Within the city of Vale, there was a nightclub called 'The Black Bear'. Situated in Downtown, it often had long lines that started to form as early as five in the evening. Though the club was effectively a bar, its attractions were the dance floor and music on the first floor. While the second floor was a strip club and bar, where customers came to see the women. The third floor was exclusive, as one had to be vetted by a senior member of the Xiong family to enter. And even then, one couldn't freely enter without the Xiong family having some dirt on them, in case they ever stupidly went to Vale police to report the prostitution and drugs seen on the third floor.
The fourth floor was strictly limited to members of the Xiong gang. As it was where many of their highly illegal dealings went on.
Junior Hei Xiong was serving as a bartender, as usual. Having the most experience in mixing and serving drinks while being friendly-looking enough made him the ideal choice for it.
It was a normal night thus far for the twenty-two year old man. No drama with the girls, nobody tried to spike someone else's drink and no drunk idiots to deal with. Saturday night, as busy as it was, was shaping up to be a normal night.
Until the doors to the club opened. It surprised him, given how the club was near max occupancy and nobody but Xiong family would usually be allowed in, not even the usual eye candy that was allowed to skip the line. But then he saw her and nearly dropped the shot glass he was cleaning.
Long, flowing and lustrous crimson hair with bangs swept over her left eye. Long lashes, a fiery golden eye, black eyeliner, light red mascara and a touch of simple lip gloss. It all added to a perfect picture. She was easily the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Then there was that smouldering intensity in her eye and that slight smirk that spoke volumes about her confidence.
Then there was her body and frankly, incredibly stylish outfit. Not something one wore to go dancing at all, as it consisted of a black, floral patterned bodystocking, a black choker, a white buttoned up shirt with a small amount of cleavage showing, a satin black undershirt, a long black coat with a fur collar, slightly ripped black tights and black high heels.
Her face alone was enough to make his heart skip a beat but her curves made her seem pretty much like sex on legs.
He thankfully recovered by the time she made it to the bar. Watching her take a seat in front of him, he cleared his throat and gave her a little nod. "Anything I can get you, Ma'am?"
"Hmhm~ Yes, please. A White Atlesian, please." The woman ordered, folding her gloved hands over each other and propping her chin up with them.
"Coming right up." Junior Hei Xiong got to work, filling a fresh glass with ice before pouring in coffee liqueur and vodka. He then slowly added the cream on top and slid it and a stirring utensil within the glass over to the woman.
She smiled down at the drink and placed down a one hundred lien bill she pulled from who-knows where.
"Hell of a tip.. Unless you wanted something else, Ma'am?" Junior asked carefully as he watched her fingers pick up the stirring stick and slowly began to mix the cream into the drink. She looked up to him as she stirred, keeping that same seductive smile she had as she hummed.
"I do want to ask something, yes. I'm just so new to Vale and I'm looking for some talent. I'm wondering if mister bartender knows about anything that could help me? It'd be a big help." She answered, but kept it vague. Though not vague enough for him not to understand her intentions. Regardless, he felt the need to clarify.
"Would that talent include such things as.. Aura, Semblances and some combat training?" Hei Xiong's question made her laugh.
"I thought that much was obvious, Mister Bartender~" She shot back with a lovely smirk.
He cleared his throat, suppressing the rising heat to his cheeks.
"I do know of some.. people of interest. But all information deals are done through the boss." Junior answered, though he put on a mask of professionalism, she could see the discontent in his eyes.
"I see. May I set up a little meeting with Senior Xiong then?" The woman asked, taking a guess as to who the leader was. By the lack of reaction in Junior's eyes, she figured she was correct.
"Father is on the third floor, entertaining himself. I'll send him a message. And please, order more. This tip is too generous and I'm unable to give you the information requested." Junior informed before serving some other customers.
'So he hasn't taken control of the gang yet.' The woman, Yin, thought as she finished stirring her drink and took a sip.
