Chapter 45: Pier 16 (Part 12)

[I wish I could welcome you back under better circumstances, Natsume.]

The Taimanin regretfully lowered her head, responding, "My apologies, Principal. This is-"

[I didn't say that as admonishment, it was genuine. Unfortunately circumstances dictate that we have precious little time to catch up, we'll have to speak at a later date.]

"Understood, Principal."

Cayman reflected that Asagi - who was wearing MILF energy like a finely tailored suit even across a video screen - looked a bit frazzled at the moment, a few strands of hair sticking out haphazardly while her shirt's collar was mildly askew, dark bags under her sharp eyes that hinted at a restless time.

"And hot damn is she like a finely aged wine. This is one Mrs. Robinson I wouldn't mind trying to seduce me."

Quickly shaking off those thoughts he instead asked, "So what's the damage? I'm going to give the perpetrators the benefit of the doubt and assume it wasn't just a terrorist attack for shits and giggles."

[It wasn't, unfortunately. Considering they're the only ones with both the manpower and knowledge to make it past our defenses and strike at whatever they desired we believe this was the work of the Incubus King and his forces. Considering that a few Succubi, Injuu and Devils were involved in the assault that guess holds more water than other theories.]

Natsume seemed positively morose at the news as Cayman thoughtfully tapped his chin, Asagi finishing with, [Thankfully casualties were light. Two staff who had been taking inventory and another pair of guards in charge of the secure vaults, as well as a dozen injuries of varying severity. Fifteen dead among our attackers, though none were able to be taken alive.]

She sent a nod Cayman's way, adding, [It's fortuitous you were able to rescue Natsume as quickly as you did, this was the epitome of a rush job and had they more time to plan around what information they gleaned from her mind they might have been able to more effectively surprise us, despite precautions taken.]

"While that's nice to hear the words 'secure vault' send uncomfortable tingles up my spine."

Asagi's expression soured as she responded, [It should, considering what was stolen.]

"I wish I wasn't right."

"What was stolen, Principal?"

"Yeah, was it some kind of super duper doomsday weapon?"

Cayman glanced to the rest of the meeting's attendees, Kuroka, Felicia, Mai and Natsume all seated around him as the Vampire eagerly leaned forward in her chair, engrossed in the report as she no doubt fantasized about ruining whatever scheme their enemies had been cooking up.

"Props to Asagi though, she barely so much as blinked at Kuroka and Felicia being in attendance."

[Unfortunately that's not too far off the mark. What was taken was one of your predecessor's finer works, Lute. Alfred Norman - the Artificer - created a series of automatons during the last few years of his life that were a step away from the more mass produced military versions he earned his notoriety from. One of the most successful lines of these variants were the 'Maid Series' that became highly demanded by those that could afford them.]

The Surveyor pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing in resignation at the actions of yet another one of his seniors while holding up a hand to forestall the rest of the group's obvious questions about his relation to the dude.

"Although maybe I'm being a little too harsh. After all if I had the ability to create a highly personalized line of cyborg maids according to my fetishes I absolutely would have done that."

"While interesting I doubt it was a high-grade housekeeper that was pilfered from your vaults."

[If only. One of these later models was the culmination of everything he had accomplished during the course of his life, an overwhelmingly dangerous and powerful Android that not only possessed combat potential in the top fifteen percentile of the world but also - if the blueprints and journal entries are to be believed - possesses an electronic warfare suite so far beyond anything we currently field that it could conceivably destroy or alter any form of technological protection that can be thrown its way.]

Cayman blinked, eventually replying, "Well thank Christ I erase my browser history every day."

[While these variants were no doubt intended to serve as deterrents or bodyguards he was killed before they could be fully implemented, to the best of our knowledge this was the only model ever completed and we sealed it away for a bevy of security reasons.]

"And now it's in the hands of people that would happily use it for a whole host of nasty reasons. Although considering I still have money in my bank accounts and the power hasn't been shut off I assume they don't have a way to immediately activate this thing, right?"

