Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“So, to get to Forzò, we could either pass through Gnorro or Palzo… Do you guys have any preferences?”

Isabeau stood in front of the map on the table, an open notebook next to it. He looked around at you all.

Travelling together is a lot more fun than travelling alone. Planning is easier, and if you're not feeling up to it, someone else can do it for you. You're travelling around Poteria after visiting most of the other's hometowns. Bambouche was cozy and the seafood delicious; Jouvente was big, but Isabeau could navigate in it well; the town you were staying in before your adventure had a library you still had to return some books to; Mirabelle didn't want to go back to her hometown, and you didn't question her about it.

You all decided to travel beyond Dormont, finding Poteria a good start. Siffrin had been there before, though they had no memory of it, and you also had spent a few nights there yourself. Some good, some bad.

“Hm… Palzo sounds familiar…”

Siffrin said from a couch where they rested their head on Mirabelle's shoulder as she crocheted.

“Oh? Good familiar or bad familiar?”

Siffrin looked up and scrunched their nose before shrugging. “Familiar.”

“We should go there! Maybe it'll help jog up some memories, or however you say it.”

Loop added while laying on Siffrin who was leaning on Mirabelle.

Isabeau looked at Siffrin, they continued to watch Mirabelle as she made a scarf, unbothered, but happy to be there.

“Ok, then! Adding Palzo to the list!”

Oh, wait, Palzo? You were so tired from all the travelling that you just registered the name of the town.

“We are not going to be spending a night in Palzo.”

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at you. So many eyes… Too many! You glared at them in the hopes it would intimidate them to look away. Boniface, Isabeau, and Mirabelle fortunately did.

“Mind sharing why with the class, Odile?”

Petronille asked. She wasn't as cold anymore, but she still wanted to be informed of everything. This was great for people who needed to open up more, such as Siffrin, but also terrible for people who needed to open up more, such as yourself.

Personally, you didn't want to share this bit of information about your life. If you could, you'd simply forget about it, but you're not as lucky (or rather, unlucky) as Siffrin.

“Bad memories.” It's a lot more than that, but saying it with so many people present would be detrimental to your mysterious old woman with a dark past aura.

Nobody says anything for a while, until Isabeau proudly exclaims “Gnorro it is, then!” and proceeds to change the topic.

It's only three nights later, when you're watching the campfire on a field in the middle of Forzò and Gnorro that Siffrin emerges from their tent and sits in front of you, beyond the fire.

You acknowledge them with a nod, but otherwise keep looking at the fire until your eyes burn, then you look into the woods and at the fireflies. You're still close to the Vaugardian border, so the vegetation isn't too dissimilar to the one you had gotten used to. Still, it's less windy and quite a bit hotter.

Siffrin looks at the embers in front of you and pokes them with a stick, releasing a few extra sparks. The light is nearly gone, but you have a little candle in the lamp next to you. You don't know whether Siffrin is here because he wants to talk to you or simply because he wants to be in your presence.

“So… We're going to Forzò tomorrow.”

Oh, so it's a talking kind of night.

“Unless you're here to tell me otherwise, then yes.”

“Are you… Looking forward to it?”

Honestly you're just happy to be with them, but you'd never actually say that out loud.

“I've heard they make delicious pastries there.”

“Mhm! And there's a big theater.”

Silence again.

Siffrin isn't one for small talk, especially not at night when they're meant to be resting.

You follow a firefly until its light stops shining. Right, communication time.

“What did you want to talk about?”

Mh. Perhaps you said that a little too harshly. It's quite late, you're a little grumpy during your night shifts. You hope Siffrin remembers.

They don't reply at first, too busy looking up at the sky. After a bit, they look at you.

“Why didn't you want to go to Palzo?”

Ah, yes. That.

“I've been there once, and have some bad memories related to the place.”

Not the whole truth, but it's what you said the other night.

“What kind of bad memories?”

Siffrin looks at you, no judgement in his eyes. Simply concern and friendliness. They’re lucky they're one of the people you don't mind telling.

“Well it's not only bad memories. I also cannot go there anymore.” You shift, pulling one leg up on your log.

Siffrin tilts their head.

“…Long story short, I got exiled.”

“YOU GOT EXILED?!”

You immediately shush them. “Keep your voice down, Siffrin, the others are asleep!!”

“YOU GOT EXILED?!”

