The night outside was so much colder now. The fleeting embrace had steadied her, however the darkness under the starry sky was looming over her. First of all, Blade rushed through the city in all kinds of patterns. Just to make sure she wasn't followed, she even meditated for a minute or two in one of the parks asking nature for help, but nothing. Her steps lead her away from the rustling leaves and embrace of nature and back to the urban landscape of the giant city. Even if, there was no turning back now. If she had been followed by someone who was invisible, they would have snatched the ring from John already and he would be calling tomorrow.
"Seth will kill me…" Blade somewhat regretted her decision a sour aftertaste in her mouth. 'Was I wrong? No. It was now or never. If he had kept it… Amal is never wrong about such things…And many of us thought the same…' She sighed deeply as she recalled the meeting. Indeed many thought it dangerous to keep the ring. Nonetheless, she was the only one to go behind his back and against his wishes. Or well, she and Amal. That Amal was with her every step of the way was the only comforting thing she had. Alone she'd go crazy. Her boots hit the pavement hard. Her mind was one big mess of guilt and pain. The reflections in the window mirrored her tense form. Yes, she looked like someone else… someone with the aura of a troublemaker.
Blade couldn't help but send a message to Amal. The virus would erase all communication for these affected hours anyway. She was just so jittery and her conscience was eating her up from the inside. It took a few seconds before he called back from a more secure line. "Amal…" She whispered his name so full of hope longing to be held again.
"Zenith Council office here. How can I help you?" Amal's voice rang through the speakers of the bracelet all cold and detached as if he was talking to a stranger.
"No… I just…" Blade's voice broke off as she stopped. Her hand against the house wall she felt the night's cold creeping in. He was talking that way because most likely someone else was with him in the office. She shouldn't have contacted him in the first place. She just wanted to hear his voice.
Amal was silent at first, "No, that is not part of our jurisdiction, I can't help you, Sir." He answered with a steadfast voice. "Now, please, if you have any grievances with your sales restrictions for vacuum cleaners on Zenith, please, contact the Trade Supervision." He only made a short pause, "Yes, you'll need to input G2LM in the window to the top right of the application form. Yes. Not a problem. The Zenith Council Office hopes you have a good evening. Thank you for calling." Amal answered shortly. Before he hung up she heard him say, " Yes, Lord Hypothis. I'll do the ta-"
Blade sighed as the beeping sound echoed out. "Shit. Should have used the earplugs…" She balled her fist and hammered it against the housewall. The grain scraped her shortly. The stinging sensation only lasted for a second or two. 'G2LM… go to Lobster Mobster…' Blade had to chuckle he always was so quick on his feet. And he was right, that was the one thing she had to get done before the virus would be erased from the system. And there was no telling when Red Fountain would get rid of that little gift. Amal had predicted tomorrow afternoon, she simply didn't want to screw up either way. So, with another deep breath that stung in her throat, she moved on. 'Fate doesn't wait for the undecided,' She hissed to herself. Amal was always mission-orientated. Some would call it detached, but he simply optimised for the best outcome and protected his friends, her, from making mistakes. It was something she adored about him even if he overdid it at times. Today it was her saving grace. He was the calm reasoning type, not being swayed by emotions. He saw the big picture and he didn't waver, the opposite, he anchored her in their plan. In the plan that would keep Jewels's memory safe and Seth's blood ties to her a secret as well. She would protect Seth with her life. 'I owe you that much, Jewels. I promise now and forever… I just hope he can forgive me…' She knew very well that intentions didn't justify the means. She'd be the first one to smack her friends for this type of bullshit. Maybe. They had done so many of these intrigues that it almost felt like she was losing that straightforward part of herself. Before doubt could creep in again she violently shook her head and took strident steps towards the fight club. The morph amulet would run out of magic before dawn. It'd be a disaster if it were to happen while she was still in the city.
It was another world she stepped into. It always was. The buzzing crowd of people before the bar from shady characters to simply drunk people having a good time and poor souls that had lost their money betting on fighters. But never had this place felt like this. Flickering lights of cellphones, street lights and the lamps inside the run-down bar. The music from inside was like a hypnotic dance that lulled her guilt to quiet down. Her mind cleared up as she noticed the piercing gazes of Sorceresses, strangers or gangsters who eyed her, the newcomer. 'There might be some Council Guards or Head Hunters here today… no mistakes now.' She breathed in and stepped through the creaking door.
