14602/Thanks for all the help

Thanks for all the help
Date of Scene:	15 November 2022
Location:	Fred's Diner - Mutant Town
Synopsis:	Shredder gives a nod of thanks to Nick, unaware that he is Phantasm
Cast of Characters:	Phantasm (Drago), Shredder

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Nick Drago has posed:
One of the best thing about diners is the hours in which they are open. It is a pleasant assurance that regardless of the time of day, there is a hot meal available somewhere. This is a great thing for those who have to work extremely odd hours, or for some other, not to be detailed here, reasons, have to dine outside of the normal hours.

Case in point is one Nick Drago. Now that things have settled down with certain organizations, he's in the process of trying to get some semblance of a normal life back. An appearance here. A take out order there. And right now, a warm meal, by himself in the corner of the diner.

Babysteps.

Although, considering the sizable list that's currently being worked through in the cooking area, there's apparently a number of persons who know where he is right now.

The food is simple fare. A sandwich and a cup of soup. Healthy comfort food to pass the time. Before him a newspaper rests on the part of the table not currently occupied by a plate, open to the front page. Seems like he's just getting started.

Shredder has posed:
Mutants and humans alike come in this diner, and indeed, someone has noticed. It isn't long before a young woman with Japanese descent arrives. She's small, thin and muscled, and carries herself with a presence that would be fitting of someone twice her size. A silver sweater hides most of her form on top, and black leggings cover her legs. A red scarf is around her neck.

Unlike most people, she doesn't go to place an order, though Without hesitation, she walks directly toward Nick's table, and sits down at it as if she was expected. "Mr. Drago," she greets casually with a certain businesslike tone.

Nick Drago has posed:
As the shadow of a figure casts down upon the white of the newspaper spread out before him. The seated man's hand is in the process of taking the spoon over to the soup. The lady's voice speaking up causes for the hand to pull back. Spoon still in hand as he looks up. The musician looks to his newly found companion. An assessment of the view of the restaurant behind her confirms she's the only one that entered in. Likely not a fan. But also not trying to shoot him in the face like the other guy so, for the time being. Neutral.

"Hello." Nick greets, "And what is your name?"

Shredder has posed:
"I'm Karai," she says plainly, folding her hands in front of her on the table. "My master has sent me to request your presence. He has something to share with you. I believe you're familiar with him, The Shredder." A couple of people in the diner seem to perk at that name, but quickly go back to their own business. One calls for his check.

Nick Drago has posed:
To the mention of the name, Nick's head tilts. The spoon in hand never quite sets back down. Getting a general sense of prying eyes causes for him to stay silent for a few moments before the tables settle down. "I've heard of him." Nick allows, "But I'm unsure why he'd wish to see me. I didn't quite picture him as the rock/metal scene type."

Heh. Metal.

"...Is this a request or more a demand?"

Shredder has posed:
Karai arches her brow, not seeming to take the humor in the comment. "It's a request that you should probably not slight. Do not worry, he is not upset with you. You've done him a favor, though you may not be aware of it." She gets up. "Would you follow me to meet him?" she asks.

Nick Drago has posed:
A request you should probably not slight. In other words...

A demand.

The hands lift up, spoon displayed in mock surrender. "Alright. But be advised that I do have people waiting on me so if I'm not back with their stuff in a reasonable amount of time, that might cause for some headaches. For the both of us."

Setting the spoon down on the table, Nick fishes out several bills. Once they are placed on the table, he proceeds to scoot out.

To the diner's credit, the large to go order appears to have been halted in the preparation process, seemingly expecting the delay to take some time.

Shredder has posed:
Karai nods, and walks out the door. She leads to a location not far away. Maybe a block or so. In the lights of the evening city, she stops at the Bushwick Mutant Heritage Center. An odd spot perhaps, unless one knows that the Foot uses this as a reporting center for the locals who want rescue from mutant persecution. If a mutant has trouble, they come here to ask for help from "the Family". She unlocks the door, and opens it for Nick.

Nick Drago has posed:
Having established himself NOT to be a dine and dasher and giving sufficient warning to what problems a delay may incur, the musician follows along. He's about as conversational as his guide, seeming more interested in observing the area he's being led through. Pale eyes look to the opened door. The knit capped man gives a small nod before stepping inside. Nick's posture seems relaxed. But his eyes are more focused, taking in his surroundings and making inventory of what is not bolted down. Considering the last encounter on Shredder's turf, he's not certain powers are going to be an option if this presumed cordial meeting turns sour.

Shredder has posed:
Inside the after hours security lights still dimly light the space, and Karai passes through after him. It isn't far from there to see the leader of the Foot Clan. Shredders tands there in his armor, though his tekko-kagi claws are not presently on his hands.

