time spent fighting the local guards would have been better spent finding Bunny and Baron, and thus Simon quickly back off, prompting the guards to similarly do the same – the tension slowly dissipating after the escalation from Simon. Not one to waste time, Simon quickly made his way to the town’s church by the centre where the saloon that Bunny and Baron are usually seen. It would be quite a decent walk, enough for Simon to cool off his mind if he needed to.

The walk eventually brought Simon towards the saloon, and even before he would be close to the building itself, loud noises could be heard coming from within – a rowdy saloon that is quite different from the very first one in Mudgorge. Presumably, Simon would more than likely walk up towards the saloon door but before he could enter from its door, the door sprang open as a man was completely thrown out of the building itself by a man.

“Get out!”

The man spoke as he dusted his hands while walking back into the saloon whilst the thrown out person would lie on the ground, unconscious – but reeks of alcohol. If Simon were to attempt to wake the man up, he would find the man to be at most responsive with mumbling but to no avail in terms of getting back his consciousness. Should Simon continue to walk into the Saloon, he would find this time round – no one seemed to care about him, no need takes away his weapons. But in front of him stood Bunny and Baron, celebrating – having fun as they drink their beers along with the patrons of the saloon, standing atop tables and chairs like one big family.

“Muhahahahaha! Drinks are on me!”

Bunny cheerfully declares her generosity to everyone in the bar.

A strange thing for those that are being targeted for a bounty. Nevertheless, his targets are now within reach, and lucky for him they weren’t aware of him at all. However, it is entirely possible that every patron in the saloon are Bunny and Baron’s men, a fight would be quite difficult if that’s the case. But that is if Simon even intended to fight them in the first place for the bounty. Here, Simon might feel out of place, for his mission and the current atmosphere have put forth quite a strange situation for him.

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #15 @Sea

Simon had made his way towards the salon door ready to open it. However, before he could someone from the inside had snapped it open for him. Not by courtesy but due to someone being thrown out, quite literally. The Revo office would dodge the man being thrown in his direction as he observed the interaction between the bouncer and the drunken man. Ignoring the man in his drunken stupor Simon continued inside.

Within the saloon, he'd find a group of patrons having fun and seemingly the time of their lives. An odd thing. Especially given the fact that many seemingly ignored his entrance no need to hand down his weapons, his targets were right in front of him. But the fact was very likely that everyone inside was on their payroll, making this a lion's den.

"Bonny and Bunny, I presume?" Simon said, having moved towards the two gunslingers. His question would without a doubt turn the bar's attention on him.
"The name's Simon and you people aren't that popular with the main city. Why's that?" Simon said, still casual. But not hiding the fact that he was hunting them. But he did wonder what they were hunted for and what was so different about this town compared to the rest.

"Just what is this place?" He added, questioning the town he was in. Not the Saloon.

 

[Sea]

Rivayle #16
@Guren ​

Simon decided to approach Bunny and Baron, though he would find that task almost freely available to him. He could easily approach them with no one to stop him, but being someone of unknown origins to the rest – eyes around him does peer towards him as he questioned the duo’s identity, though mistaken with one of their names which is not exactly the best first impression if Simon’s intention is to be friendly with them.

“Baron.”

Baron fixes the mistake from Simon as he politely responded, though his eyes staring at him didn’t help Simon’s case at all. The young man seems to be much more reserved, but in contrast – Bunny whom was busy enjoying her time turned her face towards Simon, seemly more surprised at the appearance of someone approaching her out of a sudden. Simon needed answers, thus he wanted to know why despite seemly confined into one specific town – they are still relatively free to go anywhere without being hunted down by guards, as heavily implied beforehand with his encounter with the thugs.

“You are new here aren’t you? Of course we weren’t popular! Damn Vincent and Iceschillendrig. Taking over our territories like that! One of these days they will get what’s coming for them!”

Bunny instead responded somewhat aggressively to Simon as she comically gets heated up from the thought of the situation.

“This is the only territory we have left. This is the hometown of the Force Family. The only reason we aren't snuffed out yet is because Vincent thought just leaving this town to us is repayment for our leader's contribution.”

Baron followed up with the response. Here Simon would find while Bunny didn’t seem to mind Simon, Baron seem to ere on the side of caution towards him.

“What is it to you though?”

Bunny questioned.

There may be more questions from Simon but the question posed towards him from Bunny may be dangerous. A truthful answer might instigate a fight. But a false answer will get him more answers, but later on – this may be irreversible damage to their relationship should Simon intend to have friendly relations with the duo. But no matter what is the answer, Simon can confirm that the Force Family is indeed squeezed out as per the bartender in Mudgorge mention – and perhaps also confirm that the bandits are indeed from the Force Family if he has originally thought so. However, while the duo is indeed not popular with the main city, it would seem that it applies to the other families more, rather than the people of Rivayle if he would remember the words of the bartender.

