In-between times spent at Serah's place the hunter was putting in time of his own looking into the collectively termed 'Sanguine Cult' hunt case. This was time spent beside the investigation which he was forced to do with the Watch or the actual hunts he had been doing to apprehend the various maleficarum both on his own and with the assistance of others. And though the individual hunts had been no more or less dangerous than what the hunter was used to in his day to day work there was still a strange undercurrent to all the arrests and apprehensions that just didn't sit well with the man. Call it a 'gut instinct', the 'hunter's sixth sense', or whatever coy moniker one could come up with for such it all boiled down to the same thing....a stirring, a knowledge that something was more wrong than it seemed. It was an unease that had been with the man since he'd taken in Tom and it only grew with each arrest....the familiarity each of these mages seemed to have for the hunter.

Could it not have been simple coincidence" Sure, Mach was the principle hunter in RhyDin for the Tanga military. Once it became evident that the cult had attracted law enforcement attention from back home, warranted the skills of the hunters corp the list became pathetically short on who the big bad boogieman was that would be kicking down their doors and dragging them to light....and Mach's name was right at the top of the docket. But what seemed so off was not that they spoke of him but how they spoke about him in such a.....familiar sense. It was unnerving how candid they seemed with the man, not at all like those who'd just read up on him from some dossier limited as such would be for civilian reference. And he was fairly certain this wasn't just some attempt at a psychological attack, no, these folks well and truly knew him' and found him equally fascinating and repugnant.

Mach was most certainly not above letting mages ramble at him if such would lead to a deeper understanding of their motives or actions, to try and glean insight into their particular brand of madness. The curse of being clever" one always wished to have some audience, some party that could appreciate how shrewd one has been. It was why villainous sorts always rambled and monologued, and the schmooze was all the more willing to listen as important information could be dropped. However, all Mach had gleaned from the ramblings of the cultists was some rhetoric about the coming of the one true blah, blah, propagandist nonsense and an unfounded hatred against him. This went beyond the chest thumping, cage rattling of prey against 'The Man' sort of dislike; no, this was genuine contempt for the schmooze. It was something that he was, terribly, used to but it was still bothersome that their derision was aimed at "Elitia Turner" in particular and not just hunters or puppets of the Tangian regime in general. And they had gone so far as to go after Sarai twice and the man was fairly certain that if he wasn't as careful as he was being that they may well have shown interest in Serah as well.

But for all this, for all the arrests, all the personal attacks against him and his he still didn't know the big picture, didn't know what their game was or why they targeted him. There was no endgame in sight and the man was becoming irritated and panicked on just how many might get dragged down with him before he reached the end. This was one of the things the man did miss about having just been the schmooze up until a few months back: that detachment to people and things. When he was Mach the Schmooze he had very little attachments to the world: some friends, his family that was a dimension and a half away, his cat, and his poker table not in that order of importance. But now that he was trying to be Eli once more, had folks he cared about and was invested in, relied upon him, the prospects of all the nasty associated with his job coming after not only him but them was both rage inducing and terrifying in quickly uneven growing measures.

So rather than waiting things out, playing the slow game as was generally necessary when dealing with insidious cults as this one the schmooze was beating the streets, poking his nose where it didn't likely belong so as to stir up information and leads to shut this group down fast and shut them down hard. It was for this reason that the hunter of all things magical, mystical, and beastial was down in the Westend close to the Old Temple District among all that which was magical, mystical, and beastial in RhyDin. It wasn't a place the schmooze was really welcomed and today was no exception as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end under the cold ire of gazes following his movements down the old cobbled roads. This was a refuge, a haven for the downtrodden to escape the pressures of "The Man' and the laws he brought with him' and today the man just so happen to be strolling along like he owned the place. Was a cocky swagger really best for this situation' Mach thought so at least. His figure was simple, if he went about seeming as supremely confident then likely only a few perhaps truly badass folks might try to start trouble with him rather than a bunch of lesser rabble rising and gathering together into a mob. Mach liked the odds and the lack of paperwork to be filled only having to get down with a few folks even if it increased his chances exponentially of getting in a tangle with a truly nasty sort.

Taking to whistling an upbeat soul tune, a groove entered his step as the schmooze took a turn here and there trying his best to ignore the murderous gazes as he made his way down into the seedier parts of the district. He really didn't like stirring trouble if at all possible, despite popular belief he was sure, but the best resources for finding information about underground organizations typically were dealers in the services and trades of the less legal persuasion. Looking for criminals, ask a criminal! And the man he was seeing today was most certainly a criminal, a medical mad scientist in the trade of sentient beast, demi-human, and human parts, bits, and pieces. What they did was morally questionable as hell though he claimed only to harvest 'conservatively' leaving the 'donor' alive....and how such terms were qualified or quantified were questions the hunter willfully neglected to inquire about. All he knew was what was spoken of word of mouth and the fact that the bounty on their head was considerably modest for someone if they were murdering folk. Granted not that such meant much other than he may or may not have been clever enough to get away with said murders but that was a different and, as well, ignored matter.

