Chapter 57
charclone
Well-known member
Okay. So... this one fought me. Hard enough that it delayed other stories. You can probably guess which scene in particular I had trouble with.
"Why did you agree?" Lacresha asked as they both got into the car. "You normally prefer to stay free of any group politics."
"Because I'm not going to turn away a couple of kids asking me to help teach them lessons that they can use to help defend themselves," Merlin answered as he closed the driver's door, giving her a look. "And I enjoy shooting for fun. Far less stressful than a shootout."
"First, those two are not children. Might I remind you of the Arctic? On top of that, I'm certain they are the age of majority," Lacresha countered. "Second, that isn't what I was referring to, and you know it."
Merlin sighed as he started the engine.
"I'm afraid," He admitted. "You aren't as deep into the supernatural as I am, for all your book smarts. There aren't governments able to crack down on gang violence like in the mundane political world. You always need to worry about some super-heavy hitter being around the next corner, or some punk growing freakishly fast in power. Leaves what governments there are cautious."
A strangle look came over Lacresha's face. Merlin chalked it up to her being reminded that she lived a more sheltered life.
"When people, creatures, like Ophis start making moves," Merlin shuddered. "I've only heard stories about the War, between Heaven and Hell. But I've seen some of the destruction that was inflicted on the world and the Underworld by it. I'd rather have some sort of anchor in that storm, all the better if they are human."
Lacresha winced.
"You don't trust anything non-human," She noted.
"Eh, I don't trust the ones that are too different. Fae are mostly human, just with a slightly different sense of morality," Merlin shrugged. "The local spirits here I just don't know enough about, but the devils have an inherent incentive to screw us mortals over and Fallen are fucked up, by both their history and with the younger ones their upbringing."
"True," Lacresha snorted. "But what about Philip's friend?"
"Eh, don't know enough about fox spirits, especially not Eastern ones," Merlin shrugged as he navigated the car out onto the street. "I know they're tricksters, but the girl seemed rather protective of him and skittish. I'll look more into it tonight, but given how she acted, I'm willing to guess she's more human than the devils."
Lacresha frowned, something churning in her mind.
"To change the topic, why did you agree to hire me?"
Merlin gave her a glance as he drove down the dark Chicago streets, streetlights only just starting to come on.
"Why do you ask?" He said. "Honestly, you were the most qualified of the people to apply. Plus, you already knew about the supernatural."
"Huh," Lacresha leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms in a rather deliberate fashion over her lower chest. "Was that all there was to it? My charming personality and looks had nothing to do with it?"
Merlin just laughed as he drove, deliberately not looking away from the street.
"Guns are loud," Aya groused as she ate. "I don't understand why people like them."
Philip snorted as he ate his own meal.
"Well, they are useful for defence and war. Easier to shoot someone than punch them," He pointed out, trusting in a ward he had placed to obscure their conversation from eavesdroppers. There had been an uncomfortable number of Fallen in the nearby block, practically advertising their presence with their, rather marginal, power being radiated. "Now, any thoughts about Merlin?"
"Eh, he seems okay," Aya shrugged. "I'm glad he's willing to help, but his secretary… I dunno. Something seems off about her."
"How so?" Philip asked.
"I can't put my finger on it, but something does seem off," Aya shrugged. "She doesn't seem dangerous though. Anyway… what do we do now?"
"Now?" Philip bit back a laugh. "We finish the meal unless you aren't feeling well."
Aya gave him a look.
"No, I mean…" She paused and sighed, giving Philip an exasperated look. "The other stuff going on."
"Ah," Philip dropped his gaze to his plate. "I'm not sure. Honestly, I'm realising I'm in over my head."
Aya gave him a pained, sympathetic look.
"If I may?" Tamamo spoke up, audibly. "Might I recommend continuing what you are doing? You know the three greatest threats; the Old Kings Faction, the Hero Faction, and Ophis herself. Ophis might be able to be talked down, based on your memories. Thus, you need information on the other two."
