The shadow of night had just begun to grope at the coffee shop as its patrons began to hush themselves.
Stella was first to notice the eerie lack of chatter. "Hold on." She followed the gaze of the customers, tracing it back to a flat screen hung on a wall. "Oh."
Someone had turned up the TV and it blared channel thirteen news loudly throughout the cafe. A blurred image was superimposed by the reporter's head. Even with the news station's censorship it was obvious to everyone what it was. Another body.
"It's him," said Stella in a hoarse voice. "My killer, The Frankenstein Slasher."
The reporter detailed another body that had been found in the same vicinity as the other bodies. It had the trademark MO of The Frankenstein Slasher. A piece of the girl's body was missing, her ears had been lopped off.
"Fuck." Locke swore dangerously. "I think it's time we make a move. It's a solid plan, dangerous, but solid. I don't see it failing."
"I want to do this." Yuna said. "It will work. I just know it."
A shadow slipped past the window in the road as she finished talking. Yuna's head jerked to the side and her eyes lagged behind whatever it was.
Stella got Yuna's attention. "What was that about?"
"There was a big fucking cat out there!" She tried to keep her voice low but couldn't help herself from getting excited.
Sunny's ears perked up and he shot to the window leering from left to right. "Bummer. I don't see any cats. News got you spooked? It definitely has me on edge." Sunny took his seat once more disappointed. Stella caught Sunny's scent as he settled back in.
"No." Yuna was adamant, still staring out between the parked cars. "I know something is there."
"You sure?" Asked Sunny.
"I just feel it."
Locke grew an understanding smile and addressed the younger Vanguards with him. "Let's step outside for a moment kids."
They got up from their seats and Locke held his red card with a black V on it against a little black box at the end of the table. Once it beeped it lit up with a screen displaying an icon that looked like a thumbprint. He placed his thumb on it for a moment, the device beeped and the display read "Thank you for stopping by The Fool's Remedy." Locke followed his three friends out past the crowd of people gathered around the television screen before stepping outside.
"How long can you stay redressed Stella?" Sunny inquired softly.
"Hmm, Lemme see." Stella grabbed her new black credit card from the back pocket of her pants. She waved her hand over the top side of the card, a green display popped up. "About an hour."
"Great, nothing to worry about then."
Stella cocked her head to the side. "A phantom?"
"I'm sure we're about to find out," Sunny said dryly.
Locke got closer to Yuna as they walked to the right of the coffee shop. "If this is what I think it is, Yuna, then it's a wonderful quirk. I want you to open your gate and let your mana flow through you."
Yuna closed her eyes for a second, and felt the rush of her Magik course through her body. She felt a light breeze kiss her skin as she focused her energy.
"Now," Locke said quietly, "turn around and open your eyes. Can you see it?"
Yuna opened her eyes and it was as if the world had been thrown into a bucket of color and shaken vigorously.
"Whoa momma." She breathed. "Wha-how?"
"You're seeing our Auras, Yuna. Every living thing has one, unique colors that match our temperaments and our essence, and tells the nature of our gates. We can see the aura of anyone using their Magik but you can just see it can't you?" Yuna nodded and Locke continued. "You already had the gift of sight but it seems yours is going to be more keen than ours."
"It's beautiful", Yuna said, almost moved to tears.
Yuna reached out and ran her hand against something on Locke's frame the others couldn't see. "So beautiful, and warm."
"So I've been told. I'm guessing your sight is what lets you see what you saw a moment ago. I believe you saw a phantom. Can you track it?"
Yuna turned slowly and stared into the darkness. She turned her head to the right and pointed. "Purple." She pointed towards the dark. "Bounding away fast. Too big for a cat but it's a cat."
"Let's go." Locke said, pulling out his small chromium box. "Light please."
Sunny called upon his Magik and produced four balls of light energy that hovered near each of them. He stood near Yuna as she chased the trail of an aura like a bloodhound. Yuna led them deeper into the darkness and soon, the coffee shop disappeared from view. After a few moments they came to an unlit dead end street.
Yuna stiffened up. "Here," she said. "This is where it stops."
Sunny lifted the energy balls high up and their light spilled down like dome lights filling the area. A low growl vibrated slowly nearby.
"What was that?" Stella asked, looking around in alarm.
"Everyone, tighten up." Locke instructed. "Backs to one another. Watch each other's blindspots."
He pushed a small button on the chromium box and it elongated into a long chromium staff. He held it out and waited for whatever created such a strange sound to jump out. They didn't have to wait too long, because black tendrils shot out from an unlit area reaching for Sunny's left hand. It pulled it down quickly and the energy balls flickered. The tendrils got a firm grip around Sunny and began to pull him slowly into the darkness. A few more tendrils erupted from the shadows. Each one snapped onto the lights Sunny made blotting them out.
"Sunny!" yelled Locke.
