Background synopsis:1. 'Rod' and Palarin originate from the same dimension - Mim. Rod is a Shifter/Mimic - the multiverse's dimension hoppers and disguise artists extraordinaire - but just a trainee one. Not widely known is that such complete mastery of those magics doesn't quite come naturally to a mimic - decades are spent in "apprenticeships", flitting between dimensions and cultures, learning to completely immerse themselves in each one in turn.
2. Rod is currently immersed in Cupy culture - which is unusual as it means he is impersonating a creature impersonating another's species young a great deal of the time. As part of this the two of them joined a covert operations unit in the military of one dimension they passed through - both served with distinction, though Pal proved something of a natural and still remains one of the most highly decorated soldiers in recent memory.
3. The two of them left the military a few years ago and switched to a new assignment - working for a spy guild based in Mim, specialising in acquiring secrets to sell or use for blackmail - and a very profitable enterprise it proved. However, the organisation proved to have a darker underbelly, and when the two were ordered to carry out an assassination they blanched at their orders and instead actively undermined their own unit, thereby ensuring the target, a fellow Mimic, escaped.
4. After this episode the two decide it best to leave the guild, and, since that is easier said than done, they choose to try and hide themselves in a crowd - and nowhere in the known dimensions is there a bigger crowd than at the bazaar.
5. After several months working as freelance "information agents", selling trade secrets to rival Deveels, they come across the M.Y.T.H. Inc. sign and decide to apply for the job.
"Oh no you don't, ain't no kids allowed in here kiddo."At this, the rather brawny looking chap standing at the door glared down at me over his noticeably crooked nose. It's not his fault though, Pal - that's my partner, don't let him hear me calling him 'Pal' tho, he tries to insist on the full Palarin - anyway, as I was saying, Pal ran through the poor guys legs just a few moments previous, knocking the poor man off balance. And having a visibly excited puppy get through the door one is supposed to be guarding is liable to place the most well-intentioned bouncer in a foul mood.
Now, there's only so long you can hold the 'on the verge of tears' look I've been giving this guy - do it too long and you have to actually start crying to maintain credibility. The trick is to lep the lower lip quiver a little bit when you do speak, just to reinforce how close you are, like so...
"I'm ... I'm sorry mister, I just wanted to get my dog back."Then you look up at him with those big wet pleading eyes and .... bingo! The expression softens for just a moment, sure, they try and keep up the tough guy look but after this point you've got them hooked into it emotionally, rational thought takes a backseat from here on out.
"Hey, what's going on out there? Emilio?"Right about now is when Don Bruce came flying into the room - he's a little guy with wings and the most appalling taste in lilac suits. The mafia's "fairy godfather" they call him.
"Sorry boss, it's just some kid, I'll move him along gentle like boss."Uh-oh, this could be a problem. Only way to go in a situation like this is to climb up the hierarchy, and so, after a subtle step around Emilio's outstretched arms I take a couple of steps up to Don Bruce "Please mister, I'm looking for my dog."
Work the eyes again and we've moved up the command chain.
"Arf!"Right on cue my partner diverts all the attention and Don Bruce turns to me "Does that sound like your dog sonnie?" a shy nod and he leads us off after the 'lost' dog, who we find under the table tucking into a stray steak that has miraculously appeared in his jaws.
"Hey, this mutt's got guts! I like that. Come on kid, come and sit with Don Bruce while he finishes his dinner. What's his name anyway?"
"Pal sir"Ouch, that one earned me a dirty look over the steak. Anyway, catch the Don's eye and work a bit of the ole magic and he's set at his ease. He goes on to spend the entire day conducting mafia business with this little 'kid' sat on his lap, much to his subordinates consternation.
...
Later that day, with heads full of all sorts of valuable secrets, Rod and Pal were strolling along the streets of the bazaar when they come across a sign that catches Pal's eye.
WANTED
Adventurous individuals skilled with weapons or magic.
Moderate risk, substantial reward. Please apply in person
at the headquarters of M.Y.T.H. Inc.
He turns towards Rod,
"Sounds like exactly the sort of caper a couple of imaginative individuals would be well suited for."
