Authors notes - wasn't planing on having another chapter out this soon, but someone near and dear to me gave me great motivation to write this chapter . So I dedicate this chapter to you Spooky. Also a few things that were mentioned to me about the previous chapter. I have recognized the mistakes and will use this chapter to correct them. Enjoy!
Disclaimer- I own nothing
Chapter -2 A Hunt In Venice
Prague, Czech Republic - Organization Head Quarters
Lok toss and turned in his sleep, sweat coating his skin in a light gloss. "N-no!" Was all he could choke out. He began to reach for his throat. His head shaking side to side, as his legs began to trash about. As if someone had shouted his name he shot up gasping for air. His blue eyes shaking trying to take in all the information around him.
Looking around he finally began to realize that he was in his room at the organization head quarters. Letting out a deep sigh he looked at the night stand to his right. Showing that it was three fifteen AM, he wiped the sweat from his face as he made his way to personal bathroom. He stopped at a desk that was placed to the right of his bathroom door. Placed on top of the desk lay four amulets.
Two of the four being brown with dark brown trim, the first one containing a circular red gem, the design appearing as armored and insect like. The other amulet that shared the same color. Except the gem was oval shaped. Designed to look like a gauntlet with four sharp claws on the bottom. The third was a stone gray, with a light blue oval gem. Golden spikes almost like spikes of hair ran up the sides. The last one, was two shades of a dark green and light green. Two smooth white horned shape protrusions at the top of the amulet, and just below the horns are two similar looking protruding shapes that resemble long ears.
Lok picked up the green amulet gently. Running his thumb across the gem in the center. Incubane's amulet, he had set it on his desk as soon as he came back to his room last night. He hadn't bothered with it since he bonded with it. The bonding process was difficult to say the least, the titan wasn't eager to bond with the killer of his previous seeker. However Lok's will was much stronger than Incubane's. At the thought of Wilder he hesitated.
Part of him had felt scared in the moment, the reason Wilder had gotten his last words out was because of his hesitation. Then as if his hand had a mind of its own, it clenched as hard as it would allow him. Did, did he regret it ? As the thought crossed his mind a sharp pain shot through his skull, his eyes tingling with a slight burn.
More headaches, he let out a groan as he dropped the amulet to the floor. He had been dealing with horrible headaches for years. The worst one he had ever experienced was on his seventh birthday. It had gotten to the point where he was bedridden for two weeks. The slightest bit of light or sound causing great pain.
He remembered it vividly, his Father was by his side throughout the whole ordeal. Checking on him daily, rubbing his hair gently every single time before leaving to take care of his business for the day. This one he was experiencing was a close second. He fell to his knees, his eyes burning, his ears ringing almost loud enough to drain out the sound of his heart beat. He bit his tongue, not to dare let out a whale of pain.
Just as fast as it struck, it vanished. Letting him gasp for air as a new shine of sweat began to coat his face. After taking a few shaky breaths he had finally relaxed. Shaking his head in an attempt to clear the fog that had overtaken him, he reached back out and picked the amulet back up to stare at it. His lips forming in to a devilish grin as a small laugh escaped a few moments later.
"A shame really, I could have taken my time picking him apart." He said to himself as he stood back on his feet. His eyes never leaving the amulet, nor his grin. He placed the amulet around his neck, the amulet resting right above his chest. He gave it a gentle pat with his palm the gem giving off a small glimmer of light. "Don't worry, we can give out some punishment our selves."
Stepping out of his room, he buttoned up his silk black vest. His amulet lying gently against his loosened black tie. He patted his back pocket to feel his leather gloves safe and secure. With a flick of his wrist he placed his sunglasses gently on his face and rolled his neck. After a satisfying pop he made his way down to the hallway.
Placing his hands in his pockets he began to make his way to his Father's office, during his morning routine he had received a message that he was to report as soon as possible. He wondered what the rush could be, usually when a meeting was called there wouldn't be a sense of emergency. First time for everything he supposed.