Blue eyes blue drifted over the small shop he approached, the time worn 'Delorno's Alchemical & Traditional Medicine Pharmacy' sign as well as the tarnished bronze address numbers indicating he had reached his intended destination. It didn't look like much on the outside, a small mom and pop sort of shop done up in the old, run down early industrial brick styling that prevailed the area. Simple stripped awnings jut out over the single pane browsing windows with a myriad of colored glass bottles on display behind a painted mural advertising some Beltane sale a couple months past relevance. He made note of the second story that looked to be an attached apartment as well as the very walkways that gave access to the back alley, a subtle lack of windows noted save for those out front. Each detail was filed as he started coming up with contingencies and escape routes just in case things went pair shaped quickly, a particular problem when dealing with criminal elements to get information. If you screw the pooch you're bound not simply to burn a bridge, but rather to become part of said illegal business in a less than willing and likely unhealthy role.

Mach toed on in through the wooden door, the airy clatter of a wind chime suspended from an iron hook on the door announcing his entrance into the gloomy shop. Rows of display shelves lined with a myriad of containers, bottles, and baskets bordered the walkway back to the counter, the stone floor well worn by foot traffic in spite of the timelessly boring seeming pace with only a couple of other patrons squirreled silently away amongst the rows paying little heed to the others present. The atmosphere that hung over the sleepy shop however was anything but boring. It was almost oppressive in nature with the dusty air laced with a musty, earthy stench augmented with sharp notes both exotic and repulsive that assaulted the senses. The ambiance was thick like a blanket, muffling the sounds of the world outside and darkening the already poor lighting save for the single bright oil lantern that sat behind the counter acting almost as a beacon. A lighthouse in the gloom guiding lost vessels home, or perhaps a warning for sailors to keep away from the treacherous peril which lay hidden beneath the bright light. Neither thought was really comforting as the schmooze forced a winning smile upon his features, his cocky swagger carrying him down that aisle to the abandoned sales counter. Pausing as he came up to the worn oaken work surface he hazarded an inspection of the inaccessible vessels along the back wall, no obvious labels to be seen though even he could tell some of the merchandise was tissue and bone in nature.

"I do not believe I've had the pleasure?" Mach felt his heart leap up in his chest at that gravelly voice that rumbled from the doorway leading off into the back rooms, his form snapping back from his lean in an attempt to get a better look at a few of the bottles. The figure that stepped out from the shadows was stout and squat though such was likely from their excessive slouch. They wore a dark grey three piece tweed suit with a cream shirt and black leather bolo tie cinched up with a pewter rat skull slide that had polished obsidian for eyes giving the accessory an off-putting gleam. Broad features that would have worked better starved were accented by a prominent, hooked nose which held up round framed spectacles before droopy amber eyes, a host of messily parted black hair crowning gruff features held in a wolfishly friendly smile.

"Yeeaahh, no, first time in actually." Mach turned on the charm though he got the distinct feeling such was a wasted effort on this one as he watched those amber eyes looking him over.

"Ohh' A new customer" Excellent! I think you'll find Delorno's pharmacy to be quite well stocked with a wide selection of ingredients and reagents for whatever needs you may have." The man's voice was harsh, weathered by the passage of time and the abuse of tobacco assumed from the discoloration of his fingernails noted as a stubby hand was thrust out to shake. His tenor was methodical, slow and clear yet clipped and almost terse seeming when he spoke. "I am Danton Delorno, proprietor of this humble business. So tell me stranger, what is it that you are looking for exactly' Some herbs and oils for some aroma therapy"

Mach took the offered hand in a shake that was much more enthusiastic on Delorno's part than he would have expected. "Yes, I hope so, I " eh' No, no, not aroma ther-"

"Some herbs for medicinal poultices and potions?" The man beamed as he inquired, Mach's hand not released yet as they continued to shake mindlessly.

"No, not medi-"

"You're an alchemist, right' I saw it from a mile away! Perhaps some bulk orders on reagents?"

Mach had heard of aggressive sales tactics but this was ridiculous! "N-No! I was l-"

"Special ingredients than' From the exotic and rare to the hard to find reagents you just need for that one particular transmutation, I have a very broad stock of supplies both mundane and mystical!"

Mach let go of the man's hand to stop that insipid handshake yet Delorno persisted. "Look, I-

"I've a veritable cornucopia to offer to my custom Lieutenant Turner, it all just depends what you need from me ..."

He couldn't help the ever so slight dimming of that winning smile as the rank and name slipped friendly from the merchant's lips; that cursory shaking slowing until they simply retained a firm, vice like hold of his hand. Cold ice tingled up the hunters spine as he felt his stomach sink in apprehension, a note taken of those shadowy figures that had been dispersed around the shop now standing much closer and seeming much less interested in whatever they had in hand. The schmooze shot the man a cheery little grin owning the awkward situation over the much less graceful and potentially fatal other options. "So, my reputation precedes me then, yeah?"

"Yes! From our mutual acquaintance Dr. Orlyns. He told me a hunter would be paying me a visit in the none to distant feature." Delorno's smile was bright and shark like friendly, a smile of one who knew they held the better hand at the moment. And Mach, Mach had to stop himself from scowling and cursing Reginald. He had approached the other illegal though harmless madsci a few days prior and thought he'd made the impression that he wasn't going to bring harm to this one though it seemed they did not truly trust the hunters sincerity. Or perhaps they thought letting Delorno know of his pending visit would somehow be beneficial though Mach didn't really take Regi as the over thoughtful type. Regardless the reason Mach had lost the initiative and needed to do some serious talking so he didn't end up the bargain bin deal in 'exotic' ingredients today!

