His humble galleon based enterprise had become somewhat of a safe haven for the Tanuki from wider society, as the traveling cruise ship so to speak provided him an easy way of carrying out the more secret methods of his business endeavors. What was on his docket for this week was a task he had caught wind of from the Consortium of all things. A place he had originally joined out of mutual convenience be it there lucrative alchemical goods and special contracts. It was perfect for someone like him who led a dual life working for the Emperor himself as ears out in the wide world. A task that his clan had done for generations and would continue to do as long as they drew breath.



The task was to locate and infiltrate an illegal potion ring in Sol City and acquire the swill they are making without causing any significant waves, a job that was perfect for him and his unique “talents” so to speak. Having arrived under cover of night he instructed his men to keep the patrons aboard his ship happy and well libated on their stop to Sol City, informing the passengers that the shore excursions would last for the next three days and to have fun.



His cover set as he embarked, he made way for the local consortium guild hall to meet up with whomever else was assigned to interact with him on this mission. Hopefully they would also want to be as clandestine as possible on this mission, as he wasn’t looking to solve anything the hard way and to him it seemed that was the least desired outcome by the consortium as well.



The Tanuki lay in wait at the Guild Halls entrance chamber for an Aviankin he had been told would be accompanying him on this operation so to speak.

Oh good, more people stealing potions from the Consortium. Fish knew they should've burned that warehouse down last time. Though it likely wasn't the same band of criminals, it was a group that was apparently just as brazen and/or stupid. They were yet to figure out the later part.

Fish was going to be thorough this time, no loose threads. When Hano entered into the guild hall, Fish was standing on a bench with their gear lined out across the table. The bird's little eyes scanned the table to look over everything. Flasks, potions, poisons, explosives, bolts, knives (freshly sharpened), and crossbow (freshly oiled and retightened). It was quite an assortment of goods, everything having its own little space on their body. The bandolier now full and pouches packed, they finally take notice of the other person to enter.

Admittedly, Fish was not expecting a similarly animal-like person. Up until this point, they hadn't met many other like themselves. Fish barely even knew any other kenku. 

"Fish assumes you are the other person the guild sent." As has become standard procedure, Fish gestures first with Sign Language and waits if there is any sort of recognition. If not, the bird swaps to chalk and slate.

He watched first to see what the Kenku was doing, and as it seemed they were organizing and arming themselves in a sort of ritualistic or heavily prepared manner which was intriguing to experience. He had done things like this in the past but it was either meant as intimidation or in preparation of brewing or cooking. Mise en place was an ever important technique when cooking professionally or even personally and in his mind at least, the way the Kenku laid out all of their gear was much the same.

Waiting for a moment to speak to them but not wanting to interrupt the process he waited until the Kenku spoke with sign language, something he was familiar with as being one of the forest creatures of the Crescent Isles. At times speaking without sound was more beneficial to living then the ease of speaking trade. He waited until he was finished signing before he signed back and tipped his Jingasa with a little bow from himself, "I am. Wako of the Hano Tanuki and in this case... the Consortium. I don't see many Tengu outside of the isles.", much of the words were spelled out rather then signed as some of them had no signs, but his nimble fingers danced as best they could as he spoke to the Kenku, and referred to them by how they were known in his own homeland.

"You from here, or elsewhere?", not wanting to waste time he quickly added, "Have any ideas about how we will do this job?", it was refreshing to speak without speaking as it had been a long while since he had down what was natural to most Beastkin. It felt.... Good.

Fish seems confused by the word tengu, but given the tanuki's tone it doesn't appear to be an insult so for the moment they choose not to address it. "Signing back to Fish is not necessary. Fish can hear, better than most, but Fish just cannot speak except to mimic others."



They hop down from the bench and over to the tanuki. "Fish is not, but Fish has contacts here and a memorized map of the city streets." Fish reaches into their pouch and hands over a hand sized map of the city, something easy enough to read while on the run.



"Fish would like to burn down the theives operation for meddling with Fish's mode of business, but that may not be the wisest course. Fish will decide later. The first step will be to track down the theives." They look to the storage room, offering to lead the tanuki to the scene of the crime so he can do his own investigation. Otherwise, Fish is ready to just go.

He read what the one called Fish had to say and shook his head before he spoke and signed back, "Signing is fine. My people use it plenty as do many who Call the Isles home who are Beastkin like us. The Humanoids don't always.... like our kind. You make good sake or have something they want and they like you, unless they want it badly enough to take it by force...", he shook his head and huffed before speaking with only signs, "Not that it matters when you hold the cards right?". 

