Chapter 7: Cracking Codes and Kankers
Eddward woke the last Monday of summer, less rested then his past weeks at home. The mission given to him earlier that weekend, began to take up the free time he once had. Thankfully, all that stress would end today, for all his work would now be passed on to a new agent worker. The early raiser woke with the sun and got ready for the day. He took a shower and instead of eating breakfast, grabbed his laptop and headed out into the morning air. He made his way into the city from the Peach creek bus line and enjoyed his stroll to a café he was scheduled to meet the exchanger.
Walking into the café he scanned the area and easily pointed out the person he was meant to meet. Her red hair stuck out like a sore thumb, even under the bowler hat she wore. Her chocolate colored skin played nicely off the hair and red and black pencil dress she wore. Her shades covered her eyes as she sipped on the cup of coffee in front of her. Double D smiled at the face that kept him company all those years away from home.
He sat down in front of her without a word, as she put the cup down. "Long time no see huh Vincent," She smiled lacing her fingers together to rest her chin on them. "Scarlet, it's only been a few months," Edd chuckled. "True but every day with those idiots seems like a decade to me. I miss having intelligent conversations with someone," She groaned. "Come now you and Nitsuj have plenty of intelligent conversations," Eddward smirked. She frowned and blushed ever so lightly, "Someone I can talk to and it not lead to sex."
He laughed pulling out his computer and began setting it up. "Well I'm sorry for the lack of rejuvenating conversation, but I'm sure it's not all bad," Eddward smiled sweetly at the girl. She sighed, "You are correct, I suppose. Commander has made me in charge of all the work you left behind. Not that I'm complaining, it's nice to know that I'm trusted enough now, to be allowed such a privilege. You being my mentor and all," She smiled sheepishly at the male. "And I must say that I couldn't be more proud of you. If there is anyone I'd leave me work to it would be you. Thank you for taking on my burden Scarlet, you are a true friend," Eddward gave her a genuine smile, which she returned. "Thank you. Now! Enough of this emotional crap let's get down to work." She said taking of her shades, clapping her hands and looking at the computer screen.
She was silent as her eyes scanned the screen of black and green, and no one but Eddward noticed the flash of color change that occurred in her eyes. What was once a deep shade of golden, now turned into bright green irises, and jet black pupils, which were very similar to screen before her. Scarlet's eyes scanned at lighting speed as she processed the information in seconds. She pulled out the jump drive that was placed in the computer. The device immediately absorbed into the palm of her hand. Unseen under the long sleeves of the dress a glowing green line surge up her arm to the side of her neck and faded into the back of her neck. "Information Processed and received. Deleted all data." She spoke placing her finger tips on the computer keyboard.
A few seconds later she blinked and her eyes were back to normal. "Well that's done. You might wanna scrap this laptop its down for the count," She noted and Edd closed it. "How do you feel?" He asked more concerned of her health than the device.
She stared in confusion for a moment then rolled her eyes. "You sound like Nitsuj. I'm fine processing information from digital things is way less exhausting than processing supers abilities. Plus I've gotten better at controlling my information intake, powers and programs alike." She smiled and Edd nodded, understanding. "Well I should head out. That information isn't gonna protect itself. Also, good one pulling me out of the hat with the boss's orders. He was insane to ask you to do this. After what they did to me, he's putting you in the line of danger; when he's supposed to be keeping you safe here." She growled.
He placed a reassuring hand on her should to calm her. "The commander can be a bit blinded, by his work. I agree his actions are of poor judgment. This may even cause problems for not only the agency, but myself and my home." He stated looking out the window. "So you agree that this plan of his is insane and stupid. Good I'm not the only one," She grumbled crossing her arms and legs, leaning back in the chair. Double D chuckled, "Yes, I most certainly do. That being said I need you to keep that information under wraps. If he requests any form of it you deny its existence and store it away." He ordered and she nodded, "Already done."