They stage-whisper, looking at you with wide eyes and not closing their mouth.

“Yes, yes, I got exiled from Palzo, it happens to everyone, we can move on now”

“Absolutely not, Odile. You have to tell me the story now.”

“No, I do not.” It's not a very fun story, anyways.

“I'll wake the others up.”

“You wouldn't.”

Siffrin takes a deep breath in.

“Alright!! Alright!!! I'll tell you the story, just– Be quiet!”

Siffrin shifts closer to you. You chuckle.

Well, the real story isn't a very fun one, but it's really just the ending that turns sour. You could pretend that it's a fun and entertaining story, one that's actually worth telling.

You put your leg back on the ground and lean forwards a little bit, trying to look more dramatic. You smirk. You put the lamp under your face for dramatic lighting.

“Alright. This story takes place a long time ago, around two decades. I was younger then; bolder, stronger, faster” stupider “and I was running a little low on cash. There weren't many odd jobs that I found interesting in Palzo, but there are other ways to find money in that town.”

You pause and look at Siffrin. Their eyes are beaming and they probably don't even realize how hard they're smiling. For a second you think about how it'd be nice to have the others listening in on the story, just as a fun campfire activity, but then you remember that this is a personal story, and you have your boundaries.

“Do you know what Palzo is well known for, Siffrin?”

You know Siffrin loves audience participation.

“What? What is Palzo well known for?”

You can't remember the last time they were this excited.

“Well, dear Siffrin, in the small town of Palzo, there is one attraction that brings people from all over the world, even as far as Ka Bue, close: a casino.”

Siffrin can barely hold in their excitement. They’re bouncing on their seat and covering their mouth.

“And when you're running low on cash, and there's a casino in the town you're staying in, well…”

Siffrin looks at you with his mouth open. For a second you're worried a bug might fly into it, which would be hilarious.

“Let’s say that I had a few aces up my sleeve.”

He kicks his legs and tries not to scream too loudly.

“You went to a casino and cheated??”

“Oh, no, I would never lie about anything.” You lie. “I went bigger. You see, Siffrin, during my travels, I met a lot of people who helped my research.”

Everybody knew what you were really ‘researching’, but you can be a little dramatic if you want to.

“So I made a lot of connections. Good people, bad people, politicians, defenders, travelers…” You smirk at Siffrin. “Criminals…”

He gasps. “No…”

“Oh, yes. If you're already running low on cash, you shouldn't test your luck by gambling what little you have left in a casino, oh, no. You should go all in.”

Siffrin gets up and jumps in place. Yes. An ultra rare Odile pun. You wait for Siffrin to calm down before continuing your narration.

“I had heard rumors of a ‘life-changing job’ in a bar. Hushed whispers. I used the little money I had left to learn more about this plan. They told me it was risky, they told me I should stay away from it, but… Well, when you're young and down on your luck, you’ll do just about anything. Trust just about anyone.”

You could tell Siffrin was starting to put the pieces together.

“So, I met this person, Mordred, and they decided I was the perfect fit for this job.”

You think about leaving a detail out, but then think about what Siffrin's reaction could be if you decided to reveal it, so you choose to be even more honest.

“‘After all,’ they said, ‘we shared the same blood.’”

Siffrin is so stunned that they don't say anything at first. You're really hoping a bug flies into their open mouth.

“WAS THAT YOUR–”

“Volume, Siffrin.”

“WAS THAT YOUR SIBLING???”

You smirk. “Half sibling.”

Siffrin gets up and paces around the campfire. Worth it.

“So not only could I get some money, I might also have been able to reconnect with family.”

Siffrin makes quiet amazed sounds. You snicker. Oh, you could add another pun here.

“You could say it was an absolute steal.”

Siffrin halts and turns to you, smiling.

“Stop…”

“We were about to commit a heist, after all.”

“Stooop!!!!”

Siffrin jumps in place.

“Alright. Story time over, thank you for coming out here tonight.”

“No, Odile, that's not what I meant pleeeeaaase you have to tell me everything!!!”

You laugh again. It’s just too easy.

“Sure, sit back down and I'll continue the tale.” You bring the lamp closer to your face.

Siffrin scrambles to a log and sits down, eye focused on you and mouth shut. They're really interested in this story, huh?

