Partners In Crime

Argent continues twirling the mask on his finger, unbothered by Xavia's stern tone, "Sorry, no can do. We're getting paid a lot to get this back to our buyer," He shoots him a smug grin, confidently adding, "You really want to go another round and lose?" 

"I don't plan on losing," Xavia declares defiantly as he swiftly unslings his twin scythe from his back. Gripping the weapon firmly, he locks eyes with Argent, "I've got a job to do and I'm not letting you get in my way." 

Whether by fighting, stealing, or negotiating... It doesn't matter how he gets that mask as long as it ends up in his possession. Argent may be cocky but he's no pushover. This won't be easy. 

"That's a shame. I was really hopin' we could come to an agreement," Argent remarks before tucking the mask into his backpack. He then unsheathes his dual hook swords from their hip holsters with practiced ease, "Shall we get this over with already?" 

"With pleasure," Xavia retorts, maneuvering his weapon into an attack position, "Don't think this will be like last time." 

Argent merely chuckles, a sardonic sound that echoes around them eerily, "We'll see," He replies, then charges at Xavia without any hesitation. 

 Xavia manages to parry the initial attack with his scythe, catching Argent's hook swords with one of the scythe's dual blades. With a sharp maneuver, he deflects the attack and spins the scythe around, the other blade whistling through the air, "Not so fast," He mutters, aiming a swift counterattack at his rival's midsection, the curved blade slicing towards Argent with lethal accuracy. 

However, Argent skillfully blocks it, catching the scythe's blade between the curved ends of his hook swords. With an abrupt twist of his wrists, he pushes Xavia back, forcing him to stumble. Seizing the opportunity, Argent launches another assault, spinning one hook sword in a tight arc towards Xavia's midsection while the other slashes diagonally at his shoulder. 

Xavia sidesteps just in time to evade Argent's strike, using the momentum from his quick dodge to his advantage. As he shifts his weight, he expertly rotates the scythe, one of the blades arcing upward in a lethal sweep aimed at Argent's neck,  "Getting rusty there, are we?" He taunts, his voice dripping with sarcasm. The blade comes dangerously close, targeting a critical spot that forces Argent to react quickly. 

Argent laughs bitterly as he ducks under Xavia's swipe with a flourish, "You wish," He retorts, feinting an attack to Xavia's left. As Xavia moves to parry, Argent swiftly shifts his stance, delivering a powerful blow to Xavia's side with the flat of his hook sword. 

The white-haired man winces, pain shooting through his side, but he hastily retaliates with an unhesitating strike of his own, "You're too confident for your own good," He grits out through clenched teeth. 

With a quick, practiced motion, Argent crosses his hook swords in an 'X' formation, catching Xavia's blade between them and twisting sharply to the side, deflecting the attack with ease. 

A knowing smirk appears on Argent's face at the sight of him struggling slightly, "Not using your nen this time, eh?" He provokes him. 

Xavia's dark eyes flash dangerously as he lunges forward again, "I don't need my nen to deal with you," He spits out defiantly. Argent's constant mocking is clearly an attempt to get under Xavia's skin, and Xavia knows it. However, he refuses to let Argent's remarks affect him too much, focusing instead on his next move. 

"Since you know I'll just use my ability to nullify it?" Argent prods as he effortlessly sidesteps Xavia's oncoming blow. With a fluid motion, he ducks low and pivots on his heel, evading the scythe's arc gracefully, "Looks like you finally learned your lesson, kid." 

"Keep underestimating me, Argent. It'll be your downfall," Xavia sneers back. As he speaks, he swings his dual scythe in a wide, sweeping motion aimed at Argent's knees, trying to catch him off guard, "And quit calling me kid," He adds sharply, punctuating his words with the aggressive attack. 

Argent merely shrugs impassively, effortlessly evading Xavia's strike with swift, fluid movements. As the scythe sweeps toward his knees, he leaps into the air, performing a graceful backflip that carries him safely out of range, "Whatever you say," He responds nonchalantly, landing lightly on his feet with a confident smirk. 

"Enough of this!" Xavia suddenly grunts in annoyance. 

With a decisive flick of his wrist, he sends one blade slicing through the air towards Argent, forcing him to retreat further or risk getting cut. At the same time, he swings the other end around in an arc aimed directly at Argent's midsection. 

Argent dances back adeptly but Xavia is relentless. His attacks come faster and harder as he spins and maneuvers, using his agile footwork to keep up with Argent's movements while also attacking from unexpected angles. 

