[Co-Author: Butterfly123199 ]
"Of all the things he planned..." Trinity was complaining to himself in his own quarters, his breath husky and groggy from recently waking up.
Daxter was still lurking under somewhere as Trinity could still hear crunching…
"You're not sneaky Dax, I can hear you eating cookies." He tried to properly make a tie but is suddenly cursing at himself.
Daxter slowly peered his head from under Jak's bed, his mouth covered in cookie crumbs. "Heeey, you look snazzy, Masky!" He quipped, crawling out with a cookie in hand.
He struggles to remember the order of making a knot for the tie the harder he thought about it. "I don't usually dress for such a thing, but I do admit it's comfier."
Daxter hopped around and eventually managed to hop onto Trinity's good shoulder. "Why are ya gettin' dressed up again, masky?" He asked, finishing off his cookie. He definitely was saving the rest of the box for himself. He admired the masked man, enjoying watching him suffer at the wrath of a tie.
"Damnit- " He tugged it so hard and undid the messed up tie leaving it to dangle around his neck. "I'm dressed up to watch over El. Where did El go anyway?" In a rush and swift frustration he made a knot- though far from perfect, and when he tightened it without thinking he accidentally made himself choke a tiny bit. "Ack- damn Precursors, why is this- Dax, you keep snickering over there and I'll turn you into Krew's rug."
Daxter couldn't help but laugh at the tall man's frustration and agony. "Are you sure it's to 'look out for her?'" He made quotations with his hands. "And not yourself?"
"Keep pushing it and- "
He went to pick Dax up by the neck!
" -I'll make a tie out of you."
"Better shake your head, you understand that?" He was flustered about it but anymore and he might actually be the next one to put the poor ottsel in another present box and tutu…
Daxter squeaked and shook his head frantically. "Shutting up— Whoa..." He paused his panic, his eyes trailing to the doorway. Jak was standing with one hell of a wide grin, his 'caretaker' beside him. In all her 'glory' it was the violent woman—who looked nothing like herself, might Daxter even say she looked stunning? Nah she was still scary as hell.
"I can't believe this bullshit..." Elise grumbled, brushing her now short hair all things.. a date? With Erol? She'd rather go feed herself to a group of metalheads! And her hair.. oh her precious years of growing it meant nothing now! She huffed through her nose, a blush rushing to her cheeks. With both frustration, and embarrassment from Daxter's comment. "Shut it, rat..." She mumbled. She noticed Trinity's tie, and busted into a fit of chuckles and laughs. It looked like he strangled himself with it!
Trinity craned his head to look where Dax was staring at, and his eyes widened slightly. But seeing them with a wide grin made him even more crimson under his mask- he didn't know whether it was this embarrassing display or El's appearance that's making him red. "Brutter wasn't wrong about his 'Princess' having the looks..." He tried to laugh it off a little.
Seeing her laugh definitely made him a mess, snapping his head back to Dax who couldn't help but smile too - HE THREW HIM!
Then turning to Elise, his braided hair (yes still braided) went whipping around. "Yeah, yeah I got it - I can't do a tie is it really that hilarious to you? Jak, you're next if you keep laughing."
"YYYEEEOOWEW!"
CRASH!
Daxter went splat-
Elise rolled her eyes playfully, her heels clicking against the floor and even causing her to stumble a bit. "Alright you big baby..." She unwrapped the bundled mess he called a tie and began to fix it. "What's got you so snazzy, huh?" She jokingly made a surprised expression. "You got a girlfriend I don't know about?"
Jak was quick to shut his ass up-
But began laughing yet again at Elise's joke. He was hoping Trin had a smartass remark for it.
He scoffed, "Yeah, right. Girlfriend, me? That's the joke of the century." He watched as she made quick work of the tie and then he gagged a tiny bit, "Not so tight." Then he made it hang extremely loose again.
Elise rolled her eyes, "I didn't even put it tight! You're just being a big baby!" She argued and fixed the tie. But no matter what, the asshat loosened it. She growled. "Trinny!" She scolded.
"That's it, I'm out, I'm done with this mess- " He quickly pushed past Jak. Upon a closer look from the skin uncovered from the mask and his ears, she could notice they were pink.
He climbed up the steps briskly and exited straight out of the UG hideout, still pink, still hating this as much as Elise. He didn't bother to meet anyone's eye or even say a single word. Just dead straight, looking ahead. Near where the Zoomers are usually parked, was Tess, leaning on one. "What brings you here? I thought people would give the bartender some overtime with this so-called 'celebration'."
Tess was eyeing his suit, "Nice tie." She had an eyebrow raised and a grin plastered on her peachy face.
"I find loose ties better, so don't even." Tess raised her hands as if showing surrender.
Elise grumbled, her face hauntingly just as pink as her partner's. She looked at Jak who was grinning widely at her, and shoved his face away. "Don't." She hissed, grabbing a small purse Tess had given her, and attempting to follow him. She didn't bother to complain again, though. She was still pretty much in agony about her hair-
On her walk out, she noticed Tess, and even managed to hear her snarky comment. "It's horrible." She blurted. Tess looked confused.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize me." Elise groaned in agony, tilting her head to the side with a bit of exaggeration.
Tess had a dawn of realization, and she went to continue. "Oh, well you both look great, what's horrible here is... well your mask isn't exactly perfect for a disguise-"
"It's fine, I won't stick out, I'll just be the usual and in the crowd, alright. Now..." He made sure to adjust his suit a little, Elise noticed not only the Dark Dagger but the horrifyingly large collection of knives under his coat- how a man could hide that many even she wondered just how much he was really carrying.
Elise grimaced at the sight of all those weapons. Sure, she herself was carrying a few. But he looked like he was going to a full out war! She decided it wasn't best to comment. It would most likely upset him. She merely brushed some hair behind her ears, groaning with annoyance when it bounced back in front of her face. "I still can't believe I had to cut my hair..." She whined playfully to Tess. Well, half playfully.
"It fits." He blurted out.
"Fits..?" Elise blinked. She hadn't expected that, but it sure as hell confused her.
"No, I mean it's nice- " He adjusted his tie again, it didn't make it look any neater though.
Elise reached up and played with some of her hair absentmindedly. Her face began to flush back to its previous pink color. "Thanks..." She managed to mumble. She glared at Tess who grinned when she flushed. "Where am I supposed to meet this prick?" She asked. She grimaced at the taste of lipstick in her mouth.
"Main Town District, its right next to the Palace, so we need to tread carefully."
Trinity sighed, the more details he gave, the more Elise soon realized just how risky it was...
"Your name is Dahlia Thorne, came from a high class family and enjoys a challenge to see if any man could catch a thorny rose like you."
"Now hold up, the Thorne Family values their non-involvement with anything except for donations and war efforts for Praxis..." Tess leaned on the Zoomer, a little worried.
"Makes them practically enigmatic." Trin replied.
"But... this is a family that runs a cartel last time I heard from Krew, and they haven't exactly been in a nice spot lately."
