Rendezvous with The Chevalier

Those Who Protect
[In the Koma Inu common area]

Delta stretched as he yawned in his chair. ''Today seems nice and peaceful finally. I hope Luna at least acknowledges me today.'' He sighed and picked up the book he had been reading from the library and opened it to the marked page. He began to read, lifting one foot up to cross over his knee. He winced out of habit of his pants rubbing it the wrong way. Damn it, I hope no one noticed that. Delta thought.

Luna sat at the opposite corner of the room, sketching away as she did almost everyday. She noticed that Delta had awaken from his nap. ''Wow. The lazy bum finally decided to wake up.'' She thought as she rolled her eyes and put her hair up in a bun, only to resume sketching.

At that moment Scorpius and Mirrana came into the common area. "Delta, can you come with me? Luna, you as well." he said as he walked into a private study room to the side.

Jeez what do they want. Delta thought as closed his book and stood up. "Alright, I'll be there in a second." He said as he set his book down in the chair. He looked over to Luna, watching her get up as well. ''This should be fun, being in a closed room with a girl who is mad at me. At least it isn't Mirrana who's mad.'' he thought. He walked over to the room and went in.

"Oh no. Why do they want to talk to me?" Luna became nervous as she closed her sketch book and took it with her to make sure no one would look in it. As she walked into the room she made no eye contact with Delta, yet she became anxious on why two people she never spoke to wanted to speak to her.

Mirrana was the first one to speak. "Hello again you two, it's been a while since I saw you two together." she said with a happy tone. "Still getting along I hope?" she looked at the two of them, noticing that something was off. "Maybe what we called you two into here for will help. Scorpius?" she said as she sat down in a chair.

"A few years ago, as is my understanding you Delta took a job from your family to protect Senator Riddle from a dark guild as you escorted him to the magic council." Scorpius stated. "I also know that you took Miss Luna here with you, as Mirrana has told me."

"Yeah... Who?"Delta asked confused.

"Oh yeah! He said that he asked you to call him 'Tom' at the time" Mirrana said in reply.

"Oh! Okay... but what of it? That was years ago." Delta said, unsure of what was going on. He looked over to Luna, seeing that she seemed anxious. He tried to get her attention for a moment, but gave up. I'll tell her later. he thought.

"Well, Senator Riddle got in contact with our family again, asking for you two to go on a job for him, and only you two." Mirrana said in a serious tone.

Luna kept her eyes down as she kept her nervous shaking hidden as the three spoke. It was years ago, Delta probably doesn't even remember. She thought to herself as she began feeling angry. But then, as Mirrana said they had to go on a job together Luna's eyes widen. She looked Mirrana and Scorpius in the eyes and in a nervous tone made out the words, "I'm not going anywhere with him." Although she knew she was being disrespectful there was no way she'd be able to be around him after what he had done to her.

Scorpius and Mirrana looked at each other with concern. Delta looked over at Luna, slightly angry at what she had said. "You don't have to go anywhere you don't want to. I can do whatever it is the job asks for alone." Delta said. He gave off a cocky vibe, but inside felt bitter. ''She still wants nothing to do with me. She won't even let me explain! Well then FINE. I've had enough.'' he thought. "What's Tom need me to do after all this time?" Delta asked.

"Unfortunately both of you would have to go. Senator Riddle requested you two out of trust. The job is for you two to protect another senator friend of his, Senator Jahha." Mirrana stated, with a sad look on her face at the two young mages reactions.

"Due to this being now being a job requested through the mercenaries for now Koma Inu mages, we must play by your family's rules Delta. Those asked to go must go. That means you would have to as well Luna,I'm sorry." Scorpius said.

Luna had already let her hair down, to cloak her face from the anger she showed. As she heard Delta's voice, she turned her head away from his direction in a swiftly manner, making part of her Spin tattoo visible. "If he thinks he can do the job alone, then be my guest." At this point her blood was boiling from anger. As Mirrana spoke of the job, Luna kept her head turned and her shaky hands placed gently over her knees. When Scorpius finally said that there was no way out of the job, Luna came to the understanding that there really was no way out. "I cant get out of it can I?" She asked disappointingly as she turned her head looking directly at Scorpius. "Great." She murmured under her breath as she looked down at her wrist tattoo and clinched her fists, which were still shaking.

"Alright then. You two need to head to Clover Town immediately. Good luck." Mirrana said with a smile. Mirrana and Scorpius left the room leaving Luna and Delta to speak alone.

Delta sat there looking down. "I know you are mad at me... I'm sorry that this is happening now. I'll make up for it to you. I promise." Delta said to her, before leaving the room.

"Promise! You made one once before, and you broke it. Remember the Pinky Promise?" Although her tone was firm and angry you could hear the hurt in her words. She waited till Delta had left the room and she began to pace in the room to calm herself. ''Just breath. Just breath.'' Luna though to herself as she began to calm down. After a couple minutes she walked out of the room, and went to where she was initially sitting to grab her sketch book.

He stopped just out of the doorway of the room, listening to her yell at him. "I know I did... I'm sorry." he said quietly to himself. His leg began to hurt as he remembered the past. He shook his head and went out to the common area and grabbed his book, and took it back to the library before getting ready to leave. A few minutes later Delta was at the doorway of the guild, leaning against the wall waiting for Luna.

Luna walked out of the common area after hiding her sketch book, only to see Delta standing at the door way. She gave him an evil glance and proceed to look away as to acknowledge his existence as minimal as possible. She planed on giving him the silent treatment for as long as she could hold out. It was around mid-noon now and the sun was as bright as any other day, with no traces of clouds to be seen in the sky.