[That's our current assumption. Considering the effort and haste they employed when retrieving it logic would dictate they employ its capabilities as soon as possible, to reduce the risk of it being tracked or located.]

Cayman held back a sigh, wryly reflecting that he apparently had another one of these 'culminating works' in his basement still chilling out.

"Fucking hell, I know doomsday scenarios are a dime a dozen in these franchises but this feels like jumping the gun a bit, don't yah think? Guess I'm not waking up that scary lady downstairs anytime soon."

He brought his attention back to the here and now as Natsume grimaced, morosely stating, "If I had not been so lax as to be captured by the Incubus King none of this would be happening."

Felicia rolled her eyes, dryly stating, "Yeah, I'm not too happy about you being mind slaved for awhile either, or whatever you want to call it."

Asagi was quick to intervene, stating, [Be that as it may we are not entirely blameless in this matter. Mai and the rest were quick to inform us of your capture and subsequent rescue but there were simply too many changes to our security to implement on short notice. Something that will be rectified in the future. For now you are to continue working with Cayman and ensure that your actions against the Khaos Brigade keep them off balance and otherwise preoccupied. If you manage to find any leads on where the automaton was taken the better.]

Asagi huffed out a sigh, tapping away on an offscreen keyboard as she explained, [If there's a silver lining to this mess it's that we spent a not insignificant amount of time trying to activate Norman's creation to no avail. While it's not outside the realm of possibility that they have a means to do so I'm of the opinion it was more a case of asset denial than it was genuine opportunity.]

The gamer inwardly frowned, not entirely sure of that line of reasoning. While Asagi obviously couldn't just go ahead and list every artifact or dirty little secret they had stashed away in Gosha Academy's vaults the fact of the matter was the Incubus King's agents had taken the Android over whatever else was in there…while he agreed that activating the thing was going to be hard he doubted it was just a simple case of keeping it out of their hands.

"Well either way we'll keep doing what we've been doing and keep an ear out for any signs of this latest mess. I've got a few contacts over here that might actually be able to help so I'll try getting in touch with them."

[No arguments on my side. Natsume, see if you can get in touch with some of your old sources as well - I'll send you a list of those that stayed in contact with us - and help Lute as needed. On that note I'm dispatching Yukikaze and Jinglei to you, Lute. They were involved in the attack and have worked with you in the past, hopefully this will bear fruit. And from what I've heard Argento and Hortensia are also on their way, you should be receiving their flight details from Sanctuary within a few hours.]

"Reinforcements, eh? Well I'm not about to turn down the extra help, not to mention I've got the room."

Asagi hesitated for a moment, seemingly debating with herself over whether to ask something before inquiring, [As I suspect you know Yukikaze is still having to take specific medication for her ordeal in Under EDEN, if you were able to relieve Natsume of her corruption by the Incubus King do you believe you could do the same for her?]

Curious about the idea himself - the King's method of control had been more magical than it had been mechanical - he nonetheless replied, "While I'd be more than happy to give it a shot it's up to Yukikaze if she wants to go ahead and try. The method itself is a bit…intense."

He smirked at the way Natsume's ears briefly pinked, Asagi picking up on the tell and no doubt inferring that something which could make an experienced operative like her blush was 'intense' indeed.

"Intense, he says. More like a whirlwind ride start to finish, nya."

"A-aren't we in the middle of a meeting?!"

Mai's stutter and flushed expression had Felicia rolling her eyes while Asagi's lips merely quirked, the woman responding, [If that's all then this meeting is over, there's no shortage of things to do on my end.]

"Understood. Thank you for your patience and understanding, Principal Asagi."

The line closed with Natsume's remarks and the group turned Cayman's way, the older Taimanin asking, "What was that about you being related to Norman?"

"Not much other than the fact that he and I were and are agents of Alaya and that I'm currently working in the Kaleidoscope's employ as a vetting process."

