Exhaustion. I hate it. I had stayed up basically the whole night and then some. I called Julia and she said it was okay for me to stay at her place. I had to move all my stuff; mom offered to help but I told her I’ll do fine. My new powers were convenient. Turns out that Julia lives in the Alumni house and has been since she got into university. I actually promised Julia that I’d go to a… meta-human rally thing? Anyway, it’s hosted by Indigo Lives Matter! It’s basically a party for all the metas who can’t go home for one reason or another. Julia is such a sweetheart! I absolutely adore her!! From the way she looks at me, sometimes I wonder if she’s gay. But meh, maybe she’s just admiring my gorgeous… sixteen-year-old… body… Yeah she’s gay. Or at least some kind of Sapphic.
By the time I went to sleep it was six in the afternoon, then woke up twelve hours later, which wouldn’t be a bad thing if I just got up and got ready rather than trying to sleep for another five minutes.
Needless to say, when Agent Sex- I mean Wallace came by to pick me up I wasn’t looking my best. He was though, he looked as sharp as ever. I had to keep myself from drooling just looking at him. The beginning of the drive was pretty awkward. I didn’t know what to say, and Arthur seemed so fine with sitting in silence for thirty minutes. Mom told me that there’s a possibility that he likes me, so I gotta break the ice somehow!
I inspected him, from his dark, lush hair to his ruggedly handsome face to his Constantine cosplay. Wait, that’s what’ll ask! So, I did with a curious eye queried, “Is your favorite comic book character, Constantine?”
The agent guffawed. His grin is so handsome and his laugh is so infectious. He’s so adorable! He finally pulls it back and chuckles out, “Yes, how did you know? Was it the trench coat?” He has such a childish and cute laugh.
I blushed, “Yes it was actually. Why were you laughing?”
“Because over the course of my career as a DSA agent, I NEVER had someone ask me that question. I have fought mages, villains, MSB, Humanity 1st, and all kinds of other opponents, and no one ever asks me why I look like Constantine. Not a single person except you.” He gave me a very warm, affectionate, toothy grin. Is this what mom meant by he is into me?
“Well I’m glad I made your day!” I bubbled, feeling his enthusiasm and comfort.
“Love, you didn’t just make my day, you made my year.”
A massive wave of heat that crawled all over my body, “I uh um.” I couldn’t talk with the butterflies swarming around.
“What is it, Ophy?” He’s using my new nickname EEEEEEEE.
“I like you.” My voice rasped.
“O-oh.” He stammered back.
Oh no, I messed up, the ride back awkward and uncomfortable just because I had to be stupid enough to listen to my mom about boys! Mom married an asshole of a human being, so how would she know what she’s talking about? I really hope this doesn’t ruin our friendship… or at least our business relationship. Shit, I’m even more stupid, I told him I had a crush during his work hours. You never ask someone out on their work hours! What am I thinking? Who would want to date a ‘used to be boy but now girl’? I’m betting he’s just being polite to me because it’s his job—
“I uh fancy you too, Miss Ophelia.”
OMG OMGOMGOMGOMOMOGMOGMOG!!! He liked me too? Oh my god, he fancies me. HE FANCIES ME!!! I gotta text mom about this!! I knew she was right!! I’m so glad he likes me!! I could die, I’m so happy!!!
Agent Arthur Wallace
Arthur watched Ophelia go into the power testing chamber with the tightest suit he’s ever seen. Ophelia doesn’t have much in the way of curves but her body is incredibly feminine, attractive, and Arthur couldn’t help the slight sway of her hips as she walked away, neither the wink she gave him when she said that she’ll be okay by herself for power testing.
But Arthur was conflicted. On one hand, he should be arresting her, she’s the one who massacred those twelve girls, god bless their souls if there is even a god at this point. Well, not her, Carmilla who is haunting her and sometimes possessing her, at least in the instance of the massacre. On the other hand, Arthur so desperately wanted to hold her tight and protect her. He really wanted to smack that sweet little butt of her which makes it even weirder for him because she’s biologically thirteen. To him, the thought of doing such a thing to any thirteen-year-old is disgusting and pedophilic. But Ophelia is different, the blood tests came in they matched with an Oliver Sandusky, a twenty-one-year-old, at ninety-four percent. So obviously she’s twenty-one and not a teenage girl playing twenty-one, or at least a modified clone of Oliver Sandusky with Oliver’s memories.
