Track 14 - Red Sun At Night

"I trust him, but only so far."

You crashed the minute you gotten home. It had taken a few hours after that to get acquainted from Aldryx. It took a couple hours to get acquainted with Aldryx. He wanted to hear the full story, glumly stating he hadn't had any time the last few weeks to hear it.

But as he listened he got a little sombre. You heard him mutter later that he should have joined earlier, that Agoti wouldn't have been in that situation. You pretended not to hear it but figure Agoti must have asked Aldryx at some point. Tabi, gruff as ever said that "you both would have just gotten arrested instead". It was blunt, but it what Aldryx needed to hear. He cracked a small smile and replied. "Maybe...but we woulda taken down a lot more cops."

After getting meeting with Agoti's older brother, you and Tabi drove home, stumbled through the front door and both fell asleep on the couch, both awkwardly on it.

You guess you had been up near 20 hours by now. While at one point such hours were normal those days were long gone. Tabi, while he was out for a while was drained from his wounds.

He explained on the way back that while he did heal faster, it took a lot of energy to do so. Either way, both of you were out on the couch.

You both awoke hours later in the deep night. You did first, finding yourself, sprawled out on the couch, Tabi in your arms, lightly snoozing. He lay on top, just as tired as you were. Eventually he stirred and you both returned to your rooms, either not even realizing what had occurred or too tired to speak on it. You realize you might have blushed, or Tabi did. It was all a happy blur.

Other than that single instance, the night had no interruptions. Even S seemed unusually quiet, no doubt off on his own adventures (unbeknownst to you, dealing with Nikku's new accommodations).

But around 8 you stirred first, a few rays of sun hitting through the blinded window. The first thing you noticed was you felt remarkably rested.

At first you check your phone, seeing a new message. For some reason your mind went to it being Displo but then you remembered. It was from Updike, a message was a question about 'cover' employment and that there would be a meeting today.

Questioning further, Updike stated he wished to hire you to TGG. You easily refuse, stating you had a better idea for a cover job. That and, not wanting to further entangle yourself into Updike's affairs.

Contact info already entered, you temporarily forget you had given him your number weeks ago. You reply back that you'll think about it and that you and Tabi will be there.

Deciding it was time to get busy you got out of bed, freshened up and got cooking. While Huggy just subsisted on raw meat (and whatever Pompom fed him), Tabi ate regularly. Having another mouth to feed was a bit different for groceries.

Of course, with Tabi's wages you didn't notice much of a difference. He was all too happy to help with the house and pay, feeling he owed it to you.

Tabi woke a bit later. Despite his wounds he was still ready to go to work. You questioned if he was able to work and he remarked he needed to. In a rare show of comedy, he joked that he needed to get his mind off Displo and Agoti.

Eating some eggs and toast, Tabi spoke. "What are you going to do today?"

"Updike offered me a job. Probably not going to take it though."

"Good. I trust him, but only so far. His whole organization comes off as strange. At least IRIS wasn't a cult."

"I told the chief I was going to start a PI business awhile ago. I'm going to set it up, just as a front. But at least it looks legit."

You sat across from him at the small kitchen table. It wasn't much, awfully outdated, especially with the flower designs but it was cheap when you got it. Good condition too.

"What if you get a client?"

You shook your head. "I'll just say I've got my hands full. It's just for appearances. I figure the cops already suspect me after that attack."

"Is a good idea." Tabi put the fork down. "I'm off. I'll see you tonight."

"Sure. Just keep safe out there."

"I will." Tabi said, in the middle of zipping up his hoodie.

With the house to yourself you get started on the "PI Business". Just being for show you do the bare minimum. Basic website, buy a few ads in the city, list a contact e-mail and number separate from your current one and make them all expire in a few months. It took a few hours to get all set up and by lunch time you were officially a private investigator.

And by lunch time you were bored. You messaged S who came by to explain that he'd been hanging out with Nikku. But still busy with Nikku and as such had to leave. Apparently he had big plans today but refused to explain them.