She was unaware of what sort of drastic changes Vale was subjected to. Aside from the sheer size, of course. But a bigger city didn't mean everything was well and good. The Grimm were taken care of by the defenses atop the walls, which allowed the populace to feel more comfortable in expressing their emotions. Before, she thought to subjugate the gangs with sheer violence and fear. Taking anyone useful under her wing and claiming Vale as her own.
But there were benefits going about it this way, through a disguise and an alter ego. One, it let her maintain her image and kept her relationship with Beacon and Ozpin's faction in tact. Two, nobody would go after her family for whatever this alter ego would do. Three, acting out a seductress lady boss was unexpectedly fun.
She was drawn out of her thoughts as soon as she finished her drink. Junior stepped over, putting his scroll away.
"A meeting can be arranged. But I need a name. And.. I apologize but to ensure you have a meeting at all, I must take a picture. Do you mind?" Junior asked, watching her gold eye stare into his.
"Hmm~ Why not? Just make sure to get my good side. And my name is Ryuko. Nice to meet you." Yin smiled, hand holding up her chin as Junior took a picture and nodded.
He then typed something out and attached the picture before sending it to his Father. Not even a moment later, he recieved a message.
"Tch.. Old man, your intentions are obvious.." Junior muttered darkly.
Turning his attention back to Yin, he gave her a good look once more. Though his focus was less so on her beauty and more on how she carried herself. Straight yet relaxed posture, despite being in territory she's never been to. The intensity of her eyes and the fact that she was looking for capable people very likely meant she was dangerous. She walked, talked and breathed like she was powerful.
Convinced, Junior nodded and said, "The boss will see you now. Be aware though, that his intentions may not be what you're looking for."
Despite getting the feeling that she could handle herself, he wanted to warn her anway. She simply smiled and pat the side of his face gently.
"Thank you for the warning. I'll be back." Yin stated, her hand sliding off Junior's cheek as she made way for the upper floor. He watched the sway of her hips as she walked, swallowing some of his saliva before dabbing some of the sweat that began to accumulate on his forehead.
Yin was allowed in, though she drew some glances from the bodyguards dressed in black suits. They'd just been told to allow her in, having been sent a picture to properly identify her.
*Ding*
Yin stepped out of the elevator, stopping in front of a large, bald Mistralian man with a goatee. He was at least two meters tall (6'6) and built like a bodybuilder. He looked down at the smaller redhead as she smiled at him.
"Mom-Miss, I have to.. check for weapons. Please." The bald Mistralian man stated, holding steady despite the slipup.
"Oh of course. I'd never be so bold as to bring anything dangerous here. Search away~" Yin played along, lifting her coat away from her shoulders and spreading her arms out.
The gangster had the decency to look away from the obvious 'jiggle' of her assets as she held her arms out. He then set to checking her waist and coat for any weapons and just nodded at her.
"You can go in. The Boss is in the third room." The bald gangster pointed to a room with drawn open red curtains.
"Thank you very much~" Yin nodded and slung her coat over her shoulders again before walking over to the room.
Scantily clad women walked by. Some were pretty, but most had dark circles under their eyes, were too pale and often too skinny. Internally, Yin noted these sex workers' treatment wasn't good. Drugs, eating disorders and lack of sleep made them look sickly.
'I'll have to deal with this shit later when I take over the Xiong family' Yin noted before entering the third room and announcing herself. "Hello~ I'm here for an important meeting."
An older man sat on a long, crescent shaped red couch. His suit was nice, but partially open. With a grey blazer, white undershirt and grey dress pants, he dressed differently than his black suited underlings. His dress shirt had been opened, showing off expensive chain necklaces. He also had several gold and silver rings on his fingers that he openly displayed. His grey hair was slicked back and he stared at Yin with undisguised lust.
"Yes, please come sit. I hear you have business? I hope it's the pleasant kind." Senior Hei Xiong stated with a fake smile.
Yin's smile nearly faltered as she stepped in and sat four feet away from him on the couch. "Well I would hope the opportunity to earn money was pleasant for you. Shall we get down to it?"