Actually, you wonder how he thinks it went... He's always been a good storyteller, but he'd never admit it. You've seen him reading stories to Boniface on particularly bad nights, you remember the intonation to their words. Recently, they've started giving you their takes on certain plays. They've criticized plot points they wern't fond of and even proposed alternative endings to some theatrical shows.

You really do wonder how Siffrin would have told this story...

Chapter Text

Illustration by shad0wheart

Cast:

ODILE as herself

SIFFRIN as MORDRED

Act 1, scene 1

INT, DAY, Tavern

ODILE is eating alone on a table in the middle of the stage. She is writing something on a notebook and counting a few coins on the table. She looks a bit stressed.

Enter MORDRED stage left. They pretend to look around the tavern, but keep their eyes on ODILE. When they reach her table, they put their hand on the empty seat in front of ODILE.

MORDRED 

Is this seat taken?

ODILE looks up from her meal and quickly closes the book with the coins inside. She chews on her food and swallows before saying anything. MORDRED takes a look at the front of the notebook and looks at ODILE, gasping.

MORDRED 

That surname… It can’t be!

ODILE looks at them confused, MORDRED smiles widely and grabs both her hands to shake.

MORDRED 

Oh, I've spent so long searching for you! How lucky I am to have found you in the best tavern around! We have so much catching up to do, so many st–

ODILE pulls her hands away and side eyes MORDRED.

ODILE

Excuse me, I am not used to such… Enthusiasm… Are you from Vaugarde? You speak the language, and people in Poteria aren't as typically as open.

MORDRED 

Aha! Caught so fast! Right, right, where are my manners, sorry, the name's Mordred, but you can call me Morty!

They put their hand out for ODILE to shake. She doesn't take it.

ODILE

And… Should I know who you are?

MORDRED 

Should you know who I am? Why, Madame, don't you recognize me?

ODILE (beat)

Oh, Gems, have we met before? I am terribly sorry–

MORDRED 

Pffwahaha!!! Madame, don't worry!! We've never met before, but I've good reason to believe that I have something you need…

ODILE looks suddenly interested in the conversation. She slowly shakes their hand.

ODILE

You don’t mean that…

MORDRED

A traveller from Ka Bue using a Vaugardian name in the search of a Family Tale… You don't see that everyday.

ODILE

Do you have one? A–A Family tale, that is.

MORDRED 

Unfortunately not... I believe we're both missing one for the same reason. But that's not why I came to talk to you… If the surname on that notebook is anything to go by, then I can say that we are half-siblings quite confidently!

ODILE leans back in her chair, shocked. Then she leans back towards MORDRED and raises an eyebrow.

ODILE

How would my father's surname let you know that?

MORDRED 

Um!! Well!!! Ah! Of course! Our mother was quite the traveller! She had a notebook with a list of surnames, and it just so happens that the one on your notebook matches the one I've read on it! If my theory is correct, then…

ODILE (shocked)

… A list? How long is that list?

MORDRED 

I don't have to answer that question, Madame!

ODILE leans back down on her chair and puts a hand on her forehead, mumbling.

MORDRED (CONT)

But I'm not here to talk about that! The past is in the past! You, however, seem to be in a tight spot.

MORDRED opens ODILE's notebook, revealing a few coins between the pages. MORDRED grabs one and ODILE immediately reaches for it defensively. She grabs it out of their hand and puts it in her bag. She packs up the rest of her items and gets up.

ODILE (while packing up)

So you're a liar and a thief? I should have known better.

MORDRED 

Come on, it's just a bit of sibling rivalry! Half sibling rivalry!

ODILE

You don't know me.

ODILE starts to walk away quickly, MORDRED sits down and gets comfortable.

MORDRED 

Are you really going to leave without finishing your meal? Or hearing me out? I have an offer you can't refuse, y'know?

ODILE exits stage right. MORDRED is left alone. They look at where she left and sigh. They tap their foot a couple times, glancing at the half-finished meal occasionally. They take a deep breath in and hold it for a couple seconds. Then let go of the breath and reach for the fork, grabbing a large bite and…

ODILE

What do you mean with an offer I can't refuse?

MORDRED quickly takes the fork out of their mouth, looks away from ODILE while holding a finger up, chews a few times and swallows. They don't turn around straight away.

MORDRED (turned away)

Dramatic pause…

ODILE looks at the audience, mockingly mouthing ‘dramatic pause’. MORDRED turns around with a twirl and ODILE looks back at them.

