Chapter Text
Erza walked down the corridors of WestFort Academy with delicate steps. Her eyes darted around, glancing over the ancient structure, as well as the crowds of students.
Principal Ruddock accompanied her. His presence towered over the dark-skinned woman. “If I may ask, Miss Erza, why does your benefactor hold an interest in our school?” He asked casually.
Pushing her glasses to her face, “Mr. Yakub comes from a, shall we say humble, background. He has made his fortune through education and ambition. And likes to give back to the less fortunate.” The woman explained.
The man nodded solemnly, “That is noble indeed. Shame he couldn’t have been here in person.” He replied.
The petite woman adjusted her glasses. “I will let him know your kind words. For now, I am his eyes and ears here, so let us continue if you please.” She told.
Pausing for a moment, Principal Ruddock nodded calmly. “Of course. Since we’re close by, would you like to see our library?” He suggested.
“Sure. I would like to leave no stone unturned.” Erza agreed calmly.
-
“Wait. You sparred with her?” Antonio couldn’t hide his shock. His roommate’s mouth wavered with shame. “It was her idea, okay?” He argued hesitantly.
Besides a little bruise on his left cheek and a small scar on his lip, the one-eyed man looked well.
Nodding quietly, “So, you lost then?” The tall man asked with a sly smile.
Nikolaus flatly ignored his theatrics, “Worse.” He replied coldly. Antonio encouraged him to elaborate with curious stares.
Curling his hand into a fist, “…I hit her.” The one-eyed man admitted. His roommate stared at him with the eyes of a confused doe, “You’re sad because you hit her… During a spar?” He asked.
Pressing his clenched fist against his chest, “I can’t even call myself a man anymore! How dare I?” Nikolaus wailed, his eye darting aside in shame.
At that moment, Antonio felt a strong urge to call his roommate a slur. He kept his peace through sheer willpower.
Unlike him, Namika wouldn’t contain her emotions. She pounced on the one-eyed man like a wildcat.
“You hit her! How dare you!” The blonde screeched while pelting him with punches that barely felt like anything.
Hesitating for a moment, Antonio reached forward and grasped her by the waist. Before the short girl could realize what was going on, he had pulled her away from his roommate.
“Unhand me! You big idiot!” Namika snapped at him with rage while wiggling aggressively to free herself.
“You’d better not do that.” A tired voice warned him. The duo turned to see a tall man with long, raven-black hair and a cold expression on his pale face approach them.
He stood a couple of steps away from them. His eyes darted at the men one after the other.
Still shook, “Umm, who are you?” Nikolaus asked. The newcomer realized he hadn’t introduced himself, “I’m Zack.” He told calmly. “And that little girl in your hands would be my friend from the book club.” He elaborated.
Feeling at ease, “I’m Nikolaus, and he’s Antonio.” The one-eyed man replied. “Nikolaus? You fought Alexis, right?” The long-haired man asked back.
Turning to Namika with an accusatory eye, “Yeah… That would be me.” Nikolaus replied. “Didn’t expect the gossip to spread that fast though.” He added with malice.
Pointing over his shoulder, “Oh no, she was the one who told me.” Zack cleared the air.
From behind him, Alexis walked into the scene. There was a small strip of bandage on the bridge of her nose. Otherwise, her porcelain face was unscathed.
The minuscule blemish scarred Nikolaus’ heart. “Alexis… I’m sorry.” He wailed. Her dead eyes did not betray the confusion she felt, “Sorry about what?” She asked.
Looking away, “I… hurt you.” The one-eyed man admitted. “So? It was just a spar.” The tall woman replied coldly. “In any case, there is something else I’d like to talk with you.” She added.
Immediately shifting his attention to her, Nikolaus looked with a longing eye. To his dismay, Alexis had her guard up.
“You have a nasty habit of dropping your guard while punching. It leaves you open for counterattack.” She told, showcasing proper form.
A chuckle escaped Zack’s lips, “She really is a martial arts nerd.” He commented. Antonio nodded in agreement, “I’m surprised Nikolaus could even tie with her.” He commented.
“You’re gonna be more than surprised if you don’t put me down.” An ominous voice warned him. Both men looked down, having forgotten Namika.
In a concerned tone, “Should I let her down?” Antonio asked his newfound friend. “I would.” The long-haired man nodded.
