Chapter 31
Zhalia's POV
After my talk with Klaus, Dante sent me a message with an interesting proposal, during my return home I was thinking about it and I would answer, it was very tempting for my mission, although it had one drawback, rather two. On the flight to Venice I finally got to decide, and as soon as I arrived I took a taxi to his house, I called him during the trip.
-Hello Zhalia, to what do I owe this honour?
- Are you serious about your proposal?
-Yes. What do you say?
-I have a couple of questions before answering.
-You would stay at my house, with Lok, Cherit and me, of course, Sophie usually spends most of her time there, but she is trained with Lok, or playing with him, and they tend to go out for a walk very often. You would have to help with house chores like rent and from time to time it coincides that I have to leave for work and that Sophie can not go, so you would have to take care of and entertain Lok, usually with you taking him to the park and / or throwing something at him to search for it is enough. Is all your questions answered?
-I hate you- I heard Dante laughing on the other side of the phone.
-Then you accept?
-Yes, I agree to join your team.
-Great, you can come whenever you want, I already have a room ready for you.
-Perfect, because I just got to your house.
With that I hung up and got out of the taxi, took my luggage and approached the entrance. Dante opened the door before I could call. He let me in and welcomed me, we went up to the second floor and he showed me the room where I would stay, I installed while he prepared something to drink in the kitchen. Once installed I went down and sat on one of the sofas, Dante came with a tray with two cups of tea and some snacks, sat in the armchair next to him.
-The house is very quiet, where are the brats?
-Sophie has dragged Lok to the library, and do not call them brats.
-Whatever you say. How about your three days without sleep?
-Let's say I'm glad to go back to sleep.
-I suppose your first nap must have been very long.
-No more than usual, despite not having slept, I was not tired. The book you gave me helped. I know that the magical world was and is a mystery for humans, but from there to call it hell, the author exceeded a little.
-He may have called it hell, but he does not speak ill of any creature.
-I suppose...
Dante and I continued talking about the book and others during the afternoon. After half past nine, Dante began to become paranoid because Lok had not returned home and the cell phone I had given him was off, seeing that he did not calm down I made dinner and set the table. At ten o'clock at night Lok came home, was surprised to see me there, and was very happy thinking that he had a new playmate, an idea that I took away right away, the emotion of Lok was annihilated by Dante.
-Where were you?, you're late.
-Quiet, I only delayed a few minutes.
-Half an hour.
-Uuppss. I am sorry.
-Can we sit down to dinner?
I asked something desperate. Lok followed me to the kitchen and sat on one side of the table, Cherit sat on the table and Dante and I in front of him, and continued to scold Lok.
- Why did not you answer your phone?
-I did not have a battery.
-I told you to carry it.
-I forgot.
-How could you forget?
-I'm not used to it, it's the first time I have a cell phone.
-Did you come alone?
-Santiago accompanied me, but left immediately when we arrived at the patio of your house. I think he still cannot stand you.
-Well, there is someone who cannot stand the great Dante Vale.- Lok and Cherit laughed at my little joke.
-Charge the phone tonight.
-Okey ...
Seeing Dante scolding Lok made me laugh, as far as I knew Dante, I was not the person to take care of children, let alone reprimand them in the way Dante had done it, he looked like Lok's older brother, just lacked to give a slap on the back of the neck. I asked Lok how he had gone in the library, and he wrinkled his nose and stuck out his tongue in disgust, he didn't understand what fun Sophie saw, she had read many books while he had been content to draw and break papers. Finally Lok asked what I was doing there, and Dante explained to him that now I was an official member of the team and that I would live with them. The next day Dante went on a trip at noon, although he said it was for work I think he took advantage of having a free nanny to go on vacation, Lok whined, but Dante gave him the puzzles that he had promised in France and he left me with him.
Zhalia's POV end
Dante's POV
Lok did not stop whining for my game, luckily it was Zhalia's problem and not mine, deep down I felt sorry, I did not want to be in Zhalia's skin when Lok finished the puzzles.
In the house of my mentor and father, Metz, Iwatched with anger and frustration as he rested in his bed, connected to various machines that helped him to stay alive. I went to his side and sat on a chair, I grabbed his hand to give him strength and that he knew he had not left.