The sharp sound of metal meeting metal fills their surroundings repeatedly as Xavia launches attack after attack with practiced precision, whirling and twirling like a deadly cyclone that never seems to let up on its assault. 

Despite the intensity of Xavia's onslaught, Argent remains calm, his eyes sharp as they scan for any potential opening in his opponent's attacks. Every swing, every thrust from Xavia's twin scythe is met with a nimble dodge or deft block from Argent's hook swords. 

A smug chuckle escapes him as he spots an opportunity amidst the whirlwind of strikes. In one fluid motion, he sweeps low with his hook swords aiming at Xavia's feet, effectively catching him off-guard and sending the white-haired man sprawling onto the ground. 

"Best of luck next time, Xav," He bites out mockingly. He takes this chance to make his escape, swiftly exiting the haunted house exhibit without looking back. 

Xavia grits his teeth in frustration but doesn't waste any time dwelling on it. With determination etched across his features, he hurriedly picks himself up and heads after Argent, "You're not getting away that easily." 

As they finally reach the entrance of the haunted house, Argent turns to throw a smug retort over his shoulder, "Oh, I think I am," He says, subtly tilting his head at the last moment to dodge a projectile dart aimed at him from behind. 

The dart, moving with deadly precision, strikes Xavia in the shoulder before he can even comprehend what's happening. 

"Dammit... Not good..." Xavia grumbles under his breath as an unexpected sting spreads through his arm and starts seeping into his system. His vision begins to blur almost instantly, and he sways dangerously on his feet, yet he stubbornly attempts to keep moving forward. 

A tranquilizer? This low tactic takes Xavia by surprise. It isn't something he expected from Argent... But now there's no room for error. If he doesn't manage to fight off this sudden wave of dizziness fast enough, he's done for. 

"Sorry, can't afford to have you waste our time," Argent's tone is casual as if he's discussing the weather instead of his betrayal. He points over his shoulder nonchalantly, "Brought backup with me this time." 

Xavia's vision continues to blur and he feels his body going numb alarmingly fast. Despite this, he manages to clench his teeth against the overwhelming disorientation and growls out defiantly at Argent, "You... Bastard..." 

His dual-bladed scythe slips from his grasp and drops onto the ground next to him with a clang, echoing loudly in the silence around them. 

"Nothin' personal, kid. Well, maybe a little bit," Argent admits sardonically, giving Xavia a cold look, something malicious flickering briefly within his green eyes, "But... Would it be so bad if I just finished you off now? It'd mean a lot less trouble in my future." 

Xavia can hear the pounding of his own heartbeat inside his ears, almost deafeningly loud amidst this chaotic situation. With great effort, he forces himself to weakly lift his head, looking up at Argent despite his visible trembling. 

Even on the verge of collapsing, he somehow manages to spit out a taunt towards Argent, "Go ahead and try." 

"You're real cocky for someone who can barely move," Argent retorts sharply, his voice resounding in the eerily quiet surroundings of the amusement park. 

Despite his rapidly deteriorating condition, Xavia manages to shoot back a counter with equal venom, "You talk too much for someone who hasn't actually won anything," If he can keep Argent engaged and distracted long enough then maybe... Just maybe he can find an opening to save himself. 

Argent's brows knit together in confusion at Xavia's words. It takes him a moment before realization hits him and he breaks into derisive laughter, "Haven't won?" He chuckles, sounding completely self-assured as he waves the mask triumphantly in front of his opponent, "I've got the mask. I've won." 

Summoning every ounce of strength, Xavia forces himself back onto his feet, grimacing as unbearable pain courses through his body. He steadies himself, breathing heavily, "The only thing you've won is my patience wearing thin," He snarls, his voice strained yet strong. 

In response to this blatant display of defiance, Argent moves forward and presses the end of his hook sword against Xavia's chest. The sudden force sends him hurtling backward, crashing hard onto the pavement below. 

"You just don't know when to give up, do you?" Argent taunts, a cruel smirk painted across his face as he observes Xavia struggling once more. 

Xavia clenches his jaw against the searing pain radiating from where he had been struck, determined not to let it slow him down. He meets Argent's gaze with an unwavering intensity, his voice fierce and resolute, "And you don't know when to shut up." 

"Do me a favor, Xav," Argent begins slowly as if he's relishing every moment of this. He takes slow steps closer towards the wounded man sprawled out on the ground, "Send me a post card from Hell." 

He raises his swords high above them, positioning them for a decisive strike. The blades are aligned perfectly to deliver a clean and quick kill when driven downwards. 

