Reasoning

Alex, Bryce and Emera all arrived just outside of her office. She invited Alex inside in order to finish their business. Bryce sat outside under the premise that he'd guard her office. One would know the real reason by the hardened look he shared with them before they entered.

Emera sat at her desk, Alex elected to stand. He stubbornly refused after she insisted he do so. A pregnant pause hung between the two for several moments. She sorted some papers in the meantime before deciding to open her mouth.

"Ambassador. Alex. There's something I feel you should know." Emera spoke bluntly.

"And that is?" Alex replied.

"I know."

"You know what?

"I know about you. What you are, the other human, the comet."

"And how are you so sure?"

"I have my methods."

"Tell me." Alex bent down over the politician, his gaze darkening.

"Easy, super spy. This isn't an interrogation." Emera leaned back casually.

"It will be if you don't start talking right now."

"What are you going to do? Your precious chief is right outside. All I have to do is shove everything off my desk and he'll be in to lock you up." Emera smiled a smug smile up at Alex. How he wanted to wipe it off her face.

"Pretty sure you aren't faster than a bullet."

"That better not have been a threat, Ambassador."

"I don't make threats, minister. Only promises." Alex growled. Emera sat upright, thinking, her arms crossed.

"All you had to do was ask nicely." She finally relented. "I think you and your little gray friend should know by now. I was there, after all."

"You snuck through."

"Snuck through is such harsh language. I prefer the term 'diplomatically entered'."

"When did that happen?"

"That's my little secret." A wink.

"When, Emera?" Alex planted himself on her desk. His eyes flared with irritation. She didn't even flinch. He checked his watch. No, he checked its rim. Nothing out of the ordinary to her.

"Easy there, super spy. Don't get your tail twisted in a knot. What matters is that I'm here, and I can help." Emera leaned back casually, her arms behind her head. What a smug little pose.

"How so?" He decided to humor the devil.

"I have connections, Alex. Let's not beat around the bush and say I'm not known to my peers. I can get you whatever you need to stop the comet."

"You want to help? You?"

"Let's face it, everyone's going to die again and again to that thing unless you have a plan. You're going to need help, and I can give that to you."

"What do you want?" Alex's eyes narrowed.

"To not die again, for one. As for the other..." Emera paused, probably just for dramatic effect. Alex already knew what she was going to say. "I want Bryce."

"Not gonna happen." He growled. He was ready to put a bullet through her skull if she dared mention him one more time.

"Then I suppose there's no more to discuss. Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." Emera then went back to her papers. Her handwriting was relatively neat compared to Bryce or Remy's. Alex supposed that was to be expected when you have to write a lot. He silently stood up and padded toward the door. "Oh, one more thing." She said before he could turn the knob. "There's a saying I think you should think about. 'If you love something, let it go.' I think you should consider that before speaking with me again." Alex left with those final words floating in his head.

Alex shut the door, shaking like a leaf. Bryce immediately noticed and went to ask. His new friend just raised a tight fist, letting it drop a second later. A mix of anger and sorrow was present on his features as he turned around and left...

Outside, Alex found a shaded bench to sit on. Tears streaked his cheeks as he let his frustrations out. He didn't care in the slightest about who was watching. He just needed to do this. He couldn't believe Emera used a Douglass Horton quote against him like that. She didn't even say the whole thing! Did she even know the rest of it?!

Did he know the rest of it...? He remembered Zoe telling him the day before she left. The day before he knew she wouldn't be coming back. He'd been crying just like this because of how much he'd miss her. She came over in that striped cardigan he loved and sat with him, rubbing his head and brushing her fingers through his hair. She told him how much she'd miss him and to take care of Macy while she was gone. To think his kid was only thirteen at the time... astonishing.

"You know, I read a quote the other day. 'If you love something, let it go'..." She said right before boarding that cursed plane. He knew there was more to it, he just couldn't remember what it was for the life of him. He exhaled a dry chuckle. Here he was, crying over someone who he'll probably never see again after this was over, and he was trying to remember a quote of all things.

The irony of it all.

"Oh, it's the human again. What're you doing outside like- oh." Adine's curious voice immediately shifted once she saw his face. The obviousness that he'd been beside himself with sorrow was painful.

"Hey Adine. Sorry, I'm just... letting stuff out."

"No, no. I'm sorry. I should've realized."

"It's okay. I appreciate the check-up, even if it was in passing." Alex gave a weak smile.

