Curse Your Sudden but Inevitable Betrayal

I'm afraid nothing looks good from here. Not anymore.


This is a notice addressing those associated with the Free Market and operating within the confines of the New York Division. To a much lesser extent, this notice is also addressing associates of the Free Market in a more global sense as the far reaching ramifications of these events are yet unknown.

As previously reported in my personal operations blog, there was an incident just outside of Austin, Texas shortly after midnight. Someone aided the escape of Picasso and Moth and slaughtered 8 hollows and 2 agents in the process. 

There is, however, no more need to wonder about who helped them escape. An ungrateful party among those rescued let the cat out of the bag.

It was 'Nee-chan' and 'Theta', foot soldiers of what remains of the New York Division of the Bureaucracy and by extension we must assume responsibility for their actions falls upon their handler, Tempest, or the mad man behind the curtain, Justice.

Were the NYD's actions justified? 

I will admit the NYD expressed great disdain over the services we were providing within the NYD's territory when they first realized the Free Market's influence had spread to them. But you have to understand, we thought the Bureaucracy was dead. I was both thrilled and horrified to find Father's little Angel of Death had left entire cells alive and operational. Untouched even. So I negotiated a little exchange of information with Tempest to ensure they would know of my dealings within their region in case any of them proved pertinent and so I could know of their field operations to avoid any nasty little mishaps like sending two agents to deal with one threat.

I also understand they were rather cross about me bringing David's status to light. How was I to know they had no idea David had gone rogue? You think they might have noticed that. So I once again apologized and offered to let them sit in on my next meeting with David. Tempest politely declined my invitation to spend the afternoon with a rapist.

And maybe, just maybe, all this has something to do with my personal request to have a camera observe TE-119H on the extremely off chance that she might some day wake up out of my own personal silent hope that the data collected from that process might give us the insight we need to help reawaken other hollows.

But I can't imagine that has anything to do with his. I mean, after I brought the question before Justice and he declined, he informed me that if I wanted to be trusted I would need to show some respect and back off. And I did and I can't imagine for a second that this is JUSTICE'S way of showing me mutual TRUST and RESPECT after I so kindly backed down.

So once more, were the NYD's actions Justified?

As Picasso likes to say:

NO, NO! FUCK NO! NEVER EVER EVER, NO! GO FUCK YOURSELF WITH A TREE TRUNK AND DIE!


So to those of you who have become dependent on the Free Market and are unfortunate enough to be operating within the NYD's influence, I urge you to move. Should you find yourself unable or otherwise unwilling to do so and insist on continuing your operation where you are, I feel for you and regret the potential harm your association with the Free Market may be bringing down on you. In light of this, such brave souls will be receiving a slight monetary bonus for assignments completed in the NYD's region until these hostilities can be sorted.

For everyone else associated with the Free Market, I issue caution. While the NYD's influence covers only a small chunk of the USA, they attacked us in Texas. That's a good seven states away from home for them and as this attack came with no threats, demands, or warning, there is no way to know what they may be planning. You are all at risk.

That said, both Justice and I are incredibly reasonable and sane adults who are more than capable of sorting this out without the need for further bloodshed. I once again apologize to all of you and I promise this whole conflict will be put to rest, shortly.

Fracture out.

Where are they now?: David Banks Part 2

Dawn of the David. 
The Davening. 
David's Day Off! 
Look whose David now!
Three Men and a David. 
A Song of Fire and David. 
David Who. 
The Good, the Bad, and the David. 
My Little David: Rape is Magic.

I think that last one might be my favorite. I should have enslaved myself to the Wooden Girl. She runs a TV channel. I think I would have made for a great producer or director.

Not that she'd let me make any decisions. Real catch 22 that one.

In all seriousness though, we do have a little something special for you tonight. Another interview with David. 

As I explained last time, David's gone rogue. He's out there in the streets. But why? I sent Sloth to see if the moron couldn't persuade David to come back to us but Sloth had very little success. Worse yet, Sloth survived their little talk. It was a waste of time all around.

So this time we sent someone far more confident and capable. That is to say, we sent me.

And why not? I was invited to after all.

"If Fracture ever wants to talk to me himself, he knows where I am."

            -David Banks

So without further ado, I present to you 'My Little David: Rape is Magic'. Act 1 of 1.

