“Thank you,” she smiled, wholeheartedly. She really would make it up to him.
“Hmph,” the man snorted. “I just want my woman back in one peice.”
She couldn’t help the slight laugh that bubbled up at being called ‘his woman’, even if it was just a code. Still, if she just laughed after that, he might rescind his help out of feeling she wasn’t taking things seriously when he was obviously concerned for her.
“I promise, I’ll come back in one peice,” Rodessa assured. “Even if I have to do the brunt of it alone.”
“I’m holding you to that.”
Honestly, she couldn’t help but believe he really, truly, was.
“Oh, Hue?”
A soft hum came from the young man. “Yeah, sugar?”
“Have you…I don’t know...” Rodessa paused, licking her lips a moment, trying to formulate exactly what she wanted to get across. “Being here in Japan...I mean...well…”
A soft chuckle broke from Huxian’s lips. “What is it, Ro?” he purred.
Trying to ignore the faint tone in his voice (He was likely still among other people and keeping up the vaguest pretence of the code), Rodessa pulled her thoughts together. “Have we had Sesame soup before?” She managed finally.
“...Huh?”
Oops, she blindsided him a little there, or he wouldn’t have used such a sound. Quickly, Rodessa began to explain. “Did you make it for us at some point? I think I’ve had it before, but I can’t quite put my finger on it…” she frowned thoughtfully. “I don’t know, it’s like it’s jogging a hazy memory from when we were...younger kids, I think? Or...something...I don’t know if I should think on it or not.”
Despite it being such an innocent comment, Huxian felt his blood turn to ice. Normally, wondering if you had eaten something before wouldn’t have left him feeling such dread, but the problem was Rodessa hadn’t eaten such a food before. Not that she should be able to remember, anyway. The Rodessa she was now should not even have hazy memories of the times before. If she was now…
His heart hammered in his chest, but he forced himself to remain calm. Getting excited or panicking would do more harm than good. She couldn’t press those locked memories just yet. If she did and he wasn’t there-!
But Huxian was nothing if not a trickster. It was second nature to weave distractions between truth and lies. If it was for her sake, he would do so in a heartbeat.
“Ah, I’m flattered you think I remember every meal I ever made, but even my memory is not infallible,” Huxian laughed. “Still, I’m not going to burst your bubble on my perfection. As it is, it’s something of a comfort food that I did make for you before. If I remember right you got into an argument with your foster parents about partner choices before you and I and you got drunk at my place when you were...decompressing, so to speak. The whole thing was rather awkward, if I remember right. Still, I’d say that all’s well that ends well, since I got you in the end.”
Thankfully, it seemed he offered enough of a distraction, since Rodessa was chuckling. “What happened to the poor guy…girl…?” Obviously, she was wracking her brain a little as to who the partner was, but he was pretty sure that she was off the scent as to the original situation.
“Eh, he ended up withdrawing,” Huxian drawled. “Hence you being drunk.”
“And you just...slid in?” Rodessa drawled in return.
A sly grin crossed his face at the innuendo, purposeful or otherwise, registered. Ignoring the grumbles of those still in the meeting who must have equated his expression to something naughty they couldn’t hear, he made no move to correct them.
“Woof,” he teased, before his lips quirked into a satisfied smile. “Worked for me. Besides,” Huxian leaned back in his chair, absently buffing his nails. Even if part of the story was a bluff, the truth it was based on still made him feel a bit proud, even under the habitual guilt. “Besides, he was a six, compared to the ten I am in every way. But I’ll show you that tonight…” he grinned at his disturbed workmates, biting back a grin. “Well, when we have less of an audience, sweetheart.”
Oh, he could practically hear her eye roll as loudly as she heard his verbal smirk and wink. “Hue, your glib tongue will get you in trouble one day,” she retorted flatly.
“Ooh, you promise?” he teased, his voice becoming more husky. “I can show you exactly what this tongue can do…”
“Woof!” Rodessa practically purred back, though he could hear the teasing in her tone in return. “Oh sir,” she mock simpered. “I’m holding you to that! Hopefully...with less clothing and this pesky distance in the way…”
“That can be arranged,” he grinned.
