The wind whistled across the desolate rooftop on Cardio City's West side. Dust swirled around Noah, Asher, and the ninja-like Will from Twisted Fire.
"Joining you, huh?" Noah said, smiling. He shifted his weight slightly.
Asher watched, certain Noah would instantly reject the offer. He'd said himself he wasn't interested.
But to Asher's surprise, Noah didn't immediately shut him down. He held his breath.
"I'm willing to consider it," Noah said, his gaze sharp on Will, "but what benefit will I gain from it? You better offer me something that's worthwhile." He crossed his arms.
Will's eyes widened above his scarf. He hadn't expected this. He leaned back a fraction.
"Really?" he said, surprise clear in his voice. "Then what do you want? Money? We will prepare anything you might be interested in!" His hand gestured vaguely.
Noah smirked. "Why are you asking me that?" he said, tilting his head. "It's your job to find out. I'm not going to give you a spoiler." The wind tugged at his clothes.
Will sighed, shoulders slumping slightly. "I guess it's not going to be that easy, huh?" he said, sounding resigned. "Fine, at last, you're open to negotiation. I will discuss it with my boss first." He took a step back.
"Alright," Noah said, his tone casual but firm. "Make sure to bring me an interesting offer." He watched Will closely.
Will nodded and melted back into the shadows near the access door. He was gone in an instant.
Asher stared at Noah, confusion written on his face. "Are you really going to ditch us and join them?" he asked, his voice tight.
"Who knows?" Noah said, turning to face Asher fully. "There are plenty of things I don't like about big groups, but in the end, it all depends on what they're offering me." He shrugged lightly.
"Then what about Joker Roulette and the new group you're trying to make?" Asher asked, pressing the point. He took a step forward.
Noah smirked again, an enigmatic look in his eyes.
"You will see," he said simply.
Asher sighed, running a hand through his hair. It's hard to tell what Noah is actually thinking. His actions feel random, yet he seems to always have a plan in mind.
---
Sunlight streamed through the cafe window across town, highlighting dust motes in the air. Two Iron Maiden members—Olivia and Emma—sat across from Willow, whose small frame was half-hidden in shadow. The clink of cups was loud.
"Feel free to order anything," Olivia said, pushing a menu forward with a bright smile. "We will pay for everything." She nudged it closer.
Willow didn't react. Her hands remained folded in her lap.
"Come on, don't be shy," Emma coaxed, leaning in slightly. Her voice was warm. "Just treat us like your big sisters or something." She offered an encouraging nod.
Olivia snorted, shaking her head. "You're too small to be called a big sis," she said, elbowed Emma gently.
"Hey!" Emma protested, feigning offense. She straightened up.
"Sorry, sorry!" Olivia laughed, waving a dismissive hand. "Anyway, putting that aside, let's be serious for a second." Her expression sobered. "You know why we called you, right?" She met Willow's shadowed gaze.
"We're from Iron Maiden," Emma said, her voice dropping to a more confidential tone. "Why don't you join us, Willow?"
Willow sighed softly, the sound barely audible over the cafe noise. "Why are you even interested in me?" she asked, her voice low. She looked down at the table. "I'm just a simple healer."
Olivia grinned, leaning back confidently. "Really?" she said, her tone knowing. "Is that really what you're thinking?" She exchanged a look with Emma.
Emma snorted, a quick, dismissive sound. "As if," she said, crossing her arms. "We know, you know? The extent of your actual ability." She fixed Willow with a steady look.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Willow said, her voice flat. She didn't look up.
"Well, it's fine if you're going to keep pretending," Olivia said, her smile fading into something cooler. She sipped her drink.
"But our offer still stands," Emma said, quickly jumping in, her tone earnest again. "Just consider it. Joining us will benefit you more than staying in your current group!" She placed her palms flat on the table.
Willow looked down at her hands, twisting her fingers together. Her knuckles were white.
"Not to mention it seems like your current group is in conflict with Serpent's Slaughter," Olivia said, her voice dropping lower, more serious. She leaned forward intently. "That's suicide."
"They were the ones picking a fight with us first," Willow said, a flicker of defiance in her quiet voice. She finally glanced up.
"I know," Olivia said, nodding once. "That shark guy was a troublemaker. But that doesn't matter." She shook her head. "The point still stands. Your group won't stand a chance to fight their whole group." Her gaze was direct.
"You're not stupid enough to throw your life away, right?" Emma said, her voice soft but insistent. She reached out but didn't quite touch Willow.
"If you join us, we will protect you," Olivia said, her tone firm, almost a promise. She held Willow's gaze.
Willow sighed, a long, slow exhalation. Her shoulders slumped slightly. "I get what you're saying, but..." Her voice trailed off.
"You don't need to make a decision now," Olivia said, leaning back, giving her space. Her tone softened slightly. "Just think about it carefully."
"You clearly have a strong attachment to your current group," Emma said, her expression sympathetic but resolute. "But is it really worth it to throw your life away for it?" She searched Willow's face.
Willow didn't answer. She stared down at the untouched menu. The cafe's clatter filled their silence.
---