The Lion's mission was considered a roaring success. Alois went above and beyond his objective, repairing an important social hub and creating a positive link between H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G. and the members of the supernatural zone. Word of him spread throughout the area, creating a new urban myth that held weight. Just as instructed, The Wolf's Glen left a note on the door where the menace had left his with things they needed, and lo and behold, when the time of the week for donations to come in arrived, everything they had requested had showed up at their doorstep, including materials for potions, and a bicycle or two for transportation purposes. That week, a few more supernaturals were able to change their appearance to better find work outside of the special zone, and bring back money for the community. Alois had done his job absurdly well.
His superiors were proud of him, including his beau, the watchdog. The bluenette praised him and spoke highly of his exploits at the next meeting on the subject, increasing the morale of the Round Table in regards of the matter. They were impressed, and reformation of the supernatural zone seemed possible. Even Sir Integra smiled genuinely, seemingly having a weight lifted from her shoulders.
Alois was thoroughly pleased with himself, but was genuinely surprised when he was asked to attend a meeting as well. As of this point, Ciel had only been invited, as the Phantomhive was more suited for strategically manipulating people. Obviously, he had no business coming up with ideas- that is until he proved that he could make progress boom in such a manner.
"Y-you what?" he asked, uncertain if he had heard the others correctly. Eyebrows raised, the menace looked toward the council with surprise. Never would he have ever anticipated such a move.
"Mister Macken, we are more than aware of your success with the Glen as of thus far." Answered Sir Greendown. "That is why we will be leaving public relations between H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G. and the supernatural zone up to you."
"I heard that bit." Alois stated. "What I meant was why?"
"You've already established a link with the people of the supernatural zone." Sir Integra informed. "Our moles have confirmed that that talk of a so-called 'lion' is buzzing throughout the community with mostly positive reactions. It has come to our attention that you possess the skills, knowledge, and means in order to further the connection between our two parties and possibly establish a truce of sorts. That is why we want you to be the face of this movement."
"So, like a puppet-figure, right?" questioned the menace, arching an eyebrow as he looked toward the Hellsing woman.
"Not at all. We trust your decisions in the field. We are even prepared to reimburse you for the amount you spend on the special zone." Integra answered.
"Nah, I don't need it." Alois said, shaking his head. His statement came to a surprise to the committee, somehow, but as he continued, his reasoning was perfectly sound. "My usual paycheck is enough. Put the money you were prepared to 'reimburse' me toward fixing more stuff."
"Are you certain?" asked Sir Penwood with a confused expression. "You're going to lose money that way."
"It's fine. It's really not a lot out of what I'm paid. What I spent on the shelves and stuff wasn't even a full paycheck. Besides, I hardly spend it anyway. Ciel always insists on paying for everything we need at home."
The watchdog coughed as his cheeks flushed slightly. Straightening his spine and placing his hands behind his back, the bluenette spoke, saying: "We will continue our activity in the supernatural zone, encouraging repair and creation until the next stage, for now. It is important that the Supernatural Relations department gets up and running, as well as for H.E.L.L.S.I.N.G. military activity to be controlled and monitored until local involvement becomes integrated in the involvement in policing their community."
"Very well." The woman replied. "Is there anything else that either of you would like to add?" While the Phantomhive shook his head and uttered a small "no", his beau stiffened, his mouth opening as he hesitated before speaking.
"Actually, yeah…" he began, prompting the attention of the others. "When I was helping with the shelves, a couple of soldiers pulled a gun on us for assembling things out in the opening with tools and fixing stuff. There needs to be an explicit rule that states that zone-dwellers are allowed to improve their community out in the open without getting shot at."
A rush of nervousness ran through him, gathering in the pit of his stomach as Sir Hellsing furrowed her brow. As more and more misdeeds by her men came to her attention, the woman was progressively losing her confidence in her men's' occupation of the area. Reaching up, she rubbed her temples with a gloved hand, trying to keep herself focused on the task at hand.
"It will be done." She stated, reaching into her coat and pulling out a cigar case, desperately needing some nicotine at the moment. "I trust that you will aid in spreading the word to the people?"
"If her ladyship commands." Grinned Alois, relived that she wasn't mad. He really wasn't used to this sort of authority over a project. It would most likely take him a while before he could fully claim ownership of it.
"I do." Integra replied, lighting a cigar and puffing on it. "You're dismissed."
Thus, the demons turned around and headed back out the door in order to go home. It was their first time back in the parliament building since the Cerberus building, so they walked slowly, they hands brushing together before eventually intertwining fingers. A sigh escaped the blonde's lips as his mind started reeling on the possible things he was going to have to do or needed to organise. While the others were confident in his abilities, this was a large project. The menace certainly had his work cut out for him.
Ciel snuck a few glances at him, registering his stress over the matter. No matter how difficult things got for the Macken, the watchdog would always be there to come to his aid should the time ever call for it.
"What are you smiling about?" asked Alois, having caught the other demon looking his way, beaming at him. Ciel let go of his hand, instead opting to put his arm around the man as they walked while pulling him closer.
"I'm just really proud of you." The bluenette answered with all honesty. "You're going to do great."
"If you say so…" sighed the menace. "I dunno how I'm gonna pull it off though…"
"Well, if you ever need it, I'll be here to help, okay?" the watchdog reassured as the two stepped out of the building and down the concrete stairs to their awaiting vehicle. "You're perfect for this job. I honestly couldn't think of anyone better for it. After all, you really did have a good time helping those people, didn't you?"
"Yeah…" Alois replied, cracking a small smile. "It was a lot of fun! I'm not sure what I should work on next, though."
"We have time to think about it." Ciel reminded. "Don't feel too pressured to immediately jump to the next thing."
"Maybe I should just ask?" suggested the menace. "They probably know better than I do. I should do that in my next note."
"If you think that'll work."
"Well, it's better to be direct about things, isn't it?"
"Jim, the whole plan is to be sneaky about the reform…"
"I know, I'm just earning their trust." The Macken said, wriggling out of his beau's grip in order to open the car door for him. "I'm being up front in that I want to help, but sneaky about who I'm being backed up by."
"Makes sense." Replied the bluenette with a small smile, hopping into the passenger seat. "Just so you know, though, being a legend isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"Yeah, but you're one of the 'bad guys', so that's to be expected." Jabbed Alois with a grin before he closed the door and walked around the front of the car in order to reach the driver's seat. Crossing his arms the Phantomhive mumbled.
"We're on the same side, though…"
A/N: Haha... This one was kinda rushed...
I want to move things along, though.
Unfortunately, I have an essay to write this weekend, so I'm not sure if I'll update again over the next couple of days?
I'll get there. Don't worry about it. It's only two pages. Easy-peasy.
Until the next chapter, my duckies~!
