ARABIAN NIGHTS V2.0 (FAUSTEIN, MADDOX, PRIVATE)

Maddox immediately wanted to question why the hell they let a succubus of all things serve their ever so precious princess… But that would probably come out as extremely racist and she was trying to play the good guy, so she resisted. But she also had to raise her eyebrow at those numbers. 600,000? “A very convenient army of… 600,000 mercenaries. Who appeared out of nowhere and their only goal was to kidnap your princess? They are there for no other reasons?” She said, letting her nice act drop a tad due to the sheer disbelief in her voice. Remeber, a single person needed many things to survive up to a certain age, more to become a strong mercenary. The fact that an army of 600,000 (do people understand just how large that number was?) appeared to attack this kingdom and the fact that it was not on international news at all. Where did these people come from? That was bigger than the army’s of Pergrande. That was the total population of one country put together. Even if they cut that down from a quarter or half, that’s still a ton of people. How the fuck did they feed and pay those people? All for one lousy princess? Why didn’t they just raze the country to the ground? The fact enough of the mercenary army was killed so only 3,600 were left was EVEN BETTER (read: sarcasm). They managed to kill almost all of the enemy's army, still have over a thousand men left somehow, but only now look toward a third party for aid. Plus the country was probably screwed anyway. Why? Because Maddox has good knowledge of history, mythology, and magical theory. If you kill that many people in a short amount of time it warps reality, and gods get PISSED by that sort of shit. It's not like it's, say, one million people, but once again 600,000 is still a countries worth. There are mages out there who can wipe out countries but it’s hard for even them to fight against a collation of angry gods, not the mention whatever consequences to warping reality are. Fausty may be strong but nobody wants that kind of attention. That part of the dessert might soon, or in time, become just as desecrated as sin, either from the warp the amount of death caused, angry spirits of the dead feeding each other and destroying everything just by how many there were, or some angry gods destroying whats left to wipe the slate clean in an effort to make sure it doesn't happen again from grudges barred. Were Djinns about to become an endangered species?

And they wanted just her and Fausty to take care of this? Even if they managed to save the princess and handmaiden how did they expect to stop the army from just destroying the country out of retaliation? If they expect Fausty to kill 3,600 people, which he may be able to do, Maddox would strongly recommend against it so the above reasons wouldn't get worse, and any of those angry eyes would not be turned to Fausty.

Maddox, being Maddox, wanted to voice all of these questions with extreme doubt. Well, except for the part about Fausty maybe being able to kill a lot for that number, and the probable consequences. Hamou didn’t need to know that part. But Faustein asked to teleport them before she got the chance to.

“Yes, yes, get on with it you show off.” Maddox groaned, already having a headache over this job. “You do horrid things to large groups of people in a flashy way while Maddox and L’appel sneaky sneak and get the damsels in distress.” She speaks. Maddox had her Saving Grace on her so even without Fausty giving her a ride she and L’appel could get home easily enough.

There was a flash after her agreement and just as L’appel landed on her shoulders. A look at a…? “YOU HAVE A SPACE STATION?!” She screams just as their teleported away again. Then they were in the deary dessert. Maddox wanted to punch that smug look right off of Fausty’s face. Instead, she started grilling the extremely stressed-looking fire Djinn over her earlier questions. And after hearing them L’appel was honestly curious about the answers as well. Maddox then telepathically sends her more… sensitive questions to her crow familiar, who can only nod grimly in response. He flies over to Faustein, asked for permission to land on his shoulder, then whispers the probable consequences to Faustein. After all, his summoner would be most put out of this man were to die over such a stupid reason.

L’appel, as an avatar for a God, disproved of this mortal’s use for departed souls. Such things upset the balance of this world that affected everyone negatively in time, this man included. He was starting to see Faustein as a ‘mentally intelligent but too much of an arrogant mortal to not be a secret imbecile’ category, something many mentally intelligent mortals fell under, unfortunately. Usually, their own supposedly ‘intelligent’ actions will their long-term downfall. Not that L’appel actually cared much, none of this was within his of his lady’s godly jurisdiction after all. For all L'appel cared, this man could prove him wrong and escape the consequences of all of his actions. As long as it didn’t affect his realm, his lady's realm, or his summoner too badly the scientist could make all the good or bad decisions he wanted to.