With boredom on the mind you decide to actually hear out to Updike's request. He insists you come directly to TGG which, after informing Tabi, do.

A litany of ideas of what Updike wanted go through your head. Wrangling 'abominations', stopping invasions, patrolling the prison. None seemed to match the low-key aura of the previous job.

Now up top, in Updike's sky-high office he explained the job. "A straightforward security job. You'd be patrolling my floor basically, just watching for any intruders, dealing accordingly." Updike said.

"Do you even get visitors?"

Updike shook his head. "No. And even then they are personally vetted. I looked through IRIS' records and saw you were registered as an employee through Displo. I determined you better have a cover job too." Updike got up and looked out the window. "Occasionally I may require you to patrol two other floors. The prison and the lobby. Just those two. I won't grant you access to any of the other floors." He said sternly.

"Okay?"

"It's a security thing. I'm sure you understand."

"I have a PI thing going on already. I don't know if I can do this."

"Nonsense. Your 'private investigations' can be a double front. Moonlight as a PI but perform security duties here. At least for the time being. Surely you see the folly in investigating for justice while we ourselves engage in true crime."

"I guess." You shift uneasily. "That is how you see this right? You do realize this whole conflict you've embroiled yourself in a spiritual one." Updike asked.

"..."

"Well, that is how I see it. Even irredeemable like that S creature and that doombringer Nikku can do good. I understand that at least. It's prophetic in a way."

"..."

Updike sighed. "How do you see it? This conflict?" He turned back, wondering how you saw the Carnival.

"It's revenge. A way to right the city. Revenge for what they did to Tabi, Agoti, Displo, Kapi, his friends, myself, shoot, you. Theo too, in his...weird way."

"You lack the abstraction needed to understand the severity of this conflict." Updike sighed again. "No matter. Are you interested in the job? I do recommend you at take it, for now."

"Is there going to be any, uh, indoctrination?"

"We run a respectable business here (Y/N). Most of my workers understand this. It is a simple security job where we take care of abominations. Just don't go getting sympathy for them." Updike said, in contradiction with what you knew about TGG.

You accept, not feeling you had much choice in the matter. You just hoped Updike would be philosophizing to you the whole time.

It didn't take long to get situated. In honour of Displo, Updike allowed you to use your uniform from IRIS; He showed you to the prison wing, the same one Tabi had stalked weeks prior. It looked much larger than you expected though all the cells empty. Updike noted that there weren't any prisoners currently but alas there had been examples of former prisoners coming back to wreak havoc.

You brought up the question of how many TGG employees had been killed in the line of duty. With unwavering confidence he stated none. Injured? Plenty. But he was adamant none died in the line of duty...in this building. He didn't say the same for the actual prison but you weren't to be stationed there anyways.

Updike at least stated he expected the job to be as quiet as Displo's was. You figured at worst you could use it to keep an eye on Updike.

And by the end of the day you had become Updike's personal guard, even having a desk by the elevator. You texted Tabi who further agreed to keep careful around Updike. You were half expecting Updike to start running off and chasing leads but to your surprise he stayed in his office for the rest of the day.

He only came out a few times just to speak with you briefly. The first time, he started asking about your intruder.

"Velseb." He said out of the blue. "Were you acquainted with him at all? Handled his case? Knew him personally?"

It was such a random question it caught you off guard. "No. I've never seen him before. Why?"

"I am looking into his case. I'm curious as to why they sent him, how they even knew about him. I want to know why him. What about Tabi? Does he know him?"

"No, I don't think so. Does it matter? Probably just coincidence."

"Don't be so naive." Updike said sternly. "There is no shortage of serial killers. There had to be a reason why him. And it's not that often you see someone raised from the dead. It's concerning."

You shrug. "He kept spouting pig and goat facts at me and Tabi. Maybe that's why." You mutter into your phone.

"Perhaps. But I believe there to be some reason. Are you absolutely sure you had never heard of Velseb before that night? No case files, off hand appearances, he owned a restaurant a few hours’ drive from here. You sure you never went there?"

You put down your phone and look at Updike directly. "No. I swear on it. Never met the guy. Never heard of the guy."

