The Information Broker's Lament

Travel Multiversal
Secret Door Chronicles
“The Information Broker’s Lament”
An RP between MidoriKuroba and eshonen

Knox Toberius was a name that had become infamous with misbehaving bratty girls in the city. At the same time, it was the name of a man of mystery that most people knew next to nothing about. Where did he come from, for example? He showed up one day, and no one knew anything about him, nor could they find anything about him. This made certain sources curious, people who were looking for certain individuals, and these same people hired a certain information broker to get them details on him.

The man in question was seven feet tall, muscular, and had pepper grey hair. He presented himself as a man of strict morals, with a personality that made one think he was fresh out of the military. He wore black jeans, tightly clasped to his waist with a brown leather belt, and a white muscle shirt which he had tucked in. He would look like a rather average individual, outside of his intimidating size and personality. He was currently at a subway station, not particularly busy at the moment, and getting himself a soda as he waited for his ride. He took a seat on a bench, quietly seeming to be up to absolutely nothing as he waited.

A certain Ratatoskr girl, wearing a trench coat and sun glasses and unaware of how much she stood out given the summery weather, stood not too far away from Knox, pretending to text on her phone, while glancing up every now and then to see what he was doing.

Meryl: *looks up from her phone* ... (almost noon and still nothing...) *looks back down at her phone*

Knox: *He glanced at her out of the corner of his eye.* (She's up to something,) he thought to himself. (And she's not being very inconspicuous about it.) *Knox finished off his drink before crushing it against his forehead, flinging it like a discus into the nearest waste receptacle.*

Meryl: *glances up slightly* (Well, he can do that but that still doesn't tell me much of anything...so far the watch and wait method isn't working; I may need to change my approach...)

Knox: *He continued to keep an eye and an ear out for her, arms crossed before his chest and legs crossed as well. After a moment he got a bit restless and stood up, beginning to stretch to wake his limbs up a bit.*

Meryl: *glances up from her phone* (Maybe I can see if he has any combat capabilities...) *reaches into her coat pocket and takes out an acorn then waits for Knox to look away from her* (...and...NOW!) *speedily tosses the acorn at Knox with great speed*

Knox: *The world slowed for Knox as he pinpointed the oncoming acorn. He could easily catch it, crush it, and send her an intimidating glare. That wouldn't work though; she wanted something, a reaction of some sort, so he gave her none. He stood there and let the acorn hit him, and then he reached back and scratched the spot it hit, muttering,* Mosquito.

Meryl: (Nothing, huh? So he doesn't have heightened senses after all...)

Knox: *He slowly turned around, gazing down at the acorn. He picked it up and then turned his eyes towards Meryl.* Ma'am... did you throw this at me? *If she was going to keep beating around the bush, he'd address her directly.*

Meryl: OxO;; (Crap! How can I have been found out so quickly!? No, no, just play it cool; there's no way that he could've figured out what was going on) No, I didn't; it must've been somebody else

Knox: *The distinct sound of a cricket chirping nearby could be heard, as they were the only two in the vicinity at this moment. He stared at her for a long while.* So, you threw something at me, and then had the gall to lie to my face about it? *He crossed his arms in an X-shape before himself.* UNACCEPTABLE! A woman your age has no need for such childish behavior!

Meryl: OxO;; Abort mission! *takes out a smoke pellet out of her coat pocket and throws it to the ground to create a large smokescreen then tries to run past Knox*

Knox: *He reached both hands out to the side as soon as he was blinded. The moment he felt the girls big fluffy tail brush against his skin, he clamped his hand down, catching her by it.* Trying to run away? I may have excused you if you had apologized properly, but now you have earned your third strike in record time! *He lifted her into the air.*

Meryl: OxO;; *quickly removes her coat and tosses onto Knox then removes her sun glasses and pushes a button on them, making them beep* Last Resort: Shock Cloak! *tosses the sun glasses into the coat and they release a spark that reacts to the coat fabric, multiplying that shock hundreds of time, releasing a torrent of electricity into Knox's body* Bulls-eye! *tries to wriggle free from Knox's grip but still he has a solid hold on her tail* What gives!?