Arthur felt absolutely terrible in every way. He felt terrible that there is no simple answer to do about the massacre of the twelve girls, he felt absolutely sick because he’s attracted to a biological thirteen-year-old girl, and last but not least, he felt dreadful about the report he’ll have to make soon. What is going to say on the report? He can’t lie, that would be illegal. He can’t tell the truth because that would put an innocent in jeopardy. Never in his career has Agent Arthur Wallace ever felt so conflicted. Hell, even in his life, Arthur has never felt so conflicted. He’s had to make tough choices before but nothing to the scale of this. Love over duty, or duty over love. Which is more important to him?
“Hey, what’s with the long face?” A familiar female voice whispered.
“GAAAH!!!” Arthur nearly fell out of his chair. “Oh Blink, bloody hell, you scared the shat out of me.”
Blink giggled, “You were doing some deep thinkin’ right there.” She sat down, “Penny for your thought.”
Arthur sighed, “I don’t know anymore, Blink.” Blink gave him a nod, “I jus… this case has me conflicted.”
“What’s so conflicted about it?”
“I can’t tell you the details but hypothetically if an ancestral spirit were to be bonded to a person through a brutal ritual, but then the spirit was to brutally massacre all of the cultists doing the ritual. Is it the person’s, whose body the ancestral spirit possessed, fault? Or is it just an accident caused by people who didn’t know what they were getting themselves into?”
“Wow that’s a lot. Hmmm, let me think about it.” Blink took a few moments of fidgeting around before answering, “It was an accident in a way. You said that it was a brutal ritual right?” Arthur nodded, “How brutal?”
“They tied the person to a cross and cut off his wanker.”
Blink grimace, “Holy moly, that is brutal. Yup, definitely the cultist’s fault. They were messing and using someone’s life for their own gain. It’s only karma that they all were brutally killed.”
Arthur face palmed thinking ‘why didn’t I come up with that sooner? I’m such an idiot.’ Poor Arthur was off balanced with his attraction to Ophelia that he tried for hard to separate emotions over facts rather than thinking about how the cultists tried to commit ritual sacrifice. “Thank you, Blink. I appreciate it.” Arthur felt just a bit lighter from that realization.
“My pleasure! Anything else is on your mind?”
Arthur nodded, “So there’s this girl and-”
“Oh my gosh! Arty has a little crush?!”
Arthur felt a heat wave of embarrassment as his voice became soft, “I fancy her, yes.”
Blink rested her head on her hands, “So who’s this lucky lady, and what’s your trouble with her?”
“Well, she’s the girl whose power testing right now.”
“You mean the one who just drank a whole lot of blood?”
Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.
“Wut? Uh yeah, her.” Arthur never actually asked her about her powers, but he guessed that’ll be a conversation for lunch. “Anyway, she got changed, biologically into a sixteen-year-old. She’s actually legally and chronologically twenty-one. And the fact she’s biologically sixteen is getting to me.”
“Hold on a moment.” Blink whipped out her phone, fiddled with it a bit until she found a picture and handed Arthur the phone, “Would you have sex with her?” The picture was that of a beautiful young girl. The girl looked like Blink’s daughter.
“Bloody hell, no! That’s fookin’ disgusting!!” Arthur nearly puked at the thought.
“That’s your answer, you aren’t attracted to sixteen-year-old girls, you’re attracted to that lovely young woman, who I’m pretty sure could bench press you several times over.”
Arthur cheeks became rosy again, “I’ve just never had experience with love. She’s the first one to ever like me-”
“Pfffft, my dude, she is NOT the first one to ever like you. You’re just too oblivious and work minded to actually take the hint. Now here’s the most important question. Do you like her?”
“Well, yeah, I fancy her but-”
“That’s all that matters. She likes you, and you like her. All the rest doesn’t matter as long as you know that.” Blink put her feet on the table, “Now tell me what you like about this uh whatshername.”
“Her name is Ophelia.”
“Ooo, a pretty name. Tell me what you like about Ophelia, Arthur.”
“Well, she’s silly and adorable and is the only one who’s noticed my Constantine cosplay.”
“I noticed it.”