This persona was new to the bar, sure, but by now she knew the ropes. It was easy to get into the underground cellar. And the cheers rang in her ears once the heavy metal door opened as she saw the fighting cage with her competitors. Today she would fight someone else and a different kind of battle. It was a lot harder than planned, nevertheless, she got hold of Steffi and with her personal password was let backstage and flanked by some guards, who were much more for show than anything else. Blade was guided to the VIP lounge. The door fell into the look with a heavy thud behind her besides Lobster's right-hand man there was no one else visible in that room.
"AHHH, and what can I do for the special Fairy," Lobster Mobster rejoiced. "So unlike you to visit me back here," his tone playful as he moved to the banquet set up with lavish foods and drinks like a miniature King's feast.
"Seriously…" Blade gave him a deadpan stare. She had tried so hard to hide who she was and now he was blurting it out to his right-hand man.
Lobster Mobster turned around raising an eyebrow. "Ooooh… this evening will be delightful. I already can tell." He grinned his white teeth flashing through. "Are The Denied up to something new again? I thought you had the backing of the Council now. Why come to little old me? I hope you aren't unhappy with our arrangements-" He stirred for some reaction and promptly got one.
"All is fine with my cuts for fights," Blade looked to the door and around the room, closing her eyes shortly, 'Whisper of creation…' She activated the spell, nothing. Nonetheless, she moved through the room a bit more restless. If there was someone invisible he'd need to move and hopefully, she could pick up on it.
A deep bellowed laugh from Lobster Mobster as he let himself fall back into his throne-like chair, "So, that kind of business… Only I are in the room."
Blade glared at him, "I at least see three people here." A dry answer as she stared at the guy, she knew him to be the book man on more than one occasion, but never pictured him to be a bodyguard as well.
"Only - I - exist in this room. There is no other will besides mine. There is no need to count bodies, little Fairy," He leaned forward as he bit into a giant crab claw. "NOW. Will you dare to question my integrity longer or spit it out?" Lobster Mobster enjoyed this a lot. "You're different today… so unlike you to be so unsure of yourself. What happened to your poker face? Little fighter? Dreadlock wouldn't be so fearful."
"Tch," Blade resounded annoyed and took a deep breath. He was right she was on edge and it showed. And this time there was no Memphis, no Dusk, no Kitty or anyone else she had dragged to this bar before. Just her. Not her Dreadlock persona, the fighter that got shouts of praise and love in the ring. Today she was Blade… just Blade. Her head snapped around as the crowd roared. The enchanted window truly gave the best view of the ring. Another victory for one standing tall and a loss for the fighter on the ground. "I have a job for you." She finally spoke up as her breath condensed on the glass mudding her reflection. Blade took off the amulet as she turned back around. At least now she could save some of its magic.
Lobster Mobster posed on his chair his hand going to his temple as he leaned on it and studied her. The next shell of another crab claw from his plate cracked in his other hand. "Ooooh… a job. Must be rather important if you come here unannounced and in - such - a hurry." He was dragging this out on purpose every twitch of hers told him something new.
"So, what? Some things can't be helped. Now will you take it or not?" Blade crossed her arms defensively. "Don't waste my time."
"Wow, wow, wow, I never said no, little Fairy," He pealed out the next piece of meat. "Tell me what you need. You are one of my fighters, a good connection with even more powerful allies. It would surprise me if we couldn't come to terms. Hungry?" He gestured to the banquet.
Blade shook her head, 'Focus, Blade.' She breathed in deeply through her nose. "I need you to sell something for me. WITHOUT using my name."
"Which one? Blade? Dark Fairy, Dreadlock or… Lucia?" Lobster Mobster's grin widened as he saw her face. Sure it had been made public that she was a Dark Fairy as well as Light. But they had tried their damnest to fabricate the fact that Lucia and Blade were two separate people.
