Chapter One - Meeting
A/N) This was first published on Wattpad, but a friend requested I post it here too. I hope you enjoy!
The man and the woman walked along the busy New York street, seeming to part the crowd as they strode. The man wore, as ever, an immaculate black suit, the only colour coming from a bright red cravat at his throat. His face was unreadable to any passers by, but his eyes were relaxed and slightly amused looking as the crowds seemed to melt away before his imposing figure. They evidently knew this man was not to be messed with.
The woman matched his pace stride for stride easily, but she was tense and her eyes darted around constantly, alert to every sound and movement. And there was a lot of them, it being New York. She wore a long dark overcoat reaching to her ankles and concealing her body. She looked slightly scary as she scanned the crowd with her piercing blue eyes.
Nero knew that they may look an odd pair, but he had no time to speculate over it. He had an appointment with a friend. Raven was obviously wary, her fingers brushing her tactical belt that was hidden under her coat; walking in large cities was always a hazard to her. But she had agreed to guard him, as always. Sometimes he wondered if she wasn't a little unsettling to innocent eyes, but her presence always made him feel safer.
He checked his watch. Their destination was at the end of the street, towering high above the other buildings. A 40 storey block.
They turned into a side street in unison, Raven anticipating his actions a split second before it actually happened, as she was trained to do. The quieter side street left behind the crowds. Nero consulted his watch again. It was time to go in.
The building loomed above them, casting a shadow over the street. Nero, apparently with no qualms, walked to the door and opened it, walking through with no hesitation. Raven looked around, eying the surroundings warily, checking no one had witnessed them slipping into a side street before following her employer into the building.
Inside was just a regular lobby. Nero was already across the room greeting a tall handsome bald man who waited in the well decorated room.
"Diabolus! How good it is to see you, my friend," Nero greeted him warmly.
"Likewise, Maximilian. Though I am a little surprised you actually came. It's not like you to leave your school so willingly."
Nero chuckled. "As if I would pass up an opportunity to spend some time in New York with you! Besides, H.I.V.E. can look after itself for a few days."
"It is very grand," Darkdoom agreed. "I forgot what it was like in New York."
"It's hard to forget the grandeur of this place," agreed Nero.
"And Natalya too, I see," Darkdoom said warmly.
Raven smiled tensely at him as she checked the lobby for danger. "It's nice to see you, Diabolus."
"Come, Max, we have much to discuss. I have brought the documents and plans you wished to see."
Nero bowed slightly, the motion almost imperceptible. "Lead the way, Diabolus. I can hardly contain my excitement much longer."
Darkdoom exchanged a few words with the approaching Raven before leading the two to the lift. They stepped inside and Darkdoom pressed the button for Floor 36. The doors slid closed behind them.