Following his advice, the medic gently let go of the short woman. She turned around with hell’s fury in her eyes. “Just because you’re my friend doesn’t mean you can put your hands on me willy nilly. Got it?” She scolded.
Antonio’s eyes widened, “You consider me a friend?” He smiled genuinely. The sight reddened Namika. She turned to her roommate clumsily, “Alexis! We're leaving.” She ordered.
Halting her martial arts lesson with Nikolaus, “Why?” The tall girl asked. “The lecture starts in 2 minutes.” Zack explained, looking at his wristwatch.
He then turned his attention to the two medics, “Alright then, be seeing you, gents.” He said warmly before leaving, followed by the girls.
Nikolaus nodded after them. “See you.” Antonio told.
-
“And this,” Principal Ruddock opened the door and invited his guest in, “Is our library.” He introduced. Erza slowly walked in, eyeing every corner.
Eileen perked up from her desk, “Oh, Principal Ruddock. Who’s your guest?” She asked curiously.
Before he could reply, the dark-skinned woman stepped forward, “Erza, Erza Red. I’m here on behalf of my benefactor to see if this school is fit for his investment.”
“Pleased to meet you.” The blonde smiled and nodded. “Just let me know if you need help with a specific book.” She added kindly.
Though Erza couldn’t put her finger on it, there was something strange behind those words. “I’ll be sure to do so.” She brushed her off.
The two took a few minutes to tour the library casually. Through which Eileen’s eyes were always on the woman.
Finally stepping out of the library felt like surfacing out of a deep ocean. “…Is there something wrong with your librarian? Her eyes were locked on me all the time.” Erza said with the hairs on her neck standing up like knives.
The tall man shrugged, “She’s really passionate about books. Maybe that was why.” He suggested. Naturally, neither of them was able to see the flask she hid under her desk.
“In any case, let me show you some of our classrooms. The recess should be right around the corner.” Principal Ruddock offered.
As if ordered, the bell rang. Having regained her sense of duty, “Please.” The dark-skinned woman accepted.
The two walked through the wave of students, leaving their classrooms. Erza’s eyes darted from face to face, studying each for a moment.
Finally, they walked into one of the classrooms. It was almost empty, with only a scant few students in their seats. In front of the whiteboard, one of the students talked with his teacher.
He sighed heavily, “You really did forget to write the exam, didn’t you?” Nikolaus asked.
Against him, Mystelatin reddened like a tomato, “Eheh… What makes you think that?” She asked meekly.
“First, the typos.” The young medic raised one finger, “Second, you only asked about the latest unit.” Another finger was held up, “And third, the points added up to 107.” He concluded.
Reduced to a nervous hamster, the scarred woman innocently pushed her index fingers together, “W-well, I didn’t want to see my precious students fail.” She tried to defend herself.
Rubbing his temple intently, “Be glad Ati didn’t notice it. Otherwise, she’d have ripped you to shreds.” The one-eyed man scolded.
His sister innocently laughed and rubbed her head.
Pointing at the two, “There is one of our teachers right there. Would you like a word with her?” Principal Ruddock suggested.
Once again, Erza adjusted her glasses. “No thank you. But I’d like to see more of your teachers if that's possible.” She declined.
The tall man simply nodded. Just like that, they were heading to the next classroom. This time, Erza’s eyes lit up like a firework upon seeing what was inside.
All her doubts were swept away upon seeing Julius talking with one of the students. Her hands immediately went to her glasses, grasping them by both sides in excitement.
Her motion didn’t go unnoticed. “Mr. Julius is our medical instructor. Would you like me to introduce you two?” Principal Ruddock offered.
She was quiet for a moment. “Sadly, I must decline. Mr. Yakub is a busy man, and he would definitely like to hear about your school as soon as possible.” She told calmly.
Taking a step back, she then turned to the tall man, “This has been very fruitful, Principal Ruddock. We’ll contact you with our offer soon enough.” She told cordially.
The two shook hands, “I will be waiting.” Principal Ruddock promised with a gentle smile.
-
Straining herself to hide her excitement, Erza immediately took her phone out as soon as Principal Ruddock was out of earshot. “You saw him, right?” She asked.
Yakub’s eyes were glued to the computer screen. “Clear as day.” He confirmed with a smile.
His response made the woman sigh in relief. She took her glasses off and pressed a hidden button on their side, deactivating the camera. “Seems like your lucky guess was right on the spot.” She murmured.