Delta felt the cold shoulder as the two of them walked out of the guild. ''Should I try to explain what happened now that we are alone? No... she doesn't care. I don't blame her. ''Delta continued to mentally berate himself, causing his face to have a sour and bitter look. The two of them reached the train station without even a word spoken. It suddenly dawned on Delta, "This mission... it's similar to before." he said aloud. He reminininced a moment before remembering, "Motion-sickness. Luna!" he turned to her, realizing this is the first thing he said to her the whole walk there. "...will you be okay riding the train? It's the fastest way there..." Delta said, trying to look at her in the eyes, but couldn't out of guilt.

"Shit." Luna said as Delta reminded her of her Motion-sickness. She had been so much in her head about Delta she had completely forgotten about herself. I have no choice, we have to take the train. She though as she began to walk to the train cart still not speaking to Delta. " Oh god, This is going to suck." She whispered as she was walking.

"You'll be okay. I'll do anything I can to help." Delta said, his protective nature overpowering his guilty feeling. Shit, I shouldn't say anything, but oh well. He continued as well to the ticket booth. "Two tickets to Clover Town please." Delta said. The cashier handed them them the tickets, and the pair continued on to the train platform. "Well there it is." Delta gestured to a locomotive, steam coming out as it was heating up it's boiler. Attached to it were five passenger cars. "With this little amount of weight the engine can get us there relatively fast, so less time for you to get sick haha..." Delta said, trying to make Luna feel better. He continued over to their train car and held out his hand to help her up. "Ready?" he asked her.

Out of instinct Luna grabbed Delta's hand and hopped into the train car. As she got into the train she realized she was holding Delta's hand and quickly let go, making eye contact with him for a split second. He had guilt in his eyes, I wander if he's remembering. She said as the Train began to move. It started off slowly, but then began to move at a faster pace. Every small bump or movement the train did Luna felt. "I shouldn't have looked out the window." She said starting to feel nauseous.

Delta sat across from Luna, seeing her face change as the train accelerated. "You okay?" Delta asked concerned. Maybe talking can help... he thought. "I... It's been a while since we have actually talked, like back in the day, you know? I feel like a lot of things happened... to both of us." A phantom pain shot through Delta's leg when he said this, but he ignored it. "I want to apologize to you... I did something I shouldn't have done and it hurt you."

Luna took a deep breath as she tried to keep herself from throwing up, She looked up at Delta for a moment and there was pain in his eyes as well as in hers. "We haven't spoken because there is nothing to speak of. Apologizing will get you no where." She dropped her head and placed her hands around her head as to keep it from shaking with the motion of the train. Her face now turning shades of green like her hair. Then a split second of anger took over her body and she looked at Delta once again. "You know what it is to have told someone so much, and have them completely forget you like you did! you know how it is that you never kept in touch. You forgot about me. To you it was just another person you helped to make yourself think you're a good person after inflicting pain on others. Selfish, remember." As she began to calm down she noticed what she had said, was out of quick temper and cut throat. Although he had hurt her, he didn't deserve her words.

Delta was shocked. "You think I forgot about you...?" he said quietly. He leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees and then his head in his hands. "I couldn't forget about you, never. I... tried to find you again but I never..." he instinctively grabbed his leg. ''I don't want her to know what happened. She would be devastated. ''He raised his head. "I just was watched too much to get away. I couldn't even send messages... I'm sorry." he explained. That's almost the whole story, all she needs to know at least. Delta's face showed that he was still hiding something, so he dropped his face again to hide it.

"Look I didn't mean to sound so rude. Things went south for both of us after that." She said as she put her hand over her wrist tattoo. "I'm not stupid, something is up with your leg. I do the same thing with my back." she said looking at him suspiciously. ''He's keeping something. I wont forgive him, but it doesn't mean I don't care about him.'' she though noticing that he was shutting down.

Delta's face turned red. I should have known I couldn't hide it from her. "It's not important right now... I'll tell you sometime, but not yet." Delta said, worried about how she would feel. "Can I ask what happened with you? You look stronger than before magic wise which is good." Delta tried to smile at her. ''I'm not used to this type of wall. This is going to take some time.'' "I did want to stay in touch. I just want you to know that." Delta said as he looked out the window.

"Ill tell you what happened to me after that day, when you tell me about what happened to your leg." Luna said as she felt herself becoming nauseous again. "I hope we get there soon." She said feeling dizzy.

Delta started to look more and more agitated with himself. I should do it, but I don't want to scare her. Delta thought. After a huff he said, "Luna, if the motion sickness is too much... I learned a spell that could help, but it is a bit scary." he offered to her.

"Oh yea, and what would that spell be?" She said giving an attitude.

'It's called 'Oblivion Cage'... it can nullify all the senses so you can't move and nothing can affect your senses. Essentially you'll feel like your in stasis. I think I can control enough to keep one sense active though. If we were to use it, would you prefer sight... or hearing?" Delta asked her, looking around to make sure that no one was listening. "I don't want you be scared okay? Once I activate it, I can't drop it until we arrive. It takes a lot of energy to hold it for that long."

"Do I look like an animal to you? Do I look like I need to be trapped in a cage, like an animal. Under your will?" She said feeling insulted. "Store your energy for when its needed. I wont let you control me as well." She stood up and walked over to another empty bench and laid down closing her eye, We will be there soon she thought as she took deep breaths.

