Two weeks have passed since Solomon escaped the Lightborn, with no more incidents reported regarding them. Adelar decided that he’d take the front a little more seriously, refusing to accept any more petty calls, much to Lisa’s delight. He also had plans to have the station renovated so it would no longer look as abandoned as it once was. The team continued working there, as the money was still great.
Solomon found herself visiting Lisa more and more, working up her courage each time. She imagined the scenario multiple times and carefully prepared for the occasion, hoping that anxiety wouldn’t overtake her in the worst possible moment. Lisa didn’t seem to pick up on her subtle hints throughout the way, however, which she found a little bothersome.
Now, standing in front of the bathroom mirror, wearing her favourite flower pattern dress and scarf, she feels ready.
“How do I look?” She asks, from an outside perspective, no one.
“I may not know today’s fashion, but my guess is “pretty good”.” Genesis writes. She has grown pretty comfortable with him, even if she gets bouts of existential terror at times because of his ever-present proximity. “Good enough.” She thought about telling people her situation with him extensively. Given how she can’t possibly tell how they would react to it, she decided to deal with him herself. At the end of the day, she seems to get along with Genesis anyway.
She inspects herself in the mirror one more time.
“Alright, now leave me alone as much as you can. This… This is extremely important to me. Don’t look, don’t listen, don’t do anything, please.” She whispers. Genesis gives her a thumbs up, and with a warm feeling, she senses his very presence retreat into the depths of her mind, causing her a short-lived headache. “Just like we agreed.”
Grateful, she exhales deeply and exits the bathroom. She goes downstairs where Lisa is sitting on her couch, watching some detective series.
“Mind if I put on some music?” Solomon asks, hoping that the wolf doesn't find it weird that she wants to listen to music while she’s watching something.
“Yeah, go ahead.” Lisa says with a nod.
Excited, Solomon goes to the modernised phonograph and connects her phone to it. “Here we go.” She puts on an old classical waltz song, one that should be all too familiar to Lisa.
“Care for a dance?” Solomon asks, reaching out with her hand. The wolf’s eyes open wide as her gaze snaps towards the cat, unable to hide her surprise, or blush, and hesitates. “Please…”
Lisa then turns off the TV and takes her hand with a pleasant smile.
And so, they dance. It’s a dance commonly associated with the song, Solomon was hoping that it’s what Lisa had in mind for when she would dance with her partner. It turns out to be slightly different, she has trouble following Lisa’s steps at first, but eventually figures out the rhythm to it. She makes a couple missteps, but Lisa doesn’t seem to care, knowing exactly what Solomon means with this song and dance, and has accepted it. Throughout the dance, Solomon doesn’t feel anything from Genesis, she doesn’t even think about him, letting herself get immersed in the moment. She can hardly bear the anticipation rising with each step, as well as misstep, but the truly happy smile of the wolf fills her with confidence.
As the song finishes, Lisa spins Solomon around and then holds her, looking into her eyes for what feels like an eternity. The dance is finished, Solomon feels her heart pounding in her chest, waiting for Lisa to say something, anything.
“Rox… You remembered!” Lisa says eventually, causing the cat to calm down slightly. “Is this really how you feel?”
“Without a doubt, Lisa.” Solomon says, holding onto the wolf. “I’ve never been so sure of that in my life.”
Lisa then pulls Solomon in to kiss her, something she’s been waiting for for quite some time. The feeling is unlike anything, worth everything she went through, truly, the spark that was missing from her life.
“This was… Frankly amazing, Rox.” Lisa says with a slightly shaky voice.
“Was the dance like how you imagined?” Solomon gently pulls Lisa down on the couch in a warm, passionate embrace.
“Just like that, and even more.”
“At least I got some good news.” Thalia says as she walks into the living room where Lumi is sitting on a sofa that is covered with brown paper, looking entirely too excited to be in the panther’s presence. She is now wearing decidedly more normal clothes, a grey shirt with a black pair of trousers. Thalia then puts a paintbrush and a small can of grey paint, meant to be used on fur, on a table next to the sofa. The bat eyes it suspiciously. In the past week, she wanted to know more and more about the power of True Darkness, something not even Thalia herself knows that much about. She may have a slight aversion to her own power, but it has gotten her out of (or into) bad situations.
“I spoke to Zeus, he said that he’ll make an exception, as we really, really need someone to help Hades with the freezer. Poor bloke can’t handle that along with the heating alone.”
“I have the power of frost as well, that will make things easier.” Says Lumi, looking eager to help. Thalia feels her phone vibrate inside her pocket. She takes it out, sees that it’s a text message from someone in The System, begging her to please reconsider and join the organisation. She dismisses the message and puts her phone back in her pocket. “I really wish they stopped doing that.”
“I’m glad you agreed to help, with my expenses on paint, I’ll really need it.” Thalia opens the can of paint and dips the tip of the paintbrush into it, a motion she’s all too used to by now.
