Light danced off the dust floating in Sunny's apartment. A sleepy Sunny scrunched his nose and lazily lifted his hanging leg back on the couch. He had only woken up because the sound of a raised voice outside shook him from his slumber. Stupid training, couldn't give me ten more minutes? Sunny cursed his heightened awareness for a while before rolling off of his sofa. He stood up from the sofa and stretched his muscles. A few pops later, he felt good to go. He hadn't had a chance to do anything when he came home yesterday afternoon, he sniffed himself. Shower. He groggily waddled to the back of the apartment undressing as he went. I haven't felt this good in awhile. Sunny checked himself in the bathroom mirror. No bruises? Wow. He flexed lightly and noticed he had put on some mass. That's new. Sunny jumped into the shower, opting to raise the temperature for once causing it to steam. An unusual feeling ate at him. He smiled awkwardly as he recounted the days since he met Stella and learned Yuna was an esper. The suds in his hair grew as did the unsettling feeling in his chest.
"Stella?" Sunny called out hopefully.
His forehead dropped against the tile of the shower wall. I have to finish showering. I have a killer to catch. I have to train Stella and Yuna. I have to protect everyone. I have to… Sunny knew what he needed to do but instead he found himself curled in a ball underneath his waterfall shower head. As the water ran over him images of his fallen comrades came to him. No, Sunny whimpered as he saw images of Locke, Stella and Yuna bloodied and contorted.
"Please Sunny, kill me," Stella begged him.
"It's alright son," Locke reassured him.
"You did your best, right?" Yuna mocked him.
"You did your best, right? You did your best, RIGHT?! YOU DID YOUR BEST, RIGHT?" They all chanted in unison as their tortured bodies shambled toward him.
"Please don't make me do this," Sunny pleaded with his friends. "I can't do this."
The image of Stella fading away in front of him and letting go of her gate played repeatedly in his mind. Sunny felt like he was drowning. He rocked back and forth reaching out to the temperature control for the shower. He cranked it all the way to hot. His skin immediately turned red and began to blister. The echoes of panicked shrieking and haunting cries drove Sunny to smash his head against the side of the tub over and over.
"Don't! Leave! Me! Don't! Leave! Me!" Sunny wailed at the top of his lungs, endlessly.
The skin on his head finally busted open and blood painted the porcelain tub. Tears mixed with the searing water as he bawled. Unable to feel the pain he was inflicting to himself he began to bash his head against his tub harder.
"You let me die," a familiar voice called out to him.
"ST0P IT!" Sunny's voice cracked as he screamed at the shower head.
He put all of his energy into launching his head forward into the side of the tub. I don't care anymore. He channeled mana throughout his body to increase the force and speed of his momentum. His nose was lined up perfectly with the edge of the tub. Finally, some real rest. Sunny had a sick grin on his face once his nose was within a centimeter of its destination. Coward. At the last moment he changed the trajectory of his headbut and crashed his forehead through the side of his shower demolishing it completely. Seemingly unphased, Sunny stood back up and finished showering, ignoring the flood of water and blood in his bathroom. Once out of the shower he quickly patched his head up. Sunny couldn't feel himself smiling but his reflection smirked back at him all the same.
Once back in his bedroom he took a long look at his protective chromium undersuit. He walked past it without ever putting it on and then grabbed himself a baggy yellow hoodie to wear with his jeans. Eyeing his vast shoe collection he decided to go with a collector Abibas shoe he hadn't worn yet. They had an obnoxiously bright yellow base with streaks of black. Once dressed, he took a deep breath and wandered back to his living room in search of his phone. Tch. Dead. Sunny sucked his teeth in annoyance.
Shortly after he left his home and made his way to a nearby bus stop. The occasional passerby looked at his head fearfully but he didn't take notice. It would be awfully convenient if I found the killer out and about while scouting. Sunny realized the sun was still out and its positioning was all wrong. Oh… that wasn't a nap. Sunny began to quicken his stride. I was out for more than sixteen hours. It's tomorrow. Sunny's brisk walk turned into a full on sprint.
There was already a long line of commuters when he arrived at the bus stop. The outfits and guarded posture of the civilians led Sunny to believe they were all residents of Oldhaven. He kept his gaze straight and opened his gate to make himself known. Maybe he'll take the bait if he's around. Kinshi can cloak their malice unlike phantoms. Wait. Sunny remembered how Zipper showed no sign of spiritual aggression when they first encountered her. He felt himself suddenly wishing he hadn't left his chromium bodysuit at home. What if they can all cloak themselves?
Sunny heard the bus coming from around the corner and came to a screeching halt in front of the locals. Following the line of civilians, Sunny boarded the bus and found himself a seat in the back. He closed his eyes and tried to get himself in a similar headspace to The Frankenstein Slasher. Some minutes later, Sunny alighted from the bus with a slightly disappointed expression. He walked the rest of the way from the highway stop to the church entrance. I hope Stella is still here. Sunny donned a smile at the thought. He made his way to the hidden entrance at the rear. Upon opening it up, a group of Vanguard armed to the teeth jogged by him.
"Whoa, where's the fire?" he asked.
The Vanguards ignored him and went past him. There seemed to be a sense of urgency in the air. Get some sleep, they said. Sunny growled. Only time these guys move their feet like that is for a phantom. Sunny felt a pain in his chest.