-I'm going to see a black-market contact, he has new medicines for you. You resist.
-I'll be fine, you do not worry about me.
-Mets, you still have many things to do in Germany for the Foundation, I'll find a cure, whatever.
Dante's POV end
Zhalia's POV
It had only been a day since Dante was gone and could not more, Lok was completed almost all puzzles in mid-afternoon, then got bored and wanted to go out with Sophie, but she was busy with his rolls and could not, I did not want to leave so he started playing himself with the ball in his room, although I think it was biting or scratching furniture, when he wanted him throw the ball bored, but was in no mood, Cherit played with him for a while, he calmed down, relaxed, and made a nap but when he woke up again to annoy me to play with him, at the end I agreed and took him to the park, I thought it would come to both of us good to take the air, I threw a frisbee until dark. Luckily, yesterday Sophie was free and came to hang out with Lok, they were trained and playing at home and in the yard, unfortunately she left early, that is, when she entered the house and when she left we had a small discussion, she was not amused that I will be part of the equipment permanently. I had to put up with Lok, was quiet and entertained playing with Cherit, but every time I moved trying to play with him, I eventually get tired of him and sent him away, he was playing with Cherit all afternoon in the courtyard, but Lok is a puppy that only wants attention. Last night I took pity on him and offered to help brushing their tails, initially was fine, but Lok gave a fit of God knows that and he said he already finished it, that thank you very much and all that It was weird This morning Sophie returned and we argued again, both were entertained with a pair of identical puzzles but different colours. I never thought I would be glad to see Sophie, I was finally able to rest and focus on my affairs.
Zhalia's POV end
Lok's POV
I got bored enough with Zhalia alone, I preferred that Dante was at home, he pays more attention to me than her, and on top of that Sophie could not stay with me, after playing for a while in my room I scratched the legs of the bed a bit, then I regretted it and I went down to play with Cherit and to bother Zhalia to play with me, in the end it worked, she took me to the park!, we played for a while with a frisbee. Sophie came home yesterday morning and discussed with Zhalia when she found out that she would be part of the team permanently, I had to intervene so they would not kill each other. Sophie and I were trained and played many things, but she had to leave soon, although not before arguing with Zhalia again, I played with Cherit, but it is not as fun as playing with someone else, I tried to make Zhalia do something to me. case, since Cherit only wanted to play chess, but she kicked me out to play with Cherit, at night she came to my room while she fixed my tails after showering and offered to brush me, it was good, it was nice, I liked it Much, I kept quiet when my father did it, the truth is that the feeling was very similar, it had been a long time since anyone brushed me, Zhalia asked me if I was okay, I felt very strange and I did not know how to react, I do not know why , but I pushed her away from me thanking her. This morning Sophie came home, and she and Zhalia argued again, it seems that if they do not argue when they see each other they are not happy, the first discussion was because of Sophie the second of Zhalia, and the third of the two. Sophie wanted to make a very difficult puzzle, at least for me, she was solving it without problems, We were both sitting on the floor, while Zhalia rested on one of the sofas drawn on paper.
-I have no idea. This is like examining you when you return from vacation. It's crazy. * -Declare surrendering to this challenge.
-Don't despair Lok, look at Sophie- Cherit said pointing to the puzzle of Sophie.
-Hey! How can you do that?
-It's a tessellation, like the painter Escher does, although this is very complex.- Sophie said while placing the last piece.
- What? - I asked with wide eyes.
-A tiling is a mosaic with repeating series. Do not you remember art history classes?
-I try to forget them-I sighed.
Dante came home very serious, took off his coat and left it on the back of the sofa.
-Dante you have returned.
Sophie said happily as she turned to look at him, Dante sat down in a chair like a chair ignoring Sophie.
-You've been gone two days- I recriminated him.
-It is true, we were worried- Sophie continued, although I was not very worried, it is not the first time that Dante left several days.
-You were worried- Zhalia intervened from her chair-maybe Dante does not want to tell us in detail everything he does.
Sophie glared at Zhalia, it seemed that another fight was coming. Cherit brought peace, leaving the brown to Dante.
- Come on, I would have a mission, what do you say, Dante?
