- 17 -

Pandora walked into the back room without regard for anyone. At least a dozen eyes turned to stare with disbelief. A mousy little man followed in after her; panic running through his voice.

"Ma'am. Ma'am! You can't go back there."

Pandora studied each of the employees eying her down, save the small man still shouting from the doorway behind her. Each one painted with that same worried expression. Her sudden intrusion had added to them, no doubt, but they matched the looks of the servers in the dining area.

"So, what exactly is going on here?" Pandora asked.

A middle-aged man in white stepped forward. "That's what we'd like to know. What makes you think you can barge into my kitchen?"

A few men wore similar clothes to the man but his attitude separated him from the rest. The way the servers looked over to him hoping for guidance, the way the other cooks cowered behind him, and the way he claimed the kitchen as his property. It marked him as the head chef, meaning he was in charge; meaning he was least likely to give her the answers she needed. If she wanted one of his subordinates to let the info slip she would have to show them that his authority could be challenged.

"Answer my question and I'll gladly leave." Pandora reached over and snatched a Kaiser roll from a nearby plate. The fastest way to disrespect a chef is to fuck with his food, so she looked him straight in his eyes and took a bite. There was an audible gasp from one of the waitresses.

"Now tell me, what caused the massive delay in seating everyone for breakfast?"

The chef moved closer and raised a finger, stabbing the air in front of her. "God! You barged your way back here over a few minutes wait? Is all that makeup weighing your head down?"

"Actually, it's the hair. But then, you wouldn't know about that."

A vein bulged at the chef's temple and Pandora braced herself for the possibility that he might try to get physical. Before it escalated that far, one of the line cooks pulled him back and tried to explain. "Ma'am, the kitchen was behind on its prep this morning and we asked the servers to help. That's why they were running late. If you return to your seat we can have your food out shortly."

Pandora took another bite of the roll and pointed to the young cook, food still in her mouth. "Bullshit." She swallowed while looking around the kitchen. "You think I'm that stupid? They look like they've seen a ghost, not a potato peeler."

"We answered your question, now fuck off and fuck you," shouted the chef, dismissing her with the wave of his hand. Pandora didn't move.

"Why don't we just tell her, chef?" asked a waitress; a younger girl with pale blond hair.

The chef spun and shot the girl a burning gaze. "What did you say that for, you stupid girl?"

There was no way for him to deny they weren't keeping secrets now. The girl yelped and shrank back. Another server stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder. A small man hardly bigger than the woman. He stepped in front of her as if protecting her from the chef's wrath.

"Look at her closely, chef." With a serving tray still gripped in his hand, the man pointed toward Pandora. "The fur she's wearing isn't mink or fox. That's a werewolf pelt." He turned to address Pandora directly. "You're a hunter, aren't you?"

"Yeah, your eyes are working."

"Four men were found dead this morning. No one really knows what happened but the rumor is they were killed. I don't know if it's true but I saw armed men guarding the door when I came up for my shift."

A smile rose on Pandora's lips. "Where?"

"The engine room. Deck B4."

The chef let out a deep groan, then pointed at Pandora followed by the two servers, counting in turn. "One, two, three. Three bloody idiots taking up space in my kitchen. Fuck off the lot of you."

"Don't mind him, kid. Here, treat yourself." Pandora pulled another roll from the window and tossed it to the waiter. He fumbled with it, caught off guard by the throw, but managed not to drop it. She turned and started out of the kitchen, stuffing the last of the roll into her mouth, then mumbled, "Trust me, it's good. My compliments to the chef."

Pandora could hear the old man pitching a fit as she crossed the dining room. The sound of fragile men seething in anger was like music to her ears, but she didn't have time to enjoy it this time. She rushed down to the engine room to get a better idea of what had the crew so spooked. The waiter had said four dead. A work accident could claim that many, especially in an engine room, but Pandora had learned to always assume the worst. It made her normal life hell but had also kept her alive on more than one hunt.

Pandora continued past signs marking the area as employees only and found herself in a long hall that seemed to stretch the full length of the ship. The bare wood floor and exposed structural elements set the area apart from the upscale aesthetic the rest of the ship was decorated in. Unsure of where the engine room was exactly, Pandora picked a direction and began walking. Within a few minutes, she spotted a pair of men standing at attention on the hall's right side.

As she continued down the hall the closer of the two men glanced over to her, then looked back to his companion. He nodded his head in her direction, signaling the other man to move to meet her. Pandora looked him over carefully as he approached. She had seen the uniform style before. The captain and the bridge crew wore them. These men worked for the liner, though the guns they attempted to hide beneath their coats set them apart as some sort of security force.

"Ma'am this area is off-limits to passengers."

"Is that always the case, or just because those men died?"

The guard hid his emotions well. There was a slight shift in his weight and the faintest rise of his eyebrows. Subtle, but just enough for Pandora to know she had his curiosity.