Unfortunately, before he could make his room companions more uncomfortable, or tease his partner a little more, a sharp voice cut in from somewhere on Rodessa’s end of the line.
“Miss Hunter!” Sharp, unyielding. “Please refrain from such conversations in the dining hall.”
If he could hear her eye roll before, it was practically screaming as the eyes rolled hard enough to metaphorically fall from her head as she heaved a heavy sigh.
“Seems we’re out of time, Hue.”
His heart went out to her a little. She genuinely did seem disappointed. Though he wondered if part of that was simply missing him having her back like he once did when they worked together.
“Too bad,” he agreed. “It was getting good, too. I’ll call you later,” he promised. Hesitated. Finally, “Roza? ...Be careful, alright?”
He hid a wince, hearing how the worry had managed to colour his tone far more than he intended, especially considering the code they had been using before, but…
Biting his lip a moment, he forced himself to end the call. Taking a deep breath to recentre himself, he turned back to his associates, expression all business once again, jarring them with the mood whiplash.
“Break’s over. Continuing where we left off…”
All he could do now was truth that what he left for her was enough. And pray.
----
(Meanwhile)
Gripping the file in her hand, Mizuki closed her eyes, preparing herself mentally for what she may very well need to do. Her ‘partner’ in this had made her stance quite clear. However, Mizuki couldn't allow it to distract her. She needed to fulfil this mission, no matter the cost.,
“...Even if I must do the brunt of it alone.”
The words felt like ash on her tongue, but her feelings did not matter. It didn’t matter if the girl with inhuman blood hated her. It didn’t matter if she felt like her heart ached or that she could even now see that scene that began her down her path emblazoned behind her eyelids every time she closed her eyes. She had to do her duty.
Unlike the tornado of an exit that Rodessa had performed, Mizuki simply stood, bowing politely. “I must prepare,” she said softly. “Lady Pouvell, by your leave…”
Straightening, she was about to step away when-
“Actually, Mizuki,” Violet spoke up, making Mizuki pause. “I would like to confer with you a moment?”
Mizuki turned back towards Pandora’s head, blue eyes narrowing a little, more thoughtful than angry at the interruption. Violet herself didn’t seem particularly annoyed despite the argument that had happened between Mizuki and the (apparent) young woman’s protege. But Mizuki couldn’t get a good grasp on what precisely she would want if not to scold her for the things Rodessa had, now that Rodessa herself wasn’t in the room to smugly laud it over her.
But what else would she want to know, or speak about, if it wasn’t her had picked agent?
“Is this about Hunter-san?” She asked finally.
“No, my dear,” Violet leaned forwards, resting her chin on the back of a dainty hand. “I merely wish to inquire what you will do now?”
Mizuki glanced away from the child-like woman, eyes sliding to the folders in her grasp, her arms tightening around them as she closed her eyes.
What will I do now? She repeated the question in her mind. She had ideas, of course. Even before she had brought herself to the temple, she had at least some experience in supernatural matters, due to her upbringing. Since her arrival, she had immersed herself in various texts, honing her spiritual abilities, if only to one day take up her brother’s blade and shoulder the duties that came with it.
She had never really considered having back up anyway. She never counted on someone else helping her. So she wasn’t particularly disappointed that, in the end, she would be doing this alone. She had been expecting it, honestly, deep down.
Considering how Rodessa spoke of me, how others do...It’s probably better that I am alone anyway, Her fingers tightened, No one to hold me back...No one to have to keep an eye on…
She shook off the thought before that night touched her mind again, straightening. Such thoughts had no meaning. She had a mission to attend to and a question to answer.
What will I do now?
“My aim is still the same as I stated,” Mizuki said softly, finally. “The elimination of the threat to prevent further deaths. To do so, firstly, I need a way to actually be in the correct place that the Onryou go. Secondly, to prevent it from escaping. We’ve established that this vengeful ghost is smart enough to adapt. That means that it is highly likely that it will attempt to escape, should someone attempt a exorsism unprepared. That or it might try to possess someone else to use as a type of hostage. Being more ‘human like’ only makes it that much more likely to use dirty tactics. Plus if the exorcism failed and it did manage to evade it, the ghost would, again, adapt, likely making further attempts difficult, especially if it knows its being hunted. It might even escalate it further. Cornered animals will always lash out, after all. Thus, a plan must be devised that can both predict the location it will be and keep it within that location.”