“The only one who’s said anything about it. I’ve only known her for two days now but I find that she’s genuine which is hard to find. Especially in my line of work.” Arthur chuckled, “The first time I met her she became light headed and drunk-like that she started called me Agent Sexy.”
“She sounds quite a character.” Blink giggled, “I see why you fancy her.”
“Yeah, she is. Her mum is really nice too.”
“You’ve met her mother already? Oh gosh, you’re closer to being married.”
Arthur had a pale look on his face as he gave a meek smile.
“I’m just teasing you, my dude, just chill and enjoy. Don’t have any expectations with her and just keep enjoying her company.”
“Yeah.”
Blink stood up, “Well, it’s been fun but I need to go.” She popped out of reality to wherever she went.
“Hey!” A sweet voice called to his attention, it was Ophelia who’s wearing a t-shirt that read, ‘Bad Bitch Here’ and jeans, “I’m done with testing. My MHIC says that I’m a Mage 0. No clue what that means but it sounds cool.” MHIC is an acronym for Meta-Human Identification Card.
Arthur chuckled slightly at that.
“What? Why are you laughing?”
“Nothing, nothing. You hungry?”
“Starving!”
“I looked up a nice place to eat.”
“Is that what you were doing the whole time?”
“That and chatting to a friend.”
Back to Ophelia
“They told me that I’m something like a magical energy manipulator in terms of how I power work.” I spoke taking a quick bit of my second plate steak. My first plate was a sandwich but that didn’t quite satisfy my hunger, so I ordered a steak rare. It’s actually incredible how delicious rare steaks are. I had offered Arthur some but he shook his head hard. “I still don’t know what they mean.”
“An energy manipulator or energizer as we call them is someone who can uses the energy to either manipulate it, create it, or store it often times needing a higher amount of caloric intake in order to regain energy. Some energizers can amp up their reaction time and speed, while others can create force fields, turn invisible, or fire blasts of energy. They probably mean something similar to that.”
I shrugged, “Yeah, I guess. Carmilla explained that drinking blood transfers whoever blood I drank into lifeforce which converts into mana or essence that Carmilla likes to call it.
So you did listen and understand. Carmilla smirked.
“Yeah, I’m a college student, not a dunce.” I replied back mentally. Admitted, my scores are terrible and I honestly had no idea what I wanted to do in college for four years besides get away from home. I settled on childcare but I know that won’t be enough in this economy.
“I can boost up my density which makes me heavy and allows me to pick up more. Which is cool, I guess. I can do that ‘amping up my reaction time’ thing you mentioned too. Which is really cool. Not to mention the ability to regenerate, which is just plain convenient. Apparently, I can cast spells too but Carmilla hasn’t told me how to do that yet.”
Arthur gave me a smile that nearly made me into girly goo, “That’s a very versatile power you have there.”
“Yeah… the only downside is I have to be consuming blood in order to use any of my powers. Coconut water works too for some odd reason.” I wrinkled my nose. Such a weird thing that can give me essence. “I have a special organ that’s used for storing essence apparently. Which is neat.”
“That’s very brilliant! I’ve been in the supernatural business for a while and met several mages. Some taught me about magic even though I don’t have the spark for it. The ability to store magic inside you is incredibly useful. You should be less modest about your power, Ophelia. They’re incredible, brilliant, and power.”
A massive wave of blush coming on as I squeaked out, “Thank you.” Gorging my face in the rest of my steak to keep from feeling my embarrassment. I’m still not satisfied. How much do I have to eat to be satisfied? “Uh, Arthur, you mind if I ask for more?”
“Not, not in the least bit, love. Get as much as you want, it’s fun watching you eat.”
I smiled, “Thank you, you’re such a gentleman.” Remember the gooey memories of him opening the doors for me and pushing into my seat.
“Well, I have a pleasure of being in the presence of a beautiful woman in front of me. I’m getting the better end of the deal.” Another huge wave of blush and butterflies as I turned into a gooey, girly mess, all I could was giggle in response. Arthur held a finger up for a waitress, “Ma’am, she’d like some more.”
There was a certain amount of irritation coming from Clara, the waitress as she answered with a glare that gave me a chill, “Yes, sir. What would the child want?” Not even looking at me.
