“I’m sure that must have a spirited rant,” Aiden interrupted him, neither caring nor pretending to care about its contents, “But I’m tired. It’s been a long day, and you guys have been such a big help. Why don’t we go break bread together — see what we have in common.”
“I have nothing in common with you.” Edward narrowed his eyes.
“Prove it. ” Aiden said. “I spied a bottle of Silverste vodka on your desk this morning. I popped out to get two more earlier.”
They were still unconvinced. He lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper, “I’ll keep it quiet, and reimburse you for it later.”
Edward began to protest again, but already Aiden could see the others warming to the idea. George nodded his silent assent. Mathew had disappeared and was now reappearing with the bottle. Whatever protest Edward had was shut down with a glare from his coworkers. The elixir of friendship came through again.
“We’re going to do it here?” Aiden asked as Matthew placed glasses on the floor.
“Sure. Why not?” He replied, “Ain’t nobody else around. I won’t talk if you don’t.”
Aiden shrugged his shoulders. Space was cleared on the floor, and the quartet sat in a circle. They drank and exchanged small talk. Edward’s walls were slowly coming down with each additional drink and shared anecdote. One had been awkward at school. The other had been popular. Another still had been the life of the party. Aiden had a pet cat as a child. Edward had been saddled with a fish. George volunteered his dog. Matthew shrugged. His pet was a lizard. It was strange, the others had joked. Reptiles were easier to care for, Matthew had intimated, listing all their advantages. The others snickered. Parents were overbearing. Everyone agreed. Aiden’s had disagreed with his choice of work. Matthew replied that he would agree. After all, would it not be natural for a parent to want safety for their child? Aiden glossed over his objections. He could take care of himself. Teenage antics were discussed. Triumphs shared. Failures groaned at. Another bottle had surfaced somehow. It was 2 AM. No one would be coming down to check on them. The four had gotten steadily more inebriated. Aiden decided it was time to broach the topic that had niggled on everyone’s mind.
“Being as truthful as I honestly can,” Aiden said. “This mission isn’t fun for me either. No one’s suspecting you of anything. There are many possibilities. We just want to clear the air.”
“You think that’s why we hate you? Do you know about the Phoenix incident,” Edward drunkenly mumbled. “Do you?”
“Who doesn’t?” Aiden replied. The atmosphere had darkened. George, though he had been struggling with sleep, had come wide awake.
“There are whispers and mutterings that the central government had something to do with it.” He interjected. “Draekeor rose out of that ash pile. Many of us were people who originally lived in Aslog. We moved out, built something here. The beast masks are another Aslogian tool. Again it’s your fault, and you have the gall to blame us for something that spiralled out of control from your end.”
There were nods of agreement from the other three. For the next few minutes, Aiden would listen to them berating him for every failure Aslog had ever committed. George trafficked in conspiracy theories, he realised. He had indoctrinated the others almost as soon as the Sabres arrived, taking advantage of their resentment. Was that reason to remove him from the suspect list?
“Are you done?” Aiden picked up the bottle and downed the rest of the contents. The alcohol burning his throat, slurring his words.
“Why did you do that man?” Matthew slurred his words, “We were sharing that.”
“I needed to make a point. Everything you said boils down to a matter of trust. You think I don’t trust you? Actions speak louder than words. ” Aiden said. He attempted to stand, but his feet gave out under him and he fell back to the ground. “The stakes for you, if you’re innocent are low. A minor inconvenience for weeks. If you’re guilty? I’m drunk and defenceless. I’m staking my life on you guys being innocent, and I’m going to sleep now….if I wake…we can…”
And then he was out like a light. Silverste vodka was strong, often hitting all at once.The other three looked among themselves. Then they began to laugh. Each one soon following Aiden into the land of dreams. The alcohol had done its work. Dulling the senses on each and every one of them. That is, all but one. The beast masks had burned up the alcohol as it had entered his system. He had never been drunk, to begin with, but he had simulated the signs.