Mizuki turned back to the table, lightly tapping the folders upon it.
“I can’t say I like her or approve of her naivety, but Miss Hunter does have a background that involves dealing with people. Her information gathering, at least, is of merit.” She felt like she had bitten a lime at having to give her any praise at all, considering how much venom she had spat at Mizuki, but… “Because of what she found out, we already know who it’s next target will be. Using that, I can manipulate the situation for the Onryou to appear in a location that can be prepared in advance.”
Seeing Violet’s eyes narrow thoughtfully - Mizuki wondered if she already had a clue of what she was alluding to - the hunter pressed on.
“Using it’s target as bait, once the Oryou appears, I will seal off the area spiritually. This will prevent it from escaping. After that…” her eyes closed. “I am a demon hunter. It would be...unfortunate...if I didn’t already know incantations or rituals to eliminate a target.”
“You must be aware that I cannot allow you to do so, Miss Masuyo.”
Mizuki tilted her head a little at the response, observing the leader of Pandora. Her eyes seemed to be holding some form of silent fury that the young hunter wasn’t entirely sure of the cause of. Was it because of the plan? Because Mizuki was using her precious student’s information despite the fact that Rodessa herself had said she would not go through with ending a threat? Or was it simply because Mizuki herself was going to have to not only hold up a barrier, but also perform a ritual to exorcise the ghost?
She doubted it was the latter, personally. Not to brag but spiritually, Mizuki was no slouch. She could do both, if needs must. So it had to be either the first or second.
As Violet forced calm on herself and resumed her poise, Mizuki shook her head.
“The information would be best used this way,” Mizuki said finally, “When there is only a single person against such an enemy. Likewise, I would not let the person being targeted be harmed. Once the Onryou has entered the perimeter or the trap, the Bait would not be in harm's way. So, why are you objecting?”
Violet met Mizuki’s eyes firmly for a moment, before they flickered over to Kota, who, in turn, shook his head. The byplay almost seemed as if he was declining getting involved. Her gaze then shifted to the Grandmaster. Finally, it seemed that the silent conversation was over, as Violet turned her gaze back to Mizuki herself.
“My dear,” she said at length. “What do you know of my establishment? Particularly, are you able to recite the first three rules in the handbook: Section five, under the heading ‘Balance, Repression and Suppression’. I converted the rules myself, with the guidance of those in divine power. A code we, as agents of hope, must abide by, less chaos and loathing take us all.”
Mizuki almost wanted to tell her that asking such a thing was pointless, now. Her chosen agent had decided she would not work with Mizuki. So it was highly likely that she would end up the chosen student to become an agent, no matter her talents. It would be harder to fulfil the duties she had, but Mizuki could still work freelance, away from Pandora’s influence. However, saying that out loud to them...Mizuki had a feeling they would not take it well. Until the heads of the temple and Pandora verbally deemed it so, saying that, no matter how true, would be seen as insubordination.
Instead, she closed her eyes and pulled up the words she recalled from the handbook she had been forced to memorise once the Grandmaster had chosen her to be the temple’s representative.
Thinking on the rules, Mizuki almost wondered why they bothered chosing her at all. She was not the kind of hunter they should desire as an agent. Because she could not bring herself to work with others, or others found her too cold and impersonal to work with, Mizuki had to use extreme measures to fulfil her duties. Thus, using live bait when one of the rules stated that to do so was a last resort requiring permission from those higher up in power. Because Rodessa refused to work with her, she could not follow the rule that stated a minimum team was that of two without exception. And if personal prejudice is a problem...why would they chose a person that they knew for a fact was simply...unsuitable.
Behind her eyes, she could still see his expression as her arrow flew-
Mizuki almost violently shoved the image away.