"Are you okay, though?"

"Not really... I'll have to tell you later. It's a long story.

"O-kay?"

"And hey, if you pass by the Chief at any time, could you pass him a message?"

"I guess. What is it?"

"Just tell him I said I'm sorry, and that... I'll be alright in due time."

"If you're sure about it."

"Yeah. He deserves to hear how I'm holding up." Alex glanced toward Adine with a sad smile. "I'd best be off. See you later." He didn't give her a chance to say goodbye as he got off the bench and left for his house. He'd best be prepared for tonight, in case the dragons needed any help. Not that he would give them much of a choice...

After being asked to meet at the station, Alex sat in Bryce's office. He was currently in the middle of a briefing by Sebastian regarding the case and Viper. He found it funny how small Sebastian looked in Bryce's chair.

"So Bryce managed to write some orders down regarding the Izquierdo case before he had to go." Sebastian said, nose buried in the document.

"Hit me with it." Alex replied.

"Seems he wants us to figure out your little friend's association with him. Capture them if you can. Then there's the list he compiled for you."

"What's on it?"

"That's for you to find out." Alex didn't like that statement. It made him feel like Bryce knew his darkest secret. Sebastian slid him the list so he could see.

"Great..."

That list was sort of similar when Alex opened it. There were the separate interrogations of Anna and Damion, assuming Damion didn't shit himself and forget everything when he went night-night.

The lab stuff was replaced with lure 'Grim' downtown, with an added 'we'll take it from there'. Sounded like a trap. He'd be sure to avoid it. Maybe he'd hand-deliver Viper right into Bryce's lap instead.

'Interrogate Zhong, the bartender'. He must've heard the fire alarm on that night, maybe seen the fire brigade roll up to an obviously-not-on-fire building. Maybe he even heard Reza's gunshots. Alex was glad Bryce didn't make any assumptions to him knowing Zhong's name or occupation. There were details on his two workplaces' addresses below the listing. Good.

Was that it, though? It seemed like such a short list. Either way, he had something to go off of. Maybe he could add to it later. For now, he'd just follow it. Give Reza a little surprise later...

The darkened hallways leading up to Anna's lab were ripe with dread. Alex had a feeling about how this would go the moment he entered the building. Maybe Viper would be more persuasive. Still, this was worth a shot for the case.

There was already a someone inside with Anna and Damion as he approached. The horns and muzzle gave him immediate relief. He pulled out his phone to record and crept up next to the door...

"I don't get why I have to give my statement again." Anna's voice rang out.

"Because Alex clearly caused you stress when he was around. We figured it'd be better if someone completely neutral got your statement instead." That voice... that was that one dragon. What was her name again?

"He's more than a stressor, Officer, he's the suspect."

"Just tell me your statement, please. We'll figure out if he's the suspect." Naomi! That was it. She was in the locker room with him and Sebastian. He didn't know why he was taken in there in the first place. He could've just waited outside.

"Fine. So Damion and I got into an argument, and I left to get some air, maybe some coffee while I was at it. I was at the machine when I felt something press against my back. Then Alex grabbed me and knocked me out."

"You mean to say he struck you?"

"No, he choked me. Lifted me up, acting like his arm was a noose or something. When I came to, I heard explosions and ran for the fire alarm. Then I saw Alex running."

"Did you see what he was wearing?"

"Yes... sort of. He had on this weird black getup with a helmet. Very Sci-Fi."

"Do you think you could give more detail?" Naomi asked.

"No, I'm afraid not. I didn't catch any outside of the helmet having two bright beams coming from the face." Anna replied.

"Was it dark, like it is now?"

"Yes. Too dark to make out individual things. I'm afraid that's all I have."

"I see. Any thoughts, Sir?" Naomi presumably turned to Damion.

"I... I wish I could help, but I don't remember any of that. I barely even remember yesterday afternoon." Damion's voice raised due to stress.

"I found this stuck in him. Another product of Alex's, I imagine." His dart! He got so focused on Reza that he forgot to retrieve it. Damn, he should've been more careful.

"A dart?" Naomi suppressed a laugh. "No way something that small knocked someone of his size out." Believe it sister. Just a milligram of his tranquilizer could put even a full-grown elephant to sleep. And they'd wake up the next morning, clueless.

"Well, something had to. There's been weird shit going on since this guy arrived. I'd sooner believe this can knock someone out than anything you'd have."

