Knight of Knights

“I’m not saying the police are blind to them, you moron. I’m saying that they’re complicit in them.”

Azazel abruptly straightened up then, expression darkening as he glared down the bridge of his nose at the man opposite him.

“Harassment, robberies, beatings and assaults, murders…there’s no shortage of crimes perpetrated against non-humans in this neighborhood any day of the week, but I doubt a report of one has ever found its way to your desk. Do you know why that is, Officer?

“It’s because when a non-human comes to the police, their stories are doubted, discredited, and ignored until the problem finally boils over and starts to affect humans. Take, for example, that man who turned up dead tonight…”

At the memory, the demon’s lips pulled back in a snarl, exposing too-sharp canines. 

“He was infamous in these parts as a dealer. There was no low he wouldn’t stoop to if it meant making a quick buck: lacing his ‘products,’ price-gouging, extortion, forced prostitution…trafficking. He’s victimized dozens–maybe hundreds–of non-humans over the years, yet the police always turned a blind eye…because he had a few clients in the force, too.

“And it just wouldn’t be worth it to jeopardize their positions and their fix for some subhuman monsters, now would it?”

Azazel finally turned away, claws balled into tight fists at his sides.

“So you can go ahead and choke on that ‘upholding the law for everyone’ crap. The only reason you’re here tonight is to play the unwitting guard dog while your buddies go in and dispose of any evidence connecting them to that worthless waste of skin.”

“What...? Complicit...?”

It was true that very few cases involving non-human victims made their way to Lancelot’s desk. And it was uncanny how this man had known... But how did that connect to the force’s apparent complicity? Especially when such was spoken from the mouth of a man whose main tool of the trade was deception... 

“...Do you really expect me to believe the words of a criminal? For all I know, this could be another one of your ruses to throw me off and slip away.”

Amidst the confusion that the messages from their phones had wrought, Lancelot had been making an effort to search for his own double. 

If his copy was anything like himself, he would have remained within the city limits to try and keep order. After all, his other self was a “police officer,” a type of enforcer... In other words, very similar to a knight. That eliminated the search to just Spirale. 

However... Spirale itself was a sprawling metropolis of a city. With so many nooks and crannies to search through, Lancelot wondered whether it would’ve been easier to spot his double in open space, as opposed to a sprawling urban jungle...

To say nothing of the other people he’d run into.

Lancelot had been following the sound of a clash for a while, fearing for the worst. When he saw the source, his fears were laid to rest--however, the situation was equally urgent. 

An individual attacking their own double. Lancelot didn’t know which was which, but there was a clear aggressor in this assault. The knight leapt between the two with his wooden swords drawn.

The guilty, huh…?

In less than a moment, any and all mirth had drained from Azazel’s face, replaced instead with thinly-veiled disgust as the demon took several slow, measured strides forward.

“Quite frankly, Officer, I don’t feel the need to prove anything to some incompetent fool who not only ‘followed his gut’ to a dead end, but allowed himself to be cornered by a man he suspects of murder.” Though he kept his tone light, conversational, the words were undeniably tinged with a certain frigidity–a certain scathing bite. Azazel came to a halt directly in front of Lancelot, the pair’s faces mere inches apart as Azazel leaned in and stared daggers into bright cerulean blue eyes.

“–… But while we’re on the topic, let me ask you this: if a person’s origins or nature truly had no bearing under the law…do you think the “Rag Demon” would ever have come to exist? Moreover, if you and your lot had any real intention of condemning the guilty…–

“…– do you think even half of the weasels on your force would be permitted to continue carrying a badge?”

If the demon’s silhouette didn’t look imposing before, the way he towered over Lancelot now would cow anyone fainter of heart. Lancelot, however, remained firmly in place. If he was right about the man’s identity--and there was no doubt in his mind that he was--then Lancelot had lost many a contest of strength to the demon...but he refused to lose his nerve as well.

So he glared defiantly back at the man...glared, until the demon brought up the police force.

“......What are you getting at?”

Of course, he knew what the man was talking about--or had some faint inkling of it. Lancelot was privy to the discrimination that non-humans faced in the city, and he wasn’t ignorant to what many humans thought of non-humans...even those within the police force. But to use them to paint the rag demon in a heroic light...?