MORDRED 

WHY YES! THE OFFER! THAT YOU CAN’T REFUSE! IT IS PERHAPS MORE APPROPRIATE THAT I LOWER MY VOICE FOR THIS

ODILE

…Yes, perhaps…

MORDRED sits normally and gestures for ODILE to sit as well. She does, letting her bag down and looking at her plate and fork like something's missing.

MORDRED 

So. The offer.

ODILE

So. The offer.

MORDRED 

There's a reason why you're in this town specifically, isn’t there?

ODILE

It's the fastest route to Vaugarde?

MORDRED 

Well, yes, but there's other towns you can pass. Besides, you must know what Palzo is famous for, yes?

ODILE

Um… (she looks down at her meal) fried cod?

MORDRED 

Madame, we barely know each other and you're already killing me… THE CASINO!!! THE BIG ONE!!! WITH THE FOUNTAIN!!! UP THE HILL!!!

ODILE

…There's a casino?

MORDRED leans over to ODILE slowly and grabs her by the collar, a beat later they shake her around.

MORDRED 

HOW CAN YOU NOT KNOW OF THE CASINO MADAME THAT’S LIKE THE ONLY THING PALZO IS KNOWN FOR

ODILE grabs MORDRED's hands and they stop shaking her around.

ODILE

I wasn't planning on staying here long…

MORDRED 

But where will you go if you have no money?

ODILE

I’ll… Find a way.

MORDRED (serious)

I think you'll find that my offer is the best way to make a lot of cash very quickly.

ODILE is taken aback by MORDRED ‘s sudden mood shift. She leans in and looks at them seriously. MORDRED smirks.

MORDRED 

I've been planning this heist for a couple of months now. Only a few very trusted people know of it. I need one person to complete my team, and you're perfect for the position. The owner of this casino is Ka Buan, you see, and…

ODILE

You want me to talk to the owner? Are you out of your mind?

MORDRED 

Not what I said! I was actually going to say that I need your help deciphering some of the owner's safety notes… It's difficult to come across let alone trust travellers with information like this.

MORDRED pulls a folder out of their bag, ODILE looks at it, but MORTY takes it away and back into the bag.

MORDRED 

Ah, ah, ah! You still haven't told me whether you're on board or not!

ODILE taps her fingers against the table and thinks for a moment.

ODILE

How many other people are in this operation?

MORDRED 

That is not information I'll give you, yet, but they're very trusted folks.

ODILE is not convinced.

MORDRED 

Madame, remember. We're family. You wouldn't turn away from family, right?

ODILE taps her fingers even faster. After a few seconds, she extends her arm for MORDRED to shake, which they do.

MORDRED 

You're making the right choice, Madame… I'm sorry, I can't believe I still haven't gotten your name.

ODILE

Odile. My name is Odile. So, who else are we working with?

MORDRED 

Getting straight to it, eh? I like it!!! Alright. I can't tell you all the details right now, but there's two other people in this operation. The first person is Charlie, our getaway driver. He's a large strong man with a carriage big enough to carry us and the money we'll steal.

ISABEAU

Madame? Sif? What are you two doing up so late?

Chapter Text

“Isa!!!” Siffrin leaps out of their seat. “Isa, Isa, Isa!!!”

“Sif!!? Sif, Sif, Sif?”

“Odile is telling me the story of how she stole from a casino and got exiled from Palzo!”

Isabeau makes a noise you've never heard him make before. It’s somewhere between a horse neigh and a squeaking seagull. Perhaps a honk?

“Storytime??? Without me??? Madame… How could you…”

“It's not my fault if you didn't ask why I didn't want to go to Palzo.”

“This is where my kind heart leads me…” He shakes his head.

Siffrin walks back down to the log he was sitting on. “So, basically, when she was younger, Odile got accepted into a heist group to rob a casino, and guess what? Her half-sibling was there.”

He pats the empty spot next to him. Isabeau follows and sits down next to them, turning to you.

“No crabbing way.”

…

Sigh. Isabeau is lucky to be another person you trust enough to hear this story.

“...Yes crabbing way. Said half-sibling, Mordred, was the leader of our group. I was just about to tell Siffrin who else was in on the heist.”

“Oh, crab, I should have brought snacks.”

“You can still go and get some… But I'll continue telling the story without you.”

You watch Isabeau shift in his seat and bite his lips, trying to decide what to do. Eventually, he settles down.