"Regi" Yeah, alright guy, good with a caster, shit social skills, likes cup ramen a little too much." Lips pulled into a smile as he piped along in friendly candor. "So I here you're in the business of exotic ingredients " those usually found in sentients so I've been told." Mach heard the shuffle of feet, the rustle of fabric, the scrape of metal on leather as those shadowy forms dropped the act of innocent shoppers to produce a couple of pistols and a wand which were leveled at the schmoozes ever grinning head.

Delorno, much like Mach, held onto his smile through the escalation of potential violence. "You've heard right my friend. I am very well stocked with reagents and ingredients from many, many different sentients of many forms and types. Though in honest I don't really take Tangian military mage hunters as those really interested in my wares ... " A less than subtle clicking sounded next to the schmooze's head, the telltale sound of a hammer being cocked back. "" or in a way that one as I would approve of. You are a novelty my friend, an oddity. Surely you would not be so bold nor stupid to announce your imminent arrival, even if you had chosen one as humble as I for your 'last hunt.' It leaves me curious as to why you are here. Maybe you are turning over new leaf" Wish to bolster your charm with an aphrodisiac crafted from faun tail so as to improve your ability to get tail?" Dark laughter rumbled from the madsci as he released that hand, stepping back and turning to move behind the counter once more.

Mach felt immense relief at the release of his hand, the limb drawn back nonchalant and hooked upon his waistband. Sure he still had three kinds of death ready to spread the contents of his skull across the store but there was something about death by contact spell or being restricted as such which didn't sit well with him. At the others dark humor the schmooze simply chuckled politely. "Believe me I've no need of a potion to help me get tail. Anyway, I rather like faun tails flitting nervously over their prime derrieres rather than bottled, eh?" A cheeky grin offered though it dimmed some at the lack of a response from the other. Right, madsci - typically dry or off/manic of humor and usually with a decreased libido unless such is (unpleasantly) their sparked interest. He'd heard that this one was supposed to be pretty well adjusted but with madsci's that could have simply been the difference of one and five seconds before they ripped your face off because they find it worth study. Of course there was always one constant that applied with them regardless how mad or mundane they were: interest. So long as he kept the man's interest, didn't become a bore or, worse yet, an obstacle then he should be relatively alright. Or at least as alright as anyone could be dealing with a person who was unhinged and had a propensity for violence."But no, I'm not here for your typical merchandise or to attempt to arrest a fine, upstanding member of the community as yourself. I'm actually here looking for some information."

Delorno's head craned slightly to the side as if intrigued by the hunter's words. "Information' Ahh information is a powerful thing my friend. Empires rise, empires fall, kings are brought low, whores lifted high, and hunters succeed or fail to catch their mark all based on the ebb and flow of information. But I have to wonder what sort of devils work has you seeking out one as me for information. Your kind prefer not to deal with my kind, dangerous for the health. I believe." There was a niggling pain as one of the thugs threatening him gave him a rather sharp poke to the skull with the barrel of his revolver. "Thing one, manners! Mr. Turner is our guest for the moment."

Mach didn't like the way Delorno said 'for the moment', it felt far to tentative and uncertain for his comfort. This feeling wasn't really improved by the over eager muscle that the madsci had working security for him. These were folks who enjoyed their job when it south far to much and were just itching for a reason to ventilate him. Not sparing to look at the hired help less he seem actually concerned about their presence he focused on the merchant behind the counter. "I think you misunderstand us hunters Mr. Delorno."

"Oh?" A heavy set brow peaked in interest.

"Hunters are opportunistic. We will steal from the beggar and pay to the money maker if we think it'll help us in the end. Besides, the devil, as I understand, is a bitching salsa dancer." He spoke with well honed confidence, an easy grin held.

The merchant considered the schmooze for just a moment before his own grin grew as laughter bellowed out. "Sorry my friend but you are not my type. A little too delicate for my tastes." And that grin grew. "You've done your homework on me, very good! I would expect no less from a fine hunter."

The schmooze shrugged lazily "I'm not much for salsa, thanks. And yes, I am a very good hunter Mr. Delorno." He exuded confidence, trying to bait the madsci's natural curiosity. He had a few more personal facts that he'd dug up on the merchant in the short time but the others were hardly as flashy as that particularly ill fitting hobby. Really, who would see a man as Delorno doing a samba in a community center!"

Amber gaze considered the schmooze with all the friendliness of a hungry wolf sizing him up but there was something more behind that assessing stare. A few pregnant moments passed at an agonizingly slow pace before the man smirked. "Okay, who are you looking for Mr. Turner" I'm interested."

The schmooze held back that relieved sigh, a diplomatic smile settling upon him. "Looking for a group of nasty sorts. Mages in a cult dedicated to an Old God of blood. Good at keeping to the shadows even with their attention grabbing tastes."