"Stella!" He gasped.
He barrelled off, heading towards the sparring hall first. A light from the window of its double door entrance shone on him as he approached. Blasting through the door he scanned the eccentric training ground looking for Stella. Not here. He pulled a one eighty and took off again. He ran into a Vanguard that looked like someone from Jasper's crew.
"What's going on? Where is she?" Sunny yelled, shocking the Vanguard.
The cadet stumbled over his words. "W-what phantom?"
"Stella! Green hair, the only phantom I'm seen with!" Sunny's voice grew louder.
"I don't know where sh—"
"Thanks." Sunny bolted away.
Sunny turned many corners and ran up the stairs near a set of elevators. He blew past Enna who had been heading downstairs.
"Sunny?" She called out in confusion.
A group of Vanguards stood in the center of the hall blocking Sunny's advance to Licht's labs. Grunting he pushed off the ground to run on the concrete surface of the wall. One of the Vanguards dropped their tablet as she watched one of The Round Table scaling the walls like a beast. Finally he reached the laboratory and jumped through the door. Once more he scanned the room and saw no signs of Stella. The incubator room. He dashed to a door in the massive warehouse-like area that was already open.
Sunny came into the room and saw Stella sitting in a chair across from Dr. Rose having an intense conversation. Multiple sensors were fixed to her body. The women turned to look at him with concern.
Relief exploded in his chest and he slumped against the door jambs. He wiped his brow with his hoodie sleeve and let out a sigh.
"Sunny?" Stella looked concerned. "Are you okay?"
He left the doorway and walked into the room with a serious look on his face. Am I okay? He wondered. He pressed forward, closing the distance between himself and Stella. He loomed over her for a brief moment before bending down to squeeze her with his arms.
"Eep!" Stella could feel Sunny's heart reverberating through his ribcage, shaking hers.
She slowly raised her arms to wrap them around Sunny in return. Dr. Rose turned off the device she had Stella hooked up to and politely excused herself. I've known that boy since Locke brought him here. She thought. I've never seen him express like this before. Dr. Rose took one look back at the pair before leaving the room.
"Sunny?" Stella whispered once they were alone. "What's wrong?"
Sunny suddenly became aware of his actions and released Stella from his grasp.
Stepping back to create space he ran his fingers through his hair. "I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have grabbed you like that Stella. Something happened and I thought you were in danger. You can slug me if you like." The strange rush of rhythm in Sunny's cadence excited Stella.
"Is that why you hugged me?" Stella said softly, a twinkle in her eyes.
"Mostly, yes," Sunny admitted, taking a seat beside her. "I went home to do some things and took a nap… I, uh… I overslept a bit."
"I know, Locke told me you were going to crash eventually. I talked to Yuna and we decided to stay behind while you two went out. The hope was you'd go home and get some sleep… It isn't easy for me to say this but I missed you too Sunny." Stella blushed fervently.
"Hate me that much?" Sunny joked.
"Hehe, nope!" Stella's joyful expression made Sunny smile. "Actually, I'm not as open as I'd like to be. I envy Yuna for how honest she is with herself and everyone around her. I just wanted to try it for once." Stella looked at the floor and fidgeted with her hair.
Sunny's gears turned in his head for a moment. "I understand what you mean. Yuna is one of the most amazing people I've ever met." Stella's eyes widened at Sunny's words. "But so are you. And I think I want to follow your lead on this one. I like you a lot Stella Brightheart. I love you."
Stella gasped as she looked up at Sunny's warm smile. The bags under his eyes had reduced in size slightly but the darkness remained. His head was tilted slightly and his eyelids rested. Stella could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks as she hid her face behind her palms. She unconsciously undressed, this startled her and caused her to rotate until she was upside down. Sunny opened his eyes to see the floating inverted Stella hovering a mere three centimeters from his face.
"I-I couldn't hear you," Stella mumbled.
"I'll speak more clearly then," Sunny said. "I love you." Sunny's voice had a hint of pride to it.
Stella dropped her hands from her face and locked eyes with Sunny. Their gates clashed as their hearts surged in tandem. Stella shook as she reached out to the back of Sunny's head, staying just far enough away to not phase through him. I want to touch him. Her mind raced when she realized she couldn't redress. The feeling of lust and longing pulsed from within them drawing them closer. The both seemed in a dream-like state as their mana flared causing the lights in the room to flutter in sync with their hearts.
"Prove it," Stella whispered to Sunny, closing her eyes slightly as her nose brushed against his.
Stella's ambers exploded when Sunny cuffed the back of her neck gently to pull her in for a kiss. But I'm— Her body moved on its own as she grabbed the back of his head in kind. Their lips connected, sending a wave of intense pleasure crashing through their body. Their magikal circuits burned brightly. Every electronic in the room vibrated and sputtered in reaction to the pulsing energy emanating from their convergence. They didn't hear the door open but Dr. Rose took a step back to peer into the room.
"It's not possible." She looked on in awe as their gates flourished, generating an unbelievable quality of mana.