Stella reacted spontaneously and lifted her hand to call down lightning but nothing happened. Realizing it wasn't going to happen Stella quickly leapt over to Sunny grabbing onto one of the tendrils and channeling her electrifying mana through her fingertips. They seemed to be paralyzed by her contact and vibrated in vain.
"Locke help! I can't hold this for long!"
Locke placed his palms down flat on the ground and roots shot out catching Sunny's midsection. Locke's face seemed surprised by how easily he was able to rip Sunny away from the shadowy tentacles. Stella held on to Sunny's arms as she tried to walk him back to the group.
"BANG!" Yuna took a clear shot at the tendrils blowing a few of them to bits. The group could hear a whining sound from beyond them in the distance.
"D-Did you see what it was?" Stella asked Sunny.
"Would you believe me if I said 'dragon-cat'." Sunny wiped the sweat off his face.
"A dragon-cat?" Locke repeated with a puzzled look on his face.
"Yes, black horns, black wings and clawed front feet like a dragon. It's an adorable white cat. Oh, and it's massive."
"You gotta be kidding me son." Locke said in disbelief.
"I literally cannot make this up," Sunny said exasperated.
They reformed their back to back position. It had fallen oddly quiet, no one dared move a muscle.
Stella gasped and her voice shook slightly. "Sunny, it's eyes. Are they different colours?"
"Yes," he said softly.
"Red and blue?"
"Yes, Stella. How do you know?"
There was a long pause.
"Stella?" Locke prompted. "How do you know? "
"Because it's looking at me right now."
The others whirled immediately and faced the area Stella was looking into. The phantom stepped closer revealing its form to them.
"Holy shit, it is a cat-dragon," said Yuna. "I was right."
The phantom hissed several times while pacing back and forth. Its eyes keenly observed the party with its strangely coloured eyes.
"Have we ever seem a phantom like this?" Sunny asked Locke when the shock had receded a bit.
"Nope," Locke said, still staring at the magnificent beast in awe. "Not in all my years, son."
The group stood firm waiting for the phantom to make a move. Normally we would have jumped this phantom already. Sunny eyed Locke, waiting patiently for a signal. Something's wrong. Is he worried the girls aren't broken in? Wait, maybe I'm not getting a proper read on how strong this phantom is. Sunny felt a bead of sweat dramatically run down his cheek. There was a tangible tension in the air that caused him to tighten up. However, his muscles relaxed when the strange phantom stopped pacing and rested on its haunches. Tendrils swayed from its body like shadowy tails and it tilted its head curiously.
"Wait WHAT?" Sunny asked incredulously.
"Lights please." Yuna's voice seemed distant.
"What?!" Sunny's mind was in a spiral.
"Please Sunny," Yuna pleaded.
"O-okay." Sunny obliged and produced five smaller balls of light. He sent them overhead to rotate slightly around them. Yuna approached the beast slowly and it responded by slinking backwards, raising the hair on its back.
"Easy now." Yuna cooed, lowering herself to appear smaller.
"Locke do something." Stella said. "She's going to get herself killed."
"No." Locke's eyes were centered on the phantom. "Look at it and open your gates. There's not a hint of malice." There was wonder and disbelief in his voice.
Sunny and Stella did as they were told and opened their gates. No way. Sunny reached out to the phantom and was met with nothing more than an idling fascination. Yuna was halfway to the phantom before it hastily pounced on her, knocking her to the ground.
"Yuna!" yelled Stella fearfully.
The other's came to their senses and dove in on the phantom ready to take its life. They stopped in their tracks upon hearing a peculiar sound. Laughter. Yuna was on her back giggling as she scratched the phantom's neck. It produced a deep vibrating pulse from its larynx. The others froze to behold the spectacle; this was an unprecedented event.
"Who's a good boy?" Yuna crooned at the phantom.
"I'm actually a girl," It responded arrogantly.
Locke jumped back. "What the fuck?!"
Yuna's giggling ceased and the phantom pulled back to stare at the burly Vanguard. Locke could feel himself start to hyperventilate. This is all wrong. His eyes stared at the cat-dragon wildly. Sentience.
Yuna stood up and dusted herself, she was still smiling at the phantom. "What's wrong, Locke?"
"I-I don't know." Locke said warily. "This is too strange."
"Not true, the green haired girl is a phantom too, I can tell. Just get with the times." The phantom's pompous nature reminded Locke of a certain Vanguard and it made him grimace.
"S-shut up for a second! I need to think," Locke bellowed.
The other Vanguards shared puzzled looks. "Y'all heard that, right?" Yuna whispered to Sunny and Stella.
"Mmhmm." Stella said.
"How could I not?" Sunny continued.
"Do you think he's finally snapped?" asked Stella. She worried that the recent stint of events may have taken their toll on the aging Vanguard.
"Hey Locke," Sunny called out. "No one was talking."
"Not you guys. Her." Locke clarified.
"Her?" Sunny looked back to the phantom.
