Chapter 30: Run Before You Walk (Part 17)
"Now I imagine we're all busy and would like to get this over with as soon as possible, why don't we skip the pleasantries and stuff and get right to what needs discussing?"
[No disagreements here.]
[I have no objections.]
[I was just about to suggest the very same thing.]
Gratefully leaning back in his chair Zelretch stared at his workstation's monitor, three faceless icons staring back at him courtesy of their voice call.
"Ahh, sensibility. If only all meetings I was forced to attend were like this."
[You're welcome to attend Gosha Academy as a guest instructor any time you want, Kaleidoscope. I guarantee that you'll have a newfound appreciation for boring get togethers when most of your time is spent trying to coral the next generation of Taimanin AND the instructors.]
[You know if work ever gets to be too much for you, Asagi, you're welcome to head on over to the Grigori for a vacation~!]
[I appreciate the offer, Azazel, but that sounds like the opposite of a vacation as I'll be spending much of my time trying to fend off your wandering hands.]
[Well, shit.]
A snort of amusement left Shiva at the familiar banter between the pair, Zelretch lacing his hands behind his head before idly stating, "While we're on the topic, our mutual Fallen friend is sitting in on this meeting because he's come across something rather concerning, something that correlates to a mission Asagi sent her own on not long ago. Namely Hoestia's extermination."
That killed the mood quick, Shiva releasing a resigned breath as the God blandly remarked, [Don't tell me, let me guess. Another one of Alaya's projects to replace the previous one?]
"Just so."
[A member of Slash Dog reported coming across a Surveyor that was in contact with the wielder of Divine Dividing, asking for their assistance in dealing with a matter that a pair of Taimanin scouts had brought to his attention, a matter pertaining to the remnants of Nomad and an unknown organization.]
While he may not have been able to physically see them Zelretch knew their little get together was now paying rapt attention, the leader of the Grigori continuing with, [The summarized version of things is that that Surveyor managed to end up leading a mismatched group of Enforcers, Taimanin, Longinus wielders and a Valkyrie into the heart of this previously unknown operation and came into contact with both Creusery Asmodeus and the Incubus King, the latter using the persona of Kuroi Ryuuji as an alias. The overall outcome of this endeavor was the death of the Taimanin operator Natsume Amadare, the location of Shiranui Mizuki as a brainwashed operative of the Incubus King and the reveal of an all too likely partnership between the Old Satan Faction and Nomad.]
There were a few short seconds of silence before Shiva released a morbidly amused huff.
[How wonderful. And I imagine whatever scheme those two have concocted is in no way detrimental or disruptive to what is an already tenuous and laughably volatile state of affairs the world over.]
[Quite so. Natsume's loss in particular is a heavy blow, she was one of my best when it came to under the table operations.]
Briefly remembering the driven and pleasant young lady he'd met once before Zelretch asked, "Any chance that her work may be salvaged?"
[The long term contacts will be salvageable - she left instructions and failsafes in place - but anything within the past year or so is lost forever.]
Zelretch nodded, reflecting that this was why the Fallen Angel was so useful. While he may not have technically been a part of Sanctuary the leader of the Grigori had his organization's fingers in quite the number of pots and was actually vested in keeping the fabric of society as intact as it could be. They might not have gotten this information until days later or understood the import of it unless his contacts in Slash Dog hadn't passed along the events.
[So which of our Surveyors came across this lucky find?]
Shiva's question was swiftly answered by Asagi, the woman replying, [One Cayman Lute, the one who aided in the Hoestia extermination mission.]
Zelretch narrowed his eyes, not recognizing the name despite knowing the identity of each and every one of their members as he pulled up the file-
-and grunted in irritation, his expectation not subverted in the slightest.
Alaya had indeed brought in yet another one of its desired enforcers, this one doing just as the previous ones had and killing off the predecessor…and of course using his influence on the profile sheet.
[That name isn't among the fifty or so we make use of. Is he your latest wayward relative, Wizard Marshall?]
Shiva's joking tone did nothing to improve Zelretch's mood, the Vampire grumbling, "Evidently. I didn't make this profile, Alaya must be taking a new approach in its implementation and ensured they have some means of influence and backing upon first arrival."
[Wonderful. I eagerly look forward to seeing what the Will of Humanity does upon its next experiment.]
The sarcastic words from the deity certainly matched Asagi's grim tone, the woman musing, [The last two in particular were nightmares to deal with both in terms of hunting them down and the impact they left behind…what shall be our course of action in dealing with this one?]
