The Howler's Den: Long Kong Branch (Open)

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

 

The preparations were finally done with. Tasteful pictures were arranged, the lighting was subdued but functional, countertops were properly buffed and dusted to new perfection… it was time to open up. The overall look of the establishment could be well described as ‘sleek’ with polished lacquer surfaces on the bar itself and neatly arranged tables as well. Sofa chairs were neatly placed around the room, a perfect place to relax and simply breathe in the atmosphere.

 

Behind the counter was a slightly scruffy looking earth pony wearing a pair of jet black sunglasses. She wore a simple bartender’s outfit: Black vest, bow tie, and a dress shirt. Her mane was a shade darker than her natural khaki-ish coat but the various tips of the feather semi mullet look she carried were ended with a series of neon blue tips as if she’d carefully dipped each messy stray lock on her head in some dye.

 

“It’s … definitely different setting up a place like this on my own. Back home at least I’d have some over eager volunteer to carry and set up some things. Ancients know the kid sure is barely any help except on the weekends.” A glass in front of her was being polished rather thoroughly by a clean towel that soon drifted beneath the bar counter, “... I really am homesick. I’m talking to myself. Good grief.”

 

The business that had brought Toboe here was proving more difficult than she’d thought it would. Babysitting a colt turning stallion for a few months didn’t seem like such a bad idea when she first accepted but already he was getting to be a hassle. She’d given her word to his mother though, and going back on your word (even for someone in her line of work) wouldn’t look good for business or her personal honor. Still, a helping hoof once in awhile would be nice if he wasn’t out at all hours of the night. Thankfully she knew he couldn’t get in too much trouble with the deal she’d struck with an old friend of hers.

 

“Well. Not much else to to do but open up.”

 

A click came from the front door as they unlocked. A sign outside of the small establishment soon lit up. ‘Howler’s Den. Open for Business’ Illuminated by the aforementioned sign there was a small preview menu of the various things that they sold here in addition to alcohol. SImple foods were on the menu, mostly of Neighponese origin but some native to the city. It seemed the shop also held several varieties of coffee from across the globe, and seemed to have a special that paired up with curry of all things. Certain workers or a certain may have heard of this bar’s offer to those in his employ: Drinks would be half off.

 

On the front door there was a sign listing  some conditions for the patrons must abide by.

 

No strong odors, colognes, or perfumes were to be brought worn or sprayed in here.

 

Patrons are to stay only in the bar area and not enter the kitchen or back rooms without the bartender’s approval.

 

No fighting, if you have to take it outside.

 

A smooth, jazzy melody played on some speakers arranged around the room. Something calming and welcoming to the customers and set up at a volume where it could be noticed but not intrude or distract from the conversation. At the first ring of the bell on the door Toboe spoke up in a pleasant but slightly husky voice, “Irrashaimase! What can I get you?”

Edited June 6, 2017 by Pretzelparty

[PyroBlaze]

The first one through the door was a black griffon. Well, mostly black, as even putting aside the myriad of tattoos there was still the matter of the dye job she had done to her head feathers. She smiled to herself as she looked around the room, having heard about the place from some friends at work and how the owner was apparently connected to her work somehow. 

 

"Yo. Nice place here." Corva responded, giving a slight wave as she went and found a seat. "Let's just start with some beer." She shrugged, watching the mare for a bit.

 

"How you know the boss?" She added, not seeing anyone else coming in yet and therefore feeling it was fine to drop the codes and get right to it. 

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

Huh. Didn't see that coming: a griffin as her first customer? Could be worse. She seemed relaxed enough and not the type to cause trouble. Then again one could never fully tell from the youngsters of this generation. Either way, not a bad start to a business day. "One Beer, huh? Will any type do, Miss?" The bartender crouched down behind her counter and reached into the mini-fridge out of view. She had made sure to keep a decently diverse collection of brews frosty for the occasion. If Corva did decide any would do she would just grab a can and bring it up to the counter. 

 

Seems this day was full of surprises, Toboe hadn't expected to be asked so bluntly about the details of her relationship with "The boss". Especially right out the gate at the start of her stay here, but here the question had been posed. "Well... putting it simply. I'm an old friend. Surely you've got something more interesting to talk about to an old mare like me. For starters, how about you tell me your name." The bartender asked, punctuating her question with a smile.