Elise pinched the bridge of her nose, smearing some of the eye make up work Tess had done onto her pale fingers. "So if I screw anything up.. I'm fucked in more ways than one." She looked back up. "How the hell am I supposed to get Erol to speak? He must know tons about this family..." She managed to walk her way to the zoomer without tripping.
"Actually, he doesn't." He snickered to their surprise. "They hide their daughter in their household as best as they could, heard she was pretty much living a Precursor fairytale of a princess tucked away."
Tess made a low whistle, "I wish I could be that gal. Have you ever seen her?"
"No, even on special occasions during my races and scouting out the crowd during 'em, she managed to obscure her face with an expensive mask. The KG couldn't go near her because she's... well the daughter of a drug lord. She had her own guards."
Upon noticing Elise's growing anxiety and tense shoulders, he placed a hand on one of them. "It'll be fine, all you need to know, is to challenge Erol's ego. Lure him by showing he's nothing compared to the cartel sons and suitors you've met. Then reel him in once he's hooked, have him go on about his greatness and admiration, and he'll be spilling some details..." Trinity waved his hand as if he was doing a run-on sentence, then went to lean on the vehicle.
Elise looked down at Trinity's hand. Little did he realize it made her anxiety grow even more. She chuckled nervously and scratched at her scar, that was 'magically' hidden with tons of make up and body latex. She suddenly paused and felt horrendously sick to her stomach. "What if he wants to kiss me?" She gagged at the thought. Just the idea of sitting within 100 feet of Erol was sickening. Now that? No way!
Torn stepped out from the UG hideout, his gaze fixated on Trinity and Elise. "And if he wants to, you either do it or we lose information." He narrowed his eyes, almost apologetically. He knew how much Elise despised the man, but they needed as much as they could get. And at that moment, even HE would risk something like that... okay so maybe he wouldn't. But hey that doesn't mean anything - he'd still risk a lot for the UG.
"If he does something other than that..." He pulled out something so fast that it was only a glint in the air as he tossed it, but then-
"No, we CAN'T kill him." Torn had caught the dagger in midair, making Trin scoff.
"I didn't say it, I was going to say that he had a bad accident." Trin quickly ripped the blade away from Torn to put it back under his suit. Tess snickered. Trin paused for a moment, "Be right back." His head popped out of the doorway, "Tess, if you mind?"
"What is this, an appointment? I'm coming, coming!"
Torn raised both of his eyebrows in confusion. Now he was even more confused-
Elise held up her arms. "Don't we have to leave?" She asked, clearly calling for the tall man's attention. Truthfully, she was just enjoying his presence. Especially while she was pretty much terrified.
He returned with a quickened pace, "Is that better?"
"Wait wait! I didn't even finish the gold lining!" Tess was following close behind. "Oh well- good enough."
"W-wait... is that a rose? Since when did you put...?"
Trinity's mask had an extra layer of metal sheeting to cover over the giant battlescar of it. His ear tattoos from the KG days were heavily enveloped in makeup and there was a neat little fake rose tucked at the end of his braided hair.
Both of his partners standing outside were absolutely dumbfounded at the sight. They couldn't believe it! Trinity dressing for an occasion? Even if it was a mission, they were still surprised!
"What? What are you staring at?"
"Nothing!" Elise was quick to blurt out an answer for both of them. Even though Torn sure as hell had a lot to say. The short woman tapped the zoomer, anxiety flooding through her veins. "Can we go now, Trinny?" She asked, yet again rather quickly. She just wanted the day to be over with.
"Yeah, let's go. Oh, and thanks, Tess." He started up the Zoomer and hopped onto the driver's seat.
Tess put a hand on her hips, admiring the rushed, but good enough work. "Least you won't stick out like a sore thumb there no more, have fun!" She walked back inside.
Torn glanced at Tess and shook his head, chuckling as he trailed behind her. She was such a sweet girl...something that's rare to find in times like these.
Elise was careful when getting into the zoomer, worried about her unusual attire. Last time she wore a dress was for a funeral.. so you can only assume how long that had been. She threw herself back against her seat in a more exaggerated way and groaned. "What am I gonna do..? God the idea of even being CLOSE to him is disgusting!" She grimaced and looked over at her partner. "Why couldn't Tess do this, again?"
"Because Tess smashed a bottle on his head..." He scratched the side of his temple, remembering how much of a mess it was. Sure, it was going smoothly - until the very end.
Best part was that Erol was a bit too drunk to remember (hopefully).
"So, 'Dahlia', or should I say, 'Ms. Thorne'? How's the emotional department going, or the, uh, Dawn and Beth?" He asked with genuine concern.
"You all dangerously underestimate me.." Elise grumbled rather harshly. It was true for the most part, but she was just grumpy about the entire situation. She grimaced when he said her 'name'. She looked over at him again. "Dawn is pissed, Beth is concerned. They're both disgusted with the whole thing, like you and I." She chuckled just a bit.
Trinity stopped himself from gripping the steering wheel too hard. "Don't misunderstand my questions as an underestimation, please. I never mean it like that." He sighed, speaking in a tone quieter than usual, and began driving out of the Slums. "Though..." He smirked under his mask, "I can see the parallels."
Elise raised an eyebrow with sudden interest. "Parallels? You mean Dawn and Beth?" She asked. The whole man in himself was dangerously mysterious, so he could mean anything for all she knew!
He laughed heartily as they passed through The Port, cutting corners and slicing through the slow traffic. "Dawn... Beth... Me... You...? Even Jak, Tess, Dax, and Torn even? I dunno, there's so many parallels we can draw that even I wouldn't know all of them!"
She couldn't tell what's scarier, the parallel rabbit hole mystery he's speaking and hinting of or the odd sense of peppiness in his mood.
Elise let out somewhat of a confused chuckle. She had no idea what the hell he was talking about, or why it even entertained him in the slightest. But, alright. She didn't have it in her to agree or deny. "Right..." She leaned her chin in the palm of her hand. Her smile faded and her expression went back to looking bereft. The longer they took, the more she was dreading.
Trin was lightly tapping on the steering wheel, 'Oh man, I'm nervous, I'm actually nervous. Why am I nervous?' He was completely silent on the outside, but inside, he was asking himself a million questions.
Elise was doing her best to focus on anything but the situation. Hell, a drink would've been really nice at that moment. Her eyes travelled to Trinity's hands. She furrowed her eyebrows, watching him tap the steering wheel. He'd never done that before–at least that's what she recalled. "Ya tense?" She asked softly. The silence was still fresh, so she didn't want her voice to startle him.
"M-maybe..." Trinity looked around for anything while driving. "It's not often I go out for some activity - even if it's a celebration on that tyrant."
"Well, you're gonna be with me most of the time, Trinny." Elise nudged his good shoulder playfully, hoping to lighten his anxiety just a bit. "If it helps, the only crowded places I've been to were bars."
"I could say the same but Krew's crap bar doesn't have many customers." He laughed, "I like it better, less idiots."
"Krew." She physically grimaced at the mob boss's name. "How's the useless prick doin? Still lookin for me?" She partially jokes. Truthfully, she hadn't seen Krew since the last time he sent her out and she got captured. Precursors know how he responded to losing the bounty reward.
