Mason's Decision
Summary: After reporting to Darius, Mason makes an important decision about his future.
Timeline: Five months before the next Ghoul Break.
(SC)
"...And that's my report," Mason said.
Darius looked at his old friend, his expression unreadable, and then looked down at the report on his desk.
"Mason, may I get your honest opinion on those three?" the council member asked calmly.
The ex-Construction Head nodded and took a seat in front of the Abomination witch. He looked at the report he handed over and then at Darius.
"If I'm honest, it was a little entraining," Mason said, with no hint of shame. "It was like watching a trio of witchlings fighting over a cookie."
The usual stoned-face witch smiled slightly as he recalled all the times the three rogue witches got into a fight over how they could take over the isles. The smile didn't last long as he recalled their last meeting.
"But since Odalia pulled her stunt, they have become more focused," Mason added, sighing. "It's a little scary how fast those three got on the same page when something was presented to them."
Darius frowned as he thought about his limited interactions with those three. Terra was a psychopath, Adrian was a narcissist, and Vimitir…well, he was too into his potions.
But in the end, those three were almost harmless without someone guiding them.
"So, what do you plan to do?" Mason asked, bringing Darius out of his thoughts.
Darius looked at the Construction Witch and replied, "At this time, not much."
Mason scowled but couldn't disagree with his friend. Ever since those three finished their community service, they have been quiet. The only reason why Darius wanted an eye kept on them was because they were considered the most unpredictable of the Coven's heads.
"Now-" Darius said, getting Mason's attention, "I want to discuss the reason why I wanted you to see me."
The construction witch gave the council member his full attention as Darius placed his hands on his desk.
"Mason Tholomule, you have done well with the task we gave you," Darius explained, "So your mission is now complete. So, the recent position on the Boiling Isles Council is yours, if you like."
Darius smiled and offered Mason his hand. The witch looked at the offered hand, sighed, and looked at the abomination witch with heavy eyes.
"If it is okay with you, I would like to keep watching those three," Mason said solemnly.
Darius frowned and retracted his hand. "May I ask your reasons?" he asked curiously.
Mason sighed and looked down at his hands. He clenched them as he remembered the part he played during the Day of Unity. Mason could remember when Osran turned on the others and tried to convince him of Belos's true plan. He hadn't listened, and it nearly cast the Isles much.
Mason sighed and looked up at Darius. "We both know, those three's quirks aside, once they have a goal in mind, they become dangerous. Five months is a long time, and who knows if they might change their plans."
Darius looked at his friend and sighed. He had a feeling he knew the real reason he wanted to keep watching the rogue witches, especially when one considered those three planned to attack the Owl Familia on the most chaotic week of the year.
Darius sighed and nodded. "If that's your want, but-" Darius's eye narrowed, "-If things get too hectic before or after Ghoul Break begins, I want to leave that group. Is that understood, Tholomule?"
"Understood, Councilman," Mason nodded and stood up. "Now, I shall return before one of them suspects something."
Darius nodded, and Mason went to the door. He stopped and looked at Darius. Mason noticed the concern in the abomination witch's eyes and offered him a reassuring smile. He then took his leave, leaving the door open.
"Hey, Uncle Mason!" Steve called, running into view, holding many meat skewers. "They had your favorite in the cafeteria! Let's chow DOWWWNN!"
Darius cocked an eyebrow as he watched Mason's nephew slip on something, and he fell to the ground, his skewers flying from his hands.
Surprisingly, Steve recovered almost immediately after he fell, jumped to his feet, and caught all the skewers before they hit the ground. The Silly Scout looked at the councilman with a goofy grin and then hurried after his uncle.
Darius just sighed and leaned back in his chair.
"You have no need to continue to punish yourself, old friend," Darius said softly, "Not when that madman manipulated both of us even before we were born."
(G Corner)
Sorry, this wasn't the Steve-focused chapter many thought it would be. But I wanted to use Mason because I felt like I didn't give him enough focus. And now, with that out of the way, the next chapters will focus on everyone's favorite emerging power couple. So, look forward to them!