“Not luck,” Yakub corrected, “This is the result of months of research.” He concluded coldly. “I do not leave anything to luck.”
Erza rolled her eyes, giddy from the fact that he couldn’t see it. “I certainly don't doubt that anymore.” She lied. “So, now what?” She then asked.
“Attach two guys each to Mystelatin and Julius, incognito, of course.” He told calmly, “And another one, to the one-eyed kid Mystelatin was talking to.” He added.
His eyes scanned the photos taken by Erza. He studied the oblivious Julius, unaware of the claws that were closing in on him. Then, he looked at the one with Mystelatin and Nikolaus.
His finger instinctively tapped on the computer. The photo stirred his thoughts and soured his mood. His tapping became faster and faster until he finally stopped.
He then rubbed his temple and slowly got up. His eyes drifted to one of his men, “Drive me to the lab. And invite our guest over too.” He ordered coldly.
-
A glossy-black limousine drove through the old road, leading to a factory long abandoned by the old harbor just outside the city. Yakub let himself out as the car parked. He took a deep breath, tasting the salt in the air.
Two of his bodyguards flanked him as he walked into the facility. Though from the outside it looked rundown and long abandoned, the inside of the factory was orderly, neat, and busy with activity.
Men and women in white coats worked in groups around distinct stations. Some working on servos, others on computer simulations. On an elevated platform at the back of the factory stood six cylinders (Each bigger and wider than a man) full of an opaque green liquid.
Yakub looked all around with a confident air of giddiness. As he passed by, the scientists momentarily stopped to glance at him.
He took his time, finally reaching the tubes after minutes. He rubbed his palm against one of them, feeling the heat emanating from the liquid inside.
Without taking his eyes off of the tube, “What is their status?” He asked a scientist next to him. The man scrambled for a moment.
“W-well, most of them are stable, but specimen four still shows signs of lucidity.” He explained.
Nodding calmly, “Anything we need to be worried about?” Yakub followed. Having had the chance to gather his bearings, “If you can solidify your control on them, then no… Sir.” He replied respectfully.
His underlying worry made Yakub smile, “Relax. Once we have what we need, they’re going to be under my absolute control.” He said with confidence.
The scientist nodded with a faint smile, hiding his worries. “Which reminds me,” Yakub finally turned to face him, “I need a hazmat suit. I’m expecting company.”
-
They had set up a makeshift office, consisting of two folding chairs and a folding table. Cut off from the rest of the building by four medical curtains. Yakub sat on one of the chairs, clad from head to toe in a yellow hazmat suit. He made a mental note to order a more flattering hazmat suit for occasions like this, cursing his ridiculous state.
A weak and wrinkly hand reached out and opened the curtain. An old, hunched man stepped in slowly. He wore an old brown coat patched on a dozen spots. He sat down against the dark-skinned man, shaking like a baby deer.
“My oh my, you must be burning up in that.” He spoke in a weary tone, “Why not take it off?” He then offered.
With a sly smile, Yakub shook a finger, “Let’s not kid ourselves, Mr. Hegel, I am well aware of your abilities. That is why you’re here.” He replied.
The old man stood silent for a moment, then laughed intently. “Information sure does travel fast in this day and age.” He jokingly complained.
“In any case, I suppose your offer is more than generous. What is the job? He then asked.
Quietly, Yakub took out an envelope, opened it, and slid it across the desk to Hegel. The old man took it in his shaky hands and looked inside, seeing the photographs of Mystelatin and Julius.
“That scarred woman, she’s a troublesome bodyguard. And while I do not fear the local law enforcement, I’d rather take care of her without raising a storm.” The dark-skinned man told.
“A wise choice. Subtlety is sadly lost with this new generation of the underworld. It warms my heart to see another man of tactics.” Hegel replied.
“Warms your heart and fills your wallet you mean.” Yakub smiled. Another chuckle rose from the old man’s lips, “It’s a living.” He admitted, “Plus, I always deliver.” He added.
Nodding twice, “That is true. Which reminds me, I have something extra to ask of you.” Yakub spoke sinisterly, grabbing the old man’s attention. “After you disarm the woman, make her watch what my men are going to do to her buddy.” He requested with a grin.
The old man’s eyes subtly widened, “Now that is interesting. Consider it done, for no extra charge.” He accepted, “I enjoy the company of the ruthless and the ambitious.” He smirked a smile that betrayed the true evil inside.