"Fat mess is having the Baron pressure him harder more than before." Trinity hummed, often picking at the top of his ear to rub off the bit of makeup. "How did she keep this up, I swear?" He grumbled at himself.
"Tess is a gal of wonders." Elise grinned cheekily, motioning to the markings on the corners of her eyes that were covered. Neither of them looked like themselves, at all. "So... what's the plan, big guy?" Elise asked. "Where are you exactly gonna be without Erol noticing you?"
"In... the crowd, I guess?" The level of uncertainty matching his odd sense of unpreparedness was really off-putting for both of them. Usually he sounds sure of himself, but this? "I'm probably going to speak and just hang out with other people, they won't assume me as the usual, well, you know." The last statement made it seem better compared to his other one. "By the way, Tess should have that fancy mask tucked in that purse."
"Yeah.. I'm not too sure about that." Elise dug through the small purse she was given and tugged out the mask. It was a bit too fancy for her liking. It was covered with gemstones and different red and gold patterns, very distracting to the eye. And just enough to cover her true identity if the make over wasn't enough. "It's.. a little flashy isn't it?"
Trinity chuckled. "She's the daughter of a high class family that runs the cartel. I'd be surprised if it wasn't, after all, I did see all kinds of masks she wore during the NYFE Championship Races."
Using the Communicator to display the map of Haven, they could see the red sections teetering at the very corners of it.
"You seem a little invested, don't ya?" Elise raised an eyebrow. This time, her tone couldn't be deciphered, though it sounded a bit aggressive. "How much longer?"
"Invested in...her? Well, we wanted to know her aim, whether or not we wanted to form some loose sense of alliance. Or if she's got something working with The Baron on the cartel. I guess it bothers me how much of a mystery she is - wait. Is that how you guys are with me?" Trinity asked himself before quickly answering her question, "Anyway, it's not long, the security checkpoint of the barrier is around this turn. I got the pass (ehem... all of them actually), so don't worry." He pulled out a flip-open little square from his suit pocket. "It'll just catch this and we can pass through."
"Alright..." Elise began to lace the mask around her face, making sure her makeup wouldn't rub away and reveal her markings. "And no. Because we actually know you... most of the way."
They passed through the red barriers, having an unintentional tense moment. The barrier in front of them was static-like, the turrets surrounded them like wardens of the prison. Even though for Elise, Trinity was never a prisoner himself, he still probably felt the same as her. After all, being in his shoes by leading the DWP isn't for the faint of heart either.
The many people beginning to crowd multiple areas began to eye down each vehicle that passed. Some looked uninterested in the whole 'celebration', while others looked ecstatic to meet the mystery woman. There were tiny bits of rumors going around (most likely from Tess trying to convince others). The pressure was surely on the two of them now.
"I hope so. I hate being like this..." He muttered carefully, a pain-filled tone laced through his voice for that split second.
"What was that?" Elise asked, tearing her gaze away from the crowd. Who was he talking to..? Well, she had no right to judge. It was weird SHE hadn't been talking to herself that day. Actually... she began to wonder where Beth and Dawn had run off to.
"Nothing...just really unsure on how this will all play out, I'm already thinking of Plan B's the entire way." Trinity veered slightly to the right to park, the group trying to move along but couldn't help cast a few glances and awed looks upon Elise.
Elise visibly shrunk into her seat. "Maybe even think of a plan C." She quipped softly. She was not used to any of the attention she was receiving. Awed glances and stares of admiration were completely foreign. It almost made her just a bit scared. Now she was wishing for the two bickering girls in her head to return. "Trinity I don't think I can do this.."
"I'm sure you can... This is something that's a little different from what I'm used to, honestly. It's not a bad thing compared to the hostility I was given during my- well everyday, haha." He tried to joke, but unintentionally stabbed his own heart and feelings from that last part. Regardless, he stepped out to open the door for her and lent out a gentle hand. It was skillfully quick of him, making it seem like he really was a high class escort of some sort.
The pale girl immediately fell silent at his attempt to comfort her. Sure, the gesture was nice—sweet even—but the last part was just a pull at the puppet strings. She swallowed away any comments and watched him. It's all she could manage to do. She knew he didn't mean to, but it only worsened her anxiety. Just the idea of him falling through another mishap again, especially after a comment like that? That was worse than all the agoraphobia rushing through her veins. She gently placed her small hand within his, and she was positive he could feel it trembling. It's not like either of them could back down anyway. It was far too late for that.
"Erol isn't around here, he'll be at the bar, so we're free to walk around for a bit." Trinity grasped her hand, trying to give her a sense of security and reassurance as he had her dainty hop off the Zoomer. "Do you remember how to get him to start talking?" He asked.
"Thank you," She mumbled when he helped her down. Yet again, she stumbled whilst adjusting to the heels. "Jesus women are weird. How do they even wear these fuckin things?" She complained. She squeezed his hand slightly, that alone alleviating any fear in her. She didn't know how he did it, but he always managed to calm or comfort her. "So.. all I gotta do is challenge him?" She raised an eyebrow, a small grin prodding her cherry coated lips. "Oh this is gonna be one hell of a time..."
"Ohh yeah, so, see? It's not all that bad. And I know right, how do people even function with high heels - I mean sure, you can stab people with the heels or something but...wait no nevermind that." His ears turned pink from embarrassment, guess he couldn't stem away from murderous topics and weapons.
Elise was quick to burst into a fit of small laughter at his antics. "Damn, everything's a weapon to you, huh?" She laughed, her grin only widening with amusement. "What's such a hostile man doing at a peaceful event, huh?" She jokingly bumped her shoulder lightly against his.
He huffed and scoffed, tempted to cross his arms but instead stuffed his workworn hands in his pockets. "Hmph! I'm asking that myself." He kicked a rock, ears still pink as roses.
"Heeeey!" Elise whined (half) playfully when he pulled his hand away from her's and tucked them into his pockets. Instead, she linked their arms together. It looked more professional on their par anyway. "Ya crybaby." She wrinkled her nose towards him. She stopped for a moment and looked around. "You're a perfect shot, come on!" She began pulling him over to one of the game stands, of course, it had something to do with a gun. Of course it was fake, but she was hoping it would at least make him feel a little better.
The small girl managed to successfully pull the disguised assassin over to some silly game. 'Does she want to play..?' He thought, and furrowed his eyebrows under his mask. Then he felt his stomach drop when she turned to look at him. A wide grin was plastered over her pale features, her cherry colored lips almost frozen with the cocky smirk. She ushered him forward, pushing him.
"El, don't-"
"Play!" She chirped.
"I really don't think-"
"Play!"
"But-"
"PLAY!" She snapped.
Oh boy he felt like he shrunk ten sizes. There was no backing down now.
'The things I do for this girl..' He sighed within a thought.
'Just like us, huh Trinny?'
"Not now.." He muttered to himself.
"Trinnyyyy!" The ravenette whined. "Do it! Pleeeeease? Just this once!" She begged, even attempting to give him 'Puppy eyes'.
"Okay, okay fine- Uh, is there anything you want?" He asked, looking at the various random prizes hung at the very back of the stand.
'Oh, I want that Metalhead skull mask...' The voice ushered from the deepest corners of his mind.