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #16 @Sea

Simon coughed and cleared his throat when he realized his mistake, a rookie one but this was his first solo operation after all. Eventually Bunny went on to explain a few things about the nature of this place. Apparently they or rather this is the last territory left of the force family. Hunted down and driven into a corner by Vincent and the Iceschillendrig. Finally a piece to the already oversized puzzle, Simon thought to himself.

"Well to be frank at first this started as a mission to hunt you two, there is a sizeable bounty after all. But I wanted to know more things, introduction was rather sparse and vague. My gut feeling was telling me there was something up. So I'm trying to gauge why you're hunted down. This place or rather Rivayle seemed very unified I couldn't find a dark or shady spot or the suppression of people." Simon said pausing a bit to gather his thoughts more.

"But this place seemed far like the ideal vision the higher-ups have. And I'd like the whole picture, the honest truth of this place." Simon said as he finalized his thoughts. Whether they'd go along with him remained to be seen. But during the whole conversation, he hadn't let out a hint of hostility even kept his hands in his pockets, he was as off guard as one could be.

It was an odd thing to see. A merc with a conscience. But the truth he wasn't willing to relay just yet was that he was a freedom fighter. But to tell them that he was waiting to see and know what this place truly was.

It would only be here that he'd be allowed to witness and understand the dark underbelly of this place.

 

[Sea]

Rivayle #17
@Guren ​

The answer from Simon was quite surprising to say the least – neither Baron nor Bunny would expect Simon to reveal his intentions like that, him being here is a product of the bounty that is set on to the duo with the promise of great rewards. Simon’s decision to spill the beans was not easily looked over, as the surrounding men around the duo and Simon caught onto his words, as did Bunny and Baron themselves. The men however, as likely Simon himself would have expected – are their men indeed, whom quickly draw out their guns towards Simon, though not shooting. Simon would quickly feel that all eyes are pretty much on him. The rowdy carefree nature of the vibes became a dreadful silence.

Bunny and Baron did not draw their guns, with Baron staring with a more dangerous look whilst Bunny still kept on a more rebellious-like smirk. It took a couple more seconds longer before Bunny would then break the silence.

“A bounty hunter eh? For a bounty hunter to take the opportunity to not attack and instead talk – you are doing quite a poor job at that.”

Bunny spoke light-heartedly. She did not seem to mind Simon way too much, whether the young man would take that as a sign of disrespect, as in she did not perceive Simon to be dangerous to her – or that she had a different opinion of him. Either way, the tension did not break even after Bunny’s frivolous attitude, but only when Baron spoke up that the tension finally breaks.

“Let’s not harm our guest. If he wishes to accomplish that job, he would have started this conversation guns blazing.”

The guns from men of their famiglia would lower – though the tense silent vibes very slowly revert towards a more carefree atmosphere much like before, Simon would notice the silent daggers staring him down like a hawk.

“Rivayle no matter how they try to tell you – is a wild west with some rules in place. Its where the lawless and the lawful mixed to try and get the city working. This is not a place run by some government that you would like to think.”

Baron answered Simon’s questions.

“Rivayle has and always been governed by the famiglias. We are essentially… the Mafia.”

“'We' aren’t unified because 'we' love each other. 'We' are unified because the people look to the famiglias for protection and security.”

Bunny interjected by answering quite straight up that Simon would understand, though the words of 'we' and 'unified' might not have the same contextual sense as Simon's. Rivayle is governed by essentially the organized crime, if he has any experience or knowledge of them. Suppression of people is wrong, for that as long as its people perceive Vincent and Iceschillendrig as their leaders, they would happily accept its circumstances. And perhaps like Simon may have concluded from such words, this is essentially a gang war that the Force Famiglia simply lost and driven to their home. The people are out of the Mafia affairs, but they would not be stopped by the Famiglias to perform ‘Bandit Extermination’, and why the guards did not seem to care about Bunny and Baron, whom as mentioned before are pretty much under Vincent, whom ultimately washed his hands off this problem as the young man may have likely already guessed.

Both Bunny and Baron have given their answers to Simon. But what is Simon looking for beyond the darkness of Rivayle? Which as far as its people are concerned with - the darkness of Rivayle has always been out in the open, and perhaps the people of Rivayle that is fine. However one question remains quite unanswered that would at least satisfy his curiosity, but given their words, perhaps that question is not meant for them to answer at all.