Raising his hands, “I ought to be ambitious. Afterall, you are looking at a future member of the Nine Circles of Hell.” Yakub replied.
The mention of the Nine Circles made the old man shiver. “Son, you truly are something if that’s where you’re aiming to be. I’m glad to be in your good graces.” He admitted.
With a casual shrug, “What is life without ambition, old man?” Yakub asked. “I was born into nothing. And one day, I will have everything.” He continued, his eyes looking beyond the old man into the abyss.
Both men sat in silence for a moment. Hegel reached with a hesitant hand, unsure whether to snap Yakub out of his trance or not.
Before he needed to choose, the dark-skinned man shook. “Ah, my apologies, friend.” He smiled in embarrassment. “Now that our business is concluded, I’ll have my men escort you back home. They’ll let you know when the targets are within grasp.” He concluded. Then, he got up and pulled the curtain back, cordially letting the old man out.
“Heh heh… I’ve got to praise you, son. You have got this old body excited again.” Hegel told as they made their way out.
With a hand on his back, “Keep your eyes peeled then, old man. I will show you how deep my ambition goes.” Yakub replied with excitement. His eyes wandered into the abyss once more.
-
It was a cloudy evening. Few people walked through the quiet streets. As appropriate to the season, Mystelatin wore a cream-colored wool sweater under her coat. Julius walked next to her, wearing a thick, grey coat.
His gaze snapped around, studying every movement around them. With a sigh, “It’s strange seeing you so tense like this.” The scarred woman commented.
Slowly turning his attention to her, “You know we can’t drop our guard for a moment.” The bearded man replied coldly. “Can’t even use the car since they know about it.” He added painfully.
Mystelatin nodded twice unenthusiastically. “Hopefully, we’ll get out of this soon enough.” She prayed quietly.
“Hopefully.” Julius agreed. Thinking for a moment longer, “Until then, I’m glad you’re here with me.” He added.
Light returned to the scarred woman’s eyes. She smiled warmly and hit the man twice on the shoulder gently. “What are friends for? You always had my back.”
Both reveled in a moment of peace. Even through these dark days, they knew their friendship would hold strong.
A faint thud alerted them. A small old man, wearing an old coal had bumped into Mystelatin. “My apologies, young lady.” He spoke kindly.
Leaning down, “I should be the one who apologizes. Are you alright?” The scarred woman asked with a smile.
Hegel laughed meekly, “My my, how kind of you. But don’t worry about me, little lady.” He replied. In a friendly gesture, he then tapped her on the shoulder gently.
Mystelatin nodded, “Glad to hear that. Take care- She tried to reply. Her words came to an abrupt end as she noticed three figures in suits approaching them quickly.
She leapt up and raised her guard, or rather, tried to raise it. Inexplicably, her body did not respond to the danger they were in.
“Julius! Run!” She managed to shout. But as soon as the bearded man turned on his heels to do so, two of the men grasped him by the arm.
They yanked him back, sending him down to the ground. Four more men, wearing civilian clothes, approached the scene, establishing a perimeter.
As it all went down, Mystelatin couldn’t manage to squeeze a fist. “W- what’s wrong?...” She squealed in a desolate tone. “Why can’t I…” She cried through gritted teeth.
Squeezing her shoulder, “That would be my eccentricity.” Hegel admitted. “You have inhaled my pheromones. This means you’ll be incapable of doing anything violent for now.”
She was shaking from the strain now, “Old man… Why?” She asked, slowly turning to him with blood dripping from her mouth.
He shushed her, “It’s only business.” He admitted coldly.
Reaching with his left hand, “Now,” He then grasped her face and turned it to the side, “Keep your eyes on him.” He ordered with a smile.
That was when the kicks started raining on Julius.
The scarred woman couldn’t hold her tears back as her friend was brutalized before her. This wasn’t just about the arm; they reveled in hurting him.
“Julius…” She tried to speak weakly. “I’m sorry…” She gasped and stuttered in tears.
Rubbing her face and pinching her cheek, “There there…” The old man mockingly consoled her. “You should feel proud. You must be really strong if Yakub asked me to pacify you.” He told.
Finally, the strain became too much. Mystelatin fell on her knees in pain, still trying to form a fist in futility. “…P-please… Yakub is a bad-
Hegel interrupted her with a rich laugh, “Do you truly think I care?” He asked boldly. “He is rich and powerful. He can be as evil as he’d like; he has still turned me into a rich man.”