'Not you.'
The man hosting the game just had his head in his hand until he saw the interesting duo approach his shooting gallery. "You starin' at the mask? Thing's a genuine one." He leaned in, "Don't ask where these thing's from okay, but you can ask how many tickets they're worth!"
Trin nodded, "Yeah, thing's real alright."
Elise covered her mouth to hide a snicker. "How about we get a gift for Torn for makin' us do this whole thing?" She raised an eyebrow in a smug manner.
He turned his head to her, and she could swear she felt a sneaky grin going on… After a little pause he nodded, "Yeah, why not?"
After they had gotten a ridiculously ugly prize for Torn, a crowd broke through and managed to push them into the following sprint. They were being ushered to a stage, just outside the little bar set up. They were hosting a karaoke contest, and apparently, the previous year's winner was performing yet again. He was a rather tall and suave man, noticing both Elise and Trinity. Or as they all thought; Dahlia Thorne and her bodyguard.
The man began to motion Elise, causing the masked girl to purse her lips with distrust, and grip her partner tighter.
He shook his head in distaste, "You sure you don't want to show him how a real queen sings?" She could feel the sly tone he had.
Elise's face was quick to flush pink and grow hot at his words. "I was hoping you'd forgotten..." she groaned. She threw the two stuffed animals into his arms. "I really hate you sometimes, asshat..." She grumbled, and took the smug man's hand. He carefully helped her on stage and laid a small kiss on her cheek. She tried her best not to grimace.
She glanced back at Trinity. Oh boy she definitely was gonna get payback... She was so busy thinking of her revenge she didn't even realize the man was ushering her towards the mic until he gently touched her shoulder.
"Uh... I guess I'm gonna sing..?" She chuckled nervously.
She almost visibly cringed at the music that began to play. She hated the fact she knew the particular song word for word..
Trinity was almost about to step down, that was - until Elise grabbed his hand. "Hm?" He looked up, his blue eyes dotted with purple met hers. The expression she wore…
Elise was hesitant, but her eyes behind the mask held a soft plea.. she really didn't want to be left alone, not at that moment.
"Please...? For me?" She begged softly and squeezed his hand, attempting to lace their fingers, but stopping midway. She didn't want to make him uncomfortable.
Trinity's mind and heart raced for that split second, he felt like he was running on blue eco for a moment. All time was slower than normal at this very point, 'But..the flow of time- ' Onin's words suddenly echoed across his mind. 'Don't focus on it.'
'Yes...'
"Yes..."
After realizing that, he threw his worries all away, all in one go.
It should never matter...
He hopped up onto the stage, feeling completely flushed, but smiling as wide as ever. More than he ever had for the longest of time.
"For us."
He turned to the man who was the champion of this little game, just like Erol, Trin knew his old habits never changed. He liked being challenged.
But something was different compared to before - it was something that...he had felt years back.
He had never felt happier.
Trin adjusted his tie (still messy though), neatly rearranged his sleeves. In that moment, his old composure had returned. "Something a little smoother and jazzy, please." Then he began to hum, queuing the band to begin.
Elise suddenly felt her entire body flush with joy, her cheeks yet again burning a rose red, one would mistake for a harsh makeup look. She didn't know how to respond to the feeling, so she merely let out somewhat of a surprised laugh.
There were so many feelings bundling inside of her at once, she couldn't believe how much joy she was experiencing. She hadn't felt like that since she was a kid..
She was surprised when the band had immediately followed the masked man's orders. 'Jazz..? Charming, much?' She thought to herself.
Trinity took her hands, "Ready?" He glanced down, taking a look at the exquisite-looking high heels of hers. "We'll go slow... And I'll follow your step." He said gently, his voice a little shaky, because this kind of world was always foreign to him.
Elise gave a gentle nod, slowly interlocking their fingers, and squeezing his hands tightly. "Just trust me, love." She spoke softly.
What did she just call him? At that point she didn't care. She felt.. free. It wasn't Beth or Dawn, she didn't feel angry or upset or bereft anymore.. not in that moment. There was nothing but joy in her.. and she'd hate to admit it. But she felt love. Though, she'd never verbally admit that to him again... not yet at least. She began to hum the tune with him, hoping to give him the bit of courage he needed to sing first.
"Trust me..."
Trin hummed along and in tune with the music and rhythm as they began to sway side to side, the light following their movements.
If people hadn't believed their eyes that she was the rose of the "Thorne Family", then they had certainly been fooled now from the show right before their very eyes.
Elise realized he sure as hell wouldn't start. So she waited..
And waited..
She let go of one of his hands to put her finger under his chin and make him look up. She gave him another gentle look. "Don't look at our feet... just trust me..." She whispered.
She laced their fingers back together. She heard her cue. And all nervousness fled her body. She needed to help him...
"We are still kids, but we're so in love.." she stepped to turn. Her voice was surprisingly softer than Trinity would expect. Then again, he mostly would hear her snapping or yelling. "Fighting against all odds, I know we'll be alright this time.."
She squeezed his hands. "Darling, just hold my hand.. be your girl, you'll be my man."
She tilted her head and stared into his crystal blue eyes. They almost shone.
"I see my future in your eyes.."
Trinity was entranced, staring back at her beautiful eyes. His anxiety about singing, his voice, his corrupted irises...everything about his worries began to fade as his long ears twitched ever so slightly. Elise's voice carried and made their way to him.
He muttered to begin, almost reluctant, but El being right there with him and her strength - it gave him courage.
It gave him a voice:
"Baby, I'm dancin' in the dark... with you between my arms..."
He began softly at first, then it began to raise higher in octave, higher in volume.
"Barefoot on the grass, while listenin' to our favorite song~"
Trinny's voice and tone were surprisingly high, almost feminine compared to his rough and tough one they usually hear during missions.
"When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful~ I don't deserve this, darlin', you look perfect tonight..."
Without even realizing, they both were hand in hand, spinning and twirling along.
Elise was shocked, feeling as if she would melt at the sound of his voice. It was completely different from his normal voice, especially when he would pitch. She almost stumbled, but was quick to catch herself.
Oh how a few seconds could make such a huge impact on someone...
She waited for him to pause - and then she joined in:
"Baby, I'm dancing' in the dark, with you between my arms.."
The two pulled close.
"Barefoot in the grass, while listenin' to our favorite song.."
They moved away, hands almost disconnecting.
"I have faith in what I see.."
They both spun and stepped further apart, the only thing connecting them was their fingertips. Just barely grazing over one another's.
"Now I know I have met an angel in person..."
She let out a soft gasp, feeling her partner's hand wrap around her's and spin her back into his arms. They were closer than they were before. She felt her breath hitch. She couldn't even finish singing along with him. She got too focused in his blue eyes yet again.
"And you look perfect, I don't deserve this..."
He sang, heart completely feeling fluttery. He hadn't done this in such a long time, it's as if it was from another life.
Somehow, both of their violent speckled eyes were a beauty to behold for each other. What they once looked at that in disdain became something more - he was so focused on them he hadn't noticed how feminine and high his voice truly sounded in forever ago... He wasn't sure if it was the woman inside his mindscape singing along that made it that way, or that was really how he sounded.
