Commodity and Corruption

[Lexavier]

He seemed to peaceful, hard to imagine he had the strength to snap a man's neck. Ariana stood there for a few moments, peering through the crack into the dark beyond. Out of no-where came the image from earlier, him standing naked with a sense of innocence on his face. Even with no-one watching her, she flushed red. Why that scene persisted in her mind, she didn't know. She'd never experienced this sense of embarrassment before, when her team had discussed the various misuses of Man. But to have the real thing in her living room made everything real, including this very real sense of curiosity.

She quietly closed the door again and returned to her bed but sleep continued to evade her mind, though she couldn't put a finger on the nagging feeling that kept her awake and tense.

************************************

It was a weary Ariana that emerged from her bedroom. She trudged over to the kitchenette and poured herself a coffee from the machine. She sighed happily as the delicately balanced hot liquid slipped down her throat and burnt her tongue a little.

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

Hunter had slept soundly, but was awake early. He was used to being roused and set to "training", which meant fights to earn your morning slop for breakfast. As it was, he had been sitting awkwardly on the couch, eyes wandering about the room aimlessly, for the past hour. He didn't want to touch anything for fear of breaking something, or worse, earning Ariana's anger.

When the woman in question found her way into the room, his eyes snapped to her instantly, half expecting an order. When none came, and she instead prepared what he could safely assume was coffee by the smell, Hunter relaxed slightly. He waited till she was finished taking her first drink of the liquid before speaking up.

"Good morning, Mistress."

 

[Lexavier]

"AH!" She screamed, almost dropping the coffee as her body shook involuntarily. Her heart pounded in her chest and she simply stood there for a few moments, trying to catch her breath. It wasn't that she'd forgotten he would be there, although it was the last thing on her still sleepy brain, but for some reason she thought he'd still be asleep or at least distracted. She stared at him expressionless, clutching at her heart... and then she burst out laughing. She had to put the coffee down before she dropped it as she giggled to herself. Every time she looked over at the serious faced man, she laughed again till she had to turn away. "Sorry... sorry. My fault..." she said between breaths. It wasn't even that funny but all the tension and stress that had kept her awake last night came flooding out in fits of laughter.

When she had regained composure, she made sure her nightie was covering her, something she had also forgotten to check when she exited her bedroom. It was black, and came down to just above the knee, trimmed in lace and white spots. It was one of her favourites and certainly showed the wear in the faded and splotched colour.

Finally she turned and gave him a look. "What have I said about calling me Ariana?" It was an idle comment and something she knew he would probably ignore as before. "Anyway... what was I .. oh.." she disappeared into her bedroom and emerged with her phone to her ear. She plonked herself down on the sofa beside Hunter.

"Oh yes, hi, is Sal in? Great, it's Ari........... hi Sal, has Simone come in today? No... have you been able to get in touch?... no, no I haven't heard either. Ok... can you phone me if you hear from her? Thanks. Bye..."

"Shit..." she sighed. "Oh god... what if something happened to her..." she said into her hands.

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

Hunter watched his Mistress blandly as she devoted into fits of laughter, remaining quiet through out. He honestly didn't know what was so funny, but she seemed to, and who was he to argue with her? He took the opportunity to somewhat hesitantly retrieve another meal and set it to cooking before sitting back down on the couch. Soon enough, Ariana joined him, her ear to a phone.

When she was finally done with her call, evidently with bad news concerning this Simone person, he found himself somewhat awkwardly watching her as she contemplated something bad. He considered a moment, and came to a small conclusion, one he decided to hesitantly share, half expecting still to get told to shut up.

"Mistress... if something DID happen, would this be part of this... thing we're supposed to do? So... if we did this thing we we're supposed to do, maybe we could find this Simone person?"