So I called David and arranged a meeting at my favorite little cafe. My little slice of heaven away from home by the name of 'Bitter Stuff'. Gotta love a place with a sense of humor. That said, I almost never get a coffee... and when I do I bring my own creamer.

I arrived first, sat down, ordered myself a tea and patiently waited for David to arrive while I modified my tea with various things from home. I almost didn't notice David when he came in.

He was handsome and radiant as ever, which always surprises me. Especially now considering his age, his recent change in life style, and of course... what he recently lost. Although I would expect nothing less of David Fucking Banks. Living legend for a reason.

He came in and immediately sat down in front of me. Kind of hard to miss the guy in the lab coat in an empty cafe I guess.

[David]
"I assume you're who I'm looking for."

[Fracture/Me]
"I believe so. Mr. Banks I presume?"

[David]
"That's me. Good to finally meet you Fracture."

[Fracture/Me]
"I couldn't imagine so but I'll take your word for it. It's good to finally meet you Mr. Banks. A living legend in the flesh."

And with that I extended a hand out to shake with Mr. Banks and he extended a hand in kind. He has quite a bit of scaring on his hand alone. I could see it when he reached out and I could feel it when we shook.

So many life lessons etched into that hand alone...

[David]
"You've made some impact yourself."

[Fracture/Me]
"Bah. I can't even keep my labrats under thumb. My Free Market charity is about the only notable thing I've done."

[David]
"Still. I've heard good things. Now, shall we get down to business?"

[Fracture/Me]
"Yes, lets."

And with that I quickly chugged down what was left of my tea and braced for the third most intense conversation I've even had.

"You're not going to join me."

[David]
"Not with a sales pitch like that."

I could see David's expression immediately sour and it was clear that I had not told him what he wanted to hear.

[Fracture/Me]
"I've no way to Free you. I wouldn't want to if I could. This is no land for heroes. Not then, not now, not ever. There are no outs dear Banks. I can make your life easier, I can give you pleasures and offer you less horrific work, I can offer up protection for yourself and others, and hell, I can offer you a shot at revenge, but I can't give you back what you lost and the only out I can offer is a bullet."

[David]

"Just give me... a reason to stay. That's what I really need. Not protections or concessions. One reason. That's it," he continued to plead growing more and more desperate sounding.

I was a little caught off guard by the whole thing... it was a little disturbing.

[Fracture/Me]

I decided if I was gonna give this an honest try, I should start with pushing what happened to Ronan in his face. That seemed like it should have been the only necessary motivator but what do I know?

"He died for this. Trying to serve. He died because he served. Are you going to prove her right in his death and cave because she took him from you? Isn't that reason enough? To be on the other side of the line as she? I heard you rape and pillage and murder because someone did not show you enough respect but this person took from you what you tried with all your might to protect. And your answer is to join her?" I said pausing to for dramatic effect.

"Have you no respect for what you lost?"

[David]

I could see his eyes hard and his fists clench and I knew I had failed. I'do fed him things he already felt and knew and I could not tell which was truly sadder, that my attempt to sway him didn't work... or that somehow Ronan wasn't a good enough reason.

 "You don't know what you're talking about."

[Fracture/Me]

I guess maybe I didn't. So I pressed on with that reason, if for no other reason than because I wanted to understand why the hell that reason wasn't good enough.

"I know she killed him. She killed him because she did not like the WAY he saved her. No graditude. Shameless betrayal."

[David]

"She did what she always did. What she prided herself on doing. It was her nature. I bear her no ill will."

I...
What kind of shit is that?

[Fracture/Me]

"And just where is your pride, Banks? How is it you suddenly come to give up your nature?"

[David]
"Because it's not my nature. It was given to me. Used by others. I have been nothing but a mindless tool for most of my life."

And we were back to his demand for freedom, his pointless, impossible demand for freedom. I... just wanted to pull out my gun and give him that bullet I promised him as a way out...

But that would be such a horrible waste of well proven potential.

[Fracture/Me]
"As opposed to the territorial animal you present yourself as? What do you even plan to do with this 'Freedom'? That's hardly even a want as it is an unachievable ideal. There is not a man alive who does not owe something one way or another."

[David]
"I will create. And I will protect the ones I love, and I will walk the path that I choose to walk."