Knox: *His skin turned black, but it didn't seem to be singed from the electricity. He tugged off the cloak with his freehand, his eyes glowing a feint purple. The purple glow faded, as did his black skin, as he glared at Meryl.* Now you're really in for it, missy. *He began to walk with her dangling from his hand, back over to his bench.*

Meryl: *struggles to free herself but is unable to due to the difference in both their sizes and strength*

Knox: *After taking a seat on the bench, he deposits Meryl over one of his knees, pinning her there.* I have a way of dealing with naughty girls who throw stuff, lie, run from their punishments, and attempt to electrocute me! *He began lifting her dress.*

Meryl: Wh-What are you doing!? Unhand me, you brute! >o<

Knox: I'm punishing a naughty 'little girl'. *He raised his palm and gave it a firm smack down onto her pantied bottom. The hard slap came down right in the center of her cheeks.*

Meryl: OW!! STOP THAT!! >o<#

Knox: Not until I feel you have been properly punished for your actions! *He repeated the smack, focusing it on one cheek, which his hand easily covered. He then smacked her other cheek, and repeated the motion over and over. He gripped the base of her tail to force it to arch away from her bottom, and raised her hips so that her rump raised to meet his spanks.*

Meryl: >_<# *growls and tries to kick at Knox with her little legs*

Knox: Your attempts at kicking about and low growls only further show me how undisciplined you are. I'm going to make this worse for you until the lesson sinks in, brat! *He pinched the hem of her panties, sliding them down just below her bottom. Her undies hugged the undersides of her cheeks, making them perk out with a bit more emphasis. Knox then resumed the spanking on her much more exposed and unprotected bottom.*

Meryl: OW! OOH! EE! Stop this! I am a lady trying to do her job and you will treat me as such! >o<#

Knox: *He rests his hand on her bottom, giving it a soft and soothing rub.* And what exactly is your job?

Meryl: I'm glad you asked. You see, back in my home dimension I was a part of the resistance group known as the Ripple Warriors. I wasn't built for combat like the others but I was very talented at gathering information so that was my job within the group. Information gathering, sharing and trading were all parts of my trade and I utilized all of these to help my friends slowly liberate our universe from the organization that had a steel grip on it. A bunch of things have happened however and now I'm stuck in this dimension but it appears that even here people are in the need for various information so my job continued as I gathered information about this place. ^^

Knox: *He nodded as he listened. When she finished, he slid up her panties and sat her down on his knee.* And I assume someone hired you to gather information on me? Why?

Meryl: Sorry, but my client's identity and motives are classified; I was promised a very tasty payment to provide them with a detailed bio on you and telling you anymore could hurt my chances of getting said payment.

Knox: Well, if you were trying to gather it discreetly, you weren't doing such a good job. Seriously, a trench-coat and sunglasses? We're the only two people at this train station. >.>

Meryl: Figures that the day I decide to try out a Noir-style disguise would be the day my environment would be day when nobody is around... -3-

Knox: *He smiled and pat her head.* Well, you can make all this up to me, and maybe even get your information the old fashioned way. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me to lunch?

Meryl: Oh, so you want to hire me for a job as well? That can be arranged ^^

Knox: If by hire you, you mean ask you out on a date, then yes, ma'am. *He smirked down at her.*

Meryl: Date? I've heard of these but I've never actually been on one before... .3.

Knox: Then allow me to explain! *He said, suddenly sounding passionate.* It is a form of courtship that involves someone taking another to places to eat and be entertained, usually paying for the one they are trying to court! It's a means of getting to know one another better as well, which is touching! *He cleared his throat, calming down a bit.* Basically, you get to know me, I get to know you, and we enjoy each other's company. Sound good?

Meryl: Yeah, that sounds really good ^^

Knox: Great! *The man stood up and sat the squirrel girl on his shoulder.* The train will be arriving soon! Let's catch a ride to somewhere we can get to know each other more!

Meryl: Yes, let's *pats Knox on the head*

Knox: *As they train arrived, he entered it, minding his and Meryl's heads.* Speaking of, what kind of food do you like to eat? I know many restaurants in the city.

Meryl: Look, I'll level with you here: I never know what I really want. I'll say I want one thing and then a few minutes later I'll have a taste for something completely different. I'm told by my clients that that's a very annoying trait of mine whenever it comes to paying for my services.