After hearing that Fish wasn't from here he nodded and decided to pivot to the information that was given, "I see. That is very valuable to have such info Fish. Where are ya from? Not many places where you learn to set yourself up in such a way in a foreign city.", he had already announced he was from the Isles so it would probably be easier for Fish to surmise that because of his homeland committing acts of subterfuge was probably not far off from early childhood learning he could have received. After all the Isles were small yet powerful as a country despite being under Moonglade's rule. 

"Sounds good to me either way, but trying to get something on them might be better then just ending them ya know? Sometimes subtlety is stronger.", following his gaze to the storeroom he shrugged before he added, "We could but do you think they really left anything behind to find them?", it wasn't that he wouldn't start there but that he assumed it was pointless to look as otherwise why would they have been given a job?

"Fish is not beastkin, Fish is Fish." The objection seemed less like taking umbrage with the label, more of just someone who's never been called that before deciding they don't like it. "Fish also does not get things taken from Fish." The bird lacked for nothing when it came to confidence.

"Fish is from Zeinav, but most cities are similar, so it is easy for Fish to navigate. People like to pretend they are different, but to Fish most of society is the same."

As standoffish as Fish may seem just be nature of being silent, they are wildly intrigued by the tanuki. It was sort of like a window into what Fish wanted to be even if Fish would be reluctant to admit it. Wako was clearly talented and garnered respect. Fish would have that one day.

"From what Fish understands the Consortium only checked inventory, not for any secrets....Fish knows vials of Sleep Potion and some reagents were stolen.....Wako is good at talking. Fish can follow and see if merchants have heard of any backdoor deals. Fish can introduce Wako to a fence."

The immediate answer to him about what fish was and wasn't, coupled with his defiance towards having his things taken earned him a chuckle from the Tanuki and a shake of the head before he responded, "Its what people like us are called in the Crescent Isles. We are not quite like the humans, so they call us Beastkin. It... is less offensive then other names at least. We would call your people Tengu, I am a Tanuki. I am sure other places have other names. Fish is just as good as any to have both as your name and label? People group?", the thought of his last words made him audibly laugh for a moment before he tried to refocus on the moment at least. 

"Zeinav's not a bad place, great silk and gems which almost makes it worth all of the sand and heat.", he spoke those words instead of signing them and his voice was very much so as if he was a shady salesman referring to something that actually had value. Some habits were hard to break and it appeared that this was one of them for the Tanuki at least. Profits were profits after all, "You are right though, society is mostly all the same. People all have the same basic needs and vices."

He nodded and started walking towards the exit and the streets beyond with all of the confidence of a charlatan before he signed again to the Kenku, "Lead the way then chief! I would love to meet a new fence around 'ere. As for being good at talkin'? Can't help it. I sell stuff for a living. Sometimes that requires finesse.... On topic though, why sleep potions?.... Reagents are basic enough but why sleep potions?", they were not necessarily dangerous on their own so it was more curious then anything as to what application the thieves had planned for them. Did Sol City have a lot of narcoleptics or insomniacs?

"Fish has never met another like Fish." Both beastkin and kenku weren't incredibly common it seemed. They follow after Wako, hopping ahead in a moment to lead the way. They listen intently to the tanuki as he talks, even if it doesn't seem that way at times. The expressions of a bird are hard to read sometimes.

"Laziness? Perhaps they do not want to put in the work and instead steal the potions." An admittedly strange position to take for a thief, but they hadn't quite reached that level of self-realization. "Or they do know what they are doing....Reagents are basic, but if they have grander plans, buying lots of things in bulk might tip off that something strange is happening....Steal some potions and it seems like a small-time burglary that the guards won't invest much time into."

The question for both of them would be what were these grander plans. Like Wako said, sleep potions aren't something that are incredibly rare or dangerous to make, but if used right and in high enough doses it could probably do some damage. What would the target be? Who would the target be?

The kenku leads them down a few of the main roads, past the actual market and down the side streets. Eventually they are led down an alley to an abandoned warehouse and Fish stops in front of the door. For a moment, they turn and stare directly at Wako without saying anything, something seemingly turning over in their mind.

A decision seems to be made as Fish taps some of the stones that make up the arch of the doorway before the click of a disengaging lock is heard and the door creeps open. Fish offers for Wako to head in first.

"Customers at this hour? Sorry folks, be closin up shop soon." A voice calls from the back of a stack of boxes and crates.

Fish adjusts from their sign language, tapping out a message instead, "Just need a few bundles of lemongrass, that's all."

"Ah Fish!" Out from the mess waddles a small, dark-scaled kobold wearing merchants clothes. Milky white eyes look to the sound of Fish, then Wako. "You're new."