A thick digit rose to scratch at the mans heavily hooked nose. "Ah yes, I believe I have heard of those you seek. Made up of Tangian mages and battlemages as well as local 'cattle'..." Teeth snapped in emphasis of what he thought about the non-magical sorts that had started to crop up in association with the cult. It was one of those major red flags to the schmooze that this little cult had swelled so that they could start taking in normies.

"Yeah, them. Pretty tricksy lot, wipe their goonies before sending them out on....collections. Th-"

"Those jackels do not 'collect', they take without regard. Like children or locust." The man seethed in cold rage as he all but growled his displeasure. Seemed even illegal body choppers held themselves to a professional standard and the murderous ways of the cult struck a nerve to such...'sensibilities.' "They kill indiscriminately, thieving from 'the waste' of society. They have no respect for balance, for order, for conduct."

Mach worked very, very hard not to smile at that response, the growing agitation of those with guns to his head helping immensely. "Yes, them. I am looking to track their operation, follow things back to the head so as to chop it off, yeah' Restore the balance, as it were."

"And you believe Delorno would know something being in business of ingredient acquisition. That is why you are even willing to parley with a fiend for such information is it?"

A hand rose slowly, the gaze of the three trigger happy thugs making any move he made as if it were moving through molasses. He'd wave off the others self-depreciating humor. "I snooped around for an opportunity and one I have found, that is all. Now just seeing if it'll answer the door, help me out. Scratch my back and I make an inconvenience " disappear." He emphasized his words with a soundless explosion of fingers that made him look near devious with that grin upon his features.

Stubby fingers once more stroked the merchants clean shaven chin in thought, stout form taking to pacing lightly behind the counter. "An opportunity is it?" A smirk bloomed upon the man as he paced. "Yes, it is true that they are not directly affecting my business but they are besmirching my services with their reckless disregard....make folks distrust my honest business. And I can imagine that the longer this goes unresolved the less patience the U.T.R.A. will have for yourcontinued failure, perhaps even going so far as to send ever more hunters who may be less clever but equally opportunistic." Pausing in his back and forth movement, that amber gaze would settle upon the schmooze as if judging something. A moment would pass before the stern man nodded in an approving manner. "Scratch your back scratch mine, yes" Well, as it so happens I just may have some information which could lead you to some answers....or an early grave." And now a bark of laughter shook the merchant.

For his part Mach simply smiled, swallowing down all the crow and pride that would have had a better man arguing against the goading words. This was part of game dealing with madsci's; knowing when to seem in control and when to bow down to their domineering tendencies. It was a trait they all shared aside their love of rambling, a general view of superiority to all others. Of coarse he did have to admit that he'd seen some madsci's do truly incredible things with limited resources which all but supported such a cocksure attitude but still. "Yeah, either way that goes I'm sure it would be good for business."

Delorno just burst into more riotous cackling, a meaty hand slapping the counter hard which nearly gave the schmooze a heart attack at how close that move came to getting him a new hole in the head from the twitchy ones. "You are shrewd my friend, I like that. Yes, I believe we may be able to do business. A partner should have stones and stupidity in equal measure, something I am sure you have in spades as well as enough restraint so as not to do anything you or others would regret. Now there is only matter of payment to consider."

Cold ice trickled down the hunter's spine at the thinly veiled threat, his grin turning wolfish despite his effort. "Payment' You mean cost." The merchants boisterous manner caught slightly at the sudden backtalk from the hunter. Sadly, as important as it was to hook the man's attention, such was not the only hurdle the hunter had to face as he squared his confidence to continue. "There's nothing to say that what you have isn't some second hand housewife gossip that's only half as accurate after all." He felt those looming figures around him invade his space just a little more, those tools for ending his life becoming a little more threatening as Delorno's features thinned in distaste.

"I did say payment. I am a businessman friend, my information is of highest quality....do you doubt this?" The feel of that gun barrel pushed into the back of his neck was cold, uncaring but the hunter kept hold of that grin for all his worth. While it was useful to be humble with a madsci it was just as important that they still respected you, because if they didn't they sure as hell didn't feel any sort of remorse screwing you over. Amoralism or even moral apathy was another one of those unpleasant hallmarks to be contended with when dealing with such folks.

Blue eyes blue gaze shifted over to the of the thugs at his side as he pushed that grin broader. "Tell your boys to stand down Danton, we're already entering into business yeah' To keep up the threat is poor manners, 'friend.'"

He could see the man's broad jaw working in irritation, those amber eyes narrowing. Men like Delorno liked it when others bowed down to them and as such did not find the reverse to be pleasant at all. It was all a balancing act when dealing with a madsci like him that had an unpleasant end awaiting him on either side of that knifes edge which he walked. "We have only discussed entering into business, there has been no agreements yet Lieutenant. And I am finding my enjoyment of your company dwindling when things had started out so well."

The merchant smiled wolfishly, hands resting on the counter as he loomed calling out the hunter though the expression diluted at Mach's unshaken smile. "Oh' I see. Well, if you are unwilling to barter properly over the price nor provide evidence of the validity of you're information than I believe I should look elsewhere." Mach turned, the urge to scream like a little girl at the surprised jerk of the barrel upon his neck suppressed as it seemed Delorno's men were at least trained well enough to only shoot on their employers command. Though the schmooze still felt a good, stiff drink was in order if he walked out of this alive, maybe even a change of underpants. Be as much of a hard as nails badass as you liked but no one short of senseless psychopaths should be completely unfazed by a gun being shoved into their heads " at least that's what Mach thought.

