Times New Roman 16 - Implications
January 2005
Archen
Something's happened and for the life of me I can't figure out what. One day everything was going as should be and then suddenly my friend's personalities shifted. Not in a life-threatening way nor a rerun of the mind control trope.
No, it's worse.
They're mad about something I did and won't explain why.
Please, it was the one thing I enjoyed about being young again. That we all could say whatever we wanted and not have these weird miscommunications.
Sadly, with age we lose our carefree days, the inevitable march of time will make certain that from now on I can only look back to those halcyon days with fond memories.
I sigh loudly and with a forlorn look watch the clouds pass by.
"You're an idiot." A disembodied voice tells me with exasperation, the tone strong yet not unkind.
"Oh shush, you were a lot worse when you where his age. Remember all the times you were 'inspecting' my duties." A second floating voice chides the first one with a teasing voice, elegant yet giving off a tenderness in her tone belying her fondness of the other voice in my head.
"Am I going mad in grief? Is this how my descent in lunacy starts, with me hearing whispers in the wind?" I think to myself, as the depth of my fall has been made clear.
"I retract my statement." The gentle voice turned flat replies, being able to read my thoughts as voice in my head won't do.
"See, he's being a dumbass." A hint of amusement in his tone.
I turn around in mock outrage looking down from the roof at the two interlopers interrupting my pity party.
Arthur waves mockingly while Elaine looks constipated.
"I'm innocent! Your sister is poisoning their minds, causing unrest and inciting riots!" I accuse him while half leaning over the edge of the roof.
"Actually, it was Gray who 'poisoned their minds' against you." Elaine interjects on Arthur's sister's behalf.
I gasp loudly and bonelessly flop on my stomach still half of my torso partially over the ledge, "betrayal can only happen from those closest to us." I whisper in despair.
"Why did we come here again?"
"To see if their 'big fight' didn't actually turn bad."
Aah, yeah. Luckily, I'm not as emotional as actual teenagers and recognize that our 'fight' is just some random bullshit and if it was something important it wouldn't have played out like this. All I'll have to do is wait out their 'anger' and ask what it was all about.
"Thanks for checking up on me, but I'm not mad or anything of the sorts, I'm waiting until they run out of steam to find out what's wrong." I cheekily clarify, perking up from my face down position and jumping down the roof to stand next to them.
Elaine's face turns thoughtful and peers at me before shaking her head in a rueful manner. "I retract my retraction, he's way more mature than you were back then."
I smug at the stupid knight who was all too happy in foisting his brat of a sister on me.
"Don't believe for a second I don't know why you're actually here Arty." I point imperiously at Le Fay's brother causing him to raise one eyebrow in feigned ignorance.
"I've been in this circle long enough to see behind your knightly demeanor." I charge ahead trying to elicit a different reaction out of him.
"Oh, and pray tell, what have I been hiding?" He looks down on me, the side of his lips slightly curled in amusement.
"You're just like her, only packaged differently." I start off my Sherlock routine by giving the answer before explaining how I got there.
He starts grinning now, instead of the ever-present polite smile he usually has. "How so?"
"She must have learned her behavior somewhere and as the rest of your family are all stick in the muds, it has to have been you as she is the closest to you out of all her other relatives."
"Mhm, I've indeed taken care of her the most, but I don't see how that would reflect on me?"
"Exactly like this, you always reply 'politely' and with propriety. But you do it in a manner that baits your opponent into a heated reaction."
"It's only proper to be polite to others." He crosses his arms and nods seriously while still sporting that grin on his face.
This fucking guy. He's all but confirmed it with that stupid smile on his face, yet he keeps the charade going.
I take a deep breath forcefully calming myself down. "Admit it, you're just as big a troll as she is."
His grin turns into a frown, "I think I look a lot better than a troll, thank you very much." He politely yet sullenly reacts while his girlfriend chortles softly, trying and failing to try hide her amusement.
Yup, I get why other Elaine wants to fight him all the time.
"You're here to poke fun at me, eh?"