[PyroBlaze]

Corva just nodded at the question about the beer, grabbing the can presented to her and opening it up, taking a drink as she listened to the mare's response about the boss. The griffon gave a snort as the mare turned the tables and asked her own question, leaning forward and resting her chin in a claw as she looked at the mare.

 

"Name's Corva. Corva Pardus." She said, chuckling a bit to herself. "Just fair warning, don't ask about family, I don't have one related by blood. 'Least not anymore." She finished, a warning tone in her voice as she finished speaking. A few seconds later, she nodded to herself and gulped down some more beer. "Anyways, what else you want to know, B?"

[RexDraco]

It was a beautiful city, Long Kong. Known for its culture, landscape, independence, and its economy. From traditional antique shops to days old, white collared businesses looking to make that quick bit in a city with open niches for new and unique business outside of the conformity of Equestria which seemed to have a cafè on every corner and a flower shop on every other: it was a melting pot. The old and new mix together to create a unique tradition that can only be found in the city of Long Kong. Even as say turned to night the grand Long Gounese metropolis did not sleep. Neon signs often lit the way from Downtown to New Town. Along the arcade one could find shops, restaurants, hotels, karaoke rooms and above these shops apartments and businesses to satisfy even the move curious pony.

 

Setting up new places in Long Kong weren't always easy. Many foolhardy entrepreneurs would not take into account the loyalties many had created in their times visiting the city before moving in permanently. In Long Kong to prosper you needed connections and sometimes those connections came with strings attached. Being a puppet of the Divine Protectorate was one of the darker risks. Protection money, extortion: it often kept businesses just barely afloat with minimum profits. One has to be able to make the bits or know ponies in high places.

 

In this case the landlord as unaware a bar was even opening up in his neighborhood. Well there was a vague recollection of signing something of a similar name being off for construction, but he was sure that was something old martial arts movie he saw a week prior. He had gotten behind on a number of things. If it wasn't the twins slacking off it was the griffon. While, overall the landlord had many -- realtors, handling business there was few he allowed to work close to home, others sent off appropriately and when needed. But today nopony was around! They would have to deal with it on their own.

 

Making their way Downtown the landlord would reach the building. Looking up at the sign the purple-lipped entrepreneur gave a most troubled look. Reaching out their hoof the ebony and purple menace of Long Kong, who was known as Black Fang by his associates, Jian-yá by friends and simply -- boss, by anypony else. "What a compelling name." The deep voiced qilin would speak as he entered the establishment. "You'll certainly draw a parti--" As magenta eyes drifted to the counter his long, rabbit-like ears folded back. "My point has been made." He would determine after spotting the griffon. No better way to assert your rightness when the wrong crowd was already being attracted! Stepping in the door would clsoe behind him. Practically gliding as h e walked the well-groomed businesspony moved to the counter. After inspecting it for cleanliness he would sit.

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

"Well how what do you in your downtime, Corva-san! Surely a pretty bird... lion, like yourself has plenty of things to keep herself busy!"

 

This was a curious case she had to admit. She had one of Da Jian-ya's own workers in her place already and she was a quite the inquisitive little bird she was. There were perks to having such individuals like her on board with certain jobs. Back when she started she had to be curious, sniffing around in the dirtier parts of polohama. Tugging at strings until they turned out to not be strings, but tails of rats in the organization. Toboe couldn't help but wander if this griffin may carve out a similar role for herself in the employ of her old friend. 

 

...and speak of Sombra.

 

"Well, Well, Well! Look who wandered in all Dark and ominous!" The Bartender grinned a moment and waved the qilin over, "Good to see you again, Jian! Take a seat and I'll fix you up whatever you desire!"

 

 

[PyroBlaze]

"Eh, usually just laze around, play pool or darts, stuff like that." Corva shrugged, not really sure what else to say to that. She was about to open her beak again when the door opened, causing her to look over while taking another swig of her beer. Seeing the familiar qilin, she gave a wave, chuckling as she put her beer down and patted the seat next to her. 