They broke apart and stared at each other as the Magik in the air roared. Their breathing was perfectly aligned and they even blinked with the same timing. They are communicating? Dr. Rose could tell but she wasn't sure how. Wait a second. Dr. Rose squinted to get a better look at their faces. OH MY! Sunny's right eye was the same electric blue as always but his left eye had taken on Stella's colour. The same was true for Stella, her right eye cracked like lightning and her left roared like a waterfall. Dr. Rose moaned at the sight and that caught their attention. In an act of complete unity they turned to her simultaneously and panicked.
"Dr. Rose! We didn't know you were there," they said simultaneously.
They looked at each other and blinked. Upon opening their eyes again they were back to normal and their faces turned a hundred shades of red.
"Eeeeeh?!" Stella squeaked and flew away hiding herself in a cabinet.
Sunny placed his fingers on his lips. He seemed rooted to the ground, and incapable of speech.
"I-Uhm, just came back." Dr. Rose cleared her throat.
Sunny noticed the shaken look on her face. "Are you okay, Doc?"
"Y- yes, why wouldn't I be?" She tried her best to appear calm.
"I've never seen you look dazed before, want some water or something?" Sunny's genuine concern caused Dr. Rose to sigh.
"I'm fine, just overworked like everyone else." She waved it off.
"Yeah… Look I'm sorry I interrupted, I wanted to check on Stella. But what was all the ruckus on the ground floor?" Sunny asked.
Dr. Rose took a seat. "Some Vanguards ran into an A-Class phantom in Aegis." Dr. Rose toyed with the device that was previously connected to Stella. "It proved tougher than they thought so they requested for back up."
Sunny leaned forward. "An A-Class? Well that's understandable. If that's the case I should go help them, is Locke there already?"
Stella poked her head out from the floor on the right of Dr. Rose. She nodded at Sunny and came all the way out and redressed. She lightly dropped on to the balls of her shoes and made a satisfying click against the floor.
"What about Yuna?" Sunny asked.
Stella shook her head. "No, she's got a shift at The Fool's Remedy."
"Alright, well I should get going… I'll be back." Sunny's eyes were filled with longing but as he turned around his entire aura changed.
I didn't even get to ask him about his head, Stella frowned. Be careful Sunny. She worried for a moment but decided that Sunny was going to be fine. Dr. Rose tried to continue the examination but between the machines going haywire and what had just transpired she couldn't get any meaningful data. After she asked Stella a question three times in a row, Stella leaned in and grabbed Dr. Rose's hand.
"Are you okay? We could reschedule if you like," Stella's voice was soft. "Locke asked me to practice my shooting, and I'm going to have to undress soon."
"I'd love that actually." Dr. Rose leaned back, crossing her arms over her chest. "And Stella? You can just call me Lilith."
Stella's smile seemed too big for her head as she pounced to her feet. "Thanks Lilith!"
Stella ran out of the room waving back to Lilith before disappearing beyond the door. Lilith waited until Stella had left before shutting down all the computers in the room. After taking a moment to herself she removed her lab coat revealing a tight black turtleneck sweater that was tucked into her jeans. She took a silver hair tie from her wrist to elevate her flowing aqua hair into a ponytail. Her previously showing silver streaks were nowhere to be seen. She made her way quickly to the HQ library and was greeted by an unfathomably large bowl-like structure with its walls made up of books. Row upon row, staircase over staircase. It was a never ending maze of knowledge that she frequented. She went straight to the opposite end of the room and entered a code on a keypad beside the door for the wash rooms. A vertical door opened to her right and she stepped inside. Four more doors on hydraulics hissed as they allowed her to pass.
She came into a much smaller but equally impressive room that was lit with blue neon lights. In the center was a steel table with room for four people. This was where the oldest and most wretched manuscripts could be found. Lilith with the aid of Licht took great care to restore ancient texts in that very room. Lilith ran her fingers across the binding of a suspicious looking black book. Memories of new discoveries gave her a sense of euphoria.
"From our history we can shape our future." Lilith quoted Licht from a time he had requested a budget increase for the sacred library.
Five hundred years! Lilith wrapped her arms around her body in an attempt to contain her excitement.
She checked each shelf systematically and fanned through all the documents until her eyes settled on one book in particular. It was wedged between a book titled Draconic Anatomy and Amora's Cradle. Lilith put on a new pair of gloves and pulled out the white book with gold lettering she sought first. She walked over to the table to rest it gently there until she was ready. She switched out her gloves and shook her head. For all his greatness I wish he would learn a sense of organization. Lilith berated Licht mentally as she moved the Draconic Anatomy volume to its appropriate home. Once back at the table she peered down at the book with a vulgar look in her eyes.
"Aeon Dive," her chest heaved as the words left her lips.
She opened the book and flipped through the pages carefully with her gloved fingers. Reading each passage aloud that piqued her interest.
"Aeon Dive: The act of a phantom and an esper's gates ascending but coming together consensually. It was observed that provided the right conditions they can share thoughts, feelings, and inexplicably physical qualities. Furthermore, it is theorized that even the unique quirks of the individuals would become one when the True Aeon Dive is obtained." Lilith read the passage over a multitude of times making sure she didn't mistranslate any of the faded ancient symbols.
"Kinshi: When a phantom possesses an esper. This grants the phantom a significant boost in capability. It has been observed that once a Kinshi is formed it will grow stronger with each soul it claims."