"And you're sure this wasn't some sort of prank?"

"Does it look like one? Look at Damion, he can't even remember if he brushed his teeth yesterday." Anna threw both of her hands out at him.

"Actually, I just can't remember past that afternoon." Damion said blankly, a finger raised.

"You would correct me right now, wouldn't you?" Anna sneered.

"Don't start fights, Anna." Naomi ordered. Anna shot her a glare, but remained silent. "Well, if that's going to be everything, I'll be on my way. Have a good night." Naomi pointed her thumb out the door. Alex tucked his head out of the way so he wouldn't be easily seen. The officer strided out the door, Anna and Damion's argument continuing as soon as she disappeared from earshot. Alex decided it best to get away. He had a feeling they were in for a long night...

"Alex. Hello again. How can I help you?" Zhong greeted Alex as he came in. He'd gone straight to the convenience store in an effort to save time and get more done. At least he had his bag on him, so he wouldn't exactly have to head home. He'd just have to be careful about using the front pocket.

"Just a few questions, courtesy of your friend Bryce." Alex replied simply.

"What does he need?"

"Some answers on last night."

"Right. I take it, they pertain to my report?"

"Exactly that. You reported hearing something yesterday, according to Bryce's notes."

"Of course. This was when I came back from my second job, so around two or three in the morning. I could barely make anything out in the darkness, but there was a lot of noise coming from the production facility."

"That doesn't tell me very much. What exactly did you hear?" Alex deadpanned.

"Small explosions, with a window breaking. Then the fire alarm went off. It was very weird." Zhong crossed his arms and nodded as he spoke.

"And you're sure you didn't see anything? Nothing suspicious at all?"

"Nothing. It was much too dark, and everything that I heard, took place inside. I wasn't sure what was going on."

"Well, that's not much. What did you do after hearing all this?"

"Nothing. I sort of just stood there for a minute, then went home. It was a little strange, and I wouldn't have bothered to mention it under normal circumstances. I only did because of the police's call for witnesses." Zhong explained. At least Alex hadn't been fully revealed... yet.

"Damn. Here I thought this would've been more fruitful. Thanks anyway, Zhong. You've been a help." Alex bid his farewell, turning to leave just as someone else came in.

"See you around, Alex..."

The portal stood solemnly in the distance. Alex stared for a minute from a rooftop. Emera snuck through after he'd been transported back to the beginning, but why? What possessed her to do such a thing? And why tell him? Was she seriously trying to use that as a power play against him? And to win Bryce over, nonetheless? It seemed highly likely from what she said earlier that day. That phrase... it kept repeating itself the more he thought about it.

It seemed he'd have to pay her a visit...

Upscale Suburb - 11:04PM

Viper crept up to Emera's place, noticing Bryce guarding the house with a headlamp. He was next to the trellis they used to climb in before. Clever boy. They'd have to find a different way up. But of course, the devil on their shoulder said to create a distraction and knock him out. They had the darts for it, but they'd almost ran through their supply.

Bryce sighed and leaned up against the trellis. He wished he were home instead of walking laps around this lady's house. He got that she was paranoid of an encounter with Alex's 'Grim Reaper', but did she have to take it that far? Just how far was she willing to go?

Something crashed into the bushes to his left, startling him into alertness.

"Hey! Who's there?!" He called out. Silence. "This is the police. Come out or I will come in there!" He threatened. After another moment, he stalked up to the bush...

He didn't know what he expected when he parted its limbs. All there was, was a rock that tumbled deeper in. Nothing was behind it either. He began to wonder just who could've thrown it.

Viper started up the trellis right as Bryce parted the shrub. Their throw hit its mark just right. They were afraid they'd hit the wall by accident, but nope. At least they didn't have to use up a dart just to get in. They pried the window open again and climbed through, shutting it back.

Emera slumbered peacefully in her bedroom. She probably thought she was safe under poor Bryce's watch. She thought wrong. Viper pulled another card and wrote on the back, placing it neatly on her nightstand. The bright white ink of their new pen would be perfectly readable. They turned from the card to her. She didn't care to use blankets in summer, did she?

A light shined in from the first floor. They completely forgot about Bryce's headlamp. As he passed, Emera stirred a little. They'd have to be careful getting out. A window he just passed would be decent, unless they wanted to just sneak out the back door.