"The information from the C.C.C, isn't that one of the groups that's after you?" Scarlet asked with an arched eyebrow. He nodded and quickly noted the hint of fear shown on her face. Scarlet was once a subject of the C.C.C "Capture. Contain. Control." An agency similar to the one the two teens work for only they imprison special beings, and use them as war machines. They control their prisoners, molding them into the perfect construction of weapons and sale them off to binders from all over the world. Scarlet was once one of those captives, so it didn't surprise Edd that she was quick to jump on board to help him contain the information he gathered. Unfortunately the raven haired teen knew very well his efforts may still be in vain.
Nevertheless, he was willing to holdout, until he discovered what his commander was up too, and make sure his home was safe from it. She placed her hand on top of his and looked him in the eye, "Promise me you'll be safe. If anything happens, you know we got your back. Regardless of what the boss says." Eddward nodded confident in her words. The two stood and made their way to the exit. He held the door open for her as she walked out. She giggled, "A gentlemen as always." "But of course, my mother raised me to be so," He smiled, walking outside with her.
Seconds later he felt the girls small arms wrap around his neck. Upon doing so she whispered something into his ear and a small spark of electricity, tickled his lobe. He hugged her back on instinct, "Thank you so much for your help, my dear. I am truly grateful," he smiled into her short, red hair.
She pulled away and placed her feet back on the ground. Scarlet smiled up at him, "Hey what are friends for. If not for you and Nitsuj I wouldn't be here. So call it pay back for all those years of trying to keep you away from my cell." He laughed and she smiled one more time, putting on her shades. "I'll keep in touch. See ya around Vincent," She winked and made her way down the side walk. Edd smiled sadly watching her go, he truly wished for a day when his two favorite worlds could collide, but sadly knew it was best for that day to never come.
Once she was out of sight he sighed leaning on the glass window of the shop. As much as he wished it so, his work was not done, he closed his eyes and mentally reviewed the new information Scarlet had giving him at his request. There was some personal information he had to get from Peach Creek himself and knew tonight would be the best night to get it.
Edd spent the remainder of the day in company of Ed and Eddy gathering school supplies and making planes to go the movies on the weekend. Strangely enough whenever he was with the two he felt as if he was a normal teenager, with a normal life. But as night fell upon the city of Peach Creek, Eddward Vincent knew that normal was a mere dream of the past.
Covering his black hair with a solid black hoodie, Edd placed his combat boots on, and exited his house out the back door. He didn't need the eyes or ears of neighbors knowing of his movements. Even though it was late at night, the young agent didn't approve of taking chances.
Walking into the city he made his way to the allies of the "Peach Creek back streets". Paved with bars, strip clubs, ladies of the night and drug dealers alike, Double D found himself among a society most people would avoid. But Double D was not like most people. He knew the area, from his past and from research he'd done in the present. When they were younger the Eds found themselves in the back allies of their town after a nasty run in with a few gangsters Eddy ran his mouth off too. Luckily no one was harmed, but Eddward avoid the two males for at least week, upset that their incompetence got them in such a situation.
But tonight was business of his own, that being said he kept his calm upon walking into the club slash bar. It was easy for him to slip past the guard with all the people and make his way to bar. He took a seat on the side of the rounding tablet and lifted a finger calling over the bar tender. She wore a black halter top that squeezed her waste and pushed up her boobs, a pair of leather skinny jean and black, and silver studded wedges. The polka doted bracelets sealed the deal for Edd, when he saw red her curly hair. "What can I get ya, sweetie?" she shouted over the loud blaring music and talking. He couldn't help but notice, her voice was still thick and rich as the last time he'd heard it. Lee truly did look like a women, for her age.
Ed held his smirk and handed her a slip of paper, she took it swiftly and read it discreetly. She slid it back to him and waved down a guard in the far left corner of the club. The guard nodded and headed upstairs. She looked back to Edd and said, "He'll be with ya in a sec. So your one if his runners?" she asked knowing she wasn't supposed to, but didn't care.