"Yes, her. It's a girl. What the fuck is happening." Locke said finally.
"It's nice to see you confused for once," Stella said. Yuna promptly nodded in agreement.
He collapsed his staff and walked forward to meet the phantom. Fumbling around in his pockets he found a stick of strawberry gum and put it in his mouth. The phantom was sitting again but its head still reached Locke's chest.
"Bring the light closer, Sunny," Locke commanded.
Sunny made the energy balls move towards Locke and their light casted a brilliant glow over the phantom. Its well kept hide was black from its head until it faded into white from its midsection to its twin tails.
"What's he on about Sunny?" Stella asked. What does he mean, it's a girl?"
Sunny shrugged. "Part of his affinity for nature allows him to converse with animals. Sure, it was a bit strange seeing him do it at first with living creatures. But this… this throws out the whole rule book. This is a phantom, they aren't natural. Are they?" Sunny looked at Stella and realized how silly he must have sounded.
Locke felt utterly ridiculous as he placed his hand between the phantom's ears. "Did… you just talk?"
"Yes, I did. And I'd like to thank you for your entertaining reaction."
"This is too strange," Locke laughed a little and shook his head. There isn't anything in our teachings for this. Locke recalled Licht's comments some hours ago, about the intelligence phantoms were beginning to display. If anything, this confirmed everything Licht was saying. This is unprecedented. It's my duty to handle this correctly.
"Very interesting eye colour you've got Locke," the phantom's voice rolled.
"What are you?" Locke asked softly.
"A phantom, you lot already established that for me. Keep up, Locke."
"I know you're a phantom, but how can you communicate?"
The phantom stood on all fours and walked to Yuna, pushing its large head against her. It rubbed against her causing her to stumble a bit but she seemed to enjoy the attention.
"Do all of your kind know so little about phantoms?"
Locke didn't get mad at the phantoms dig.
Instead he stood frozen, as he searched his memory banks for anything relating to such an occurrence. Nothing. He was grasping at straws. Yuna reached out and ran her hands over its fur. It reminded her of scales but was somehow strangely soft like its appearance. The phantom made a sound of pleasure from deep in its throat and Yuna chuckled, rubbing harder.
"It's not exactly a purr," she said. "It's like the sound a zipper makes. But much slower. I'm going to call you Zipper. How does that sound?"
"I have a name and it's Carbuncle, honey. But you can call me whatever you want." Zipper rolled onto her back and waved her paws in the air happily. She took care not to slash Yuna with her bladelike talons.
"She says her name is Carbuncle," Locke said stiffly. "But Zipper is fine."
Stella flickered for a moment before undressing. Zipper took interest in her change in form as she hovered about. Stella's voice played through the Vanguard's ear buds but Zipper could hear her clear as day without assistance.
"I still have more time left but I want to save it." Stella said. "What are we going to do about this phantom Locke? The Round Table barely allowed me to exist ya know."
"I don't know, Stella. The appropriate thing would be to kill it", Locke said unhappily.
The phantom bolted to its feet and hid behind Yuna, hissing furiously at Locke.
"What the hell Locke?!" hissed Zipper. "I thought we were cool!"
Locke shook his head. "I said that would be the appropriate thing to do. I don't plan on killing you in cold blood if you're docile. But why are you here?"
"My home got a bit crowded so I decided to venture to the other side, this side. I learned no one could see me here. So," Zipper stopped talking.
"So?" Locke prompted.
"I got lonely okay. I wandered around until now."
"And then you saw us in the coffee shop," Locke finished.
"Us? No, I saw her." Zipper rubbed against Yuna. "And she saw me. I got my hopes up until the one with the scary eyes looked outside." Zipper moved her gaze to Sunny.
"Sunny? He's harmless," Locke said jubilantly.
"I somehow doubt that," Zipper said warily.
"What's she saying Locke?" Sunny glanced at the oversized cat excitedly.
"One second, Sunny," Locke held his arm out, shushing him.
"The delinquent with scary eyes is looking at me," Zipper complained.
Locke ignored her. "So you expect me to believe that you're lonely because you ran away from home? Why don't you go back?"
"Go back?" Zipper growled at the thought. "How are you able to keep friends when you ask such foolish questions?"
"I-Uh, hmm… Okay," Locke stammered. He placed a hand on his hip and the other at his chin.
"Are we keeping it, Locke?" asked Yuna, a mischievous look was in her eyes.
"No Yuna, we're not keeping it!"
"Her!" Zipper corrected Locke.
Locke sighed, "We're not keeping her."
"Why?" Yuna whined.
"Where would you like to keep such a massive phantom? The Vanguard order would kill her on sight. Stella was a stretch, but this- impossible. The council would flay her. Garland would claim we have been corrupted by phantoms and are trying to infiltrate HQ. I can just picture it in my head. His stupid chrome-domed jerk faced smile, leering at us as we are all executed. You haven't seen it but Garland can be extremely persuasive."