He straightens up and fiddles with his sleeve while nodding slowly, "obviously, but above all I wanted to be certain that you were not actually mad at their reactions." He starts off with that same grin as before but turns more serious at the end.
Ah.
"Having more friends is doing wonders for her and I shudder at how sheltered she would've become if she only had 'family vetted' friends." He uncharacteristically goes deep and talks about something he fears.
"Should you be telling me things like this?" I didn't think we were close enough for him to even think about confiding anything to me.
He shakes his head wryly, "we're not, but Fay and you are. And with everything going on I wanted to make sure you lot didn't implode your friendship over nothing. I'm glad I was right about you not taking their outburst seriously." He nods approvingly.
Ominous.
"Everything going on?" I ask, but truthfully, I don't expect an answer.
"Yes, family drama." He doesn't elaborate, figures.
"But it looks like you feel better, so with that I take my leave." He graciously bows and starts to turn around.
Before he fully turns and leaves, I quickly say: "thanks for caring." As I didn't fully notice that our disagreement managed to get me down, but as he just said I do feel better now.
"No, thank YOU for caring." He says before walking away hand in hand with Elaine who dipped her head slightly before intertwining their hands and walking alongside him.
Softly I hear something murmured not meant for my ears, carried by the wind as they move further and further away. "Glad someone who is willing and able to act cares about her."
"It'll give us a bit more leeway in how we wish to resolve our own family problems."
"I was afraid that I might have to take her with me, but there's a different option now."
"You think..."
Take her with me? Yikes. Seems like their 'family problems' are a lot worse than they both are willing to admit. Project get our own base feels like more and more of a priority now. Both Meredith and Fay need a 'safe space', I wouldn't be surprised if Gray has something going on either.
I slap my face with both my hands, no time to mope. Let's lock in and prepare for what's coming.
With my current purpose reaffirmed I make my way to the Fallen bar, my previous sullen mood all but vanished in the wind.
The next day
Stalking the halls of our base I silently approach my prey. Her guard is down and her stance shows her complete belief that she is safe here.
Between two beats of my heart, I strike!
Conjuring three tennis balls out of my pockets I throw them at her with blinding speed while shouting "think fast!"
She jumps in her seat almost falling backwards chair and all, yet three holy nails materialize around her instinctively and intercept my ambush with perfect precision.
"For fucks sake!"
Ha! She swore, that means I won.
I can't stop myself from cackling boisterously at her outburst, "top of the morning to you Meri!" I manage to wheeze out between my laughter.
"Why are you like this? It's been months, months! I popped a soccer ball just last night and the guys playing were devastated when their ball 'randomly' got a hole in it." She marches up to me and starts ranting about her woes.
Your anger feeds me small one, it's healing my own traumas and as you know, shared sorrow is halved sorrow.
I placatingly hold up my hands, "you know, I've got to keep you sharp. And it's doing wonders for your abilities no? Like, how even when you were completely unprepared you managed to block them." I nod proudly; my teacher would approve of her progress. The fact that she instantly 'killed' a ball would be the cherry on top.
She grumbles in an unintelligible manner while squinting her eyes like a distrustful cat. Before exhaling and asking: "weren't you supposed to have a long-term mission with the Fallen?"
"Long-term? I mean, it's a repeatable commission that I should be able to do for a long time, but it doesn't take that long to be honest." I answer in a somewhat confused manner, slightly tilting my head to emphasize my confusion.
"The commission itself only took about three hours, afterwards I was browsing their catalogues and services. Did you know I can buy an entire building, built to specification from the ground up in a day? It's crazy." I animatedly continue, not noticing the flicker of understanding appearing in her eyes.
"Stupid feathered idiots." She murmurs under her breath, too soft for me to catch.
"What did you say?" I ask feeling like I missed something.
"Nothing, nothing. Why were you looking for new buildings anyways?" She smoothly sidesteps the question and changes the subject.