Philip winced, remembering the fragmented fanlation he read. He remembered that Ophis had been part of the main group before Issei was killed. But that version had been lacking portions, leaving him uncertain as to the how, and what happened. That Issei got better he only knew based on the fact that the series had continued.
Aya blinked as she realised the warding had blocked Tamamo's words, but not her voice.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" She asked the ancient fox, who giggled in response to the confused patrons in the restaurant, confused about the sudden strange new voice. "At least the warding will keep them from realising your voice came from us and what you said."
Philip sighed.
"Well, I suppose it's half a plan," He grunted, chewing on the last of his meal. "The other half will rely on finding sources of information on them. Okay, well, Aya, you want dessert, or should I pay so we can go?"
Aya shook her head.
"No," She drained the last of her juice, still being under the legal drinking age in British Columbia, before standing. "I'm done. And thank you for taking me here."
"My pleasure," Philip smiled warmly in response, making her heart flutter.
Philip paid the bill, and a short period later, they walked out the front door of the restaurant.
"Are we not going to call for a cab?" Aya asked as she put an arm around Philip.
Philip returned the gesture as he answered.
"One stop I'd like to make first," He said, vaguely, as he led her down the street. Aya's eyes flickered to a nearby store, her eyes widened as she giggled at the sight of the flower shop. "Do you have a preference?"
"Hello there!" A voice called from behind them. The woman that approached was perhaps a little older than them, dressed in form-fitting clothes that exposed more than a little cleavage and midriff, and was blatantly emphasising her chest with her posture. Philip felt Aya tense, he followed suit as a moment later the woman formed a barrier. Simple and meant to avoid eavesdroppers, but it was by no means subtle. "You're the magician, living in the suburbs, right?"
"Uh," Philip blinked. Beside him, Aya tightened her grip on him and glared. "That depends on who's asking."
"Well, me, obviously!" The unnamed woman beamed another grin, one that turned sultry. "So, I'll take that as a yes. Well, you two wanna have some fun?"
The question was accompanied by a wink.
Aya's grip became painful, and Philip felt his mood plummet.
"Why did you specifically approach us, if you are just looking for fun?" Aya nearly growled as she demanded an answer.
The sultry look faltered.
"Well, you two are the only ones in on the whole magic thing?" The woman gave a half-hearted chuckle, the sound dying as it left her throat. "Um."
The sultry look withered and died.
"I'm… interrupting something, aren't I?" The woman asked with a wince. "Well… I put my foot in my mouth… um… I'll just be going now."
The barrier shattered a moment later as the woman spun around and walked away, her gait no longer retaining its confident quality.
Aya gave a mournful sigh.
"That… ruined the mood," Philip grumbled. "Pretty sure that was a Fallen barrier. I see the local gang is making trouble for themselves."
There was a silent pause as something struggled in his mind before he continued.
"So, flower?"
"Maybe next time," Aya pouted, suddenly feeling very tired. "Call the cab please."
Philip nodded, both disappointment and relief written on his face, and reached for his phone.
"Philip?" Aya asked, her gaze falling to her hand. "Are you alright?
Her boyfriend blinked, then looked down, following her gaze. Slowly, he unclenched his shaking fist.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine," He breathed. "Just… my mind went to my mother and her… well."
Aya hugged him.
"Let's go home." She said.
"What the hell was that!?" Her boss hissed at her, his black wings making his silhouette seem larger as he towered over his subordinate. "You've roped people in that have put up a bigger fight!"
The woman stretched her arms above her head. Her own pair of black wings stretching out from behind her, lazily, in symmetry to her arms.
"You didn't see the way the girl was glaring at me?" She replied. "Plus, I don't think she was human."
Her boss frowned.
"Then what is she?" He demanded. "Another half-breed Fallen like us?"
"No idea, something Eastern is my guess, based on how weird her magic felt," The woman lowered her arms and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with a flicker of power. "Given how much stronger than me she felt, I'm guessing a dragon. I'm pretty sure she is more powerful than-"
"Don't say it," Her boss sighed. "You know how he gets when people say there are beings more powerful than him. If you don't say it, I don't have to repeat it. Just… keep trying. If you can rope both in, great, but don't get yourself killed. The magician… the last one was very useful. His knowledge let the boss make the cops' attempts to track us a joke."