"Well we have two of our number who've had somewhat related contact with this Lute, impressions?"
Asagi pensively hummed, eventually stating, [A pair of my operatives -Yukikaze Mizuki and Su Jinglei - returned with fairly positive reviews after working with him, Asia Argento and Caren Hortensia to take down Hoestia. Considering their typically prickly personalities, that they had anything positive to say at all was impressive.]
Azazel was next, stating, [Similar feedback on my end. The wielder of Absolute Demise had nothing but good things to say about him and while she isn't exactly a hard ass she also isn't one to gush freely about a random stranger she just met.]
[Well isn't this newcomer making quite the positive impact fairly quickly? Especially compared to his predecessors. I can't quite decide if that's reassuring or terrifying.]
Shiva's mildly amused comment had Zelretch folding his hands over his cane in contemplation, thinking through everything he'd learned today and coming to a decision.
"Very well. I will personally go and speak with this newfound Surveyor and get his measure. If he's worth the effort then I think we can afford to let him be for now, if nothing else he's been able to get results."
[And if he isn't?]
Stroking the jewel embedded within his Mystic Code the Apostle bluntly stated, [Then there's no reason to let Alaya's latest experiment run loose. If nothing else I'm sure it will fashion a replacement soon enough should this one perish.]
Silent agreement was the only response, Shiva remarking, [And if he does pass your appraisal, Wizard Marshall? What shall we do with him?]
Openly smirking the Apostle replied, "Well there are already a number of resources and contacts he's gathered, has he not? Why not capitalize on those results and have him continue the hunt for this newly formed coalition?"
[An intriguing proposition, but how are we to ensure that he doesn't eventually turn out to be just as bad or worse than his predecessors? As much faith as I may have in my pupils they are relatively young.]
A resigned sigh left the woman.
[This would have been the perfect assignment for Natsume.]
"Well we'll just have to hedge our bets in as many different ways, now won't we? Your Taimanin can be assigned to his command with the order to remain wary, Slash Dog told to do so as well while I'll put in word to our other resources that their services may very well be required long term."
[Not that I'm complaining, but isn't it a risk to have people largely predisposed to liking the guy also act as watchdogs? It's not that I strongly protest so many lovely ladies being sent to work with the guy. Seriously, it isn't.]
Azazel's commentary wasn't without point, Zelretch smirking as he said, "Which is why the first wave of contact will be a certain star pupil of mine. She's been coddled with theory and 'office work' for a bit too long. A little bit of leg work and real world practice will do her development well."
The Vampire pulled up the file of a pair of their preferred Surveyors, nodding in satisfaction once he saw they were between jobs.
"Also I'm redirecting two of our own to both aid and observe this new employee. If nothing else they'll see the job done one way or another."
"...Alright now what the fuck did I do to deserve this latest bit of divine fuckery?"
Resignedly staring into the face of none other than Kischur Zelretch Schweinorg - the Vampire so much more intimidating in the flesh than on screen or paper - Cayman had to wonder if he was going to catch a break at some point in the near future. Sure, meeting previously fictional characters in the flesh was neat and all but at this rate he was going to have too many people to keep track of.
"No offense, but you are about one of the last people I expected or wanted to show up on my doorstep. If this is about the 'in your name' stuff that wasn't my fault. God did it."
Offering a patently false smile that held the slightest hints of teeth the towering man cheerfully responded, "Good, you know what this is about. Mind inviting us inside?"
"Would your Vampire nature keep you outside if I didn't?"
A single, pointed step left the Vampire as he crossed the entryway, making their respective positions of power clear before smiling down at Cayman as the gamer rolled his eyes, quickly using a finger to stroke Till's hair as the Fairy tensed up.
"As entertaining as this ego tripping is some of us have things to do, you know."
Blinking at the abrupt interruption from Rin the Surveyor belatedly remembered that yes, she was here and present. For some reason.
He'd been a little more freaked out by one of the endgame bosses coming to his apartment door with as of yet stated intentions. Although it was somewhat relaxing to hear the archetypical tsundere annoyance in the young woman's voice to do away with the tension of the Kaleidoscope's sudden drop in.
"Well, come on in to my humble abode. Don't exactly have much in the way of amenities but if the two of you are down for breakfast then be my guest."
"Why, the offer is appreciated. You wouldn't happen to have any blooded eggs, would you?"
Zelretch's amused words were a counterpoint to Rin's sour ones, the Magus grumbling, "Well aren't you just the kind soul?"
