Angels with Newfound Hope
Act 1 Chapter 16: Desparation
Alex's Apartment - Day 7, 9:25AM
The morning sun pounded down on Alex as he got dressed. The previous night was still fresh in his mind, and his augment case lay on the table as a trophy. He only had one concern now that the fake Viper wouldn't be after him for a while: his cloaked stalker.
Before the human could delve any deeper into thought, the doorbell rang. Sebastian stepped through before he could even take a step. A frustrated look plagued his features as he took his arm.
"Alex, come with me." The runner dragged him out the door and towards wherever they were going.
"Hold on a second. Can I at least get an explanation?" The brunette protested. His 'kidnapper' glanced back for a brief moment.
"The Chief will explain everything when we're there. Now hurry, we can't afford to waste time." The duo ran along without another word.
The halls of the lab were completely devoid of life: an unsettling sight for Alex. The last time he was here, they were almost bustling with dragons of all kinds. Now all that filled the dead air was his boots and Sebastian's claws rhythmically clicking.
"I've got Alex, Chief." The smaller officer called out. Bryce spun around to face them as they arrived.
"Thanks Seb. You deal with the situation here while I talk to him, alright?" He requested. Sebastian gave a salute and skipped off to do whatever. The annoyed human turned to him, clearly wanting answers.
"I've got some really bad news for you." The larger male stated solemnly. His voice was devoid of any emotion whatsoever, signalling the severity.
"There's been another murder, hasn't there?" The ambassador guessed. He already knew the answer anyway, and Bryce's face only confirmed it.
"You know Anna?" The chief questioned. That was all his company needed. Dread sank in as he stepped past, despite Bryce's protests. Her tail and bloodstained hand sticking out from under the sheet worsened his hatred for the murderer.
"Are you okay?" The stocky reptile placed a paw on Alex's shoulder whilst he knelt by her corpse. He only got up after his prayers were finished.
"Yeah. Let's get this over with." The brunette's furrowed brows did nothing to help his friend's concern. Regardless, he continued anyway.
"Then here's the rest of the bad news. The blood on the first victim in town matches the DNA evidence found on the second victim at the power facility. Furthermore, the murder weapon and method appear to be the same across all three victims. This is going to be a huge problem for you now." Bryce detailed. His companion knew exactly what it meant.
"Reza's a serial killer now, right? I saw how this works a few years ago back home. OPD wasn't able to keep it quiet, and neither will you. So how will this affect me directly?" The ambassador went straight to the point.
"We have no idea. The ministry in charge of your visit and several other higher authorities will decide that." The chief took the silence as a que to continue. "I don't want to worry you, but we're positive action will be taken soon. I've been considering this for a while now. You may not like it, but it's probably best you return to your world for now. We can at least take action this way without the ministry getting involved. We don't know what'll happen once they do and this goes public. It's too dangerous for you to stay here with everything going on-"
"No. Bryce, this would be the worst time for me to leave. Reza's still missing and we're still owed generators. The only thing I'm leaving with is my life if I go now. I don't know if you'll continue to uphold this deal or what they'd do to him, but I'm not leaving til this is over." Alex pleaded.
"If that's your decision, so be it. I've got your back either way." The chief wrapped his arm around the human's shoulder for comfort. "Anyway, let's get back to business. There's still the reason I called you here. Several things were stolen in addition to the murder. Amongst them were your PDA, batteries and components used to make generators. Does this ring any bells at all?" He questioned. Alex didn't know the murderer to be handy in the slightest. He always got someone else to fix something for him when he needed it. Thankfully, his parents were better than to give in to his demands for new items.
"Not really. We were required to take some classes on electronics back in high school, but that's likely the extent of his knowledge. I doubt he could build one even with the parts." The brunette contemplated on whether this Reza was even from Terra. He was a lot more resourceful than originally thought.
"Strange. Even so, it's fair to assume his involvement at this point. Noone else has a greater motive to steal PDAs." Bryce concluded. Something still wasn't right to the human, though.
"Unless there's some miniscule possibility someone's framing him or forcing him." He theorized. It was worth a shot, even if it was wrong.