"Yeah, yeah, 'stronger together, and strength keeps us alive'," The woman snorted as she paraphrased the overused words. "I know the gang boss' favoured saying. Honesty, I get the impression those two are prudes, and while fun to tease, I'd rather not get killed, either. I doubt I'll get anywhere with them."
"Then we try another method," Her boss sighed. "We need strong people like that if we are to become more than just a gang."
"I think the local Fallen might be the ones that tried to use your mother to steal your books," Aya said as she stepped out of the cab. "There have been more of them around lately."
"Are you saying that because you dislike her hitting on us," Philip asked as he paid the fare. "Or because you are annoyed at the night being ruined?"
Aya fixed him with a look in response.
"Alright," Philip waved his hands in surrender. "I'll admit, it unsettled me as well, and I'm annoyed at her ruining the night for us. But it would make sense: they're too small fry to be considered by the larger players, thus my contacts couldn't find anything because it was all local."
"See!" Aya said, bouncing up the steps. "So, it might have been them, and we should investigate if they have any connections to the Khaos Brigade. Moreal might be willing to help interrogations!"
Philip gave her an unamused look.
"No torture, I already regret letting… asking, Moreal to get information out of her sister, even if it put her in a good mood," He sighed as he followed her into the house. "Anyway, want to watch a movie?"
"Hmmm…" Aya hummed in thought as she took off her shoes. "I want to, yeah. But I have no idea what to watch."
"Well," Philip paused. He glanced over at the couch, to where Kuroka was silently watching them, a grin plastered on her face, Koneko asleep in her lap. He glared at her. "No teasing. The night was ruined by a Fallen. Now, how about we watch Star Wars?"
Kuroka's face turned crestfallen.
"No," Aya shook her head, sitting next to Kuroka. "I'm not in the mood for that. I want something flashier and modern."
In the end, they decided to watch a generic action movie, Kuroka remaining with them. At some point, Koneko left back to Japan, well before any of them went to sleep.
"Why did you agree?" Lacresha asked as they both got into the car. "You normally prefer to stay free of any group politics."
"Because I'm not going to turn away a couple of kids asking me to help teach them lessons that they can use to help defend themselves," Merlin answered as he closed the driver's door, giving her a look. "And I enjoy shooting for fun. Far less stressful than a shootout."
"First, those two are not children. Might I remind you of the Arctic? On top of that, I'm certain they are the age of majority," Lacresha countered. "Second, that isn't what I was referring to, and you know it."
Merlin sighed as he started the engine.
"I'm afraid," He admitted. "You aren't as deep into the supernatural as I am, for all your book smarts. There aren't governments able to crack down on gang violence like in the mundane political world. You always need to worry about some super-heavy hitter being around the next corner, or some punk growing freakishly fast in power. Leaves what governments there are cautious."
A strangle look came over Lacresha's face. Merlin chalked it up to her being reminded that she lived a more sheltered life.
"When people, creatures, like Ophis start making moves," Merlin shuddered. "I've only heard stories about the War, between Heaven and Hell. But I've seen some of the destruction that was inflicted on the world and the Underworld by it. I'd rather have some sort of anchor in that storm, all the better if they are human."
Lacresha winced.
"You don't trust anything non-human," She noted.
"Eh, I don't trust the ones that are too different. Fae are mostly human, just with a slightly different sense of morality," Merlin shrugged. "The local spirits here I just don't know enough about, but the devils have an inherent incentive to screw us mortals over and Fallen are fucked up, by both their history and with the younger ones their upbringing."
"True," Lacresha snorted. "But what about Philip's friend?"
"Eh, don't know enough about fox spirits, especially not Eastern ones," Merlin shrugged as he navigated the car out onto the street. "I know they're tricksters, but the girl seemed rather protective of him and skittish. I'll look more into it tonight, but given how she acted, I'm willing to guess she's more human than the devils."
Lacresha frowned, something churning in her mind.
