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The Oathsworn

Page 39

by Liandra Jake


  Arend stepped forward as the neon-haired women left. The construction man's grumbling stopped briefly as Arend gave Dave the Requests. Arend' shirt was still off; tied out of the way on his arm. Dave looked through the Requests and laughed. "It seems he's willing to work." He looked up at Arend. "You do know that these are long term contracts right? Or did you just ignore the fine print?" Dave tapped the Requests with the back of his hand.

  Arend tilted his head. "I don't know what that means."

  Dave flipped the Requests around and pointed at the block of text at the bottom. "You work full time until the job is done. No other Requests and a full schedule. You're essentially becoming a temp." Dave explained.

  "But I can finish each one quickly." Arend replied.

  The construction man laughed as well once he saw what Arend had chosen. "Two Requests for the collapsed roadways in sections 1B and 6C, and one for the obliterated skyscrapers in Downtown Sea-Side. That's a lot of work. Are you sure we should a scrawny boy like you take all three instead of three able bodied men?"

  Dave studied Arend closely for a moment. "He's not scrawny. He's got some real definition on him and those pins in his hat mark him as someone with much recognition from entire Alliances. What's your name?"

  Arend turned back to Dave. "Arend Myshcell."

  Dave and the man practically pissed themselves with a burst of laughter. "There's no way in hell!" Dave exclaimed.

  Arend crossed his arms. "Remember when Panzer approved the Request to take on the white Pendragon?"

  Dave quieted slightly. "Yeah, but…" He stopped when something hit him. His jaw slowly fell open.

  Arend nodded with a knowing smile. Dave handed him a pen with trembling fingers. The construction man stopped laughing as Dave stamped each Request as Arend signed it.

  A familiar gravelly voice called out. "Arend!" Arend glanced over to see a man in red riot gear making his way towards him. Wesken and the rest of his team had stopped by to turn in a Request.

  "Hey Wesken, long time no see." Arend said as he stepped aside to open the way to Dave.

  Wesken dropped a mass of papers in front of Dave before turning to Arend. He pulled off his helmet to talk more comfortably. Like before, a grey wolf looked back. "We've heard a lot about you. Judging by looks alone, you're much stronger. I almost didn't recognize you without that hat." Wesken replied.

  "It really is him…?" The construction man asked softly.

  Wesken nodded. "I'd know that face anywhere. I'm surprised you two didn't recognize him." He replaced his helmet and retrieved his papers. "I'll see you later then!" He called back with a wave. His team gave Arend a tired wave as they shuffled after their leader.

  Arend turned to the construction man. "Care to take me to the roadway?"

  [X]

  Oragè dropped Kronth off in front of her apartment building. She had a three room apartment on the fifth floor. She said goodbye to Oragè as she entered the building. While it didn't allow pets, it was quiet and had a working elevator. When she took a step out of the elevator, she immediately regretted coming home. Isaac was waiting for her outside her room.

  He had dyed his hair since the last time she saw him. It was a light sand color with a hint of red that gave it a metallic sheen. It had grown as well, the back now level with his chin. It slowly got shorter the farther forward you went, his bangs resting a little above his eyebrows. A black velvet fedora sat on his head, angled forward slightly.

  He wore a pure white button up shirt as casually as he could. His collar was neat, but the sleeves were unbuttoned and it fell untucked past the waist of his black slacks. One of his designer dress shoes stood out like a drop of ink against the white wall he leaned against. Kronth spotted a flash of blue on the bottom as he pushed off and headed her way with his hands in his pockets. His white teeth flashed in a fake smile and his soft brown eyes were betraying to his true nature.

  He stopped a few feet away. Kronth had to stop the doors from closing, letting out a sigh as she stepped out of the reopening doors. "What's with the attitude? Has Arend done something to piss you off?" Isaac asked.

  Kronth shot him a glare. "Whoa now!" He threw up his arms defensively.

  "Hmph." Kronth grumbled as she stepped past him to unlock her door.

  "You used to be such a sweet girl." Isaac said with a disappointed look.

  Kronth nearly sheared the lock as she open the door with a jerk. "I wasn't bitter until you turned out to be an arrogant asshole." Kronth spat as she walked into her apartment.

  "I don't see how sending you gifts without even getting a thank you makes me an asshole." Isaac replied, picking his nails absently with a single hand.

  Kronth spun in her doorway. What do you want!?" She demanded.

  "I want my ring back from your boyfriend." Isaac replied with an abrupt lack of emotion.

  "Then go as him." Kronth had to resist spitting in his face as she slammed the door. She dropped down into her sofa, kicking her shoes under her coffee table. There was a soft knock at the door. Kronth frowned as she stood back up to answer.

  Will and Ed, the couple from across the hall, had a plate of cookies ready and worried looks. "You okay honey?" Will asked.

  Kronth nodded, stepping aside to let the two men in. William Rogerds was a tall, slender man. He ran track as a kid, so his legs were a great deal more toned than his upper body. He liked to show them off by wearing sorts whenever he could. He always kept his red hair neat and trimmed, as opposed to Ed's unstyled yellow mop.