Delta watched Luna as she walked away from him. "I never meant it to be a cage, the spell. It just sort of happened that way." he said quietly to her. He stared out the window for a while. He was deep in his own thoughts, ''What caused her to get more... angry? yeah... than I thought she would be? Something happened. It wasn't just my mistake. ''

A couple hours passed in silence as they finally reached their destination. Luna stood up and ran out of the cart as quickly as possible, she needed to fell solid ground. The sun shined on her face as she took deep breaths finally being able to recover from the terrible ride. She turned to Delta who walked out at normal pace, "Where do we go from here?" She said in a cold manner.

Delta stopped as he felt Luna's icy stare on him. "The senator's home should be on the main strip of town." Delta said as he picked a letter out of his pocket that held information on how to get to Jahha's home. Another piece of worn looking paper dropped out of his pocket. Delta quickly picked it up and stashed it back into his pocket, checking to see if Luna saw. "His house has a large yard with a fountain to the right of the door, which is apparently black." Delta said.

Luna saw the small piece of paper float down to the ground but thought nothing of it at first, but as soon as she saw how quickly Delta picked it up it had to mean something. I'll ask later, he's to antsy right now to answer any of my questions. She thought as they began to walk towards the street indicated by the directions.

The pair turned onto the street together, not speaking. As they came to the house with the black door, Delta knocked on the door. "I wonder if he is home?" he said aloud. They waited for a few moments before the door opened.

"Good Afternoon. What can I do for?" The senator asked.

"Are you Senator Jahha?" Delta asked. He handed the mission details he had to the senator. "We are the team you hired for protection. My name is Delta. This here is-" he said before being cut off.

"Hello Senator Jahha, My name is Luna. It's a pleasure to meet you." She said formally then turning to Delta and giving him a cold stare.

"Ah! Perfect timing! We need to hurry. We have a social function to attend full of potential voters for my plan." The senator said as he walked past Delta and Luna to get onto the street, closing the door behind him. "Excuse me, I am Senator Jahha. Sorry for not saying before!" he said in quick tone. He turned around and looked at the two of them again. "Oh dear..." he said.

"What?" Delta asked, thinking This guy is going a mile a minute!

"You're clothing. You two would stick out like sore thumbs! We must stop by a shop before we get there. I'd say... a tux for you" the senator said as he framed up Delta with his fingers. He brought the frame over to Luna. "You would look stunning in a... well just about anything!" he said with a wink. "'I'd prefer you get a long dress though. It would match better. Also, find some way to match colors. Make sure you two act as a couple while there to not raise much suspicion." The senator turned and quick walked away. "Follow me please!"

"A tux huh?" Delta said quietly, while thinking ''Act as a couple? we can barely hold a conversation right now. This guy... ''Delta continued to walk after the senator, slowly catching up to him.

''What's up with this guy? Is he on something?'' She watched the Senator as he spoke and move quickly. As he spoke about wearing a dress she began to get antsy, Fine, I'll wear a damn dress. Then she looked at Delta "Couple!" she whispered as she let out a annoyed exhale. ''There is no way I'm going to warm up to him. That's where I draw the line.'' One thought came to mind as they prepared to leave for the shop. "Delta, My scars are going to show in any dress I wear." She became anxious at the thought of people seeing them.

Shit that's right. Delta thought as he racked his brain for an idea. "Wear a shawl or something... Those back wrap things that hang over your arms to hold it. You know what I mean?" Delta said not knowing the correct term. "That can easily hide them. I'll make sure it doesn't slip out of place showing them either... if you'd like." he looked away as they continued walking. "Acting as a couple... Not the most ideal plan of attack here but it's what the client wants. Let's just stick with small talk while we are there. How's that sound?" He looked to Luna to see her reaction.

"I have no idea what you're talking about. I'll just cover it with my hair as much as a can, I guess." She said rolling her eyes, at Delta's terrible description. "I'm not happy about this, acting like a couple. Are you serious? Small talk." She said racking her brain around how much the Senator was asking for. "I can barely look at you." She whispered under her breath. "I'm doing this because Tom asked for us to do it." Luna continued coldly, as they reached the shop.

Delta started to get angry at Luna. "Fine. Do as you want in this mission. Just don't ask for my help." he said bitterly. He went into the shop to find a tuxedo to wear. ''Seriously she can't drop it for even a little bit? At least for the mission?? Well fine. I won't try anymore at the moment. I need to focus on the senator anyways. Luna can do whatever she want.'' After a moment of searching Delta found one he liked, and went into the changing rooms to put it on. He came out and it fit almost perfectly, except he didn't have a tie on yet. "I should wait to see what color she has on first... to match." Delta said to himself with a cringe.

She rolled her eyes and walked to the dress section of the store leaving Delta in the dust. As she walked around the dresses she kept her eyes closed, running her fingers through each one, feeling the different silks, wools, and linens. She opened her eyes as her finger ran against a Nude colored evening dresses layered over with which lace. Wow, Who would have thought I'd find a dress. She thought as she pulled it out and went into the fitting room. As she tried it on, the mermaid figure dress laid perfectly, hugging her body and accentuating her hour-glass figure. She became mesmerized with the feel of the dress and she ran her hands softly over it. As Luna turned around to admire the lace detail on the back, she noticed its open back. She became hesitant at first, noticing that her spine tattoos and scar would become visible at the swaying of her hair. "Maybe it's time to accept the scars?" She thought out loud as she looked at the multiple burn marks laying across her back. After a few moments Luna took a deep breath and said, "I have to cover them up. They will draw attention at the party, I need to blend in and become invisible. Scars and tattoos wont help." She walked out of the dressing room, nervously as she began to adjust the dress. She quickly found a thin Nude Shawl which she threw around her back and held loosely. After feeling as comfortable as she would ever be she walked out to where Delta was standing. As she inspected him up and down, "Nice Tux. but you forgot the tie." She said as she walked over and picked out two ties, one nude and one off white. As she held them to Delta's neck seeing which was more fitting, before choosing off white one. "Now do you need me to tie it, or can you handle that yourself?"