"You know?" Blade asked her voice indifferent. She wasn't all too surprised though this wasn't good. Yet this always was something Votzaak and others had predicted. She had done so much during the police heist within the fight bar. The Denied had profited from working with him as well.
Lobster Mobster chuckled bemused, "Not phased? Too bad. Well, if one has enough dots the connection as strange as it is, can be made easily. In conclusion, that means that you want nothing to be tied back to you, which is always a hard thing to do, but not impossible. So, that is acceptable. Will cost you extra though." He stuffed his mouth with the crab meat. "So?"
Blade summoned her Charmix pouch pulled out the pouch of sugar rings and chucked it at him. "I need you to create as many of these as you can and distribute them on Magix and if possible on other planets as well. They'll need to become a hit item. Of course, I will use my connections to boost the sales as much as possible."
Lobster Mobster caught the pouch with ease in his greasy fingers. Pulled one of the sugar rings out. His eyes glinted for a second hiding some surprise or maybe something else. He inspected the ring and through its hole honed in on Blade. "Is it wise to mass produce a Crown Ring of a DEAD princess? Desertia isn't … stable; As much as I loved to help you honour your friend…" He eyed her intensely.
Blade's neck hair stood up under his scrutiny. 'Why is he making this so difficult? Usually, he's so chummy with me. I mean, we have a great working relationship and he was eager to help with the police heists.' Amal and she hadn't predicted that much backlash from him. Sure he liked to do his little games. Yet he sounded awfully a lot like he was about to decline, "Please, you'll profit greatly. It will more than cover the costs. I promise you that. I will pay you."
"Ah, - will - such a funny word. You mean you have the funds right here. Right now?" Lobster raised his eyebrows.
"You know I always will pay my debts," Blade answered a bit frustrated and confused.
Lobster stifled a laugh, "So, you came without a payment method." He was just leagues above her and right now it showed. She had come alone, like a thief in the night. Desperate. Vulnerable. "The most interesting thing about this is… that it's not the princess's anniversary of death. So, this isn't about her, not at all, it's all about the ring." He deducted, pecking her apart like a cadaver. "Which in turn means this is about the forge of the late King Rock of Desertia that was laid bare. The factions are still struggling to establish themselves. This," He turned the ring in his fingers before he crushed it in his hand, "is a diversion. Smokes and mirrors and a very obvious one at that."
Blade gulped unseen. She knew Lobster Mobster was keen and smart. Yet his understanding of politics went far beyond Magix.
The gangster boss smirked, "Come now if you have to learn politics in school. So do I. It's inevitable." An ever so slight rebuke for the girl. "But if you request this. That means you know the ring is a target and needs protection. Never thought you had it. How did you manage to keep it this long?"
"I don't know what you mean. The ring was lost in the attack on Alfea during the Desertia hearing," Blade blocked the question straight forward. It was the story she'd stick with here and going forward. The entire class had decided on that lie. She'd not divert further from that plan the only thing she had changed was where the original ring was. Everything else could and had to stay the same.
"Ah, and surely you were heartbroken about it," Lobster commented dryly.
Blade raised her head, unashamed. "Well, yes. But faced with the hearing we decided to fight for justice instead of searching for something that wouldn't bring her back."
"And now once more. With more emotion."
Her expression shattered.
"No wonder you need as many fakes as possible," Lobster snorted bemused. "Oh, well, it was smart to come here. And your request is within reason. What is not, is the missing payment. Not you or even your royal friends can pull money from their treasure troves." He glared at her shortly checking if they had been that foolish but was relieved to see some craftiness glinting in Blade's eyes. "So, if I were to take on that task…unless you plan a one-hit wonder, which I doubt, it could take years before the whole who becomes king question is resolved… that means a lot of work for no pay – for way too long." He sat up straight, imposing like he grabbed all the power in the room, "I am no charity."
"I'll fight in the ring, you can keep the cuts," Blade answered, "Others will agree too. Promise."
Lobster held up his hand, "Not possible. You'll bring heat to my business. I don't want to see you around here when this shit goes down." He leaned back into his chair. "Anything viable?"
