Chapter 6: The Inquest's Revenge
One week later...
Vini stood across from a mirror in her private room. She was wearing an intricate, sleeveless robe of deep blue and dark green stripes along with a white sash around her waist. I think I look perfect for tonight, she thought with a smile. There was a minor sting in her chest, and she placed a hand on it, the pain reminding her of that week.
Her wound had been severe, and if it hadn't been for emergency blood-cell booster, she might have died, and she recovered. It was an expensive procedure, and fortunately, Zojja had decided to pay for it.
Bone-headed Inquest, if only I could kill them all, break all their inventions, and, ugh...! There had been no leads on them, save the base she saw a week prior.
Nevermind, don't worry about that tonight, Vini thought to herself. She checked herself in the mirror again, not a speck of makeup on her was needed to be physical attractive. She had, however, cleaned and straightened her hair. And no male can resist a strong intellect. She grinned at herself, satisfied.
Exiting her dorm, Vini took a moment to admire the night sky. The lights of Rata Sum had been designed to avoid light pollution, so the stars were visible among the beautiful auras around the city.
The air smelled fresh and clean, a perfect night for walking the streets. A perfect night for her favorite way of spending it: with a male.
It wasn't long before she encountered a male asura. He was greasy-looking, probably working on some crude assignment that only starting students would make. Too young. She moved on—though Vini noticed that she caught his eye. I'm not for you, she thought, looking away.
She continued down the streets; peering in each direction for a potential mate for the night. Soon, she spotted a well-dressed asura. Opposed to female asura, males wore long capes around their necks, and handsome jerkins adorned with small energy crystals. Furthermore, he held in his hand a reading tablet—made of glyphic metal—it resonated a light blue glow. Vini smiled to herself and approached the male.
"Pleasurable evening, isn't it?" she asked. The male looked up, a little surprised, and blushed upon her appearance.
"Oh, excelsior! How are your endeavors progressing?" he asked.
"Better, especially when running into you," Vini said, placing her hands behind her back and smiling innocently. "I can tell already, you have quite an intellect."
"What makes you think that?" he asked, still a little pink.
Vini giggled and took a step toward him; she could see what was on the tablet: Snaff's Greatest Contributions to Asuran Society. "Well, merely look at what you're reading. Only the most brilliant of asura could understand Snaff. What's your name?"
"I am called Rem." A curious smile spread over his face. "You are keen-minded and observant. May I ask for your name?"
"Oh, it's not important at the moment," Vini said with a breathless voice. Another step. "Though, I'm sure, Rem, a male like you probably has several progeny." She was hoping he did not; she would not cross that line.
"Well, in truth, I don't," Rem said; he seemed a little sad. "I have yet to acquire any or a companion for that matter." His sadness turned to suspicious confusion. "Why do you want to know?"
Vini stepped close to him. "It was mere curiosity," she said. "I'm deeply sorry to hear that. Would you like to walk with me? I'm quite interested about your theories and insights you learned from reading Snaff."
He scratched his head. "Well, I am only mid-way through the book, so I haven't fully... wait a moment." He paused, his face growing suspicious. "You're Vini Yunio, aren't you?"
Vini bit her lip. Blasted Alchemy! I need to take another approach. She smiled, cloaking her frustration. "Does it matter?" she asked. "You look lonely, and I'm betting you're thrilled to share whatever you've learned from the book." She grew close to him. "I, especially, would love to hear about it," she whispered.
His stern look melted. "F-fine. I'll walk with you, but that's all we'll do for tonight, okay?" Rem said, composing himself.
He's following the bait, let's see if he bites. Vini withdrew, and grinned a little. "Absolutely!" she said. "So... tell me, Rem... tell me all you've learned."
He began to walk, and Vini took his side. "Well, I heard you achieved highest honors in your class, shouldn't you already know about Snaff?" Rem asked, blinking.
"Yes, indeed," Vini said. "But I want to hear what you've learned about Snaff." She winked, and Rem's face colored a little.
"Very well," he said. And he began to talk to her, at first hesitant, but as he walked with her, he became noticeably more relaxed.
Vini pretended to be surprised at some of his insights, but soon was actually enthralled by what Rem had learned. She started to listen more carefully.
"... he even tried to use the power of the Elder Dragons for the sake of Tyria," Rem told her. "But, he abandoned those designs because he felt those experiments were too unstable."
"I didn't know," Vini said, wide-eyed.
"What?" Rem asked, not stopping. "I surmised you had uncovered those topics at your academy." He looked shocked, and genuinely concerned for Vini.
"We covered several topics about Snaff, and I already knew about his theory that the Elder Dragons' power could be used. But were never taught that he actually attempted his experiments." Vini explained.
"Why would they hold such information back?" Rem asked.