For a moment that was simultaneously too short and far too long, Azazel simply stared, unblinking, at the officer standing opposite him.

Then he laughed. Loudly.

Scornfully.

“Now there’s a throwback! I haven’t heard that name for a few years, now…not since all those sensational stories and reports. The ‘shadow over Spirale,’ was it?”

The demon folded his arms over his chest and tilted his head a fraction, lips curling upward in an amused smirk. A stark contrast to the tension in Lancelot’s posture, everything about the way Azazel held himself in that moment oozed confidence, poise…a complete lack of concern with the situation at hand. 

“But, you know…that’s a rather dire accusation to hurl at a stranger. What are the grounds for it, I wonder…? That I looked at you the wrong way? That my words before offended your delicate sensibilities? 

“Hah… I hope you don’t go around condemning every non-human with a ‘bad attitude’ as a serial killer, Officer. Your jails will be full up in no time.”

The man stood poised, nonchalant to the entire situation. Lancelot could see it in his posture, hear it in the lackadaisical drawl of his voice. The raucous laughter that reverberated through the dark alley. It was frustrating, how in-control of the situation the man believed himself to be--and he certainly wouldn’t be wrong to think so. Faced with a dead end behind him and a non-human serial killer in front of him, Lancelot would be very lucky to walk out of this encounter alive if the man got violent...as he was wont to do.

Still, Lancelot didn’t falter under the biting remarks.

“We condemn the guilty--human and non-human alike. Your origins have no bearing under the law.”

In all honesty, he had intended to go straight home after that. His “business” in the neighborhood concluded, there was little point in Azazel lingering in this place any longer–and honestly? he was ready to sink into the warm, downy haven of his bed and retire for the night. Killing the man had been easy (so easy that it had been boring, even, and more than a little pathetic) but the evidence scattered throughout that attic of his “lifestyle”–of his perverse fixation on non-humans and the myriad transgressions he’d committed against them–had been enough to make even Azazel taste bile. He wanted nothing more than to put it from his mind, even if only for a short handful of hours before the sun rose again–

But then the echo of rapid footfalls reached his ears.

“……” 

Briefly, he considered ignoring them. They could have belonged to anyone, after all…but no–no, he knew better. How could he not, when those selfsame footsteps had dogged his shadow so persistently over the years?

With an irritated click of his tongue, Azazel unfurled his wings and took to the skies…

–…and mere minutes later, alighted a short ways behind the vexed officer, ever silent as he tucked his obsidian feathers away.

Dull-witted human… Running headlong into a dead end this late at night.

“You know, Officer… I don’t take kindly to being tailed.” Azazel lifted his chin, leveling Lancelot with a disdainful stare when the other man whirled around to face him. 

“… Especially when it’s by those who lack both the skill and discretion to do it well.”

“...!”

He had realized too late that the footfalls he had followed had led him straight into a dead end...

...and now, the only exit was blocked off by the imposing figure of the one he had been tailing. 

That’s right... They had never been able to discern much about the “rag demon.” But one thing that they had figured out about him...was that there was no way a human would’ve been able to accomplish all of the things that the vigilante had been able to do.

And that meant that Lancelot was severely out-matched on his own.

Even so, he didn’t waver. No self-respecting officer would falter in the face of adversity.

“...It’s been some time, hasn’t it. They say that the criminal always returns to the scene of the crime...”

“… Tch. Like a broken record…” Azazel’s handsome features twisted into a scowl. “You and your lot never have any sense of priority…”

How many abuses and murders of non-humans had been perpetrated in this city? How many injustices were they subjected to everyday? In particular, this area was notorious for it…but it was rare to witness any police presence here.

And yet, the moment a human turned up dead–dregs of society or otherwise–they converged on the area like a swarm of angry hornets…

(But then, in this case, he understood why all too well.)

The corners of Azazel’s lips turned upwards in a cruel, sardonic smile as he turned away from the crime scene and moved to leave, his parting words dripping with contempt:

“… You insufferable lapdogs.”

“...!”

There was no mistake about it now.

Lancelot had heard that voice before--from the same derisive tone to the words used. 

Lapdog of the police force... How many times had he heard the phrase spoken into his ear when his long nights of futile pursuit eventually ended with him succumbing to his elusive yet powerful target? 

How many times had he tried to catch a glimpse of the face underneath those bandages only for vagabond to slip between his fingers and into the night? 