"I can't say I completely believe you, but I'll shelve it for now." That was all Alex asked for. Not a moment too soon, Sebastian came right back.
"Are we about done here?" The runner asked as he stopped.
"I'd say so, why?" Bryce shot back.
"We got a call from the higher-ups. You and Alex are to report to the ministry of culture and arts immediately."
"Already? What the hell is going on?" The stormy-eyed man pressed. To say he was frustrated was an understatement.
"Being frank, I don't know either. Maybe they want to address this now that it's getting out of hand." The larger officer reasoned.
"So in short: We're both screwed." The vigilante grumbled.
"At least you won't be disappointed with that attitude. Sebastian, you finish up here and head over too when you're done. We'll likely have to make some arrangements when this is done." Bryce ordered pessimistically. The unsure atmosphere hung about like a blight, waiting to take them down in one fell swoop.
"Sure thing." The runner confirmed before leaving once more. Bryce turned to Alex, grim acceptance clouding his normally stunning ambers. They both nodded to each other and forged on to their awaiting fates...
The park was lovely this time of year. Dragons milled about doing whatever without much of a care. Meanwhile, the pair of investigators trudged over to another dragon of similar species to the larger. It was clear she was getting on in years, her pale olive and mustard scales starting to sag from age. Her jewelry didn't do so much to help if that's what she was going for. She waved the duo over gracefully.
"Good morning Chief, Ambassador. That was a lot quicker than expected. I wouldn't have minded waiting out here a little longer." The way this female spoke reminded Alex of the people in San Gregario: Confident and willing to put you down if challenged. He decided on keeping quiet for now.
"Greetings, Minister. Shall we head inside for our business?" Bryce welcomed her. The vigilante only nodded in response.
"No need. I've got everything needed right here. It gets so stuffy on hot days like this. My assistant doesn't mind, but I prefer the fresh air. I'd rather stay right here unless you have any objections." The minister requested. Their silence was taken swiftly as a 'no'.
"I understand. Well, I know I haven't been exactly up to date in regards to Reza. But to suddenly get the news that he's a confirmed serial killer was quite a shocker. I'm frankly curious as to why the details of this case have been withheld from me for so long." Her confident aura was now soured by the hint of disappointment, not like the human wasn't expecting it.
"It's simply because they weren't within your jurisdiction. The murders were a strict police matter. Only with the amount of new evidence, namely the blood and DNA and the murders being linked together and to him, did your ministry have to become involved." The officer explained with a respectful tone.
"So Reza's involvement is undeniable now?" The large female cocked a brow.
"I'm afraid so, Minister." Bryce lowered his head. Alex had a hard time fully believing he'd been questioning this whole thing before now.
"Facts are nothing to be afraid of. Though in light of all this, I'm starting to worry for my personal safety. Wouldn't you think someone of my standing needs protection of a sort?" The dragon questioned. The ambassador noticed something about this female, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it yet.
"For sure. If you're worried about personal safety, we could look into an escort for you." Bryce offered.
"Good. I'll need it, considering all the murders took place at night. Long days are endemic in my line of work. But enough of myself. We now face the question of what should be done with Reza and Alex here." The minister lay a hint of a smile that the chief hadn't caught wind of. Alex, however, didn't like it. She was planning something.
"We continue our hunt for him day and night. As a matter of fact, This one-" The stocky reptile gestured to the human. "-has been helping us do so for the last week." He couldn't help his pride swelling every time the dragon approved of him. That confidence boost was well overdue.
"Is that so. One human a murderer, and the other a detective... interesting. And how do we know Alex isn't following a similar plan to Reza's? Whatever that may even be, that is." The minister specifically looked at Alex when she said that. He prayed she wasn't made aware of his activities just last night.
"Similar concerns were leveled by Reza's escort, Maverick. It was his overreaction that caused him to run off in the first place." Bryce took her off whatever train she may have been on.
"After shooting both him and me, if I might add. I still have the scar to prove it." The brunette butted in. He could feel Bryce's glare burning a hole in his temple.
"I'm glad you finally spoke up, ambassador. Please enlighten me. You and your partner came here on the same mission. Now the situation has escalated beyond our expectations. What you say now will determine my actions on this matter. Maybe you should start by telling me your side of events. Reza was fine in his first days here. Things only went wrong after your arrival." The minister addressed him with a gesture. He opened his mouth to speak, but the chief cut him off, hellbent on defense.