Deciding to poke the hornet's nest with a stick Cayman raised an eyebrow at Rin, turning to Zelretch before asking, "So what managed to piss her off this morning?"
A narrowed gaze of ice blue was sent the man's way as Till quietly mumbled, "Is irritating these people really a good idea?" before the Wizard Marshal merely shrugged, glibly responding, "Well you're about to find out. And so is she."
Prior irritation was quickly set aside between the newly introduced pair at Zelretch's ominous words, the arrivals taking a seat at his dining table as the gamer went about creating their morning meal while Till sent him a clearly worried glance that he could only shrug at.
"Sorry little lady, not much we can do about this other than just roll with the punches."
As he went about the prep he observed the duo while they watched him in kind, the atmosphere tense but stable as Cayman tried to get their measure. Zelretch was he had expected him to be, garbed in a suit halfway between stylish and military while a broad form filled it out just enough to appear larger than life, wrinkled face suggesting strength and wisdom rather than vulnerability and senility.
Rin was, well, Rin. Still possessing an aloof, haughty beauty as her hair was done up in a long ponytail, crimson jacket covering what looked like a white button down while glossy tights covered shapely legs that were enticingly revealed by a black miniskirt, laced up boots rounding out an appearance that was both fashionable, stylish and even alluring.
"Shame about the death glare though. Great, I'm evidently in hot water with both of them for reasons I'm only half aware of."
And while he wasn't that worried about drawing Rin's ire - it was basically a prerequisite for interacting with her in any capacity - he was infinitely less happy about being on the Vampire's maybe shit list. Best be fixing that as soon as possible.
"Veggie and salsa omelets alright? No allergies?"
His attempt at levity went unappreciated as Rin merely tapped the heel of her boot against the floor while Zelretch idly responded, "That's acceptable."
"Great. Tough crowd."
Hoping to alleviate some of the pressure Till floated over to the pair, slowly asking, "So…what brings you to my contractor's home?"
"Your contractor, obviously."
Ruby eyes bored into Cayman's emerald own as the man lazily commented, "His position on a number of issues are as of yet unknown to us, although…"
A brief twitch of his lips did away with some of the tension.
"A contracted Fairy isn't the worst place to start."
"Yup. SO fucking glad I met Till. That girl is a life saver."
The meal made and passed around there was an immensely awkward few seconds of silence as everyone dug in, Zelretch humming in satisfaction before stating, "Not half bad."
"It's okay, I've had better."
Half tempted to mention that the meal she was no doubt thinking of was only a few minutes walk away Cayman decided to hold off on that little bit of info for now, unsure of either party's feelings about the other. Sure, the Heaven's Feel route had the sisters somewhat reconciled but fucking hell was the general timeline a convoluted mess.
"So, how has the life of a Surveyor been treating you?"
Sensing that they were approaching the heart of the matter Cayman swallowed his mouthful and replied, "It reminds me of my old job. Hectic hours, crazy jobs, interesting people…definitely more action packed and risky but on the whole it's a familiar state of affairs."
"Is that right?"
The utterly neutral response from Zelretch let Cayman know that he wasn't getting out of this without a more satisfying answer, the gamer meeting the Vampire's stare as a silent understanding pervaded the small apartment.
"Fuck it. Time to take a leap of faith."
"Okay, let's lay our cards on the table in the spirit of future comradery. I need information and a place to start and would very much like it if we could skip the bullshit. I've spent the last few weeks running my ass from one end of this city to the other getting dragged into all kinds of craziness without so much as an opportunity to go to the local library and figure out what I'm dealing with."
Setting his cheap cutlery on the table with a final clack Cayman said, "If you're straight with me I'll be straight with you. I already heard from Hoestia that our circumstances are weird as hell and that there's some serious history he and my predecessors got up to."
+5 REP with Zelretch [5/100]
It took no small amount of willpower not to sigh in relief at the positive reaction he got from the man, his gamble having paid off. The Vampire had never been one given to cruelty or stupidity - at least not to those who didn't go out of their way to be as shit as possible - so he'd wagered that an appeal to reason and honesty would get his foot in the proverbial door.
"Very well, then let's start with the basics. What's your background and what manner of world did you come from? And what's your familiarity with this reality? The rest held knowledge they really shouldn't have and I doubt you're all that much different."
The man folded his hands over the gem socketed to the top of his cane, firmly stating, "Answer me this and I'll answer your questions in kind."
