Disclaimer- I own nothing.
Chapter 16 If Looks Could Kill
After packing their things, the Huntik team made their way to the train station. They were on the move yet again. The station was a hive of activity. People talking on their phones, children crying, calls from the intercom, and the loudest of all. The ocean of conversations going on around them.
After perching their tickets they waited patiently for their train. Unfortunately they only had tickets for four. A newly awaken seeker had to say goodbye. Much to Cathy's and Sophie's dismay. Peter let out a small sigh, Gar-Ghouls amulet resting against the front of his vest.
"Well, this is where we go our separate ways. I wish I could tag along. Sadly I still have work to do here." Even though he was upset, a grin still managed to cover his features. "Besides, my Foundation contact got in touch with Huntik's France branch director and told her the news. Apparently they are excited and have a training camp for me."
Cathy's head tilted slightly at the news. The thought of a Foundation boot camp never really crossed her mind. "Huh? I didn't know that was a program. Hehe I guess that would make sense."
Dante nodded towards Cathy, a look of nostalgia hinting his expression. "Yes, the usual recommendation is to have a group of new seekers with a mentor. Kind of like our group now. With you and Sophie."
Zhalia left out a small hum, her lips turning upwards into a playful grin. "Then there is Dante's training. The one Peter is going to go through. One on one mentorship with an elite level seeker." Zhalia's eyes shifted to Peter, her grin still playful. "Next time we meet, I expect you to be a real seeker. I won't be pulling you out of jail again."
The old Peter would have flinched back at her words. Not this time however, he stood tall and proud as he walked up to Zhalia. Staring directly into her eyes. He held his hand out towards the woman. "I'll hold you to that, next time we meet I'll pay you back for the save."
Zhalia let out a snort as she stared down at his hand. "I doubt it." She stated simply as she reached up and gave it a firm shake. "You can try though." Peter nodded at her playful challenge.
He then walked to Dante, hand already out stretched. "Dante, I wanted to thank you. For everything, you all have changed my life." Dante grabbed the hand and placed his free one on Peter's shoulder. "Peter, the pleasure was all mine. Until we meet again." The two men gave one another a nod of respect.
Peter spun around and was instantly knocked back slightly as Cathy and Sophie gave him a tight hug. "We are gonna miss you, don't be a stranger now." Cathy's voiced out her demand gently. "Do let all of us know if you are ever in Venice. We can all catch up." Sophie stated gently as well. All be it the trio's time was short lived together, they all felt as if they made a new life long bond. They were the next generation of seekers after all.
Peter gently pulled away from the girls, a bright smile on his face as he gave them a firm nod. "You bet, same goes to you two." With that the group of four made their way to the train line. A bright eyed Peter giving them a gentle wave behind them.
As the mob of people entered the train, Cathy's scar began to burn again. Cathy let out a small grunt of discomfort as her hand slammed on the scarred tissue. What was going on ? This is the second time this has happened. A small trail of sweat pour down her temple. Her breathing becoming hitched. As soon as the doors closed and the train took off it went away. Taking a moment to collect her self, she looked around and noticed that the other members of the team hadn't noticed the episode.
As she let out a deep sigh of relief she glanced at one of the tv displays on the train. Showing the arrival time, until it flashed a bright red. Suddenly a jingle began to play as a blue box appeared on the tv with the words breaking news flashed over it in gold lettering.
"We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you this news. Two officers have been found dead in an alleyway near the Golden Trident hotel. Just twenty five feet away from one of the most heavily trafficked areas in the city." The news anchor stated calmly with years of experience and professionalism. "We have one of our field reporters Pierre on the scene."
She stopped as the image of the reporter appeared on her left. After a few moments he brought the microphone to his lips. "Thank you Louise. Behind me is the entrance to said alleyway where a waiter came out looking to have a smoke break, instead found the two fallen officers. Here he is to give his account of events."
The man held his microphone to a shaking young looking man. "I was…. I was just taking a few minutes to smoke a cigarette. I walked out the back entrance and before I could light it. I smelled something in the air. It was a heavy metallic smell. I followed it further down the alley ….then….. and then I found them." The man's face turned pale. He had appeared to have gotten dizzy. "I… I couldn't even see what was left of their faces. The bodies, they were still twitching when I found them. God I think one of them was still alive when I found them." The man had to walk away when tears started to pour down his cheeks. A broken sob could be heard off camera.