 

"Hey boss, how's it hangin?" She said, spinning around a bit so she could lean back against the counter and stretch out her legs a bit. "Sweet digs, right? Might just come here more often." She added, making a sweeping motion with a talon before picking up the beer again and looking over at the qilin. 

[RexDraco]

Tall, dark and somber indeed. The qilin stood on long, elegant legs. The front legs were covered in ebony fur like much of his body was, but his hind legs were a light, lavender color that stood out against the dark, purple stripes that scarred his knees and dorsal column. A thick mass of purple made up his mane whilst the the end of his tail and a patch along his lower back were of similar coloration. Magenta pupils stood out against his black sclera and as he entered the dimly lit bar from the dark streets a aft glow seemed to pass over his eyes.

 

A lip curled up, causing that black, fang-filled whisker to twitch at the greeting from the hostess as he entered. Those hooves clicked ever so lightly on the ground, as if he wasn't even touching down. When he sat it was done so in a manner that kept the least contact possible from.surface areas. Even as he sat with his forelimbs tucked towards his chest like a griffon, the qilin was able to hold himself up quite proudly. The black forelimbs seemed to melt against that purple fluff and swallow up.

 

Jiān-yá'scuse rabbit-like ears perked up, swiveling forward as they spoke to him. Of course Corva found this place already. “Why am I not surprised?” When his muzzle parted to speak his dark, purple tongue curled against the roof of his mouth making it seems if his own voice tastes as smooth as it sounded. Rich and carved by the deep tones that edged it: it was also quite soft despite its harshness.

 

One could say his tone was consistently bittersweet. Like cocoa.

 

He looked to Corva and arched his brow slightly, as if scowling. “Though I thought you were making deliveries today…?” Those eyes pinched up under the motion of his cheeks, his thick brows a result of his horns growing low on his skull. It gave him a perpetual scowl despite his mood, which was nearly perpetually unamused and bored in either case. “Nevertheless… you've managed to find your way to a bar.and a Neighponese bar at that.” His face turned to Toboe.

 

He would not dissolve his expectation for Toboe to react, even if she would likely dismiss his more pertinent tone. It was his territory and he had every right to be up in hooves on the matter, but it was also not as intense as his intention could have been. He was sitting after all, eyes turned toward the selection of drinks.

 

“Xinjiang Black.” He would request before looking over the establishment. “My you've set this up quite quickly. What was this place before you obtained the space again? Or was it an empty lot?”

A few individuals about so keeping his conversation private would be simple enough. He was not, obviously, known as the leader of a dangerous crime syndicate, but instead he was better known, and often viewed as, a son of a Navy General. He had taken over his father's family business, as it's known on the surface. But below that surface he controlled quite a bit more than what was polite conversation.

[DreamySunday]

Bluemoon had been walking through Long Kong for several hours, bouncing from one end to the other. Even after all the walking, she had barely seen any of this city. There was just so much to see! This place was like nowhere else she had ever been too! The sights were so beautiful, the culture was amazing, the ponies were so lovely and the stories were unending and so interesting! The whole place was just all so wow!

 

 

But now, Bluemoon really needed a nice comfortable seat, some nice and friendly company and a nice tall glass of really cold nutritious milk. As she turned down a random street that she had randomly chosen because no interesting began with intentional choices, Bluemoon came face to sign with the Howler's Den. Looking over the sign, Bluemoons interest was more the peaked " Ooooohh. Petting puppies sounds like a load of fun right about now. Bet they have some really fancy water bowls too! " 

 

 

Bluemoon barged through the front door of the bar. " Let me at those puppies! And I'll take a dish of your fanciest-shmanciest water please! " Looking over the inside of the establishment, the pegasus laughed and said. " This is an odd place to keep puppies. Who's idea was this? "

[Pretzelparty]

 

 

 

The bartender sniffed a couple times at the air and chuckled just as Jian-ya came in, "Ohhhh He's your boss, huh? I guess that means you get a discount."Toboe did an about face and looked through her selection behind her and retrieved a chill bottle of her old friend's favorite. She set a glass on the counter and carefully poured the drink in. Now that she was back at at the front of the bar she sniffed again, "If she had deliveries down at the docks she already took care of it, Stranger." The scent of salt and sea air native to the city's pier was still clinging to Corva's feathers... although it was only noticeable to the finely tuned sense of smell belonging to the bartender.