"Yeah. I knew that already." Lilith pressed on and saw a passage she hadn't noticed before. "Why is this drawn over?"
Lilith did her best to read it in spite of the markings over the text. "*****soul: When an ***** *****gates a *******. This ****** the ***** immeasurable strength at the c**t of their ******. With **ch s******d ******* an *****soul's ***** gr*** and so does its *******."
"Well I got nothing on that last part, but I think I just witnessed a miracle." Lilith closed the book gently.
Did we forget or was this something we tried to bury?If I'm understanding this right, there was a time when a phantom and esper merged and the result wasn't a Kinshi. Lilith mulled over the fact someone thought it was important enough to make an entire manuscript on.
Lilith sat in silence unsure of what to do with the information. She sat in the library for hours that seemed to drag on, recalling the presumed Aeon Dive. I need to see it again. Lilith shivered with anticipation.
***
"What was taking you guys so long?" Sunny looked at Locke worriedly. "Sure the thing fought well but it was weak."
"No." Locke's voice was shaken. "You were just that crazy today. Watching you out there was like I was watching… something else."
"What's that supposed to mean? You just forgot how good I am when I actually get some rest," Sunny joked.
"Sure kid." Locke ended the conversation but he couldn't believe what he saw.
They'd fought an A-Class water phantom shaped like a gorilla. It could be argued that the phantom was just a supercharged B-Class but the trouble it gave them earned it a higher rank. It took five squads of four members each to contain the beast, keeping it from causing widespread damage and hysteria. Locke's addition allowed them to do some damage to the rampaging phantom but he couldn't deliver a decisive blow. However within moments of Sunny's arrival he was able to get the phantom under Checkmate. Normally I wouldn't even think twice about it but… Locke wondered how Sunny was able to only use two incantations. Unseen Tyrant, and Checkmate. Locke replayed Sunny's words in his head. He skipped the entire chant. Locke put it to the back of his mind and focused on getting cleaned up.
Locke was drenched from head to toe so Sunny had gone to fetch him a few towels. Once Sunny returned Locke began to dry his sopping jet black hair.
"You're in high spirits," Locke said to Sunny as they leaned on the Musbang, enjoying the afternoon sun.
"Yep, I managed to get some sleep yesterday. Feeling great."
"You mentioned that, how'd you get that bandage on your head?" Locke asked.
"Oh this? Long story but I broke my shower." Sunny pointed to his head and stuck his tongue out playfully.
"Great. Another thing you need to get fixed." Locke gave Sunny a light punch in the shoulder. "Thanks for getting some rest son. Next thing on the list is resurrecting your writing career from the dead."
"Heh," Sunny chuckled. "Unlikely. Once we handle The Frankenstein Slasher I'll figure it out."
"Soon Sunny," Locke assured him. "We're getting closer to nailing this cunt. His days are numbered."
"Language! But we haven't come up with a way to narrow down which location he's going to show. If we don't start the plan soon he might choose another victim before we can bait him out with Yuna." Sunny clenched his fists.
"I know, Sunny. I'm working on it."
Sunny relaxed for a moment enjoying the breeze, he recalled the kiss he shared with Stella. I've got to get my shit together. Sunny stared dreamily into the sky as two ravens darted after one another in his peripheral vision.
"There ya go again, off in your own world. Any chance you'll tell me what's on your mind?"
"Nope, you said it was gross," Sunny teased.
"Oh!" Locke said and regretting asking in the first place. "Well, let's head back then. I promised Stella I'd help tune into her new gear."
"I can help her if you want," Sunny said a little too eagerly.
"Sure, just help get her Vanablasters tuned and if you have time run some sparring matches."
"Vanablasters?" Sunny shot Locke a questioning look.
"Her fancy new toys. She'll be able to stay redressed longer if she isn't blowing her load every time she shoots a gun ya know." Sunny was excited after hearing Locke's explanation.
"Nice."
The Vanguards finished the cleanup soon after. Locke sent the squads off to lick their wounds and debrief their respective Guardian Leaders. Sunny and Locke raced back to HQ. Once back at the church, before Locke even shut off the engine, Sunny hopped off his bike. Sunny waved back at Locke and took off.
Locke shook his head and chuckled. That Stella really is something. Locke went inside longing for his bed but made for Licht's office instead. With Stella's addition to Vanguard, Locke was able to rekindle his friendship with Licht. Was it my fault we stopped hanging out after all? Locke wondered as he went deeper below ground. Either way, she's changed my life too. Locke had a friendly grin on his face as he walked past Junior Vanguards. He knocked lightly and stepped into Licht's office once he arrived. To his surprise Licht didn't have his usually conniving smile painted on. Instead his brow was furrowed from the conversation Locke interrupted between him and Lilith.
"I can come back if you want," said Locke.
"Don't be ridiculous. Come in, and have your mind shattered with us."
"Everything good?" Locke asked.
"Have a seat Locke. Nothing's wrong but Dr. Rose here was telling me something very interesting. It might surprise you. Dr. Rose, do you mind starting from the beginning? For Locke's sake."
"I believe I asked you two to call me Lilith in private." Lilith's face was fierce. The two grown men quickly corrected themselves like scolded children.
"Sorry Lilith." Locke bowed his head.
"Me too." Licht added.