"To change the topic, why did you agree to hire me?"
Merlin gave her a glance as he drove down the dark Chicago streets, streetlights only just starting to come on.
"Why do you ask?" He said. "Honestly, you were the most qualified of the people to apply. Plus, you already knew about the supernatural."
"Huh," Lacresha leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms in a rather deliberate fashion over her lower chest. "Was that all there was to it? My charming personality and looks had nothing to do with it?"
Merlin just laughed as he drove, deliberately not looking away from the street.
"Guns are loud," Aya groused as she ate. "I don't understand why people like them."
Philip snorted as he ate his own meal.
"Well, they are useful for defence and war. Easier to shoot someone than punch them," He pointed out, trusting in a ward he had placed to obscure their conversation from eavesdroppers. There had been an uncomfortable number of Fallen in the nearby block, practically advertising their presence with their, rather marginal, power being radiated. "Now, any thoughts about Merlin?"
"Eh, he seems okay," Aya shrugged. "I'm glad he's willing to help, but his secretary… I dunno. Something seems off about her."
"How so?" Philip asked.
"I can't put my finger on it, but something does seem off," Aya shrugged. "She doesn't seem dangerous though. Anyway… what do we do now?"
"Now?" Philip bit back a laugh. "We finish the meal unless you aren't feeling well."
Aya gave him a look.
"No, I mean…" She paused and sighed, giving Philip an exasperated look. "The other stuff going on."
"Ah," Philip dropped his gaze to his plate. "I'm not sure. Honestly, I'm realising I'm in over my head."
Aya gave him a pained, sympathetic look.
"If I may?" Tamamo spoke up, audibly. "Might I recommend continuing what you are doing? You know the three greatest threats; the Old Kings Faction, the Hero Faction, and Ophis herself. Ophis might be able to be talked down, based on your memories. Thus, you need information on the other two."
Philip winced, remembering the fragmented fanlation he read. He remembered that Ophis had been part of the main group before Issei was killed. But that version had been lacking portions, leaving him uncertain as to the how, and what happened. That Issei got better he only knew based on the fact that the series had continued.
Aya blinked as she realised the warding had blocked Tamamo's words, but not her voice.
"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" She asked the ancient fox, who giggled in response to the confused patrons in the restaurant, confused about the sudden strange new voice. "At least the warding will keep them from realising your voice came from us and what you said."
Philip sighed.
"Well, I suppose it's half a plan," He grunted, chewing on the last of his meal. "The other half will rely on finding sources of information on them. Okay, well, Aya, you want dessert, or should I pay so we can go?"
Aya shook her head.
"No," She drained the last of her juice, still being under the legal drinking age in British Columbia, before standing. "I'm done. And thank you for taking me here."
"My pleasure," Philip smiled warmly in response, making her heart flutter.
Philip paid the bill, and a short period later, they walked out the front door of the restaurant.
"Are we not going to call for a cab?" Aya asked as she put an arm around Philip.
Philip returned the gesture as he answered.
"One stop I'd like to make first," He said, vaguely, as he led her down the street. Aya's eyes flickered to a nearby store, her eyes widened as she giggled at the sight of the flower shop. "Do you have a preference?"
"Hello there!" A voice called from behind them. The woman that approached was perhaps a little older than them, dressed in form-fitting clothes that exposed more than a little cleavage and midriff, and was blatantly emphasising her chest with her posture. Philip felt Aya tense, he followed suit as a moment later the woman formed a barrier. Simple and meant to avoid eavesdroppers, but it was by no means subtle. "You're the magician, living in the suburbs, right?"
"Uh," Philip blinked. Beside him, Aya tightened her grip on him and glared. "That depends on who's asking."
"Well, me, obviously!" The unnamed woman beamed another grin, one that turned sultry. "So, I'll take that as a yes. Well, you two wanna have some fun?"
The question was accompanied by a wink.
Aya's grip became painful, and Philip felt his mood plummet.
"Why did you specifically approach us, if you are just looking for fun?" Aya nearly growled as she demanded an answer.
The sultry look faltered.
