“I thought you said she rejected the offer,” Agent Kaye said in a low voice, trying not to draw attention to himself and Agent Boris Bailer as they stood at the back of the room. “You said the Vice-Commander himself asked her and she declined—”
“That’s what the Vice-Commander told me,” Agent Boris replied, equally uncomfortable. “I don’t think he’s the type to lie about these things.”
“Yes, but then how do you explain this?”
“I—I’m afraid I can’t,” Boris stammered, feeling completely helpless at the situation unfolding before their eyes. “But I know the Vice-Commander won’t be pleased.”
They were in the reception room of the Fourth Special Unit Office, watching as the Unit Commander Josefa Zabala and a representative of the AG Legal Office sat with Alisa Vega and her legal representative. They were supposedly there as attenda
“What in the worlds are you talking about?” I asked, absolutely stupefied.Jester smirked, as if I were delivering the punchline of a joke that he’s heard before. “I don’t have the patience for these kind of games, Miss Vega. Just tell me the truth.”“I am telling you the truth,” I said, slowly enunciating the words. Maybe that would help. “I don’t understand you.”Disappointment and frustration showed on his face as Jester scowled. “I really didn’t want to do this.” He leaned closer, and I froze as I realized something. Just a slight movement from me and I could touch him. He was so close that I’m sure if he drops his head down just a little bit more—and I tilt my face up at just the right angle, our lips would—“When I said that you shouldn’t get involved with me, I meant it you know,” Jester said as he placed his hands on my shoulders
Jester had a feeling the Commander had just insulted him, but he let it go. Mostly because he was too guilty to feel offended at being called foolish, when overwhelming evidence that proved it true (in the form of an unconscious Alisa Vega) was right in front of him. Jester pulled out a chair and set it down beside the bed. He sat there contemplating the Commander’s words, and he realized the old lady was giving him hints.Really, Jester thought to himself. I’ve been an idiot lately.Resolving to end his streak of idiocy, Jester closed his eyes and called for an old friend he hadn’t summoned in a while.Holly, Jester thought coaxingly. I need your help.He felt the air stir beside him. He opened his eyes and his gaze fell on a creature stretching itself out on the carpet by his feet. It was roughly as big as his head, and had the appearance of a baby elephant—if baby elephants had lilac fur like
“I know I didn’t go about it the right way,” replied Jester. “But I have my reasons. A lot more than just conventional morality is at stake, Miss Vega.”Her glare remained in place. She was obviously not impressed. “That’s a scary statement, Jester. It’s like you’re saying that you’re willing to do anything, even break the law, just to accomplish whatever goal you have.”Jester sighed deeply, and leaned closer. “I am truly sorry that what I did hurt you. I didn’t intend to do that, and if I had known, I wouldn’t have done it. Seriously, I mean that.”“Like I said, I don’t want your lame apology.” Alisa repeated firmly. “If you want me to forgive you, then give me an explanation. The spell didn’t work on me, Jester. Which means I remember perfectly what you asked before you cast that spell on me.”Jester gave her a measured look. &l
Don’t judge me. But after hearing Jester’s explanation, I felt a little bit better.Why? Because things are finally starting to make sense!I had always assumed that Jester must have suffered through some sort of emotionally-scarring past relationship (though I could not find any evidence to support that theory) from which he still hasn’t recovered, and that was the reason why he seemed so averse to forming a new one with me. I thought he was being so focused on his work at the AG, because he needed a productive alternative that would allow him to vent his emotions by slaying monsters, and that would have been a very lucrative way to go about it. Thinking that maybe he had suffered from a poor love affair and that he still couldn’t get over that girl (or guy, I don’t know) quite frankly hurt my pride. He must have really loved her—or him—so much that even advances from someone such as myself got a lukewarm reception.I h
I silently counted to a hundred as I sat there, the dream-fly (if I close my eyes and pretend Holly doesn’t have a trunk, I’d think I were holding a fluffy cat) purring contentedly on my lap. Since my Gift doesn’t work on Jester, I can’t use it to check if he really believed me or not. I can’t even check if he really left or if he’s by the door and trying to eavesdrop in case I do turn out to be a spy and I contact my evil superiors the moment his back is turned. He may say he believes me now, but I’ve caught a glimpse of his paranoia, and now I think I’m catching it, too.I concede that maybe my past actions contributed to his increasing suspicion against me, but I’m just a girl trying to capture the attention of the guy she likes. Maybe I did go over the top a little bit (okay, a lot) but I had perfectly pure intentions. There is nothing sinister or evil about me, I swear.I sighed, trying to concentrate. My thoug
As I glanced at the people around the table, I was reminded of something Jester had said. The Fourth Special Unit was supposedly a gathering of individuals with a specific skill-set. I had assumed that meant they were all people who were physically skilled, had combat experience, and were powerful Mages—you know, like Jester. That’s why I thought to myself that I might look out of place.But it looks like I’m not the only civilian who got captured by the Commander.Agent Boris (I was told it was a custom to call Agents by their last name, but for some reason no one calls him Agent Bailer) sat with Agent Kaye and a slim girl that looked around my age, with red-hair in a pixie cut and sharp eyes. She looked kind of familiar, but I’m positive I’ve never met her before. I’d surely remember that face and the distinctive dislike in the feel of her gaze as she looked at me. She probably knows I’m an empath, so I know she knows that I
“Miss Vega has made it clear what she expects from us,” said the Commander, looking around the table. “Does anyone have anything to add?”I couldn’t help but glance at Freya. I assumed that how I talked back to Dr. Hansel wouldn’t improve whatever impression she had of me. But to my surprise, although she was still glaring at me, I could sense her hostility had diminished slightly and—was that a faint trace of approval, maybe? I can only suppose it’s because she disliked the doctor as well and enjoyed seeing him put in his place, or she decided to believe what I said about wanting to cooperate.If I can understand the root cause of her hostility, then maybe we could work something out. I have to try to get along, at least. If we’re expected to work closely in the future, then remaining at odds with my aide would doubtless be disastrous.No one responded to the Commander’s question, and she took their si
After the meeting, Jester and I went back to his office so I could get my stuff and prepare for the mission. This meant getting an AG uniform for myself and being taught how to make the best use of it. This was Freya’s job, though, so while we waited for her to get my uniform, Jester gave me a peace offering.“I’m going to have Holly stay with you,” Jester said. The purple ball of fluff scuttled up his arm and sat on his shoulder, her snout pecking at his temple. “I still think that you coming along to this mission is a bad idea. But I can’t keep you out of it unless you withdraw yourself, or you are otherwise incapacitated.”I gave him a look at that, and he shrugged. “Of course, both scenarios are impossible. Shouldn’t get my hopes up. So, I have to do the next best thing.”He raised his right hand and drew a figure in the air with his index finger. The figure glowed a pale purple, and looked to me li