"All of the problems that caused this were arguably apparent even then. Maverick suspected Reza of planning something, but I didn't think he had a case. He found both of the humans at the portal the night this started. They intended to send one of the promised generators through, but there was a confrontation that ended with both Maverick and Alex wounded. Reza ran away according to their accounts, and has been missing ever since." The scarred dragon rebuked. All of this was just horseshit to Alex. He could defend himself.
"I've read the reports already, Chief. What I want to know is if Maverick caused this or failed to prevent it." The minister shot back.
"I have no way of knowing that. Let's just say his attitude wasn't helpful during that encounter." Bryce stated simply.
"Then why did you choose him as an escort in the first place?" The jewelled dragon leaned forward as she spoke.
"Protection for humanity's ambassador was my greatest concern when the decision was made. Maverick was the most capable in that regard, so I chose him." The larger officer shot back.
"Well that worked out nicely, didn't it? You also seem to think Maverick shouldn't have remained Reza's escort. Is that true?" The minister questioned with fervor.
"Yes. Had I paid more attention to the warning signs, this would've been avoided." Bryce finally cracked. Accepting defeat was never an easy thing to do, especially in a situation like theirs.
"So you accept responsibility for the incident." The dragon lay down her hammer. The officer remained silent before finally giving his answer.
"Yes Minister." Was all he said.
"Then let's get back to the topic of Ambassador Alex. Reza was your partner in humanity's mission in this world. His list of charges not only includes murder, but also theft of generators, electronic components, and your promised PDAs. I understand Chief Bryce's reasoning of you being able to help, but we have no choice but to be suspicious. What was your motivation when you agreed to this?" The minister questioned calmly. Alex had to word this carefully, else he'd be screwed twice over.
"With some due respect, Minister, I'd like a proper introduction. As for your question..." He paused for a second. "It's my best bet at finding the truth. We still don't have the whole picture here. We don't know if others are involved, or his reasons. My goal now is to find him so we have those answers." Hopefully, that would satisfy the minister so he could stay. He didn't even know if this world's portal would take him back to Terra.
"I see. Well after reading up on this and hearing both of your accounts, I do find you trustworthy, ambassador. However, you still present a great risk. I'll hold a press conference after this meeting to inform people of the situation. They need to know of the danger Reza possesses. Regardless of our opinions, the public may feel differently. All of us will be facing backlash from this becoming public. I won't be responsible for the danger you'll surely be in. Reza himself may even come to silence you once he learns you're helping us. Then consider the public uproar from those who would question you. I believe it would be best if you returned to your world for now until this gets resolved. As for your question, I'm Emera. I didn't want our first face-to-face meeting to go like this, but that's life." Emera unloaded her mouthful onto him. That was a lot to take in regarding this. But most importantly was her verdict.
"If I may, I can handle myself just fine. I've had training in the martial arts and could honestly take even Bryce down with ease." Alex argued.
"That's beside the point, Ambassador." The jewelled female fired back once again.
"I'll have to argue it's not. If you send me back, this mission will be considered a failure. All contact will be cut and everyone involved will be killed. You'll have cost us far more than mere time, Emera. There's no way I'm returning without the generators, PDAs or Reza." The brunette growled. He could see the minister's facade starting to give. Not exactly an expected side-effect for him.
"Then maybe you could try and explain to them what a great choice of ambassador Reza was." She countered with a calm anger.
"They won't listen. I'll be shot on sight if I return without him. He's my responsibility, and I'm not going until this is done." Alex stood his ground. Even his brilliant idea didn't work on this bitch.
"I'm afraid that doesn't outweigh our reasons. Maybe we can work something out, but your departure is final." Emera brought down her hammer again. There had to be something the smaller male could do.
But nothing came up. Not one damned thing. He racked his mind for anything, anything at all that could help. Even an elaborate lie would be better than nothing. Still completely fuck-all popped into existence.
"I'm afraid your silence isn't helping your case, Ambassador." The minister chastised. That was when it hit. His gear! He could try and use it as leverage.
