The pungent smell of tobacco, both new and old, hung within the gilded ambience. Christian couldn't help but give a soft smile as the embery vixen touched her wine glass. Her eyes moved about, unaware of him until object permanence kicked in. Phoenix blinked before tilting her head.
"Well, you like what you see?"
She asked, gently swirling the wine that was left in her glass. being use to the entrancing voice, he only chuckled.
"Well,other than the foolish amount of gilding in the restaurant, I will have to say I do."
He responded. A light scoff came from her, seeing that that tease no longer had an effect. She reached to her side, pulling out an opalescent case and sliding it over to him.
"These are?..."
He queried, opening the polished clasp to reveal a row of white dots mingling with a scent of clove.
"Special slim cigars imported from India, careful, they are quite addictive."
She stated as Christian pulled one out. He began to inspect it in more detail, seeing now that the darkened tube was packed perfectly with tobacco on the other side. He took heed of her words, placing the butt in his mouth and let a waiter light the other end.
"Mmmmm, now I know it is bad juju to do this." She started while the porcelain fingers took back the sweet scented case and took one for herself. "We need to talk business about these other groups."
Christian let the milky cloud drift from his lips as he tapped the ash into a crystal tray. He raised an eyebrow, making a gesture with his hand to proceed.
"As you can see, there have been issues in… competition. That was not the first time and I doubt that it will be the last. The man you found comes from a place in Manhattan, but from what you told me during our training, I wouldn't be surprised if he originally came from the Bronx."
"So you're saying that is one of our main goals to set up shop."
He started, taking another drag. His eyes drifted a bit to the window, noticing that there were fewer people outside.
"Exactly, though we may have to go to Manhattan first to see if our allies have any plans to help our endeavour."
She explained, rubbing her face in just the slightest, as she went to take another drag.
"Then I think that would be a good first step. Excuse me Waiter; do you have the time?"
Christian said, as he stopped a passing one. Phoenix seemed a bit confused as to why he was not focused on the discussion.
"It is 7:30 at night sir. Why do you ask?"
He replied, checking his pocket watch.
"I have not heard a car passing by for about five of them… in a very busy city ."
Christian said carefully, a slight glint of something shiny from outside caught his eye.
A little too late…
The sound of a glass shattering barely muffled by the music.
Only for a crimson flower to erupt from the waiter's chest.
"GET DOWN!"
Christian yelled out as a cacophony of explosions and bullets flooded into the diner. He flipped the table, pulling the shocked vixen into cover.
His own body became a shield to her as well, the table almost in the focus; quickly filling with holes. Her eyes closed, trying to get even smaller in case one happened to graze her.
The screams of the other customers along with crying and bottles shattering like an ungodly chorus orchestrated by his brothers themselves.
Just as suddenly as it began, screeching tires took over, leaving a dead silence to hang in the smoky air.
Sobs slowly arose as loved ones held the limp weights. Others were quick to try and nurse the wounded. Christian looked at a somewhat shaking woman, her eyes reopening to see the innocent waiter in front of them, barely breathing.
"It looks like our plans will need to be put into place tomorrow."
The Deathly being said, his hands quickly applied pressure to shock the waiter back to consciousness. It was barbaric to do, but it was the only real way to keep them alive. At least until he was in surgery.
"I.. will arrange a meeting with Aoi Akuma… "
She mumbled, the sounds of sirens quickly taking to the once bustling streets of Queens.
***********
::Somewhere in the Bronx::
A black motorcar slowly came to a stop on a gravel pathway. The engine barely puttered to a stop before a man was already racing to its door.
They quickly opened it and stood at parade rest, while a shiny black dress shoe touched terra ferma. The being stepped out, a menacing aura coming from gentle smile.
"Good job lad, you just might make this country proud yet."
His gruff voice had a hint of pride, but the giant stature of a man made it clear that he shouldn't respond.
The eyes of the giant gazed upon a dilapidated conservatory, clearing his throat. Each sauntering step seemed to cross great lengths, right into it's open doorway.
"Of all the places, this one seems like it holds the same Essence… It will be perfect for my planning room."
His voice bounced around the dirty glass panes, the dead plants and odd weeds almost shivering in his presence.
The young man from the door carefully walked in, holding a letter out the being. It took it and dismissed the boy, a small drop of sweat appearing from the former as he matched out.
"Well, looks like our Brother is playing Hide and Seek with The Rogue… Maybe it's time to set a War upon its street."
His eyes began to glow purple, the hollow souls of ancient warriors kneeling to him as they were summoned.
"Let's shake things up~"