"Mr. Turner, we are not done here yet." The merchants voice had lost that friendly note, his tone frosting over to match the intensity of amber gaze that he gave the hunter. Turning about none of the thugs moved out of his way, cobalt gaze falling square down the void of a Strum, Ruger revolver barrel. Mustering his resolve he pushed his own wolfish grin more, the muscle just ahead of him easing back uncomfortably under the hunters "confidant' gaze.

"And I said If we aren't to be civil about this than I'll take my business elsewhere."

"And I said we are not done yet."

Toe and heel snapped smoldering cobalt gaze back to the merchant. "Let me make something abundantly clear Mr. Delorno. I am your customer. If you don't want to deal with me proper or give me a proper shake than like a customer I will take my business elsewhere."

"You are a guest in my shop, and I haven't said that you may leave yet. Do not make this more difficult than it has to be, particularly when you yourself danced into the parlor of devils and fiends."

Blues noted the rise of color, that artificial eye reading the subtle increase of temperature, the subtle tick of tension that all helped the schmooze gauge just how agitated the man was. Negotiations were simply an exercise in manipulating someone's psychology to get at a desired result, something that the schmooze knew well given his rather impressive record of talk downs. He brightened his smile just a little more to squeeze a touch more irritation out of the man before calling his hand. "You obviously forget that I am also a hunter that so happens to be in your shop Case #4991DB6R20880301." The merchant looked like he was about to say something else when suddenly the growing rage paled, teeth grinding as just a hint of apprehension touched upon those golden orbs.

"Now I came here for information that would help me in a case which could benefit you were I to resolve it quick and quiet. But believe me, I am not pressed to do so. I can play this out the slow game were I to choose, fortify me and mine against these cavorting types and wait until brass sends me more reinforcements from back home. Prestige or good records" Don't mean two shits to me since this land is just a pasture for terminal fuckups. So yeah, trying to be right neighborly, give you a shot to help me squarely, make a friend and get rid of some vermin cutting into your business. But you decide to try and threaten me and push me around, and let me tell you Mr. Delorno " I do not take well to threats. Against me is fine, because if I vanish your name is on the top of my stack for leads to follow so we'll see who gets the last laugh on that. But you threaten mine, oh no' I will put you and your cronies down. That is a Mach guarantee , understand Danman?" It was a subtle art to sound so threatening while smiling....and all while bluffing to high hell but such was another skill the schmooze had developed over a long and odd career. It also helped when you truly had something to be angry about, a proper emotion to latch on to which just helped sell things so much more than simply imitated outrage.

Blues watched the subtle gambit of emotions that barely registered upon the merchants features, his expression dour as he met the hunters stare with his own amber gaze though it lacked the punchy fire it had held before. After a few uncomfortable moments in that Mexican standoff a meaty hand was finally lifted and flicked twice in gesture to the thugs who suddenly took a step back taking the boiler plate pressure off the schmooze. Mach breathed a little easier though the tension held as he waited to see if all this was just an exercise futility or if he'd actually wormed his way into that golden position of interest yet respect. Delorno was impossible to read as the man just worked his jaw in silence before finally turning, stout form storming off through the doorway into the back. Cobolt gaze followed after the man's retreat, a blink as he now found himself alone with the hired muscle that still stood imposingly around him. An agonizing minute passed in agonizing silence, the schmooze focused on his surroundings for any subtle changes that could be a hint of incoming danger. After the first another would start but halfway through the broadly set man would reappear from the back. He positioned himself before the hunter once more, a meaty digit moving over the counter to deposit a miniature SD card upon the wooden surface. "Upon that card are pictures from individuals I hired to look into a certain....establishment. They have been taken over the past several months....I am sure you may recognize a few as those whom you have apprehended. That should act both as validation to the information which I am selling as well as a boon to said such information."

Mach eyed the SD card with mild interest. It was a better validation than he could have hoped for, physical evidence that even if the place didn't pan out he could still track down associates of those whom he'd already arrested, maybe scratch up more of a lead from there. "Alright, and how much will this cost me?"

"Twenty thousand din and ten thousand silver"

The schmooze kept frosty even in the face of the merchants hard business tone or the cold sticker shock of that price. Meeting that amber gaze he let his own tone grow serious. "How about fifteen din and four silver with the prospect of future work and favor of the current hunter of Rhy'Din....as well as guarantee that your name disappears from any documents of mine."

"Eight din, ten silver, and you expand that guarantee of yours. You will shut down this lot of locust and put an end to it's leader." Delorno gave the hunter a stern look, a moment passing before he continued. "The silver is non-negotiable. It is the currency of this land and the blood of business here. As well, part of it is going to the one who got those pictures for you, before he was 'collected' by those whom you hunt."

