Post by Obscuris on Nov 5, 2015 3:37:07 GMT
Name: Unkown
Height: 195 Cm
Weight: 80 KG
Age: Unkown
Hair: Jet Black
Eyes: Right – Red / Left – Green
*Extract of the draft written by François Dumonde, part of an article for Modern France Economy*
[…]No one knows where this” luxurious” French gentleman came from. A couple of years ago, this self-proclaimed Count started building a business empire from the ground up with a seemingly inexhaustible fortune and energy. Although the origin of this strange personality is and the source of his immense fortune is unknown, I’ve made my research and the information I found is unbelievably spine chilling. But I’m getting ahead of myself. I’d like to take a moment of my time to speak to my fellow “journalists”, those who wrote countless papers about the incredible and majestic work of this “Count” and I’d like to remind them about the true work of a reporter: To look for the truth that lies deep within and expose those who are corrupt. .
[…] In just a few years he managed to create the Montecristo Corporation (MC), a large and vast business society with an endless number of subjugated companies and other groups that range from pure economic speculation and heavy weight machinery to environmental care and charity work.
*Extract of François’ personal diary *. October 22nd: 22:30 PM. Recently he began stretching his web over the Hidden World and it’s slowly knots with every aspect of it he could find: the SBF (Spirit Boxing Federation), Gateway and the BHA (Bounty Hunter Association) are just a few of the organizations in which the Count interest is placed. Where does this guy get all those connections? How was he able to make such extraordinary deals without any consequences? Be prepared “Count”, I’m going to show your dirty dishes for the whole world to see.
*E-mail conversation between François and Monique Baudin, editor in chief of Modern France Economy* Monday, October 26th: 9:30 A.M – 10:30 A.M
F: Hey Monique, did you get the email I sent you last night? It was the first draft of the article about the Count.
M: Oh yeah, I read it just in bed. It’s remarkable. But you don’t reveal anything really interesting yet. Are you sure you got something on this guy? One misstep and the magazine’s credibility will be ruined.
F: Don’t worry. I’ve got some juicy leads about him and if I’m right this will be the scoop of the century.
M: I hate it when you get all mysterious like that; it really gets on my nerves. I suppose you won’t tell an old friend what you have in mind, right?
F: A magician never reveals his secrets. Gotta go, I have to do some research. Bye!
*Extract of François’ personal diary *. Thursday, October 29th. 2:30 AM I’m slowly starting to unravel the complicated web that is Montecristo Corporation and it’s getting harder and harder each minute that passes. Whenever I pull of a thread and spend hours following it, it always leads into a dead end and the next thread is even harder to follow. I’m starting to think this isn’t worth it.
*Part of the recording of a security camera of a Starbucks in downtown Paris. The program installed in François cellphone provides audio. * Thursday, October 29th: 11:15 A.M
A haggard François enters the shop through the main entrance and drags his feet towards the counter. He orders a coffee, black. While he walks to a table, a man in a hood calls him discreetly from another table. François looks at him with distrust but sits with him anyway.
-I know you’re looking for information about the Count-
-How did you…?
-I have no time for that. I can only tell you one thing. Millennium. There you’ll find your answers-
The hooded man stands up swiftly and exits the shop quickly, leaving a confused François at the table.
*Recording of the front security camera of a small family restaurant, opposite of the headquarters of the humoristic editorial: Millennium* Friday, October 30th: 3: 05 A.M
The camera gets the moment when François breaks into the building through a window on an alley. A couple of minutes go by as François pokes around the office and the he exits the same way he entered, visible exited. Suddenly, a car with tinted windows stops in front of him and when two men pop out of it, the video starts flickering and gets fuzzy with static. For a single frame, a mere instant, the video shows 3 pairs of shiny purple eyes. Then, the video continues. François is nowhere to be found.
*Extract of François’ personal diary * Monday, November 1st: 13:00 P.M. My memories of the past Thursday are all fuzzy and I can’t remember almost anything. I’m not sleeping well. In my dreams, something dark and huge chases me, but no matter how much I ran it always gets me and stares at me with its intense and enormous purple eyes. I can’t stand that stare, I can’t stand those eyes. They start getting bigger and bigger until they devour me and I wake up. I must keep working, but for some reason I can’t concentrate on anything. I must be tired.
*Telephone conversation between François Dumonde and Monique Baudin. François picks up the phone when Monique was about to hung up* Tuesday, November 2nd: 8:00 A.M
F: … hey.
M: Where were you? I’ve been trying to contact you for like a week. Are you alright?
F: I’m fine, just a little tired. I’ve been working nonstop.
M: That means you find something about the Count?
F: Ehm… yes, no… I don’t know. I’ll send you the article when I’m finished.
M: Ok. You should rest a little; I don’t want my star reporter to collapse.
F: I guess…
*Extract of the second draft written by François Dumonde about the Count of Montecristo, for Modern France Economy*
[…] I agree with all my friends in the profession, Montecristo Corporation is a respectable and profitable enterprise that was built with blood, sweat and tears from the company’s CEO, who prefers to be called Count.