Knox: Then how about an all you can eat buffet with a variety of things to choose from? *Knox suggested as the train began to move.* That way you can have what you want immediately, and if your taste changes, you can have something completely different at no extra cost! It's fullproof! *he shouted excitedly.

Meryl: Places like that exist here!? OwO I had no idea! That sounds great!

Knox: Then our destination is set!

*Knox seemed to have a good idea where he was going. After they got off the train, it was a two block walk till they found the buffet in question. He carried her all the way there, setting her down to pay their way in. The buffet had a variety of food from American, European, and even Asian inspiration, with counters completely dedicated to salad and dessert, separately of course.*

Meryl: *inhales the aroma* it's a smorgasbord of tasty delights~ ^^

Knox: That it is! Grab what you want, and meet me at the table. Then we can talk. *Knox grab a plate stacked with meat and potatoes and took a seat.*

*Meryl quickly grabs a plate as well and begins browsing her options. Everything looked so good that she was having a hard time deciding what to try first...that was until she caught sight of the hibachi chefs working their magic on the grills. Beside them was a create-your-own-dish sort of deal and Meryl couldn't resist. She stacked her plate with noodles, various veggies and loads of crab meat and handed it to the chefs and watched as they did put on their show of skill as they cooked the food. Once her dish was done cooking she happily made her way back to the table that Knox had found for them and took her seat across from him.*

Meryl: *very happy with the plate of food before her*

Knox: Welcome back. I see you got fancy with your plate. *He chuckled and ate some of his food before asking,* So what exactly do you want to know about me? I'll let you ask something first, and then I'll ask you something. How does that sound?

Meryl: *thinks for a bit* (Do I really want to do this? My clients were quite far on the shady side and I assumed my target would be along those lines too so I didn't really see anything wrong with accepting their request. But after just being around this guy for just a little bit he really seems like a decent and nice guy; he's even feeding me now...that, and he's...kinda hot, actually… I do not sense any sort of deceit or ill-intent from him...let's try another approach with my questions...) That's fine with me; Question #1: Are there people after you; bad people?

Knox: *His eyes narrowed, but not at Meryl, at his plate of food. He didn't want his gaze directed at her at this moment.* Perhaps there are. I don't think they know who I am, but, if they did, they'd definitely come after me. I assume that's why they hired you, to find out if I am one of the ones they are looking for.

Meryl: ...yeah, I figured as much; the signs were all there now that I really stop and think about it...

Knox: Alright, my turn. You mentioned working with or for someone in the past. Are you still with this team you mentioned?

Meryl: Well, most of them did make it to this dimension and we're still comrades but we're taking time to enjoy a world that's not at war. A lot of them have taken a real liking to this place and have settled down and gotten boyfriends ^^

Knox: I see... I'd ask further, but I believe it's your turn to ask me something. ^^

Meryl: Okay then, are you in fact special in a way that warrants shady people to want to get people like me to get information on you? *takes a bite of her noodles*

Knox: Yes. *He answered simply, before taking a bite out of a steak.* My turn. Why are you still doing this kind of work? Why haven't you settled down and found a boyfriend like your friends? I mean, you're enjoying this dimension too, right?

Meryl: Simple really: this is all I've known. No matter where you go people are going to want and need information distribution. This dimension may be at peace but there are forces at work that are even more evil than the ones I've fought against with my friends. A master manipulating illusionist, a bat man with the power to get people to do his bidding with conquest on his mind, an ancient organization that believes that only humans should exist and wants to eliminate all non-humans, and those are just a few of the things I've found out about since getting here. I want to enjoy this place but with people like these lurking around I can't help but think that we're going to be needed again and I want to be ready for when, not if but when, that time comes.

Knox: *The man smiled warmly at her words.* That's both very honorable, and very smart. It's nice to know you care so much about a world that isn't even your original. *He took a sip of his drink to wash down some potatoes.* Your next question?

Meryl: Hmm...you asked me why I haven't tried getting a boyfriend before...would...you happen to be interested in filling that position?