The reporter let the man walk off, an apologetic look on his face. He closed his eyes and bowed his head as two stretchers covered in red strained white sheets walked behind the crew.
"Truly a dark day, we have no other information. As this is a on going investigation. However the chief of police had this to say" the reporter pulled a piece of paper from his back pocket and unfolded it gently. "And I quote. While today we have had a tragic loss of two souls, we can assure you that they will be put to rest as we will have this criminal. No, this animal behind bars."
With that he put the note back and looked deep into the camera. "Unfortunately that is all the news we have at this time." The news anchor nodded her head grimly. "Thank you Pierre. We will keep you the people updated the more we find out. Thank you." After a few moments the news flash went away and the normal trail map took its original place. Cathy didn't know why, but she had a horrible feeling about this.
The Huntik team stood in front of the cathedral, the historic building standing in all of its glory. Before they could continue on with the mission Dante's holotome started to beep. He gently took it out and opened it. After a few moments a 3D image of a blonde hair man in a suit and tie appeared.
"Ah, Dante I see you've made it." Dante greeted the image with a grin. "Guggenheim, have they uncovered anything in the cathedral?" He questioned out smoothly.
Cathy tilted her head at the image, not really sure who the man was. She had heard the name from a conversation between Dante and Zhalia a few times. "So who is Guggenheim exactly?" Cathy asked out to Sophie.
Not hearing the usual timely response of her friend she look towards her. Sophie was glancing around at her surroundings. She appeared to be a little distressed. "Uh, earth to Sophie. Everything alright?" She questioned out with a nudge of her elbow trying to get her attention.
With the contact Sophie realized she was being asked a question. "Hm ? Oh yes I'm quite alright. Just have a feeling is all." She mumbled out the last part of her statement. Sophie couldn't help but feel like she was being watched. It was starting to unnerve her to no end. If only she knew.
Cathy just gave her a shrug and a reassuring smile. "It will be okay, nothing we can't handle." Sophie merely nodded in agreement. They had been on a hot streak recently. Hopefully they could keep the moment going.
"Do be careful Dante, the Organization has been active in the area recently." Guggenheim cautioned to his colleague. Dante merely responded with a nod. "You got it, and about that other thing I asked you about?" Dante's eyes glanced to Cathy for a moment before looking back at the screen.
"I'm still waiting for my meeting with the Huntik council. I'll bring it up in the next hearing. Due to the sensitive and bazaar circumstances of the people involve. I'm sure I can get done with what you are asking for." With that Dante gave him a thankful nod and ended the call.
"Alright team, in order to save time. I'm going to figure out the clue. Since the entrance to the base was in the chamber of Gar-Ghoul. I feel like it's a safe bet that one of these gargoyles holds the answer. You three will stay here and keep an eye out." He made his way towards the wall of the cathedral. "If the Organization is being more active in the area I don't want us to have any more surprises." With that he was off making his way up the wall. The familiar blue glow of Hyper stride covering his legs.
Zhalia had been keeping an eye out for a while now. The girls could gossip all they want, she however will remain on task. Scanning across the courtyard she hadn't seen much. No more than the usual tourist. Until she glanced at a coffee shop across the road. Nothing out of the ordinary, a couple having lunch. A older gentleman reading the newspaper. However something caught her attention as she looked in the corner of the outside eating area.
Sitting in a corner by himself was a single man, the top part of his face was shrouded in shadows. He was sitting there drinking a hot beverage. When the man brought it to his lips Zhalia stopped moving at the smile on the man's lips. It was fairly familiar, no good memories attached to the familiarity unfortunately.
Before she could continue her train of thought a hand touched her shoulder. Dragging her out of her memories. Glancing at the hand she looked at the person attached to it. Seeing a worried Cathy. "Hey, are you okay ? First Sophie and now you." Her tone matched the worry on her face.
She ignored Cathy and looked back at the restaurant, only to see the man was gone. "It was nothing Cathy. Nothing at all." With that she walked past her and back to a returning Dante.
"Alright team, on to our next location." His words called out gently as they made their way to next destination. "Hope you packed your Sunday best. We are going to church."
Team Vale made their way to the church, oddly enough seemingly well hidden. Much like The Road Of Alchemist. The group made it in no problem once so ever. It was rather easy, a little too easy for Cathy's taste. Called her paranoid, but she had developed a new habit. Hope for the best, but expect the worse.