"You know that if you send me away, you lose all hope of finding Reza, right?" Alex bluntly stated. This piqued both hers and Bryce's interest.
"Enlighten us." Bryce narrowed his eyes. Maybe that wasn't actually the best idea.
"Remember that gear I mentioned the other day? That's what I'm talking about. I had a bag full of items we could use to track Reza down. If it hadn't been stolen from me the night of my arrival, we'd already have that asshole in questioning." The human concluded. This was well worth a shot if it meant he'd stay longer.
"Even so, you'd still be in grave danger after we announce Reza's involvement. I cannot and will not risk the consequences you'll face." Emera shut him down. There went that plan. He was getting more and more frustrated with each sentence she spoke.
"Fine. What about the deal, then?" Alex grumbled. This wasn't the first time he'd been completely shut down.
"As a sign of goodwill, we'll send your promised generators through once this is over. But only under two conditions. Humanity must condemn Reza's actions, and we must reclaim the stolen PDAs." Emera's collected tone cooled the two off for only a second.
"I've changed my mind. I think we should let him stay." Bryce blurted from the background.
"And I'm afraid I can't take your words into consideration. Taking into account Maverick's actions, and your responsibility for him, you'll have to be dealt with separately. My decision with my current authority as minister is to have Alex sent back to his world... immediately." The minister's final verdict broke him. If looks could kill, his scowl would've mutilated her.
"What about my stuff?" He growled.
"I'm afraid that may be long gone." Bryce replied simply. The human's head almost hung in shame. He was through. His career in stopping crime was over. He no longer had a suit, guns or whatever else was in that bag.
"Chief, please arrange an escort to take Alex to the portal." Emera requested.
"I could do it myself." The chief offered. Honestly, Alex would mind a bit less being escorted by him.
"Unfortunately, we still have our own matters to discuss. I'd rather get that over with as quickly as possible." She coolly parried. The human asked himself how this could get any worse.
"Then one of my officers should be arriving any moment. I arranged for him to meet us here." Bryce recovered.
"How handy. Then let us wait." It took a mere minute for Sebastian to arrive on scene. Alex could see the visible shock as the situation was explained, and the new burden placed gingerly on his shoulders. The new duo trudged off silently whilst Bryce and Emera remained.
With each step taken, Alex lost hope that he'd ever see the dragons again. He thought back to each encounter with everyone and how kind they were. It was almost the ideal world for him if he didn't have things to get back to back home. But he still had things to do and a city to keep safe. Maybe he'd be able to come back and spend some time with everyone.
'Yeah. What a fucking pipe dream that would be.' He thought. He had zero luck going back to Spyro's world before, what would make this any different?
"What's going on here?" A familiar voice tore him from his thoughts. In front of them stood the flyer from the cafe.
"Nothing of your concern, please leave." Sebastian stonewalled her.
"How rude. I can't even get a couple minutes before I go?" The brunette glowered. The runner waivered under his intense gaze, finally caving.
"I suppose no one's stopping us, but make it quick." He stood back whilst the human turned to Adine.
"Mr. human on official business, huh?" The waitress addressed him. Alex sighed in irritation.
"Hang on a second. Can you refresh my memory on who you are again? It's been a while." He rubbed the back of his neck in disappointment for himself.
"It's Adine, from the cafe?" She said plainly. The taller man kicked himself for forgetting.
"Ah right. Sorry, I have a hard time remembering stuff when I'm stressed out." That got her. Adine was completely curious now about something he didn't want to talk about.
"Well what's going on? Or is this something you can't talk about?" The yellow female took a step closer.
"I'm afraid it is for now. You'll hear it all from the minister soon enough." Alex solemnly explained. Her face fell instantly at that.
"Oh. Does this have to do with those murders?" The human's silent nod said it all for her. He turned back to Sebastian, who was waiting rather patiently.
"I should get going. All I can say is that I was helping you guys. I'm sorry." The brunette made his way back whilst she stood there.
"I remember that girl. She's the witness from Reza's first murder. Did you know her?" The smaller officer asked. Alex was about to leave without him until he spoke up.
"A little." With that, he led the rest of the way over...