Delta stood there in awe as Luna walked up. Wow that dress looks great on her. he thought. As Luna left to grab a tie he noticed that she didn't have shoes yet. Once she came back Delta answered her "I can do it. It was probably the only good thing my dad taught me." he said gently grabbing the white tie. He started to put it on, but was struggling to tie it right. "That dress looks great on you Luna. I noticed (ugh) that you don't have any shoes yet (stupid tie)." he said while cursing at his hands in his mind. ''Why can't I tie this? ''he thought. He finally gave up. "I wonder if they have fake ties. This isn't working." he said to himself as he untied the knot he made.

"I'm not wearing heels if that's what you think. The dress is long enough to hide my shoes, I'm wearing my High-tops. I need a little bit of comfort." She said as she watched Delta struggle with the tie. She let out a small laugh, You dork, You can't even tie it properly. she thought as she walked over and swatted Delta's hands away. "Here, let me just do it so that we can stop wasting anymore time." She kept her eyes down as she tied the tie, avoiding all eye contact. ''If I make eye contact with him, then i'll stop being mad. I can't give in.'' She though to herself. "There." She said as she softly aligned and patted down the tie against Delta's chest. "Can we go now?"

"Your high tops? Haha" Delta laughed as he watched Luna. " I think that would be perfect for this. We need shoes we can move quickly in." he said. After Luna finished tying the tie he nodded to her. "Yes, let's go meet up with the senator and get there so we can scope it out." Delta said, leading the way through the store.

"Oh my! You two look great! You'll fit right in! Let's go!" the senator said as he paid for the clothes. The trio left the store and walked the rest of the way to the event. "Here we are!" Jahha said as he motioned to a mansion. "A friend of mine volunteered his home to help house the party. Of course that came with some... provisions for later. Either way it's our place for tonight. Let's go." Jahha said.

Delta stayed behind for a moment as he shook his head. "He gave a future political vote for a party. Stupid." he said quietly. He followed the senator after looking around, listening to the air. ''Nothing a miss it seems so far. ''he thought.

At the door way Jahha stopped and turned around, "Now hold hands or something. You're supposed to act like a couple after all." He said turning back around and opening the doors to the house.

Luna looked at Delta, and became annoyed with the idea with having to hold hand. Letting out a small 'Ugh' out of hesitation at first, she finally gave in and opened her hand allowing Delta to intertwine his fingers in hers.

Delta looked down for a moment as he noticed Luna's reaction. "I'm sorry you have to do this. This is my problem and you have to pay for it." Delta said quietly before he took her hand. It feels so familiar, it's crazy. he thought as their fingers interlocked. "I promise to do right by you after this." He said turning to face her. "Right now let's just do our best." he smiled and walked through the front door of the mansion behind Jahha.

As they entered everyone inside exploded with noise to greet the senator. "Thank you everyone for coming!" The senator said in reply. "I want you all to welcome some new friends of mine I brought along. This here is Mr. Gold and his fiance, Ms. Tsuki." Jahha said introducing them. "Now let's all have a good time and rejoice in a brighter future!" The mansion exploded with a huzzah before going back to a normal dinner party atmosphere.

"Well then... I guess we are getting married now." Delta said sarcastically. "Would you like to grab some food, future Mrs. Gold?" he said with a dorky smile and a laugh.

As Delta grabbed her hand a feeling of being safe took over her body, and she was able to relax a bit from her tense nature. As they walked through the door, the crowd of people and the noise became a little overwhelming as she felt herself take a few steps back. Her eyes widened at hearing Jahha's introduction of the two, she looked to Delta and thought ''Fiance? That's a very unlikely possibility.'' As the people resumed to their chit-chat, Luna was still feeling anxious at the sight of so many people. "How are you not freaking out?" she asked as her breathing became uneven. "Oh wait, you're use to this with your high fancy lifestyle. I forgot." She began to feel anger and was close to pulling her hand away from Delta's. He probably never showed up, because he was to busy having fun at a party to remember a girl he only saw once. Her anger became visible in her eyes as she looked at him imagine the worse. "No Mr. Gold I'm not really hungry right now."

"'High fancy lifestyle'? What gave you that impression?" Delta asked, turning towards Luna. "My family... we are trained as assassins, runners of illegal goods, etc. The only time I ever had a potential break to relax and have a party or something, it would be on a job. Even then I wouldn't be able to talk or do anything. I had to focus on my mission at all times. That's why I am okay with being here. I tune it out." Delta said, his leg starting to tingle at the mention of his past. "'Screwing up means screwing yourself' they used to say... the punishments were like torture sometimes." Delta said quietly before shaking his head. "Would you like a drink at least? We haven't had anything in a while."