Inwardly musing that it was a truly unique experience to be so bluntly discussing the fact that he was from another world with knowledge of this one Cayman glanced at the two other occupants of the room, gauging their reactions. Till just looked excited at finally being told directly what his origins were even if she likely had a pretty good idea while Rin had tensed, warily staring at him as if he'd grown another head.
No doubt she knew exactly what kind of trouble was inbound when her teacher started bringing up things like otherworldly knowledge and people traveling to and from aforementioned realities.
"My world was one without magic, ethereal creatures or anything that could be vaguely described as out of the ordinary. We had legends and stories aplenty of things like Vampires, Dragons and whatnot but either 'magic' was an extraordinarily well kept secret or simply mundane enough that it never really became a big thing."
Rin immediately raised an eyebrow at his words while Zelretch just nodded, Cayman continuing with, "And as for what I did in that world?"
He felt his lips quirk, even now the job seeming hilarious with the benefit of hindsight.
"I was an accountant for the mafia."
This time it was Zelretch's turn to arch an eyebrow, musing, "Well that's a new one."
"It was a novel experience, I can tell you that much."
Rin offered an unimpressed glare, sharply asking, "So you were a criminal? Well aren't we off to a great start?"
Till bristled at the words while Cayman just lazily replied, "That's a mighty big stone you're casting there, Tohsaka. Your roommates in the glass palace you call Magus society wouldn't be happy if it smashed anything and revealed the ugly little trends you live by. Or do you approve of daddy dearest's perfectly valid and traditional act of offering Sakura to Zouken so that she could be the latest and greatest in seedbed and soul-altering technology? I hear it's quite the sensible practice for those in the business-"
SNAP!
One of his spare forks was mercilessly crushed by Rin's grip, the woman staring at him not with petulance or denial but genuine threat.
"How do you know about her?"
"Well that was going to be next on the docket before you interrupted. Shall I continue?"
-10 REP with Rin [-10/100]
"Children? Let's remain civil, please."
Shrugging at Zelretch's words Cayman watched with unabashed curiosity as Rin looked fully ready to murder him on the spot, not particularly minding the drop in REP. There were times to hold your ground and there were times to be a doormat, this didn't classify as the latter. At least not to Rin, since he got the impression she was only here to observe rather than call any real shots. Never mind that Sybaritic Initiate had proven its worth in spades when it came to making people like him.
"Regardless that was my job until I got mixed up in a deal gone wrong that ended up with me extremely dead. At which point I found myself facing down Alaya, the thing stating that it wanted me to act as some kind of watchdog or enforcer in this reality that really went wrong at some point."
Hiding his instinctive cringe at the memory of his less than stellar showing against Alaya as it brought up his 'meandering' youth Cayman merely continued with, "And that brought me to now, after having gotten roped into about fifty different kinds of excitement."
Stroking his chin the Vampire mused, "Well that's certainly a new kind of background. The others weren't nearly so varied in starting points."
Tapping a nail on the table in clear frustration Rin was quick to point out, "Except for a key few points! You still haven't explained how you know all of this or what's so 'wrong' with this realm…are you some kind of Counter Guardian?"
Snorting in amusement at the question Cayman mused, "If I'm a Counter Guardian then I am without a doubt one of the most neutered and unimpressive iterations of Alaya's security squad. And as for the other two reasons they actually go hand in hand."
Lightly rubbing Till's head as the Fairy still didn't seem entirely happy with Rin's mere existence - which he found positively endearing - the gamer explained, "In my world these realms and whatever else you might want to call them were tales of fiction or distant legend. Borrowing and intermingling with established fact or history as they would. Rin Tohsaka, Sakura Tohsaka and Shirou Emiya were just one more facet of those myriad stories."
While Zelretch looked like that was all old news to him - and it probably was, considering his skillset - Till looked mildly bewildered by the concept while Rin was outright horrified.
"You mean everything that happened…people from your world know about all of it?"
"You're apprenticed to a dimension viewing and hopping magic man that got turned into a near immortal being by the esoteric manifestation of the moon. Why does this seem like such a big reveal?"
The woman's lips parted but no sound escaped, mind no doubt coming to the highly uncomfortable realization that - while unlikely - a universe where all of theirs was mere fiction wasn't entirely outside the realm of possibility.
…Cayman took pity on her and decided not to bring up the fact that her initial introduction to the greater world had been in what was essentially an eroge, her being railed by several different partners on full display. That was probably a universal revelation too many to handle at once.