"Where exactly did you hear something like that?"

"From the kindest old woman in the smoking parlor. Terrible at poker, but she can hold scotch better than any man I've ever met. Though I think drinking so early in the morning is a bit uncouth."

Pandora saw no reason to get the galley staff in trouble. For now, she would play the part of entitled socialite. She heard the guard curse under his breath, then turn back to his partner. "Stanley, call the boss and let him know someone leaked to the passengers."

"Oh my." Pandora pulled a handkerchief from her breast pocket and raised it to her mouth. "So it was true after all."

"Listen, lady, I don't know what you've heard, but it was a simple accident. A catwalk came loose and crushed some workers. We don't want the passengers catching wind. It could hurt the company's reputation if they start gossiping around Eden before a formal investigation can be held." The man's tone sharpened. Pandora guessed he was finished with the rehearsed cover story and would tell her what he really thought of her.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"So I'm telling you right now your services won't be needed. There's no coin for you here," he spat.

Pandora laughed and began to refold the handkerchief. "I guess I don't pass as a sheltered rich woman."

"I shudder to think of all the lives lost the day the upper class decide to make fashion of werewolf pelts."

Pandora slid her hand beneath her cloak and placed the handkerchief back in the breast pocket of her blouse. She wondered if she might have fooled the man if she hadn't given her jacket to Lilith. Unlikely. He would have noticed something else that gave her away; scars, calloused hands, or even her general demeanor. People would always be willing to pay to exterminate dangerous youkai. Good hunters could make good money, but income was the only common factor linking them to the middle class.

"Show me your key chain and I'll escort you back to your room."

Pandora raised her palm. "That's okay, I can find the way back myself."

"Ma'am, I can escort you to your room, or I can escort you to the brig."

Pandora let out a sigh. She reached into her pocket and produced the key, holding it flat on her palm for the guard to see. Once he had the room number memorized he held his arm out and said, "Right this way, Ma'am."

Pandora followed the guard's lead, spinning the key around her middle finger as she walked. The constant jingle echoed off the hallway's bare steel walls. Pandora could see the guard growing more irritated by the noise with each step. Finally, he turned to her with fire in his eyes. "Would you stop that?"

Pandora smiled. "No."

Despite her proclamation, the key came to a rest in Pandora's hand as her attention shifted to something more important than being a nuisance. Her eye darted over, then back to the guard.

"The catwalk that fell on those men, have you determined the species yet?"

The guard shifted between confusion, understanding, and then anger in the space of a few seconds. "I told you it was an industrial accident. There's no youkai for you to hunt!"

"You did say that, but..." Pandora reached down to the corner where the wall met one of the ship's exposed structural ribs. She came back with a black feather the length of her forearm. "Most catwalks don't molt."

The guard snatched the feather from her hand and tucked it inside his jacket. "The ship has its own security force. We're more than capable of handling the situation. There's still no coin for you here. So come on back to your room." He turned and took a few steps before swinging back around finger pointed at her. "And if you speak a word of this to the other passengers I will have you arrested."

Pandora held her hands up. "Fine, fine. Lead the way."

True to his word the guard meant to lead Pandora all the way back to her room. She had tried to get rid of him after they had left the off-limits area. And then again when they passed the smoking room. And yet a third time when they passed the second-class restaurant. He wouldn't be happy until he saw her unlock her door and walk inside. Hell, she wouldn't be surprised if someone was assigned to monitor her behavior after today. If she let it get around that there was a youkai aboard the ship it could cause a panic.

She wouldn't do something that stupid, though she understood the caution. She could imagine the scar-faced gorilla trying to use it as leverage to get himself hired for a hunt, but she wasn't so bothered about payment. She wouldn't turn down the mils if they came, but reaching Eden in one piece was her ultimate goal. Keeping the ship sailing along safely was motivation enough to start her own hunt.

As the pair drew nearer to the cabin, Pandora caught sight of Lilith further down the deck. She stood at the railing, staring out over the ocean. The young woman looked lost in thought, though she could just be focused on the view.

"Lilith! Over here!"

Lilith stiffened at the sudden outburst. She turned slowly, hand pressed to her chest. Pandora waved her over as the guard began to complain. "What are you doing now?"

"I'm not doing a thing. I simply wish to walk with her."

As Lilith reached them Pandora took her hand and apologized. "Sorry I couldn't make it to breakfast with you. Are you headed back to the room?"

"Uh, yeah," Lilith answered, though her eyes passed right over Pandora. Instead, they were fixed on her escort. Pandora released Lilith's hand and set about introductions.

"This is my roommate, Lilith. Lilith, this young man has offered to escort me back to our room. Such a gentleman. Since we're headed to the same place, would you care to join us?"