They Who Destroy
The streets in Crocus were quiet in the early morning hours as the sun had just begun to rise when Akemi burst into Lind's Shop. "Li~nd Dar~ling!" Akemi sang loudly, closing the door behind her. She covered her nose and mouth as the smell of alcohol hit her nose. It took everything in her not to gag, she looked around to make sure they were alone before speaking. " We've got a job dear, assassination pure and simple. Shouldn't take more than a day or two. Politician in Clover town whose getting a little too much support for his plan to eradicate a large group of dark guilds, says he has a plan to change everything. The poor bastard, if he's lying he's dying because he couldn't keep his mouth shut but that's not really our concern now is it?" Akemi said placing a folder on the table before tapping it with her index finger, "This is all the information we need to make sure the job goes smoothly. The asshole likes to stay in the public eyes which makes our jobs a bit harder though it doesn't really matter. If we can get him alone for even ten seconds, he's done and his final public appearance will be his funeral." She said with a chuckle.

Maybe he deserved this, maybe it was punishment for him for drinking, but Lindsay's head felt ready to split as the female's voice cut through the air. He sat up, smacked his head on the counter he had been lying under and groaned. About half of what Akemi said actually made it through the fuzz in his head so he gave a dismissing hand wave, mumbled something about 'never call me darling again', and stumbled into the bathroom to run cool water over his face. A line of pinkish water ran back into the sink of his forearms, having been cut by the broken glass of alcohol bottles. Memories of the night before were nonexistent, but he was most likely in a bad mood at that point. He grumbled out,"I guess that stuck."

"Oh come now, It's not my fault you decided to stay up drinking all night again. I've actually suggested against the idea multiple times." She said as her smug smile appeared on her face behind her hand that still lied over her mouth and nose." Anyways, until those cuts heal they're distinguishing features. Your tattoos are bad enough in that regard so would you like me to heal those wounds for you? They're quite unsightly."

"I swear to God woman, if you keep talking shit about my art, i will kick you out of my shop," he threatened but they both knew the chances of that were slim. Lind flipped a chair around and sat so his chest leaned against the back while placing his glass littered arms on the table. "And haven't i suggested you stop busting into my shop so early? Couldn't this have waited until later for those of us who wake up at reasonable times?"

Akemi raised an eyebrow, amused by his empty threat as she adjusted her glasses. She shrugged as he continued speaking, "Perhaps it wouldn't be so easy for me to simply burst in through the door were you smart enough to lock them before you pass out drunk." She said, holding her arm out over his. Her hand caught fire with vibrant red flames which quickly spread over to Lind's arm, the glass was slowly pushed from the wounds as they began to close. When the process was complete the flames faded, leaving the wounds completely healed. She pulled her arm away from his as she pushed the folder towards him. "As the saying goes, 'The early bird gets the worm'. This is an incredibly reasonable time for business owners such as ourselves to be rising and preparing for the day ahead."

"Yeah, okay." He snorted. He picked up the folder and began looking it over as he went to make coffee. Pretty soon the rich smell began to drift through the room, the headache Lind felt beginning to recede at the scent. "So I take it this means we're stuck in the public eye as well, hmm? Lovely. Being your wonderful, organized self, I take it you already have some sort of plan unfolding and it'll most likely involve me looking like 'a decent human being'. Coffee?"

He had poured his own cup and held up the pot as he offered Akemi some. It was more of a tactic to distract her from harassing him than anything, his patience was already being tested.

Akemi shook her head, "We do not exist, we'll stay out of the public eye for as long as possible. We'll follow him around for abit, see if if he has any routine or other pattern in his behavior we can exploit. Maybe he goes for a morning or evening walk? Perhaps he has a study he locks himself in for an hour or two everyday? We'll also need to see if he has any guards, if they patrol his property then what are their patterns? At what times in the day does the changing of the guard take place? Having guards who follow him around will be a bit trickier as piling up the bodies isn't really an option in this. I want to make it look like an accident because if we don't, there would be an investigation and while I know neither of us would leave anything that lead back to us it would still be bothersome." She explained, nodding when he offered her coffee.

"Black please." She said as the smell of coffee overpowered that of alcohol, allowing her to breath without having to resist the urge to gag. When he hands it to her she takes in a deep breath letting the aroma fill her nostrils, putting her at ease. She sips the drink lightly before gently sitting it down on the table. " So what do you think? I'm open to opinions if you believe there is a better way to go about this."

"I guess my only thoughts are we'll have to get up close and personal in his territory so we're going to have to blend in. As you pointed out before, drinking might not have been the best idea, but you're the brains of this team. I, on the other hand, am the brawn. So m'lady, tell me what's going on in that big brain of yours." He teased. His coffee became a light brown as he added in sugar and cream and he drank a third of it in one go. As he listened for Akemi's plan as he switched his ripped black tank for a thin pastel sweater, not bothering to leave the room figuring it was his shop anyway.

Akemi reaches up her sleeve, carefully pulling out one of her many throwing knives. "I think we should poison him. As you know, one of the poisons that coats my knives causes cardiac arrest within the victim. Who's to say that poor Senator's body just couldn't handle to constant stress that being a well known Politician must place on someone and he just ended up kicking the bucket from a heart attack? Even if they somehow find out he was poisoned, who's to say it wasn't his wife? Perhaps she felt bitter that he spent so much time working that he didn't have any for her? Love and Lust are powerful emotions that can drive people to do things they wouldn't normally do. Of course if that second thing happens his wife will mostly likely be placed in jail, but that's not really our problem now is it? An extra casualty here and there never hurt anyone."

"My my, for the goddess of love you don't have much of a heart, Venus," he laughed darkly. Lind had a deep chuckle that rumbled from his chest and added to his already creepy appearances. "I guess my clients will have to reschedule, though I doubt I would have opened today anyways. If you're finished I can close up my shop and we can head out. I hope the kill is clean enough that we don't have to worry about that poor woman going to jail. It's sad when someone is hurt due to a partner's choice."