Lancelot had been chastised for continuing to pursue the cold trail that the so-called “rag demon” had left behind when he disappeared all those years ago, but he had had a feeling that it wasn’t over yet. And this was the closest he had ever come to seeing the criminal up close.

He had to go after him. He had to pursue him again, or else he’d lose him for good. He turned to another police officer on duty with urgency.

“Sorry, could you keep watch on this place? I’ve got a suspect...”

With confirmation of coverage, Lancelot slipped beneath the yellow tape and ran after the man who had disappeared like a shadow.

“What’s there to investigate? Some good-for-nothing drug-dealer turned up dead in the dumpster he belonged in. So what?”

Even as sirens blared and the dull buzz of gossip and conversation filled the air, the words seemed to cut through the air like a knife. Azazel raised an eyebrow as several startled pairs of eyes turned to him, expression tinged with what could only be called disinterest as he lifted his shoulders in a shrug. 

“… Well…that’s what people are saying this light show is all about, at any rate. Is it true? Officer.”

The man’s voice ignited a spark of familiarity, but it wasn’t one that Lancelot could put his finger on.

This man... Have I met him somewhere before...?

But the man’s pale face wasn’t ringing any bells. Perhaps he was mistaking him for someone else? He had seen many names and faces in his line of work...

A certain street in Spirale City had come alive with activity for all of the wrong reasons. Police tape blocked an entire section off as paramedics and first responders rushed to the scene and police cars flashed red and blue. Lancelot was at the forefront of all of it, urging citizens to stay back.

Their glasses tapped together and hers returned to her lips, it was a strong drink, bitter. She’d compare it to the circumstance if that wouldn’t make her feel like a noir cliche. 

“Then here’s to solved cases, and those still waiting.” She drained the rest of her glass then set it back on the bar, ordering a refill. Olivia waited a moment before turning back to him. “Get yourself in trouble would be my guess.” But she smiled all the same.

But it didn’t last long. 

“Bullshit is what it is. I was in the wrong place at the right time.”

“Don’t you beat yourself up about it. How are things on your end anyway? Did I miss much?”

“Haha! That’s true. You’ve saved my backside more times than I can count. I’d probably be a smear on the cement if not for you.”

He sighed, emptying his own glass as well, though he didn’t order another just yet. One of them had to stay sober.

“I’ll say... It smells like bureaucratic red tape to me. I wonder if we’ll be able to reverse the situation somehow...”

@eidesflugel

Her grimness was palpable, sat right against the bar and leaning forward over her drink with a furrowed brow. It had all happened so fast and there’d been nothing she could do about it… A promotion that was so close now seemed out of her reach forever, what a farce.

Realising she’d been staring rather intently into her drink for some time, and shifted slightly, raising her head and turning to Lancelot.

“Thanks for coming, and… Thanks for sticking with me, it would probably be easier for you if you didn’t and it means a lot, seriously.” She raised her drink so he could clink a glass against hers “I think they’re still hoping I might just leave of my own accord. But… I don’t think I want to do that.”

“I can’t leave you on your own now, can I?” A faint smile tugged at her lips

“Haha... You’re my partner. Come hell or high water, we stick together. And no one can deny that it’s thanks to you that we’ve been able to solve so many mysteries. You’re the star here.”

He raised his glass, tapping it to Olivia’s in a small toast before taking a sip. Still, in spite of his attempts to comfort her, Lancelot couldn’t help but feel bad as well.

“Heh... I’m grateful to you. Really. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

  ‘ Your words are honest as ever, Lancelot. Being so selfless and putting your life on the line to help others is very admirable… And you helped me in a time of need, so I’ll always be grateful for it. ’

  He smiled softly, he would probably have to return the favor to his friend later– of course that was after he spent time with his brother. It was a daily routine, he would visit the hospital daily for hours on end… in hopes of being there for his brother when he would finally wake up. Even though he didn’t want to admit it, he had definitely grown a lot more reclusive in the span of a few months… only going out for few things. But as always, Lancelot always blew fresh air into his life– and he was always grateful.