-In reality, I was preparing for my trip to Vienna this week.
That answer surprised us all, it went away to march without us, and nevertheless I took advantage of the opportunity.
-In his diary, my father talks a lot about Vienna. Cool! I'll pack my bags.
Dante rose from his seat tiredly, and just as seriously as when he arrived.
-I'm sorry, but I'll go alone.
Dante disheartened us all, today I was inspired.
-But ...- I started to protest, Dante walked to the window and crossed his arms.
-There are things that I should do alone- He said just as decayed.
-Pity,- said Zhalia, -I have unfinished business in Vienna.
-I thought we were a team ...
I kept whining. I turned my head and something caught my attention, making me cheer up.
Lok's POV end
Dante's POV
Lok started to whimper and it was making me feel worse than I already felt. I took a picture of my pocket, I was with Mets in one of our missions, I was little older than Lok. I began to think about how he had taught me that you can always triumph on your own, but that true victories only happen as a team. That memory encouraged me a lot, I turned around with a smile.
-Okay, you win, pack your bags.
Lok had returned to get away with it, and this time he did not even have to put his face in supplication, this could not go on like this, otherwise I would give him everything he wanted.
-Oh yes!- Sophie shouted excitedly, then controlled herself a little more when she saw Zhalia chuckle at her emotion -We can keep looking for your father, right Lok?- Agg! -Sophie made a half-hoarse noise when she looked at Lok, who had finished his puzzle and watched him with admiration waving his tails with joy- How did you...? When did you...?
-The reflection has caught my attention- Lok pointed to the mirror next to him.
-A mirror?
-It is very easy to follow the inverted pattern.
Sophie crossed her arms and grumbled a little, realizing that she had lost again against Lok, Lok increased his movement of tails before the satisfaction of winning Sophie, again.
-Good job.- Cherit congratulated him.
-Sometimes, looking at a problem from the opposite angle helps you solve it.-I concluded.
Dante's POV end
Third person
In one of the lairs of the Organization, Defoe was venting his anger in the training room against a machine, it was a circular dome, it was full of weapons and it seemed to imitate the various powers of the seekers and titans. The training started with lasers being fired from all sides, blades and rotating axes were arranged to cut Defoe into pieces. Defoe defended himself from the machine with anger and hatred and various magical attacks.
-I swear to you Dante Vale ...- Defoe threw a green and orange beam at one of the axes causing it to stop and break it, then threw a light green beam against one of the lasers, breaking it too.- I'll finish with you.
Defoe was about to attack again, but Rassimof's hand stopped him.
- Be careful, this machine is very expensive Defoe.
-Rassimof, I apologize, it will not happen again.
-The Professor is pleased, you still approve for your past failures- Rassimof turned his back on Defoe- But, you are active.
-I'm glad, that means a lot to me.
-In reward for your services you have a mission of recovery.
-Recovery?
-You will go to Vienna and you will bring the Titan King Basilisk. This will help you. -Rassimof handed Defoe a kind of key in the shape of a rectangular prism.- This key has been acquired by the Professor, he has taken a personal interest.
-All right.
-You know what the consequences will be if you fail.
With that Rassimof left the training room leaving Defoe alone.
Third person end
Lok's POV
We were on the plane to Vienna, Dante and Sophie were sitting together looking out the window, Zhalia and I were on the other side, Zhalia was sleeping and in the seat between them was my bag with Cherit inside, who stuck his head out to chat a bit.
-My father says things about Vienna, in his diary- I took my father's diary and opened it showing Cherit some drawings- You see.
-Maybe he left us a clue.
-Ohh ... it's just an address.-I said, downcast.
-We already have a destination.
When we arrived in Vienna we went to a safe house of the foundation, we left the suitcases on the beds and left.
-I'll be out on personal matters, so do not wait for me.
-I'm sure I'll find what I'm looking for without your help. -With that Zhalia got into a taxi and left.
-I know you can take care of yourself, but Sophie, do not lose sight of Lok, and Lok, if you get into a mess or put Sophie in one, I'll punish you again.- Sophie laughed at Dante's threat.
-Okay, but I remind you that that is more punishment for you than for me.-Dante smiled at my little obviousness.