"I propose a reason," Vini said, cocking her head and placing a finger on her cheek. "Our professors didn't want anyone to attempt repeating Snaff's projects. Despite the fact that he's known as our greatest mind, the idea of actually using the Elder Dragons' power is quite dangerous. I knew some ambitious classmates and if they had known, I would bet they would have tried." Teyo would have. She looked at Rem.
"Hmm... perhaps you are correct, Vini," he said, rubbing his chin. Rem was staring at her; intrigued. "I'm beginning to see how you made it to top of your class."
Vini smiled. "Why, thank you, Rem," she said, feeling quite satisfied. "I'm certain you performed admirably in your college."
"I-Indeed," he said, blushing. "I... confess that my performance in my college was nowhere near as great as yours. I only passed with a 4.50."
"Oh, don't be ashamed!" Vini said, she moved close to Rem, and rubbed his shoulder. "That is a perfectly good GPA for a male like you," she added, whispering in his ear. She stepped back, smiling.
"You truly think so?" Rem asked, surprised. Vini nodded. He smiled back at her. "Where do you live, by the way?"
I've got him. "Oh, I live close by," Vini said, innocently. She placed her hands together and cocked her head. "Why do you inquire?"
"Curiosity," he said. "Mere curiosity."
"I will assist you, then," she said. She pointed toward the college of Synergetics. "My dorm room is over here."
"You still live at your college?" Rem asked, blinking.
"Yes, yes," Vini said, still smiling. "I haven't acquired the gold to find a place of my own yet. Would you like to see? It's quite amazing for a dorm room."
Rem seemed apprehensive for a moment, but then nodded. "But, after showing your room to me, I must be off."
Too late. Vini frowned, acting disappointed. "Aw… all right. Follow me, I have many inventions I want to show you."
"I look forward to seeing them when we arrive."
Vini beckoned to Rem, and he walked beside her. She couldn't help but grin to herself; it was about time she had some relaxation.
And fun.
-S-
The next morning...
Vini was grooming her hair with a simple comb. Gazing into the mirror, she felt satisfied with the night's events. There should have been more, but one time suffices, she thought. She remembered how Rem looked after the event. Pleased, yet a guilty look in his eye.
She heard footsteps behind her and glanced behind herself. Vini smiled at Rem, he was already fully dressed like the night before.
"Good morning," Vini said with a soft voice. She winked and then faced the mirror again.
"Ugh... I suppose," Rem said. "I feel guilty."
"Don't," Vini said, cheerful.
"How... old are you, anyway?" Rem asked, sounding nervous.
"Twenty."
"Well, at least I haven't committed a horrible crime," Rem said, as if more to himself than Vini.
"What? I passed college! What made you think I was too young, Rem?" Vini asked, continuing to groom herself.
"Well, you never know with a youthful genius," he said. "I'd... I'd better get ready for the council meeting soon."
Vini froze, and terror filled her heart. "Did you... just say 'council'? As in the Arcane Council?"
"Oh, yes. I was newly appointed—"
Vini spun around, and ushered Rem toward the door. "Um... it was great having you over, but you should really head to that meeting! Oh, and don't tell about this, it'll be our secret, all right?" Her breathing was heavy and rapid.
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"N-nothing," Vini lied. "Have a great day!" She stopped pushing and opened the door for the confused asura. She smiled weakly at him.
"A-all right." The door slid open.
"You... have everything with you, correct?" Vini asked before he could take a step outside.
"Correct," he said. "Everything. Why are you so afraid?"
"D-don't worry about it," Vini said with an awkward laugh.
Rem paused, and then nodded. "Very well, thank you for your... um... hospitality, Vini," he said. He walked out the door and as soon as it slid close, Vini pushed herself against a wall as if she were hiding in the shadows.
I slept with a member of the council, she thought with dread. If anyone finds out... oh, blasted Alchemy, I've gotten myself in a wired mess! She ran to her to bathing room and cleansed herself.
After that, she put on her armor, armed herself with her daggers and her short bow. She rushed into her personal room and gathered all the essentials she would need for a long trip.
I'll have to convince Pol to leave the city. He's the only one who will forgive me for this. I just need to stay away from Rata Sum... for what? A year? By the Alchemy, where will I live? Maybe I'll head to the Grove and take the asura gate there to take me to Lion's Arch, where I'll hide.
Vini didn't bother finishing grooming herself. She opened the front door, used her code to lock it, and ran out of her dorm.
-S-
"You what?!" Pol exclaimed.
"Listen, if I knew he was part of the council, I wouldn't have touched him, Pol!" Vini protested.
"I can't conceive this!" Pol slapped his forehead. "Why, Vini?"
"I needed some relaxation... and entertainment after all we went through with Teyo," she explained. "Look, I apologize, but if I stay here I might be caught!"
Pol sighed. "And I surmise you want me to come with you?" he asked, clearly irritated.
