Xplorerguy here, posting this from my old lurking/follow account. So...I'm bringing my one-shot from Spacebattles (and not without some remastering) to test out formatting and other headache in uploading fics to FFN. I might upload more of my snips from SB here as I'm trying out different format and methods. And yes...I do plan to writing a proper story on this site...with proper account of course.
So...for anyone who haven't read the whole discussion that inspired this in SB, let me wrap this up.
Zenith Noscrim, Wilmarina's younger brother by a couple years. An unexpectedly chilled guy compared to the rest of his family. He works as an inspector (basically inquisition but works for the kingdom instead of the church). Most of his works is all about catching tax evader, solving murder cases, dealing with rogue heroes and corrupted officials, those kind of police stuff. Throughout a series of investigation, they discovered a large scale plot threatening Lescatie. Realizing it's too late to properly prevent it from happening, all they can do is to mitigate the damage. The following incident happens a few days prior to the fall of Lescatie.
The Longest Day
It's been a long day for Zenith Noscrim, leading morning drill with the new recruits, coffee run for the whole department at 8 (a blessing and a curse on its own), debriefing the "relocation" of Princess Francisca, the alarming reports of heroes being Missing in Action (Including his sister, Wilmarina) and further discussing evacuation plan at 9. Then spending the whole afternoon surveying the city for possible enemy entry point, area of interest, which building to burn down cause diversion, other emergency escape route, uninstall the old warding system to reduce layline load (since the wards are no longer effective as it used to be due to newer city layout). Then finished the day by arresting that same guy who were peeping on the tavern keeper's daughter, for the fifth time this month. The upside of this is the fact that the city's going to be a shitshow very soon means the paperwork can and will be neglected. He did intentionally sent a wrong annual tax form for himself, his father, and his big sister. The city definitely won't last long enough for them to find out what happened.
He wondered why he still making that arrest, since it's no longer matter and throwing that peeper in the brig is basically dooming him the chance to escape if the invasion happens tonight. Maybe having that guy spend the night in the prison then letting him go the next morning will be enough for him to learn his lesson, if the city still standing until then.
All that's left is to return to Noscrim Manor to double-check if the escape tunnel is still fully functioning and then he can finally call it a day. Good thing his father is on a trip outside, he isn't in the mood for Priest Noscrim's (in)famous "preaching" and "sermons".
As Zenith approaching the exit of Market district, he spotted a familar boy walking alone with a bag of gold. It's Peter, the orphanage's eldest child at fifteen years old (Aside from Elt, but he's doesn't count since he stays at the barracks nowadays.)
"Hey! Little Peter, it's getting dark. Where are you heading with that big bag of gold?"
"Inspector Noscrim sir, I'm buying medicine for sister Sasha. She's been sick for the past few days, but today her symptom is worsen."
"Did anyone else at the orphanage got sick?"
"No sir."
"Alright, I'll go with you. Walking alone with that bag of gold this late is just asking to be mugged. I know a pharmacy around here that sells potions. She'll give me a discount, or at least I hope she does."
"Thank you, Inspector Noscrim."
"And cut the whole Noscrim thing out, that's for my dad, call me Zane."
Might as well start stocking up medical supplies. You can never have too much of those thing when you need it, even though it's sometimes sad to throw away healing potions that expired due to poor packaging or subpar production. Some potions vendor were even arrested for diluting healing potions or mixing alcohol in it. Last person he arrested for illegal potions mixed glowing dust to make the potions glowing. He just too stupid to know that he has to mix the glowdust when making the glass bottle, not mixing it with the content.
"Sir, is it really necessary to buy this many potions?" Zenith and Peter are walking down the roads towards the slums, while the former is carrying a large bag filled with various potions and bandages.
"Well, I just realized that I need to restock my potions too. and your orphanage doesn't have antiseptic and bandages so might as well get some for you guys. Don't worry, it's all on me."
"Isn't healing potions alone is enough sir?"