He saw Fish repeat the statement about Fish never meeting another like him and nodded before he added in passing, "You're kind are a bit more rare, even in the Isles. They keep to them selves in forest centers and mountain tops.", following behind the Kenku with earnest as he also was soaking in the ambiance and appearance of the city itself. Sol City was fine enough, clearly the nations capital of that much he was most assured. Be it the maintained cobblestone or the generally cleaner air quality, it was evident to any that Sol City was truly the gem of Charon. 

The answer Fish gave was fine enough he supposed as he nodded slowly as if in contemplation at the words Fish was signing to him. After he few moments he responded again, "Something about all of this just doesn't sit well with me. Laziness is possible but I think you may been on to something with the whole obfuscation switcheroo thread maybe.", His demeanor shifted wildly the longer they were together as if a certain amount of his personal guard was left open, his voice and tone when he spoke and didn't sign even shifted to plainly speaking instead of him trying to sell Fish on something.  

"When we find these culprits I know we aren't supposed to whack em' but I would like to crush their ability to do this again. Alchemy and alchemy related items should only be used by experienced or apprenticed hands.... Some of this shit is dangerous ya know?", he pointed in that moment to the flasks on his bandolier, "These are explosives right? In the wrong hands these could topple a country or in the right hands open a new vein of ore. The untrained just don't think about the power alchemical goods have ya know?", he was probably speaking to the choir but clearly a nerve had been struck with him on this matter.

As Fish brought him to a doorway he paid attention to the raps that he made upon them that led to a door opening. Being motioned to go first he nodded and obliged as he entered inside the establishment. He watched as Fish interacted with the Kobold that entered into the space. Responding to the Kobold he spoke with all of the charm he could muster after leaving it behind for a moment, "Wako of the Hano Tanuki, at your service!", he would have bowed but something about the Kobold's eyes told him that it would be... unnecessary. "Fish said you might be able to help us with somethin'?", it was a long shot but perhaps a fence was worth his weight in information, he only hoped this particular Kobold had eaten a hefty proverbial meal before hand. 

"Amatuers make mistakes, mistakes make the job harder, Fish does not like people getting in the way of Fish's business." A slightly different annoyance, but they were at least aligned in the same direction as Wako.

Inside the abandoned warehouse a little kobold coughs out a laugh, "Heh! I don't exactly do the finding." The mistimed blinks and way the lizard's gaze drifts off makes it clear he is blind if his appearance didn't already. Not a single article of clothing matched.

"Someone stole a batch of sleep poison from the Consortium." Fish taps out against a crate, Wendel angling his head to catch the sound.

"Sleep poison eh? Fancy stuff, fancy stuff, so ye lookin fer who took'em aye?" The kobold looks between the both of them, or approximately between the both of them. He starts to move back through the crates to where his makeshift sales counter is. A hefty and haphazardly constructed log book is hoisted onto the barrel that is his counter. "It's somewhere in here, hold on."

Fish gives what can best be considered an apologetic look. A mute bird and blind kobold was certainly an odd pairing, but Wendell was one of the first to give Fish an honest chance as a thief.

"Ah, here we is....what did I write down?"

Fish hops and peers over before looking to Wako. "Transporting shipment to Tutleo Estate....A noble house?....Maybe they are planning an assassination. Sleep poison is a good start...."

A little bland, but Fish's eyes widen as they get an idea, "Fish thinks they could be planning to pin it on the Consortium."

"I can hear yer hands swishin bird, what are ye sayin?"

Of that he agreed when Fish made note of not liking things getting in the way of his business, as Wako rarely reacted harshly but he sure as shit did when it came down to his livelihood. His business and reach were what mattered to him most, and that wouldn't be forgotten easily. As the conversation continued inside the building with the possibly blind kobold, he paid special attention to what was unfolding before him between the fence and Fish. It was always intriguing to see another act and be in the thick of their wet work. Their techniques for dealing with others and the method at which they did it was always something real neat to him.

 The way the kobold listened to the taps that Fish made was brilliant in if of itself as he was not sure that he could do the same. Those that needed to communicate with different means were interesting and worth learning from further at least. The adaptability alone was impressive. As he went towards his counter and began looking through his book, that which Wako assumed was written with the bumpy words, he caught the look Fish gave him which was swiftly met with a nodding shake of his head as if to say its all good. Asking the question to the kobold to confirm his suspicion he spoke, "Is that written in that bumpy text? Only ever seen it once in a declaration room at the Pale city dockmaster....", the sentence was innocuous enough but usually on smugglers ever saw those spaces, as the more affluent or above board usually had invoices sent ahead of time.