What... what? Is... what? He took to being a homeless runner... because that's safer?

[Fracture/Me]
"And it's somehow easier to protect them on that side of the Line with Father at your heels?" 

[David]
"Not at all."

...WHAT?

[Fracture/Me]
"Then why?"

[David]
"I've been given no reason to stay."

And I about flipped the fucking table. So avenging Ronan was somehow not enough? How the hell is father's protection not enough when it is essentially all he needs to secure the one thing he is actively pursuing?!

[Fracture/Me]
"For them. Because they are safer when you are safer. So that not reason enough?"

[David]
"How safe was Ronan?"

Are you fucking kidding me right now? Fine. Lets transition from the dead to the living. I know he's doing all this to protect his granddaughter. Lets address that directly.

[Fracture/Me]
"You both knew what was in her nature. He practically threw himself into the fire. Ronan died after years and years. Just how long do you thing your Granddaughter will last? She's young. She's not built for the hard life of a runner."

[David]
"She's a survivor. Like her mother. And we're in a war. I've abandoned the notion that either side can keep anyone safe."

[Fracture/Me]
"Such is life. People die. I think the proxies stand at better odds. And that's all life is. It's the odds. And where are her odds best, hmmm?"

[David]
"With me. Wherever that is."

[Fracture/Me]
"And your best odds are with us. The runners aren't going to accept you. They won't ever forgive you. You've caused so much pain. You'll drag her into the pool of sharks with you"

[David]
"It's a risk I'm willing to take."

Oh god dammit. Okay, lets address the granddaughter MORE directly.

[Fracture/Me]
"But is she? Have you even talked to her about this stuff? Or are you content to drag her along like mindless baggage. A tool to give yourself purpose."

[David]
"We've talked rather extensively about it actually."

Of course they had.

[Fracture/Me]
"And I can guess at what her thoughts were."

[David]
"Can you?"

[Fracture/Me]
"My guess is she thinks you should run."

[David]
"Not a bad guess."

Figured. He said it himself, he's a mindless tool.

[Fracture/Me]
"Must be fun trading hands when you want to trade purpose. I can see I'm probably talking to the wrong person here."

[David]
He didn't even say anything in response to that one. He just snarled, like the animal on leash he was.

[Fracture/Me]
"Don't give me that. You've traded your leash from Father's to that of a little girls. You tell me when you figure out what it means to be Free. Then we'll see if we can't help you."

[David]
And with that the fucker just punched me. Just fucking punched me like it was the thing to do. Like an animal.

Something was... wrong. I-I needed to maintain composure.

[Fracture/Me]
"Cute," I forced out.

"Goodbye Mr. Banks," I said pulling my hat and casually rushing out of the cafe.

I... h-had to run. They find you if you don't move. Constantly move. I have to move. I have to find the tall man. He... he's gone. I have to find him again.

[David]
"Wait!"

Called out an unfamiliar voice. D-David? Wh-Why do I... shhh.... calm down... I'm back Franky... shh... Lets get back to work.

[Fracture/Me]
"Talk and walk Mr. Banks. I'm a busy man."

Yes... we're quite busy, Aren't I?

[David]
He followed after me rather desperately trying to keep pace.

[Fracture/Me]
"What is it?"

[David]
"I think you have missed the entire point of why I'm here."

[Fracture/Me]
"And why is that?"

[David]
"I'm waiting for you to convince me."

This is a waste of time. This man isn't a living legend. Not anymore. He's a begging animal. If the reasons I put forth aren't enough to make him come back... then I'm not sure I even want this rabid creature on my side anymore.

[Fracture/Me]
"That's contrary to what you want Mr. Banks. You want to be your own man? Be your own man. Quit latching onto people to make your decisions. If that leads you and those around you to ruin, then so be it. If you can't find the conviction do what you know will make her safest, I won't be the one shove it down your throat."

And with that I finally turned to David so I could say it to his stupid fucking face.

"And I won't be your fall guy if this doesn't work out again. You knew she was dangerous, you admit it was in her nature and you let Ronan walk into that wall of knives."

[David]
And then something unthinkable happened. Something I couldn't have imagined in over 100 years.

David started to tear up... he started to cry...

[Fracture/Me]
"She wants to run but you know better. Are you gonna let her follow Ronan right into that wall?"