Edd chuckled, "I'd have to say he is more like mine." Lee arched an eyebrow at the familiar stranger. "You're like half his size. A shrimp like you ordering him around? I'll believe it when I see it," She scoff handing Edd a glass of water. Edd held up his hand in protest," I didn't_" Lee cut him off, "It's on the house. For given me something laugh at." She smirked and a soft grin formed on his face.
He took the cup and took a small sniff to make sure the substance wasn't drugged. When it was determined clean he enjoyed the refreshing liquid. "You look hella familiar," she said trying to get a good look at his face.
Double D smiled, "I assure I don't think we've meet, but I must say you remind me of someone I once knew as well."
She pointed at him, "See even from the way you talk. You remind of me a guy my sister use to love. Heck I think all three of us sorta crushed on him, but my sister claimed him on sight. I had his best friend, and our little sister got the loveable giant that kept them together." She chuckled.
Edd frowned weakly at the sad smile on her face. After a deep sigh she ruffed her curly afro and looked back at him. "Sorry. It's just nice to remember the times when our shitty lives weren't so shitty." Eddward had to fight everything in his being to not reveal himself and comfort the girl. He slowly began to place his hand on hers, when a loud voice interrupted their moment.
"Lee! I pay ya to sale drink to customers not talk to money grubby street rats!" A voice that could best be described as uncultured rang through Edd's ears. He turned and glared to see a familiar face from his past that left a disgusting taste in his mouth. The man stood, on the club balcony near the VIP section of the club. Eddward placed his hand on Lee's, making her look back at him. He smiled under his hood, "Thank you." He stated, as the manger left. She returned his smile and got back work and he stood following a guard that came to escort him.
They made it to the second floor, down a metal plate's hall with blue lights shining from the ceiling. They stopped at an elevator, and going up he found himself entering a hall way paved with a red carpet, while the walls had giant gold plated stars lined up in a row. The guard stopped at a black white door with gold trimming and "Boss" etched in gold on the door. The guard knocked on the door and was met with a short silence. A beautiful woman opened the door, and escorted Edd inside the large pimped out room. The floor was square with a cheetah print base and thick black outer line, going around the room. The walls were covered in fake versions of famous painting, women and pictures of the manger with somewhat famous people.
The man in question turned around in the large red chair at his mahogany brown desk and smiled at Edd. "So you're my new intel guy hmm? A little small, but I guess for a kid who sits in front of a computer all day can't, really do shit about getting his weight up. "He chuckled and Edd just rolled his eyes. "Do you have the information I requested?" he asked bluntly. "Oh come on now! Is that anyway to talk to your employer?" The man gave a wicked grin, attempting to scare the teen. "Need I clarify that you are not my employer? We are merely making a transactions. In which so, we both will benefit, now if you would please re frame from wasting my time. I'd like to finish this and be on my way." Edd explained annoyance clear in his voice.
The manger stared wide eyes for a second, before bursting out into the laughter, the other females in his room did the same. "GET A LOAD OF THIS GUY! A snappy little brat..." He chuckled rubbing his go-t, looking over Double D. "You remind me of a little twerp I use ta know. He hung out with my shitty little brother. The fishbone was too smart for his own good, but I beat the brains out of him and my poor excuse for a brother, along with his other dumbass friends." he laughed himself into a small coughing fit.
He lit a cigar and sighed the smoke into the office air. "You got relatives?" He asked nodded up at him. Edd wrinkled his nose at the awful smell than cleared his throat, "No." "Than ya don't what it's like to have to deal with the little fuckers. Lucky that time is behind and all I gotta worry about is getting my bitches and making money." He said with a wicked chuckle. "Speaking of money, you got mine punk?" He asked threateningly. Edd removed the stack of 100s from his pocket. "As we discussed, my information on the underground transactions, groups and movements. And you receive your payment," Edd spoke coldly to the man.