He made a swift movement of a dip, surprising Elise in the middle of their singing. Like a slow ocean wave, they bowed together, graceful and elegant. Their eyes always fixated on one another.
There was a long slow note that matched their dance, and with a final ending hum of the instruments - he spoke:
"You look perfect tonight~"
The small audience that had gathered up and transformed into a respectable crowd cheered and clapped, completely taken in by their performance. The champion that had sat into one of the smaller stools as even clapping along, admiring the display. Somehow, the deep story between these two El and Trin, could be shown through their singing and dancing.
Trinity gently pulled her back up, with a nervous chuckle, he couldn't help it. It was as if Tess knew this had happened-
Because he grabbed the fake flower and tucked it neatly behind her ear.
The crowd cheered and clapped around them, but everything felt like it was silent to Elise. She couldn't tell if she was coming down from the oxytocin high or not, but whatever it was, she was enjoying it.
She stood to her feet properly when he had stood. Still following his movements-
Elise cleared her throat slightly, going to speak but silencing at the feeling of his hand brushing some of her (now) short hair back and tucking a flower behind her ear. She was quick to respond..
She never knew how much she could crave someone's touch when she's never even experienced it. She placed her hand over his to keep it in place and turned to nuzzle it, careful with her mask. With a swift movement, she managed to press a gentle kiss to the palm of his hand absentmindedly. She closed her eyes and merely admired the moment, almost forgetting where they even were.
"And we got our winners for this year's karaoke! What an awe-inspiring performance!"
A voice boomed, making both of them realize and had stepped down the stage. It would've been taking them back to reality, but amazingly...this is already their reality. It was no dream, yet it had felt like it.
"Pick any of the prizes, you wish." The man who seems to be the host gestured to the stand of prizes.
Trinity leaned in with fingers to the chin of his mask, "Ladies first?" He couldn't stop making a stupid grin at how cheesy it all was, but he enjoyed it nonetheless.
He went to go pick up the two stuffed animals while she was looking at the array of prizes. Trinity was completely in shock at what happened for the most part and there was just a massive flood of relief and joy he had for once. Perhaps that's why (to Elise) his voice sounded higher than normal-
'Careful Trinny, you sound like me~'
Trinity rolled his eyes, still pink. 'For once, I don't mind that.'
Elise wandered a bit, staring in awe at a little keychain she saw. Sure, to her it was just a plain ol ottsel. But to her friend, it would mean so much more.
"Tess would love this, don't you think?" Elise mumbled, a soft smile on her lips. Hoping to get some response from the other two.
Nothing..
"What's going on with you two?" She huffed and grabbed the keychain anyway, despite the others' ignorance.
She turned all directions in search of her 'bodyguard'. She was still running off the oxytocin high, her heart fluttering when she finally caught a glance of him. "Hey!" She stumbled as she ran up to him. She held up the little object. "Don't you think Tess would like it?" She asked, Joy lacing her voice. He had never seen her so...happy? Excited? Giddy All of the above?
Whatever it was, it was new! It wasn't normal for her either. She had never known Trinity could sing! If she did, he'd be forced to as often as they'd be sent out together. Who knew he had such an angelic voice..?
"I think it's perfect." Trinity had the lobster's pincers wrapped around to hug his neck like a funny cape and the other stuffed animal was tucked in his arm. He seemed to be fondly rubbing his fingers on the fuzzy ears of it.
They both began to stroll along, Trin passing by the man who hosted the game. He was talking to a woman, which turned out to be his wife. "We'll take this keychain."
The wife chuckled, "Such an amazing voice, you sing often?"
Trinity couldn't help but flush even more, his ears quivered so slightly from the surprising question. "Ah, no... But, I hope you have a good day."
Then they both bid a farewell and began strolling around again, the event will stretch all the way to midnight so they had all the time they could burn.
"So..." Elise broke the silence between them as they wandered the area. Honestly, they were both procrastinating just a bit. "You never told me you could sing, Trinny." She teased and took a couple glances in his direction.
He couldn't help but utter a tiny, croaky whine at himself. "Never tried to."
"Really?" She put on a playful pout. "Not even for me?"
"I don't sing as good as you, nor do...I have courage to." His ears drooped at that. Now that there were no instruments and not too many distractions going on, he had noticed something. He tried to clear his throat slightly at that, scolding himself secretly.
Trin continued to play with the muse toy regardless, grinning.
A sudden thought crossed her mind, then that thought became a question. "So why'd you do it with me?" She asked. "Let me rephrase that - why'd you do it for me..?"
He held the muse, his hands wrapping around it. It almost reminded Elise how Trin was acting like a kid somehow. "I'm terrified of the future. But Onin said not to worry... So for once, I ignored the 'what-ifs?', and just... did something I- '' With his attention fixated on the Muse, he stopped his sentence with a tiny, funny sound under his mask.
Now, Elise noticed his voice was genuinely different. After the singing, even his tone remained high.
It all dawned on her.
He was having the fun he always wanted to have when he was a kid. It all made sense to her now. She didn't want to ruin his moment, especially not after all that. She reached over and gently took his hand. For once, he wasn't wearing his gloves and neither was she.
'Geez we must look like germaphobes to the other guys.' She chuckled at her thought.
"Well, let's keep it up..." A small grin crept up her cherry lips. "Let's be teenagers for once."
She kept the thought in the back of her mind, she'd question more later. For now, she was having the time of her life. And for the first time in a long time, he was too.
"Oh...! And if you don't mind me asking.." Elise furrowed her eyebrows. "Why'd your voice change..? And did you just squeak-"
"N-No!" If his ears were pink before, now they became scarlet and they shot up at that question. "I- uh?..."
'Goddamn, I sound like an idiot!'
"This is my real voice okay- god, oh Precursors..." His ears dropped low and he looked away completely flushed as El could see from the facial parts uncovered by the mask.
All of a sudden it became clear as day from his hushed but raised voice that his tone was actually feminine compared to usual. The teasing was sort of funny to her, even more curious though was-
"Why'd you always hide it?" Elise's grin seemed to grow more and more. Not in a teasing manner, but in a more... giddy way? She couldn't tell why. "The deep and monotone voice from before, what was that all about?"
"It was the collar I wore. I changed it so instead of tracking for the KG, the signal was for us." He sighed. "It, ugh, I did it to sound tougher in the KG as well. That and, well, it's dumb, but it's a symbol since the prisoners wore it. Remember?" Trin absentmindedly played with the Muse stuffed toy, "I'm not proud of it though... I dunno why I took it off. It's been years since I did. I guess it's some kind of honest gesture for you. Since I can't take this off." He traced the mask with his finger and rubbed off the bit of gold paint. "...Not yet anyway." His tone was sad.
They strolled along, watching the various mini-games people did around them, not paying one mind to them.
"It's weird to hear this, honestly." He chuckled, feeling somewhat free of this.
"Get used to it when we're alone." Elise squeezed his hand tightly, brushing her thumb over his knuckles in a comforting manner. "Because this is the real Trinny..." she smiled at him. "And if it makes it better.. I prefer this voice to dark and mysterious." She winked.