Lilith looked to Pandora, then back to the guard before nodding her head. Pandora smiled and laced her arm around Lilith's, giving a slight nod before she began to walk. The guard stayed close behind all the way to the door and watched Pandora unlock it. She ushered Lilith in first, following close behind. As soon as she shut the door she shuffled over to her luggage and retrieved a notebook and pen. She scrawled a message across the first blank page. Large letters so Lilith would be able to read it easily.

I was far younger when Renna taught me. And half as intelligent. But still…Don't say anything in case he's still outside. There's a Youkai aboard the ship.

Lilith's head dropped and she began to tremble. The sight twisted knots in Pandora's stomach but there was nothing she could do about it. Even hunters were afraid of youkai, though they trained to overcome that fear. What hope did a normal girl have?

Pandora flipped to the next page in her book and wrote another note. Try not to worry. I'll catch it for sure.

Pandora's message didn't have the intended effect. If anything Lilith seemed to get more nervous after reading it. But she didn't have time to figure out how to calm the woman down, she needed to start her research as soon as possible. She turned to the small writing desk that had so far been used as storage space for their luggage. It would have to be cleared so she could work.

"I'll help."

Stunned, Pandora turned around. "What?"

She found Lilith pointing to the notebook. "That thing you were talking about earlier. I want to help you with it."

Did she seriously mean she wanted to help with the hunt? Pandora couldn't imagine any other meaning. But could she let Lilith do something so dangerous?

I was far younger when Renna taught me. And half as intelligent. But still...

Anxiety bubbled in her chest. If she meant to help Lilith like she claimed, teaching her how to hunt was her best chance at success. A high paying job with high demand. She would be able to take care of herself no matter what happened. Still, hunters didn't live long, and the thought of Litith's blood staining her hands scared her.

"I'll think about it."

Pandora turned back to the desk, hoping work could distract her from the decision she would need to make soon. "I need to use the desk. I'm going to move your bag to the other side of the room."

Maybe it was curiosity, or maybe the faint shout of, "No, wait!" from behind, but something drew Pandora's eye down into the bag as she lifted it from the table. She turned and set the satchel down on the bed and reached in to take hold of a handgun. As she pulled it free her thumb was already pressing the magazine release. She caught the mag in her free hand, then pulled the slide back to clear any bullets that may have been chambered, though none were. Satisfied that the weapon was unloaded she set it on the bed next to Lilith's bag. The pearl handle glistened under the room's electric light.

Pandora looked over to Lilith. She didn't return the favor, instead, trying to look the mattress in the eyes. "It was my father's," she said softly.

"Do you know how to use it?"

Lilith finally looked up. Puppy dog eyes sent a jolt through Pandora's heart. Lilith gave a weak, "No," as she shook her head.

Pandora grabbed her notebook and wrote a new message. "I'll teach you how. Then you won't have to worry about that youkai."

Lilith dropped her gaze again and answered with a whisper. "Okay."

Pandora flipped the flap over to close Lilith's satchel and set it in the corner of the room, where it was soon joined by her bags. The handgun was placed back on the writing desk, though it was small enough not to bother Pandora as she worked. She jotted down every detail she could remember about the feather, then drew an accompanying sketch, complete with estimated measurements. Once that was done she started looking through the books she had brought along, looking for possible matches. She didn't look up from her research until the dinner bell rang.

Pandora accompanied Lilith to the galley and they ate without incident. While they were out, she watched for anyone that might have been sent to spy on her but found nothing. If she was being watched, the spy was subtle about it. After the meal, they returned to the room and crawled right into bed.

Pandora wasn't sure whether to be relieved or not when Lilith fell asleep on her own. As much as she had enjoyed the previous night, holding Lilith and crying with her, not being wrapped in her arms would make things much easier.

Pandora slipped from the edge of the bed, careful not to wake her bedmate. She had seen something else in Lilith's bag earlier that day. Something she recognized. Pandora edged around the bed until she reached the spot where she had rested the bags. Slipping a hand into the satchel, she slowly pulled out a leather-bound notebook with a brass bookmark.

With the book in hand, Pandora left the room. She didn't care that she was only half-dressed. She couldn't risk Lilith waking up and catching her reading this book. She walked to the edge of the deck and opened the journal, angling the text toward the moonlight. Pages on pages of detailed notes on all manner of youkai. Measurements, drawings, and records of successful hunts. It was a hunter's journal.

And on the page set with the brass bookmark, an account of a man coming home and finding a demon dog laid across his door. Pandora's breath caught as a voice played back in her head; Fennel's voice.

"Do you remember it, Gregor? It was just after Lilith came to live with you."

"Who's Lilith? She another hunter?" Her own question, followed by Gregor's answer. "Lilith's My daughter."

Pandora laughed to herself. "Is that why you didn't want to tell a real story? Couldn't let your friends know your most dangerous hunt was the one you came back from with a daughter?" She slapped the book shut and stood under the moonlight for a long time.

"This complicates things."