His patients was truly being tested with this man, whom he despised to possibly no end. The club manger relaxed and reclined back in his chair, "How about you give me my money, and I let you walk out with that pretty little face of yours, unharmed?" He gave the raven haired teen a gold toothy grin. Edd sighed and rubbed the brim of his nose. "My patients is running low. If you do not wish to cooperate, than I well take me business elsewhere," He stated annoyance clearly in his voice. The manger stamped his fingers and two guards stood in front of Edd. "That wasn't a request boy" the manger growled. Eddward lifted his hand to the guards and spoke, "Be steal and step aside."
On command the guards did as told. It felt as if everything in the room began to move in slow motion. "What hell are you idiots doing?! Wha_ what the fuck did you do?" Their boss shouted registering the strange situation quickly, he glared at Edd. He slowly began to reach for the golden gun hidden under his desk top. Edd was calm and placed a pair of latex gloves on, as he walked up to the poor excuse of a man. He leaned in over his desk and spoke clear and crisp.
"Let us try this again. Hands on your desk, flat. Body straight," he gripped the jawline of the man's face, who followed his command, and leaning so they were inches away from each other. "You will give me the information I have requested, without hesitation. I will pay you as we arranged. You will not remember this moment nor will anyone in this room. And from this moment on you will treat all of your employees with the utmost respect. Nod your head to approve of these orders," He glared and the man did and his face was released.
Double D stuffed the roll of cash in the club owner's mouth and got the hard drive he was promised. Before leaving he checked the device and made his way to the door, while taking off his gloves. He stopped in the doorway and glanced back at the shocked face of Eddy's older brother. "And be sure to clean out the filthy mouth of yours with soap and water. Words make the man, and I refuse to do business with pig". He grumbled the last part and made his way out the room. Before leaving the club he left Lee a tip for the kind customer service and a smile. Watching him go she chuckled, "Well I'll be damned." While cleaning a glass, she smiled shaking her head.
Double D felt a rush of relief, exiting the muggy club and into the fresh air. He began to make his way home when a sound caught his attention. The sound of a girl struggling and shouting from multiple men. He fallowed the sound leading him to an ally way a few blocks away from the Peachcreek art district. "Let me go you son of a bitch!" the girl spat struggling to get away from the four guys surrounding her. "Nah, nah princess! You think you can just roll up in hear and tag our territory!" a male shouted yanking her blue hair.
She winced but didn't scream. "You call that shit on the wall a tag?" She scoffed with her busted lip. "Sorry to break it to ya, but that crap isn't even fit to called a tag. You should be thanking me, I made your shit art." She laughed only to receive another punch in the face. The beating was about to get worse when someone shouted, "Officers' their over here!" "Shit!" One of the males shouted. The four guys threw the blue haired girl into the wall rushing out of the ally. She winced in pain getting to her knees to pick up the spray paint that spilled from her army green messenger bag. As she tried to hurry to pick the last can, it rolled away stopping at the toe of a pair if combat boot.
She looked up seeing the hooded figure that called the cops. As he reached to pick up the can she swiftly went in for sweep kick. The figure's first foot avoided the attack while spreading his legs out, his second foot caught hers. Locking her ankle between his legs he went down to pick up the paint once again, in return she twisted her leg, while steal in his lose grasp and used her free leg to kick up, aiming for his face.
He caught it and backed away dropping her leg. This made her lose her leverage and caused her to fall to the ground. He picked up the blue can and asked, "If you have the ability of self-defense why not use it?" She shot to her feet "Cause those bastards outnumbered me!" She growled and went in for a face punch. He knocked it away from his face, with the spray paint.
