Rookie Once

Investigating is more annoying than it is difficult, at least in Ori's experience. Since he personally didn't have a spy or information network set up, it mostly consisted of asking around people in the 'know' and or negotiating prices on the intel.

Obviously, when dealing with a more subtle gig like the one they were doing for Christy, discretion was very important, leaving him with few options to pursue. His choices were literally only Quentin, Judy, Regina, and Rogue, the latter of which he refused to deal with unless it was vital. Giving that bitch an inch meant she'd end up taking your car for a hundred-mile joyride...

His Fixer friends didn't know anything about Sheila or Fae, unfortunately, leaving them with their original unaltered plans. Sasha had already acquired a fake identity, and Rebecca had already staked out the studio where the NiCola ad would take place.

Christy was, unsurprisingly, incredibly annoying to deal with in the meantime. Since they were still technically being paid to protect her, Ori had been hassled into sticking around the hideout to make sure no one discovered her location... To be honest, there was more of a risk of her doing something stupid than the former occurring.

The last thing they need was for her to do a selfie and accidentally display the place's address. She had, of course, been ordered to keep off of the net. Her bandmates likely thought she was dead, giving them the element of surprise. After all, they were probably looking to do the ad without her to cement themselves while removing her credibility.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly... Until a day before the operation was a go when Ori got a text from someone unknown.

[Yo, Ori right? Could we meet up? You can pick the place, I don't mind.] - ???

[Who's asking?] - Ori

[It's me... Youknow, David? We met at the party like a week ago?] - David

...

[The rookie?] - Ori

[I guess... Look, I know we don't know each other but I'd appreciate it.] - David

[What's this about?] - Ori

[I just wanna talk... About merc stuff...] - David

[Haven't you got a whole crew for that? Just ask Maine.] - Ori

[I wanna keep this away from the crew. Can we just meet up? It'll be easier to explain.] - David

[Fine, but if this is some kind of trick be prepared for a fight. Meet me outside Lizzie's.] - Ori

[The BD club? You sure?] - David

[Yeah, I'll be there in ten.] - Ori

*Beep*

Ori stands from the couch and steps past Christy who was doing some kind of yoga stretching in front of the TV. "Headed out, try not to die."

"W-what? What about my protection?"

"I'm sure your yoga moves'll handle like, one guy. The rest'll probably be too busy seeing how far you can stretch to notice me get back." Ori chuckles.

"Wait-"

*Thud*

"I can't believe he just left like that..."

----------------------

By the time Ori parks his Mizutani outside Lizzie's his 'acquaintance' was already there, awkwardly standing some distance from the Mox guarding the door in his yellow jacket.

"-Ah, hey-" he starts but Ori holds up a hand.

"We'll talk inside." he walks past, giving a nod to Crystal as he tries to enter.

"Wait, the kid yours? He don't look old enough for it." she stops him, gesturing at David who had his hand stuffed into his pockets.

"Like you guys care about age, mind your biz, he's with me and Maine." he assures, and she allows them both through.

Once inside, Ori grabs a couple drinks and slides into a booth, David sitting opposite. "So, what's the biz?" he asks, dropping one drink in front of the rookie.

David sighs and shifts uncomfortably. "I... I wanted your advice." he admits after a moment.

"Advice...? Again, you could just ask Maine, he's been in the game longer than I have-"

"No! I've bothered him enough already. He's got Lucy 'helping me out' but it's obvious he wants me outta his hair. I dog 'im anymore and he might just get rid of me, 'specially after yesterday..." he grumbles into his drink, taking a sip and grimacing.

"And... What happened yesterday?" Ori probes.

"You don't see?" David questions, pulling back his hair and revealing the freshly stitched wound just below his hairline. "Took a bat to the face by a scav... Everyone else handled it so easy, feels like a total gonk..."

"And so you come to me since I'm not in the 'immediate group'." Ori guesses.

He shrugs, "Basically, but I heard you're pretty new to it too, younger than me even. Though," David tilts his head at Ori's rather large frame, "Unless you're chromed outta your mind, I find that hard to believe."

"Says the stick with a sandevistan..." Ori snickers, "I can give you some advice but don't hound me like I'm Maine. I've got shit to do too y'know." he offers, thinking back to all the time's Max and Six helped train him. "First, let's see your iron."

"Iron-ah, you mean gun? Sorry, I don't have one." David states.

"Don't have one? What're you even doing then?" Ori shakes his head, "What did you do back when Maine had me as a distraction?"

David rubs the back of his head, "Honestly? Nothing. I watched Lucy hack the car, then we delta'd. That was it..." he sighs, "I've gotta prove myself, but if I keep fuckin' up I won't get the chance."

"Okay, if you don't have a gun how're you using your sandevistan? You better not tell me you're just punching people cuz' that would be retarded."

...

Ori rubs the bridge of his nose and lets out a long breath, "Alright, here's the first thing you're gonna do. Buy a knife, sword, whatever, buy a blade. One good slice and you've decomish'd one guy, add super speed into it and you'd already be better than half the punks in the city."