 

Speaking of smells, Jian still had that characteristic scent of coal on him. It always managed to make Toboe think about barbecue for some reason, "How's the ZInjiang, Jian? I've never had it mysel--"

 

Just then the front door of the bar burst open as a new patron barged her way in. She smelled like the forest oddly enough, it was partly diluted by the myriad scents of the city but beneath those it was clear this pony spent much more time in nature. "Umm... Sorry stranger, No puppies here. I'll be sure to put up a sign to let any diamond dogs know they're welcome. Until they get here, feel free to have a seat!" 

 

 

 

 

[PyroBlaze]

Corva couldn't help but let out a short laugh at Jian's words, though she didn't say anything, opting to take another swig of her drink instead. At the mention of a discount, she raised her drink as if in a toast, winking over at Toboe. "I'll drink to that. Don't think you slipped that 'pretty bird' comment past me either, by the way. Nice tats." She said, leaving it off with a slight chuckle and another wink before turning away again to simply watch the bar as a whole.

 

"C'mon, boss, when have I ever left a job unfinished? Sure, may not always be the timetable you were looking for, but complete is complete." She added after Toboe's observation about her being to the docks already. She might've said more, but the pegasus mare that burst through the door almost made her choke on the swig she had just taken. Puppies? Sure, it was called the Howler's Den, but come on, bars had names like that all the time. Pet stores, on the other hand, were usually less exciting in name. In any case, that was slightly annoying, since she couldn't just talk freely anymore. The griffon gave a sigh before turning back around to face Toboe.

[Switchback]

Coltson was normally a happy pony; he kept pleasure in the simpler things such as a good book, or a nice antique. Or at least the Coltson most ponies knew was that; the humble Ponyville Bookstore owner. Quirky with a like for antiques, that was the only part which transferred over to the secret agent's true job as an agent of S.M.I.L.E. subdivision L.A.U.G.H. However at work the antiques normally were less idle and a lot more vocal about being handled; hence his duty to find and contain such items where nocreature could use them. However today took the pony a long way from home, finding himself in Long Kong and with quite a bit of time on his hooves until his contact arrived with the item, he looked for a place to lay low for a bit; he was fully aware of the organisations that prowled these streets, and even though he knew they weren't aware of him; it wouldn't take much to derail his mission. Spotting a decent looking place called 'The Howler's Den' he does up the buttons on his black business jacket, makes sure his dark sunglasses were sat well on his face, and wandered into the establishment; feeling the music of the place hit him; it certainly had an old school atmosphere to it. He wanders up to the bar counter, taking a seat beside a very interesting lineup, and waited for the bartender to finish the introductions to another newcomer while his eyes darted around the room from behind his shades.

[RexDraco]

The dark-furred Kirin was a sour looking fellow. He looked as if a cat was constantly barking up his wrong tree. Or something. He was never sure with those Equestrian sayings. A sleek body and rich, dense fur the male looked at the peak of his physical condition, but the sturdy looking mob boss had a malady of problems that pricked and prodded at his health on the regular. Drinking would do naught but exasperate his conditions, but it was better than the green sludge to medicine pony fed him on the daily. His lips curled up, sharp fangs designed for the consumption of fish would be on display for but a moment’s pass as a growling exhale pumped from his chest.

 

Tall, dark and handsome with a hint of terror in those eyes of his. The black sclera of the Protectorate leader were ominous, legendary. Those that had the luck of seeing his face and surviving knew well of his haunting gaze. His head cocked to the side at Xovra, those dark eyes narrowing. His magenta pupils shimmered hauntingly. “Time is money Corva, and I rather like increasing profits.” He warned as he sashayed to the counter. The fluffy lord looked more like a scruffy nerf herder than some scary crime boss and that was how it should be.