That would be a funny way to mess with her, actually. Make her think she was being attacked from the most obvious angle. Then again, part of their M.O. was to leave as little evidence of their passing as possible.

'How'd that work out, Alex?' They thought as they crept downstairs. Bryce had rounded a corner, and his light now shined through to the front. They went into a guest bathroom and left through the other window. Now for Bryce to receive his prize...

Bryce had just rounded toward the front of Emera's house when he heard a noise. No. He didn't just hear noise, he heard music. A short cacophony of trumpets blasted in the darkness across the street. He shined his light intensely over the area for a few moments. Someone was definitely messing with him now. When he looked away, it started up again. Ten seconds of loud, crackly trumpets, as though they were being played from an old record player. He started over quietly. This person was about to realize just who they were fucking with.

Viper waited for Bryce to come just close enough to hear a whisper. He squinted into the tree they were hiding in. He'd have a hard time pointing them out with their hiding spot. They activated their night vision, with his face illuminated. They didn't like the look in his eyes.

"Hey, get out of there right now!" Bryce yelled into the foliage. His stance was squared and ready for a fight. They dropped into the flowers below, raising into their full height.

"Evening, Chief." Viper said in his own voice. His face twisted into an enraged frenzy.

"You!" Bryce snarled, lunging just like he did back in his office. Viper sidestepped him and grabbed a wrist.

"Easy! I'm not here to start another fight." They tried to pacify him.

"Like heck if you're getting anywhere near that house! I know what you're after!" He ripped his arm back, Almost taking them with it.

"I'm not here for the minister! I'm here to apologize." They snapped.

"You're damn right, you are. And then you're going to jail!" He swiped at them again.

"Not doing that either. Just listen, will you?" Viper narrowly avoided a strike from Bryce's tail. That mace-like tip would be brutal if it connected.

"Not unless you're fessing up, asshole!" Bryce reared up and brought himself down, only to be rolled over their shoulder and into the ground.

"I will if you listen." They brought Bryce's fore paws backward as far as they'd go without outright causing him injury. He writhed and struggled to break free, even rolling over, but it was no use. He was effectively pinned.

"Not... like I have anything... better to do anymore." He finally gave up the fight, laying his head into the soil.

"Good. Look, I'm after Reza as well. I'd tracked him to the production facility after a lot of effort. Figured he was going to kill someone else while he was at it. I had to borrow one of the scientists as bait for my trap. My plan was to execute him from above-"

"You were going to kill him?" Bryce grunted.

"He killed two of yours already. Eye for an eye." Viper muttered.

"Two wrongs don't make a right." Bryce struggled again. Viper decided to let him go if he decided to play nice.

"It's not that strict in my eyes. Anyway, he got away and we got into a firefight. Anna, the scientist I baited him with, woke up and pulled the fire alarm. She must've thought things were going haywire in the labs."

"So you ran?"

"Everyone ran. Reza, me, even Anna and her colleague."

"You because you didn't want to get caught."

"My M.O. is usually to not leave evidence. Reza made things messy."

"I'm guessing Damion not remembering anything is your doing too?" Bryce's face changed to suspicion.

"I'm afraid so. I didn't want either of them to get hurt. I wasn't trying to play recklessly." Viper said sorrowfully.

"And Naomi...?"

"I'm sorry."

"Why do you do these things?"

"To keep people from getting hurt."

"Well, you're doing it the wrong way. Naomi came to me confused and scared because of you!" Bryce chastised. Viper glanced down sorrowfully.

"I know it's wrong, and I'm sorry. It's the only thing I can do that doesn't physically harm anyone." They took a breath, straightening up. "I'm not here for that."

"Maybe you should reconsider your tactics."

"They work with the officers of Onyx."

"But not here."

"They're the only thing I've got. You want your coworkers - your friends calling in with broken limbs and concussions? Because I certainly don't want to cause that." Viper raised their voice. Bryce stewed in his thoughts for several moments, deliberating his few options as they stared on.

"Stay out of Reza's case. We have it covered." He growled.

"Yeah. That first murder says it all."

" We have it covered. And don't you dare harass anyone or I will find out. You don't want to see me pissed off." Bryce readied his stance again.

"I'm not trying to, Bryce. I'm only trying to help." Viper reassured him before vanishing into thin air. Bryce rushed to where they were to find nothing. This vigilante was just... gone.

Just what was he actually up against...?