"I see." And with that Updike stepped away, resuming his duties.

About an hour later he came out again, carrying papers.

"Pomona." He said.

"Hm?"

"Can you enlighten me as to why Pomona is even on this team? Of all the members I understand. But why a little girl? Abomination or not she is still too young for this."

"We originally got Pompom because we needed a magic user."

"That's it? You realize the Family has anti-magic barriers and tons of protection. One simple mage is not enough."

"Well, we were forming the group first and practicing. Pompom's capable. Her mother is also pretty much a team member as well."

"Even so, when the Family figures out our attack they will go for her again. I can't agree with putting someone so young in risk's way."

"She has a spell too. Can erase memory. We intended to use it against the Family. Hit them all after the heist."

Updike raised an eyebrow. "I see. Well in that case I can agree. Hm." He hummed. "I was wondering how you all would escape from the Family's wrath. You'll need to boost the magical signal but I believe if done right we can wipe the entire area. I see. I will be back." Updike said, nodding. He left, mumbling something about memory erasing and signals as he went back into his office.

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He kept quiet for the rest of the day, making calls and being heard talking to someone.

Occasionally someone came up to visit him and they spoke for half an hour but he otherwise was uninterrupted. The few times you walked by his office you saw him either staring out the window or just filing paper. The whole time he had classical music playing, the sound faintly resonating outside.

Having regretted not bringing a book you browse your phone until the end of the day. Before you left you saw fit to ask one question.

"So can Displo be revived?"

"Don't think about it right now. I am working on something." He said curtly. He glanced away, leaving much to be interpreted.

You step out to pick up Tabi and return later, after the sun set for the meeting. Theo made his own way, apparently wanting to test out his fixed car.

You hadn't noticed it during the day but Updike's office was bright at night.

The mood of the Updike's office was a little brighter than yesterdays. Though the night had arrived it did little shutter the fluorescent lights in his office. Coupled with the marble walls and floor it made the place perpetually appear heavenly.

You wondered how Updike managed it, though dwelling on it, he likely wasn't even human so probably saw light different.

Through the large window overlooking the city all you could see was a dark red sunset. The brights of the room blotched out whatever shapes in the sky could've been seen. You figured that any onlookers from below must have been able to see at least the ceiling, or bright lights which shone like a lighthouse. Though thinking on that, you didn't recall seeing such a blinding light when you left last night, nor did Tabi or Agoti report that when they were attacked by Nikusa.

You probably would have kept thinking had Updike not raised his voice. The meeting had started.

"Thank you all for coming tonight. We don't have a lot of news but it is important."

Most of the team had come. Aldryx sat were Agoti should have. He was introduced, though had not explained the disappearance of his brother. He wasn't met with any particular fanfare. Kapi gloomily said his brother was really cool and that Agoti spoke a lot about him. S' seeing his crimson look insisted on referring to Aldryx as Knuckles, a reference that was lost on everyone but S.

The only people not present were Huggy and Pomona. Pomona had messaged earlier she would not be able to come. At first you thought it the beginning of her departure but her mother actually called and explained the situation. She would be coming to a future meeting, just not this one.

"My people have managed to locate Agoti." He said suddenly, catching everyone off guard.

"What?" Aldryx said.

"What?" S said angrily. "How did you find him before me?!"

Updike ignored the question. He held a remote that was much too small for his hands. With a flick of the button the lights in the room dimmed and a screen descended from the ceiling where the window was. It looked like a projector screen, further confirmed by the opening of a projector hidden on the tabletop.

The screen lit up, a photo of a prison displayed on it. A caption underneath read "Fulp Penitentiary". Updike pushed a button and a map of the prison showed up. Compared to TURINGS, the presentation was very underwhelming.

"Agoti was arrested Sunday morning, making his arrest the final piece of that night. The reason nobody was able to find him was that he was arrested and sentenced under the name 'Bebe Panzu'."