"I will pay you in full, double, you got my word," Blade faltered a bit. 'Why is he saying no!?' There was no good reason for it. He always was up for some fun. "They are made out of sugar. It's not cost-intensive to make these." She was unravelling. This was important it had to be done now. this night. They couldn't hack the bracelets every time they wanted to make a move. 'I'm running out of time!'
'Oh, she's in a bind and let it show. Time for another lesson. Politics isn't her strong suit. What is Alfea doing? This is just sad. .ts. I wonder how far can I…' Lobster Mobster had paused just to shake his head opened the hand with the sugar dust and blew it in her direction. "You don't understand the underworld as well as you think, Blade. Smokescreens are not expensive because of the smoke but because of the manpower they require to keep the smoke coming. You have offered nothing of worth that I can use. The plan is not a bad one, but I can't obli-"
"I owe you!" Blade said the words. Amal had warned her not to say them, but they couldn't afford a no. Lobster Mobster's entire demeanour screamed it somehow. Or maybe it was her Fairy senses that picked up on something unspoken. She needed a yes, right now, or they all be doomed. She was sure of it. Lobster knew something she didn't and it could cost her, her neck. Or Seth's.
'Stupid,' Lobster's grin widened. 'She should know better, oh well,' He grinned so wide that the room got cold taking the entire room with his presence. "Ahhhhh."
"No, I mean-" Blade backed away only an inch before she even noticed.
Lobster ignored her Withdrawl. "So that's the highest price you are willing to pay. It's a deal," the gangster picked another ring from the pouch and aimed it like a scope at Blade again. "A favour…" The word dripped like honey from his lips.
"No, loyalty," Blade countered promptly as she found her voice again. She had to set boundaries now! 'Amal, damn it, he should have been the one to do this!' Her fists clenched until her knuckles turned white. "I'll gift you a Fairy's loyalty. I have my pride and my convictions. I will not betray those for a favour." Blade took a steady step forward, "You get my loyalty. You can ask anything of me as long as this charade has to last, HOWEVER, I will truthfully tell you if I am up for your request or not. Nevertheless, as assurance for you, as long as it doesn't endanger people I'll not tell a soul even if I were to decline." She made her case. "I'm no spy and no traitor. Choose your favours… wisely." She scrambled for words. She had to set boundaries now! A steely gaze hid her fear. He just might let her hang with an all-or-nothing. She had shown her hand.
Lobster Mobster laughed out loud flung that ring into the air and caught it with his mouth. It got crushed between his teeth, "That doesn't sound like a favourable trade." He pushed back. 'Hmm… at least honest… quick recovery but clumsy. Fairy's loyalty, my ass. Clumsy… but crafty.' Silently, he slowly chewed the ring. Waited.
Blade's mind shot to what Basil often said at the dinner table: "A true and trustworthy trade is better than any gamble for riches. Many things can be bought, but loyalty is not one of them." She retorted with that fierce determination she was known for.
"Hmmm… that all depends on how much of a gamble it is…" Lobster was very amused about all of this. His thoughts were shrouded in mystery for a moment before he leaned in, propped on his knees. "Fine. I always liked a good fight. - Let's try this out then. A test of faith. Your loyalty against riches. Your word to do anything as long as people don't get hurt and your convictions aren't broken, against: My doubts. And. Greed." A sly smirk hushed over his lips.
"Fine, as long as we can do it tonight," Blade agreed all too hastily.
Lobster Mobster waved to his man and whispered something into his ear before he addressed the Fairy. "Well, I have a special guest tonight. My sources say he loves, lovely ladies. Eye candy. Not to worry he might be a bit grabby, I won't ask anything beyond catering to him from you. Play your part. Show me that you are willing to go beyond your comfort zone and we got a deal. Or fail, and it is forever proven that money is worth more than loyalty. YOUR loyalty at least." He knew exactly how Lucia – Blade had suffered under those kind of assholes. 'Perfect test setup.'
"Grabby? Don't make me punch you…" Blade's chest tightened. She had enough unpleasant memories for a lifetime. She pressed down the memories that came to mind from the police cell. Her body tensed ready to defend herself. 'Shit. I… Jewels…..Seth. No, I can't- but we…damn it.'