“Snacks past bedtime make my tummy hurt, and this is a once in a lifetime experience I have to savor every bit of it.”

“So it's you, Morty, Charlie the driver, and who else?”

Ah, right. Back to your story. You bring the lamp back to your face to have more dramatic lighting. Isabeau's face fills with wonder and Siffrin looks at him and giggles.

“There was one last person on our little team. She was even taller than Charlie and insisted on wearing a long trenchcoat despite the formal requirements of the casino.”

“Going against the dress-code of a casino? She really was a criminal!”

“Isn’t a trenchcoat also, like, one of the most suspicious outfits?”

…Both statements are correct. You shrug.

“She simply wanted to be known as B.P. so I can't tell you much about her. She was the muscle of the operation. Kind of there to do what the smarter people told her to do.”

"Wait, what were you wearing then? Something casino-appropriate I hope..."

“Does a backless midshade dress with a darkless belt sound casino-appropriate enough to you, Isabeau?”

“With heels?”

“With heels.”

“Mmh… Could be better, but it is casino appropriate.”

Illustration by valictini

“Get to the story!!!”

“That’s what I was trying to do before the fashion police came to interrogate me.”

“Right, right, sorry... So that was it? That was your whole team?”

“Well, if you're committing a crime such as a heist, the less you are the better.”

“Hmm… Yeah, makes sense. The more you are the more suspicious you are, right?”

“Correct.”

“That's why we can't commit any crimes. There's seven of us!”

“Totally. It's not like we have morals or anything.”

“You can morally commit a crime…”

“Hmm… Well… I guess you're right? Still, there's many systems in place to help people who would commit a crime out of necessity to… not commit a crime out of necessity?”

“Well, yeah, in Vaugarde, but it's not like that everywhere!”

“...Are you saying we're gonna be criminals, Sif?”

“...You just stole the words out of my mouth, Isa”

Isabeau barks a laugh. Siffrin smirks at him. You silently watch.

“Well, guess you'll have to teach me how to be a criminal, Sif…”

“I–I've never committed a crime! Ever!”

“...For stealing my heart…”

Siffrin blinks, giggles, covers their face, and playfully kicks Isabeau. He answers by blowing them a kiss. Ah, young love.

…

They suddenly remember you're also there.

“So, um.” Isabeau quickly shifts back to his seat, Siffrin fixes their cloak and looks away. “Storytime?”

“Yes, Storytime.”

You bring the lantern back under your chin. Your two audience members lean forwards.

“On the day of the heist, Charlie accompanied Mordred and I to the casino.”

“What about B.P.?”

You squint at Isabeau. So does Siffrin.

“Would you like to tell the story yourself, Isabeau?”

“N–No! I was just wondering–”

“Good. Then be patient and listen.”

Isabeau closes his mouth and nods. You clear your throat.

…

It would actually be very interesting to hear Isabeau tell this story… You've seen him play cards a few times, and his taste in books is… Rather interesting…

You continue telling the story while wondering how Isabeau would tell it.

Chapter Text

The date was set. The plan had been made. The heist was officially on.

The casino stood tall and mighty, a large crafted fountain stood right in front of the entrance as if inviting people into a mysterious and rich land, like a waterfall hiding hidden treasure. Not too far off, the running steps of a horse thrummed against the rocky road, dragging a large cloud of dust up into the sky. Whip! A long rope slammed against the ground right next to the horse. It neighed, galloping along its path at a steady pace. The horse ran with a purpose. The carriage it dragged was sturdy, simple, and elegant. It was used, any bumps or scratches it accumulated throughout the years had been painted over for the occasion. The Sun had already set, but the sky was still somewhat illuminated, enough for the carriage passenger to read a map without the need for a candlelight. Well… Read is a strong word. She was revising the layout of the casino she would soon find herself in.

“Hey, Didi, you remember the plan?” A voice called from behind her. She folded the map and turned her head around with a determined nod. The passenger's eyes met the ones of that voice.

“It's perfectly clear, Morty.” Didi replied. She looked out of the window and saw the bright building getting larger and larger, or perhaps the carriage was simply getting closer and closer? It was probably the latter, since the horse started to slow down its pace and the whip whistled.