After a few minutes of walking, and nods to his peers he finally made it to his Father's office door. He raised a hand to knock before his Father's voice called from behind. "Come in." The Professor's voice calm, yet stern. He knew he wouldn't be meeting with his father. He was meeting with the leader of the Organization.
Reaching up he tightened the tie around his neck. Straightening his posture, and took a deep breath. Time to bring out the professional in himself. The door opening almost menacingly, he quickly walked in. Taking notice of the Professor sitting behind his desk. Leaning back into his chair, his hand already playing with his golden ring. What he also noticed was another person in the room.
Taking a moment to size up the new face, he realized he came a little short. As the man stood a whole head and a half taller than him self, not to mention twice as wide. After recovering from the size difference, he took in the rest of his features. Blonde hair, geld and kept slicked back, green eyes, and a strong jaw line. The man was clean shaved and his face held an aura of discipline and authority. He couldn't help but think of the man as a solder type. Even having a green pressed military operation uniform. Black polished combat boots and all.
Setting aside the stranger, he walked to the front of the desk and went to a knee. Slowly lifting his head from the floor to look into the Professor's eyes. "You called for me Professor?" He tone even and calm, knowing better than to show familiarity with his father in the presence of others.
The Professor simply nodded as he stood from his chair. Grabbing his cane he made his way from his desk and turned to a picture of a world map. Resting his weight on the cane he merely stared at the map. Waiting a few moments before he finally spoke. "I've called you here to inform you that the operation for Venice has been moved forward." He stated as he turned to face his son.
Lok nodded as his head turned to look at the Professor, still remaining on one knee. "May I ask what has caused the operation to be sped up so drastically?" Going through recent memory, he hasn't heard of a mission being changed so suddenly. Everything the organization did, was always by design.
The Professor let a dark smile plastered his face. His fingers tapping ever so gently on the top of his cane." Lok my boy, they have confirmed the location of the Journal." He said his tone almost whimsical. With a tap of his cane, Lok quickly got to his feet. Letting out a quick breath as if it was caught in his throat. "They have found it?"
With a tap of his cane the Professor turned to the only other man in the room. "This is Grier, our newest member. Well trained. Might even give you trouble if you come to blows." He stated as he turned to Grier and nodded his head.
Grier nodded in understanding as he turned briskly and proceeded out of the room. Only sparing a glance to Lok giving him a nod of respect. Lok returning the show of respect and acknowledgment. As the door closed the Professor walked to his son and placed his hand on the boys shoulder.
"We are close my boy, on the final path to the amulet of will." Lok could only nod as he looked into his Fathers eyes. The final stage of the plan could began, he had to succeed. He won't fail, he can't. His father's hand reached up and grabbed his glasses pulling them off. He let out a small gasp in surprise.
"you have been having nightmares again." His Father stated as the look in his eyes soften slightly. Lok hadn't realized the bags under his eyes had gotten so bad. Besides his skull crushing headaches he had been having nightmares ever since he was little. He never mentioned them, not wanting to appear weak in front of his Father, but the older man had always known. Every single time he had one, his Father was there. Pointing out his exhaustion and different attitude.
"Was it the same dream ?" His father asked, all Lok wanted to do was let out a small laugh. It was always the same dream. That stupid damn dream that had kept him up many nights. A house he doesn't recognize burning to the ground, A younger Lok tapped in a room in said house, oh and the cherry on top. The giant arachnid monster that holds him in the air by his throat. Anything after that he can't or doesn't want to remember. Realizing that his Father was still waiting on an answer, he just simply nodded.
"It's nothing to worry about. A few bad dreams will not stop me." Lok sated firmly, his blue eyes hardened with conviction as his left hand reached up and grabbed Incubane's amulet. " I can do what needs to be done."
His Father stared into his eyes for a few seconds, as if he was waiting on something. After a few moments he raised his right hand and placed it on Lok's head. "Let nothing stop you. You have trained, learned, and gave up too much for this. Go now and if any Foundation seekers get in your way." He let his last sentence hang for a moment. Letting a crimson dark glow flow from his ring, it covered his palm and began to run over Lok's hair. Staring into his son's eyes he let out a small smile as the familiar red glow took over his light blue.