 

The face of the Protectorate was known by few. To rivals he was a ghost that would pass them and they would never know seeing. But the members knew exactly who they were working for. A young pony came in asking about puppies. His long ears folded back as he looked to Toboe, making a face at her as she slid his bottle to her. Taking it in his hoofs he would snort. Could they smell you? His eyes asked before he raised the bottle to take a sip, unable to hold back his amusement. Jian downed half his bottle before sitting up as a third came in. Pretty sharply dressed. All Jian had on was his thick, purple coat of fur that was, sadly, attached to his body. Rolling his shoulders as his tail hung from the stool, to the floor he couldn’t help but comment.

 

“[What is with all the foreigners? Toboe, I didn’t know you started serving ponies.]” He would say in Long before motioning his hoof, whiskers curling up. “[And selling puppies now?]” He joked.

 

Long Kong wasn’t the safest of places, especially at night and out of the safety of a group. The Protectorate’s influence seeped into many of the businesses and even government officials. Why Jian himself, was a known son of a decorated naval officer. His duties to his family a bit more on the down low. Coltson would need to be careful. Suits weren't always welcomed in these parts...

[Dubstep]

Through the streets of Long Kong, the busy streets were parting warily as a serpent dragon flowed through the streets with a mud caked shovel resting on his back. By now most ponies in the city knew the dragon as the owner of one of the best noodle shops around. He would argue the best but who has that kind of time. Others knew to keep their mouths shut about his day job though. Yángguāng, or just Yang as most called him, worked as the enforcer for the Divine Protectorate. So those in the know were right to be frightened at the sight. Who knew which poor sod he had just buried? Possibly alive?!

Of course, Yang wasn't about to say that he had just got done planting a new tree nearby his shop. Let em cower, it was more fun that way. Buried mook or no, diggin a hole was thirsty work and it was break time at last. There was a new bar that was opening from what the dragon recalled, maybe this one would have something better than the swill some places seemed to hock as brew. Yang zipped up into the air to avoid the rest of the traffic and flew off towards his destination.

It didn't take long to get there, obviously. Dusting his paws off and leaving the shovel leaning by the door, the serpent slid in to the Howler's Den. Smooth Jazz? Ech. Well it could be worse he figured. Either way, it was nice to get away from work and Work for a change an...ah Tartarus is that the boss? And Corva? Was this going to turn into a work day? Yang snorted softly to himself and floated on over anyway. "Hey boss, hey Corva. Small world catching both of you here. What's up." the dragon greeted his co-workers before nodding in greeting to the bartender as well.

[PyroBlaze]

Corva blinked a bit at Jian’s words, shrugging internally. It’d worked for her so far, she didn’t feel a need to change things up right now. Luckily, an excuse to change the subject just walked in the door. The griffin raised her drink to Yang, smiling before taking another sip. 

 

“Yeah, well, seems the boss is a friend of the owner. Just hanging out, what’s up on your end?” Corva asked, gesturing between Toboe and Jian. 

[DreamySunday]

Bluemoon looked around the room, and saw nary a puppy in sight. " Awww darn, I was really looking forward to petting baby dogs. " Bluemoon made her way to the bar and took a seat. " You know, now that I think about it, this would be a really weird place for dogs to be in." She said while letting out a hardy laugh "I mean their aren't even any squeaky chew toys!" Bluemoon looked around at the bars patrons and one staff member, the wheel in her head beginning to turn. Squinting her eyes, Bluemoon began to put her deviously ingenious plan into motion. This would be the moment of truth, The moment that determined the exact number of fluffy puppers in the premises if any. These answers were of the utmost Importance. With her motivation and drive and it's maximum, Bluemoon leaned forward and attempted the dreaded nose boop on the barkeep to make sure SHE wasn't the living squeaky chew toy.

[Pretzelparty]

 

[Since Switchback hasn't been on for a while, Its okay if we skip them. Try to keep to posting order to a reasonable degree if you all could!]

 

Corva's compliments on the tattoos and the acknowledgement of Toboe's kind words got a playful wink from the bartender. Nice to see Jian still hired some upbeat individuals and not just stone faced gangsters... though he did certainly have a surplus of such folks. 