"Uhm, I'm a little wet," Locke said. "I don't want to mess up your seat."
"Don't pretend to care," Licht's knowing smile aggravated Locke. "Just sit."
"I regret coming here already." Locke sat heavily on the chair. He went to place his leg on the table then remembered Lilith was there and left it firmly on the ground.
Licht motioned towards Lilith. "I apologize, continue.."
"Have you ever heard of the phenomenon known as the Aeon Dive?" she inquired.
Locke leaned forward in his chair and alternated his attention between Lilith and Licht.
"Well, yeah. Hey, wipe that look off your face Licht. I do read during what little downtime I get I'll have ya know."
"Who's the nerd now?" Licht jabbed.
"Still you four-eyes," Locke retorted.
"Earlier…" Lilith cleared her throat. "I was extrapolating some data from Stella. Sunny barged into the room, he looked like somebody had died and was clearly looking for her. I don't blame him, there was some commotion earlier and I know she isn't exactly a pageant winner around here. Anyways he ran in and just hugged her. So I gave them some privacy, because I thought it was needed." She summarized the events easily up until that point.
"Oh, I see," said Locke, smiling. "That explains why he was smiling like an idiot after the battle."
"What?" Lilith gave him an annoyed look.
"Sorry, please continue." Locke clasped his hands together.
"So, I came back to the room after a little bit… and I witnessed it. The Aeon Dive." Lilith seemed to be blushing.
Locke clenched the sides of his chair. "That's impossible! I thought it was just some silly fantasy an inebriated Vanguard wrote about."
"It appears that is not the case my friend." Licht's devilish smile grew several sizes.
Locke placed his elbows on his knees. "H-how was it? What's it like in person?"
Tears rose in Lilith's eyes. "It was the most beautiful thing I have ever witnessed. The mana was alive, they moved synchronously, and it was just… perfect," she moaned.
Locke felt himself grow slightly uncomfortable with Lilith's delivery. Licht had been staring at a paper weight on his desk.
"I actually was about to leave before you came in Locke," Lilith said. "I must be taking my leave now. I had a brilliant idea for Stella's suit."
Licht waited until Rose closed the door before he pulled out a plain sheet of paper from his drawer. "I took the liberty of obtaining a copy of the passage from the original manuscript." He placed it on the table and pushed it across towards Locke.
Locke stared at the paper for a moment, hesitating to pick it up. He looked at it as though it was going to lash out and bite him.. He picked it up and scanned over the ancient text that had been translated into a modern variation of it. He placed it on the table when he was done and steepled his fingers in front of his face.
"That was quick. So you do read?" Licht quipped.
"So, you can be funny." Locke punched back with a fake smile on his face.
Licht leaned forward. "This changes everything." He hushed his voice until it was little more than a breath of air. "Imagine what we would be able to achieve with this! We could deal the phantoms a blow with such finality the veil would remain unbreached forever." A wildfire spread in Licht's eyes.
Locke recognized that look. A yearning for revenge. He got up and began to pace. His boots created deep tones as he drummed to and fro.
"Listen to me!" Licht said harshly. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. How can we let it pass us by? The capabilities of the True Aeon Dive are limitless, and we must harness it. This is our chance!"
"I hear you, Licht. I want those fuckers to stop coming through the veil as much as the next Vanguard. But we have no texts, no teachings and no reliably verified precedent. We can't just go at this recklessly."
"I understand your concerns. Believe me, I do. But you have to listen to—"
Locke whirled and snapped at Licht. "I don't believe you do understand! This is just another discovery to you! Something to dig your hands into and dissect until you understand it fully. And you're willing to exploit those kids any chance you get. Fuck this! I'm out of here!"
Locke stormed out of Licht's office, sending a resounding boom throughout the floor from the force he used to slam the door. When he looked back and saw the metallic door had bent in half. His temper grew. He stomped until the R&D wing was completely out of his sight.
***
"Zipper got your tongue?" Yuna placed Locke's coffee down first before serving Sunny and Stella.
They had made their way back to The Fool's Remedy and took their usual seats by the door. Locke sat by the window across from Stella and she sat next to Sunny.
"I think she'd bite my head off if she tried," Locke laughed. "I skipped my old man nap to tag along with these two."
"Stop, you are still in your thirties. Well, I guess for our line of work…" Yuna looked at Sunny and changed the subject. "And you look great, even with that massive bandage on your head. I can't remember the last time you looked so fresh. You should share your secret with the class." Yuna pointed at Sunny teasingly.
Sunny blushed for a moment but quickly recovered. "I did a little home renovation." Sunny smiled warily. "All jokes aside I caught up on some overdue rest. Do you have some time to go over the plan with us again?"
Yuna pulled her drink tray to her chest and smiled. "Totes. Let me take care of the other guests real quick and I'll be right back." Yuna hurried off to take orders and serve food.
Once Yuna took off Stella confronted Locke. "What's actually going on? I don't think it was right to lie to Yuna like that and say you're tired. You have to be the strongest Vanguard I know, I've seen you tired. It doesn't look like this."
Locke scoffed. "Even the most legendary Vanguards in history required rest Stella. You'll read the books soon enough." He stopped laughing and his face took on a serious expression. "But you're right, I should have told her but I didn't want to stress anyone out with my drama. I got into it with Licht."