"Eliminate them." The boy finished the professors sentence. Reaching out he grabbed his sunglasses from his father's open palm. Slipping them on and placing his hands in his pockets he flashed a wicked grin. "Don't worry, any problems come up. I'll make sure to take care of them."
With a nod the Professor retracted his hand and tap his cane on the ground with a firm smack. "Go, you and your team will meet with Defoe in Venice. He will be in charge." With a grin the Professor gave Lok a knowing smile. "You will be on your best behavior won't you?"
Lok turned around and made his way to the door, as he reached it he turned his head around slightly, his eyes now just his regular light blue. A devilish grin that would put Incubane to shame firmly took over his features. "But of course, Professor." With a nod he left his Fathers office, his hand reaching up and loosening his tie just slightly, his mind clear, no nightmares, and no headache. His goal was simple and clear. Complete the objective.
Venice, Italy
"so we just have to keep a eye on this Cathy Lambert until we can locate a journal?" Owen asked as he leaned back in his seat in between Lok and Jenna. Picking up the file he had been looking through he couldn't help but tilt his head in slight confusion. "What's so important about a journal?"
Jenna started to rub her temples trying to ignore the ignorance of his statement. "It's not just any journal, it's the journal of an elite Foundation seeker, Ethan Lambert." She stated as she flipped over the page in the file Owen was looking at.
"Ah, I see. So it would have some important information on titans and artifacts." He rubbed his chin reading over the information. "Let's see, Cathy Lambert, age twenty. Attending university for fashion and design. Father has been missing for the past twelve years. Had a little brother but went missing ten years ago, and has been presumed dead. Mother lives in Ireland." Owen couldn't help but grimace reading over the file. "Life sure hasn't been easy for the Lambert house hold."
"Don't tell me you feel bad for her." Jenna said leaning into his shoulder looking over the information. Seeing a picture of the young blonde. Light blue eyes, trimmed blonde hair the reaches a few inches above her shoulders. "You have longer hair than she does." She stated as she reached up and twirled a lock of brown hair between her fingers.
Owen merely grinned proudly running his left hand through his hair. "What can I say, I take pride in my hair. Shampoo and condition." Leaning down closer to Jenna hand covering his mouth as if he was telling his greatest secret. "My formula is touching it up with a two in one along with my regular wash and conditioner."
Jenna merely rolled her eyes and she sat back up straight resting her elbow on the chairs arm rest. Her chin resting on her palm. "No way that's all you have to do." She stated to the man her tone dripping in sarcasm.
"you'll never know." He shot back with a wink before looking back at the file. Owen took off his glasses showing off a pair of onyx eyes. A look of confusion that slowly turned to a grin. "Hey check it out. If you look long enough she kinda looks like Lok, only if he had a hot sister."
Owen let out a sharp yelp of pain, as Jenna reached up and pinched his ear pulling him closer to her. Owen turned the file to her letting out a weak chuckle. She looked closer at the picture letting out a small hum. "Huh, you known what. You're right, if you look long enough you can see it." Letting go of his ear Owen fixed him self and gently rubbed his now red ear.
Turning to look and his best friend he noticed he was leaning back into his seat as far as it would let him, hands crossed behind his head making a make shift pillow. His head staring at the ceiling of the plane. "Hey Lok, check this out." He stated as he put the file in front of Lok's face.
Lok merely pulled his sunglasses down to the bridge of his nose, staring at the picture for a few moments. "Huh, I guess I can see it." Owen merely nodded as he brought the folder back to himself. "I know right, what would be the odds?" Owen let out a small chuckle as Jenna leaned forward from her seat.
she had started a long explanation about how there is a high statistic probability that there is a twin version of you somewhere in the world. Lok tried his best to listen, however his mind kept wondering. Every time he thought about his nightmare he would feel a dull pain build behind his skull. He let out a sigh as he reached up and gently rubbed his eyes.
"Do you think they will let us get some food? I could go for some grub." He heard his friend asking as he turned his head to face Owen, rubbing his stomach. Deciding to get back into the conversation to take his mind off things.