With an almost sad smile Lind shook his head and ushered Akemi out the door. When he said close up shop he meant it as the entire thing disappeared when he pulled a skeleton key out, locked it, and pulled the key away. The key had a special inscription that worked as the summoning seal so to lock it normally, Lind used his metal magic. But he never left his home and store unguarded when on a mission for the Knights.

"Who knew sobering up and putting on a sweater could cause such a change in personality?" Akemi deadpanned, "I embody my title in my own way." She adds as the two begin walking toward the train station. "Levina is watching the shop so I doubt I have anything to worry about. I'm sure the four hundred year old dragon slayer can handle a bunch of children and the occasional sweet-toothed adult." Akemi explained as they walked. When the two arrived Akemi bought their tickets before handing one to Lind and setting down on one of the empty benches. "Our train will get here soon, why didn't you pack anything? If you're planning on asking to borrow some of my clothes, I can assure you that they will not fit." She says jokingly, kicking the air as her feet did not reach the ground when she sat with her back against the benches.

"I'm pretty sure I'd blow the sleeves out of any short you own, but don't worry because I'm actually prepared. I can just summon whatever I need later or just buy it. And there's a good chance there's alcohol still running through my veins so probably not completely sober. Especially with... vodka? I think?" He questioned, lightly sniffing himself. His leg bounced impatiently from nicotine withdraws starting up, but he was sincere when asking, "Do you mind if I smoke? If you don't like it, I can just wait."

"Sure, knock yourself out." She said with shrug, "Just try to keep it out of my face would you?" She asked, "And you should really stop drinking. Not only does it make you smell unbearably awful but it's not healthy for you either. That being said, I'm not your mother so it's none of my concern." She continued as he requipped a book, "Ten minutes, until the train arrives that is." She said as she glanced at her watch. She opened the book up to her saved spot as the train could be heard in the distance.

"I'll stop drinking the day time travel is invented," he replied,"But I promise I won't drink on the mission, okay? That way you won't have to worry about it."

Lind walks away after she opens her book, pulling out his cigarettes and a lighter, placing one in his mouth and clicking the contraption until the flame took hold. He lets out the first breath with a sigh and in the next few minutes the anxiety rolling through his posture visibly fades. As the train approaches, he stamps out the butt and heads over to the platform. The pair board and Lindsay tries to distance himself from Akemi to keep his scent away. By now his entire body has mellowed out, his eyes are hooded and his head rests on his hand with an elbow braced on the window in relaxation. "So what should I be prepared to dress for anyways?"

Akemi glances up from her book, "We're going to spend the first few hours scoping out the town and the guys residence so I'd say Casual but not too much so. We'll still need to be able to do our jobs in whatever we wear while also hiding in plain sight. What I'm wearing will work well enough for me once I take off this cloak." She said glancing down at her white button up and black jeans before looking back up to him. "For you I would suggest dark colors, being that you're regular appearance already screams 'hey look at me' I'd personally suggest not making yourself a giant beacon by wearing something incredibly bright. Whatever you wear, make sure it covers your tattoos." She said before returning back to her book. "Oh, and try to smile a bit. Not too wide though or you'll look creepy, a small one will work fine. Don't worry about it looking fake, most people's are now days anyway."

Lind's eyes widen at the mention of covering his tattoos because they're everywhere. Small black bands ring a few fingers, a sun peaks up by his ear, and Azrael's cross sits on the side of one hand. He had to ask,"Are you serious? Because if you are, I'm starting to question your brain. I am a walking mural, yes, a freak show screaming for attention, no. I'll be bundled up like a child in winter which definitely won't look suspicious. My appearance is more of a 'stay the fuck away from me' thing. Fuck it, I'll be back later."

Lind stood up and moved towards the train's bathroom to change. When he got inside, her locked the door and slapped his hands against the small sink as he peered into the mirror. He did look like shit, but covering his tattoos was a big thing, especially the Cross of Azrael because that meant he couldn't access his weapon in an instant. He groaned and gave in to Akemi's plans per usual. Pulling out a container of small colored pencils, he sketched a pair of dark blue jeans, a deep red t-shirt, a black hoodie, black fingerless gloves, and a black and white checkered fashion scarf on the wall. After bringing them to life and changing, he sketched a bottle of cologne for his alcohol smell that would have to do until he could properly shower, and a small pot of concealer to cover up the tattoos that still peaked out and the visible signs of his hangover that remained. After mastering a small, lopsided smile he could pull off without looking creepy, Lindsay returned to the seat across from Akemi but looked intensely out the window.

As Lind stomped off, Akemi rolled her eyes, adjusting her glasses and sighing. When Lind returned a bit later she gave the most sincere smile she could bring herself to fake, and a damn good fake it was. "You're looking lovely Lind, if I didn't know you I'd think you were a fashion designer. I do mean that as a compliment by the way." When he didn't respond and instead began looking out the window she closed her book, "Lind, I get that your tattoos mean a lot to you and the asking you to cover them is rude of me. I'd just hate for you to end up getting caught because some nosy motherfucker with a good eye sees one and recognizes it later. When I asked you to cover them up I meant your larger, more easily recognizable ones. Keeping your cross uncovered isn't going to hurt anyone as they're a popular tattoo choice for whatever reason. I'm sorry if I offended you in any way."

Lind's eyes darted over to Akemi for a moment and after she finished speaking he let out a slightly satisfied little 'hmmf' and nudged off the glove covering Azrael. He debated his next words before deciding it'd be worth it. He asked, "Didn't you say something earlier about not making creepy smiles? They've got a nice mirror back there if you need to practice."