 

[Lexavier]

"I don't know, I really don't.... maybe?" she rubbed her head as if it hurt trying to think past the worry that gnawed at her brain. "It might be related but we need to find her first. I can't do this without her support and her contacts. She's a journalist you see, a good one at that. It was originally her idea to get involved in all of this mess. I even spoke to her yesterday, not an hour before we were meant to meet at that horrible place... no offence..." she quickly added, unsure of Hunters own feelings to the place he used to call home.

"Perhaps we should go... back? Ask around. See if anyone saw her... oh god what if one of those Women attacked her. She could be lying in the gutter somewhere, she could be hurt... or de...." Ariana stopped herself and closed her eyes for a few moments. Taking a few deep breaths she continued, "She would blend in more than me, it's what she does. That means if someone has attacked her, they knew who she was and what she was doing. You may be right, it could be related to what we have to do."

She leapt up suddenly, dramatically. "We have to go back. It's morning so hopefully there won't be too many people around and those that are will, again hopefully, be too hungover to want to do anything but sleep and maybe answer a few questions. At any rate, I've got you to protect me now right?" She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Hunter was listening. Of course he was. "On the way back we can stop and get you some things, casual clothes as well as your... disguise for the next stage, once we find Simone."

"But first... I need to get dressed. Wait there..." and with that and a new found confidence born of her desperation for her friend, she walked purposefully into her bedroom and closed the door.

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

Hunter was quiet as Ariana got herself in gear. It seemed, despite her hesitation, that when push came to shove, his Mistress could get things done. In the span of only a few minutes, she'd questioned, worked out a possible solution and was getting ready to act. It was interesting to watch, as opposed to the always self assured nature of Jessica, who ordered people around like she'd owned the place. Which she had, to be fair, but it was useless when the owner barely knew what was really going on.

Still, as Ariana headed off to get herself ready, Hunter couldn't help but frown quietly to himself. His Mistress' idea was sound, head back to where Simone was supposed to be, and maybe they could find something. But... well... if they were going back to the Arena, then there was only the one gang that owned that area. The Black Widows, as they called themselves, and they were bad news. Rumors abound that the only reason they were tolerated by the cops was because they had the backing of some pretty powerful people. Which from the sounds of things, was exactly what his Mistress was looking for, but Hunter didn't want to have to tangle with Widows. They were the kind of people that made you disappear if you weren't careful.

Hunter was distracted from his thoughts as the ding of his now ready food was heard. He glanced at the door, deciding his Mistress was going to be wanting to move quickly, so he retrieved the dish and ate as fast as he could, accomplishing the task within minutes. Food being scarce taught one how to eat quickly, so you didn't run the risk of losing it to someone bigger and meaner.

 

[Lexavier]

Ariana emerged, dressed and ready for action wearing her skinny black jeans, a floaty floral t-shirt and a light, brown leather jacket. She moved about the apartment with purpose, grabbing things for her purse, including a mean looking spray of mace. She gave Simone one last ring just to be sure but as it went through to voice mail for the hundredth time, she slipped it into her pocket and turned to Hunter.

"Right. Let's go." She said firmly, using forced confidence to mask the quiver in her voice and flutter in her heart.

Together they left the apartment, and clambered into the car. She let the A.I drive, not trusting her shaking hands to hold the steering straight. While they journeyed, she turned to the man beside her. Now that he was clean, she noticed a certain aroma about him, a manly smell that was so at contrast with the delicate perfumes she was used to. It was not altogether, unpleasant. Why this fact was highlighted to her, she wasn't sure. In their current predicament, this should have been the last thing on her mind, but she was very conscious of their close proximity in the car.

"I uh... what should the plan be? Who would know the most about Simone's disappearance?"

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

Hunter watched Ariana carefully, noting her shaking hands and general discomfort. It was a large disconnect from the women he was used to, with their hard edges and violent confidence. She seemed softer, more vulnerable, and a part of him disliked the idea of exposing her to the danger of what had been his home. Still, she seemed determined to see this through, and as her property, he could only do as he was told. He'd protect her best he could, and he could only hope that was enough.