"First, if you stop the bleeding and disinfect your wounds before drinking the potions it will less likely to forms a scar. Also you'll recover faster, contrary to popular believe. Secondly, it's a waste to drink potions for some minor wounds, there's also a trick where you soak the bandage with the potions then use it to cover the wound instead of drinking it. That way you won't get any side effects."
"And how did you know all of this sir?"
"When I was your age, I've already survived four assassination attempts and fifteen brawls. I was trying to save money here and there to buy myself this revolver." Zenith tap his belt holster, showing his trusty pistol.
As they approach the orphanage, his stomach finally reach its limits.
*Growls*
"Sir, are you hungry?"
"It's been a long day for me, I was heading home for dinner before I saw you walking down the street. Say, once we arrived at the orphanage, can I have a piece of bread?"
"It'd be an honor to have you join our dinner sir."
"Just a piece of bread is fine Peter, and stop the "sir" thing, I'm technically off duty."
As the orphanage's gates come into view, there is something different. Zenith noticed The lights inside the orphanage is dimmer than the surrounding buildings, especially from Sasha's room, which also has a faint violet glow from the inside. The air grew heavier with a tinge of sweetness faintly mixed in.
"Peter, last time I visited your orphanage, you say that this orphanage use magical lighting system that draws power from layline grid, right?"
"Yes , why did you ask?" The boy then squeezed his eyes, then realized why. "Wait, I remembered the lights were brighter when I left!. And the air too, we're making pasta with Zinpangu curry sauce tonight. So why did the orphanage smells like berries?...sir?
Zenith's eyes widened. He quickly drew out his revolver and unsheathed his rapier, children lives are likely to be at stake here. No matter the outcome which soon to be revealed, the fact remains that this orphanage is no longer safe for the children.
There's a possibility that Sasha's fever is came from her being exposed to demonic energy. But how? From the leyline itself? That does not explain why the other buildings are as bright as usual. It's doesn't matter, what's important now is to get the children out of this place as fast as possible.
The odds of him being able to defeat the veteran heroine is slim if he failed to get a first shot on her. The inspector hoped that at least he can buy enough time for the children to reach the safety of his manor.
Until then... get inside, check on Sasha, leave her alone if she's fine or shot her in the face if she did turned. Simple plan, execution will be a pain.
"Peter, once I opened the door, you go get the kids to my manor down the nobles district. I'll go upstairs to check on sister Sasha. Do not wait for me, once you get the children out, head straight to manor. Do not stop for anything until you reach the manor. If a guard or my butler ask anything, tell them this."
"Heaven is now rent asunder, skies shall fall away, They'll know what must be done. If I do not return by midnight, ask my butler for escape tunnel and listen to him as if he is me. I know it's too much to ask, but their lives are in your hand now."
"Mister Zane, what is happening? What's wrong with our sister Sasha?" Peter's hands are tembling, panic started to set in.
"Please, trust me with this one. There's no time, I'll tell you everything if we survived this night. Listen to me Peter, anyone can be a hero, and you have what it takes to become one. It's all depend on you."
Zenith opened the door, revealing the children enjoying their dinner, some are playing, while the older kids are worried about Sasha's condition.
Peter mustered up his courage, and climbed the table.
"Alright guys, since sister Sasha is sick, Mister Zenith invited all of us to go to his manor for ice cream and sleepover, Let's go before it all melts."
"ICE CREAM! LET"S GOOOOO!" "YAY, Sleepover!" The children quickly swarmed out of the orphanage.
Peter glanced at Zenith, who is slowly going up the stairs , and gives him a wink.
The inspector returns with a thumbs up. Blasted kid, how did he know that there is indeed a crate of Ice cream sitting in the manor's cold storage.
As the strongest hero's brother getting closer to Sasha's room, the air grew heavier. His breathing become harder. Zenith tightly holding his fully loaded revolver, while in his other hand holding a rapier, ready to strike at any moment.
"Hope it's not what I think it is, anyone but Sasha."
His sheathes his rapier, his gun trained at the door, his hand reaching for the doorknob to Sasha's room, and slowly, silently turns.
It's been a long day for Zenith Noscrim, and there's no sign of his day ending anytime soon.