There was a large plaza in front of the casino, a rocky road surrounding the large fountain in the middle. There were a few carts at the entrance, people dressed to the nines carefully stepping off of their luxurious rides and stepping into the palace of sin. The carriage Didi and Morty were riding in didn't stop at the entrance, though. It took a side road, away from the spotlight and reflectors. The rocks on the ground were uneven, and the ride suddenly became incredibly unpleasant.

“Aren't we far enough already, Char?” Complained the lead of the operation, suddenly regretting having made the choice of sitting next to the whip, with no cushion or other protection from the solid wood they were sitting on. Sitting being a strong word, given the fact that the bumpy road made it hard for them to stay still.

The whip, Char, didn't even look at Morty. He squinted at the dark road ahead, trying not to drive right into the foliage. The cargo he was carrying was precious after all, and it would become even more precious on the way back.

“No way, Morty. We are right in view of the main plaza, someone's gonna find me soon and get suspicious. I am not running that risk again. Last time was the last time.” He directed the horse to the right, ducking so as to avoid a low hanging branch he could barely see which hit Morty square in the face. They were officially going off-road now, finding a very uncomfortable place behind a tall bush.

Morty rolled their eyes and turned back to Didi in the passenger seat. “Don't worry about Char, he says all sorts of funny stuff.” Didi didn't answer, mostly because she didn't hear what he had said due to the rocky road.

The carriage stopped and the trio was quiet. They could hear crickets and distant laughter and music. From their position, they could see some of the lights of the casino moving around the sky, inviting people from all over to come and try their luck.

“Right, then, are we ready?” Morty, the leader of the operation, asked. They looked at Didi as if giving her a chance out, but they all knew that there was no turning around now. She nodded and took off the cover around her legs, quickly folding it and placing it on the seat in front of her. She got up and went towards the door. As she reached for the handle, it swung open, Morty standing in front of her, one hand holding the door open and the other reaching out to help Didi get down from the carriage.

“I didn't know criminals had manners.” She took the hand and got off the ride.

“Just getting in character, Didi.” They smirked, bowing their head. The two of them giggled.

“Help for the lady you met two weeks ago and nothing for your best friend and partner in crime of three years? You hurt me, Morty…” Char said, hopping down from their seat and going to his horse. “At least I can count on you, Beatrice.” He patted the horse on the snout and on the body. “You'd never leave me for a stranger.”

“First of all, Char, Didi is my half-sibling, so not a stranger. Second of all,” Morty dramatically put a hand on their chest. “having to leave you once again pains me more than you can think.” Didi rolled her eyes. She hadn't known Char for very long, but she was glad he wasn't going to participate in the heist.

“How much time is the operation going to take this time? Three hours?”

“Three– Char! It's going to take an hour and a half at worst!!”

“Uh huh, just like last time was only going to take twenty minutes and then I spent an entire HOUR twiddling my thumbs with Beatrice, and she doesn't even have thumbs!”

“And can you blame me for the fact that your carriage was so far away? Truly, if you had only parked a little closer, then–”

“Oh, so suddenly it's my fault you decided to–”

“If you keep bickering like this the operation will take four hours and a half.”

“DIDI!!!” Morty shot Didi a glance. Char smirked and pushed Morty on the shoulder.

“Yeah, listen to your half-sibling and get a move on, will ya?” Morty frowned at Char and grabbed his collar, dragging him towards the road they came from. “Woah– hey–”

“You're coming with to see how far away we are.”

“Morty!!! You know Beatrice hates being left alone–” They weren't listening. They kept dragging Char along with them on the road, leaving Didi behind. She stood there for a moment, then awkwardly pet Beatrice, the horse.

“Good… Girl?” The horse neighed in contempt. Didi then followed the other two on the side road, hoping the horse wouldn't mind being alone for a few minutes.

Her high heels were definitely not made for rocky terrain and she cursed under her breath at every step. She considered taking off her shoes, if only to catch up to Char and Morty, but advised against it, since they were quite close to the casino. She didn't even bother listening in on their conversation, she was too busy revising the plan.

Step 1. Arrive at the casino with Char and Morty. Done,

Step 2. Meet up with B.P. who was already there,

Step 3. Wait until the changing of the guards on the left wing,

Step 4. Sneak through the employee only area and find the vault,

Step 5a. Didi distracts the Ka Buan guards into a separate room,

Step 5b. B.P. secures the area around the vault to avoid unwanted guests,

Step 5c. Morty places explosives on the vault,

Step 6. Kaboom,

Step 7. Morty steals as much as they can with B.P.’s help,

Step 8. They all leave the casino, Morty gets 50% of the money, Didi and B.P. get 20%, and Char gets 10%,

Step 9. Everyone goes home, happily ever after.