I get the feeling she didn’t like me much, I shrugged off her insult, “I’ll have a rare steak again and send compliments to your chef, he knows how to cook a good steak even when rare.” Giving her a toothy grin just to be extra. I find being polite when someone doesn’t like you is the best. Clara the waitress’s eye twitched as she practically stomped away.
“She does not like you.” Arthur spoke evenly.
“I noticed. I wonder why.”
“It probably has to due to your not-so-baseline look.”
I shrugged, “Some people are just too close minded. At least she’s doing her job.”
“Reluctantly.” Arthur added.
“Though, probably should leave after the steak. I feel a little guilty about causing trouble.”
“Nonsense! You’re here to eat just like every customer. They should be giving us top service since we’re spending so much money.”
I snorted, “You’re right. I’m just anxious, that’s all. I’ve heard some terrible things about what H1 and MSB does to mutants.”
Arthur nodded, “Unfortunately, most of those things are true. But no need to be worried, love. Agent Arthur Wallace will protect you.” Giving me an adorable salute. I might be falling for him, he’s just too handsome and adorable. Not to mention kind, diligent, and a chivalrous.
It was a lovely, peaceful trip back home. We didn’t talk but just enjoyed each other’s presence and giving each other smiles and sometimes grins. We even held hands! How lewd! My tummy was swarming with butterflies that were turning me into goo the whole trip. I didn’t want it to ever end. It was wonderful!!
When we pulled into the drive way of the Alumni house, I felt the dread of not wanting to part from him. He opened my car door and took my hand, leading me to the back door of the house. I didn’t really notice it but he’s very tall. So tall that I dwarf him. I stared into his loving, dark eyes and realized something. This is a perfect storm for a romantic kiss under the sunset after a fun date, but I’ve never kissed anyone ever. How do I do it? Is there some trick to it? The nervous tension that coiled and tied itself didn’t help either.
Little flower, don’t worry about the how, just do it. It was Carmilla whose been very quiet up until now.
I closed my eyes and balanced on my tippy toes. I didn’t know what I was doing but it didn’t matter because Arthur took in charge to sweep me up into a kiss. The kiss electrified my whole being. I was dancing on air and the only regret I have is it ending too soon. We didn’t even say anything as we part, just waved and Arthur left leaving me in a puddle of girly goo that skipped and danced around.
Julia was sitting there reading a book on her kindle as I entered with a twirl, “You look happy with that goofy smile of yours. Did something happen?”
“Yeah, I kissed the most amazing man I’ve ever met.”
“OH GODS! She kissed a boy!! Repeat, she kissed a boy!!! Cooties alert!!!!” Julia exaggerated with mirth, “So what’s this lucky guy like?”
I wasn’t affected by her mockery as I sung, “He’s wonderful, kind, handsome, chivalrous, and a wonderful kisser.” I sounded like a love-sick puppy.
She rolled her eyes, “Sounds quite the guy. You still wanna go to that party with me?”
That snapped me out of it as I shook my head, “No thank you. I’m exhausted from today”
Julia gave a smug grin, “Too tired making out with your boyfriend?”
“HE ISN’T MY BOYFRIEND!!!” I furiously blushed and whispered, “And we only kissed.”
“Whatever.”
“Anyway, I’m gonna go to sleep. Night.”
“Night.”
Meanwhile
It has been a couple days since Lone Wolf sniffed the vampire thing that he smelled at lunch. Wolf is a patient man. There had been many times he could’ve strikes like in the alley way, or when she was going back to the dorm, but he stayed patient, waiting for the optimal time to strike. He had lean into the Alumni house that she was staying here. She’s apparently taking a nap. Good for Lone Wolf, it means that she’ll be isolated and soon he’ll strike.
Maybe just maybe with this hunt Lone Wolf will be able to go back to his tribe with honor and respect, rather than the dishonor and embarrassment he left it.
Also Meanwhile
Bane Cook had found out the mutant menace was at the same place that Clara worked. Why they didn’t refuse its service is beyond him. Clara mentioned something about the potential of being sued but that didn’t matter to him. Because of mutants like this bitch, his brother lost his wife which turned him to drugs. Brock was once a minor league baseball player and he would’ve made major league if it wasn’t for that fucking mutant menace who killed his brother’s wife.
Bane shook his head, “Eyes on the prize.” He thought, “Eyes on the prize.” Someone left in a car three hours later. Must be her roommate or something. That’s when he heard something smash into the building.