 

Speaking of Jian, he gave her a questioning look as the mare burst in. They'd known eachother long to understand eachother with simple gazes or gestures.  In response her eyes wandered to her 'no strong perfumes/colognes' sign in the window. It wasn't like she could cover herself in fancy scents like the mares who would so often fawn over such a tall, dark, and handsome qilin like Da jian-ya. His question about the foreigners made her chuckle, "[I can't make much of a business if I don't have a diverse customer base.] She couldn't but but smile at the curl of those whiskers, "[... and if I ever do have a litter, you'll be the first to know.]" She gave the scruffy looking boss a smirk and would polish the glass she had in hoof while a serpent dragon made his way into the establishment. 

 

"Welcome to bar, my serpentine friend. Let me know if you need anything. We got plenty o' warm food, and cold drinks ready for enjoyment."

 

She would leave her greeting at that. It was clear he worked for Jian and she wasn't about to get in the way of business on somepony else's turf. For now their friendly new patron would take some attention. She seemed nice enough as she sat down on the barstool with the rest of Toboe's customers. Bluemoon's remarks about the establishment managed to get a chuckle from the slightly scruffy bartender. Glancing over at the ominous qilin nearby she snickered. It sure would be a weird place for dogs, wouldn't it? Her eyes would say. The mention of squeaky toys gave her pause for a moment. Technically there was a squeaky toy on the premises... but it was for the boss's personal use. Mostly stress relief. Just as she was thinking of what to say about that she was caught off guard by meeting of a hoof to her snout. There was no squeak, but her muzzle did squish.  

The Barkeep's muzzle scrunched and her eyes narrowed for a moment. Once she pulled back from the boop she noticed a bit of dirt on Bluemoon's hoof. After fishing a tissue from beneath the counter to clean her nose of any debris she would itch her nose for a few seconds, "Since you've only done that once and you're new. That's for free. Any further pokes to this bartender's nose will cost at least five bits." Even after the poke was over the mare continued to rub at her muzzle, just because she'd taken the shape of a pony didn't mean her nose became any less sensitive. With a small smile she bowed her head to Bluemoon, "I hope you've got something to drink in mind, Ma'am."

 

 

Edited June 9, 2020 by Pretzelparty

[RexDraco]

 

 

 

He would certainly take offense to that since he, himself, was a stone-faced gangster. "Five bits is rather low..." He grumbled. Resting his hooves on the counter the Qilin lowered his skull, ears folding back as he scrunched his muzzle. "What is that smell?" He looked over to the others. The boss' sensitive olfactories were hard to by pass. Someone carried a stench on them that was unbearable.

 

Of course he was an utter neat freak and the very fact that Bluemoon had a dirty hoof caused him to nicker and try to send the brute away. "Wipe your hooves before entering you slobs!" He whinnied in irritation. It seems the boss was grumpy, but that was because he had yet to get his morning tea and fried tofu! He had strange tastes and much preferred bland tofu. Looking to Toboe he would squint. "You're also scruffy." Much scruffier than he remembered. "But I want my tofu. Who are we waiting on? We have a very important job today and you peons are late." A big job was on the horizon! They had a few hooves already on tasks but he needed down-to-Equus ponies dealing with the personal stuff. Busybodies as it were. 

[Dubstep]

Yang, after hearing the boss grump at the pegasus, checked his paws over again and brushed them off with a shrug before leaning on the counter with a grin and a friendly wink to the bartender. "Yángguāng, Yang if that's easier on you. Any friend of the boss is a friend of mine." the dragon would say sliding some bits on the counter from a pouch on his hip, which took a bit of noodling to reach. "I'll take some baiju if you've got some.  Vodka on the rocks if not." Yang would turn his attention to Corva and rock their head back and forth popping their neck. "Just got done with a little personal hole diggin'. Figured I'd stop in and get something to cool me down y'know."

The dragon's attention was immediately drawn to Jian though as soon as the qilin had mentioned something about work. "What's on the docket today boss?" he hoped it was something exciting, Yang was the kind of dragon that was best kept busy, else he start getting antsy and being antsy didn't make good noodles. "Knockin some heads around kinda job, or a more quickie in and out kinda job?"