"But we're not going to exorcize her are we?" Sunny phrased his words as a question but everyone else knew he was drawing a line.
"No, I don't think we are." Lock exhaled.
Yuna's smile could have lit the entire area. "I'm keeping her, then."
Zipper made the strange purring noise again and rubbed her head against Yuna's thigh.
"Let's go home," she said cheerfully.
"C-can I pet her first," Sunny lifted his hand hesitantly.
"If I let the scary eyed delinquent pet me, will he leave me alone?" Zipper asked.
Locke shrugged. "Sunny, I think it's best you give Zipper some time to get used to you, and maybe you should get some sleep so you don't look like a 'scary eyed delinquent.'" Locke chuckled.
A dejected Sunny said his goodbyes to his allies and went to his bike with Stella. On the trip home Stella redressed, she held onto him with everything she had as they raced back.
***
The following day while Yuna, Stella, and Sunny trained in the sparring hall. Locke went in search of Licht. He couldn't get his mind off the happenings of the previous day. He found Licht in a side room attached to his laboratory. It was filled with strange devices and beakers. In the middle of the room was a rectangular table big enough for eight people to sit, it was covered with a mess of documents and unfinished memos.
"Ah! Locke. To what do I owe this auspicious and out of character visit?" Licht noticed Locke's confusion and added. "You never come around alone, that's all."
"There is a perfectly good door I can use behind me if you'd like," said Locke, smirking.
"Nonsense, you're welcome in my lab anytime. Make yourself cozy…or don't, either is good." Licht played with the project in front of him.
"All right." Locke turned and found a seat in front of the least messy area of the table.
"Here." Licht said, offering Locke a pair of goggles. "Put this on, you're about to witness a discovery."
Locke did so and watched as Licht mixed several colorful liquids and then poured them into a large beaker over a burner. He held his hands near the beaker channeling mana around it.
"Wait for it..." Licht's overjoyed tune sounded strange leaving his lips.
Both of them stared at the beaker as Licht removed his hands. It began to glow a wild cherry red and after a moment it sparked blowing smoke towards the ceiling. Licht pulled off his goggles and dumped the mixture down into a separate container labeling it with a sharpie.
"That was within expectations." Licht placed the container on a shelf.
"What is it?" Locke wondered
"Another day's worth of failure. Goggles please."
Locke handed the eyewear over and they both left the side room. They walked leisurely but in silence until Licht spoke. "Now Locke I don't mind spending time with my fellow Vanguard but I do happen to be a busy man. What's got you so bothered?"
"That obvious?" Locke laughed.
"Yes, you're carrying yourself like I've said something offensive, and I know that I've been on my best behavior today."
"Your best is offensive." Locke dodged the subject.
"Out with it, Locke," Licht persuaded. "A problem shared is a problem solved."
Locke checked their surroundings before speaking. "Remember the chat we had yesterday? About the possibility of sentient phantoms."
"I do not forget so easily, Locke."
"I don't think it's a possibility anymore."
"Well I think Stella should have established that to some degree, no?" Licht adjusted his glasses.
"We ran into another one like her, well kinda."
Licht stopped walking and stared intently at his fellow guardian. "Spit it out, Locke."
"Listen, Garland and the others can't know about this. It needs to stay between us until we have a better understanding of it… of her."
"Her?" Licht's voice raised an octave.
"Dammit Licht, I should have kept my mouth shut!"
"You have my word Locke. I'll have you remember I came to you with my original theory, and only you." Licht's tone took on an unusual amount of sincerity.
Locke exhaled and his shoulders lowered from their previously heightened position. He continued walking lethargically and Licht followed closely behind.
"We were seated at the coffee shop when Yuna thought she saw something looking at us from outside." Locke began. "The rest of us couldn't didn't see it but she was adamant about it. I began to suspect she had a heightened sight, and she does. We decided to tail it using Yuna to track it down… you wouldn't believe what we found."
"Try me." Licht's interest was boiling over.
"We got into a fight with the strangest phantom I've ever seen. She was a mix of a dragon and a cat. Horns, wings, claws and heterochromia. She had talons on its front legs and cat-like paws on its rear. Absolutely insane. And that isn't all! After a brief clash she just sat down! Can you believe that? No malice, no aggression. Just sat there. Ya know, looking back when she grabbed Sunny she didn't try hurting him, she did attack his lights though. I think we spooked her Licht."
"What?" Licht seemed to be processing the revelation well, all things considered.
"Right? It didn't try to murder us. And then she spoke, and said her name was Carbuncle."
"She told you her name? Carbuncle? What sort of name is that?" Licht's face had a scary grin on it.
"That's my point Licht! Phantoms don't get to choose names. They don't have the ability to plan or reason. That was what we have been taught since day one. Yet there I was talking to this pompous cat-dragon."