Knox: *He smiles, blushing.* So forward. I like that. You're very cute, good natured, and I still want to get to know you even more. So yes, I would indeed love to fill such a position if it was with you. ^^

Meryl: Excellent~ *finishes off the remaining noodles on her plate* refill time~ ^o^

*Meryl gets up and goes back to buffet to get a second helping. Knox felt a pair of eyes on him and turned around to see a bat girl with silver hair and wearing a black eye-patch with a matching black outfit. He felt no ill will from her as she approaches him with a smile.*

Bat girl: I see that my little friend has taken a fancy to you ^^

Knox: I assume you are a friend of Meryl's? *He glanced after the small squirrel woman with a warm smile.* I must admit I've taken a fancy to her as well. For an information broker, she is very honest and open. It's refreshing. I sense an honest and kind soul in her. *Knox offered his hand to the bat girl.* My name is Knox Tiberius. May I ask yours?

Estella: *grasps Knox's hand for a handshake* I'm Estella; pleased to meet you ^^

Knox: What brings you here, Estella? Coincidence? Or perhaps you are making sure you're friend and comrade is safe. If it is the later, I am not offended. In fact I admire your devotion! If it is the former, then it is indeed a small world. V.V

Estella: It actually was the later; when Meryl texted me saying that she was going on a date with a possible new client I got a little worried, knowing the kind of people she deals with, and came here to see this person for myself. Now that I have met you I am safely able to say that I am no longer worried

Knox: *The man snorted and gave a light chuckle.* It's humorous she called me a potential client. We actually met because she was investigating me for a client. A client I believe she realizes at this point had ill intentions.

Estella: Yeah, that sounds like her; I must say, you certainly picked yourself one that'll make your life quite lively ^3^

Knox: *The man leaned back in his seat, gazing at the ceiling.* That's fine. Maybe it's fate, and maybe it's for the best. I came to this town and found it's peace quite relaxing, yet a little boring. Someone like me? Something like me... has an obligation to defend this world.

Estella: The feeling is mutual, and that goes for the rest of the Ripple Warriors as well. With the forces at work in the background maybe this place will need us all go act later on, and when it does I look forward to working with you. In the meantime, take this *hands Knox a pocket capsule, reminiscent of the type Capsule Corp makes* and this *hands Knox several hundred dollars*

Knox: *Blinks.* What is this? And, what is this money for?

Estella: The capsule contains all of the documents and information that she has archived for this world so far that I found in that makeshift tree house she made. She has no other possessions, which is why I gave you the money. ^^ Take her shopping or something afterwards and get her something nice. Meryl has been a warrior since she was a child; so before things get chaotic here how about making her feel like a princess for a little bit? ^w^

Knox: *That got a light chuckle out of the man.* I don't exactly live in a palace. I once lived in a temple, but that's beside the point. I'll treat her to some nice clothes and give her a solid spot to call home. ^^

Estella: Don't worry, after a lifetime of living outdoors wherever we went Meryl is by no means picky where she lays her head to rest. Just make sure to love her lots, even when she plays pranks on you ^^

Knox: I think loving an adorable woman like her will be the easy part. Though, disciplining her will probably be just as easy if she's a prankster like you say. In any case, it was a pleasure to meet you ma'am! I hope to get to know you better in the future! *he proclaimed with loud enthusiasm.*

Estella: Same here *nods* my order is ready now so I'll take my leave; have fun, now~ ^w^ *leaves to go pick up her food*

Meryl: *returns to the table with a plate full of various fruits from the dessert table* this place is living in luxury; back in my home dimension we were never able to grow fruits like these due to all of the water sources being controlled by evil forces ^o^

Knox: That sounds... horrible actually. *He frowned softly.* Is your home dimension going to be okay without you and your friends?

Meryl: ...sadly enough, our dimension doesn't exist anymore. Our enemy, known as Ferdinand, was just one step ahead of us this last time and was prepared for us to make a surprise attack. He knew that we knew that if we didn't do something at that moment in time that there would be no stopping him... *tries to keep a smile on her face despite her eyes filling with tears* if only I didn't get caught after finding out his plan and made back to Cinder to tell her to abort the surprise attack and come up with a new plan...maybe if I had just been a little bit more prepared in my mind I could've foreseen the possibility of me getting caught *tears freely flow from her eyes now* maybe if I had made it back, my home town, my family and all of my other friends didn't have to suffer and die just because I failed...but because I did fail only me and the rest of the Ripple Warriors managed to live. Hahaha, life sure is funny like that, right? ;w;... right? *can no longer keep her composure and breaks down, crying*