I shuffle awkwardly as I hadn't discussed my plans yet. "I thought it'd be good if we had a second base somewhere more out of the way, in case something happened you know. But weren't the three of you mad at me?" I can't help but ask, clearly it wasn't anything big if she's already over it but for curiosities sake I still want to know.
"Hahaha..." She laughs mechanically while muttering about roasting an owl over a campfire with her nails as a stick.
"Add said something purposefully misleading, but it wasn't anything major. He's clearly being an asshole again."
You know what, that tracks. Stupid owl thinks he's a comedian. "Heh, get him back from me as well, will you?"
She nods resolutely, "you betcha, I'll get Fay to help me plan our revenge." An evil grin on her face.
"So... we're good?" I still ask for clarification, while shooting off a quick prayer for Add's future.
"Yeah, we're good." She replies tiredly, perking up quickly she asks: "is that all you came here for, or can I continue my research?" While pointing at the table filled with papers filled with scribbles of nonsense.
Well... Now that I've got her here anyways and she's aware of my 'housing' plans, maybe I can get her started already on possible defenses she could add in the future.
"You see..." I start fully explaining my idea about a hidden base somewhere as safe as we can possibly make it and what I hope she will work on.
"Wait. You mean Fay knew about your plan already? Then why..." She trails off.
"She's the one who came up with it in the first place, I've just been the only one actively working on it."
"Smartest witch of my generation my foot!"
I think I'm missing a lot of context. Not my circus, not my monkeys eh.
Still seething she looks back to me, "I can do it, and I will do it! I'll make a fortress out of it, mark my words." She states with fiery conviction, while giving me a whiplash in her rapid changing of moods.
She stomps back to her table and slams herself on the chair while glaring at the papers as if they have personally offended her.
"I'll leave you to it? Good luck?" I hesitantly reply to no response of course.
Shaking my head I make my way to the training area, taking out my training cube I flex my hand trying to break it. Alas, to no avail. Yet, I do notice the force I'm putting out is significantly higher than before, progress!
With nary a whisper Bianca appears, "from the top" I say while we start our routine. Our current training consists mostly of perfecting a spatial ability I dub 'swapping'. Now I'm only able to swap with my familiar in low stakes combat, but with more practice I want to have the option to swap positions with my team members as well.
As the hours progress, I change to perfecting my flicker step technique. I've come to realize that I've been using my teleportation in a too basic of a manner and simply teleporting from point a to b is too telegraphed. So, I've taken a hard look at my past footwork and decided to enhance it.
Enthralled in my training I make the same mistake that I scolded Meredith for and stopped paying attention around me. Thus, not noticing the rest of the gang arriving and having a heated conversation with lots of sheepish looks thrown around.
Close to dinner time I'm shaken out of my fugue by something flying my way, instincts ingrained so deep that they are second nature I drop into a stance while halting whatever flew my way in localized time.
Awareness returned I fully focus on feeling everything around me and I quickly fall back to a more relaxed position, ending the effect on the towel and bottle of water.
Taking a sip and drying my face I nod in thanks at Fay for her kindness.
"Hey Arc, we'd like to say we're sorry for yesterday." She apologizes as Gray nods fiercely in acquiescence.
"It's all good, thanks for apologizing." Honestly, I didn't expect one but getting one feels... validating?
"No, no we want to make it up to you."
"It wasn't a big deal, truly." Amidst my rebuke I do get a flash of inspiration and might as well involve them from the ground up. "But maybe, you two can help in making the plans. Make it a group project."
They give each other a look that I can't fully place but seems partially exasperation. As they turn to me as one and they agree happily, as if all the extra work is fun somehow.
"Great! I'm working with Grigori to get their assistance in making a specialized building, if you two can help Meredith with the defensive plans and the interior that'd be awesome."
With our roles divided and them fully aware of my plans the slight tension vanishes as we return to our previous dynamic, except that Gray appears a bit more bashful after the ordeal. Probably feeling guilty at her unfair treatment of me, kind of cute if you ask me.
I should've brought them in on the fold earlier as they are more than likely better aware of other avenues of procurement, but whatever.
It's like shopping for my first house!