He folded his arms behind his back and remained silent but Locke could see the delirium in Licht's face. "How interesting."
"More like strange and worrying to most of us, but you are the mad director. So—"
Licht's impatience got the better of him "When can I meet… her? This Carbuncle."
"Well I think she is going by Zipper now. Yuna named her." Locke scratched the back of his head. "You'll have to ask Yuna, she's become attached to the phantom and is currently housing it. This is a problem though, you see that right?"
"How could I not?" Licht said seriously. "You're worried there may be phantoms who are as sentient as our new friend Car—Zipper but not as willing to have a conversation," Licht guessed.
"Right. What if they band together to break through the veil all at once as a unified front?"
"Then it will be a great victory for Vanguard!" said Licht strongly. "No matter the number we will hunt the boogiemen to the end of time, it's what we do."
Licht's bravado made Locke grin. "Hell yeah. For now though, let's keep this little talk between us, yeah?"
"My lips couldn't be tighter." Licht ran his finger over his lips, pretended to lock them and throw away an invisible key.
The two guardians said their farewells and went separate ways. Locke hurried back to the younger Vanguards he left to their own devices.
"Where were you, Locke?"asked Sunny, drenched in sweat.
"I had a quick errand to run. How's it going?"
Yuna and Stella came closer and Sunny gasped for air. "We were thinking it may be a good time to visit the locations we came up with. I'd like to be familiar with the kill sites if we are going to risk our lives."
"Okay, Sunny. But the cops will be all over the place. Like I said before they probably have a general idea of where it will happen next. We can still go, but under the cover of darkness."
"How about tonight?" said Yuna. "I'm off work."
"Sounds good," Locke nodded.
"Can I bring Zipper?"
"I'm not sure that's a great idea," said Locke.
"She's strong. I'm sure she would kick ass," Yuna protested.
"I'm not arguing that. But we have an issue we need to sort before we mix up the party dynamic any further," Locke explained.
"I noticed too." Sunny came in. "As much as I'd love to have that adorable kitty join us on every mission we just can't right now."
Stella and Yuna looked at each other with confused faces. Sunny squatted on the flats of his feet to rest while Locke went over it.
"I noticed it first with our fight against the nature elemental phantom. Yuna you weren't there but we did come out on top." Locke crossed his arms. "Problem is that the fight shouldn't have been so difficult. I'm not blaming Stella because she did wonderful work back there, but we aren't on the same wavelength yet."
"I don't understand, I thought we were amazing." Stella's face looked sad.
"You were amazing Stella." Locke clarified. "The two of us have the advantage of being the most active Vanguard combatants, and we usually go on missions together. That means we can fight as a pair perfectly in sync. The disadvantage is, we don't play nice with others as much anymore. Until we can fight again without needing to exchange words or signals for the majority of a battle I don't want to expand our group any further. Anything less than perfection can prove to be instantly fatal."
Stella looked frustrated but she bit her tongue.
"I get it. It pisses me off but I get it."
Sunny felt a rush of adrenaline and bounced to his feet.
"Erhm. I think with how talented you two are it won't take long before we can introduce Zipper to the field." Sunny's attempt to appease both Yuna and Stella.
Stella simply nodded. She could feel the warmth of Sunny's gate wash over her and she felt herself cool off instantly. Sunny sighed happily when he felt the change in her energy.
"Okay then. If that's what's best," a crestfallen Yuna said.
They spent hours in the sparring room, Sunny and Locke kept drilling Yuna and Stella with the basics of combat. Normally they would have taken breaks but the guardians could feel the hand of time weighing down on their every move. They went to the shooting range to help the girls get accustomed to a variety of guns. The firearms were generally less effective at exorcizing phantoms but had their uses regardless.
"The issue isn't the weapon itself," Sunny explained. "It's being able to apply potent Magik to the ballistic missile. Stella is able to solve that issue with her fancy nerd guns but the rest of us have to make do with just annoying phantoms."
They took turns shooting at the targets. Locke seemed very pleased with Stella's ability to hit a fly sized target at a great distance. After another hour of spraying targets they returned to the sparring hall and headed to the section littered with weights and exercise machines.
"Now if you can learn how to do that with the stress of battle, you'd be extra scary." Locke lifted his arms and made a silly face to mock the monsters of the night.
Every exercise Locke did he used the highest available weight. Sunny used about half of that and looked on enviously. Stella shocked the crew as she did her reps with the same weight Sunny was using.
This must be how my friends felt, Yuna thought as she struggled to lift her squat. They are so much stronger than me. Yuna's eyes were filled with the fire of determination but her legs simply couldn't keep up.
"There is no shame in using less weight," Sunny said between grunts. "The further you are in your awakening the easier it will be to use your body." Sunny's face was red as he pulled a bar that was bending dangerously off the ground.
"That so?" Yuna's annoyance was obvious.