And maybe her jabs at him were better, but he was proud of his joke, even if he didn't mean it. Lindsay's mouth pulled up on one side in a small, but genuine, grin.

Despite not actually changing whatsoever, her smile did become a bit more genuine, she pulled her glasses off, cleaning them with the sleeve of her shirt before placing them back on her face. "I assure you, many men have found this a smile worth dying for...gruesomely I might add." She said with a wink before returning to her book. "If you want to see creepy you should've seen the smile I wore while killing them." She said laughing at her own dark joke before letting out a quiet, yet pleasant sounding sigh. "You know Lind, I don't think I ever asked; or honestly didn't care up until now, but do your tattoos have any meaning beyond their use in battle?"

"Oh, um, yeah. I don't think I really have any besides Azrael without a second meaning. The sun was meant to represent art school, the brightest point in my life where I could let my talents shine. The flower on my left hip is a Pheasant's Eye, the name of the dark guild I was born and raised in. The wings... those are for Joey, but she got hers before I got mine." He explained, a sad nostalgic look took over his face. His right hand came to rest on his left shoulder and his lips barely moved as he murmured a small prayer. He continued, "The words on my left arm essentially mean 'I will always remember that bitter regret'. But sometimes I have to drink so I can forget. No worries though, I'll stay 100% sober while you're here as promised."

Akemi bit her lip to keep herself from rolling her eyes as he began praying. She didn't understand why he did things like that, praying, sparing lives, caring about other human beings, It didn't make sense in the least. That being said, perhaps she cannot understand because she's never experienced those types of feelings before. It wasn't that she didn't want to nor was it that she explicitly wanted to. It was simply something that she didn't understand and being the naturally curious and knowledge hungry person she was, not knowing or understanding something frustrated her greatly. She nodded when he brought up that he would remain alcohol free during their mission, "That's good to hear." She said, acting as though she couldn't care less though, she was happy that Lind was willing to conform to her request that he not drink around her despite the fact that she had not given him a better reason than because she couldn't stand the smell of the stuff. "I'm glad your tattoos have meaning to you, there are so many people who get them just to look 'cool', in my opinion people who do that are idiots." She said, returning to her book.

Lind's makeover had taken almost an hour so it wasn't long until they pulled into the station. After double checking the address, they made their way to Main Street where the politician lived. As they walked through the crowded street they kept ears and eyes peeled for information that would help them get close enough to take out their target. A passing couple mentioned a socialite party hosted by Jahha himself later that night. upon hearing this Lind shot a quick glance at Akemi. When they were a good distance away he asked, "Care to dance?"

"With you? No thanks. Anyways, let's find out a bit more about this 'party' before we begin getting our hopes up that it'll be a good opening. It might be the best chance we have or the worst one ever, regardless we'll need to be dressed for such an occasion so I hope you're good at drawing suits and ties. I've got my outfit covered so you needn't worry about me." Akemi said, all the while never even looking his direction. "Where do you think we might be able to hear more about this party? my first thought in terms of finding a place of social gathering where people have not qualms with spilling out guts worth of information is a bar, but I'd rather avoid one if at all possible." She said, placing a hand over her mouth at the mere thought of the smell of alcohol invading her nostrils twice in one day.

"I'm sorry to say it Akemi, but you're going to have to suck it up. Drunk people talk more than they're supposed to and if they don't, other drunks turn a blind eye to a flash of silver near their necks. We need to go to a bar and I think I know a good one. Pretty shady, doesn't ask questions, the works." He said, already walking as he schemed. The further they walked, the more run down the buildings got and it wasn't long until the stood outside a building with shattered upper windows and neon light signs reading 'The Rusty Nail'. Lind had no hesitation walking inside and making his way towards the bar. He ordered a beer to not seem out of place, but in keeping his promise he didn't drink it after paying for it, instead scanning the room for a Rat. Rats were known for their ability to have information at a price, their dirty deeds sometimes coming at a hefty price. Another man sat in a shadowed corner, a smoky haze making him harder to accurately see but there was the distinct noise of poker chips clicking together. Picking up his drink, Lindsay meandered over and took the seat across from him, kicking his legs out in front of him. "I hear the sewers are over flowing today."

"Mmm depending on the area, it might be an...expensive fix," the man replied in a raspy voice.

"It would be a shame if the Senator's house were to flood with his party tonight and all."

"Might be a few thousand jewels to repair, ay?" The Rat asked, extending his offer finally. A knife slipped out from Lindsay's boot and he began flicking it through his fingers with deathly efficiency until it almost blurred. He sat up and leaned in, a ruthless grin stretching across his face.

"I'm sure there are other ways to get it done. He's a sharp man, he'll figure it out, but let's drop the act. I want information and I want it now or there'll be one less Rat infestation. Got it?"

The man was stupid in believing he could get away, bolting up and trying to run past the Knight. Lindsay threw out an arm, grabbed his wrist as he stood, and slammed the man's face into the table with an arm bent behind his back. The knife slotted itself into the table, the bladed edge barely nicking the informant's nose. Lind's smile grew, his eyes closing in the over cheerful effort as he added,"Now I'm sure you'll be a lot more open to answering my colleague, won't you? She has quite the temper, so I'd be careful."