Natsume blinked, clearly caught off guard by the blunt admission while Kuroka and Mai had prior knowledge of his circumstances.

Felicia just looked disinterested, instead asking, "Hey, who are these people that you said might be working with us in this city? I want to meet them!"

"Kinda curious myself, nya."

Shrugging at the pair's professed interest he turned to Natsume and Mai, both Taimanin shaking their heads as Natsume stated, "I must begin my work immediately, unfortunately."

"I will be aiding her for the time being as well as relaying the news of our coming allies."

"Suit yourself."

He let a wicked smile cross his features.

"I'm sure you would have loved to meet who I've got in mind."


"An excellent summary, I do believe I have the entire picture of what you need my services for."

"I'm glad we understand one another, now will there be anything-"

"Services I seriously doubt I should be offering in this particular scenario."

Smiling at Touko's blunt response - it was honestly the reply he had expected from the woman - Cayman instead asked, "Oh? And why is that so? I would have thought you'd be all for a dashing life of adventure."

"Adventure is overrated. Also I'd like it if you would have your paramours stop sitting on my desks."

Cayman glanced behind him, Kuroka politely plopping her butt down in a chair - and looking oddly sullen - while Felicia had taken up residence on the lip of Mikiya's desk, the male giving the pinkette the occasional glance that was half nervous and half pleading for her to move elsewhere, not that she did and merely met his looks with a friendly smile.

He also understood the paramour remark, since the Vampire had swung by a clothing shop while they were en route and gotten some new threads, currently sporting a sleeveless turtleneck and miniskirt with leggings and flats that definitely crossed over into the deliberately alluring territory.

"So this is who you wanted us to meet, huh? You know I kinda expected the notorious Red to be way scarier and not so librarian-like. Is the famed puppet maker actually a total pushover?"

Rolling his eyes at the girl's teasing Cayman decided to intervene before a fight broke out, tapping his trusty rebar 'spear' against the Demon's rear and channeling a minor [Volt Thrust] as she yelped and jumped into the air slightly.

"Behave, would you? We're talking business right now, not playground brawls."

"Oh, I guess I can do that…hehe, you sure know how to get me all riled up, Mister Surveyor~!"

"Later, if you would."

Dramatically sighing Felicia did as requested, hopping off the desk before attempting to sit in Kuroka's lap as the black cat grumpily deflected her onto a different chair with a push of her arm, the Vampire pouting at the denial.

+5 REP with Felicia [100/100]!

"Gotta say, your little gang of personnel seems to get more and more varied everytime you stop by."

Touko didn't bother hiding her bemusement, staring with unabashed curiosity at the mismatched duo.

"Waltzing in with a pair of highly sought after criminals in tow like they're your friends, knowing I'm never one to pass up an opportunity? Not sure if I would describe that as bold or stupid…and why should I care about this hacker droid or whatever? Dangerous, certainly, but I'm not exactly someone who has a whole lot of investment in the electronic side of things."

Mikiya beamed, unwrapping the sandwich Cayman had brought the agency as a lunch peace offering as he added, "She's right, you know. We can barely afford the electricity and water bills, never mind high-speed internet or other such luxuries."

Touko sent the youth a nasty glare that had him quickly retreating behind a turkey club, Kuroka offering Cayman an unhappy look as she stated, "You really weren't kidding when you said you know weird people. And I definitely didn't expect the Puppet Master to be slumming it in a rundown office, nya."

"Yeah, that's what I was thinking!"

Scowling at Kuroka and Felicia's comment Touko grouchily replied, "If you don't approve of my lifestyle you can pack up your attitudes and leave."

"They are correct, though. Garan no Dou could use a dusting."

Shiki's idle observation from where she stood off to the side - idly examining a strawberry milkshake for the eighth consecutive minute - left the older Magus grumbling under her breath, Cayman noting with interest that Kuroka's ears tended to flatten whenever she laid eyes on the reserved woman, a reaction a bit different than her general surliness from a few moments prior.