"Oh look, Dr. Rose!" Stella cut them off because she noticed Dr. rose off by the entrance of the sparring hall.
Dr. Rose stood still and ran her gaze over the gaggle of Vanguards lifting weights and punching sandbags. She was clearly searching for someone specific. She saw Sunny's burning hair and made a beeline towards the team.
"Hello." She turned to Yuna and Stella. "Sorry for the interruption but could you please come with me? Dr. Licht has gifts for the both of you."
"Not fair." Locke faked a whine. "I want a new toy."
"You boys have plenty of toys. Let's go girls, time is ticking." Dr. Rose waved the girls on and they quickly cleaned up their area to follow her
Sunny watched them walk off and leaned over to Locke ,"Weapons?"
"Probably," Locke said, lifting a dumbbell bigger than his head.
The two boys finished their work out and got themselves cleaned up. Later that night Sunny and Locke waited for the girls in the parking lot out back. They leaned against the back of Locke's red Musbang. Locke was wearing a tight green shirt with black pants. Sunny wore a dark red graphic tee depicting a man shooting a beam from his pointer finger. He also wore dark jeans but his were made by a popular designer. His favourite pair of platinum upside down cross earrings dangled freely from his lobes. Why hasn't he said anything? Sunny observed his mentor. Oh, I get it. I should probably spend some more time thinking about everything that has happened too. I'm part of The Round Table and all this new information is going to need to be presented sooner or later. Sunny began to frown. First it was Stella and now Zipper. I've been too busy thinking about spending time with Stella to worry about much else. And now Yuna is keeping Zipper as a housecat. Hmmm. Sunny took a deep breath. He shook his head and decided it was better to talk to Locke than think.
"You holding up okay?" Sunny asked.
"Huh?" Locke snorted.
"You remind me of that time we went to a family reunion. You just stood there, menacingly. Didn't say a word except to the kids, impressive shit really." Sunny tried to crack a joke.
"Language. I've just got a lot of shit on my mind son." He gave Sunny the side eye warning him not to call him out. "I guess I was a bit thrown off yesterday when we found Zipper. Let's face it, before that every single phantom has tried its best to fuck me up. And before you say it, Stella doesn't count."
"No, she definitely doesn't." Sunny chuckled. He took the opportunity to get Locke's mind off of it. "About Stella, think she likes me?"
Locke groaned and leaned back to rest his head on his back windshield. Sunny busted at the seams from his reaction. "Hahaha, Whaaat?"
"Don't get me involved, kid. It's just gross."
"Gross? Come on, Locke. You must have liked someone before," Sunny teased.
"Sure I did, but I'm not talking about it with you. You're my kid, believe me it's not appropriate." Locke shoved Sunny off of the car and the two boomed with laughter.
As Sunny picked himself up he saw Yuna and Stella make their way out of the church and over to them. Sunny took a look at Stella and his mind went blank. Oh wow. He was impressed with the new additions Licht and Dr. Rose had made to her suit. It was still the same shiny chromium material, but now they added a twin shoulder holster for her new guns. Yuna didn't seem to have anything new with her.
"Close your jaw kid, you're drooling," Locke gagged jokingly.
"Check your eyesight old man," Sunny wiped his lower lip and checked it anyways just in case.
Everyone piled into the car once the girls got closer.
"You look great, girls." Locke complimented them.
"Dr. Rose and Director Licht sure know their shit." Yuna bounced her blonde hair wildly in the back seat.
Sunny cleared his throat and kept his eyes forward. "Can we go now, Locke?" Even though he was in the passenger seat Locke could barely hear him.
"Yeah." Locke started the car and took off.
There weren't many cars on the road that night and Locke pushed the Musbang allowing it to scream with joy as they tore down the road. They made their way to the exit for Oldhaven and Sunny looked longingly towards the direction of his new home. After a handful of minutes Locke parked the car a street away from where the latest killing happened. With bated breath everyone got out of the car slowly.
"We'll approach on foot. I think it's best if we split up this time. Sunny and Stella, you'll meet us at the other end of the street." Locke pointed to himself and Yuna. "Remember, we are here to see if we can find anything on The Frankenstein Slasher. If we run into trouble we immediately send a signal. You two will light the sky twice, and if we run into something we will double up on a loud noise."
"Couldn't we just text or something?" Yuna asked.
"That would cause one of us to have occupied hands," Locke explained. "Their abilities can be used to easily make a visual signal, and ours for an audio one. That's why I want to split up this way. Any objections?" Locke's demeanor made Yuna and Stella feel like if they did have a problem with the plan Locke would listen to what they had to say.
"None here," said Stella. "It makes sense."
"As much as I'd like to go with Sunny, I can't argue with your logic," Yuna shrugged.
"Alright then. Let's get this over with."