Sunny put down his mug. He was the first to finish his drink. "So? The two of you are constantly bickering, so what's so different this time?"
"Everything," Locke said gravely.
Sunny fiddled with a sugar packet he had already opened. "I'm sorry Locke, I thought you were just using him to dodge the question. Is it something serious?"
Locke deflated into his chair. "Very, it could fundamentally change the way we operate as Vanguards in the future… and I don't know if it's worth the risk."
Stella perked up. "Isn't that a good thing? From what I've seen Vanguard has always embraced change and the unexpected."
Locke's orange eyes glared at Stella and Sunny. "This time it's different."
"How so?" She asked.
"We can talk about this after we rid this world of The Frankenstein Slasher. Until then it's not up for discussion anymore."
Sunny and Stella shared a worried look. It was clear Locke wasn't going to break down and give them an explanation this time. Locke wasn't going to tell them anything now. The pair sat there uncomfortably as Locke sipped away at his black coffee. Yuna came a moment later, saving them from the tension.
"Let's get this party started." Yuna plopped beside Locke.
"So, we still haven't figured out a good way to cover all locations without splitting up," Stella started.
"Or sticking together and picking the wrong spot," Sunny added grimly.
"Right, but we do have…" Locke started to speak when someone turned up the volume of the television.
"Again?" Stella asked with a shaken voice.
"Again." Sunny confirmed as he squinted at the TV.
"Two more victims of the infamous Frankenstein Slasher have been found today. Preliminary investigations suggest the murders happened within minutes of each other. The public has been advised to stick to highly populated areas since the frequency of the killings continues to rise. Law enforcement is urging all women from ages fifteen to twenty-seven to stay home and lock their doors for the time being. I don't know about you Jerry," the newscaster's voice irritated the Vanguard's. "but if I were a resident of Oldhaven, I'd either get out or visit today's sponsor 'Wenslo's Munitions' for all your self-defense needs."
The news cut to footage of the streets the murders took place at. Locke fiddled in his pocket for something and so Sunny followed suit. They brought out different things; Sunny pulled out his phone and Locke pulled out the map littered with various markings. They both looked at the TV and Sunny found the first street's location on his phone.
"It matches," he said gravely, pointing at an 'A' on Locke's map.
"Shit." Locke furiously placed a large 'X' over it.
He waited for the screen to display the place of the second victim's death. "They both match." Sunny's voice cracked as he placed his finger on the 'B'.
"We were too late." Locke's jaw seemed like it was going to pop out of place from how hard he was grinding his teeth.
"But now we know for sure where he will strike next." Stella's eyes were cold, she drew her finger from the 'C' eastward then slightly north. "Here. He is a creature of habit after all."
"You're right Stella." Locke relaxed slightly but a rage still radiated from within him. "There's something still bugging me, how did he kill them both at practically the same time?"
"An accomplice," said Yuna. "That's all I can think of."
"Maybe?" Sunny brushed his hair with his fingers. "It's more likely that if we are dealing with a Kinshi that they are strong enough to commit a string of killings in different locations now. If they have a good amount of control over their gate it wouldn't be hard to move fast enough to make such a thing possible." Sunny double checked the distance between the killings and nodded. "Yeah, both options are more than viable. What do you think Locke?"
Sunny had never seen so much doubt cloud Locke's face. Or maybe he was just never aware. "I've got nothing. If there is more than one killer our plan won't work. We need to make a contingency for multiple threats. Why didn't I think of that before?" Locke's muscles were tight. "I don't want to put us all at risk with so many variables and no backup. But I really can't stand to see this fucking bastard piling up the bodies." Locke's fury hissed into the air.
Morale seemed to hit rock bottom. I have to do something.If only I hadn't fallen asleep for so long. Sunny felt a familiar sensation bubbling up within him. He shook his head and slapped his cheeks. He spoke clearly to his part as red handprints shined from his cheeks.
"Listen up!" Sunny leaned in. "There is no question on where The Frankenstein Slash will show his face next. Does he have an accomplice? Maybe. Does it change what we need to do? No. Now we can either wait until this inevitably hits HQ's radar or we can squash this sicko before he kills again. Locke, give us the rundown one more time."
Sunny's words seemed enchanted as his friends at the table glued their eyes to him. I've felt this before. Stella shuddered and blinked, wiping the image of a crown on his head from her vision.
"R-right!" Locke slammed his hands on the map and began excitedly detailing their plan. "This is how it's going to go. Starting from tomorrow you two are going to go on a date at this restaurant here." Locke looked at Sunny and Yuna before pointing to a high end restaurant on the map. He dragged his finger to a road corner. "Here Sunny will say his goodbyes like a good boyfriend and go into hiding. Yuna, you're going to follow this path." Locke sketched an 'L' on the map showing her where to go. "You won't be able to see him but Sunny will be nearby. Don't look for him either, we don't want to give it away."
"Right!" Yuna nodded vigorously, her lips trembled.
"You okay Yuna?" Stella tilted her head.
"I'm just excited… We are finally going to get this scuffed piece of shit." Yuna played with her jade hairpin.
"Good," Locke smiled. "I'll be waiting nearby in the Musbang. Stella will be undressed floating around until we need her to dive in. So starting tomorrow night we will be doing this everyday until it's over."