That being thought and done with, L’appel flew over to Maddox as they arrived at the palace. Maddox was still cooling down from her rant, and her crow summon explaining some of Fausty’s answers (but not his own thoughts) didn’t help her calm further at first. But she had to remind herself if Faustien was willing to take the fall out, what problem would it be for her to help and get some reward? Added to the fact she didn’t care what happened to this country outside of fulfilling the job and getting the reward eased her mind. And boy was this palace nice, so full of pretties waiting for her to nab them… But that was for later. Fausty’s observation was in line with hers so far, as she already outlined before. There was a deeper reason why these mercenaries were doing what they were doing. Figuring it out technically wasn’t their job, but not knowing may get in their job’s way. Best they find out in case things get out of hand.

Well at least they didn’t seem to sell all of their riches to save a single princess, Maddox couldn’t help but note, pleased while looking around the room they were brought to. While probably not as extravagant as they would usually wear, the ruler's clothes were still magical jewel-encrusted things, same with many magical protections on these very walls. By the time they were sitting down to listen to the leaders of this country, Maddox had already started on heist plans to rob them blind. She didn’t think she was at the level to rob royal palaces, but if it was one in a panic destitute with much less military staff then usually like this one… Ugh, as much as she may want to, Maddox’s social training knew that was a bad idea. Creating contacts was just as useful as the money earned from the heists themselves, which means upholding a reliable reputation of NOT stealing from those who hire you. It’s been a while since she’s been in a place that flaunts so much wealth and magical artifacts that she got excited. Maybe there was stuff Maddox could steal from the merceries, like their financial paperwork and plans to sell to rivals.

Anyways, It was time to get back to work. “Yes, that is a good idea Doctor Faustein.” Maddox agrees with pleasantness Faustein would know to be fake, then turns toward the royal duo and bows formally. “It is a pleasure to be in your glorious presence your royal highnesses. We are Maddox, associate to the good doctor, and an infiltration expert. Maddox, as ones as educated and intelligent as yourselves.” She says to the room at large with a speech giver's flourish. “Have most likely already guessed the base of our plans. Faustein will act as our vanguard, drawing attention to the body of the enemy’s forces, while we shall infiltrate the camp itself to retrieve your glorious first princess and her priceless handmaiden. We understand and respect how much the princess means to your royal selves, so Maddox shall rescue her with all good speed in a safe manner as if they were the most precious jewels in the world.” She says with another flourish, before reaching over to the 3D consul and nodding to Fausty. “That being said, while we will aspire to gather as much intelligence on our own as possible any, and we mean anything, whether it be military, financial, or even personality types within the enemy army, will aid us greatly and better ensure success,” Maddox says as the twitches the 3D model around so the enemy camp faces the duo. “Once Maddox and Faustein have this information we shall work alongside your exalted selves to create a more detailed plan that all parties will be pleased with. If need be we shall take time to gather the needed information.” She finishes and starts to memorize all the details on the map. L’appel for his part stays silent, never the one to be happy to speak up in a crowd of people and not able to contribute much to the conversation anyways until said information is given.

Maddox was relieved that the djinn’s still had some of their armies to be put to use during this operation, mostly such a diverse group. She was confident on the field that Faustein would be able to use the resources (aka different elemental djinn) he has on his hands to his best abilities. For Maddox, all she would want was a few of those darkness djinns to aid her in rescuing the two ladies, if Fausty was able to spare them. If not, she would make do. He doubted he could if they would really be casting an illusion over the entire main body of the kingdom. Speaking of which, the classical show your belly approach huh? Seem weak to lead them toward a false sense of security then attack! It was a tactic Maddox was familiar with, being a rather good actor herself. But she was honestly surprised ‘Dr.Doom’ suggested it, he didn’t seem like the type to resort to such tactics. Maddox assumed she would be the pragmatist between them (though let be real, L’appel is) but she supposed he IS a scientist. Being practical and logical was part of the package. “So you plan on them taking advantage of the kingdom's supposed weakness to do something that is more easily tracked, yes? Because showing your stomach also allows the enemies to swipe their sword at it.” She points out. They would have to prepare a defence in that case, though it would be easier if the enemies were blind-sighted.