Stella shot daggers at Yuna. It didn't bother me before but she's very forward. Stella remembered the motorcycle incident from the day before. Oh yeah, maybe it did bother me. Stella stewed over Yuna and her confusing feelings for Sunny as they searched for anything they could find from The Frankenstein Slasher. Once Sunny and Stella were alone Sunny pretended to inspect the ground near a bush.
"I know now isn't really the time, but you look pleasant." Sunny's voice was soft but confident. "Everything I've seen you in is flattering." Sunny stood back up and faced Stella directly. "However, I can't help but find myself breathless when I see you in the moonlight." Sunny's eyes narrowed a bit.
"I, uh, errrmm…" Stella stammered on casting her gaze to the ground to hide the fact that she was blushing hotly. "W-what I mean to say is, thank you."
They walked in silence as they kept their eyes peeled for any trace of Magik. What is this feeling? Stella could feel her heart race but that wasn't what nagged at her. An extra pulse coursed through her body, it reminded her of the first time she had called upon lightning to obliterate her foes but less chaotic. She checked her body and suit. My Magik circuits aren't flaring up, She thought.
"Mine either." Sunny said dreamily.
They both jumped away from each other with embarrassed faces burning violently. Their gates seemed to remain together through the recoil. Can you hear my thoughts still? Stella thought hesitantly but looked hopefully at Sunny. She didn't feel a response and he didn't say anything. He was too busy grabbing his chest and Stella felt a stirring within upon seeing his bothered expression. How cute. She smiled slyly as she tried to save the image of him in her mind. They managed to finish their patrol with nothing else of note happening. They got to the end of the street and Sunny beckoned Stella closer. They turned the corner to find Locke and Yuna waiting for them.
"What took so long? Find something?" Locke asked Sunny.
"Nothing at all." Sunny felt he was having a hard time focusing on Locke. He could feel his eyes fighting to look at anything besides Stella.
"You two fuck or something?" Yuna's abrupt bluntness almost made Sunny's heart explode.
"Y-Yuna!" Locke sputtered. "Can y'all do this later? Like when I'm halfway across the continent or something?" Locke was fed up. "Focus on the task at hand or go home guys."
The three Vanguards getting scolded apologized and regrouped themselves mentally. The group moved a bit more north until they found an area with yellow tape sanctioning off the crime scene. Locke snapped on his gloves and crouched in front of a poorly cleaned blood stain.
"Lights." Locke ordered
Sunny shuddered at Locke's tone. I'm in so much trouble. He didn't say please. Sunny hurriedly conjured an energy ball of light and lowered it until it was directly above Locke's head like a personal headlamp. Stella and Yuna looked around, watching for cops or trouble.
"Yep. She was definitely here. Poor kid." Locke's somber voice sobered his crew.
Lock stood up slowly and reached into his pocket, he pulled out the map Sunny had gotten from the library. He spread it out on the asphalt beside the blood spill.
"Gather around kids." Locke's voice was back to his usual gruff but patient tone.
"This is us." He said, pointing into the map. "Two streets south of here is a bus stop. I can assure you that if you pull up the more modern map on your phone, you would see that most of his kills happened two streets north of a bus stop. More importantly we know that he moves east by three streets after he claims a victim."
Sunny pulled out his phone and brought up the list they had compiled of the killer's victims, along with the locations where their bodies were found.
He scrolled through, taking note of all the places. "You're right. Think the victims used the bus for transportation?"
"Appears so, most of his victims were going home or coming from someplace. Often at odd hours."
"I didn't though. I didn't use public transport, I mean," Stella butted in.
"Would a Kinshi need a bus stop?" Sunny wondered aloud.
"No, but it may have some significance." Locke reasoned. "Check the batch of killings around the time Stella was murdered."
Sunny changed tabs in his phone and searched for a moment. "The pattern isn't matching up, but it looks like he took a long break after murdering Stella."
Locke thought for a moment. "So it's possible that our killer wasn't a Kinshi before, or he is adapting as time goes on. Either way we have a pattern now and as fucked up as it is to say… plenty of body parts he hasn't taken this time."
"Well, we can use this information, right?" asked Stella.
"Yeah." Sunny's voice trailed off.
Locke closed the map and stood up, "Let's go guys. We're done here."
They left the area and returned to the car. Locke drove around slowly checking various locations he and Sunny had marked as possible kill streets. They came upon a fancy restaurant by a corner. Locke slowed down and pulled out the map again. "Sunny. I think the plan has changed. Listen up, girls."
"We're here. Locke's voice quickened. "Anyone want to see what stands out around here?"
The others looked out the windows of the car in search of what Locke wanted them to see.
Sunny's eyes widened, "The bus stop."
"That's right, Sunny. A bus stop near a restaurant opened awfully late. We are going two streets north."
Locke pulled a u-turn and drove the car two streets north. Once they came to a stop Locke rushed to get out of the car. The rest of them followed suit and looked around at a dingy street with little lighting. The road seemed to get hardly any use and it was filled with potholes that must have been at least a handful of years old. There were trees all around and the grass was unkempt.