Reading the signs that Fish quickly gave though he now wondered if it was written in the bumpy text at all, or if perhaps Fish could read that as well? Signing back begore they were interrupted he managed to sign, "Tutleo huh? That's as good a start as any. I wouldn't doubt it if they we-", he stopped signing as the kobold spoke and he quickly chimed in at that point, "Fish was just wondering with me, if perhaps these hoodlums are trying to pin something on the consortium you know? Why else would you make off with their goods.... Whatever the truth is, I think the more info we can get the better off we will be. Knowledge is power am I right?", it wasn't that he wanted to lie to the Kobold but he had lived for long enough to know when the truth wasn't important at least.

"Sure is, Fish here s'one who showed it to me. Made keepin ledgers bit easier." Wendell gives the tanuki a toothy grin.

"Fish no longer had the time to do the books, so Fish had to make sure proper accounts were being taken." Of course Fish puts it in business terms, but it wasn't hard to see this was one of the nicer things the bird could do. Give Wendell a way to read and communicate to keep business going rather than having to retire.

"Hard to say, though it ain't a crazy idea, sorry's to say that I just handle the comins and goins, ain't ever get mixed up in the whys. Makes it easier to tell folks I ain't seen nothing." He gives a bark of a laugh, making the joke a bit obvious.

Fish hops down after placing a strangely shaped uncut diamond on Wendell's desk which is quickly scooped up. The bird hops back towards the entrance, looking back to Wako a moment.

"Fish knows where this estate is, but not why...Fish generally does not follow the political motivations of people. Fish has no interest in that, Wako seems better aligned for that. Does Wako have connections to merchants around here that may know more?"

He only nodded his head at first to what he viewed as a kind action, or perhaps a very clever tactic to foster good will between the bird and the kobold, after a few moments though he did respond with a somewhat curious tone, as he hadn't spoken with such an inflection yet to these two, "Sounds like a win win type-a-thing to me. Keep the books good, keep business a float ya know?", the tone itself was very reminiscent of the used cart salesman that dotted the country, peddling what they felt were near mint condition vehicles that just needed a little TLC. Realizing he had slipped into what he would best describe as a wise guy mode he took a short inhale and released it before he shook his head and smirked, looking outside of the building itself. 

What the Kobold said next seemed to align with his own thoughts which was a good start, and the quip he made about seeing nothin' made him laugh audibly with an odd Kekekeke! like laugh as he shook his head again and patted his belly before responding, "That's a good one!", the barking laugh made it all the more funny to him as well as he recovered slowly form the moment of brevity. Only for him to become sobered as he saw the uncut diamond get placed on the desk which was curious enough, the look from Fish only compounded his interest in the moment. Deciding not to comment on it at that moment he waited for the bird to finish signing before he responded.

"I stay away from the capitol for many reasons, so unfortunately I do not, however. I do know that certain parties here... have reservation's about the current rule... I could see something as innocuous as this being used for subterfuge and a bigger scheme maybe? We should make for the estate and see what we can. At the very least I am sure the guild would want to know if this place is really about to become a powder keg or not."

Fish nods, Wako made a good point. There were too many questions about this job that they didn't have answers for yet. The guild was being pulled in to this whether they wanted to be or not. Fish wanted answers before they made any report though

They lead they way out of the warehouse with a quick tap of goodbye to Wendell who bids farewell in response. Before long they are back into the busy streets of the port, Fish scanning side to side before exiting the alleyway. A force of habit, not that they worried they were in any imminent danger.

"Do we want to consider infiltrating the estate to find any documents? Hard evidence would be helpful to letting the guild know what is happening." It also meant Fish could still a few baubles on the way as well.

They duck through the crowd, easily weaving about people. Occasionally Fish does have to stop and make sure they are not completely abandoning Wako. They never apologize for going to fast, but they never complain that Wako is going too slow either. The tanuki can actually see Fish is slowly gauging Wako's pace for walking to match him.

He followed behind Fish after acknowledging the nod with one of his own. Speaking aloud as they left he said goodbye to Wendell, "It was nice meeting ya!".

As he followed behind Fish, winding their way through the bustling streets of the port, they did so with both a sense of urgency and covertness as Fish scanned the area and Wako followed suit. Eventually this led them down an alleyway where they stopped for a moment while Fish "spoke" to him in his own way. Nodding along at first Wako paused for a moment before he signed back to the bird, "Mind as well, who knows we might find something neat while we are at it...", to that he let out an audible soft chuckle. After all if you steal from thieves is it really stealing? Not that he cared if it was either!

Ducking out of the alleyway and back into the crowds as they weaved through them, he did his best to keep pace with his companion as he noticed that Fish was trying to adjust himself to the Tanuki's as well. Signing to him when he had a moment he made sure to emphasize that he would keep up, "Its a lot like the thick underbrush of the great forest back home.... I'll keep pace.", it had been a long while since he had been home and in a capacity to run through the forest with his clan like days of old, but he remembered the feeling of it still.