The Count is undoubtedly successful and he’s slowly becoming an extraordinary influential person and in my humble opinion as one of France most prestigious economic journalists, the business world’s heavyweights should keep an eye on this new and powerful competitor.
*Telephone conversation between François Dumonde and Monique Baudin. François picks up immediately and sounds lively and jovial* Wednesday, November 4th: 19:00 P.M
M: What is this? Didn’t you say you had something juicy on this guy? I can’t put this crap on the magazine.
F: What are you talking about?
M: I’m talking about this essay of bootlickery!
F: Monique, we’ve been partners and friends for more than ten years. You should now I always write the true about this stuff. Belive me, I dug deep in this guy and I found nothing. I guess my sources were full of shit.
M: I-I…
F: Goodbye, Monique.
M: …
*Montecristo Corporation headquarters 18 Dumas Street. CEO office, 44th floor* Monday, November 9th: 15:30 P.M
Monique Baudin followed a breathtakingly beautiful secretary through the polished wooden floor towards the Count’s office. When she entered the room, a smooth and potent voice spoke. “Leave us” the secretary closed the door and let Monique alone with the Count. The mysterious CEO of Montecristo Corporation was facing the window, deep in contemplation of the beautiful city of Paris.
A few moments passed and Monique started to feel uncomfortable. She didn’t know why the Count in person had called her for a meeting and a small corner of her mind was yelling, thinking that this had to do with the suicide of François Dumonde who was last seen by a homeless guy when the poor journalist took all of his clothes and disappeared in the waters of the river Seine.
Finally, the Count turned around and gave Monique a kind smile. The man was tall and distinguished; he was wearing impeccable clothes and was astonishingly beautiful. Monique felt her heart skip a bit as her eyes met the Count’s. With elegant manners, the Count moved a chair so she could sit and he sat in front of her, with his mahogany desk between them. “I’m sorry to bother you with such a sudden invitation, but I’ll be travelling out of the country in some days and I wanted to take this matter on my own hands before I leave” his voice was soothing and his eyes were almost hypnotizing to Monique, who found out she was blushing without reason.
“I know your magazine isn’t in a good economic position and I think it would be beneficial for both of our companies if we merge” So that was it. Monique could breathe calmer know. They were standing on ground in which she could defend herself. After some minutes of bargaining and negotiation, she was able to get a good deal out of the mysterious businessman. However, she still had something on her mind and she couldn’t let it go. The editor-in-chief steeled and asked a question for which she was really scared of the answer.
“D-Do you know something about what happened to François Dumonde? He was writing an article about you and he started acting really weird before… everything happened” The Count didn’t seemed bothered but the question, he actually seemed sad. “Ah… yes. I read about his tragic story in the newspaper” The elegant man sighed and stood up. With his hands on his back, the Count walked around the room. “I really enjoyed his articles and I’m sad he’s gone. The way he uncovered corrupt businessman and government officials was sublime.”
Suddenly, he walked towards Monique and kneeled beside her. His calm face showed affliction. “I’m terribly sorry, mademoiselle Budain” he sighed “You were his acquaintance and you are probably more affected by this than I am. I offer my most sincere apology.” Monique stuttered some words, but she lost her trail of thoughts when she found the Count’s deep stare one more. “I can’t bear to see a beautiful flower such as yourself suffer” the man’s voice was faint as the wind, but Monique heard as if he was speaking next to her ear. She never considered herself to be beautiful. She was kind of chubby; she didn’t have the body of a super model or the elegant walk of a lady. But at that moment, she felt like the most gorgeous woman on the planet. “Please, let me comfort you in this sorrowful moments” Slowly, the Count kissed Monique’s hand softly. If she hadn’t been so hypnotized by the Count’s words, she might have seen the dangerous purple spark in his eyes. But desire overcomes logic.
A while later, short on breathe and blushing furiously, Monique left MC headquarters. Without a single worry about François’ death.
Back in the 44th floor, the Count was alone on his office. With his hands held against his back, he was once more watching Paris. Slowly, a sinister grin appeared on his face. “Another fish jumps into the web”. The Count watched as a purple pattern danced in his face to conform six flaming purple eyes and his grin turned into an uncontrolled laugh that filled the room with its wicked sound.
*Extract from François’ diary. A few minutes before his death. The original copy was burned with all other evidence * THE KING OF THE CAVE IS HERE, IS HERE, IS HERE, THE KING OF THE CAVE, HERE, HERE AMONG US.
GANKUTSUOU
Appearance
The embodiment of elegance, the Count is a tall and slim man who throws off gracefulness with every step he takes. His long black hair runs all the way to the middle of his back and two locks of it fall through the side of his head in such a way that almost frames his face, along with a pointy goatee. His angular features give him an aristocratic look and his heterochromatic eyes give him a mysterious touch.