  ‘ I look forward to our future meetups as well– but yes, I suppose I should be getting back soon… nevertheless it was a nice detour. ’

  With that he headed to the checkout to pay for his clothing, putting them into a bag before he left the store holding it. Perhaps he’d ask some other people how he looked when he got the chance…

  ‘ I suppose I don’t want to keep you too long as well, but I’ll text you soon and we can spend some more time together. Is that alright? ’

“Of course. It’s what I do as a police officer. But more importantly, I’m your friend. So never hesitate to call on me if you need anything.”

With new apparel in hand, the two entered the check out line and left the boutique. As they were about to part ways, Lancelot patted Lucio reassuringly on the shoulder.

“I enjoyed myself too. You take care of yourself, okay?”

  Lucio gave a soft nod to the other at the question. There was no need for words– after all, Lancelot knew his job and despite probably not knowing the inner workings, it was still hard work. Even when he broke off from his job, old habits tend to die hard and he was still trying to adjust to living a normal life quietly without having rigorous scheduling every single day. It almost felt like there was a part of him missing because of it, but spending time like this was only a treat. With business parties to attend to keep his appearance and favor in the company high… truly it was something he didn’t really experience.

  ‘ I suppose so. I always have fun talking with you, and it was so nice to be able to catch up. ’ 

  Giving a soft laugh as he gave a gentle smile to his dear friend, it was something that he hadn’t felt in a long time. Happy. Even though he had a grim situation looming over him, he knew that he could always count on his dearest friend who was not only reliable but someone he enjoyed their company as well.

  ‘ Sure, I’ll be sure to do that..! We can try to get together more regularly now that I have more free time. But next time, let me treat you. ’

The smile on his face grew upon hearing Lucio’s earnest words.

“I feel the same way, Lucio. I know your acting career was your livelihood, but...I’m kind of glad we’ll be able to spend more time together. I did miss this. Ah--but it’s not like I’m trying to get a free meal out of you, I promise! I am looking forward to it, though.”

Besides, Lucio had been very successful in his career and likely had some wealth he was able to fall back on. 

  Lucio’s eyes lit up at his friend’s comment. He had always wanted to look more casual in a crowd… he supposed there was nothing he could do about his face– but much more casual clothes certainly could help. It was also nice getting input from someone he trusted as well. 

  ‘ It makes me incredibly happy to hear that… but I suppose you’re right. Having only one would make it rather difficult. ’

  He let a soft laugh as he was handed another cardigan, this time he didn’t need to step away, as he took the current one off for the other. The green was rather pretty, not too strong but still vibrant as well. Even if it was something as simple as shopping with a friend, it was something that helped him light up in a gloomy situation. 

  ‘ I think this looks good as well… To be honest, this is my first time ever going clothes shopping… growing up I’ve always had my outfits picked for me by producers so I’m having a lot of fun. ’

“Huh... Really?”

It was a sobering realization, but...it made sense. Lancelot was all too aware of how tightly celebrities were expected to keep to their image. And Lucio, who had been in the entertainment industry for as long as he had been, likely had never experienced a taste of freedom like this.

An ever meddlesome man at heart, Lancelot couldn’t help but want to help his friend experience more.

  Lucio smiled softly as he was led by the police officer to a nice restaurant. It had been a long time since he had spent time with someone so casually like this. Certainly it had been too long since they had last caught up– and it lifted his spirits in such a dreary part of his life. Of course he was more than willing to pay for the both of them, but Lancelot insisted– and eventually he caved, telling him that he would have to repay him later.

  Afterwards, he followed Lancelot to a boutique. In honesty he hadn’t gone into one of these in a long time. Most of his producers had picked out his clothes due to wanting to control his public image– and therefore he was just given clothing that would just suit him best for what they had in mind… he supposed it warped his sense of style. Putting on flashy outfits was what he was used to… he didn’t even notice until his friend said something.

                    ‘ Oh..? You really think so? I suppose I’m not very good at this. ’

  He gave a sheepish smile as he watched his friend rustle through the selection of clothes until he picked out some clothes for Lucio to try out. They were rather plain, which he supposed would be best to blend in with others… if anything they looked rather soft and comfortable. 

                                         ‘ Alright, I’ll give them a shot. ’

  With that he went into the changing room once more, to put them on– feeling the soft fabric against his skin was rather nice.. and it was loose enough that he could move freely within it. Once he was done, he walked back out for his friend to see.