"Ahaha.. Yes. Money is rather important.. But that's not my main focus right now. Hm, yes.. how about we get ourselves a drink?" Senior Hei Xiong smirked, his eyes leering on the two impressive mounds before him.
"I had plenty downstairs. But please, don't hold back on my account." Yin replied, inwardly revolted and disappointed.
"I insist! Please, don't reject my hospitality. As Mistralians, you know that would be awfully rude." Senior Hei Xiong informed with another fake smile.
'His intention's obvious. I wonder how many women he's pulled in like this.. How disgusting.' Yin inwardly snorted as her golden eyes narrowed in displeasure.
The old man, however, didn't notice. He had ushered his subordinates to get 'special drinks' for a 'special' guest. Seeing as how she let him think he was getting his way, she smiled and asked him, "Now that drinks are on their way, how about we talk about some information I wanted to buy?"
Senior Hei Xiong didn't really pay much attention or interest in her question though. He kept moving his neck around while his eyes ran up and down Yin's figure.
"Ahh.. my neck is sore. Ah, yes information. What is it you wanted? Something about talent?" Senior Hei Xiong asked, only half paying attention.
*Sigh~* "Yes, I'm looking for particular talent to-" "Ah! Drinks, finally! Please, try it. Our cocktails are incredible, I assure you." Senior Hei Xiong interrupted as a young Gangster came over with a cocktail glass full of a purple drink. While the other glass was full of whiskey.
"Hmm~" Yin smiled as she accepted the glass and swirled the drink in front of her.
"Now, about the information.." Senior Hei Xiong's smile stretched a little thin at her continued questioning.
"Ah business can wait until after we drink, right?" He urged her, though she could tell his patience was running thin.
Yin hummed and brought the drink close to her lips, seeing the excitement on the older man's face. Then she paused and tapped her bottom lip.
"Mm..~ I'd reaaaally like to get the information firs-" "JUST! -drink.. please. It's tradition to talk business after we share drinks." Senior Hei Xiong stated, stopping himself from erupting in frustration.
That near outburst was enough for her.
"Ohh dear~ To think.. I gave you all these chances to be civil. Your son picks up on these things.. But they sail right over your head, Xiong Senior." Yin folded her legs and shook her head in faux disappointment, confusing the old gangster.
"Haha.. What are you-" "Shhh... I'm done speaking to you. You've made your intentions clear. It's impossible to work with you, I'm afraid. Thanks for the drink." Yin stood up, gave him a cold smile and proceeded to walk out.
"What..?" Senior Hei Xiong muttered, feeling as if a bucket of cold water splashed on him.
If she heard his question, she ignored it. Yin pat the big Mistralian gangster on her way back downstairs. Making her way back to the first floor, she saw Junior waiting outside the elevator.
"Miss Ryuko. I see my intuition was correct." Junior stated with a deep sigh.
Yin simply raised her brow back at him.
"Ah, sorry for what the old man tried to do. And.. I may have an offer we could both benefit from. If you'd hear me out?" Junior quietly said while his eyes looked around for anyone listening in.
"Go on~ I'm interested." Yin replied, a real, scheming grin making its way onto her face.
Junior shivered and cleared his throat before nudging his head toward a back exit, leading to the alley beside the club. Yin nodded and followed him outside, where the loud music of the club was muted. Though it was loud enough that the noises of cars and people walking around still made a discreet conversation possible.
"I want you to help me take over the Xiong family. It will make our cooperation that much easier and I'll be in your debt." Junior stated. He watched Yin cup her chin, visibly interested in his offer.
"Go on~"
Junior sighed and considered his next words carefully. Something like this couldn't be approached with subtlety any more.
"I need you to kill my Father."
[AN: Stones? Can we get to 1k? Last week we were 50 short. Let's go, boiz!!!
Also, whaddya think of the alter ego? I like the future ideas I got in my head concerning two future criminals..]