Corran’s eyes bore a hole into Aiden’s sleeping frame. The sheer arrogance, self-righteousness and gall. He had to kill him here and now.
His hand hovered above the sleeping Aiden. He considered the man’s words earlier. It was certainly a trap. Perhaps he had cast some sort of spell upon itself. Besides, killing him here would narrow the suspects considerably. Did it matter?
Corran stroked Aiden’s chin. Then wiped some drool off his face. If anyone had seen him, it was a drunken action. His inner thoughts would remain his alone. There would be another time to put the arrogant man into the ground. A smile threatened to break free as he sauntered into the
From the shadows, another Aiden watched all night. His presence imperceptible. Trust but verify. Control the situation. His precepts to live by. Always.
* * *
A Few Hours Ago.
The Draekeor back alleyways were deserted and empty, that was why the duo had chosen to take that route to their hotel. They were less likely to bump into annoying passers-by and could focus on ruminating on their thoughts on the half an hour long walk. He’d rather have gone to the Sparklebust like Lionel. It sounded more interesting than reading endless files of nothing at all. His fingers played with his tie. Having to wear a shirt and tie for this section of the mission irritated him. It felt constricting.
The night air did wonders in clearing the fog in Bart’s head. He supposed he simply must have been tired earlier. Now, as he tossed around Aiden’s earlier summary, and the files he had been reading, a question that had been niggling at the back of his head popped into his mind.
“Avel Dukari…” Bart mused, “Say, where did Mayor Avel come before he went to Draekeor.”
“Huh?” Deidre snapped out of her reverie. She too had been lost in her own thoughts. Bart repeated his query.
“He always lived here,” Deidre answered, unsure of how she knew that.
“Did he?” Bart said. Something caught his eye, he continued speaking without batting an eyelid, “He’s kind of a pushover. Someone that you’d be able to hoodwink easily…”
Shadowy masses moved on the rooftops. Bart was now sure they were being followed.
“An unwitting pawn?” Deidre asked. “That is what you’re suggesting right.”
“Yes. Probably not.” Bart said. With the next word, he dropped his tone, “Someone’s watching us.”
“Yeah, I know,” Deidre replied. “Two of them. Your four O’Clock.”
“Who strikes first?” Bart asked. He was itching for a fight but was aware his judgement was often askew in such matters.
“Give me a second,” Deidre said. She suddenly turned around, whipping her arm around as she did so.
Flechette Storm!
A cloud of glass gushed out from Deidre’s palm, slicing through the air and racing towards the roof. The first masked figure saw it and evaded. The second stuck their hand out — and Deidre’s glass disintegrated before making contact. Then they too leapt off the building.
Ellis and Shaw landed on the street in front of Bart and Deidre. Masks obscuring their faces, but their expressions could easily be imagined.
Bart assumed a fighting stance. Deidre’s sword reformed in her hand.
“You have formidable senses to notice us,” Ellis said, “Perhaps you’re the real beasts.”
“What do you want?” Deidre asked. “Isn’t this a bit too even-handed for an ambush?”
“You got us.” This time, it was Shaw. “We were just doing a little people watchin
g. Technically, you’re the ones who attacked us.”
“Take off those masks. Let’s see the pretty faces beneath.” Bart smirked. His arms bulged, his knuckles hardened. The threatening gesture was not missed.
“We’d love to — but this is a flying visit,” Ellis replied. “Go.”
Shaw slid in front of her. He pointed an arm at the two Sabres. Spines erupted from them, tearing through the air. They overshadowed even him and threatened to tear up the entire alleyway. Bart made to move but Deidre leapt in front of him. He backed down, her spells were stronger than his anyway.
Art of Assault: Tremor Shot!
The bolt of industria collided with the spines, vibrating them so violently they shattered in mid-air — but not leaving a huge dust cloud in the process. Their enemies slipped away, taking advantage of the confusion.
Bart started after them, but Deidre stopped him. Caine was still fresh on her mind.
“Trust me. We don’t want to go right towards them without any backup.” She said, “You’ve met Caine. Tyrone and Eva did too.”