“If I am unsuitable for the task, then inform me directly,” Mizuki said finally. “The one you called ‘partner’ for me has already decided I am unsuitable and will prefer to risk more lives to be thrown into chaos because of it. If you would prefer a better agent to join you, then so be it. However, if you would still prefer me, alone, then I must take actions that will cause the least amount of damage for the village as a whole. One person being temporarily at risk for a short time is preferable to an entire village being potential hostages for far longer. We have also established that the Onryou is too smart to be easily fooled, since it being fooled lead to it’s death in the first place. As such, a pseudo lure that would be strong enough to fool it for long enough at short notice would be...risky in the long run, considering what I already covered. Circumstances would seem extreme in that manner. The first rule does allow the use of live bait in such circumstances.”
She closed her eyes. “Similarly, I am heartless, according to your student. She will not work with me. Thus I cannot fulfil your third rule. If that is the case, then either you must find a replacement team at short notice, find me a new partner, allow me to work alone, or simply chose another representative of the temple if I am so unsuitable.,” She opened her eyes, gaze remaining fixed upon the table. “And finally, if my behaviour is unwanted, then why did you choice me in the first place? Knowing that I am not agent material.”
Her voice was quiet as she hugged the folders to herself unconsciously. “What would you have me do, Pouvell-san? If I can not rely on others, I can only rely on myself…..I…can only rely on myself…”
She could hear a sharp breath, the sound pulling her back to herself a little. Glancing through her bangs, she could see Kota visibly tightening his jaw, as if biting back angry words. It took a moment, before he finally spoke, his voice almost strangely calm considering how pale his knuckles had become. Yet the words were not to her, but rather the Priest.
“I somewhat blame you for this, you’re aware?”
The priest closed his eyes and sighed. “I’m aware,” he said softly.
“Good,” Kota hummed, before standing. “Since you insist on coddling her like a father, let me act like the hammer of a mother’s tongue.”
Mizuki tensed, but under her otherwise stoic demeanour, she wanted to seeth and rage. Coddle? He did not coddle her! However, she bit back the protest, instead forcing rage down into the box of emotion and slamming it shut, instead preparing herself for what she knew would be yet more criticisms about her inadequateness
(She really was beginning to wonder why they wanted her so if she failed to meet expectations so often)
“Kota,” the Grandmaster began to protest. “Please-”
“No, sir,” Kota interrupted with a shake of his head. “Not this time, Sir.”
He turned to face Mizuki, who, in turn, forced herself to remain at attention, her eyes fixed at a point over the man’s shoulder in preparation for the (becoming regular) dressing down.
“Young woman,” he began. “Miss Pouvell asked you to recite the three rules, not make excuses as to why they do not suit you. As the representative of this branch, not only are you grades, background and critical thinking taken into account, but also the recommendations of your tutor.” He gestured to the monk. “This in mind, because of your fighting style, social skills and spiritual knowledge, you were chosen to work with Miss Hunter, as you compliment each other...on paper, that is. However, this animosity between you both - born from whatever - has been apparent in you both from the scart.” A frown furrowed his brow. “It will not continue. It has been seeping into your work and this case. Quite frankly, its putting you both at risk. You should be learning from each other, not fighting one another. This ends. Now.”
Mizuki’s lips tightened slightly, forcing herself to stay silent. Throwing blame, rationalising or questioning would only make it worse.
For a moment, Kota eyed her, before sighing, changing tact a little.
“Miss Masuyo, are you are of how many solo hunters there are out there? Do you know why it’s less than none?”
Mizuki pursed her lips a little, eyes fixed on the table. Yes, she knew that it was pretty much suicide to be alone against the supernatural beings of the world. Demon hunters that weren’t part of Pandora or heavily linked to them were still in clans that would work together to take down targets. And even then the clans still had links to each other in meetings that were held quarterly to keep everyone informed of any changes, indirectly linking them to Pandora. It had been the same for her clan...back when it had been more than just two. Then a single one.
“It’s because we know that if anything were to happen,” Kota continued, “there no one to guard our backs and no one to call for help.”
Her nails dug into her palms, her eyes shielded by her hair. She knew that. She did.
Why did he think she was so alone now?