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #17 @Sea

"Mafia?" Simon said, eyes wide open as his shoulder sunk. They effectively revealed to him that there wasn't any marine interference here. And that this was simply a turf war this particular clan had lost. The young man would take a nearby chair and sit down a bit of his enthusiasm was lost in this reveal and it would seem the intel from HQ wasn't always as reliable. A lot of it was lost through radio traffic. The young man stared at the ceiling for quite some time, lost in thought. He honestly wondered how or what he could do, abandon the mission. Find another alternative or turn this in their favour. The first was out of the question and the second one seemed very unlikely. Besides, the core task of the Revos was to liberate kingdoms. They didn't really liberate towns from the underworld, you got to pick your battles you know. If they had to do that and fight the Marines they would spread themselves even more and they were already thin as it is. And that's when it hit Simon as if a brilliant idea went straight to his head. The chances of the Power Famiglia biting seemed rather high, for they were beaten and actively hunted. Their desire for a comeback was perhaps higher than those who wanted complacency, a fact not hidden due to the others hiring bounty hunters instead of doing their own dirty work.

"Welp, guess there's no other way then. Is there." The young man said finally breaking the silence. And turning to Bunny and Baron.
"I'm doing a poor job at being a bounty hunter because of the simple fact that I'm not one."
"The truth of the matter is that I'm a revolutionary. Originally tasked to this land to liberate it from marine forces or influences but given the mafia stronghold here I'd be surprised if there was any." Simon said, taking a breather to lean back into his chair.

"However, we do always need supplies and resources. How about I do you a solid and you people return the favour? We do turn a blind eye to supliers, can't fight black without going grey here and there, can ya?" Simon said, revealing his origin but also his plan while at the same time holding out his hand for a partnership.

"So, whadda ya say? I'm pretty sure you lot aren't really happy being here in the outskirts, pushed away and hunted?" Simon said, keeping his strongest card close to his chest. He was a walking army capable of creating hundreds of soldiers, with various degrees of strength.

"If you're wondering if I'm up to the task or even an asset that'd turn the scale in battle that much. You can always test it out yourself. I'm no stranger to trial by combat ya know. Pick your poison."

Simon said everything was out in the open. And the young man prayed they'd take the bait. His fears were hidden behind his overconfident and nearly cocky smile.

 

[Sea]

Rivayle #18
@Guren ​

The revelation stumped Simon as he did not expect the land to be…. Well different from what he was expecting. He would to rid the island out of the World Government’s influence, directly - hopefully from what he seems to be expecting. Simon had to think of something, such that his trip to Rivayle wasn’t for naught. And he would give a couple of thoughts as silence took hold over the trio, barring the rest of the patrons. Then Simon wondered, if he could turn this island into some form of allies for the Revolutionaries. He would try to appeal for the Force Famiglias’ desire to take control. Quite a smart idea – if the World Government have yet not taken foothold of this place, then he should just beat them to the punch.

Simon would finally break his silence as he declares his intention towards Bunny and Baron, revealing truth and appealing them for an alliance. As Simon spoke, the duo listened as they drank their beer, the man looked on quietly whilst the lady looked at Simon where her eyes gleamed with pure excitement, perhaps Simon’s words do have some captivating proposal for them. Whilst there’s not much of a reaction from both of them as they listened quietly, Baron subtly paused for a second when Simon revealed himself. They would listen to Simon’s words, revelation and his proposal all the way till the end where a silence would follow at the end of his proposal.

“Mister Simon.”

Bunny broke the silence.

“I think you have a little bit of a misunderstanding with the state of the three famiglias. While I can’t say much for that stupid long hair bastard but… Vincent and us, we still took to what we have upheld since the start of Rivayle – protecting our people. Another fight with them would only meant more unnecessary deaths not just from all sides but even the people themselves and we can’t do that. Besides only a few dozens of us are left... well not sitting in jail anyway or have left the famiglia. Even if we have what we used to be in manpower and all we would only want to take back our territories and continue doing what we have been doing before. But that don’t matter anymore, the people of Rivayle aren’t in danger and I think even the occasional bounty hunters aren’t that bad to deal with.”

“Besides, the other two would probably fit with your goals, Vincent especially held the most power and influence in Rivayle.”

Bunny spoke about her thoughts on the Simon’s proposal with quite a sad tone as her expression felt melancholic. Rejection. And that would have been the end of Simon’s journey in Rivayle. But with a fair few moments after her words, whether Simon is perhaps thinking of what to do or to convince her outside – Baron would finally speak.

“Have you ever wonder why Iceschillendrig is sending bounty hunters instead of just throwing his men at us? Or why Vincent decided to leave us alone?”

Baron questioned Simon on his thoughts on the current political landscape of Rivayle. A strange question to be sure. But even Simon himself wondered why send bounty hunters when they could have just walked over the Force Famiglia and call it a day. Baron would give some time to Simon to think about it if he wanted to, but eventually Baron would speak once more.