Her question caught him off guard. Hunter was born and raised here, but why she thought, as a male, he'd know anything about it eluded him. He did know where to look, at least generally, being property made people disregard you, and you could learn a lot from being silent and listening. It always amazed him people didn't think he could hear and remember just cause he was a fighter. He could tell her of the Black Widow hang out spots, but those would be very dangerous. Rat though...

With a few directions, and some guess work, Hunter managed to steer them to a small house, barely worthy of being called a building. Rundown as it was, it was a miracle it was even still standing. But it was here that Erica Townsend lived, or as she was better known, Rat. A wellspring of knowledge about the things going on in the slums, so long as you could pay, she would know. As soon as the car sowed to a stop, the mousy woman emerged, practically springing to the driver side window, a crooked toothed grin greeting Ariana.

"Well well. Not often we get yer type down these parts. An with ol Hunter with ya. Eard he got bought up. Shame that, he was always a good fight in the rena. Ya think I might get ta tumble wit him, in payment for ah... services?"

 

[Lexavier]

After a quick re-program of the A.I, simple if you know how, it followed Hunter's relayed navigational instructions. Ariana couldn't say that she cared for the neighbourhood, and the less said about the house they pulled up to, the better. Her hand rested in her bag, reassuringly gripping the can of mace. She'd just about decided this was a terrible idea when the woman emerged. The woman resembled the house, and Ariana just about prevented herself from visibly recoiling from the stringy figure.

With a quick glance at Hunter, she pressed a button to slide the glass pane of her window down into the door, to reveal a musty odour that was unlike anything she'd inhaled before. As she launched into her introduction, she couldn't help but look back at Hunter as she recognised him. Therefore it was only several moments later did she realize what the woman had said. Her face flared red and her mouth parted but no words came out. For several moments she spluttered until indignation replaced embarrasement.

"Absolutely not! Out of the question!" She wasn't sure why she was being so defensive, even as her lips formed the words, she wondered what did it matter. He was just property after all and no doubt he would mildly enjoy the experience... "No... No, I will pay you. I have money, name your price, anything but that."

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

Hunter had been through sex before, when certain members of Jessica's thugs, or sometimes even Black Widows, deserved a reward. Some had picked him, others some of the other fighters, but the end results had generally been the same. The male was tied down, left helpless, just in case any got any funny ideas during the act. Obviously, that left little room for the comfort or pleasure of the men, but then, it hadn't been for the men's enjoyment.

Which is why it was all the more surprising to Hunter, who'd fully expected to get thrown to the wolves, that Ariana had denied the suggestion with enough anger in her voice to send the Rat reeling in surprise.

"Aright, aright. No need ta get yer panties in a twist... though we both know yer jus savin em for yerself, eh?" The Rat gave what she though must have been a sly little wink before settling in a little more seriously. "Now, what is it yer lookin for?"

"Mistress wants to know where the Widows might stash someone they're looking to make disappear over the next few days."

Hunter cut in quickly, uncertain if Ariana knew what to ask about, and doubtful the Rat would know a specific name anyway. Least of all someone not from around the slums. Still, it seemed they were getting somewhere, as the dirty woman's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"Well now... not the sort of thing ya jus... hand out fer nothin. Gonna cost ya a good ten thousand solid. No way I'm tanglin with the Widows fer anythin less."

 

[Lexavier]

Still burning red enough to melt snow, Ariana ground her teeth, refusing to rise to the bait of this woman's taunts. It was all the worse for hitting the nerve that tucked away in the back of her mind, the kernel of curiosity born of gazing upon Hunter's naked form. The image once again appeared unbidden into her mind, his taught, rippled muscles....

She forced herself to snap back to attention, especially as Hunter was already answering for her. But the name he used instantly struck fear into Ariana's heart and her mouth opened slightly, though no sound emerged.

'Widows...'

