AWI: And Chapter Two has arrived!!
Kasey: You know, I noticed something. Why did you call chapter 1 the same name as the story?
AWI: … … …Moving on! I do not claim any rights to DGM or anything else related! Hell, I don't even own the voices in my own head. They practically own me. Do you have any idea how many strange looks I've gotten when discovered talking to myself?
Kasey: Yeah. You are a freak aren't you?
AWI: It's all your fault, you know?
The CrowNellie tiredly set her pen down after the hours of wrist breaking paperwork signing and blah blah blah whatever it is you do on paperwork. She looked out her window once more, but only saw the darkness of night. It was cloudy, so the moon wasn't visible, which made her sad. The trees glowed beautifully in the moonlight and it was something she's really been looking forward to after the bright, sunny day. When had those clouds gotten there, anyways?
A knock sounded at the door and Cassandra hurriedly rushed in.
"Nellie!" she hissed. "Go get some tea on! We've got a visitor!"
She jumped to her feet. "What? Who?" Who the hell could possibly want to come to the middle of nowhere? Even if the trees were pretty? You'd have to be a total moron to come willingly!
The two women rushed out of the room, the younger one heading towards the kitchen.
--
Nellie stopped in front of the parlor door to listen in, eavesdrop, whatever you want to call it, on the conversation going on on the other side of it. She was able to make out the muffled voices of Cassandra an unfamiliar man.
"I see, I see. I knew it was bad, but to think it could ever escalate to such a level… I understand," Cassandra said.
"Also, please be extremely cautious when it comes to his moods. Those will oftentimes be your only warning," the man said.
"Of course. Now, is there anything else you'd like to add, Mr. Link?"
"No. I believe that to be it. However, I would greatly appreciate a room for the night."
"Of course. You must have raced out here full speed to get me this news and information. It truly is vital in keeping it safe, after all. Any delay could have been fatal."
Deciding that nothing else important was going to be said, Nellie knocked softly before opening the door, tea in hand. The first thing her eyes searched for was the owner of the man's voice. He was a tall professional-looking blond man with two strange dots on his forehead.
Said blond man nodded at her, taking his tea. Cassandra also took hers and looked at the girl, a reprimanding gleam in her eye. She knew Nellie had been listening in. A slight blush creeping up the girl's neck she nodded slightly.
"Will you be spending the night, sir?"
"Yes, he will. Go clean up the room nearest The Jewel's, Nellie."
"Yes, Miss Cassandra," she said, curtsying, before leaving
--
The two women huddled together in the kitchen excitedly.
"So? What news did he bring?" Nellie asked.
"He said that some rival organization found out about The Jewel. Apparently they've been looking for him for years but have never been able to find him. It seems they are just as powerful as the Order. Also, that Link man said that The Jewel might actually try to contact them."
"What? Why? Won't they just treat him like a lab rat? At least the Order doesn't perform experiments every other day of the week like some organizations would like to."
"In the confusion, he could slip away. That's why."
"Ooh. I get it now!"
"Shush, shush! But, that is why that man has come here. He is going to set up more talismans and charms, it seems, ones that can also keep people out, not just in. He seems to be a member of the Crow, maybe."
The two stood in silence as the weight of that idea settled upon their minds. The Crow were an elite group that would work under the direct orders of the Grand Generals of the Order. No one on their hit list could ever have a hope of surviving.
The building creaked with oldness, as if on cue, snapping them out of their reverie.
"Well, at least with a Crow here that other organization won't dare to attack or anything. I'm too young to die."
"Ha! That's a good one!"
"What? I'm not even in my thirties! Of course I'm too young," the flame haired girl said indignantly.
"That's not what's rich. Having a Crow here is actually making it more likely that they'll attack us."
"What!? But, why!?"
"Shush! You need to be quieter!"
"Whatever…"
"Having a Crow here is the proof that The Jewel is really here. The proof the enemy needs. Otherwise, they could consider a rumor nothing more than that, a rumor. Crows don't just pop up anywhere. They always appear where there's going to be some action!"
"I see… Crap. I don't want to die just yet. Especially not here."
"Well then where would you want to die? Nobody wants to die."
"The Jewel does," Nellie pointed out.
"Oh, he's just being a drama queen, trying to earn my sympathy. He's a rose, I tell you. Beautiful, but with sharp thorns that'll ensnare you at the first opportunity."
"You say that a lot."
"No use denying the facts.
--
Celine: So is that Cassandra lady her mother or something? Because, if so, why does she keep calling her by name or "Miss Cassandra"?
AWI: How should I know? I'm just making this up as I go along. I just thought that daughter line would just fit there and stuck it there. End of story.
Kasey: Right.
AWI: Don't you use that tone with me, mister.
Kasey: What am I, your son? Aren't you just a tad too young for that?
AWI: sigh…
Jamie: See! There! You did it again!
AWI: Shut up, you stupid puppy!
Celine: I second that motion.
Kelley: As do I!
Rose: Amen to that!
Kasey! Same here, brother!
AWI: All in favor, say "I".
Everyone except Jamie: I!
Jamie: … You guys suck… And what's with all this courtroom vocab?
AWI: Oh, I was watching Law and Order a couple days ago and… yeah.
Celine: So, it seems we really can be influenced by you… How very… interesting…
AWI: Wow. Who knew you guys could actually be influenced by me? I never really thought I'd see the day.
Tor: You know, it only makes sense. After all, we are figments of your imagination.
Pinky: He's got a point there.
Blueberry: Yeah.
AWI: Why are you guys even talking? Go back to your Emo Corners!
Pinky and Blueberry: Nope! The only person we'll listen to in Celine! Screw you AWI!
AWI: sigh…
Jamie: Ah! Ah! There it was again!!
AWI: Shut up! Didn't we all put forth a motion for the puppy to keep quiet!?? I could have sworn we did!
Jamie: Well, you did. But, you see, this is in your head, not in a courtroom.
AWI: sigh… Maybe I should take you all to court…
Celine: And how well would that work out?
AWI: I don't know, but it sure would be interesting.
Rose: You got that right! I bet it would make headlines!
Vahl: Yeah. I could see that.
AWI: Gah! Another one came out!!
Celine: Hey there… Vahl… How's it going?
Vahl: Hey there… Celine… How's life been for you?
Celine: … Oh, I don't know… Why don'cha ask that husband of yours?
AWI: Oh, shit. This is not good…
Vahl: What was that!? Why don't you try saying that to my face, deary!
Celine: Sure, grandma! Your husband is stupid and I hate him!! There! How was that!?
AWI (panicking): Okay! I'm cutting off here! There's about to be a very bloody cat fight! Laters!