"you're always hungry." Lok said as he nudged his friend with his elbow. "I remember when you packed away a whole bucket of wings when we went to America." Jenna let out a snort. As Owen just grumbled. He wasn't kidding it was a whole bucket. It did get their whole meal for free however.
Solid foot steps towards the front of the walkway broke the three out of their conversation as Grier stood in a parade rest. "Attention everyone, we will be landing in ten minutes. Get everything in order and prepare to move out. Defoe will be waiting for us at the airstrip." With sounds or yes sir everyone got prepared.
Lok sat up and reached for his bag in the over head above him, pulling it out and placing it on his lap he quickly did a check of his belongings. Feeling satisfied with check, he pushed his glasses up on his face. A smile plastered on his face. "Let the hunt begin."
Venice ,Italy
A young blonde hair woman was walking beside the water ways. Holding a brown paper bag filled with groceries. The woman's name was Cathy Lambert, a twenty year old fashion student enjoying a nice outing after class.
Humming a small tune her Mother used to sing to her she couldn't help but smile at how beautiful the day was. Passing by a private academy she notice a familiar face. Sophie Casterwill, she had met the young teen when trying to find a tutor for her universities art history class. During the lessons they became close acquaintances. Well more along the lines of friends
They had confided in each other after a long study session as the topic of families came up. Sophie's parents passed away in a fire when she was little. As for herself, he father has disappeared twelve years ago, not too far after her little brother disappeared as well. At the thought of her brother the spring in her step stopped slightly. Even after ten long years she missed her brother everyday. They had assumed he was dead after a year of investigating, but somewhere in her heart. She wanted to believe he was still alive.
"Cathy, a pleasure to see you. Hope you are doing well." A soft voice called out dragging Cathy from her thoughts. She looked up and realized Sophie had came up to her. A small folded newspaper and pencil in her left hand. The teen was wearing a maroon shirt with velvet accent on the sleeves, two arm warmers, matching the top with small tassels at the end of the cuffs, a skirt matching the rest of the outfit tying it all together. Knee high stocks and casual yet somehow still fashionable black tie up boots.
"Oh yes, I'm doing fine thank you, classes go alright today ?" She asked as she started the walk to her apartment. Sophie following beside her. Her place in the same general direction.
"yes, classes went by well. Big history final tomorrow then we have a summer vacation." She stated as she began to look back at the paper, the eraser pressed against her bottom lip. Cathy couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
Realizing that the strawberry blonde was looking at her she quickly caught her breath. "I'm sorry, it's just you looked a lot like Lok when he was little solving the cross words in the morning paper."
Sophie gave a small smile to that. "Well hopefully he would be having more luck with it than my self." She lightly tapped the paper with the pencil. "I take pride in my high vocabulary, but sometimes I get a little stumped."
Cathy merely nodded as she let out a sigh. "Not Lok, he would always finish those things in no time. I think his best time was sixty eight seconds." Turning back to Sophie she could only let out another laugh as she saw her awe struck expression.
"Well seems like he was rather intelligent." She stated as she placed the pincel and paper behind her back deciding on focusing on the conversation. "I would have liked to have met him."
Cathy shook her head a little. "I think you two would have gotten along well, but he wasn't a straight A student by any means." Cathy shifted the bag in her hands as she turned back to her friend. "Care to join me for lunch ? I found a new recipe I wanted to try out, I wanna surprise my Mom when I head back home for a visit."
Sophie let out a small laugh. "Well is it's like the other things you have prepared, I would love to join you." She smiled as they made their way to her place.
Venice, Italy - Cathy's apartment
"please make you self at home." Cathy said warmly as she opened the door and head to the kitchen sitting the groceries on the counter. She began to put them away with haste as she turned to her friend. "Oh I'm sorry Sophie, can I get you anything to drink ?"
Sophie had walking into the living room setting her paper and pincel on the coffee table. Making her way to the kitchen she shook her head gently. "I'm fine thank you, want assistance with the groceries?"
Cathy nodded as she open her pantry. "If you wouldn't mind. If you could just hand me some of the canned goods." After a few moments and teamwork they had gotten everything put away.