“There are… a few reasons. But to be clear, both of them have their reasons, and motives for doing so. And I think the both of them wanted full control of Rivayle at the very end.”

Baron would hint towards Simon of some ulterior motives of Vincent and Iceschillendrig, but he was seemly quite interested to see what Simon has managed to understand of Rivayle’s politics and come up with his own answer. This perhaps is the big mystery for Simon. Another few moments would pass, though if Simon could not come up with an answer, Baron would continue to speak once more, but this time less of an answer but more of questions.

“We are called the Force Famiglia because we used to be the strongest Famiglia amongst the three, however our leader has… disappeared for a long time now. And now Vincent and Iceschillendrig has pushed us out all the way here. However, Vincent decided it’s no longer worth to eliminate us, and Iceschillendrig ended up tried to get rid of us through bounty hunters. While all this is happening, Rivayle is being modernized. Why do you think all these is happening?”

Perhaps for the first time, Baron has said this much words to Simon. But Baron would stare at Simon with a more serious look, whilst Bunny herself seem to be interested in whatever what is going on in the conversation. The questions aren’t very specific, but Simon could quite easily pinpoint what Baron is asking for. What changed for the other two family heads to change their strategy for the Force Famiglia? And why did it change? Not only that, the city is currently going through modernization, as Simon himself have saw the slow progressive change, why did that happen?

 

[Guren]

Rivayle #18 @Sea

Simon listened to how the power family responded. Initially, the young Revo found that there was a glimpse of want in some of their eyes. But it appeared as if they found it to be mere fiction. They gave their fears of risking many people's lives if they revolted or showed their fangs against the other famiglias. "What do you think will happen to your people if a hunter comes by that succeeds? You claim complacency as to mitigate the risks to your people but it is because of that that you provide an even greater risk." Simon said, unable to stay silent for he had seen it far too many times. A group or faction pushed back and dwindled so much they fear even greater punishment but it is in that exact fear that they're already part of a very slow death, choking without realizing it.

As to the reason why Iceschillendrig is sending bounty hunters or why Vincent is leaving them alone Simon could not answer quite yet. Not unsurprising given his fairly recent arrival in this country. But Baron had a hunch that it had something to do with complete control over Rivayle.

Baron continued explaining that they are called the force famiglia because they used to be the strongest in combat ability. However, they were severely weakened due to their leader missing and they were pushed to the outskirts of Rivayle. Eventually, the others either ignored them or let a third party deal with them as if their focus had to be directed to something better or greater.

"Hmm. I've only been here for perhaps a few hours tops but. If I'd have to take a guess it's because they acquired something of far greater importance. Perhaps your leader is in their custody? That's me thinking out loud, I've got 0 proof." Simon said as he took a second to pause afterwards.

"As for why everything is modernizing I fear it is so they can push you away completely. For the want of convenience is nowhere to be seen here in this part of Rivayle. But I can promise you one thing though." Simon said, returning to an earlier part of their conversation.

"You people don't want to strike back out of fear of retaliation or for the death of your people. But I can promise you one thing, you are already slowly being choked to death. I've seen it many times in my travels. Pacifism when being suppressed is a slow death but it'll strip you of everything you have even this small piece of tranquility eventually that'll end. And by the time you realize you have nothing else left is a point where it is far too late to strike back." Simon said, getting straight to the point raising his hands and clapping several times.

"If it's numbers that you fear, I can assure you I can mitigate that very easily," Simon said as small clouds of dust were forming in empty spaces all over the floor they were in.
"I can even help break out your missing members for I'm a stranger. When they realize I came to aid you, I'd have already rescued your comrades." He continued as the small clouds started to form what seemed to be people until eventually the room was nearly fully packed and it didn't take a genius to tell that Simon and these creations far outnumbered those of the force Famiglia within.

"But I cannot do such a thing without your want. A rebellion, a revolution is nothing without the flame from within. I can be the spark but you people have to be the flame, it doesn't work otherwise we'd be a foreign invader. And that has never been our creed."

"So I implore you to reconsider. Give me, give us a chance. What I have shown here is but a fraction of my ability. I can give you an army that vastly outnumbers theirs." Simon said as the warriors whom he had crafter returned back to dust, crumbs of biscuits left on the ground as they crumbled.

"How do you know for certain Vincent is upholding his duty to protect the people? He has pushed you away, no longer part of the delicate triangle. And without your leader, you have next to no political power anymore or am I mistaken? For all you know, he could be doing this all in favour of becoming the sole ruler of Rivayle. And you lot, I can assure you have no part in that hypothetical plan. So I ask of you again."

"What will break you out of this complacency?" Simon said, finally turning quiet and hoping this was enough to at least swing some people in his favour.