"I guess I better go do some shopping for my big date with Sunny then," Yuna joked half heartedly.
Stella shot Yuna a dirty look but quickly looked away. I hope this isn't going to be a problem. Locke fretted. Everyone ordered their food and ate together, telling jokes and exchanging stories before heading out.
The morning of the next day was spent going over the plan again and again. Locke's always been a stickler for perfection but this… Is more extreme than normal. Sunny felt his energy waning as Locke drilled the instructions into their heads. Stella's quieter than normal, I can't really blame her though. And Yuna can't seem to shut up. Everyone's definitely on edge. But Locke is the one acting the most unusual. Sunny sighed. I wish he would just kiss and make up already. Sunny sighed again, angering Locke. He tossed a juice bottle at Sunny causing it to make a dull boink off of his bandaged head.
"Get your head in the game!" Locke scolded Sunny.
"Yes sir!" Sunny instantaneously did as Locke required.
At midday, they went through the plan one last time before Locke kicked them all out to get some rest. Sunny used the opportunity to steal Stella. He beckoned her to walk with him.
"What's up?" she asked once she floated within earshot.
"If you redress for a bit now will you be at full charge tonight?" Sunny's expression was hopeful.
Stella redressed landing softly on her toes. "Does that answer your question?"
Sunny grabbed her by the hand and bolted off leading her towards the exit. "Perfect!"
"Where are we going?" Stella's heart fluttered as she raced beside him.
"Somewhere." He gave her a mischievous grin.
They left the church and got on Sunny's bike. Stella squeezed her body against his as they zoomed off. Not a single word was exchanged until Stella recognized a road Sunny had taken up in the outskirts of Oldhaven. I remember this road. I followed him up here the night we met but he turned around. I thought he got tired. Stella's heart raced as they reached the apex of the hill. Sunny finally parked the bike next to what appeared to be a grouping of cherry blossoms. He got off and helped Stella dismount.
"Look." Sunny said softly, his thighs leaned against old wooden railings atop the massive hill. Stella stood next to him and gasped in awe. From this secluded area they could see the entire city of Oldhaven sprawl below them like a scaled model. Even though it was hard to make out the old brick of the buildings and sinister nature of the city was easily recognizable. Lightning struck from dark clouds circling the city, accentuating its not so favourable features.
"It's oddly breathtaking," Stella said softly. "Somehow it's beautiful," she added, giggling. "Thank you for bringing me here, Sunny. But why now? You know we should be resting for tonight."
"That's a good question." Sunny paused and inhaled shakily. "I didn't think it was right if I took Yuna on a date before you, even if hers was a fake one. If I'm being completely honest, normally I wouldn't even think twice about it. But I figured I owe you at least this much consideration. Oh, and sorry… There was no time to make up a picnic basket so I hope this will do, until next time." He looked to his side and saw that Stella's face was burning hot. "Oh I uh, sorry if I did something…"
Stella wrapped her hands around Sunny's neck and gave him a fierce hug.
"You big idiot," she whispered into his ear. "Why'd you have to go and do all this for me?"
Sunny tried to step back to give her space but she held him tighter, trapping him.
"Hold me dummy." Her voice caused the hairs on the back of his neck to stand up.
Sunny obliged, placing his arms around her waist to bring her in closer. The wind whimsically danced around them, their breaths grew shorter as their hearts dramatically quickened. Stella let go after what felt like an eternity to Sunny. A goofy grin looked up at him.
"So this is where Sunny Alldust brings all his girlfriends?" Stella teased.
"Yeah, all zero of them," Sunny said laughing. "The actual story is pretty lame, want to hear it anyway?"
"Sure, what girl doesn't love being bored to death?" She nudged him with her shoulder. "Well c'mon don't keep me waiting!"
Sunny sat down on the grass and Stella kneeled down next to him. "I think it was a couple years ago now. We got called in as back up against an upper B-Class phantom here. A newly formed team had been the ones unlucky enough to find it and we were in the area. I drove up the hill with Locke behind me. Within minutes we had it exorcized. The two of us stood here on this very hill cursing this city for a couple of minutes afterwards then we left."
"Is that all?" Stella sounded disappointed.
"I did warn you, pretty lame." Stella lightly punched him in the arm and he chuckled. "I still remember what he said as he looked over the city."
"What?"
"If something looks like shit and smells like shit then it's probably Oldhaven." Sunny said in a gruff voice imitating Locke.
The two of them laughed so hard they began to cry. Once one of them stopped laughing the other would begin again dragging them into a cycle of hilarity.
After they finally managed to calm down Stella wiped a tear from her eye. "Speaking of, I'm worried about Locke. He's definitely going through it. You think it's cause…" Stella stopped and leaned her head against Sunny's shoulder.
Sunny placed his hand on her head and pet her gently. "What, Stella? What do I think?"
"Is it my fault?"
Sunny took a moment to arrange his thoughts properly. "Did you ask The Frankenstein Killer to slaughter all those innocent people? You included? Is it my fault because I didn't exorcize you and Locke sided with us on making you a Vanguard? I hope you see what I'm getting at. No one blames you Stella."
"If you feel that way then why do you… How did you get that injury on your forehead?" Stella seemed to have an epiphany.