"Umm, Cayman? What was that about this world not supposing to exist?"
Sheepishly grinning at his Fairy's hesitant inquiry he replied, "Sorry, that's a bit too strong of a descriptor. How best to explain this…"
While there was certainly no law that said the Taimanin, DxD and Fate universes could exist alongside each other there was a LOT of overlap and stepping on adjacent toes. In Taimanin Asagi knowledge of strange things outside the usual Human experience was commonplace and had strongly altered the course of the world, running counter to DxD and Fate where that shit was secret. And the 'power' systems of DxD and Fate also didn't play nice.
In DxD magic in all its various forms - as well as gods and other mythical creatures - acted more like superpowers or simple additions to the roster of species. In Fate those concepts and creatures were how the world worked. The very fabric of mystery and mumbo jumbo abrakadabra was tied into the state of the world and various creatures or species added or subtracted from that majesty. A system like that didn't mesh well with DxD lore well at all.
Mixing just two of the franchises together would have been a nightmare…three of them? Clusterfuck incarnate.
"Well the best way I can think to put it is this way. Imagine a people that can only breathe hydrogen, except they share a world and land with beings that only breathe nitrogen. But the world around them only produces oxygen yet somehow all three survive just fine. It's not impossible but there's obviously some kind of underlying process that we're missing. This reality is insane."
To his surprise Till seemed to take his explanation in stride, Rin groaning as she pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering, "Knew I shouldn't have gone along on this stupid lesson…" while Zelretch merely stroked his chin in thought.
"You're not wrong, you know. Magecraft, magic, Taimanin arts…these and so many other practices or disciplines - looked at from an outsider's perspective - overlap or contradict in many odd ways. Sometimes impossible ways, yet here we are. Side note since you seem unaware of it. Matters pertaining to the Taimanin and Dark World are titled 'Demon', those that are related to the planetary souls of Alaya, Gaia or other celestial origins are 'Moonlit' and the rest are 'Supernatural'. 'Extranatural' is a blanket term for all of them combined."
Grateful yet again for the context that would have made him look like an idiot if he'd needed to ask someone else Cayman paid rapt attention as the man mused, "I would advise that you visit a reputable library as soon as possible, the history of the world around 1968 should prove very interesting considering your view on things."
"And you can't tell me, why?"
"Because it's impossible for me to do so."
Something about the way the Wizard Marshal said that had Cayman's gut curling in anticipation.
"Impossible because you don't want to or can't?"
"Considering that the mere mention of 1968 and how it relates to the way these universes fit together will soon slip from my mind - as well as anyone else who talks about it - I'll confidently wager the latter."
Cayman blinked. And then blinked again.
"Of fucking COURSE. Why not just casually mention some incredibly worrying bit of info where anyone that questions how this shit works gets their mind wiped into forgetting that it ever even happened? Christ, if it affects even someone like Zelretch then I think I'd like to stay far away, thank you."
Deciding to just roll with the punches as he'd been doing thus far the gamer responded, "Alright, I'll keep that in mind. Hopefully. Now what were my predecessors like and why did they give me such a shit reputation? Hoestia wasn't exactly a shining paragon of sanity when I met him but it sounds like there have been more in the past."
Releasing a snort of what might have been morbid amusement the Vampire regaled, "I've met three of Alaya's prospects over the past three decades, the rest either not living past the first few days or never amounting to much. The first was the least impactful in the grand scheme of things but - with the benefit of hindsight - a clear harbinger of things to come. They were incredibly skilled in both elemental craft and martial arts, a candidate for one of Sanctuary's rosters. At least until they tried to fight TYPE-Mercury for a reason that honestly eludes me, predictably perishing in the process."
He must have seen Cayman's look of incredulity as he shrugged, replying, "Most likely they were seduced, tricked or blackmailed into doing so, although we were never able to find out the reason why. The second was a fair hand at swordplay and artificing, although they evidently didn't account for their creations being purchased wholesale by the UFS and Chinese Federation, nor that the families of notable and influential individuals would suffer greatly at the hands of aforementioned inventions. Or that there exist a great number of talented assassins that would happily accept a lucrative contract."
Finishing off the last bit of omelet the Vampire recounted, "Hoestia was the last, his magically inclined specialities less well known but being quite the accomplished user of alchemy."
"Yeah, he mentioned that. As well as how it fucked him over."
"Shit, all this crap I'm hearing about the people that came before me isn't exactly making me want to see what's inside that tank taking up so much freakin' room in my inventory."