“Speaking of, those bastards at the shop raised the price of the one colour I need most!” She complains. “I just about single handedly keep them from going out of business and that’s how they repay me?” She continues and takes a step towards Lumi. “I never see anyone else there! Watch them raise the price of this one too after I buy a can like, two times.” She bends down to inspect the bat’s face better. “Now, stay still.”
“You would cover up my markings?” Lumi accuses, looking less excited now.
“Zeus wants a meeting with you tomorrow. I’ll need to make you look more, shall we say, presentable.” Thalia explains. “It’s either this, or a mask.”
“...fine.” Lumi says with a sigh.
With one stroke of the paintbrush, Thalia applies the grey paint onto Lumi’s face, covering a little bit of the black marking above her right eye. To her delight, the colour matches well enough.
“That’ll do it. We’ll still need to explain why your eye looks… Like that. No offence.” Thalia says as she dips the tip of the brush into the paint again.
“Just say that it’s a condition or something.” Lumi suggests as she leans back on the sofa.
“That’ll work.” Thalia covers more and more of the markings on Lumi’s face. “We’ll need to think of a moniker for you too. Some think it’s a stupid gimmick, but I think it has its charm.”
More strokes of the brush, more paint gone from the can, but still plenty left to cover the rest of her. With that, Lumi’s face looks considerably less intimidating. Thalia takes a step back to look at her from a distance, then hands her a small mirror. Lumi looks at herself, Thalia can tell that she would much rather show off her markings.
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“Definitely not what I’m used to.” She says with a slightly forlorn expression.
“Oh, I know!” Thalia exclaims. “How about Dolos?”
“I don’t know what that means, but I trust your choice.” Lumi responds with a smile.
“Try to avoid the rain.” Thalia advises. “Also, try not to activate your powers too often. That’ll make the paint fade even faster. I already need to repaint myself every other day.”
“It’s a manifestation of magic, of course it doesn’t like being covered!” Lumi explains. “Darkness especially. My people know a lot about it, but True Darkness… It will be an honour to be your disciple!” She says with a slight bow. “I feel like I’ll be learning a lot more from her than she will from me.”
“I’d prefer you to call me more of a housemate. Or even a friend!” Says Thalia. “I have to admit, I could use some company around here.”
“To be in the company of…” The bat pauses, choosing to rephrase her words. “You. That is the highest honour for me.”
“Seriously, just think of me as a friend. That’ll make things easier for everyone.” Thalia crosses her arms.
“I will...” Lumi nods. “My friend.”
“Very good, very good!” Adelar says into his phone at the Bird’s Eye station. “Glad we could settle that. Thanks, bye!” He hangs up and turns in his chair to look at two of his employees present. “That should take care of that. I’m told that they can start working on the station as soon as next week.”
“Great!” Yaroslav exclaims, putting a hand on a rather sombre-looking Durazo’s shoulder, snapping him out of his train of thought. “Hear that, Father?”
“Oh, yes.” He states in a low voice. “Quite nice.”
“Still thinking about Antonio?” The bear questions compassionately. “I understand. It can’t be easy-”
“Not at all!” Durazo responds firmly with a smile. “I’m glad he’s gone! I’m more concerned about… Everything else. The System, the cult… What will come of us?”
“Well since Ludwig’s dead and gone…” Adelar says with an exceedingly satisfied look. “And since Shaquia seems like a rather helpful leader, I’m thinking of a possible partnership.” He says, to the surprise of his employees.
“I thought you hated them?” Durazo argues.
“I hated that Ludwig took what was rightfully ours all for himself. Now…” He chuckles, confident in his decision. “I will have to change that. I’m certain it will infuriate him even further as he’s looking at me from down below.”
“Your choice, boss.” Yaroslav shrugs. “Anyone called for additional jobs?”
“Why yes.” Adelar takes out a piece of paper and writes down the details from memory. “Given how Lisa insisted that she go with Solomon, I do have something for the two of you.” He hands them the paper. “The Church of Benevolence in Millport could use a little help investigating possible fraud.”
The paper details the suspiciously high price of “renovations” of a church, which reportedly only included repainting and lacquering a few pieces of furniture, as told by a painter who came forward.
“I’m no expert, but given what I was just told, that doesn’t warrant a million pounds, now does it?” Adelar asks with a smirk. “Look into it, yes?”
“You got it, boss!” Yaroslav says with a hearty laugh, which Durazo joins in on in agreement.
Adelar’s phone then starts ringing, causing them to stop.
“And I thought we wouldn’t be so busy now.” He remarks. “Even still, we’ll need to make sure you have time for training. Off you go now!”
With a wink, he picks up the phone.
“Any response from Thalia yet?” Shaquia asks, sitting at the desk her former boss used to. Her new position has caused her no end of stress since the Lightborn incident. “Am I glad they left us alone for now… Thank you for the info on them, Grayson.”
“She doesn’t even read the messages anymore, let alone answer our phone calls.” Benedict responds, standing in between Sheila, now with two working eyes, and Andreas.