"Maybe a result of her Mystic Eyes? I mean if Senjutsu is all about life sensing then Death Perception is probably the most spiritually horrifying thing you can perceive, aside from watching your parents fuck."

"All that aside you still haven't made it clear why I should even be going along with this insanity. It's a lot of risk for debatable reward."

"How's sixty million Yen sound if you find a lead on our missing machine?"

Mikiya dropped his sandwich, Shiki stopped examining the milkshake and haunting symbols of wealth flashed across Touko's eyes - an amusing sight for sure when he considered her usual aloofness - before she mastered herself a moment later, casually stating, "Tempting, but if you're willing to offer that much then there's some serious trouble involved in this job, one hell of a catch."

She raised an eyebrow, archly asking, "And can you even afford to part with that kind of money? Last I checked you were still poor and working with a barter system."

"Do I seem stupid enough to try ripping you off?"

"Stupid? Debatable…although not that stupid."

"Roundabout compliments are just as nice as the usual ones."

Leaning back in her chair and folding her arms Touko entered haggling mode, stating, "A hundred million. Sounds like there's a lot of unspoken risk involved with this assignment and I hope I don't have to remind you that I enjoy my neutrality, which this is technically asking me to breach."

"I'm not asking you to go marching off to war or do anything more strenuous than a bit of investigative work. Seventy million."

"High profile work tends to draw reprisal, especially if I'm denying an asset that's as potentially powerful as this machine. Ninety million."

"Ha! Since when have you feared reprisal, or is the Sealing Designate classification just for show? Seventy million."

Touko's eyes narrowed, tone cool as a cucumber as she stated, "If you're willing to pay so much then you're clearly in need of help worth that much. Eighty million."

"You were just pointing out how I have a never ending slew of companions and allies from every walk of life with a variety of skillsets. Consider this a friendly continuation of business and hedging of my bets, not a desperate hail mary attempt to solve a problem that can't be otherwise fixed."

The Surveyor offered a friendly smile.

"Seventy million."

+10 REP with Touko Aozaki [35/100]

"Fine. We have a deal."

"Glad to hear it! So, why don't we all just have a nice, relaxing lunch and chat about our next set of moves?"

He raised his own meal with a grin, Touko shrugging as she popped her own carton, a backwards glance revealing Kuroka staring at him with an unreadable expression while Felicia merely giggled.

"I knew you weren't going to be boring~!"


Touko skimmed the report Cayman had given her before heading off with his latest comedy skit masquerading as a combat team, admittedly intrigued by the possibilities held within a few sheets of paper and a couple maps.

"Something on your mind, Touko?"

Glancing up at Mikiya's puppy dog face the Magus merely shrugged, replying, "Just thinking that this is a happy little chore that's fallen into my lap, is all."

Neutrality faded into greed.

"A chore that pays very well indeed."

"Will you need help?"

Raising an eyebrow at Shiki's unexpected comment the Magus curiously asked, "Offering? That's a first."

"You seem to enjoy his company beyond the money and resources he offers you."

Touko paused to actually consider the surprising comment, eventually smirking a bit as she replied, "I suppose I do. It's not too often you run across someone who doesn't mind the boundaries this kind of life inevitably creates, doubly so when they keep coming back regardless."

The Magus - even if she would never admit to it - was pleasantly bemused by the Surveyor. It was strange beyond belief that someone who knew precisely who she was, what she'd done and was capable of doing would so consistently seek her out, for seemingly no other reason than he enjoyed her company.

Oh, he couched it as maintaining a business friendly relationship - and she was fairly certain that was half true - but if the utterly bewildering variety of allies he dropped by with was any indication the man enjoyed consorting with every kind of soul under the sun, heedless of their origins or reputation.