Although it was telling what happened to those that ended up here before he did. Alaya had granted them incredible powers, sure, but nothing else. No real influence aside from a tentative affiliation that would have been more of a handicap than it was a benefit if he hadn't been so good at bullshitting and thinking on the fly. He'd been lucky that he'd chosen a skill that was good at getting people to like him and had a background in doing dodgy shit, but what about everyone else?
Small wonder they'd died by the apparent droves.
"You're a welcome break from the trend. You've accomplished quite important goals in the short time you've been here and even garnered rare commendations from those you've worked with."
"Believe it or not working in a - as the worldly young woman over yonder put it - criminal organization you learn quite the bevy of people skills."
"I didn't put it any way, that's literally what it is."
Rin's icy words went unanswered as Zelretch pensively hummed to himself, seemingly lost in thought-
-and Cayman found himself sitting upright in his chair, breath catching and focus tightening as the Wizard Marshal brought every iota of attention he possessed onto the man. There was no crushing aura pressing down on him, no intolerably bright flare of light or darkening of the room as action lines threw everything into dramatic focus…no, the Vampire didn't need to do anything as blunt or absurd as that.
Just the mere presence he exuded as he gave Cayman his full attention was enough to awaken that primal instinct mankind still possessed, the monkey's automatic reaction to a panther prowling the watering hole.
"We've discussed at length your origins, actions and those that you should take in the future…why don't you share what it is you want?"
Ruby eyes held the promise of death if his answer wasn't honest or satisfactory.
"Your predecessors had their share of needs and it shaped a fair amount of the world around them. What will your desire bring about, Cayman Lute?"
The gamer opened his mouth to respond-
-and fell short, finding himself honestly stumped by the question.
He'd genuinely never really given much thought to that, his time since coming to this new reality consumed with one crisis or task and rarely leaving so much as a minute to just sit down and think. Likely as a coping mechanism, sure, but that didn't change the fact that he didn't really have a goal or some overarching scheme, just a loose collection of quests, ideas and paths to follow.
"Huh…what do I want?"
Which was a pretty loaded question all unto its own. People could go for the majority of their lives if not the entirety of it never really knowing what they wanted. He felt he was lucky in that regard, finding out in his late twenties what his calling had been.
But now?
Thankfully Zelretch seemed perfectly happy to give him time to find an answer, Cayman looking around the room as he tried to puzzle out an answer given his newfound circumstances…and felt like an idiot when his gaze landed on Till.
Chuckling to himself as he fondly stroked the Fairy's head - the Demon all too happy to receive the affection although visibly confused by his mirth - the Surveyor stated, "It's simple. I want to live in this world. I want to live with wealth, with the people whose company I enjoy and with an assured future. To do that I need Sanctuary's resources and influence, a means to destroy and just generally shit all over the people that would disrupt that state of affairs and take time away from my own happiness."
While Rin looked highly unimpressed by what she no doubt deemed a childish and uninspired goal the Wizard Marshal merely tilted his head, tonelessly asking, "And you think Sanctuary is the means to do so?"
"The only way? No. The most convenient and assured one, having seen what I have and interacting with the people that affiliate with it?"
Cayman felt a grin tug at his lips.
"Hell yes."
The Apostle stared down at the shorter young man, neither looking away from the other…and a bark of laughter left the Kaleidoscope, the oppressive aura he'd been leaking vanishing like a spring breeze as he pulled a folder from his pocket.
+5 REP with Zelretch [10/100]
"Very well, then consider this an act of good faith to see if you hold up to what you've told me. In here is the official documents that denote you as a member of Sanctuary, along with accounts and other such things that have money in them as well as addresses of property that you can make use of as you will. Furthermore, your first 'official' assignment is to continue tracking and discovering the whereabouts and plans of the union between Nomad and the Old Satan Faction, keeping us informed of what you discover and what actions you'll take to combat said threat. A team of personnel has been selected to join you over the coming days and weeks and you're free to request the aid of any individuals as you see fit."
A smug smirk crossed the Vampire's lips as Cayman resisted the urge to drool at the potential answer to every single resource issue he currently had.
"And since your trustworthiness is still slightly suspect I'll be having my pupil observe you as both security and a learning experience. Did you remember to pack an overnight bag, Rin?"
Three sets of eyes blinked, Cayman, Till and Rin all turning to stare at the far too amused Vampire.
"...Eh?"
"Huh?"
"What?"