“Yeah. Fuck me. Sorry.” Bart said. “So this is what we’re up against.”
As the duo continued their journey home, they remained keenly aware of their surroundings. Who knew what could be hiding behind which corner?
Chapter 21 - Lionel Cisse
Weeks ago.
Aslog
WestScarlet.
“Why do you want to be a Sabre?” Avery had begun. Lionel had scoffed immediately. They sat in the same dark room that Tyrone and Eva had had their interviews in. Lionel had been called in last.
“What a daft question. I suppose I’d want to say something about civic duty and helping people and all that.”
“You could,” Avery replied, “But it would be transparently inauthentic. It goes against your nature.”
“I suppose so,” Lionel had crossed his arms, placing his legs on the table. “Ok, consider this, what do you know about me?”
“Now you’re asking me a question?” Avery had furrowed his brow, “Isn’t that being a bit too cheeky?”
“I don’t see anywhere that I can’t ask a question. You can ignore me, but I’m interested in what you’d say.”
“Turning the tables on me. Alright, kid, you asked for this.” Avery had glared at Lionel, “You’re a loose cannon when it comes to teamwork. You go along with my orders, but you’re never afraid to back away from something that contradicts them if you think it’ll accomplish the greater task. When it comes to fighting, you are one of the best we have. Your hand to hand combat skills are far up there — likely due to your assigned Centurion (me)— and the interplay with your esoterica means that you’ll do great things as a Sabre.”
“But?”
“Why do you assume there’s a but?”
“I’d be a fool to trust unequivocal praise, especially from an illusionist.”
“That right there. You like to project your confidence, but it makes you think you’re overcompensating. That could be a liability on the field.”
“Could.” Lionel shrugged, “Who knows.”
“And something about the way you resort to violence, it just scares me,” Avery said, “You aren’t as selfless as the others in this team, and that makes me worried.”
“You want everyone to be the same? That’s fine. Kick me out, if that’s what you think.” Lionel replied, “You’re right in that I’m different than the others, I’m more willing to get my hands dirty, and I think that’s good. Tyrone, Eva, they’re all really good people deep down. I don’t think they have it in them to make hard choices.”
“And you do?”
“I’d kill you in a heartbeat if a mission required it.”
“You still haven’t answered the question,” Avery said.
“Maybe you just haven’t seen the answer yet,” Lionel replied. “If you’re so clever, you’ll find it.”
“Well, you ‘ve already passed, so I can’t stop you.” Avery turned, leaving the room. “Welcome to the Sabres.”
* * *
Draekeor Case .
Day 4.
The SparkleBlast was open once more that week, but Lionel was having no luck tracking down quarry. This time, he had come dressed the part. With a leather jacket, a tank top and tight black jeans, albeit modified to allow for combat if necessary, he had attracted quite a bit of attention and found himself turning down suitors of both the male and female type. After a long but dull conversation with a particularly persistent woman, Lionel finally got bored and left. It was near closing time anyway. If Rocky hadn’t taken the bait by now, he was unlikely to.
He was their one real lead so far that they could follow up. A man like Rocky would be able to connect the type of people who came out clubbing to whoever supplied the beast boosts. He was a mile away, inhaling the early morning air when he spotted the two unfriendly looking men that were making their way towards him. He supposed they thought he was an easy mark. A grin threatened to break out across his face.
Lionel was not unopposed to violence if the mood struck him.
“Got a name?” The first one came. Bald, stocky, stank of alcohol. No visible mask paraphernalia. The other one was skinnier, taller. On second glance, Lionel could see that he was powerfully built despite his lanky frame. Like Lionel, he wore a piercing on his right ear. Unlike Lionel, his gave off a tinge of industria. The bone-white colour confirmed his suspicions. A mask boost user. Not a proper mask, not nearly as dangerous. That meant Rocky did take the bait.
“I said ‘got a name’.” Bald and Stocky snarled at him.