"Creeeepy. If I were a bloodthirsty piece of shit I'd totes murder the heck out of someone here," Yuna joked to no fanfare.
"Yeaaah, very creepy," agreed Stella.
"Mark this place on the map, Sunny. I'm working towards something. Let's go."
They piled back into the car and Locke drove away from the spot. "Now, search up the next bus stop closest to that restaurant."
Sunny checked his phone and called off two more bus stops in the vicinity. "Right, direct me until we're two streets north of the first. Anyone else understand where I'm going with this?"
"Yes." Stella said. "With his last victim we knew to head east leading us to the only place of business open so late with so many accessible bus stops. Now we know to check the roads north of the bus stops for possible kill streets.
"That's right, Stella. Three bustops where no killings have taken place, all due east of where the last victim's corpse was found. It's a disgustingly simple pattern if I'm being honest. If this weren't an unapproved mission I could just get Wyvernheart involved. He would be able to provide us with all the intel and bodies we need. But we'll make do. We'll set a trap for that psychopath. That's where you come in, Yuna." Locke looked in his rearview mirror to check on Yuna.
"There is only one of me though," Yuna noted.
Locke sighed. "Yeah, that's why we are hoping he won't be able to resist you."
They visited all three of the locations and Sunny marked them off on the map. It was almost midnight when they returned to HQ, elated that they had made a bit of progress.
The following day Sunny and Locke made it a point to revisit each of the spots they had marked off. They spent hours formulating plans and back up plans.
"I don't remember making a plan ever being so hard." Sunny combed his hair with his fingers. "We could ask for help from Licht or Jasper. They could keep a lookout at the other locations while we are doing our thing."
"I don't want to involve anybody else, Sunny. We are already pushing our luck with this unsanctioned work. If we take too many people away from their usual routine, people will notice." Locke's frown bothered Sunny.
Sunny sighed and closed the map in his lap. "Okay. But let's look at what we have already."
"Right, You and Yuna go for a 'date' in the restaurant between all of the bus stops. You guys have a good time and leave when it's getting late. Once you say your 'goodbyes' you conceal your presence and tail her. Stella will start the night undressed preserving her strength in case shit goes sideways. I will be ready at the wheel at all times in case we need to make a flashy exit." Locke nodded once finished.
"Yeah, sounds right to me." Sunny said.
Locke started the car up. "Let's head back now, I need to speak to Licht about something."
"I thought you couldn't stand Licht? You okay?"
"Everything's fine, we are simply testing some theories." Locke was silent for a moment and admitted. "I told him about Zipper."
Sunny's face grew pale. "Was that a good idea? Stella is one thing, she's a Vanguard now so she's protected. But Zipper?"
"I think we may have misjudged Licht's intentions until recently. And I think how you feel about him is my fault Sunny. He could probably help you fix your chant issue with The Unseen Tyrant bit. I'm sorry if I've been stopping you from getting the help you need."
Sunny was speechless. He sat there fighting with his thoughts. Finally he spoke, but his voice broke as he fought back tears. "If I had been stronger, If I didn't need such a long chant… Theywould still be alive."
Locke had heard it before and he wasn't going to tell Sunny that he was wrong. All he could do was clench his jaw and remember how he felt everytime he lost a close ally. It never gets easier. Locke thought. Before Locke could make it to the highway Sunny spoke up.
"Can you drop me off at home? I need to get a change of clothes. And I want to spend the night there."
"Homesick? Over that run down place?" Locke nudged Sunny with his elbow.
"Something like that," Sunny grinned.
It didn't take long for them to arrive on Sunny's shoddy road with his crappy apartment complex awaiting his return.
"You left your bike at HQ, want me to come pick you up later?" Locke asked.
"Nah, It's been awhile since I took the bus, ya know?" Sunny had a devilish grin on his face.
"I don't doubt it, kid. Stay safe, I'll see you later."
Locke revved the car and drove off and the sun reflected sharply off of his Musbang's custom paint job. Sunny made his way into the complex and up the stairs. His footsteps echoed softly, bouncing against the walls of the building. He flashed back to the battle with the phantom resident in the apartment beside his own. He reached his door and slotted his key into it. With a gentle push the door swung open and he stepped in. Walking over to his sofa seemed like an arduous task. He laid his hand over his face and felt his forehead burning the back of his palm. The stress of the past week crept up on him and weighed on his bones.
Sunny sighed as he closed his eyelids tightly. I'm running myself ragged. I really should get some sleep. The scent of one green haired phantom filled his nose as he began to nod off. Stella. He cracked his eyes and for a moment he thought he saw the bounce of her peculiar hair nearby. Was I always this pathetic? He wondered as he fell into a deep slumber. He snored lightly as light poured in from the giant windows in his living room. It hadn't been long since he received his first text from Stella but in his dreams he would spend a lifetime with her.