Except it would be my second one here, as I own this building already...
It's all looking on the up and up.
June 2005
Penemue
"Hey Penny, I've brought my friends over to visit as they were interested in seeing what I did here."
The delicious boy has brought his friends along. Ah, the angst it's intoxicating. The witchy one's eye ticked at him calling me by a nickname, which honestly took way too long to achieve. For a kid he's too guarded to easily fall in my palms, luckily, it's a marathon and not a sprint as I'm steadily gaining ground.
Sending the blonde witch a miniscule smirk, I turn to the boy turned teen and to drive the 'nail' even deeper I go: "Hii Arc, good to see you again. It's fine, you've had an open invitation to bring them along whenever." I say in a chipper yet 'professional' manner.
"The three of them have finished the lay-out of the building I wished to have commissioned, and they wanted to know if it was doable."
Oh, you sweet summer child. You've got the biggest blind spots towards them I've ever seen, it's kind of endearing.
...Time to poke them to my heart's content.
"Yes! We would like to discuss this deal more in depth, as it will be our base." The Pendragon interjects strongly, territorial that one huh.
"If you wish to discuss that immediately, I can have you escorted to our builder's while Arc and I complete this month's quota." Poke, poke, poke.
"You don't have to guide me; I've got a handle on the process and the lay-out of the building anyways."
How could you! I don't care a whit about the business. He's become too desensitized to my flirting; I've got to step up my game.
"Nonsense, as your official liaison it's imperative that I accommodate you personally and I enjoy our little talks in between your activities."
"Sorry to interject but we're also interested in seeing what he does here, the discussion can happen afterwards." Little miss walking weapon of mass destruction is awfully polite, but I see some steel in those pretty green eyes of her. I want to see her pout.
"Oooh, that's fine! I thought you all were in a rush but follow me and I'll show what the two of us usually do here."
I grab Archen by his arm as I guide them to the usual place. This to some mild grumblings from the girls, it's even better when there's an audience for my teasing, multiple reactions for the price of one!
As we make our way to the cellar where we store the barrels for when he does his magical treatment, I try to keep the mood light-hearted and look for more clues in how close they are.
It's way too easy! A slight lilt in my voice here, being just a bit too close to him there and keeping my attention mostly on him and two of them scrabble to 'separate' us. Their reactions giving enough away for me to infer their relationship status.
I was already aware of the budding crushes beginning to form, but it's progressed further than I expected. Two of them are aware of it and obviously wary of me, as they should be, while the walking WMD still has some hangups.
Above all he's completely oblivious to their reactions but shows clear signs of being sexually aware. He's clearly attracted to 'older' looking woman, if you think about it, it'd be due to his time learning under The Witch and her influence makes him overlook the three young gals pining after him.
Delicious!
Their reaction to his magic shows a deeper understanding of his capabilities than we have, combined with his stated desire of building a safe base somewhere means that they're already planning an exit strategy. His reluctance to join us but willing to work with us means that they're confident enough in their own strength to protect themselves.
Interesting.
Azzy should be happy with this, as when they strike out on their own that would be the best time to forge closer ties between us.
"And here we have one of our construction branches." As I professionally show them the office space they occupy.
"So, let's talk. What type of building would you all like to have built?"
"This is what we're looking for, a tower according to these specifications."
Meredith Ordinton, unrecognized daughter of the royal family. Stepping up to show the blueprint and the plans they've made; a quick glance shows a tower like structure reminiscent of a wizard's abode. Some of the markings at the base and the wall placements are eerily like warding schemes. She's already known for her talent in them, but these are incredibly advanced.
I hum thoughtfully trying to give myself a bit more time. "Any specific building material requirements?" Dreading the answer already.
"Hmm, no not really. Only that the walls contain no plastic and that everything is made according to the schematics."
She doesn't need support from magically powerful substances to enhance the defenses? Or do they have another way to get them, either way it's something to note down.
"These ward lines seem important, yet they have no specifications outside of the depth they need to be carved. Are you sure you don't need special materials for that?"