She pushed the intrusive thoughts away, tuning back in as Kota continued.
“-Same rules apply for Pandora’s agents,” he was saying. “The Hunters and agents work together in tandem. We use Pandora tech and resources while we work for ourselves. The techniques and intel are one and the same.”
She could hear the chair creak as he sat back, could feel his piercing eyes searching her even as she herself attempted for force all tells back into the ice of her soul. After a moment, he sighed.
“I’m not saying that I completely agree with Miss Hunter, either,” Kota admitted. “Given the circumstances...Still, I’m a little surprised that you seemed to miss some points that she, perhaps unknowingly, brought up towards the end there…” He rubbed his chin. “Then again, I’m not entirely surprised, considering like actions were met with like. Neither of you seem to consider compromise.”
Violet shifted slightly, her attention fixed on the man. “Elaborate, if you please?”
Mizuki watched as Kota exchanged glances with the Monk, as if to check they were both on the same wavelength. From the subtle incline of the grandmaster’s head, She knew that, whatever the silent conversation had been, it had been met with approval.
She had a horrible idea that she knew what they were thinking. It took all she could to keep her hands from trembling.
“You have some training as a medium,” Kota said, his eyes fixing on Mizuki once more. “Am I right?”
...Dammit.
She closed her eyes, sucking in a breath against the pain in her chest at the thought. She could still remember those days when strong, kind hands would aid her through her stances, the soft words a trusteds, beloved voice would speak as a technique was explained or questions answered. The pride in a bright face when she succeeded as the gentle shimmering of pacified aura shimmered around them.
The same face twisted in pain and blooded flashed behind her eyes.
She avoided their eyes. However, she knew they would scold her if she stayed silent for too long.
Voice horse, she forced herself to nod, no matter how sick to the stomach it made her. “...A...a long time ago…”
It felt like a confession at knifepoint, even if the other three occupants in the room held weapons to her. Especially since she knew exactly what Kota was suggesting. And Kota knew it. Even if it made her feel like vomiting at the very thought.
“If the girl had been raised by us from the beginning,” Kota murmured, the glance at Violet, however brief, was almost mildly accusing. “I do believe she would have worded her plea... differently.”
Violet’s eyes narrowed a little, but she didn’t call him out on the accusation. Instead threading her fingers together, resting her chin upon them. “Elaborate,” she repeated.
“We can still convince it to change its ways,” Kota said simply. “Bind. Offer. Fulfill. Cleanse. Release or Exterminate.”
Mizuki felt sick. The last time… The last time…!
“We don’t have time for that,” she forced out. Anything to stop the feeling of panic clawing up her throat, trying to tear at her self control, even if outwardly she was still as a statue.
“It would take the same time to prepare,” the monk said softly, “A the safeguarding for an exorcism.”
He spoke as if to make the blow of words that bit more gentle, but it still felt as though someone was hitting her in the gut with a sledgehammer.
“By all means, you can turn out that door and leave right now,” Kota continued shortly. “But only if you want to discard everything He ever taught you.”
Mizuki froze.
“But if you have the foresight and flexibility to see the world in shades of gray that it is...well, the library and the supply cache are at your disposal. As are tutors and mediums of more experience, should you need the help. The choice is yours.”
Blackmail. It felt like blackmail. And she knew he knew it too, whether or not he meant it. Throwing him in her face like that when he knew-!
But at the same time, she knew that, if he was here now, he would look at her with those disappointed eyes, even if he would ultimately forgive her. His nature too kind to truly hate a loved one for being a disappointment. But just that look would have quelled her spirit entirely.
It was cruel. But…that cruelty felt deliberate. And even though she knew that she would cave, just on the memory of those eyes, she wasn’t stupid
“...You have a plan,” she managed finally, feeling more bitter than her dull tone let on. “One you need both me and...her for.”
Because he said himself - there were more experienced mediums there. And plenty of other people that could work, even if Mizuki had refused Kota’s gambit. But that left the question of why.
“Not me,” Kota simply looked back at her, not refuting her. “That’s something you must figure out yourself. With your partner, preferably.”
[END]