…

Didi couldn't help but feel there was a missing extra step, but she paid it no mind. It was too late to turn back now, anyways.

The trio had almost made it out of the small forest surrounding the casino. They had to don their masks and pretend to be regular casino patrons soon.

“How long was that? 5 minutes?” Morty half whispered. “When we get out– And you'll know when we get out, you better be here and ready to help us get the money in the carriage so we can get the crab out of here, alright? Don't you dare get deeper into the forest.” Morty let go of Char and pointed towards the large building, hand leaving the cover of the trees. “The casino entrance, if you haven't noticed yet, is another good distance away from here! So don't criticize me for being a little late on the timetable, ok?”

Char didn't reply. He scowled at Morty and rolled his eyes. “Fine. Just try to be quick.” He shoved Morty off of himself and started to walk back to his carriage, then he stopped and turned his face to look at Didi. “...And good luck.” He murmured something under his breath and continued walking, disappearing behind a bush.

Morty fixed their collar and clicked their tongue. “Change, can you believe that guy? I'm glad he's not coming on the heist with us…” Didi didn't say anything. Morty knew that they looked untrustworthy at that moment. “Hey, don't worry about what he was talking about, Char's just… Jealous that I never let him come to the missions, but… You see how he is, right?”

Didi looked at the bushes Char had disappeared behind. “…Sure. Now come on, B.P. must be waiting for us inside.”

Morty looked at her for a second, an expressionless look on their face, then they smirked. “Right. I like you, Didi.” They stepped out into the plaza, Didi following behind them.

The closer they got to the casino, the clearer their silhouettes became and the brighter their fake smiles. They stood in front of the entrance for a brief second, patrons walking into the casino to their left and to their right. They looked at each other and nodded, finally taking the first step.

‘MORTY’ - Mordred - The leader. They/Them

They walked through the casino confidently like the house was home to them. They wore dark dress shoes, their darkless socks were mostly covered by long dark pants that hugged around their thigh. Their waist was decorated by a darker belt, the buckle reflecting the lights of the casino. They wore a simple collared shirt without a tie, the last two buttons left loose to reveal their neck. A blazer of the same shade as their pants clung to their broad shoulders, and a pair of tight darkless gloves adorned their fingers. On their head, neat cornrows slipped out of Mordred's dark fedora.

‘DIDI’ - Odile - The linguist. She/her

She followed behind Morty, walking in an unknown and loud territory, but knowing not to get distracted. She wasn't wearing any socks, and her long mid-shade dress would have dragged on the floor were it not for her lightless high heels. The dress was backless, a darkless belt hugging her waist; it reached up to her neck and stopped just under her chin. Her shoulders were bare, a statement that could not be said about her forearms and hands, which were covered by long gloves. She wasn't wearing any jewelry, safe for the metal flower brooch which kept half of her hair up, her bangs resting around her face and rectangle glasses framing slim eyes.

They walked around the casino in search of their third heist partner.

They did one round of the casino with no luck.

They did another round and again, no dice.

“Hey, Morty, when were we supposed to meet up with B.P. again?”

They glanced up at a large clock. “5 minutes ago.” They tapped their foot, eyes darting around the hall.

“We were meant to meet near the blackjack tables, correct?”

“Yeah, yeah, we were, but I can't see her anywhere. I hope this isn't a bust.” They brought their hand up to their mouth and bit the tips of their glove.

Where was B.P.?

“Shh, be quiet they're gonna know we're here!!!”

Morty's face froze and they looked over at the slot machines. Didi followed their eyes and, sure enough…

‘B.P.’ - ??? - The muscle. She/they

An average-height clumsy person stood in front of one of the slot machines, fumbling with a few coins and chips and looking at the screen duo. She was wearing… Well she was wearing a trenchcoat. Not a particularly fancy one, either. It seemed ill-fitting on them, grazing just above a pair of dress shoes. Their hair wasn't even in a particularly elegant style, a low ponytail brushing their shoulders. It looked like the only crime she would commit would be a dress code violation.

The fact that B.P.’s face looked an awful lot like Pétronille's was definitely just a coincidence.

Wait a minute.

“Pétronille???”