Slowly, the scarred woman managed to turn her head to him. Her bloodshot eyes bore both sadness and rage.
“Hmph.” The old man scoffed. “You’re not going to want to miss this.” He grasped her face firmly and turned it back to Julius.
The bearded man looked all red, blue, and black. He breathed heavily and coughed with each exhale, trying not to choke on his own blood.
Two of Yakub’s men grabbed him by the arms and pulled him up. He looked forward from behind his broken glasses, his desperate and moist eyes would haunt Mystelatin.
Another one of the bodyguards walked in front of him, “Mr. Yakub is a very generous man. He would have accepted you back in a heartbeat.” He spoke in a cold tone, unbothered by the bloodstains on his black suit.
“Yet, you betrayed him. You took what is rightfully his and ran away with it.” His words turned sour and hateful.
“N…” Julius struggled to speak, “…I have stolen N-nothing…” He spat out with rage.
To his terror, the man simply smiled. With a finger, he summoned another one of the bodyguards next to him. “Take it back.” He coldly ordered.
The man, a rather tall and muscular one, with a bold dragon tattoo on his face, slowly walked towards Julius. He put one of his hands on the bearded man’s right arm, and the other one on his left.
Anchoring himself, he grasped Julius’ left shoulder firmly. Then, with the casualness of plucking a flower’s petals, he ripped the prosthetic arm right off.
Chunks of metal flew off in every direction, and a mixture of blood and oil splashed everyone as a terrible cry of pain rose from Julius’ lips.
He collapsed soon after. Everything on his right past his trapezius was gone. The stump of his original arm was exposed, leaking blood as if his flesh was decimated once again.
With cold professionalism, Yakub’s men wrapped the prosthetic in cloth and stuffed it into a duffel bag. Slowly, they left the scene in twos.
“Heh, now that’s not something you see every day.” Hegel commented while wiping the minuscule smudge of blood on his face.
He then turned to Mystelatin. Her body was limp; the only thing preventing her from collapsing was her iron spine. She looked forward with a blank expression in her eyes. Looking precisely at the bloody remains of Julius.
“Someone is bound to pass by soon.” The old man commented softly, licking his finger and cleaning the blood off of her face. “If not, my spore should be out of your system in half an hour.” He told before getting up and dusting himself.
After a few steps, Hegel turned back to take one final look at the scene. Julius twitched subtly, still alive. But Mystelatin was as still as a statue.
-
Camila rubbed her stomach gently, “Yo! Eileen. When are we eating dinner?” She cheerily asked over her shoulder. She was sitting on the couch with her legs crossed while Seraph slowly braided her hair with her non-broken arm.
“If you don’t want to wait, you can always come over here and help me!” The blonde woman shouted back.
With a coy smile, “I can’t. I’m getting my hair braided.” The dark-skinned woman replied. Their banter made Seraph giggle girlishly.
Leaning over with a stern look on her face, “I heard that, Sera.” The blonde woman stated ominously.
“Eheh, sorry.” The redhead replied, “It’s just that she reminds me of Wiktoria a little.” She concluded.
Eileen blinked twice, questioning whether she was dreaming. “Did you hit your head on something to come to that conclusion?” She asked flatly.
With a gentle laugh, “Come now, surely ya can see it too.” Seraph replied.
“Um, who is Wiktoria?” Camila asked. “An old friend who’s sadly not with us anymore.” Seraph replied in a tone laced with mourning.
Sensing this, the dark-skinned girl quietly nodded.
Their calm tranquility came to an abrupt end as the outside door creaked open, and Mystelatin slowly waddled in.
Her presence perked Eileen up, “Ah, Mystelatin. You guys are late.” She commented, walking towards her sister, “Where is Julius?” She asked.
What she saw froze her blood and made her eyes widen in terror. The scarred woman before her looked devastated. She stood weakly on her feet, always on the verge of collapsing. Her eyes were flat and empty, her face cold, and tear stains ran down her face.
The blonde woman grabbed her by the arms, “What happened?” She asked quietly.
Her sister blinked slowly, “Julius… They took him.” She admitted. “I… I couldn’t do anything.” She added, fresh tears forming in her eyes.
Under the curious glances of the others, Eileen led her sister into the living room and sat her down. “Camile, get her some water.” She ordered before kneeling before her sister.