"Can we talk about that some other time?" Sunny's face seemed to be filled with guilt.
"I'm here whenever you're ready to talk about it," Stella said sweetly.
Both of them remained still and content as they looked down at the flashes streaking across Oldhaven's sky. A cool breeze blew through the hills, carrying the scent of Gaia and rain to their noses.
Sunny inhaled deeply and let the air out gently. "I think it's time to go."
"You're probably right. Thank you. For everything."
They stood up and Stella got on her tiptoes to plant a kiss on Sunny's lips. Their mana flared briefly but they separated quickly this time. Sunny walked over to the bike with Stella right behind him. A faint flicker of colour appeared and vanished in their left eyes.
***
It was nightfall when Sunny and Yuna arrived in front of a fancy looking restaurant. From the outside they could see the lighting was dim to create a romantic atmosphere. Yuna's hair was done up in impossibly twisted twin tails. Her jade hairpin was displayed proudly on her bangs that hung down the right side of her face. She wore a flattering black high slit dress that hung off her shoulders with matching heels. Sunny wore a high quality three piece suit. Underneath he was armed with various devices and protected by his chromium bodysuit.
"I brought your Gambit seven hundred in this, just in case." Sunny opened the briefcase he had been carrying. A pair of white hightops with black accents peaked out at Yuna. She could tell someone had woven chromium into the material.
"How thoughtful," Yuna grabbed his arm.
"Did you know we had places like this in Oldhaven?" Sunny joked trying to calm their nerves.
"If you had told me I would have called you crazy." Yuna naturally met his energy.
Sunny removed her arm from his so he could hold her hand. He approached the eatery and began to play his role. They were to spend at least an hour inside before moving on. Sunny pushed the door open and let Yuna walk in before he followed. They ordered and waited for their food. I thought this was going to be more awkward. Sunny admitted to himself as he and Yuna easily held conversation. As they waited for their food, Yuna continued to steer the course of their topics.
"So, I moved here and I just sort of stopped hearing from them. Good riddance honestly.."
"Don't you ever miss them?" asked Sunny.
Yuna considered Sunny's question. "Sometimes, I guess. They're still my parents."
"Then you should probably call them one of these days, maybe they'll surprise you? Take it from someone who also misses his parents," Sunny said plainly.
"Sunny I'm sorry!" Yuna said, reaching for his hands. "I got so caught up talking shit about them."
"No need to apologize. It's not like I really knew them… and besides, I have Locke." He said with a grin.
The night continued smoothly and Sunny hovered his card over the sensor on the end of the table to pay for the bill. They walked leisurely hand in hand exiting the restaurant. Its neon sign winked the word 'Lyra's' at their backs. Once they got near the bus stop Sunny leaned down to Yuna's ear to whisper.
"I'll be right behind you, promise." His voice caused a stirring in her chest.
He gave her a light kiss on the cheek and played the smiley boyfriend well as he walked away into the night waving like he didn't have a care in the world. She could feel herself begin to hyperventilate. This is too much. It seemed like Sunny had pulled away from her in slow motion and his darkened eyes were complemented by the frankly handsome features of his face. I'm alone. I have to think I'm alone. Yuna took several calming breaths and put one foot in front of the other until she made it past the bus stop. She closed her eyes for a moment, imagining the layout on the map Locke had seared into her mind.
"Let him see you. Let him come to you." She whispered to herself like a mantra.
She wanted to look over her shoulder to see if she could spot Sunny but fought the urge with all her might.
"Already?" She let out a deep breath. "The kill street."
Yuna felt herself yearning to fire up her gate, bringing her magik to the surface. She suppressed her primal fears as she pressed onwards. Once she stepped onto the street everything felt like it slowed down around her. Her warm breath began to mist in the night air. She could hear the sounds of various animals diving into dumpsters and insects chirping in the distance. With each step she became more aware of her own anxiety. I'm gonna die. But I look too good to die right now. Actually wouldn't it be best to die looking this hawt? Yuna's mind spiraled but nothing happened. She got to the end of the street and turned the corner. Before she had time to get her phone out to call Locke, he turned the corner in his custom ride.
Stella gently came down from somewhere in the distance and redressed before Yuna.
"You did great," she said stiffly.
"Thanks Stella."
Sunny came from the shadows behind them and handed Yuna the briefcase. "Here's your stuff."
Yuna nodded gratefully and swapped out her heels with her Gambit's. "Could you wait in the car?" she said sheepishly to Sunny.
"Huh? Yeah of course." Sunny walked away leaving the two girls at the corner of kill street.
"You wanna go get some food?" Yuna asked Stella as she slipped into a white sundress in the middle of the street.
"Didn't you just eat?" Stella asked incredulously.
"Hehe. Yeah." Yuna grinned like a goofball. "But Sunny barely touched his food and after going down kill street mama's hungry. My treat, okay?"
Stella nodded. I'm a bad person. Why do I have to be so jealous of her. She'd be so good for Sunny. Stella felt Yuna tug at her hand. The two young women made their way to the backseat of Locke's trusty whip and Yuna requested they head somewhere with the greasiest food possible. The group left kill street behind and rejoiced at the fact they made it out in one piece. All the while the reality of having to do it again rested in the back of their minds.