Edd caught her fist and knew she would lock her free hand onto the bottom half. While his gripped the cap, he twisted his arm in turn twisting hers along with her body. Bending that arm into her back he did a similar move to her legs as he did to Kevin and she dropped to her knees. He dropped with her crossing his legs. He kept her arms locked and back towards him. "Let go you prick!" She hissed struggling for freedom. "I assure you I don't want any trouble." The girl struggled and strained more, but his grip was firm, "You made trouble when you called the cops!" She hissed, he merely chuckled, "Rest assured there are no such apprehenders coming. If that were so I too would be in quite a predicament." Her struggling calmed for a moment, taking in his words. "You mean you didn't call the cops?" She arched an eyebrow trying to look back at him. "No, it was but a mere trick to get those ruffians away from you," He explained. She scoffed, "Oh a hero. Great! So what do you want in return? Money? A blow job? Or something else, disgusting you pervert?" She spat and he frowned shock and appalled by such a theory.
"I want no such thing! I was simply helping someone in need of assistance. It's referred to as being humane, to some or a concerned civilian to others." He exclaimed defending himself and his tested skills as a gentlemen. She scoffed, "You sound like a guy I knew when I was just a brat." "And your art reminds me of a girl I once knew in my childhood. She was a bit of a hassle when we were younger. Her and her sister were always trouble for my companions and I. They always forced their romantic affections on us, much our dismay. However, the girl that fancied me had an artistic talent like no other I'd ever seen. The ability to create art with just about anything. She never displayed the talent to anyone, and I happened to see it by mistake. But what a wondrous accident it was. Only I knew of this talent and was honored she trusted me with it. Although it's not in the most mannerly fashion, I'm quite proud to see her beauty finally on the streets." He smiled at her silence, knowing the realization of his words finally kicked it.
Her eyes began to water she stared wide eyes at the wall. Her words came out as a soft whisper, "Double D"? He gave a weak smile and asked, "Does that imply that I can release you without your attempts to kick my face?"
She nodded silently, still in shock and he released his grip. But was quickly pulled into her as she wrapped her arms his waste a buried her face into chest. He was only 2 inches taller and could easily rest his cheek on her blue hair. She pushed him away, her make up running from angry tears. "YOU JERK! Where did you go?! Why didn't you call? Or, or write!? Or text!? Best friends don't do that! " She exclaimed jabbing her finger into his shoulder. Eddward gave her a sad smiling, knowing this lecture was all too true. And guilt washed over him for all those years, because of what he'd done to the girl. Marie tried to maintain an angry facade, but it was easily broken, by the boy's guilty expression, she found herself hugging his again.
He chuckled gentle rubbing the back of her head. "It's been a while has it not Marie? I'm truly sorry for leaving you, without notice. Due to certain circumstances I was only able to really contact Ed and Eddy." She squeezed him tighter, "I missed you. I missed you leaving, and I didn't even know you were coming back…" She was trembling and Edd tightened his grip to hug her pain away. "I missed you as well. I do hope you can forgive me," he asked looking at her from a side glance. She sniffled and pulled away, "Yeah, I guess… But only if you come to dinner with me at May's diner," Smirked Marie pointing a black painted finger at him. He chuckled, "I don't see why not."
"Good," She stated and swung her bag around her shoulder. "Cause I was gonna kick your ass if you said no," She chuckled, wiping her face with the sleeve of her halter leather jacket, and started out of the ally. Eddward picked up the spray paint they fought over. Placing it in his hoodie he smiled walking up beside her, "I believe breakfast would be the proper term to use for the current time." Marie laughed "Shut up Double D," shoving the boy as they walked down the alley way into the rising sun.
SOOOOOOOOO? What ya think? I know May wasn't introduced and that is only because I just LOVED the way the meeting between Marie and Edd ended. Lol Also she got an honorable mention so, she'll show up in next chapter promise lol. Anyway you guys Eddy's brothers?! He's gonna show up again later like that ass whole he is and mess shit up.
But that's than this is now! Tell me what you thought!
Review and Read on my friends!
Agi out!