  Ed wasn't as slim as his partner, but he kept his body in shape. He was about an inch taller than Kronth and loved to cook. He worked day-to-day at a small bakery across the street from the coffee shop Will worked at. They were quiet neighbors and Kronth appreciated their company. She had only curiosity in their lifestyle; three years knowing them and she couldn't tell who was dominate in the relationship.

  "So, how've you been?" Will asked as Ed placed the plate of cookies down on Kronth's coffee table.

  Kronth hung her bag next to the door as she kicked it closed. "Better. Arend and I have finally spent some time alone."

  "Oh?" Will asked with a smile.

  Kronth smiled back but shook her head. "Not that kind of alone time. I want to spend some more time to get to know him before then."

  "But he has to have hinted to it by now." Ed said as he sat on Kronth's couch. "I sense a real Casanova under that rugged exterior of his."

  Kronth laughed a bit. "I wouldn't call him rugged, more of unpolished."

  "Aw don't worry about Ed; he's been crushing on that boy since the Hunter Tournament." Will said, settling Kronth between him and Ed on the couch.

  "Arend doesn't seem to be aware of his surroundings sometimes; sometimes staring off at some distant thing with a weird look in his eye. He tried to distract me from it, but I know something's been bothering him. Even with his enormous strength, he's gentle and doesn't ignore me or provide too much attention. It's a bit abnormal for me to find him so… faultless. He has him moments when he irritates me, but I've yet to get really mad at him."

  "Unlike every other man you've dated?" Ed asked.

  Kronth nodded. "So what did he want?" Will asked. "You usually just yell at him."

  "He wanted to express how he feels about my relationship with Arend in his usual way. Specifically, he wanted a ring I gave to Arend back."

  "Ooooh. So he's still sore about the breakup." Ed said. "And doesn't want you to be happy." Will added.

  "Yeah, I figure it's something like that. The problem is Arend would probably punch his face in if he tried anything on his side." Kronth said.

  Ed clapped his hands. "Enough of this dreary topic! What do you think we should bring to the Barbecue?"

  "Whatever it is, you'll have to cook a lot of it." Kronth replied with a faint smile.

  [X]

  Kronth thanked Will and Ed as they left. "I appreciate what you two do for me. Don't be afraid to ask for anything." The two gave a wave
before disappearing into their apartment. As Kronth shut her door, her phone rang. Snagging it from her bag, she flipped it open. "What's up Hunter?" Kronth asked as she sat down.

  "Your boyfriend is terrifying the locals." Hunter replied.

  "How?" Kronth asked with a hint of irritation.

  "By clearing the streets like a madman. In an hour, he cleaned up half what I created a week ago. I heard a few workers had to be dropped due to lack of work to do. The more he continues the more money he gets."

  "That's good! Are you still at his place?" Kronth asked.

  "No, I'm back in my room with the band." Hunter replied.

  "You guys planning on playing at the Barbecue?"

  "I don't think so. Faus still doesn't feel well."

  "He's still in the hospital?"

  "Yeah, his lungs are still recovering from the smoke. Janese says he'll be fine, but it will still be a while before he can play."

  "Have you thought about a substitute?"

  "That would be up to Starlik. They'll have to be able to work with him since his songs use the keyboard the most."

  "I hope you guys figure something out in time. I suggest checking out Neon Street; with all the clubs, finding someone who can play with you guys should be easy."

  "Regardless, we'll see if we can't find some other bands as well. Our songs are very limited without the keyboard."

  "See ya in a few." Kronth replied as she hung up.

  As she began to shut her phone, a message popped up from Arend. 'Work's goin' great! Care if I cook something for you?'

  'Knock yourself out; just make sure there's enough to go around.'

  [X]

  The Barbecue started a few minutes past two. It truly got started a half hour later as people began to bring food. The tables Panzer had originally set up were covered in so many dishes she had to find more so people could sit down. Arend was busy grilling at a charcoal grill provided for the event.

  "Her Arend, have you ever noticed how titanium grilled burgers taste better than stainless steel grilled?" Kronth asked as she poked at her burger.

  "It may just be the fuel they use, or even how often they clean it." Arend replied.

  "It's because stainless steel grills are much older since many moved on to titanium; the flakes of chrome weakened by the heat is what makes it taste funky." Someone said from behind them. Arend turned around.

  Janese was pushing a man in a wheel chair. As always, she had on her white coat. Arend noticed a pair of sneakers. The man in the chair looked remarkably like her, with the same red hair but his eyes were a softer shade of purple. "This is my brother, Eric."

  "Yo!" He raised his hand. He was dressed in the usual street clothes for his age; T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. Save for the wheel chair, he wouldn't have warranted a second look on the street.

  "How do you two like your burgers?" Arend asked as he tossed two fresh patties onto the grill.

  "Well-done." Janese replied as she sat next to Kronth.