"Yes," Vini said slowly. "You wouldn't be safe here either."
"No," Pol said, angry. "I'm not leaving. You can go on your own, Vini, but I'm staying in Rata Sum."
A tear broke from Vini's eye. "You're... not forgiving me, are you, Pol?"
"You continue to accomplish these... adventures of yours," her brother said. "And I continue to tell you that it will get you into trouble. Now, look, you are in danger."
Vini sniffled. "You're turning on me, too? Just like our parents? After all we've done for each other... how could you?" She turned away, not listening to Pol's protests, and headed out the door.
And then someone shoved her back.
She froze, and immediately regretted not wearing her hood. There were four asura standing before her, all donned in heavy armor and with tazer rods and pistols at their sides.
Peacemaker officers, Vini thought with horror. She put on her best smile. "Wonderful day, isn't it? Do you require my assistance?"
"Vini Yunio, you are under arrest," the first officer standing in front of her said. "Your actions are already regrettable in our society, and we only accepted it due to your genius, but to take a council member is a crime."
Vini's mouth twitched, and then, she heard Pol cry out, "wait! She didn't know the male was part of the Arcane Council!" She looked behind herself and saw her brother rushing out of his dorm. "She was ignorant of the situation."
"Be that as it may, she's still to be tried for her crime. Bind her," he ordered. The peacemaker officers advanced on Vini. "And I would not recommend any resistance." Immediately, two officers grabbed her and bound her hands behind her back with magical bracers.
"Wait! Isn't it only a crime if she were trying to gain leverage with one of the members?" Pol asked, his voice hasty. "If she didn't know then it's not any fault of her own!"
"Silence!" the first peacemaker officer snapped at Pol. "If you want to testify to her, you can come along to the council."
Pol... Vini took a glance at her brother. His expression had softened, and he looked worried. He caught Vini's glance and bit his lip, wide-eyed as if to say: "I forgive you, and I'm sorry."
Don't worry, Pol, I forgive you, too. Then, she was kicked.
"Move!" growled one of the officers behind her. Vini grit her teeth, but obeyed, walking toward the portal to the Arcane Council which hovered over the city's center. As she was guided by the officers, Vini walked onto a portal onto the ground.
She swallowed, and this time, she dreaded being pulled into the asura gate, but she had no choice. Suddenly, she was torn into the gate, unable to resist.
-S-
Vini exited the asura gate, still flanked by officers into the council chambers. There, she saw notable figures. Councilor Ludo, Councilor Zudo, Councilor Aski, and she recognized Rem as well. He sat back in his chair, cowering at the sight of Vini.
The council chamber was a dark, and large room. The councilors sat in a semi-circle facing the asura gate. Vini didn't feel very welcome here, especially considering the circumstances. At either side of her flankers were also a pair of poweful golems.
Vini ignored Rem and gazed around. "Where's Canni?" she asked.
"Be silent before the council, man-eater!" the first peacemaker said.
Vini grit her teeth angrily, where was her mentor? Did something happen to her? Then, she noticed someone else in the corner. A male wearing a outfit similar to Zojja's, but lacking the goggles. His outfit was branded in red and black.
An Inquest here?! What in the Alchemy?! She shot the Inquest member a vicious glare, and he noticed it, a sly smile spread over his face.
"Kudu! What are you doing here?" said a familiar voice. Vini looked behind at the asura gate and saw Zojja walking through. She was also glaring at the Inquest agent.
"I have... business with the council," Kudu said. "It's none of your concern, my dear. Oh, look, Vini's little brother has come, too. How amusing."
"You...!" Pol growled. "You let Teyo—!"
"Enough!" Ludo exclaimed. "We're here to discuss Vini's trial, not Teyo's disappearance."
Vini's rising anger over the council's decisions was beginning to break the surface. Stay calm... Kudu is just probably here to harass the council or something. But who is he to the Inquest anyway? And...
"Why did you let this rat into the council chamber?" Zojja hissed, pointing at Kudu.
"We have our reasons, Zojja. The Inquest are no threat to Rata Sum," Zudo started.
"No threat?!" Pol shouted. "Do you see my half ear?! Teyo, one of their commanders, had it serrated off slowly!"
"Silence!" Aski roared. "If you continue to disrupt the trial, you will be detained like your sister here."
Vini saw Pol stiffen, but he grit his teeth.
"Now then," Aski continued. "Vini Yunio, you've been accused with taking a council member with sexual acts in order to gain leverage in our government. What is your defense?"
Vini glared at Aski. You're with them, aren't you? she thought, rage burning in her heart. "No. I did not sleep with Rem to gain any advantage in the government. In fact, I didn't even know he was a member of the council! Had I known, I wouldn't have touched him. Being ignorant of the situation should grant me a pardon."