"What the hell?" Aldryx muttered. Another slide flicked showing 'Panzu's' profile. It had no photo but the other info appeared to match up with Agoti. Non-human, correct age, height, etc. It listed a litany of crimes, enough to make Tabi and Aldryx scoff. Human trafficking, attempted murder, armed robbery, it was like they took a glance at the crime book and picked randomly.

"Judging by the surprise I'm going to assume that is not some alias of his. He arrested under the preview of being Panzu and all his crimes were transferred over to Agoti. Whether intentional or unintentional the system believes that is his real name, and that he is a several-time criminal."

"How do you know it's him?" Aldryx said with natural scepticism.

"After sentencing they conspired to put him with a prisoner known as 'The Exorcist'. Said prisoner had gained a reputation for nearly killing all of his cellmates."

While Nikku had gained some concern on her face, Tabi and Aldryx already knew something was up. "Said prisoner happened to be under my supervision, and once Agoti explained himself ordered a meeting with me to inform."

"They tried to have bro killed!?" Aldryx asked, anger bubbling.

"Who's this 'Exorcist' anyways?" You ask.

"Do you recall during Earthquake that man that interrupted the event? The father, not that witch? He is the one."

"Ha, nice." Tabi remarked. There it was, he thought.

"Ruv is his name. He has 'adopted' Agoti."

"He trustworthy?" Aldryx asked, unsure whether to be relieved or not.

"He most certainly is." Tabi said.

Updike nodded. "Yes. Should any one lay a finger on Agoti, they were personally face the full brunt of the Exorcist. He believes it to be a divine challenge to protect Agoti. Nobody will lay a hand on the innocent one, he told me. Exact words."

Silently, Aldryx and Tabi smirked. Agoti wasn't that innocent. they had both thought.

"Wait. Why is Ruv even in a regular prison?" You asked, shifting around. "He could kill everyone in there."

"Much as I wished to keep him under my view, the police and warden insisted he stay there. Simply put they don't like me having my own prison. They believe they can contain Ruv and I have allowed them to prove me wrong."

You roll your eyes. That would be like the cops.

"He's got his own prison?" Theo whispered to S. He nodded, giving thumbs down to Updike.

"He is being held in the main cell block, west wing, cell block B, cell number 747. It's on the second floor of the prison."

"Well, what are you waiting for? Get him out."

"Get him out?" Updike asked. "Should we? He's safe there and it makes the team look weak, which is what we need, I'm sure you're aware."

"I'm already up to speed. And that doesn't matter. They aren't gonna be looking for us. Plus, they're gonna figure out eventually that he isn't the right guy. My brother's not some random guy, people know him."

"Even if it's a mistaken identity, they won't just let him go. He is effectively a 'political' prisoner."

"Isn't he like me, an 'abomination'? Can't you just transfer him to your prison, then free him?" Nikku asked quietly.

"The police have made it clear he is not one. I would have done that if it were an option. And after Ruv I cannot just get a prisoner from them, evidently."

"So what? We just gotta sit here, let him rot there?" Aldryx started to raise his voice.

"For the time being yes." Updike had a way of not reacting to what was an appeal to emotion. You noticed it back then and Nikku did earlier. This was Aldryx's first time, and he didn't take it lightly. He stood up, now frustrated.

"And what if they attack him? You said it yourself the guards are out to get him. I don't care how strong you think that friend of yours is. They got the guards trying to kill him? We're getting him out. I don't care if we have to burn the whole thing down. None of this corporate crap. We get. Him. Out."

"Are you suggesting a prison break?"

"Damn straight I am! Agoti would do the same thing for me. I know it!" Aldryx demanded, slamming a fist on the table.

Updike raised an eyebrow. Not in suspicion but in curiosity. And you swore you could have seen him smile for a second.

"I will think about it. Dwell on it for now. We can discuss it tomorrow."

Updike faced outside.

"A prison break is a large task, requires a lot of planning." Updike said.

Aldryx wasn't expecting Udpike to respond that way. He already had it in mind to split the team, making some speech about 'how we help our family first'. Awkwardly he sat down, saying. "Well, let me know then. But we are doing this, with or without you."

He glared at Updike. "Family first."