“God damnit…” Shaquia rubs her temples. “True Darkness hasn’t been identified since what, the 15th century? According to our records?”
“At least Solomon seems to be cooperative, sire.” Says Andreas, causing the lynx to sigh.
“Yes, she is, but the ancient Mystic One inside her that could actually answer just about all of our questions, isn’t.” She says in an exasperated tone as she eyes Benedict. “Ever since you pushed the subject of creating magic.”
“I’m sorry!” Says the raccoon. “How was I supposed to know that he’s so sentimental about it?”
“That makes two people whose mere presence he despises.” Sheila chimes in. “After what, two sessions? That’s just impressive.”
“Listen.” Shaquia begins to say in an irritated tone. “We need all the help we can get after that travesty that happened at that castle. Wel lost too many men, more have straight up resigned after it.”
“At least we know where they are now!” Benedict tries to bring in some positivity. “Grayson’s plan is working pretty flawlessly, and you know, I couldn’t help but notice that people have been taking less sick leaves ever since you took over.”
“I guess that’s a good thing.” Shaquia sighs deeply. “We can be glad we have access to the old man’s funds. Lion’s Den wouldn’t be in such decent shape already if it wasn’t for that.”
“We’ll need new staff for that too.” Sheila states, pitying the lynx. “Are you sure we shouldn’t reach out to-”
“I promised Solomon not to bother her friends.” Shaquia retorts, albeit in a calm manner. “I won’t go back on my word there. As soon as the current candidates are ready, we’ll send them there.” She glances at Sheila specifically. “And before you say anything, Thalia is different. I would be willing to do a lot, just to have an audience with her.”
“Maybe pestering her about it isn’t how you’ll get her to come and visit, sire?” Andreas suggests.
“We can’t just go knocking on her door.” Says the lynx. “Until further notice, we’ll discontinue trying to get in contact with her.” She states, feeling defeated. The others seem to accept her decision. “Maybe she’ll soften up to it with time. For now, let’s just be grateful that Solomon agrees to come here and provide info.” She stands up from the desk. “Now if you’ll excuse me… I need a break.”
“I CANNOT believe you tried to do that.” Says Haemon, sitting at a table in the Lighborn castle, playing cards with Rufina and Fulmine.
“That’s the one time I’ll admit that I have regrets.” Says the electric bat, all too casual for Haemon’s liking. “But it’s been two weeks, Haemon, even I got over it. And it happened to me!”
“To be fair, Solomon did save my life, in a way.” Rufina says as she looks at her hand of cards.
That name… Solomon. Haemon has grown to hate it even more.
“If she never showed up in the first place, none of this would have happened.” He puts down his hand of cards. Three of a kind. “It’s bad if you have regrets about it.” He scowls at Fulmine.
“Yeah, I regret not getting to share a night with her!” Fulmine puts down his hand. A full house.
“Oh, come on…” Says Haemon. “You never learn, do you? Should have just shocked her when you still could.”
“Brother, all she wanted was to leave.” Rufina puts down her hand. Four of a kind. Fulmine shakes his head as she claims her winnings of twenty poker chips, mostly black. “Anyone know how much this would be worth?”
Haemon looks around the hall to see if Luxor has come back from wherever he went yet.
“He wouldn’t have let her leave. You know that.” He whispers. “I’m glad she’s gone, but we paid the price for it.”
Like clockwork, the white fox walks through the doorway on the right side of the hall. Rather than an open, white robe, he is wearing a closed, black one. The bats watch him go to sit down on the marble throne without a word, one hand supporting his head, this time not in boredom, but in sadness. He closes his glowing eyes, they somehow appear dimmer than they did before.
“It really got to him, huh?” Fulmine whispers as he shuffles the deck. “One day in black for each follower who died or disappeared that day. How many days does he have left?”
“Eight.” Says Rufina. “Or nine, if we count Lumi, but something tells me that we shouldn’t.”
“He even put off the search for more light until then.” Haemon adds. “Can you believe that?”
“You think he blames himself?” Fulmine deals a hand of five cards to each of them. “He did a decent job hiding those who can’t or won’t fight… But you have to wonder, no?” He asks with a concerned expression as he slides five more chips to the centre of the table, so do the other two.
“He’s supposed to be a God, remember?” Haemon looks at his hand and tries to keep a straight face. 2 of diamonds, 3 of spades, 4 of diamonds, 5 of clubs, 7 of hearts. “He’s cheating.”
“People came here for comfort, healing, and belief, a Paradise. They got the opposite that day.”
“Give him some time.” Rufina adds, sliding 15 more chips to the centre. Fulmine throws his hand down, having four of a kind. “He’ll be back in his old self soon.” She reveals her hand, three of a kind. Fulmine makes a smug smile as he reaps the rewards that would be worth a pretty penny in an actual game.
“I’m sure he will, sister.” Haemon grins. “I’m sure he will.”