Mach's expression thinned at the lack of negotiability of those silver, something he was tight on himself at the moment thanks to his most recent purchase, but at the grim realization made from the merchants words he'd find himself simply nodding."Alright, eight and ten and I'll gladly make sure to put a bullet in whatever bastard is behind all of this."

Delorno eyed the hunter for a long moment, that stern expression holding before finally a thick hand was thrust forward. Mach hesitated for just a moment, apprehension holding him back though he'd push through it as he took that offered hand in a shake. One pump, two, and the merchants features broke into a mad grin once more as he shook the schmoozes hand vigorously. "Good. Good! I expect many positive things being in business with you Mr. Turner, many positive things!"

Mach just held that thin smile as he was jostled by the madsci. "Scratch my back I scratch yours, right' So, what?s this information I've just bought?"

The man released the hunters hand, his grin easing some as he became pensive. "The photos on this driver were all taken around a particular warehouse down in the Docks district, number 1431 off Alucard."

Mach gladly took back his hand appreciatively, blue eyes blue watching the other for a moment waiting for him to continue. That pause stretched out into awkward territory between the two before the schmooze finally broke the silence. "Is....is that all you got?"

"It is a location, yes?" Delorno beamed proudly as he spoke which only displeased Mach more.

"Yeeeaaah, but you don't have anything else? What they're doing there" Why this location is of particular note?"

"The pictures show why it is of import. As for what they are doing it is something I've not had concern to investigate. There is a lot of foot traffic, some vehicular, and that is all I can tell you."

Mach's expression thinned noticeably as the pleasant sheen of this information tarnished before his eyes. "You mean you're giving me blind information...?"

"Not blind, see the photos on the card. As for what is going on it is not something that would concern me over much. Now Mr. Turner, you are not thinking on reneging on our deal?"

He could feel the hard gaze of those bodyguards that still surrounded him, their scrutiny intense. With a mild sigh he'd push that smile once more. "Of course not, just seeing if there was perhaps more than just some questionable associations and a place of unknown import."

Delorno shrugged though his expression stiffened uncomfortable or perhaps even embarrassed. "That is, unfortunately, all that I have learned of this cult besides what you already know. They have been very careful with their dealings and have worked well to avoid over much the wrath of the police and underworld elements here in Rhy'Din. I would imagine it is for that reason that they are still working at what they are plotting rather than being well on way to reveal. Seems not only you are capable of the slow game."

The schmoozes teeth ground in irritation more at the cult than the merchant though this was much more a lead than he had before. If the place proved to be some sort of staging for....whatever they were doing...then he may be able to learn where the main operation was or who the ringleaders of this little farce was. The only, and biggest, problem though was just how little he knew about what he may very well be walking into. He had a chance to get all the answers....or to get shake and baked. Pushing such thoughts to the back burners of his mind he moved now to pull an envelope from his breast pocket which he laid next to the SD card, fingers snagging the little sliver of plastic in exchange. "That's five thousand din, you will receive the rest and the silver crowns in the lock box that the address and key in the envelope indicate. You can retrieve said payment tomorrow after noon."

Stubby fingers shifted to snag the envelop, the paper torn open and the contents inspected casually. "How do I know that I will receive the rest of my payment from you?"

"It's guaranteed by Regi who's holding fifteen K of my silver. This will also give me a chance to review the contents of this card and gets eyes on this warehouse you've mentioned....surely you'd not object to such measures?"

Amber gaze ticked to the hunter mildly, a look back to the envelope before he tucked it away into a lining pocket of his tweed coat with a thin smile. "No, I suppose I do not so long as I do receive my pay." The man's attention turned fully back to the hunter, that smile turning wolfish once more. "Well then, is there any other business that you have" Maybe some potion ingredients while you are here?"

A soft snort escaped Mach as he tucked away that disc. "Nah, not at this time, yeah' Got some let work to do."

"Very well." The merchant bowed his head slightly. "Then I wish you happy huntings and good lucks taking out our mutual thorn, for all our sakes."

A shiver of anger curled through him at those last words, the cryptic meaning loud and clear to him. Not so much a threat as a statement of fact, the very fact that had the schmooze seeking help from such disreputable folks as this one. Turning once more that blue eyes blue gaze would note a lack of thugs behind him, the shadowy figures having quietly returned to looking disinterestedly through the containers of ingredients. He snorted in mild humor as he set off for the door, a wave back offered to the merchant. "Thanks. Good business to you too 'friend.' Later buddies." That wave extended cheerily to the bodyguards just as he stepped through the door and out to the comforts of the dangerous Westend.

A few steps were taken before he breathed a sigh of relief, the anxious tension bleeding from him as he calmed himself down from that high stakes power game he just played. But he survived, and he had a promising if not potentially deadly lead to follow now. It may not have been much, but it was something and it was much better than just waiting for this cult to get so brazen as to attack him directly, or worse to make a gambit for Serah or any of his friends.

Popping his neck he turned now setting off down the sidewalk that would lead him out of that dangerous district, fingers moving to snag his pack of cigarettes. It was only by the chance that he caught the sudden shift of movement from the thin alleyway just off the side of Delorno's Apothecary, his form shift just in time to deaden the power of that punch that clipped his jaw and sent him stumbling back in a flash of pain. "Shit!" Falling back into a fighters stance those blue eyes blue burned on the figure that stepped out of the shadows; a brawny figure taller even than he and built for bruising with a shaved head made ugly by brawling. The man cracked his knuckles as he gazed down dismissively at Mach.