The two went into the living room, Cathy walked over to her living room window and opened it up to let some fresh air in. "that vase is very unique, when did you get it ?" Cathy turned to her friend and then to the vase in question. It was a simple, brown clay vase. Three dots in a triangle shape on the bottom, the top of the vase had a cover that looked like an elephants head with sharp teeth, two small horns on top, it was sitting on her shelf next to many of her books and belongings.
"Oh that was my dad's, mom received it in the mail a few years after dad disappeared. She sent it to me when I mentioned I was a little home sick." She said as she went back into the kitchen. Opening the fridge to pull out some cheese as a light snack for her guest while she cooked.
"Would you mind if I took a closer look?" She heard from the other room, Cathy stuck her head back in and gave her a bright smile. "Please go right ahead, just be careful it's a little old." With that she went back into the kitchen.
After a few moments of putting together a small tray she heard a scream, soon followed by a crash. Quickly leaving behind the forgotten tray she ran into the living room. "Sophie are you okay !" She looked over the living room, seeing a horrified Sophie looking at a shattered vase, and to the living room window where a cat could be seen running from the windowsill.
Sophie looked at Cathy with a sorrowed expression. "Cathy I'm so sorry." The girl look like she had just did the worst thing she could possibly think of. Cathy merely let out a small but sad smile.
"it's alright Sophie. Are you okay ?" She asked as she walked up to strawberry blonde teen who just nodded. She shut the window not wanting another kitty accident to happen. "Here let me help you clean it up." She stated quickly. She reached down to collect the pieces.
Cathy quickly joined her focusing on collecting the smaller pieces. "Huh? What is this?" She said as she moved over a bigger piece and saw a small white amulet. She picked it up and gazed into the gem. It was round matching the green gem in the center. On the bottom were four root looking protruding limbs. The two in the center of the four, were slightly wrapping around one another.
"look at this." Sophie called to her, She placed the amulet in her left pocket and turned to her friend. She was holding an old leather book, on closer inspection it appeared to be a well weathered journal. Sophie opened the book and flipped through the pages.
Cathy was about to speak up until she felt, well she didn't know how to describe it. She felt oddly energized, she looked down at her tingling hand. For a split moment, she was glowing a faint green. Blinking rapidly, as if to clear her eyes. She saw her hand, normal and thankfully not glowing.
She had realized Sophie was talking to her excited about something. "Do you know what this means ?" A excited Sophie exclaimed, her green eyes brimming with wonder. She had never seen the girl this excited before.
"No, but I have a feeling you are going to tell me." Cathy stated with an amused tone. Sophie closed the book and held it out to her, Cathy took the book in her hands. Surprisingly the book was heaver than it looked.
"We have to take the book to Dante Vale, he is a local expert on ancient artifacts." She was going to continue until she looked behind Cathy, a look of shock took over her features as she suddenly grabbed Cathy and dragged her to the left.
A look out was the only thing Cathy heard as her world was sent for loop as she was grabbed and rolled to the side as an explosion of glass filled her ears. After her stomach settled after the sudden movement she got her bearings. She looked at the now shattered window as a short haired blonde man in a suit stood over them.
The blonde middle aged man gave them a grin, as he outstretched his palm in front of him. "Augerfrost." The man said simply as a blue orb began to form in his hand.
"What in the." Was all Cathy could get out before her vision became over taken by the blue light heading directly for her.
authors notes- With that, chapter two is complete. As some of you maybe assumed. Cathy will be taking over Lok's role in the team. I felt like more could have been done with her character, so I went ahead and added her to this story. She won't be a copy and paste of Lok. However the beginning will have a lot of similarities.
As for the Suits, they all will have names and personalities. Not just organization suit 1-5, again a special thank you to Spooky for motivating me to get this out as soon as possible.
As for a release schedule, I'm not to sure. I probably won't be able to keep a once a week scheduled. However I will shoot for at least two or three a month. I will be going through all the way of season one. Possible a spin off story. Maybe season two? Who knows?
As always, thank you for reading. Hope you are looking forward to the next chapter.