                          ‘ Hmm… it’s rather comfortable. What do you think? ’

Thankfully, the carefully coordinated outfit was a lot less inconspicuous on Lucio and Lancelot breathed a sigh of relief when the actor stepped out of the fitting room.

“Yes, that looks great! Even with a face as beautiful as yours, you look like a normal person when you wear clothes like that. I’m sure you’d be able to walk around without drawing a crowd now.”

“So you like that kind of fabric, huh? There’s a lot more where that came from, so let’s try out some different combinations too. It won’t do if your only shirt gets soiled and you have nothing else to wear.”

He handed Lucio another cardigan, this time a pastel green, with a small chuckle.

  ‘ I suppose you’re right. Then I’ll do better on that, I know I can always count on you to look after me when I lose sight of those things. ’

  It was true, Lancelot was always looking out for him and reminding him of the little things that he was always forgetting. He put others in front of his own health, after all– it was part of the job. Pushing him in sick and health, though they were a bit lenient when it got really bad… any fatigue that accumulated was just something he pushed to the side until it got so bad that he had been hospitalized a few times.

            ‘ Oh really? I know we have similar tastes so I trust your judgement. ’

  Giving a soft laugh under his breath as Lancelot’s cheerful mood was slowly starting to cheering him up as well. Constantly visiting the hospital with the somber mood that had painted his life slowly regained some semblance of color with his friend cheering him up. 

        ‘ It sounds like a plan, I’m already excited. Would you show me the way? ’

“Of course! It’s just that way. Follow me.”

And so, the two shared a nice meal, chuckles, and tales of happenings in their lives that they had yet to tell one another about. Lancelot insisted on paying the bill, saying that it was his own get-well gift for Lucio and his ailing brother, and the two made their way to a boutique afterwards.

“H-hey, Lucio, are you really okay with an outfit like that?! If anything, it’s even flashier than what you normally wear... Someone like you would draw a crowd in those kinds of clothes.”

He rustled around the shelves and coat hangers for something non-descript yet comfortable, stumbling upon a cardigan and a soft sweater.

Subversion AU for Lancelot!

Presently:

A police officer. He may or may not be part of Spirale’s Police Department since I haven’t actually gotten around to having him apply for it, but he’s definitely a police officer

Everything else is pretty much the same. 

Pre-established relationships:

Olivia is his longtime partner-in-justice 

He met Lucio a few years ago when Lucio was caught up in a stalker incident and Lancelot was assigned as his security detail. Even after arresting the perpetrator, he and Lucio have remained in contact and are good friends 

He followed the “Rag Demon” case until it went cold. He doesn’t know who the so-called “Rag Demon” is, but he’s still determined to find out and bring him to justice even after being told that it’s useless to pursue the case. He also has had an inkling that that wasn’t all there is to it...

  ‘ Yes… I suppose you’re right. I should be thankful for all the miracles that have happened in my life. I’m sure I’d be a mess without them. ’

  He tried to laugh it off, it was soft and light– hiding the darker parts of his feelings. He had closed himself off to many, and with the industry he was involved in, it was always about keeping a smile on his face so he could fake it well enough. After all, he supposed that he would have to keep on as is until he genuinely started to feel better… Fake it till you make it, as they said.

  But the shift of topic certainly did lighten the mood that he was feeling as the other offered to catch up. It had been awhile since they had talked in person and even more so since he had actually hung out with someone he wanted to be around. Press and interviews were always so overwhelming. 

  ‘  Oh..! That sounds nice. It’s been awhile since I’ve actually gotten to spend time with friends… it’s always the press or fans… and I have some free time before I have to return to the hospital… ’

  His smile brightened, but became sheepish at the same time… he supposed Lancelot had a point. Even with years of  having to wear “fashionable” clothes, he still had no taste for it… at this point it was probably it’s own style. Perhaps he should get some new clothes…

  ‘ Is that so? I suppose then if it’s not too much of a bother, I’d appreciate the help. ’

“Well, now that you’ve taken indefinite time off to help him recover, you won’t have to worry about things like that anymore, right? But make sure you make some time for yourself too. You can’t take care of your brother if you don’t take care of yourself.”

“And that’s what I’m here for. What say you we head on over to the hit restaurant that just opened? I heard rave reviews about their food. And they have pudding on their menu, so I’ve been dying to try it out.