"And I said I will think about it. Drop the subject." Updike glared back at Aldryx as he turned around. "The other reason I have gathered you all today is because of events that transpired last night. Are any of you familiar with a group called The Bandits?"

Nobody spoke up.

"Really? So none of you know what happened last night?" Updike said, for the first time actually surprised.

"Tabi and I crashed soon as we got home." You say.

Kapi shook his head, though otherwise kept quiet.

"Then none of your know about the attack on the compound?" Even more questions and a bombshell.

"There was an attack?" Tabi asked.

The next slide came up. It was the front of the compound. A black gate and fence, cobblestone path that led into it plus trees further obscuring the entrance.

What was different was the few people in hazmat suits around, a few bright green puddles were around. Seeing nobody react to it, Updike began.

"Some 'group' called The Bandits launched an attack on the compound last night. They identified themselves as that. Of particular note is that they used radioactive material. And a lot of it. Two suspects were listed though no description existed for either.

"This really wasn't any of you?"

"How would we even get radioactive material?" Theo asked, surprised.

"Well either way it puts a wrench in our plans. We're going to have to put the finale on hold. Their security will be beefed up for the time being. I don't know who would be stupid enough to outright attack them but someone did. It's going to cost us."

"Radioactive material." You say. It seemed too leftfield to be true.

"Yes. And now they have the cops turning over every leaf trying to find out who stole nuclear waste. It's a damn joke and will make approaching them significantly harder." Updike complained.

Though quiet, Kapi groaned in annoyance. That was the last thing he needed. More reasons for the Family to be pissed off at the group.

"What if it was themselves?" Theo asked.

"That is a possibility. I wouldn't put it past them to do something like that to garner support. Regardless, we've already gotten a request from the police to assist with the investigation, which we've accepted."

"Why?" Nikku asked. "I thought we aren't supposed to be working on-"

"We aren't. It's to keep a close eye on them, cast any doubt lest they think we had something to do with it." Now that Nikku made herself known, Updike narrowed on her and S. "Plus. If someone has stolen nuclear waste I would like to know. Such material is highly dangerous."

"After you two arrived at the safe house you stayed there right? Didn't go on any adventures?" He mused.

Nikku shook her head. "No way pal. Just stayed there and fixed up the shoddy room you gave her." S shot back.

"I certainly hope so. Well if nobody knows the 'Bandits' let's just chalk it up to some other enemy." Updike pressed another button, changing the slide. Four bulletins were listed.

1. Find a demon to join the team.

2. Get the floor plan of the Compound.

3. Find a new base of operations.

4. We need a distraction party.

5. Find a demolitionist.

"We still have the five goals though I don't suppose at this point we are any closer. I am looking into setting up a similar front to what Displo had though it will be a few weeks before it would be operational." Updike turned off the projector and the bright light returned in the room.

"That is about all I have for now. I'm aware Theo had something to show off."

Theo stood up. "Yes, quite." From his satchel he pulled out a few blueprints. "I took the liberty of venturing to this 'compound' and offered my services. They declined but said they will be in touch for architecting something later. However, poking around I believe that having a few small RC vehicles will be necessary. Cheaply made we could even make them into weapons, strapping incendiaries or whatever is needed."

"Sick. You think I could port into one of them? Drive around?" S said.

"It's certainly possible. But I need some help building them. I also need access to a 3-dimensional printer. Would anyone happen to have one?"

"I can get one." S said smiling. He meant he would steal one but long as he didn't get caught you didn't care. Updike didn't appear to react either.

"Perfect." Theo decreed. "Can you come by my house tomorrow with it?"

"Of course! I'll even bring Nikku."

"O-okay." Nikku nodded.

"Excellent." Theo had a glint in his eyes. You'd seen it before. He had that same look Agoti and S did. Mischief. However, even despite Theo's age they looked appeared juvenile. It was the look of a criminal, but, he was the team's criminal.

"By the way, your cover is nearly complete. I will give you more information later Nikku."

Updike stood up again. "I suppose that concludes the meeting tonight then. Anyone have any questions?"