"Oh, come now," Lobster Mobster stared at her a bit insulted, "you know me and how we protect our own in the ring. Last-minute intel says the client is just one of the snobs where the hands trace the skin. Or the eyes linger. That love to be catered to by a 'bunny'." He explained playfully before his eyes went dark and dangerous like a promise from death himself, "He won't leave with you. And I'll make sure he won't cross the line. I run a business. Atrocities are not part of that." That aura of doom vanished into nothingness as quickly as it had surfaced. "I have my own set of convictions after all. Or don't you trust me?" His usual fun and gambly side was back.
"Urgh, really bunny?… What weirdo fetish is that…" Blade felt a shiver run down her spine, she felt so light-headed, this was all a fever dream. It had to be. But they needed the smoke screen. They needed time as much time as possible until Maduk was king. She had betrayed Seth. 'The price is too high… damn it. That stupid mouth of mine. I suck at making deals. Amal…' Blade ground her teeth. She couldn't falter now and go back with a job unfinished. "Fine. But don't think for a second I'll become some soft version of a call girl for you."
"Call girl?" Lobster laughed, "Nah, that Votzaak of yours would burn this place to the ground if you were to tell him. I know how to use my assets WISELY. I know what jobs you'd take and which you'd decline. I read people - like books. Got a full library," He chuckled and laughed it off definitely rubbing Blade's mistake in, 'To show her desperation so foolishly. A mistake she can't afford to ever do again. You got to grow a lot smarter, Blade. And fast.' Her saving grace was that she had the option to reign her mighty backers down on him. He'd be faster behind bars than he could snap his fingers. "Well, then, better get changed into your stage outfit for the night." He gestured to the door like he was the promoter.
Blade had been blindfolded and with green Jade hung around her neck, with her consent, she couldn't use or feel magic around her. It was all part of the bargain to prove her loyalty, so of course she wouldn't be a scardy cat now. Her classmates had scarier tests of courage than that. She was gently led through the darkness. She still managed to stay somewhat orientated. Head Hunter classes were truly helpful, however, all changed when she suddenly got teleported.
Blade managed to pinpoint a presence before her that felt wrong… and threw a kick in reflex. "Nobody had said anything about teleportation!" She ripped the green Jade off at the same time as the blindfold. Yet her kick got stuck in an unyielding grip.
"And nobody said you can kick me," A bold man looking like a bull with scars all over a seasoned fighter probably a paladin of some sort stared her down. He was huge. With ease, he pulled her from her feet and let her dangle upside down from the leg. "Hhhmm… good muscle condition… weak magic… high regeneration… flow…ahh, Light and Dark magic… you might have made for a stronger-ish Witch."
"Sorceress!"
The bulky guy simply dropped her like a kid who wasn't interested in their ball any longer. "Now there are Dark Fairies… what a nightmare… always something new on the horizon…" He muttered to himself.
Blade caught herself on all fours, "Hey!" She bitched she was so tense but there was no one else left in this … she looked around, this was like a treasure trove of trinkets, makeup and garments. Everything was meticulously ordered. 'A backstage changing room? No… there's no way I am still in the fight club… there'd be no need for teleportation….' Blade was playing catch up here.
"Now let's get started. You don't have long," the brute yawned gawked at her shortly and then went to the accessory department. "Now, I got to change the whole outfit again… great…" He cursed. "DON'T touch anything."
Blade was a bit lost. "Who are you?" It wasn't hard to guess what this space was for or what that guy's job was. He simply didn't fit into the fighting bar setting. Someone of his stature would have a mansion and at least a platoon to command.
"Whoever I need to be," he answered indifferently as he rummaged around. "Take a seat. We got five minutes to match your outfit with the morph spell I'll enchant you with."
Blade took a seat. This was something else, there was so much magic in this place. She looked at her bracelet and noticed it didn't get any signal out or in. On top of that, there was some static that screwed with the readings and the interface. Not that it would help her everything would be wiped through the virus.
"Don't bother," The man's voice transformed fluently to a more female one as the giant turned into a dashing lady. "Those kinds of toys are useless here." The lady held a few earrings to Blade's head. Then handed a pair to her. "Those. Bunny outfits are in row ten section seventeen. Pick one and hurry it up. I hate rushed jobs." She hissed annoyed like a diva.