The council members turned to Rem, who was looking terrified. "I... I... I was just curious—"
"Yes, yes, and you asked a question about it," Aski said. "Is it true that Vini was ignorant of your position in the council."
Rem swallowed. "Yes, that's why I asked! I was confused," he exclaimed.
"Relax, we're not accusing you," Aski said, waving it away.
"If I may," Kudu spoke up, he held out a tablet. "I need to interrupt the trial... or perhaps, say, give more information on her crimes."
Vini's eyes widened. "What are you Inquest planning now?! What did I ever do to you—"
"Quiet! Crimes?" Aski said. "I know of no other crime Vini has committed."
"Kudu... what you plotting?" Zojja asked with gritted teeth.
"Nothing I plotted, but what the young assassin has," Kudu said with a smile. "Councilors, you may have noticed that Councilor Canni is not here. That is because she has been murdered." He pointed at Vini. "By her own student via contract."
"What?!" Vini exclaimed. "I would never murder my mentor! You're insane!"
Aski, oddly enough, narrowed his eyes with suspicion at Kudu. "That is a very strong accusation, Kudu. Where is your evidence? Yes, Vini calls herself an assassin, but there have been no contracts on record."
Kudu walked over and handed over the tablet to Aski. "Here, it's a copy of the contract. Vini's DNA signature is written on it." The Councilor shot another suspicious glance at Kudu, but read it silently. As he did, his eyes widened gradually.
"Wh-what does it say?" Rem asked, swallowing.
"It basically states that Vini signed a contract to murder Canni without being noticed. The employer promised her 'swift escape and no trace of the murder on [her] hands.'" Aski looked up. "Bring her here. The DNA signature needs to be confirmed."
"Objection!" Zojja exclaimed to Vini's relief. "This has nothing to do with Vini's current 'crime.' If ignorantly sleeping with a member of the council can be called a crime. I also have seen Vini's interactions with Canni myself. She adores her, and I doubt she'd ever murder her. The DNA signature is obviously a fake."
"We will prove whether it is fake or not," Aski said, sighing.
"Wait... who was the employer?" Rem asked, licking his lips. "If... this is really a contract, then the employer's name should be stated on it."
Vini wanted to punch Rem, Aski, and especially Kudu. She understood, though, that Rem was delaying whatever the truth or falsehood was. But it didn't matter, the signature would be proven as a counterfeit anyway.
"Again, this has nothing to do with Vini sleeping with Rem!" Zojja protested.
"Oh? Does it?" Kudu asked with a sly voice. "What better way to make sure the murder was hidden from the eyes of the council than to seduce a member of it?"
"We've already had two witnesses that stated she didn't know Rem was—" Zojja continued.
"Enough! They are brother and sister," Zudo suddenly interjected. Her eyes were calm, yet had a glimmer of fire in them. "Of course one would defend the other. Kudu brings up an excellent point."
"An 'excellent' theory, you mean," Zojja hissed. "He doesn't have any evidence that Vini 'used' Rem to hide any evidence."
"And three of you—your theory—is just as incredible," Ludo said.
"Peacemakers, bring the accused to me!" Aski ordered again. "We need a thread of her hair to confirm the signature."
The peacemaker officers shoved Vini forward, and she reluctantly approached Aski. She glared at him. Despite that she knew it was a false signature, she couldn't shake a feeling of dread crawling through her body.
Vini winced as the thread was plucked from her head. The officer handed it over to Aski, who took out a DNA signature scanner—a device to show the signature implanted in every asura at the age of eight in order to enter the academy. It kept shady asuras from stealing identities.
There was a short moment as the device scanned the hair. Aski frowned. "The signatures match," he said.
"What?!" Vini, Pol, and Zojja all exclaimed.
"That's not possible!" Pol said.
"Again, the signatures match," Aski said, shooting Pol a warning glare. He looked at Vini. "So, you've not only committed a sexual crime, but also physical one—murder."
"I swear I did not murder Canni!" Vini growled. She glared at Kudu. "Why you do you blasted Inquest want me dead?!" The council gasped when Vini swore. "First, Teyo, then—"
"It's the mere truth," Kudu said, shrugging. "You committed murder, Vini Yunio, of not just any asura, but a councilor. My, my, what trouble you've gotten yourself into."
"Silence, Kudu," Aski said to him. "No one needs to taunt the criminal."
"I apologize," Kudu said with a bow. "That was unfair of me."
"Unfair?!" Vini roared. "What's unfair is how you Inquest—"
"Remove her," Aski ordered. "This is enough to prove you guilty of your crimes, Vini Yunio. You are sentenced to death by eradication in the morning."
They attempted to drag her away, but Vini struggled. "Kudu!" she glared at him, her heart in complete rage. "I swear... I swear you will pay for this!"
"Knock her out," Ludo said. "I'm tired of her screaming."
One of the golems approached her, and the last thing she saw was its fist.