"Least keep it a secret from the idiots back at base?" He laughed. "And you still got the energy left to shove insults at a certain bastard man?" Trinity couldn't help but feel mischievous, "I could have never thought a day like this would exist- and my ex-partner to be fooled so hard by us." He held back a bit from wanting to burst into an uncontrollable laughter.
"Oh this is gonna be fun.." Elise's signature sinister smirk was given. She stopped walking for a moment and began to 'fix herself'. Basically, she just patted down her dress, fixed her hair a bit and made sure the mask was secure. Tess had also snuck in the red lipstick tube for her, which she used to touch up just a bit. "How do I look?" She asked, slinging the small purse back over her shoulder.
"..."
"Trinny?" She waved her hand in his face. "Ya spaced?"
"Well it's hard NOT to imagine Erol being completely played by this- " He chuckled even more, "Of course I'd be spaced by that idea." Trinity whispered as they began to go around the turn, where the best bar of the Main City District was.
The walk was shockingly short, especially for how that far they actually were. Neither of them were happy about it, but they weren't as mad as they were earlier. Screwing around with Erol was turning out to be more of a fun idea after all. They stopped walking at the entrance of the bar and parted.
"Eugh... I really gotta sing AND flirt for that weirdo?" She wrinkled her nose. "Just stay outta sight, Trinny, yeah?"
"You'll be grabbing their attention, I can just hang out at the smaller hub areas in there." He shrugged, his hands in his pockets. "I'll wait at the back then take a seat once you start - it'd be kinda odd to see a man walking around with a giant lobster for a blanket cape." Trin chuckled.
Elise managed to let out a small laugh at the mention of the 'lobster cape'. "I think it'd be pretty adorable.." She mumbled, more so to herself. She shook her arms a bit and hopped up and down. "Okay... let's go."
They sauntered their way inside, Trinity holding the door for Elise. She nodded a small thank you and walked past everyone. It seemed everyone had been awaiting the presence of 'Ms. Thorne.' Because the bartender slid over an already prepared drink which Elise had happily taken. All eyes were now on the masked woman, and she hated the fact she couldn't speak to Dawn or Beth. She'd have to figure out that situation later.
As she made her way to the stage, she grabbed for the mike. Her hands delicately glided across the surface of it, while internally, it was nerve wracking without Trin to be on stage with her. A slow song echoed across the bar as a signal for Trinity to make his way through. Eyeing the band members, he realized one of them was unfamiliar. They all were, but this woman in reddish brown hair didn't quite sit right with the group.
What startled him was the fact that she turned her head to him even though Elise was in the spotlight at the moment. The woman smiled, touching her neck within a short second. Trinity caught it as a lightbulb went off and he nodded, making her nod as well. 'Of course Torn would have another keeping an eye out.' The mask of hers and the attire made it hard for him to recognize but his worries were washed over with relief. He went to take a seat at the far corner, Elise smiling a bit as she sang when she saw him. 'Been long while since I've seen Eri-'
Something cold tickled at the back of his neck.
"This is how people will see me as...a lovely reputation you've both built up for me, don't you think, darlin'?" A heavy and chilling tone spoke from behind, a voice dangerous and slithery like a snake.
He continued to act neutral as he watched the show, Elise being preoccupied in grabbing Erol's attention. He'd sat at the far opposite end of here, making whatever Trinity's predicament is impossible for her to notice.
"Ms. Thorne. Lovely to meet your acquaintance, I see." He was hoping it didn't come to this. "What's the 'Rose of the Thorne Family' doing here? I had assume this, hm...establishment wasn't to your taste."
A smooth chuckle ringed in his ears from behind, where the next table over was and a divider is. Even if he tried to glance at the corner of his vision, all he'd see was the threatening silhouette of Dahlia behind the expensive opaque glass.
"True, true. Gossips about me gets around fast though, caught wind about the two of you. Making it a rather delicate situation of mine."
The frozen edge at the back of his neck slowly inched deeper, making his eyes narrow. But Trinity's unfazing composure remained.
"Well then." Trinity pretended to go and pick up something from under his table, but in reality he pulled out a dagger. In one expert motion, he yawned, having his hand behind his own head and pretended to relax. A blade was aimed at the woman's pale arm. "I'm not a delicate man, Ms. Thorne." He mimicked her snaky voice.
A faint angelic chuckle erupted from the back. "Suggesting we be civil?"
"I'm not suggesting."
Trinity saw Elise walk downward to the stage, coming closer to Erol. Erol had his glass full, showing that he was a bit too distracted to even finish it. Trin on the other hand, crossed his legs and placed them on top of the opposite bench or seat from him.
"I'm demanding."
The chilling tip of her weapon pulled away more, but it continued to be drawn near his neck. In turn, he pulled away from her arm but only in mere centimeters.
"Hah! You're not a weak man after all. Least you and your companion are making me look fantastic, mm?"
"What do you want?"
"Nothing much these days, it's a very complex question...Champion." She accentuated the word. "I wanted to have an easy time off, but with words like this, they'll reach my daddy's ears. See?" She sneered slightly, but continued to have an unwavering, sophisticated tone.
"I take it you don't accept apologies?"
Dahlia pulled her weapon away completely, Trinity doing it simultaneously. "Ah, depends on what form of apology..." She sighed. "Perhaps when we meet in the next championship race, I'll let you know, farewell, darlin'."
Her pish-posh tone was exaggerated, mocking Trin. "Be sure to taste your words before you spit them out, tesoro."
He watched El push Erol away, her smile widening as she (probably) insulted him in more ways than one in that moment.
Trinity turned to see, but the woman walked out already. Her snowy-white back exposing tons of butterfly and thorny tattoos. When he noticed a crisp white card sitting prettily on the table, he flipped it over.
"The Precursors favour the brave."
'So captivating!'
'Quiet.'
He returned to his seat, paying attention once more at the exchange between El and Erol.
Tracing the nape of his neck where the woman drew blood, he connected the lines. 'She was tracing the tattoos...' He didn't have any markings in the front, but the back, there was a design that was similar to Ashelin's. He wiped the bits of scarlet substance and makeup on his fingertips.
The conversation was lengthy, as expected. Trinity was busy twirling his glass of cold water and eventually as the meeting came to a close with Erol having a red, hand-shaped mark on his face... Elise and him reunited back on the Zoomer and were on their way back to the UG.
"Seeing Erol's face, I don't think he'll remember any of that at all." He laughed.
Elise groaned with disgust and wiped her mouth with a tissue she kept in her purse. "God.. it was worse than I thought..." She held back a genuine gag. "I was not prepared for that..." she grimaced and shook her head.
She sighed and closed her eyes. "Got a lot that we needed though." she reached up and untied the mask now that they were heading back to the UG. As expected, her mask had rubbed away the makeup that covered her eye markings. One would assume they were just made up, but nope! They were genuinely part of her. And they were too bright to look like a tattoo…
"How ya feelin, big guy?"
"Same ol', same ol'." He checked the back of his neck for any blood, but nothing (other than the pound of makeup he just rubbed off by accident). "Did Tess do those around your eyes? Or was it something you did in your off-time?" He asked, hoping for the topic to be a casual thing.