"Mr. Drago," he says, standing amongst the mutant history displays. "I'm pleased you could make it. I wanted to give you my appreciation in person. I understand you've recently had some entanglements with some rather unpleasant vampires. I too have had my business upset by them, and though you were not contracted by me, I believe you've earned some reward for your efforts."

Nick Drago has posed:
When the leader comes into view. Nick slows to a stop. While within a reasonable distance to have a conversation. There's a general presence of mind not to be within arms reach of a man who wears cutlery all over his person.

He listens quietly to Shredder's explanation for having him brought over and it is at this point Nick has a lot of concerns running through his head. There has only been one encounter he recalls that involved Shredder and vampires at the same time. That was in the subway when some kids were being attacked. Nick was very much masked at the time for that one. That was awhile ago. Could Shre-

No. It had to be simpler than that. Something more recent than that. Something lik-

It may have taken a moment but the recollection lights upon Nick's features.

A rival clan. Yi's people were expecting a rival clan. "...I see." Nick responds, "Well, this explains some matters."

Shredder has posed:
"Does it? You have shown a remarkable level of aptitude for something that has been a great difficulty for my students. I have heard rumors of your father," he confesses. "That he was lost to the Punisher. I've had dealings with him myself. Frank Castle is a somewhat competent man with a remarkable penchant for survival. My offer of thanks is this. Should you ever desire to pursue him, I will give you aid in your endeavor," he offers. "And should you need assistance in another venture instead, you may come to the Foot for assistance."

Nick Drago has posed:
"I feel like you may be giving me more credit than I deserve." Nick responds, "But the thought is appreciated." He pauses, considering. "Their behavior was a little irregular." Nick allows, "That they might have been in your sights at the time would explain what I observed."

Brows lift to the mention of his father and of Frank's involvement with his elimination. The offer to help with a course of vengeance against the Punisher ends up furthering the surprise. There is no hiding the response as Nick shakes his head side to side to that. "Going after the Punisher. Now, that would be folly." He shakes his head again. "It would make more sense to leave that be. But- I will keep the offer of assistance in mind. It has been an odd year. Thank you."

Shredder has posed:
Shredder gives a dismissive hand. "He's made the mistake of crossing me previously. Those who know me also understand that my shinobi are my family. Those who kill them face permanent consequences. The only underestimation I've made of Frank Castle is that he seems to have the willpower to survive rather decisively mortal wounds." He paces patiently toward a display that highlights the unity that Bushwick prizes for mutant pride, and studies it as he continues. "He lacks something which is critical for any success. The Punisher lacks family. He lacks community. He believes that he can singularly affect the environment through sheer rage and brute force. Yet despite how long he's survived, the things he wishes to stop continue. The crimes he hates have been uncurbed by his vigor or hate."

The armored master turns back toward Nick. "In one year I did more to bring control to the underworld of New York City than he has in his entire life. More than most of the heroes in this city have done in their entire lives. I did that because I worked with my family. The Foot is not a band of ruffians. They are built on the love they have for each other. The drive to protect those they love. You had allies I know in your recent struggles, but do you have a true family to stand by you?"

Nick Drago has posed:
Nick's eyes look to the display for a moment, the comments regarding Punisher lacking family gets a tilt of the head. "Family is a strong motivator. The presence of it. The desire to protect it. And the rage that comes from the loss of it. His loss is what stokes that fire."

The response to Shredder's question about true family still gets a pause. "The family I was born with is either dead or have long since abandoned me." There's a slight uptilt to the lips as he thinks of a few people, "But I have found brothers."

Shredder has posed:
Shredder takes in this information quietly and patiently, not responding for several seconds. While most of his face is hidden, his steel eyes show a thoughtful consideration. "It is good for you to have those. Should you find a time that they are not sufficient, or are in need, know that the Foot Clan is an avenue open to you. I believe I've kept you from your dinner long enough."

Nick Drago has posed:
Nick nods in agreement to the value placed in the stated brothers. There is indeed a lot of value in them and like with his mom, it hurts greatly when he loses one. Brothers. Life savers.

The reminder to the offer of help from the group gets a slight bow to the head. Whether that's the proper response in this setting is up in the air, but it feels right for the time being. "Thank you."

There's a pause. It is a rare occasion to have the leader of a crime organization present and speaking in such a cordial manner. It feels like there should be something else to be asked but the thoughts run blank. Or perhaps it's because most of the encounters that might result in questions had him wearing a mask. And on the off chance they don't know that the masked guy who came to help retrieve Skye and the one at Yi's place are the same, why confirm it.

"Thank you." Nick repeats.