With the gentleness of a mother, she grasped Mystelatin’s hands within hers. “Tell me everything.” She asked kindly.
The scarred woman hesitated for a moment, “I… Was supposed to protect him. But then…” Never the one for patience, Erenia barged in, “Did you lose?” She demanded without grace.
Eileen could have killed her on the spot. She would have if Mystelatin hadn’t replied, “I couldn’t even fight.” She admitted flatly. “There was this old guy… Some hired criminal. He took away my ability to fight.” She told.
“It’s going to be okay.” The blonde woman promised. “What happened to Julius?” She followed.
Mystelatin took a deep breath and rubbed her hands on her face, “Yakub’s men took his arm and left him on the street. He’s at the hospital now… They wouldn’t let me stay… I’m not his family.” She explained.
Forcing a smile on her face, “He is alive then. And all we need to do is to find the bad guys and get his arm back.” The blonde woman tried to console her sister.
Camila stood next to the two. With weary eyes, she handed the scarred woman a glass of water. With a shaky hand, Mystelatin took it and drank slowly.
“Thank *Cough* Thank you.” The scarred woman replied. The dark-skinned woman nodded warmly.
“Get some rest.” Eileen suggested to her sister with a firm hand on her shoulder. Turning her attention to the two redheads, “Seraph, Camila. Take care of her while I’m gone.” She ordered.
“Gone? Where are you going?” Camila asked. “I’m coming too.” Seraph demanded. “Stay put and tend to her.” The blonde woman replied coldly, showcasing all her authority. The two averted their gazes, unwilling to probe her further.
Just then, a loud door slam made them all turn to the entrance. Before they could realize what had happened, Mystelatin opened her mouth. “Erenia.” She murmured.
-
The knight looked at the night sky, her back leaning against the building. She wore a large black coat over her armor. With gentle steps, Eileen walked out. “If you talk to my sister again like that, I’ll kill you.” She warned.
Blue jeans, a black scarf, and a brown leather jacket kept her warm.
With a shrug, “I’ll go apologize after we get that old fucker.” She said, “That’s what you want to do too, right?”
The blonde woman sighed in defeat, “I do not enjoy agreeing with you. But yes.” She admitted.
Erenia smirked, “Let’s get going then.” She told before tossing a keychain at Eileen.
Catching it, the blonde woman realized it was the keys to Julius’ car. She looked at the knight in confusion.
“You’re the better driver.” Erenia admitted, “I’ll tell you the directions.” She added.
-
They drove out of the city center and into the more crime-ridden streets on the outskirts. “Pray tell, how come you know about this place, Erenia?” Eileen asked as they walked through the dark streets.
The knight giggled, “I enjoy traveling.” She replied simply.
Their leisurely stroll was interrupted when three men stepped out of the shadows in front of them. “Good evening, ladies.” The lead one, a pale, muscular man with multiple facial tattoos and one gold tooth, spoke confidently. “What are two lovely birds doing here at this hour?” He asked while his men walked closer.
“Oh good.” Erenia murmured before walking up to the man, “We’re looking for a criminal lowlife. You know an old guy who can make someone unable to fight?” She asked casually.
The man shrugged, “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t.” He then leaned forward, getting right at her face, “Maybe you could help me jog my memory.” He suggested, rubbing her hair.
There was no fear or hesitation in the knight’s eyes. “I don’t like the scum of the earth. Just tell us what we want to know.” She replied.
Clenching his teeth into a vile smile, “You’re lucky I like unbroken bitches. Makes it more of a thrill.” The man replied.
He raised his fist, which looked as big as Erenia’s head. He swung wildly at her face. A moment later, his thrill would be replaced with pain.
Erenia had caught him by the wrist; her tiny hand looked like a child’s in comparison. Without a moment lost, she then lit his arm on fire.
The man leapt back in pain, trying in vain to extinguish his arm. Seeing their leader in disarray, one of the two men drew his gun out and pointed it at Erenia.
He pulled the trigger. Or thought he did. In the blink of an eye, his hand was replaced with a fountain of blood.
Eileen pushed her bloody axe to his nose, “Coward.” She commented.
The man fell on his knees under the gaze of her ice-cold eyes. Not even bothering to grasp his wound, he crawled away like a wounded beast.
“Now…” Erenia’s eyes turned to the last man. He was frozen in fear, with his gun loosely in his hand. “Would you be so kind as to tell us what we want to know?” She asked with a devious smile.