Trinity had also hoped that she wouldn't ask about his tattoos. Or something that had transpired back there when she was singing.
"Hm?" She turned to look at him. "You mean, the markings on my eyes?" She asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh yeah- sorry, I asked without thinking." He drove around to the other corner, unclipping the gold metallic piece off of his mask as they got out of the Main District.
"Ah, I'm surprised you didn't ask sooner actually." She smiled. She didn't really seem bothered or offended by the question. "Honestly? I don't have a definitive answer, but I assume they're from my biological parents. A birthmark." She held a napkin out to Trinity so he could take the make up off his hands.
"Ah, thanks." He used it to wipe off the rest from his ears and neck, even rubbing off the gold spray paint that's half on his actual mask. "Your birthmarks seem iridescent from this view, or something, so I thought they were makeup."
Elise let out a confused snicker. "Iridescent?" She wiped away the makeup covering her scar. She almost regretted it. She missed having somewhat of a normal forearm. "Why are ya so focused on my eyes, huh?"
"Because they're eye-catching."
...He shook his head in disapproval, cursing under his breath.
Elise just stared. Did he just-
"I don't know if I should be flattered. Or completely and utterly disappointed in you."
"I don't know either but I'm definitely taking disappointment at myself." He facepalmed, getting even more gold paint on his hand. The lobster is still flopping around him like a cloak.
Elise shook her head and pinched the bridge of her nose. "What am I gonna do with you?" She joked... half joked.
Torn was pacing around the outside of HQ, tense from the radio silence. Tess was inside and on the steps, bored but also a little worried.
Trinity drove the zoomer, and soon enough, the two saw them. As he pressed the hover button and parked, Tess couldn't help but laugh! Torn on the other hand, crossed his arms and rolled his eyes (albeit, secretly surprised).
"Is that a lobster on your back?" Torn asked, narrowing his eyes.
Trinity helped El exit the vehicle, her painfully high heels getting caught combined with her being tipsy made her stumble unceremoniously.
Elise managed to stay on her feet, giving Trinity a half witted smile. As fun as the whole thing was, they were both exhausted. She unwrapped the stuffed lobster from Trinity's shoulders and threw it at Torn. "Happy birthday, Captain Ass." She grinned smugly.
She then turned to Tess and held up the ottsel keychain for her. It wasn't much, but seeing how the blonde lit up was all the confirmation she needed.
"We saw it and— Woah!" She held up her arms, a flush coming to her face when Tess squeezed her tightly. She eventually gave in and smiled, hugging the shorter woman in return. As much as she hated Daxter, Tess loved him... somehow. "Trinity got it for you." Elise slipped in the sentence with a sly grin towards her partner.
Trin wanted to object to that, but Torn began before he did. "I take it you both got the info?" Torn was eyeing the giant stuffed toy, shaking his head at the two's antics.
Trinity held his own small toy he took out of the Zoomer, "I thought one of the UGs would've told you?" Judging by Torn's confusion and a denial, Trinity wondered at that. 'Erin didn't go on his orders then?'
Tess tapped on his shoulder, "You both did great work, love that Muse toy by the way."
He grinned without even thinking as he felt the massive, fluffy ears. "Haven't seen these guys in years."
"Let's head inside, I would hate it if we were followed." Torn eyed the corner then walked in, throwing the lobster down into the main room. (The other three snickered at that.)
He whispered to Tess and had her go fetch something. "You sure you want to stay up for lil' more? I could tell Torn, I'm not sleeping anytime soon."
El thought for a bit. "I might want to hear what you guys think about all of this..."
As they went down the steps, Tess came with the collar. Trin gratefully took it to put it back on as Tess went off to her quarters, bidding a sweet farewell for now.
"Does she know?" Elise muttered to him.
"Huh? Nah..." He was back to the usual lower tone of his. It seems that all the collar ever does was change the pitch, the monotone demeanor was all from himself.
The duo exchanged a few looks and a small nonverbal agreement before they followed the others inside. Jak had been woken up by Tess. She wanted him to hear everything before he went back to sleep.
Daxter was smelling the giant toy. He even managed to make it some sort of nest for himself.
"Awww you can't throw away gifts, Torn." Elise pouted and puckered out her bottom lip. The response she earned was getting her face pushed away lightly. As much as he wanted to sock the both of them in their faces.
"All jokes and fun you had aside for a moment," Torn's voice was even groggier than usual. It was late in the night after all. "Elise. What's all the information you've received?"
All eyes were on her. Tess could see the ravenette's once joyous eyes feel shallow. And she frowned. Tess was secretly hoping Torn would wait until the next day...
Elise couldn't help but feel a little pity for both herself and her partner. Couldn't they just enjoy one night? Well, it was a mission after all. And she knew that going in and even when leaving.
'Where did you two even go..?' She thought. She hadn't heard from either of them. And it was really starting to anger her just a bit.
"He sounded rather proud of himself." She sucked her teeth with annoyance. "The sewers are full of metal heads... it's almost like they've inhabited there." Her expression brimmed full of hatred for her next words. Tess snuck a small step away from her.
"It's not another DWP..." She huffed. "It's hardly an experimentation..." she brushed her hand over the small patch that still rested on the side of her neck. Tess had covered it with latex before they left, but now it was revealed again. It's something she had never taken off, in all her years of knowing Torn, Tess and even Jak. That was something Trinity would have to look into.
"Soldiers are volunteering for it. He called it 'stepping up to become stronger'. He went on about the success of multiple experiments."
She looked back up. "And he mentioned something about leading a project with his men down in the sewers. He took out some metal heads, but I doubt the sounds didn't attract anymore of them." She shifted on her feet. 'God damn heels.'
"I'm sure there's a shit show waiting for him or us down there. He mentioned it being one hell of a struggle. But then flaunted more about the experiments."
Jak grunted, finally managing to speak through his sleepy voice. "They're creating super soldiers..?"
"Almost..." Elise nodded a look towards him. They were all he needed to hush. He was too tired to argue anyway. "But so far, all of who get too much injected into them 'get ill' is the way he put it. They're trying to find a way to safely inject dark eco into them, but nothing's worked so far. "That's all I managed to get from him."
Trinity tensed, putting the Muse on the couch and walked over to the main table. Torn's expression darkened as well. "Well... Jak wasn't that far off, I'm afraid."
His hands turned into fists. With an unexpected turn, there was one of those rare moments where he truthfully lost his calm composure. Trinity looked as if he was about to break the table itself from gripping it so hard.
Torn walked around, throwing that tooth-like dagger of his, and embedded it into the photo of Erol on the wall. "An old side project of yours."
"Makes sense - our lurker allies saw them in black armor."
Elise visibly winced at the sight of Trinity. She was hesitant in placing her hand on his shoulder. She didn't know why he was so angry. No one but Torn really knew.
"So what do we do?" Jak asked, all sleepiness vanishing from him.
"We need to find a way to stop the testing." Elise raised an eyebrow. "But how the hell are we gonna do that without The Baron knowing it was us? We've snuck into the palace before, he's probably expecting us to again." She looked at her colleges. "He's gotta be ready."