Knox: *Noticing the process of her slowly breaking down over her own words, he eased his way closer to her. When the flood gates broke loose, he immediately embraced her, holding her tenderly against his chest.* I'm sorry. I did not mean to make you relive such awful memories. *He comfortingly rubbed her back to sooth her.*

Meryl: *cries freely* why!? Why did I have to fail when it really mattered!? Because of me we lost the war we had fought for over a decade! All of those people that I promised to help free from Ferdinand's reign died because I failed my one job: to get critical information back to my Captain! Because of me...an entire dimension died!

Knox: Meryl, that's enough! *He lifted her chin to look him in the eyes.* You can't blame yourself! You’re not the one that killed those people! You’re not the one that made your home dimension cease to exist! It was this... Ferdinand person! There should never have been a reason for you to get such crucial information, and especially not as harsh a result for not being able to do so due to him stopping you! It's not your fault, Meryl. I would never have blamed you, and I know none of your friends do either. *He gave her a soft kiss on the lips, wrapping his arms back around her.*

Meryl: Q//3//Q *buries her face into Knox's chest and cries softly, letting out all of the bad feelings of guilt she had been secretly harboring*

Knox: *As he continued to hold her and stroke her hair, he went on to say,* I met with one of your friends a moment ago. It seems you don't have a solitary place to rest your head. *He smiled down at her.* Would you like one?

Meryl: *nods her head yes, with tears still in her eyes*

Knox: Then after dinner, I shall take you to your new place of residence! My place! *He ruffles her hair with a big grin and kisses her forehead.*

Meryl: Y-Yes. Oh, but I need to go and gather up my information from my base before I do...

Knox: *He holds up the capsules he was given.* A certain silver haired friend of yours left it with me. ^^

Meryl: Thank you, Estella *accepts the capsule from Knox and pockets it* then I'm all set ^^

Knox: Great! *He scooped her up in one arm with a grin.* How about we do some shopping for you on the way there? Get you some new clothes and maybe a couple other things? I can carry a lot of bags, I'll have you know.

Meryl: OwO Shopping? Like the women I see in the commercials on TVs in the stores do?

Knox: Of course! I want you to have plenty of options of what to wear, and lots to do at our new place together!

Meryl: *looks very happy and then kisses Knox happily on his lips*

Knox: *Returns the kiss enthusiastically.* I feel this is the start of a beautiful relationship! I couldn't be happier! ^^

Meryl: Same here ... although, before we go and do all of that there is one more thing that I need to do...

Knox: Oh? And what is that?

Meryl: I've got to make out a report of my finding to my previous clients. Now don't worry, being an information broker also gives me the right to regulate what sort of information I give out, be it accurate, inaccurate, basic, vague and everything in between; I know the kind of information they are looking for but I'm not obligated to actually give it to them if the pay is insufficient. ^^

Knox: Uh-huuuh... and where are you going with this, Meryl?

Meryl: Simply put, I'll get these guys who want info on you off of your back. ^^

Knox: Oh? Well thank you, Meryl. Maybe I can trust you with my secret. *He gave her a playful wink, lifting her onto his shoulder.* Maybe.

Meryl: Then I'll make sure to earn the right to know it!

*After taking out some writing materials from the capsule with her belongings in it, Meryl goes to work in writing out a report for her clients, providing her findings on Knox, and sealing the report in a manila envelope. After finishing their lunch, Meryl leads Knox to an alley not too far from where they were. She goes down the alley and places the envelope in between two wooden boxes and then returns to Knox.*

Meryl: And it is done. This is where my clients will come to pick up the results in another day from now. If you are discreet you might be able to see who they are for yourself if you watch from just the right spot.

Knox: *The man gently pat and rubbed her head.* I have a feeling I already know who they are, but thank you sweetie. I'm not half as discreet as a couple of my friends are, though.

Meryl: Then make sure to get one of your more stealthier friends to keep an eye on this spot for the next day ^^

Knox: I will. Now, about that shopping spree? ^^

Meryl: Yes, lets *puts her tiny hand in Knox's large palm*