[David]
And with that he stopped crying. Like I had flipped a switch. I was so close. I shouldn't have brought up Ronan.

"What were you like? Before he found you?"

[Fracture/Me]
... I got the sense that 'I was a terrified child desperately looking for him' wasn't quite the answer David wanted...

"I was a so young. I wanted to know everything about the world. I ran out of of books and I started out thinking my teachers. They held me back. I was getting to far ahead of the other students."

[David]
"Should have known. He likes them bright. Eager. I imagine you were so full of light, then. Like Em. Like I imagine I used to be."

...Like Em...? Emily has it easy.

[Fracture/Me]
"They all came for me. I asked to many questions. I drempt of too many impossible things. But when I saw Father, I saw him protecting children. Leading them. So when I met him we made a deal. He keeps them out and I will be his."

Like Em... Elaine kept Emily like a daughter...

[David]
"My loyalty shall always be with the slender man," he reassured me, "But I'm afraid you're going to have to start hunting me down now."

David Kept Elaine like a daughter...

[Fracture/Me]
So Emily would be... his granddaughter... Son of a bitch.

"I will not strike down a loyal servant to Father... but I know he can and will. Good luck David. I really do hope, on some level, that this one works out."

[David]
"Yeah, well, so do I."

Fucking asshole. Tipping your hand to fucking tease me.

[Fracture/Me]
"One more thing, Mr. Banks."

Oh well... this is more for Ronan than David at this point.

[David]
"Hmmm?"

[Fracture/Me]
 "A memento for your loss, courtesy of my craftsmen."

And with that I pulled out the baseball bat I had been hiding this whole time. A handcrafted masterpiece, with the word 'voices' written out on the side.

[David]
"Oh, he would have loved that," David said laughing.

Felt a little sickening. Ronan meant so much to him... yet revenge for him wasn't a good enough reason to stay...

Guess the living out weigh the dead and he has a little girl to look after now... I knew this was a waste of time.

[Fracture/Me]
"I bet. Farewell."

And with that, we both made are departures. 

I wish it wasn't you who had her David. I wish he didn't want her so bad.

I don't know whats gonna happen.... but I will be sorry about it. Probably.

And with that we should get back to business.


I'm putting a $100,000 bounty on David. Not as a threat, but as a precaution to all agents and affiliates.

Do not pursue David. I repeat, DO NO PURSUE DAVID.

And if you do, and by some fucking miracle you win, you deserve that bounty.

Happy hunting you poor bastards.

Fracture out.

Where are they now?: David Banks

"Holy crap, its David Fucking Banks."

                                        -The soon to be dead, Picasso

I've only ever seen Mr. Banks in passing but I'll never forget what he told me the one time he actually talked to me.

"Move."

I thought I might shit myself. He wasn't in a good mood...

Perhaps its far to soon to be giving Mr. Banks his own hour long late night special questioning what happened and where he went. In fact, I know it is. I know it is because I both know what happened to him and where he is.

He had Ronan ripped away from him, he allowed traitors to survive a visit with him, and then he abandoned his organization and went rogue. And as for where he is... well I think I'll keep that one in my pocket for now, not that I expect that one will last regardless of how I handle it. Nature of the game.

Now before I proceed I would like to point out that I both fear and respect Mr. Banks. I do believe in most cases that one feeds into the existence of the other. And as such, when I approached Mr. Banks I did not simply run up to him to ask him where he's been. No. I handled the situation in the same manner that Father handles anything he can't do himself for one reason or another, by Proxy.

I sent Sloth.

Lets find out if he died.

[As detailed by prying eyes, of course. Sloth couldn't tell a story to save his life. Lazy sack of shit.]

Its late. Dark out. David is alone, smoking in an alleyway.

From the mouth of the Alleyway, a homeless looking man in heavily ripped clothes makes a slow approach.

[Sloth]

"H-Hello... th-this is gonna sound cliche but... tha-tha-...tha-that's gonna kill you...""

[David]

David laughs and turns to face the approaching stranger.

"It's the only thing that will, so what can I do for you?"

[Sloth]

"I've come representing Fracture. He heard you had become unassociated and it... caught his interest."

[David]

"Well then tell Fracture to come and talk to me himself."

[Sloth]

At this point Sloth has made it over to where David is in the Alleyway and is nervously fidgeting across from David.