"H-hey man, I ain't looking for trouble yeah' Don't..." Another figure, shorter and leaner than the first with tattooed brows and beard followed the other out of the alley sporting a pair of sappers. A shuffle from behind had the hunter turned his attention back to the two figures that stepped out from the other alley, one wearing a drawn up hoodie and shades while the shortest of the bunch wore a bandanna over his features with black hair slicked back. Damn. Mach knew a lynch mob when he saw one, and the timing of this one seemed just a little too convenient. A cocky snort escaped him as he raised up his fists. "But I guess you lot are, aren't you."

He hardly got off his witty remark when the tattooed one charged in for an easily blocked jab, a counter cut short by the need to leap back so as to avoid a haymaker from the big one. A scuffle of feet behind him proceeded the blunt blossom of pain that jarred him at that kidney shot to the back, the throb pushed through as he continued pivoting just avoiding haymaker from the hooded one who he visited with a sharp jab to the nose for their effort sending them reeling back. The hunter sneered at the contact though the feeling of accomplishment was short lived as his vision flashed white with pain from the uppercut of sappered fists which rocked him, a quick shift of foot work carrying him drunkenly to the side of the large one as he lashed out at him once more, a sucker punch visited to far to hard of obliques as he shuffled again to try and put the large one between himself and the greaser that attempted another sucker punch of their own. This was bad, this was really bad. Unlike in the movies most folks when outnumbered were in a really shitty position as in reality people didn't just queue up for shot at a one-on-one with the challenger. No, the smart money was on mobbing the lone fighter, flank them and attack them from too many vectors in to many different ways than to properly track and wear them down. Sure some master martial artist may well have been able to control such poor odds, turn them to their favor, but Mach knew he was most certainly not one of those. No, his strategy was going to have to be vicious and nasty, and that is exactly what he went for.

Getting behind the large one he let them start to turn before he stepped in, his shoulder lifted to take that sapper fisted hit as he focused his attentions to lifting and stomping a kick to the side of the large ones knee. The man hissed in pain, that controlled turn turning wild as he swung wide to try and drive back the hunter. Mach just growled as he ducked the sweep of that tree trunk like arm, a snap kick connecting that knee once more with only half the power he was hoping to visit as his vision blurred from a straight shot to his ruggedly handsome features. The taste of crimson copper filled his mouth as he stumbled back, sapper hand caught and twisted about as he made his retreat forcing the tattooed one between himself and the other two that were still making quick pursuit. Letting muscle memory take the lead he snapped about quickly, that controlled arm rolled up and over his shoulder. Were this a kinder form of martial art he was in perfect position to throw his opponent over his body letting gravity and momentum batter his enemy until submission....but this was not some spar nor was this a kind martial art. This was U.T.R. Army hand to hand which taught the fastest way to disable an attacking force, and in this case that meant rolling that arm as he be pulled it down hard into his shoulder, using his kneeling form as a fulcrum to drive through the man's elbow and break the joint with a sickening crack and pop.

The man howled in pain as Mach released that floppy arm though the hunters attempt to turn about were dashed as he was sent scrambling by the hooded ones boot to his ribs. Muddling across the ground he caught a hand full of wet dirt which was thrown into the face of greaser driving them back just so the bruiser could send him sprawling across the ground with a kick of their own which connected to his chest. His ribs hurt as he drew in a gasping breath, scrambling as he could to find his footing. Another blossom of pain threatened to rob him of his breath as the hooded man struck out at his core though the move was sloppy bringing them into distance for a swift upper cut with an elbow followed by a sharp cross which just rag dolled the man's head sending him wobbling to the ground. Mach gulped down a breath as he shuffled away from the fallen man, moving just in time to avoid that powerful punch that would have dropped him for sure.

The big one growled angrily as he took another and another swing at the hunter, each one devastating but easy to dodge as he bobbed and weaved as he could, moving to deal a blow here and a kick there to the others elbows and knees. It was idiocy to think you could destroy a joint with a free floating hit without somehow immobilizing the joint. No, the point of these blows was simply to damage and slow. With another kick to the outside of that one focused on knee the large one toppled over, his form rolling away before the hunter could take advantage of that downed state. He moved to make pursuit when a sharp, shrill cry of pain blossomed form his shoulder centered around the knife blade that was driven in by the greaser. Mach gasped as he felt the blade turning, the monkey instinct to try and get away fought against as he pushed forward with that fight instinct, hands grabbing the attackers wrists. There was a jerk of shock as the hunter didn't do the sensible thing but instead held that blade firmly in his shoulder. He dug his fingers into the man's wrist, gouging the joint until they released their hold on the knife with a yelp. Taking the opportunity he pushed forward while still holding the man's arm, the upper forward of his head driven hard into the man's face with a satisfying crunch of bone. The man gurgled as he tripped falling back, his released hands going to his broken face.