Felicia Black was definitely an unexpected showing, the daughter of Edwin Black being an overall small fry in the grand scheme of things but carrying enough notoriety to be of note…and what she knew of the Vampire painted a picture of capricious loyalty and continual whim, not one of adoration and infatuation towards Lute.

Ordinarily she would have just labeled that as the Vampire playing some lovestruck fool like a fiddle but having worked with the Surveyor on more than one occasion there was no way he would fall for that uninspired of an act. Whatever had pushed the two together had clearly and genuinely endeared the Vampire to him.

Thankfully the Yokai was a bit of an easier mystery. While she and her wonderful sister barely crossed paths and spoke even less what correspondence they had shared had made brief mention of the Wizard Marshall taking occasional interest in others outside their sphere of influence, the Yokai sibling duo being one of them.

Although she had to wonder what sort of circumstances arose that gave the man the authority or pull to get Kuroka Toujou on his side, maybe even Shirone Toujou as well.

The chance to maybe get her hands on one of Alfred Norman's personal projects was just icing on the cake. While their mutual methods of creation were vastly different the end result was the same, attempting to create a puppet or doll with great power and a true spark of life.

"Appreciate the offer, Shiki, but I think I'll be just fine with this task."

She felt a smile tug at the edges of her mouth.

"It's not everyday that I get to have a little fun. And no Magus worth the title turns down the chance to learn or experience something new."

She really was starting to appreciate Lute randomly walking through her door that one day. Things hadn't proved to be this interesting for a long time indeed.


"You're crazy. One hundred percent fucked in the head, nya."

"That you weren't this upset about me taking in Felicia is rather telling. What's got your ears in a twist about Touko?"

"Yeah, I heard she was a crazy bitch and other stuff but she seemed pretty chill."

Cayman and Felicia's response had Kuroka dully glaring at them.

"Me and little sis have worked for the Wizard Marshall for a good number of years now. We've occasionally chatted with Aoko Aozaki. And let me tell you, the stories she's told me - from one sister to another - are not pretty."

"Doesn't help that most of them are true, either. The one about how she tried to have Lugh kill them, right? Or was it the other associated murders?"

Felicia tilted her head, intrigued at the back-and-forth as Kuroka narrowed her eyes, bluntly stating, "You know. And you're still playing nice with her, despite the fact that she's a familicide-loving bitch who tried to off her sister-"

"I'm working with her for the same reason I smoothed over things between you and everyone else. Same reason I have the Vampire here along for the ride despite her heritage and reputation. People change, Kuroka. And motivations are rarely skin deep unless you're dealing with some magnificently boring people."

The Vampire quietly faded into the background, caught off guard by the sudden turn in vehemence from the black cat and cold certainty from the Human as she decided not to get stuck in the crossfire.

Sure, she knew blacky had a close bond with her sister but even when she'd been hunting them in live combat she'd never been this pissed.

"Oh, well aren't you so worldly and wise?"

"Just speaking from personal experience. And think of it this way, if I end up being wrong you're going to have the perfect excuse for payback by telling Zelretch I'm actually a scumbag."

"So you're just telling me to sit down and accept your decision like a good little kitty?"

"Funnily enough, yes. That's how leadership works and if this is too much for you to accept then ball's in your court for how to go forward."

The duo stared each other down for a few more seconds, Felicia wondering if she should try to break the ice…and the Yokai gave up first with a colossal sigh, rubbing her head and grumbling, "You're too convincing for your own good. Gonna have such a headache after this, nya…"

"I hear head scratches are a good alternative to Ibuprofen."

"Don't push it."

Glad that the atmosphere had cleared as quickly as it had clouded the Vampire decided to continue the trend, pointing to Kuroka's retreating back before asking, "Is she a spy?"

"Yup. Still on the fence whether she's a really good one or a really bad one."

"You're pushing it."

Cayman's chuckle and the Yokai's petulant grumble had the Demon's mood take an upswing, skipping alongside the duo as she reflected this was already looking to be a fun time indeed.