"Well, you two are the only ones in on the whole magic thing?" The woman gave a half-hearted chuckle, the sound dying as it left her throat. "Um."
The sultry look withered and died.
"I'm… interrupting something, aren't I?" The woman asked with a wince. "Well… I put my foot in my mouth… um… I'll just be going now."
The barrier shattered a moment later as the woman spun around and walked away, her gait no longer retaining its confident quality.
Aya gave a mournful sigh.
"That… ruined the mood," Philip grumbled. "Pretty sure that was a Fallen barrier. I see the local gang is making trouble for themselves."
There was a silent pause as something struggled in his mind before he continued.
"So, flower?"
"Maybe next time," Aya pouted, suddenly feeling very tired. "Call the cab please."
Philip nodded, both disappointment and relief written on his face, and reached for his phone.
"Philip?" Aya asked, her gaze falling to her hand. "Are you alright?
Her boyfriend blinked, then looked down, following her gaze. Slowly, he unclenched his shaking fist.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine," He breathed. "Just… my mind went to my mother and her… well."
Aya hugged him.
"Let's go home." She said.
"What the hell was that!?" Her boss hissed at her, his black wings making his silhouette seem larger as he towered over his subordinate. "You've roped people in that have put up a bigger fight!"
The woman stretched her arms above her head. Her own pair of black wings stretching out from behind her, lazily, in symmetry to her arms.
"You didn't see the way the girl was glaring at me?" She replied. "Plus, I don't think she was human."
Her boss frowned.
"Then what is she?" He demanded. "Another half-breed Fallen like us?"
"No idea, something Eastern is my guess, based on how weird her magic felt," The woman lowered her arms and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with a flicker of power. "Given how much stronger than me she felt, I'm guessing a dragon. I'm pretty sure she is more powerful than-"
"Don't say it," Her boss sighed. "You know how he gets when people say there are beings more powerful than him. If you don't say it, I don't have to repeat it. Just… keep trying. If you can rope both in, great, but don't get yourself killed. The magician… the last one was very useful. His knowledge let the boss make the cops' attempts to track us a joke."
"Yeah, yeah, 'stronger together, and strength keeps us alive'," The woman snorted as she paraphrased the overused words. "I know the gang boss' favoured saying. Honesty, I get the impression those two are prudes, and while fun to tease, I'd rather not get killed, either. I doubt I'll get anywhere with them."
"Then we try another method," Her boss sighed. "We need strong people like that if we are to become more than just a gang."
"I think the local Fallen might be the ones that tried to use your mother to steal your books," Aya said as she stepped out of the cab. "There have been more of them around lately."
"Are you saying that because you dislike her hitting on us," Philip asked as he paid the fare. "Or because you are annoyed at the night being ruined?"
Aya fixed him with a look in response.
"Alright," Philip waved his hands in surrender. "I'll admit, it unsettled me as well, and I'm annoyed at her ruining the night for us. But it would make sense: they're too small fry to be considered by the larger players, thus my contacts couldn't find anything because it was all local."
"See!" Aya said, bouncing up the steps. "So, it might have been them, and we should investigate if they have any connections to the Khaos Brigade. Moreal might be willing to help interrogations!"
Philip gave her an unamused look.
"No torture, I already regret letting… asking, Moreal to get information out of her sister, even if it put her in a good mood," He sighed as he followed her into the house. "Anyway, want to watch a movie?"
"Hmmm…" Aya hummed in thought as she took off her shoes. "I want to, yeah. But I have no idea what to watch."
"Well," Philip paused. He glanced over at the couch, to where Kuroka was silently watching them, a grin plastered on her face, Koneko asleep in her lap. He glared at her. "No teasing. The night was ruined by a Fallen. Now, how about we watch Star Wars?"
Kuroka's face turned crestfallen.
"No," Aya shook her head, sitting next to Kuroka. "I'm not in the mood for that. I want something flashier and modern."
In the end, they decided to watch a generic action movie, Kuroka remaining with them. At some point, Koneko left back to Japan, well before any of them went to sleep.