-Call me if there are problems.-Dante left with a black briefcase.
-I do not like this, why does Dante give us a slip? - I asked a little indignantly.
-Yes, it's very strange, it seems worried- Cherit said
-In that case, maybe we can help you-Sophie suggested.
-But how?
-We'll follow to see what happens.- Sophie ran after Dante, but I stopped her.
-Wait Sophie, I am also worried, but if you have not wanted to tell us what happens to you, we must respect it, everyone has the right to have secrets, and even if he did not want to tell us now, it does not mean he does not tell us more not late?
-I guess you're right. Besides, I'm sure that Dante would give us a very easy way to escape. The best thing we can do is not bother you, we will not call you whatever happens, so you will not have to worry about us and you will surely solve your affairs.
-Yes.
-Well, what do we do?
-Why do not we go to that address of my father's diary. Dante said- I crossed my arms and made a bad imitation of Dante- Do not wait for me.
-Jaja, yes ... and we must comply with your orders, right?
-Yesss
We headed to the right building with laughter, although it took a while. The building had three floors with a balcony each, was forming a corner, it was a nice building.
-It is farther than I thought, but it is here.
-Look, on the roof!- Sophie pointed to a statue of a lizard with wings and fangs forming an eight and biting its tail. "That statue is King Basilisk.
-Is it a Titan ?, and more importantly, what is King Basilisk?
-One, if it's a titan, and two, is there anything you know?- I cast Sophie a glance. -The legend of King Basilisk tells of a guardian lizard stuck in stone.- Before Sophie finished her explanation I had already I ran out to the building and started climbing. - Wait!
-Easy, if I fall, Dante has taught me a power to fall on his feet.- I quickly reached for the statue.
-Could not you do that without drawing so much attention?
Sophie started looking around worriedly. Once face to face with the lizard I put one of my hands on its nose, I waited to feel the magic of the titan, but nothing happened.
-This is a normal statue.
-Quick, get out of there, someone is coming!
Sophie flew across the street and hid behind a building, I jumped to the side of the building and hid myself with the shadows and my wings.
Lok's POV end
Third person
Defoe, Grier and a group of agents dressed in orange jumpsuits and yellow workmen's helmets, yes, they were wearing their sunglasses and headphones, they approached the building where Lok and Sophie were, all looked at the facade of the building.
-It's here. Come on- Defoe passed Grier's side and entered the building under the watchful eye of two teenagers hidden from view. Once most of the agents entered, two of them took out a strip of yellow and black stripes and cordoned off the area as a sign of works, placed a sign forbidden passage in the door, and entered closing them behind their backs.
Third person end
Sophie's POV
We waited for all the agents to enter to get out of our hiding places, Lok jumped from the roof using "Fall of a feather", it must be the power that Dante had been teaching him, since he fell on his feet and without any complications, I joined him at the door of the building.
-It seems that the Organization is looking for that titan. We have a new mission.
We passed the tape and Lok took Springer's amulet, asked him to make us pass and the adorable squirrel appeared in Lok's hand, touched the latches a little and returned to his amulet leaving us free access when both doors opened for us.
-You first.
I invited Lok, we both entered cautiously and stealthily.
Sophie's POV end
Third person
The group of the Organization had managed to access the secret and underground passages of the building, where they found a giant bronze door, in the middle of the door there was a large circle with a smaller one in its centre with a hollow resembling a lock.
-For you sir.
The devil snake agent (the same one who attacked Lok in the first chapters) handed him the key that Rassimof had given to Defoe before. Defoe picked it up and watched it for a moment.
-I will have to thank the Professor.
Defoe inserted the key into the lock and turned it until the door rumbled, moved forward and then stepped aside leaving the path open.
-The Basilisk King is here, it will be a great weapon against Dante Vale.
Defoe took a map of one of the inner pockets of his green jacket and advanced after ordering an agent to watch the exit and threatened him if he did not fulfil his mission of protecting the key. He, Grier and the other agents entered following his map. The agent in charge of guarding the door was placed in the middle of it to prevent the passage to the intruders, but was knocked out by an invisible force.
Third person end
* I agree, in my high school they did that to us and it did not give an XD, the worst thing is that it counted as an exam note.