The Count usually wears elegant black suits with small red arrangements and a notable XVII century influence that can be seen on the neckpieces he wears in important events.
Powers and Abilities
Fencing: The Count is a remarkably skilled fencer that can go toe to toe with Olympic medalists. With an old school style and precise hits, this is his one and only physical feature.
Mind reading and telepathic capabilities: The Count can read and bend minds. His touch is delicate and subtle, but in no way weak. He can put the seed of an idea and see how it slowly grows in the mind of his target. This "intruding idea" that the Count introduces on someone's mind gives the Frenchman more control as it grows and in the right amount of time, he can completely control his target's mind, read its mind and memories and even erase them. Even the strongest minds are vulnerable to this type of control as it's extremely subtle and only an iron will or another strong telepath could break this intruding idea.
On the other hand, if he ever gets drawn into combat (a thing he would definitely try to avoid) he can try a less subtle approach and attempt to subjugate his target's mind with a strong telepathic blast or create illusions and mind games to win the fight. The first one works incredible well against weak minds and the second one is perfect against enrages enemies or precision fighters (like other fencers, for example).
As a strong telepath himself, the Count has strong mental defenses against those who try to fool his mind with tricks or control him.
The origin of this power is unknown, but those who are attacked directly by the Count without his usual touch (and survive) will notice that in those moments when they are most relaxed and defenseless, an image of three pairs of shiny purple eyes and just one word would, just for an instant, drift into their heads: Gankutsuou.
Remorseless charm: The sword and mind are great ways to win a fight, but it's even better not having to fight at all. The Count's charm isn't just a personality trait; it's so perfect it's almost a weapon. With impeccable language and a strong understanding of the human mind (plus, in extreme occasions, mind reading works as a charm for this), the Count's can easily avoid a fight just using his words and a couple of words said in the correct places can make wonders.
Servants and Employees
Although the Count has a literal army of employees, managers and executives, three of them stand out from the others. This trio has been with the Count from the very beginning and professes him an infinite devotion and it’s composed by his most trustworthy servants.
Giovanni Bertuccio:
He is the Count’s right hand and his most loyal servant. Bertuccio is the Count’s bodyguard and butler. Versed in a variety of martial arts and self-defense skills, this man is a formidable foe and an excellent servant.
He was a formerly well-known street fighter and was saved by the Count when he was about to die from an overdose of a body enhancer drug and from the point he declared his lifetime loyalty to the Count. He carries a small of that drug (known in the streets as Bloodlust) with him as reminder of the life he had escaped from and the promise he made.
With a tough and rude exterior, no one would believe that Bertuccio is actually a really soft and caring person. He’s the kind of guy who would buy an ice-cream for a small girl crying because she can’t find her parents, then calm her and look for them with her. His scary looks made it a bit more difficult.
Baptistin:
Unlike Bertuccio, Baptistin isn’t so devoted to the Count. He is the Count’s fencing partner and in some ways he’s the Frenchman’s other right hand.
Baptistin was a thief before meeting the Count. He was born in a wealthy family and practiced fencing since he was small kid. As he grew up, he had a promising future as a profession swordfighter but tragedy hit his family when his father died in a car crash, her mother passed away from sadness and he was left alone as his father’s associates torn down his company. When the kid found himself alone with no money and only his trusty rapier as his side, he started stealing from the people who destroyed his family wealth.
In an occasion, he was stealing from one of Montecristo Corporation’s subjugated companies and encountered the Count inside. After a short fencing duel, the Count actually hired him to be his opponent and Baptistin, intrigued by the Count’s strange request, accepted. After a while, the intrigue turned into respected.
Baptistin is the opposite of Bertuccio. From outside he looks like a cool and calm person but he’s actually a hot-headed, rude and almost mean guy. He's a skilled fencer and thief.
Between Baptistin and Bertuccio exists a rivalry/friendship relationship.
Haydee:
“She is a doll named Haydée. A poor puppet who still lives, even after her soul has been stolen away.”
The last of the Count’s servants. She possesses an extraordinary and delicate beauty which is almost intoxicating. Elegant and reserved, Haydee is always with the Count to help him in any way she can. Most of the time she plays the harp, an instrument she’s very skilled at, to relieve the Count in moments of melancholy and sadness.
Haydee has a troubled past. Her father was a drunken abusive bastard who hit his wife and daughter and one day he sold them to a pimp to pay a debt. The horrible thinks that happened to her in those years are so traumatic and disgusting it’s almost impossible to tell. It all ended when she was 10 years old, after her mother died. When someone was about to request her “services” she took a knife and stabbed the pedophile in his disgusting throat, then she ran away. The poor girl wandered in the streets until she met a tall gentleman that treated her kindly and asked her if she wanted to come with him.
The Count saved her from the terrible place she was and treated her like a princess. Haydee developed strong feeling towards her savior and loved him with all her heart. Bertuccio could be his right hand, but Haydee is there when the Count needs her the most. She is the shoulder when he can rest, his solid ground to step on. She would give her life again and again for him.