"I'll be able to do it, along with an old friend you've met..." Trinity gritted his teeth, "I should've had the chance to make sure I've burnt those papers." He stood back up and paced around, Elise was beginning to get the picture.
"I thought you did back when you made the biggest prison break?" Torn snatched the knife. "Are you telling me- "
"There's no other way, I did! But somehow, that damn partner of mine managed to retrace the procedures - even if I threw both of them off during the trial phases. So how?!" Trinity, despite being tired, was getting extra energy from frustrated rage.
Everyone silenced at the sight of Trinity's rage. Normally, he was the one who reasoned with everyone to keep calm. Now, he was the one who needed to be reasoned with.
Tess was quick to keep herself beside Torn. Yeah, she was one hell of a tough gal, but Trinity? The man could take out a whole army of men with nothing but his bare hands! Of course she was gonna be afraid!
"Trinity, we can't lose our heads..." Elise ushered. She didn't want to, nor did she figure she needed to. But she kept her hand on the dagger she hid under her dress.
He gave a long sigh, "Okay, okay let's see what we have..."
It didn't stop him from pacing around, hunched over, and grumbling in irritation though. He paused, not moving his head to the people around them. But he could feel that his presence was something he didn't like. It reminded him of the KG days, so instead he went to lean on the table again. Deep in thought.
"I don't want to be right." He spoke absentmindedly, his mind heavily focused on whatever it was. "The only way they're able to create corrupted soldiers is through the usage of Dark Eco. But that alone will kill them, or make them go completely mad. It has to be a mixture." He gnawed on his lips, fingers tapping on the surface of the tabletop. "And..."
Torn slowly placed the weapon down. "Either that, or an eco channeler."
"Elie."
The rest of the team finally got it why Trinity was so uptight, not only because he wanted to bury that project.
"Elie..?" Jak furrowed his eyebrows. "What about Elie?!" He remembered the blonde girl, and even considered her a friend.
"We'll figure that out. Calm down." Elise snapped quite angrily. Now it was her turn to be pissed. "Do you think Erol kept my father's work..?" She asked carefully. If he did, she knew it would trigger an anger spout in Trinity.
Trinity drummed his fingers on the table. "That could be another possibility on how Erol's managed this through the usage of your father's works - alternatives even. But no. It wasn't his work." He couldn't stop biting on his lip. "It was mine and mine alone. All Erol ever did was pitch in ideas and watch. And that one guy, uhh, can't recall his name. But he didn't do much either so it's unimportant."
His mind flashed back to the notes that were once in his hand, back in the darkest days of his life.
He shook it away as Torn joined in. "Elie's a red eco channeler."
"If she's part of those soldiers- " Trinity stopped tapping his fingers and made a violently shaking fist of anger.
"I'm sure she's fine!" Tess managed to bumble out. "Ellie's strong, in sure she can handle a little dark Eco—"
"A little?" Both Jak and Elise Interrupted simultaneously.
"No no! I didn't mean it like-"
"The Baron doesn't show mercy for anyone. Not even his own soldiers." Jak huffed.
Elise made no comment. She began to.. space? It was strange, but the others were too focused to notice.
"What about this other partner of yours, Masky?" Daxter chimed. The ottsel had awoken from his 'nap.' When really, he was just listening while trying to rest, but he was too interested. "How are ya gonna destroy the info AND get psycho the second?"
Trinity had that darkened look as his mask was tilted down. "I know how to do it, but for that to happen... I guess this will be in the back burners for a bit. I'll get in touch with the allies inside the KG."
His shoulders loosened, he sighed, but it was from a bitter taste of defeat. Even though they had supposedly a mission success.
"You guys go rest on that for now. Me, Torn, and the others we'll be discussing this. This is for the ones that are still in KG, you guys will pressure The Baron and Erol from other missions." He finally let go of the table's edge, stretching.
Torn rubbed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. Both of the oldest members of UG in everyone else's eyes had to deal with all of this - it wasn't easy watching them be frustrated like this.
"About the sewers." Torn's raspy voice rang out to catch their attention. "You said the Metalheads are pretty much nesting there?
Tess held the ottsel keychain in her hand. "I don't think Krew realizes getting rid of those turrets meant as an opening for the Metalheads. You think?"
"At least it makes the Baron's job all the more harder." Torn scoffed.
Trinity hummed.
'That's why it's not going to be easy...'
He replied. "Guess as a double-edged sword, that means it won't be easy for us either. Though as much as I hate to admit it, it does work in Krew's favor somehow."
"Bastard always gets what he wants.." Jak hissed through gritted teeth. "Maybe he knew the metalheads would nest. Maybe he just wanted everything for the Baron to be—"
"No."
He stopped and looked at Elise who had interrupted him. Her expression was... bereft.. like part of her was missing so suddenly.
"Knew would give anything to get Baron to succeed. His success is The Baron's." She rested her hands against the table. "Even though Krew does some illegal things without Baron's knowledge, he still gets profit from him. He can't just lose the Baron's trust like that."
"She's got a point.." Tess looked over at Torn for an answer.
Torn sighed and grumbled with annoyance and disbelief. "That's enough for tonight. We'll figure more out as we go alone." His answer was more appointed towards Trinity.
"But-"
"Enough. Get some rest, all of you deserve it." Torn waved them off.
They disbanded. Torn gave a stern glare towards Trinity specifically. "You're slipping..." He grimaced. "Keep it together."
Trinity nodded, walking to the restroom. As the others went to their respective bunkers and quarters.
Trinity's head was swimming with so many things all at once, he turned on the faucet, after finishing it up he stared back at the mirror-
"Precursors- " His heart jumped, watching the person that was staring back.
It wasn't him.
He quietly watched the reflection. Moving slightly, to which the woman in the mirror matched his movements. She was as pale as a corpse, it frightened him that she didn't smile. She wore a neutral expression, but her eyes were wide like his and he didn't know he was making the same face. Despite it being under the metallic visage.
He blinked once.
Then he was back to eyeing the old familiar mask. Staring back like an emotionless machine.
'I'm slipping…'
JV007 A/N: What's this?! A double or triple update in a row?! Consider this chapter an anniversary and/or a Valentine's day gift! It's been YEARS guys, and seeing that we went past the 40th chapter made me FEEL OLD. I AIN'T EVEN IN SCHOOL ANYMORE LMFAO. This was SUPPOSED to be a one-shot but I guess not anymore LOL.
Butterfly A/N: We got a little too invested c: KEHDBWKSEBBSJ
JV: Way too invested XD BOAH I ALMOST LOST MY OWN CURSOR YER FDJNEJKGSJFKES Anyway, I'm going to post the arts of Trin and El Valentine's shtuff, both the random sketch and actual outfit that Trinity wears. Posts will be on Deviantart, Instagram, and Twitter under the same username of meh, why not~
Butterfly: Uhh Elise looks like a noodle :0 :D
JV: If some of the info may not have lined up very well...fun fact, we wrote this chapter first, it came off as a joke or for fun but then we kept going, and GOING, AND GOING-