Grabbing the blade still buried in his shoulder he yanked it out with an angry growl, the pommel thrust into the throat of the large man that had found his footing once more. The man squeaked from the blow to this wind pipe, hands lifting to his throat which gave the hunter unobstructed access to his legs where that knife was now plunged straight into the ligaments of the one good knee the hulking man had. They wheezed in pain as they fell hard to their knees, hand groping for the blade leaving him in the perfect position for the schmooze to circle around and catch them in a choke hold. From there it was over as he locked and tightened his arms, the man's attempts to pull the hunters arms free in vain due to how swollen and weak their elbows were from the prior working over. Mach ground his teeth as he pulled with all his might until that form finally went slack from lack of oxygen to the brain. He'd hold the man for a moment or two longer before letting his form flop heavily to the ground.

He gasped in air against the pain of his chest, some of the blood in his mouth from that cut spat out in sour ire as he considered what to do with these thugs. This was most certainly not a coincidence, the timing was far to perfect.

A sharp sound would draw the hunters mind back to his surroundings, blues snapping to the slow clap that came from the doorway to the shop which this all took place before. Mach was sure the look he shot Delorno was very displeased though it did little to dim the merchants humor. "Didn't think to help...?" Already he saw those shadowy figures from before as well as a few more pour out from the shop to contain the downed assailants.

At the hunter's caustic tone the merchant simply shrugged. "I had faith that you could handle this lot....or at very least if you could not I doubt you'd have the ability to actually take down the cult so it would have been edifying."

Mach scowled at the madsci. It was sound enough logic but still sort of really assholic to essentially throw him to the wolves and see if he was worthy. "Not yours" Or were they tipped off?" It was a question that had to be asked though really upon further thought it was likely one he should have saved for later.

The merchants grin thinned just a little at the accusation, those bodyguards seeming to ignore the caustic remarks as they focused on looming threateningly over the downed fighters. "Neither. I have no need to go out of my way to test you, your failure or success means little one way or another in the greater scheme of things. If you succeed of course it would be most beneficial to me but it is not an outcome I am expressly invested in. It is good to see though that you seem capable."

Cobalt blue gaze held on the merchant for a moment before he finally just sighed. There really was not need for the man to lie about such and from what Mach could tell the man didn't bother with such social graces if he didn't need to. Mentally checking through the list of pains and complaints that rang in his mind he pulled out a handkerchief and snagged a vial that looked like highlighter ink. He poured some of the liquid on the gaping wound in his shoulder, a hiss escaping him as he now pressed and held that cloth over the wound. Tucking away the vial he proceeded to pull out a small roll of wrap form his belt which he used to quickly tie that his makeshift bandage in place. All of this was down on autopilot as the man considered the assailants, and the implication they posed. If they weren't Delorno's or tipped off by the man then they had to have been following him around and decided it was worth it to jump him after talking to this particular merchant. Of course why they came at him with meat head thugs rather than mages was perplexing and disconcerting in it's own right. There were still just too many questions surrounding all of this.

The schmooze would likely have kept pondering such if not for the mild sound of Delorno as he cleared his throat. "So my friend, what were you planning to do with these thugs" Do you think they'd know anything about the cult which you hunt?" The man spoke in a friendly manner though his tone was unbelieving. Of course if things were par for course the merchant was likely right. The mages whom he'd arrested didn't hold an information about the cult, why would some normie thugs"

"What are you proposing Delorno?" His tone was a little too frank and tired but then he did just get himself beat on by the very same folks whose fate they were discussing.

"I think you should leave these fine folks with me, let me speak with them and see if I learn anything before I get down to business."

Mach considered this a moment, his expression dulling as he connected the dots. "If I wanted to kill them I'd have drawn my gun during that fight."

An aghast look crossed the madsci. "Mr. Turner, have you forgotten my pride" I do not kill, I simply harvest and release."

Something about that sounded worse to the hunter than simply double tapping these bastards in the brain pan. But then again what was he going to do with four more worthless prisoners that likely had no information to speak of? He certainly couldn't call for a pickup right in front of Delorno's shop as that would just raise uncomfortable questions. And if he left them with the madsci he was bound to garner more favor with the man.....though the question really was at what cost' "Just....just how much 'harvesting' are we talking about here?"

The man's grin turned wolfish as he steepled stout fingers. "Enough for them to learn the error of their ways....and to make them not want to cause trouble for me or you ever again."

Mach's jaw ground as he debated both sides of the argument before finally squaring his resolve with a tired sigh. If you danced with the devil...."A gift then....for improved relations in the future?"

"Scratch your back you scratch mine yes?" The couple of conscious thugs that understood that they'd just been sold started to try and drag themselves away in a panic though the shadowy figures before them were quick to grab them and hold them in place despite their pleading words. "Well this certainly will improve our relations Mr. Turner, very much so! I hope to do business with you again.?

He could just hear the self-satisfaction in the merchants words as he turned, yet another wave offered back to the madsci as he worked to push the sounds of panicked struggle out of sight/out of mind. No, he had more important things to focus on. Those faces on the SD card, that location given, and how the hell he hoped not to get himself blown to hell while investigating. All were very pressing questions, far more pressing than the morally gray going on black decision he'd just made as he walked as quickly as he could away from the shop and the frightened cries that slowly vanished into the small storefront.