Looking around she was impressed with the charm of the church. Light dust covered the pews, pillars of stone lined the walls, in front of the main hall was a podium. A red carpet rolled along the floor leading to said podium. "Are you sure this is the right place?" Sophie questioned out gently.
"Yeah, I mean there isn't much here." Cathy followed up behind Sophie. The two now standing behind the podium. Looking for any clues, hidden buttons, or even false flooring. The two were met with an amused chuckle from Dante. "Hm, well let's just say my instincts are leading us here. Once we find what we are looking for, we will know it."
He finished his statement as he made his way up to a painting of Joan of Arc. Standing in the center of a battlefield, her hand held up high. A green glow depicted in her raised left hand. Before he could finish analyzing the panting Zhalia had called out. "Hey, where exactly was the gargoyle placed at on our lady?" Dante looked to his right, seeing Zhalia standing in a circle, golden rays of the sun covering her figure.
"The cross, at the top of the church. It was looking right at this building." Dante explained as Cathy and Sophie walked towards the not so lone wolf. Cathy and Sophie having to use their own hands to try and look up to see what she was looking at.
Sophie squinted her eyes, until a small outline of something met her gaze. "Interesting, there is a cross at the top of the tower." Cathy tried her best, but she wasn't able to see much. "I don't get it. How is all this light coming downwards." She had to resist the urge to jump as Dante was suddenly beside her.
"Simple, reflection. There is probably a mirror pointing the light down towards us." Dante stated as his eyes suddenly shifted back to the main hall. A small sound dragging his attention away for a mere moment. "Of course, it's probably a clue as to how we enter the catacombs!" Cathy cried out, a bright smile on her face.
Sophie nodded following her friend's excitement. "Of course, like the crystal trap in the entrance way to Joan of Arc's base." Cathy and Sophie looked back towards the light. A look of determination etched its way on to their faces.
Before they could continue their small victory celebration, Dante had cut them off. "Hold on a moment. I got a strange feeling we aren't alone." With that Dante made his way into the main hall once more.
He walked back to the main podium, his eyes glancing around the room slowly. Making sure everything was in place just like they had left it.
After a few moments, he let a small smile form on his face. "So, you coming out now. Or do I have to keep playing this game?" He questioned out playfully. After a few moments a dark chuckle echoed off the church walls.
The sound of the chuckle had Sophie on edge, as much as she hated to admit it. She could place that sound to one person. Glancing over to her left, she saw Cathy holding her scar. Her face in a grimace before regaining her composure with narrowing eyes.
Sophie looked to he right and she almost had to do a double take. To her right was Zhalia, however instead of seeing the usual smug look on her face. It was replaced by something she never would have imagined to be on the blue haired seeker's face. She was concerned, if Sophie hadn't known any better. She could have sworn she looked scared.
"Ya know Dante? You take all the fun out of my games." A nonchalant voice called out from the empty main hall. "However not unpleasant, I think we have had enough build up." Cathy and Sophie attempted to make their way towards Dante. Only to have Zhalia stop them with an out stretched hand. Before the two could complain a sharp glare Zhalia stopped them in their tracks.
"Although Dante, I am curious about something. When did you figure me out." The voice questioned out. A strange honest curiosity was tied into the words. Like a college student asking a professor a simple question.
Dante let out a playful huff of air from his nose. "Well a few things gave you away. One, I started to suspect something once I had received a mission while having Zhalia come over to my home." Dante stated slowly walking out to the main path of the carpet. "Normally I wouldn't question it. However clue two, I have received a mission that had a scenario that was perfect for her specific set of skills." Dante began to glance up towards the ceiling of the church. His eyes slowly going over the wooden rafters.
"I have known Defoe for a long time. Leaving Peter behind, going off a hunch while leaving the prime source of information behind. Not his style, he is a rash, egotistical, fragile ego mad man. However, he isn't completely ignorant."
Dante glanced to the floor, keeping his eyes sharp in between the rows of benches.
"I don't believe in coincidence, this seemed too perfectly orchestrated, just how it's strange that you were missing at the cave of Gar-Ghoul. Leaving me to wonder, where could he be?"He finished his question with a playful tone. His amber colored eyes going from pillar to pillar. His smirk almost breaking into a smile. "Then there is point three."
"And point three would be?" The voice questioned out playfully, the person was getting excited. The happiness in the voice was chilling, team Vale could almost see the haunting smile that was most likely on the person's face.