The Black Widows, it was a name that hovered around the office like a bad smell, something her Manager's Manager dealt with and she only saw the paperwork. Everything about them had always been classified, too dangerous for any of her little office to know or deal about. And suddenly Ariana was, getting involved with them. Then the thought of Simone being their prisoner hit her like a truck and she was filled with determination to free her friend, whatever the consequences.

"I'll do it. I'll pay it. Just tell me, tell me where they would have Simone? They'd have picked her up last night, from around Madam Pain's pit arena place?"

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

Hunter flinched as Ariana cut in, expecting a reprimand for speaking out of turn. Instead, his Mistress agreed to her price, on top of naming who they were looking for and revealing just how much they wanted this Simone woman. The Rat obviously noticed as well, eyes brightening for a moment before they faded back to mild disinterest, feigned though it may have been.

"Yeah, I eard bout that one. Got her down at the Locker. Ain't done much wit her yet, I should think, tey only got her last night, few hours ago even. Ad them runnin about all night after her, I ear. They none too pleased. Now about my money..."

Hunter frowned sightly. The Locker wasn't too big a problem. Yes, it was one of the places they tortured people, usually people they wanted to make an example of, but if they only got her recently, they'd have a shot at getting her out. He'd never been inside the Locker, though he'd seen its outside. Jessica had to... attend... a motivational "speech" from her boss, about what happens to those to betray those they served. There'd be guards though...

 

[Lexavier]

"Simone..." Ariana sobbed, putting a hand to her mouth to stem any further expression of emotion. She quickly stiffened her back and wiped her face, determined at least to be strong in front of this greedy informant. She grabbed her phone and with a few quick taps, produced a small printout of a bar-code. She screwed it up and threw the redeemable piece of paper at the scraggly woman.

"Take it!" She spat angrily, "I hope you get everything you deserve."

She threw the car into reverse, and with one spiteful look at the woman scrabbling in the dirt for her ticket at 10 thousand big ones, she gunned it back the way they'd come. After she'd rounded a few corners she pulled to a sharp stop and burst into a flood of tears. It was more out of frustration than of real sadness. She hadn't really wanted to believe that Simone had been taken, instead hoping that the girl was just holed up at home under the weather or something.

Slowly she managed to compose herself, glancing guiltily at the man beside her before smiling apologetically at him. "Ok... Ok what do we do now? I take it we can't just walk up to this place and ask for her back so... how do we get in? What am I likely to see in there?" she asked softly.

 

[WeaverofWorlds]

Hunter sat awkwardly as Ariana cried, fidgeting slightly in discomfort. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do in situations like this, though he guessed silence was at least partially helpful. He couldn't fathom crying over someone else himself, getting attached hadn't been a luxury he'd been afforded in the arena. Eventually his Mistress calmed herself, and managed to get herself into a state to continue on. Her questions confused him only slightly, he'd long gathered she didn't know much of the seedier side of things.

"I don't think there will be many there, most places aren't well guarded because the locals know better than to stick their nose where it doesn't belong. Black Widows rule this area, after all. Still, the Locker is... an exception. It's where they take the ones they're actually worried about. I'd say the best bet is to get in quickly and quietly, then get out the same way. Anything else and we'll be overwhelmed with bodies... Mistress."

 

[Lexavier]

"In... Out... Ok, got you. Let's go then." She said with determination. It had likely been 10-12 hours since she'd last spoken to Simone, and that was a worryingly long time. She only hoped they would be in time to save her. She floored the car, driving manually through the streets with her foot to the metal. The streets were still generally quiet, and the computer still chimed in every time it felt she was in danger with a flash of red and a warning alarm, but Ariana ignored it. She had only one thing on her mind and that was Simone.

She followed Hunter's directions, and eventually pulled up on the street around the corner with an explosive breath. "Ok... What... what do we do now?" she asked timidly, eyeing up the street. It looked relatively normal, a casually observer wouldn't know what lay around the next corner, although with the apparent reputation of the place, she was sure everyone around here knew.