Raoul

In a dark corner of Oakenfell, a young newspaper boy came stumbling into Raoul's shabby office. Raoul, a private investigator with a less-than-spectacular reputation, was reclining in his chair, dozing. His coat hung from the back of the chair, seemingly stuffed with an assortment of items. "Mr. Raoul!" Tommy shouted between his huffs and puffs. Raoul squinted at the brat who had disturbed his beauty sleep, then sluggishly asked, "What is it?" "Miss Eleanor has gone missing! Her father, Lord Eric, would pay a hefty fee for your help!" Finally lifting his eyelids, the detective rose from his chair. "Alright then, bring me to her home."

Raoul was escorted to Eleanor's room. Lord Eric stood in the doorway, an anxious look on his face. "The police came, but they didn't find anything. I've heard you've got some tricks up your sleeve, and I hope that's true. Please, you must find my daughter!" As Raoul surveyed the room, his nose twitched, as if detecting danger. He reached into one of his coat pockets and pulled out a test tube containing a certain concoction. Raoul carefully scattered the potion on the floor, where it began to emit a faint blue glow, revealing indistinct footprints. Looking on with great surprise, Lord Eric exclaimed, "What is that?" Inspecting the footprints carefully, Raoul found that they were strangely shaped, unlike those of a human. His countenance grew dim. "Looks like we've got trouble." With no time to waste, Raoul got started immediately. Before leaving, he told Lord Eric, "Contact the newspaper. I've got a special request."

At the doorway to the Drunken Rat Tavern, Raoul waited for the perfect moment to extend his foot and trip a fleeing customer. Seeing that he couldn't get away, the bar patron shouted with terror and indignation, "What're you doing looking for me? I haven't worked for the Dark Claws for ages!" Without saying a word, Raoul pulled out a photo and flashed it before the man's eyes. The color drained from Borde's face as his lips began to tremble. "But... How'd you get your hands on that?" "I have my ways," Raoul said with disdain. "The Dark Claws are at it again. If you don't want this photo to find its way onto the police chief's desk, then tell me where they're hiding her." Gulping down his fear, Borde eventually gave in. "The abandoned warehouse in the eastern suburbs. It's heavily guarded, though." Raoul smiled and patted Borde's face. "Attaboy."

Under cover of darkness, Raoul arrived stealthily at the abandoned warehouse, where he found several Dark Claw members guarding the entrance. He quickly subdued a lone patroller, then changed into his clothing and managed to infiltrate the warehouse. Raoul found Eleanor, bound in a hidden room deep within the warehouse. She'd been roughed up but still seemed lucid. Raoul tried to comfort her: "I'm here to rescue you. Just stay quiet." Raoul could see the hope in her eyes as she nodded silently.

But the Dark Claws detected them and began chasing them like a pack of rabid dogs. Raoul and Eleanor weaved their way through intricate alleyways but couldn't shake them—and then they came to a dead end, seemingly facing a final standoff. No panic showed on Raoul's face, however, as he rummaged inside his coat as if assembling parts. "Say 'cheese'!" Raoul pulled out a vintage camera and quickly clicked the shutter. Amidst the darkness, the sudden brilliant flash blinded the Dark Claws, who covered their eyes as they wailed in pain. By the time their eyes cleared, Raoul and Eleanor were gone.

As the dawn sky brightened in a hidden alleyway, a manhole cover lifted slightly, revealing a slender opening. After checking that the coast was clear, Raoul lifted Eleanor out of the sewer and onto the street. She was covered in sludge and her face had a few scrapes, but she remained ever-composed as she slapped Raoul's hands away from her waist. Still a bit worried, she asked, "Will they come after us?" Raoul grinned meaningfully, "Don't worry. They'll have their hands full soon enough." Down the street, Tommy was leading a group of paperboys to distribute the latest newspaper all around. "Extra! Read all about it! Dark Claws scandal exposed! Second-in-command accused of betrayal!" Raoul chuckled, "This fake news will cause the Dark Claws to turn on one another. They'll be too busy tearing themselves apart to look for us." Eleanor was incredulous for a moment, but then couldn't help but laugh. "You really are a sly bastard!" Raoul raised his eyebrows, then gave a slight bow, "I consider that a compliment, my lady. Sly bastards are the only ones who manage to get some peace of mind around here."

"The decor around here is quite classical, but that window lock isn't exactly secure. If someone decides to drop by uninvited in the middle of the night, it's not much of a challenge."