Blade inspected the lady utterly confused. She couldn't tell apart what the true version was. Or if both had been a lie so far. 'No time…' She ground her teeth jumped up from the chair and followed the numbers. 'The options aren't great… I'll end up like the first time. Way too short and too much to see,' her mind raced as Nabu's scolding rang through her mind. That face that Iolas had made in the changing room. She gulped some stomach acid down. "How many people did I promise never to….?" She already had betrayed Seth and his trust. 'And now… How many more?' She knew so well how she would be seen, what it meant to wear something so alluring. The acid came back up again and she crouched down. 'He knows… so why…?' Lobster Mobster was many things but not a monster. Otherwise Riven would have booted them out the first time he had seen them at the bar. Memphis was no fool either. It was no secret that she had been the bait in the biggest sting operation to house-clean the police department. 'So why would Lobster do this to me?!' There was a burning anger within her she couldn't silence.
Wings flapped near her as a colourful bird landed on the garment rows, "Get up, you can regret it later. I thought you had something to prove to Lobster. Are you chickening out already? I tell you what, you make a better ring fighter than a bunny girl… now, let's go or get lost. What is it? If you don't do the job someone else has to, decide!" The bird flared its wings hectically. Its voice scratchy.
Blade bit her lip she never had wanted to do anything like this ever again, but now – where did all that self-confidence go? Everything screamed to run cause she was alone without backup and everything needed her to stay. Lobster Mobster wanted to show her something important and that would cost her, not to mention the deal she needed to secure. There was no time and no other option. 'Desperation is a fool…' Blade felt how cold her hands were, the slight tremble. Yet when she thought of her friends, Seth, all that they had fought for, all those people who had died in Desertia. How desperately Jewels had sent Seth away so she could be sure he was in fact safe. It was her anchor in this moment where she was cut off from everyone. "For Jewels…" she whispered to herself. Calmed her breath, indeed the stupid bird-guy-woman was right, there was no time. There was no turning back. She had changed the plan with Amal, she'd make sure it would go through – it had to succeed. 'Lobster knows something… something important… The ring belongs to Seth. I will not fail. Seth… Never. Not like Jewels.' Her trembling subsided to a tremouring fist filled with that dormant rage. Too many conspirators had escaped during the hearing. This. This was the second round and she'd be damned to be on the losing side this time around. She gave herself a nod, wiped away the tears and rose. "That one." She grabbed an outfit that at least gave her the best fighting chances with short pants and a tight crop top if it were to come to that.
"Ahh, so you can morph after all!" The bird chirped enthusiastically and turned into a snake and slithered along Blade's arm before it dropped to the ground and turned into Blade with the outfit she had chosen, and presented it to the Fairy. "Tada! Good choice. We have to change your hair though, dreadlocks are a no-go." In a smooth pirouette, the clone spun around Blade and with a swish of the fingers, the dreadlocks were cut off and dropped to the floor like dead worms.
Blade glared at her double, "YOU ASSHOLE WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSI-"
Her mirror image's voice turned into Riven's before the body morphed accordingly to the reckless fighter, "First rule of a Head Hunter, always go all out." He gave one of Riven's cheeky grins, it was the same to a tee. "Hair can grow back and anyways everyone uses hair magic. Just use one and make them long and dreadlocky again before you go home." Riven bowed lower and lower to look Blade in the eyes. "Not," Riven's face turned back to Blade's, "A." Back to the dashing woman as she pulled the chair up, "Problem. Right?" A little powerplay.
Blade clung to her shortened dreadlocks, "But they were grown naturally…" She was kinda proud of that. Hair spells were easy and normal, but it still was something she was proud of even if nobody cared about such things. If she wasn't so nervous she'd punsh that Fake Riven in the face. A deep sigh, "They can grow back…" She gave in without another discussion and sat down as another spell untangled the dreadlocks and flattened them like a sheet of silk.
"GREAT!" The woman turned into Queen Stella, "Let's get this PARTY STARTED!" Her voice was already that obnoxious singing. Exactly how the Queen sounded when everything went her way and she was in a good mood.