Yet again, nobody spoke up, sans Theo and S who were embroiled in their own private conversation. S was asking Theo if he could put guns, knives and all sorts of tools on the RC truck.

"These few days will be slow, I assure. But between all the eyes, recent events and shakeups it is better we move slow. Once any of these goals above are filled the pieces will just fall into place." Updike concluded.

And with that, the meeting adjourned. You couldn't help but notice Kapi's innate silence at the whole meeting. He barely spoke a word. You decided to get a one-on-one with him next time.

"I will be seeing Sarventes soon regarding the hit so do not worry there." Updike said, picking up on your worry.

Kapi nodded but otherwise left without saying a word. Regardless, his glum attitude wasn't ignored by everyone either, S also giving him a side-eye as he left.

Now Playing...

Artist: Bull of Heaven

Song: Return of Ghost Sheriff

Across the city, another group stood enjoying the sunset. Far past the outskirts of Newgrounds City in the rural communities.

An anthropomorphic apple pie wearing a sundress, named Pomona was engaged in battle with a demonic scarecrow named Zardy. Her dog-like macaron, Mackie was barking madly at Zardy. The three were in the middle of an open patch within a cornfield, Pomona, sometimes called Pompom throwing fireballs at Zardy who dodged it using large vines pulsing through the ground to avoid.

The open field they were in were surrounding in all sides by Zardy's goons. He seldom brought them in, only doing so when he knew Pompom could take them. While it may have looked like a life-or-death situation it couldn't be farther from it.

Eyes glowing Pompom hit with a spell, an opposing vine blocking the one going for her.

Catching one of the fireballs with his hoe, Zardy announced. "That's enough." The vine holding him lowered him to the ground. It sunk into the ground just enough for him to take a seat on it.

"Come in." He said.

"How was that?" Pomona beamed.

"You're getting better applejack." He said as he wiped the ash off the hoe. "We're gonna take a break. Bring Huggy in."

Pomona turned and let out a whistle. In a matter of moments she could hear it. Violent scampering and something afar pushing corn stalks away. She wasn't scared, knowing exactly what it was.

Only a minute later did Huggy burst out, eager to see her.

A giant, gangly, monkey-like creature covered in blue fur. Huggy's wounds had healed completely with the stitch just falling out. He was still a tad sore but it did little to stop his excitement.

Huggy had been fighting earlier. It was found that Huggy had a remarkable sense of smell, further bolstering his dog comparisons. He had lunged into the field and attacked one of Zardy's goons, being able to smell the rust on the hammer he carried.

Throwing a ball to distract Huggy he managed to remove him from the battle. At least for now.

Pomona took a seat on the ground as Mackie ran up to Pomona and sat in her lap. Huggy, annoyed he didn't get there first took to sitting around her, draping his arms around her.

Looking up Pomona saw Zardy look uncertain at the display. While he had no qualms killing that yellow thing, he still wondered how she would have fared from it. It had been his idea to start training Pomona more intensely.

"Girl, you really sure about staying on this team?" He asked.

"Of course!" She said.

"You know these people aren't some school bully's right? They're serious."

"Uh-huh. That's what Mom said. But I gotta. My friends said what they've done. They deserve it!" She said, speaking like a true radical.

"Long as it's what you want. I don't want you getting pressured into this."

"Aw, don't Zardy. I won't." She said, ignoring his sense of worry.

"Well you better be careful. I don't want you getting hurt." He said sullenly. "What about your robot friend? He doing alright?" He had recalled him showing up that fateful night and leaving in a hurry.

"He's all sad about it. You know Displo was his uncle?"

"He was?" Zardy mused over Displo. He assumed he was that tall robot that showed up during a practice.

"Yep. I'm doing this for him too. His uncle was never a bad guy. It wasn't fair." Her words echo'd with innocence and Zardy, who may have been a demon felt it in his soul.

"Don't ever lose that hope kid." He said sombrely.

"What do you mean?"

"Let's get back to practice." He said, readying the hoe again.

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The next chapter will be called Children At Their Worst.