-
A plain gray building stood at the corner, illuminated only by a flickering street light. Erenia knocked on the door thrice.
“We’re closed. Come back tomorrow.” An old man called out from behind the door.
“That’s a shame. I hear you have good fish.” The knight replied. First, there was silence. Then, the voice behind the door started giggling.
“Two in two days? I don’t usually get these many customers.” Hegel commented as he opened the door and invited the knight in.
Inside was undecorated and bare. They walked into a small room with only a wooden desk in the middle and two chairs. The old man sat with his back to the wall, while Erenia sat in front of the door.
“My my, a knight huh?” Hegel asked warmly. “Ex-knight.” The knight corrected.
Her words eased the man, “Well then, miss ex-knight. What can I do for you?” He asked.
Erenia leaned back on her chair and put her feet on the desk. “You did a job for a guy named Yakub today. I want to know where I can find him.” She asked.
The old man laughed, “I can’t do that, little miss. Customer confidentiality.” He explained. “Now, if there is anything else- He tried to continue, only to come to a halt as eerie purple flames rose from underneath Erenia’s coat.
“I wasn’t asking.” The knight smirked as her flames licked the ceiling and the walls.
Far from concerned, “Little miss, how do you think I have stayed in business these years?” He asked. Following his words, a giddiness took over the knight.
Losing her balance, she fell on the floor. Slowly rising, she couldn't help but start giggling.
Getting up, “It was exceedingly stupid to come here unprepared.” Hegel told, drawing a knife out of his pocket. “Now, you’ll pay the price.”
He walked closer, dedicated to finishing her. But a sudden burst of heat and light stalled him.
Erenia’s flames had disappeared, leaving only an unnatural glow emanating from underneath her skin. Her laughter strengthened, “Oh man, she wasn’t lying. I can’t do anything to you.” She commented as her hair turned ghastly white, and her irises disappeared.
The old man protected himself with his arm held up against his face. The heat was unbearable.
“W-what is this?” He stuttered in shock. In between laughs, “Your ability is a real pain in the ass.” Erenia commented, “Good thing I don’t need a fight or flight response to hurt you.”
Hegel gulped in fear and brought his knife to bear, not realizing that its blade had melted away. He threw it away in fear and stepped back, trying to protect himself from the heat.
The wooden desk and chairs had caught on fire now. The walls were melting, and the concrete ground under Erenia was sizzling.
“P-please, stop this. I- I’ll tell you everything.” The old man begged. Erenia’s laughter was drowning now, “Tell me then. Where is Yakub?” She asked innocently.
“A-an abandoned factory at the old harbor. It’s right outside the city.” He admitted. Unable to bear the heat, the old man fell on his knees and coughed his lungs out.
“Thank you!” The knight replied with joy. “Now, one more thing…” She walked forward, her laughter was dizzying now. “You did something to a friend of mine. Something that wasn’t too nice.” She accused.
Losing none of the little time he had, “I’ll quit! I’ll retire! I’ll never use my eccentricity again. I swear!” He begged pitifully.
Standing one step away from him, “You’ve been truly helpful. Thank you.” The knight nodded before extending her hand and gently putting it on the man's shoulder.
Hegel’s cries of pain did not last long, but every second of his fiery conclusion was hellish.
-
Exhausted from using her eccentricity, she could barely drag herself out. She fell on one knee right outside the doorstep. Eileen walked next to her, “Though I don’t want to admit it, you did well.” She commended the knight.
Erenia still giggled like a child, “Sheesh… Now I feel bad for Mystelatin. That was hell.” She commented.
They slowly walked to the car. The knight could barely throw herself into her seat. “The guy’s at some abandoned factory at the old harbor… Outside the city.” She told.
The blonde woman nodded. “Let’s pay him a visit once Mystelatin recovers. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.” She commented before driving off into the night.
-
Pointing at the screen, “Right, this is from the traffic cameras. We can deduce that his base of operations is at the old hangar, right outside the city.” Fjodor briefed.
Amadeus nodded calmly, “If we wait any longer, we’ll lose our chance to bag him.” He told calmly.
Rubbing his moustache, “I really wish I could give you guys more support.” The Watchmaster commented weakly.
The white-haired man stepped up, “I knew the situation when I agreed to this. Both Django and Jean understand it as well.” He told calmly. “This dawn, we finish it.” He declared confidently.