But that’s the thing. Would the enemies be blind-sighted? They knew nothing about the enemies so far other than their numbers and the fact they really wanted the princess. For all the Elysium duo knew they could be too clever to fall for such a ruse, or their leader could be too strong. “If we may ask, your royal highnesses and esteemed generals, what is the overall objective of the enemy? What are their demands for the princess for one, or if there are no demands what do you think their goal for her is? Would you be able to inform this one if the princess is still within your kingdom, and what intelligence brought you to that conclusion?” Maddox ask them as politely as possible as Fausty passed her. She gave him an odd, almost insulted look in return. As the djinns in front of her murmured to each other on how to answer them, she hisses back to Faustien. “Darling, Maddox is a professional. We have accepted a job; thus, we shall do it. If you think my questions are a form of passive-aggressive complaining, then you are wrong. These are legitimate questions anyone in our position is able to ask, and should. Maddox is not a powerhouse fighter. We are a thief, espionage and sabotage expert. We do not have to liberty to go in blind and expect things to turn out fine in the end.” She sniffs in clear disapproval at the end. “You are a scientist you should know how valuable information is.” She says one last time, grateful that her mask means no one without x-ray vision can see her whispering. As another snub, she turns away from Faustein the pet L’appel resting on her shoulder, who was looking at his summoner dubiously.  

Then she addresses the council again. “If we may ask another question, what have the strategies of these mercenaries been like? Maddox realized they had overwhelmed you with sheer numbers, but was their strategies clever? Do they have a clear leader? Would you deem that leader complement? We apologize sincerely for asking so many questions, but having a clearer picture can only help.” She finishes pleasantly, hands together, posture perfect. She was still wondering if Faustein knew more about this situation than he let on, but hadn’t gotten the chance to ask yet…

At Fausty’s dramatic show of ‘devotion,’ Maddox could only roll her eyes behind her mask. But damn if this man didn’t know her weak spot…!!

Overcome with the urge to be dramatic, Maddox put the back of her hand against her masked mouth in a noblewoman’s gesture and laughed. “Ohohohoho~! Oh, Fausty you devil you, only the cleverest of mind may catch up to yours. None can outshine your subtle whit you charmer you~!” Maddox said in a tittering tone. She was, of course, being utterly sarcastic. Fausty knew that it was their thing. The djinns around them did not, causing them to be embarrassed at this blatant display of affection between this ‘couple’.

That being said Maddox listened to the rest of his plan. When the scientist looked over to her opinion on it, she could only nod. Plans didn’t need to be complicated to succeed, just competent. Which, admittedly with the resources they have at hand this was a decent enough plan. While the djinns were discussing this plan amongst themselves, Faustein bent his mouth toward her ear and whispered a few words. In return, Maddox simply hip-checked him with annoyance, which he allowed. “You claim to be an intelligent man, and that may be so, you have the emotional intelligence of a boulder. Maybe a big boulder with a history, but still a boulder nonetheless. Maddox will forgive your blunder, but do not make it a habit hmm Fausty?” She snipped back at the man bitchily. “Also do you care that most in this room assume you are lovers to a man? After all that is what most here assumes my gender to be, ohohoho~!” She finished with a quiet laugh, enjoying his reaction. Then she paid attention to the djinn again.

So, they have no idea what these mercenaries want from them and their princess. A shame, but not unexpected. But ‘Thor’ hmmm? A strong leader will make this much more challenging, but she is rather certain Fausty could still take whomever this is, so not her problem. Her problem is him being competent, meaning he is probably guarding the princess and her handmaiden well. Maddox “Thank you, that sheds much light onto the situation. We agree with Fausty’s plan and will play our part in it. From what Maddox sees’s the main objective for us is to not let them hold the princes and her handmaiden’s life hostage, complicating the situation. Getting to something Maddox wants to steal is difficult, but the hardest part with bigger and living objects is always getting away. We will have to make some plans with Fausty, because if he does well against the army, all we have to do is find the princess, let Fausty know where they are, then protect her until he arrives. If this Thor man is giving Fausty trouble then we will attempt to smuggle her out as secretly as we can and meet in a separate location. Does this strategy work for your royal majesties and Dr. Doom?” Maddox finishes with a drawl.