“You’re the one talking to me,” Lionel matched his glare with one equally cold and twice as scornful. “You should introduce yourself.”
“Our boss wants to make sure you’re the right person before he comes to you.” Tall and Lanky replied, “We have orders to bring you to him even if you aren’t.”
“Just point me to him, and I’ll be on my way.”
“Do you want to die?” Stocky squared up to him. He was overflowing with aggression. Boost side-effects. Maybe.
“Do you?” Lionel replied. His blood boiled with excitement.
He saw the first punch coming as if it was moving in slow motion. For him, it may well have been. In that instant, he took in his environment. Lanky didn’t move. There was no one to pay attention to them on the empty street.
If Rocky thought this would be enough for him, he was kidding himself.
In one swift motion, Lionel redirected the force of Stocky’s punch, sending him barrelling towards Lanky. The latter batted him aside with far too much vigour.
“So you can fight a little,” Lanky smirked. “So can I.”
He lunged at Lionel, a whirlwind of punches. Lionel dodged each one, analysing his movements. This battle was his first combat encounter with a beast mask user of sorts. For a moment he could envision the appeal of it. The feel of industria pumping through your body, giving you added physical energy and agility. He imagined such people would feel quite powerful. A moment of invincibility. That elevated them from the plebs with no effort required. This man was no exception. The Sabre smirked. He wouldn’t know what hit him.
Lanky collapsed to the ground. He hadn’t felt the two blows that had taken him out of commission. Lionel knelt down to remove the earring, feeling the industria surge as he placed his hand on it.
Another hand gripped his.
“That’s quite enough.” Rocky was crouched next to him, “You did a number on these guys. I didn’t take you to be someone so unreasonable.”
“So you were here after all.” Lionel’s bloodthirsty grin grew. “I don’t play games.”
“Don’t pretend you didn’t know.” Rocky’s fanged smirk was back. “It’s your scent. I couldn’t get it out of my mind.”
“Oh really?”
“Raw bloodthirst. It woke me up in the morning. Your place or mine?”
“Here’s just fine.” Lionel yanked his hand free. Electricity crac
kled as industria coated his other arm.
Lightning Spear!
His thrust struck nothing. Rocky had danced out of the way. Lionel moved his head to look around, but his enemy had vanished. It was impossible that he had moved so far so fast that Lionel would be unable to catch a glimpse of him. But he had.
A hand tapped his shoulder. Rocky was behind him. His mask was receding back towards his ear piercing. Lionel lunged at him again, but Rocky had already leapt out of the way.
He now sat on a lamp post, gazing down at Lionel. A cocky smirk on his face.
Lightning Spear: Buzzsaw!
The lamp post slid in half. The force and heat of Lionel’s strike had sliced through it like butter. But Rocky was no longer there, only his fangs shone in the light as he reappeared in front of Lionel. Lionel kicked the falling pole towards him. The metal slid into Rocky’s hand, his clawed grip crushing it as it travelled through the air. A booted foot landed on it. Lionel hadn’t been on it long enough for his weight to register, but he was already in the middle of a kick.
Rocky moved, the kick barely slipping past him. One hand on the pole, the other on Lionel’s shoulder, he slammed him into the ground. The pole turned from a projectile into a bat. It shattered into pieces, and Lionel skidded across the street, pain searing his torso where it had been hit.
Rocky now approached him, exuding menace.
“I came to give you one last warning.” He said.“Listen. You’re friends of Juniper, a very good friend of mine. Normally, I would kill you.”
“But you won’t because of a friend?”
“Not until I’m directly ordered too. That’s why I’m offering you the chance to get lost. You and your friends disappear, and never come back.”
“That’s a stupid statement.” Lionel stood. “There’s no way we would give in to such transparent blackmail. There’s no guarantee the rest of your squad is in on this plan as well.”
“Not really. You have your squad, I’ve got mine. Somewhere you can’t see, an attack is aimed at you. If I even look like I’m in danger, it’ll take your head off. It’s a favour I called in with a friend.”
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