"Point three, your little showing, we had seen it on the news. Only Lok would put his name on something like that. Like a child would sign a horrible finger painting. It would be cute, if it wasn't so sad." Dante finished off, a full smile on his face as his right hand shot up and caught the wrist of Lok. The Impale spell active and glowing a deep red. The tip of the spell a mere inch from Dante's right eye. The teen had a bright smile on his face. However his eyes showed nothing but pure, bright, white hot rage. "Found you." Dante called out amusement dripping off every word.
Lok let out a shaky chuckle, a soft growl followed right after. "Hello Dante, a pleasure to see you face to face again." Lok's words filled the room with a sense of unease as the warm room now felt like a cold winters night.
"Cathy, Sophie, would you two be so kind as to get the entrance open. I have to take junior here to school." Dante called out, the snarl from Lok's lips only causing Dante to smile more genuinely. While Zhalia was a temporary member of the team. He wouldn't give her orders, she wouldn't even follow them if he did.
Cathy and Sophie wanted to protest, however for a second time today they were halted by Dante's hard stare. "That's an order." The two shocked at the sudden shift of his personality.
The two hesitantly looked at each other before nodding. Making their way up the steps, Cathy took a moment to glance at Lok. Something was different, something was most definitely wrong. However she couldn't think much more on it as a call from Sophie pulled her from her thoughts. "Cathy come on." Her friend whispered out. Cathy took only a single moment, just one more moment to look at Lok before bitting her lower lip in worry and made her way up the stairs.
"Hope you don't mind it being the two of us?" Dante questioned out. The Vale charm on full
display. Lok let out a small laugh as the Impale spell slowly retracted back into his palm. "Fine by me, they aren't my concern at the moment." As soon as the statement left his lips he was off. His left hand driving forward looking to strike Dante's face. Only to have the older Seeker block it effortlessly.
Lok smile turned animalistic as he slammed his forehead down towards Dante's nose. Dante having to fight back a grimace at Lok's speed. Only having enough time to come to the tough decision to lower his head. The two foreheads smashing together making a sickening thud that bounced off the walls of the church.
Dante was forced to let go of Lok's wrists as he felt the familiar warm liquid of blood run down his face. Slowly but surely, shaking the fog and the slight ache of pain he glanced back at Lok.
The teen was leaning backwards still standing. His arms hanging at his sides. His eyes staring up the ceiling, slowly his head shifted downward.
Lok's sunglasses were now resting in the end of his nose. Blood was slowly trickling down his forehead. Running perfectly between his eyes, his eyes no longer blue as they now matched the color of the liquid currently flowing down his face. "I'm use to headaches Dante, how about you?" He questioned out darkly as a smile that could kill taken over his feature.
At this moment realized two things, this Lok was different from before. More deranged, chaotic, and if his gut feeling was right. More lethal, and two. He was going to have to take this more seriously now. For if he didn't, the teen could actually somehow get a lucky and kill him.
A small green glow came from Lok's partially unbuttoned shirt.
Lok reached a leather gloved hand under his collar and slowly drew out Incubane's amulet. "Come out and play, Incubane." His words no louder than a whisper. After a bright flash of green the demon stood a few feet in front of him. Incubane let out a deep echoing laugh, looking around Incubane looked at its seeker. Lok's eyes flashed, Incubane's smile only deepened as it turned to Dante. Its nails glowing a dark red as its own eyes flashed.
Dante clicked his tongue, the irony not lost on him about a demon in a church. Reaching into his coat he pulled out an amulet of his own. "Come forth Caliban!" With the call the Aztec titan appeared sword drawn. Its blue eyes glaring at the demons in front of it.
I hope the girls can get that door open soon. Dante thought to himself as he took a moment to glance at the stairwell. Zhalia standing in front of it. Pulling guard duty, Dante hoped he could keep his promise to Cathy. However, if it came down to it. He will do anything to keep his students and by extension Zhalia safe. Could he actually do what had to be done if push came to shove? The old Dante would say yes, however this Dante couldn't answer that question. He was hoping to not find out.
Author's Notes- Hey Seekers, been a while hasn't? Sorry for almost the two month absence. I had gotten a little bit of writers block. Along with the hectic day to day life. However, to get around it. I have started to upload another story. Don't worry, I won't forget this story. It's just another project to work on so I can recharge. I plan on working on both projects, I will be updating each regularly. Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
See you all in the next one. Be cool, B-King out !