  "I want a little pink, but no blood." Eric replied. Arend nodded and returned to the grill. "I'm surprised you two haven't been swarmed yet." Eric said. "You two are some real superstars."

  "There must be someone more famous." Kronth said with a shrug.

  "How about a group of Serephs?" Janese asked with a look of awe to the north. Arend glanced up.

  Like she said, a group of eight Serephs were flying their way. Arend recognized more than a few faces. Zeph and two other wingless Serephs were riding on one of the moving platforms from the fortress. The fortress could be seen far in the distance, hovering over the harbor. Arend gave them a wave. Flake, Noir, Night, Maeil, and a fifth Sereph Arend didn't know landed a few feet away. Zeph landed the platform near the street and hurried through the parting crowd with Lave and Sandy.

  Arend continued to handle the burgers like nothing had happened. Kronth could barely contain herself. "What's up!?" Arend called to them.

  "We're here to try and rekindle relationships with humans and our kind." Maeil explained.

  Arend nodded. He started by introducing everyone. "Kronth, Janese, Eric; Maeil, Noir, Flake, Night, Zeph, Lave, Sandy, and…"

  "Kaze. I'm with Zeph." The eighth one said.

  Arend flipped Eric's burger a final time. Kronth tossed him a paper plate with a ready bun. Arend caught it with one hand, tilting the plate to keep the bun from sliding, sending it back with the burger placed neatly. As she caught it, everyone clapped, impressed. "Everyone else is either up there somewhere," Arend pointed to the Den building. "Or down there." He pointed down to where the Nest was.

  "Is it normally this crowded?" Flake asked as he glanced around.

  "Nope." Kronth replied. "It's an annual event we have, but even in past years we haven't had this many people show up."

  Arend waved his spatula. "Go mingle all of you. They're interested in you, not me." By the time Janese's food was done, all of the Serephs except for Flake and Noir had left on their own to explore the city.

  Flake stood beside Arend and watched him cook as Noir spoke with Kronth. There was an underlying tension that made Eric and Janese uneasy as she spoke about her interactions with Arend. "How have things been up there?" Arend asked Flake.

  "Better. Maeil took control of things and allowed everyone to come and go as they pleased. They've actually started spending time outside their rooms to socialize instead of just for work and exercise. I've been thinking of leaving though. Many are still bigots even though they're thankful of Maeil's leadership. Nova's actions have had a lasting effect even in those who lived before his rule. Kale's been spearheading the education of our little group back with the world."

  Arend raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I was surprised as well!" Flake laughed.

  "Hey Arend! I want medium-rare!" Hunter called as he tossed him a package of steaks.

  The rest of the band gave Arend their own preferences. Flake was surprised at how well they adjusted to him and Noir. After a slightly longer look towards Hunter, Flake turned back around.

  With a hunch, Arend gave Flake a nudge. "I hear Hunter's never had a girlfriend." Arend said with a jerk towards Hunter.

  Flake glanced sideways at him, then returning his gaze to Arend. Arend cocked his eyebrow and gave Flake a smile. "I suggest you talk to Kronth or Janese about it."

  Flake frowned. 'It's like he's psychic or something. I swear he was looking straight into that grill.' He thought as he followed Arend' advice.

  Hunter soon took Flake's spot beside Arend. He pointed out and named his band members as they set up on a nearby stage. Arend noticed a familiar face before Hunter could name her. It was the neon-haired woman from before. "Her name's Lightning Arbalest. She admits it isn't her birth name, but everyone who knows her calls her that." Hunter explained. "She's replacing Faus until he recovers from smoke inhalation."

  [X]

  It was well past midnight when the barbecue died down. Kronth left to help Panzer clear everyone out. Jacob joined Arend at his empty table. "I take it you had a good time?" Jacob asked.

  Arend nodded. "I was standing at that grill for what felt like forever. How was my house party?"

  "It only got wild when almost everyone came down here. Amazingly, we didn't break anything." Jacob replied.

  "That can't be all. What's got you bothered so much you came to me?" Arend asked.

  "It's about my shop; I can't keep up with the sudden increase in demand. Both from Dragon's Den and the other Syndicates that were bolstered by your stunts. And your help won't be enough. This is real detail work we can't handle by ourselves."

  Myith popped up suddenly, spooking Arend and Jacob. "Why were you under the table?" Arend asked as Myith sat down.

  He shrugged. "It was the only way I could sneak up on you. But you know, I could help you out." Myith offered.

  "Really?" Jacob asked. Myith nodded. "I came here to help Arend out with his shop anyway."

  Arend shook his head. "That's not going to happen for a long time." />
  "C'mon Arend!" Jacob exclaimed.

  "You've got Dragon's Den behind you and I know you're known well enough to get some work."

  "And Civen is game for sending you supplies." Myith added.

  "How can I safely get them here?" Arend asked. "Over the mountains is impossible, and through Chewek takes too long."

  "Arend!" Tommori called. He was walking Arend' way with Rusty, Kyrel, and Zeph.

 

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