Looking surprised she regards me differently. "You recognize them, that's surprising. These are of my own design and as such I can make the needed materials myself."
Hehehe, she's been thinking unkind thoughts about me.
...But. Unknown wards combined with an unknown method of applying them? Her value just skyrocketed through the stratosphere, how is she not being watched twenty-four seven by either the Golden Dawn or her family?
"That's impressive, are you perchance open to commissions in the future?"
"Sorry, she's still busy with our own projects at the moment but when we finish our base you can contact us, and we can try to work something out." Witch got claws huh, as I gaze at the Pendragon girl stepping in as her hair flutters unnaturally.
The two of them look at each other and I can see my lucky new find recognizing the look she's being given and quietly acquiesce her words, quickly affirming verbally that she's too busy for now.
I match her eyes as she's looking straight at me now and I nod at her, this one's sharp. At least in noticing something more blatant than my other 'innocent' questions. I've been too obvious; she'll start interjecting everything now. Her reaction has also made the other three more wary, she's the groups spokesperson.
"Thats a shame, but hopefully in the future we can have a healthy partnership." I shake my head in faux sadness.
"Yeah, sorry about that but we're still figuring things out for now and we don't want to add more tasks on top of what she's already doing for us."
Archen steps forward and takes point center as he speaks out, while the Blackmore stands to his right but slightly behind him. Leader and vice commander huh, she's been taking a lot of notes as well.
"No harm no foul, good ward crafters are rare and getting them on retainer is a chore and a half with how wanted they are. Pardon my enthusiasm as we could really use someone with that kind of expertise for different projects of ours." I give a mostly true reason.
"As you said, no harm no foul. But your interest is noted, we'll contact you once she has more time." His more relaxed stance gone as he stands there defending their position. While Meredith easily takes a position in the back, indicative of a supporting role.
Three of them are very important people while the Pendragon seem to lack the oomph the others have, but I can't shake the feeling that we haven't seen everything about her and that's weird.
Shaking off the strange feeling, we conclude the discussion amicably as I take them outside of the anti-teleportation bounds the Pendragon girl turns to me as a sharp glint appears in her eyes.
"I'll take it from here." As she starts constructing a teleportation circle while still inside the wards. "Stop thinking of me as a Pendragon." She smirks at me and just before they vanish from my sight she adds almost like an afterthought. "My name is Le Fay Pendragon with all that that entails." With a wave of displaced air, they teleport away.
...Maybe she was aware of all the observations earlier, yet she wanted us to find out certain things. She's purposefully given us something that we can't ignore even if they leave their current protective umbrella behind. Yet right now it's only a hunch at the warders' capabilities, not enough to break relations with all their supporting groups and they will only show us more when they think they're safe.
Bravo.
Teleporting to Grigori HQ I advance unhindered to Azzy's room.
"Miss Penemue, the Governor General said that he didn't want to be disturbed right now."
"It's fine. He knows I'm coming." I roll my eyes at the hapless secretary who will be inevitably replaced within a month.
Kicking the door open and finding no one in his study, while his table is filled with papers, I make my way over to his workshop. Slamming that one open too I find him bowed over his table, examining some new sacred gear or something.
"I said, I was busy! I just got the second Vritra sacred gear, and I want to compare it with the other one we got." He bellows out without looking away from his newest pet project.
"Azzy, it's important."
He looks over, surprised seeing me. "Ah Penemue, how important?"
"Extremely important. We might have a mostly unaffiliated powerhouse team forming soon, with the student of Scáthach leading it and with their current plans it might grow bigger in the future." No time for preamble, even if I want those cuties for myself, I can't help but want to help my people as well.
He takes one last longing look at his workbench, but he dons his mantle as Governor General just as quickly. Striding back to his desk he shuffles the papers to the side not bothering to check them out. He sits down elbows on his desk fingers steepled he goes.
"Tell me everything."
A.N. Wow forgot I had a trip planned and I didn't bring my laptop with me, writing on your phone is hard let alone editing it.