"H-He's a busy man. Y-Y-You should be honored that he sent me... it means he's afraid of you."

[David]

David stops mid puff to laugh.

"Everyone's afraid of me."

[Sloth]

"They say fear is a form of respect."

[David]

David just shrugs to Sloth's weak justifying. He's growing bored of their little conversation and does not care to hear my second hand excuses haplessly spewed out by a lowly lackey.

[Sloth]

"I have to say I am a little curious myself, why are you doing this?" asks Sloth, quickly changing the subject to inquire about why David has gone rogue before David loses his patience with Sloth further.

"What exactly are you looking to accomplish here?"

[David]

"I do it for reasons that are mine and mine alone. And if you think that lackeys are going to even sway me remotely you are seriously mistaken. Obviously you don't care enough to send anyone with real power," hissed David.

[Sloth]

"M-My... tha-that turned sour fast."

[David]

"I don't like being mocked."

[Sloth]

"I-I'm a-assured... i-its no disrespect o-on your be-behalf..."

[David]

"And yet I feel disrespected. Perhaps I should send a dead body back as my response."

[Sloth]

"C-Come now... th-there is no need for that... I-I assure you I-I'm simply the man who th-they always send for th-this. N-N-No di-disrespect... wouldn't dr-dream of it"

[David]

"You have five minutes."

[Sloth]

At this point it is obvious Sloth has both soiled and wet himself and is doing a poor job of hiding it.

"I-I understand you d-don't w-want to play the vi-villain anymore... w-we won't ma-ma-make you. We're h-happy to br-bring you o-on board in whatever ca-capacity you're comfortable with. Fr-From m-murder to advising or c-consulting. We'd h-hate to see y-you thr-throw so many y-years of loyal s-service away. W-We'll even ex-extend our pro-protection and board to a f-f-few people i-if that is n-n-necessary."

[David]

"I've heard this deal before. Not interested."

[Sloth]

"Wh-What might you be in-interested in?"

[David]

"Freedom."

[Sloth]

"Fr-Freedom?"

[David]

David nods, laughing to himself quietly.

"In other words, something you can't give me."

[Sloth]

Sloth fidgets nervously before he draws out a small silver pocket watch from within his own sleeve in a desperate shuffle of concern that his five minutes might already be up.

"I-I will ummm... p-pass that along and I'm s-sure Fracture will take th-that into c-consideration..."

[David]

"Three more minutes. Anything to add?"

[Sloth]

At this point Sloth starts shuffling through the sleeves, pockets, rips, and holes of his homely looking jacket until he finally produces a little business card.

"W-We are sorry we couldn't c-come to an agreement and w-would like to express gr-great displeasure in that we may v-very well have to began h-h-hunting you but we do h-hope that you will change your m-mind and j-join us soon..."

And having poorly read out his well practiced lines, Sloth threw out his hand to offer the card over to David.

[David]

David stares at Sloth for a moment mildly amused before he finally reaches out and takes the little card.

"Oh don't give me that. You couldn't convince an otter. But I'm ready for it. I look forward to the hunt."

[Sloth]

"W-We uh... we're sure you are.

[David]

David can't help but grin to himself as he taps side of his cigarette to make the ash fall.

[Sloth]

"Th-thank you f-for not st-stabbing me..."

And with that Sloth gives David what I must assume was meant to be a humble and respectful little bow before he turns and starts power walking down the alleyway desperate to be out of that situation. 

[David]

"If Fracture ever wants to talk to me himself, he knows where I am."

[Sloth]

"I-I'm sure he does..."

And then Sloth turns and gives another one of his awkward little bows before he finally disappears from my, and I'm assuming David's, view.

[David]

David looks up at the sky for a moment before quietly chuckling and then with one last quick drag he finishes what little is left of his cigarette before making his own departure from the alleyway.

Apparently Sloth lived. Is anyone else here disappointed?

I know I am and I knew it was gonna happen.

Pity.

I guess a hapless lackey just isn't gonna work this time... or probably any time. Not that I wouldn't keep sending Sloth first. I can personally assure you all that he deserves nothing less and plenty more.

Next time on 'Where are they now?', David Banks part 2... the Banksening!

Because the sequel is typically the best part.

Fracture out.