It was impossible to hide the amusement on her face."My my, and here I was thinking you'd lost your pair somewhere a long time ago!" Akemi said, standing with her hands behind her back as she watched the whole display. When he acknowledged her existence she took her hands out from behind her back and cracked her neck, stepping forward. She leaned over the table to get a good look at the man, pushing her glasses back up as they began to slip. Her amused smile still plagued her face, "So this is what they call a rat? I've never seen one before, they're ugly and smelly. Not like the normal people I get my information from though I suppose they're both equally useful and useless enough." She said looking over to Lind. Her eyes moved back over to the man pinned to the table. "As my friend here stated, We're a bit curious about this party the senator is throwing tonight. We'd like any information you could give us, I promise you even the most insignificant little detail could mean the difference between you getting to smell the stench of your beloved sewers and whoever cleans up this place, Which I'm assuming is no one. I mean, haven't you people heard of sweeping? mopping? do those things ring a bell? whatever. As I was saying, talk or I gut you like a fish and feed you your intestines until you puke them back up."

Lind flipped her off over his shoulder at the comment about his manhood, but watched in horrified awe as she made the man piss himself. The scent of urine permeated the air as the guy stuttered out, "Okay, okay! There's supposed to be a real big group there, but only a few guards. I heard he picked himself up a pair of amateur mages from some legal guild. When the party starts up at eight, they'll blend in but it's a boy and a broad. I don't got nothings else okay? Lemme go, please lemme go."

Akemi shook her head, "so much for a rat, I think the name chicken suits you best." She said as a look of disgust came over her face, the smell of alcohol and urine being a bit too pungent for her liking. "As for letting you go..." She started before looking over to Lind, "You know how I feel about leaving evidence but I think the decision as well as the honor should be left up to you as this is your territory and I'd feel bad hunting on your turf." She said before turning back to the man, "If it were my choice I can assure you that they'd never be able to identify the body, not that they would even try. I doubt anyone would care if someone such as yourself simply disappeared from the face of the earth. For your sake, let's hope my friend here is feeling merciful though after the little stunt you pulled I wouldn't go getting my hopes up."

"You see, Akemi, you don't really have to worry about people like him squealing. They're rats, not pigs. Around here, his hands are just as dirty as ours, if not more so, yet he has a reputation to uphold. If you squeaked about what happened you'd not only lose clients and potential money, but anyone else who's done business with you might come back to take you out and cover their own ass. So for now, he lives. I'm hoping he'll be useful in the future since this type of work is the only future he'll have." Lind sneered. He got closer to the man's ear and whispered, "I am Pluto, remember that name for if I call you will come bearing news. Thank you for your cooperation, my friend, it'll be a pleasure doing business with you."

When he stepped away and let the man go, he dropped a thousand jewel next to his untouched drink. Joining Akemi, they walked back towards the door with people parting in silence. No one asked questions or tried to stop them or get involved in any way because they understood the danger something like that presented. They were drunk, not stupid, and they held a high value to their lives.

Akemi nodded, "I suppose you're right, in this case he may be more useful alive than dead." Akemi said before turning back to the man. "Be grateful, you get to roll around in your own filth for at least another day." She said before following Lind out. When they exited and fresh air hit her nose, Akemi took a deep breath before sighing loudly. "Only two guards? on top of that they're amateurs? This guy must have a death wish Lind, and I think we should fulfill it." Akemi said. " A boy and a broad?" Akemi said as she began thinking. "We'll have to get a good look at them before I decide anything but if something happens before then, I'll take this 'boy' and you take the broad. Anyways, let's get on top of one of the building across the street from the house to scope out the yard and then we'll find a place to make our hideout where we can change and get ready for the party. I was thinking a hotel of some sort, we'll sign in under an alias of course. I'll be....Vanessa...Vanessa Dogwell. What about you?"

"Hmm... Victor Oakcinder. Sounds both powerful and edgy enough for people today." He said with an eye roll. As they made their way back to Jahha's place, one thought rolled through Lind's mind the entire way. "You don't think he hired kids do you? Because unlike you, I don't know how to handle children. If I have to manipulate some 15 year old I'll be lost. And would you like a boost up?"

"I doubt you'll have to worry about that, if they stand in our way we'll just kill them; and before you go preaching about how we can't go killing children, I'd like for you to look at it this way. They're not children Lind, they're mages. No matter what age they are, the moment they decided that they were old enough to stand for something bigger than themselves was the moment they lost the right to be treated like children. They're mages Lind, and they're dangerous. If it comes down to it, don't hesitate to end them." Akemi said darkly in a completely serious tone, the look in her eyes were further evidence that she wasn't joking. When he offered her a boost she waved him off, falling back into her own shadow and reforming from one on top of the roof. She kneeled down to look at him, "What kind of assassin can't make it to the roof of a building on their own? speaking of, do you need some help?"

"I got it," he replied, using Metal Make to create a small, rising pole that lifted him to the top. "I have no problem with them being children other than the fact I cannot comprehend their impossible amounts of faith in the idea that good will prevail. Death does not discriminate so neither do I. If it's necessary for them to be taken out we will, but if not we do our jobs and get the Hell out without any extra casualties because that leaves more room for error or evidence to be left behind. Have more faith in me Akemi, I am your partner after all. Anyways, look at the house, it's dark... should we get a closer look?"

Akemi shook her head, "Don't take this the wrong way, but I don't have faith in anyone. How do you think I've gotten as far as I have?" She asked rhetorically before she turned to the house. She Requipped her C.C.V, zooming in on the structure. She checked all visible windows, making note of the open one on the second story.Once she was satisfied she let the visor fade from her head. "I looks empty, but who knows for how long. I suggest we move quickly, the second story window is open."