"Only if you give me your address," Xavia remarks evenly, maintaining a steely gaze and an obstinate demeanor even in the face of impending death. He stares right back at Argent, meeting the cold glint of his blade head-on. 

As Argent lunges forward to deliver the fatal blow, Xavia's mind is flooded with memories within just a few heartbeats. His life flashes before his eyes, every bitter memory from his past; the warm smile on his mother's face that he holds so dear... He wishes he could see her one last time, but at least she won't have to worry about him anymore. 

He closes his eyes tightly against this reality, gathering all the strength left within him as he wills himself not to panic. 

Suddenly, without warning, an arrow whizzes through the air, piercing Argent's neck with deadly precision. The unexpected strike makes Argent gasp out loud as he reflexively reaches up for the embedded shaft, trying desperately to dislodge it while blood spills out profusely from where he had been hit. 

A couple more seconds pass before Argent finally succumbs to his injury and collapses onto the ground below, silence replacing what once was filled by smug laughter and derisive words. 

Blinking in pure shock, Xavia takes a moment to glance around frantically, trying his best to locate the source of the unexpected intervention, "What the hell... Just happened?" He breathes out, still struggling against the debilitating effects of Argent's poison. 

Upon scanning his surroundings thoroughly, he soon finds himself staring in sheer disbelief at a familiar figure standing atop the Ferris wheel. His mind races as it desperately tries to process this new information, "Dusk? Is that...?" He can't finish his sentence, too astounded by her accuracy and timing. 

She managed to shoot him down from such an incredible distance? He had never imagined she'd be capable of such an impressive feat. It seems he owes Dusk one now. 

From her elevated perch, Dusk catches sight of another figure in the distance, the man who shot Xavia with the dart, prompting her to quickly adjust her aim. She releases her breath slowly as she lets the arrow fly, watching with satisfaction as it lands right on target. 

"Gotcha," She whispers triumphantly under her breath. 

Once satisfied that no more imminent dangers are lurking nearby, Dusk wastes no time in making her way down from atop the Ferris wheel. Worry etches clearly across her face as she sprints towards where Xavia lays sprawled out on the ground. 

Upon reaching him, she drops onto her knees next to his collapsed form, panting heavily from exertion, "Hey," She greets softly, careful not to startle him after everything he's been through. 

Slumping heavily against the cold, hard ground beneath him, Xavia manages to summon enough strength to turn his head towards the source of her voice. Despite his vision being blurry and distorted from the tranquilizer's side effects, he can make out her face clearly, "Dusk," He rasps weakly. 

Hearing her name called out softly yet unmistakably by Xavia, Dusk can't help but return a small comforting smile, though her eyes reveal how worried she truly is for him, "Yes, it's me," She reassures gently, as she begins checking on his condition as best she can. 

The tranquilizer dart was certainly strong, and its aftereffects are undeniable. Dusk carefully examines Xavia, her fingers gently brushing his forehead to check for a fever. She watches his eyes closely for signs of clarity, relieved to see full recognition in them. She checks his pulse, feeling the steady beat beneath her fingertips.  

"At least you're coherent enough to recognize me," She murmurs, hoping the lingering effects will start wearing off soon.   

However, in spite of all this concern directed towards him from his new partner, Xavia merely scoffs slightly at it all, stubbornly attempting to push himself up into a sitting position despite his body clearly protesting against the movement, "Didn't ask you to save me." 

Dusk lets out a sigh, yet she also finds herself unable to suppress a small smile that slowly creeps onto her face, "Well, you're welcome anyway," She remarks, extending an arm to help him sit up. 

Predictably, Xavia ignores her offer. Instead, he winces sharply upon finally managing to prop himself into an upright position, shooting a disgruntled glare in Dusk's direction, "I didn't need your charity," He complains bitterly. 

Dusk merely chuckles lightly and meets his glare with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, "And yet, here we are." 

"Some partner you are, using this as leverage," Xavia grumbles half-heartedly under his breath. 

"Oh, believe me," She swiftly counters, her tone laced with playful defiance, "I could be using this in a much worse way. But I'm nice like that." 

"Frightening thought," Xavia retorts dryly. Despite his initial reluctance, he finds himself somewhat appreciating Dusk's company at this particular moment. 

"I aim to please," She quips, enjoying the surprising, but not entirely unwelcome change in their banter. There's something oddly satisfying about seeing Xavia so relaxed under these circumstances, "Do you have the mask?" 

Xavia glances at Argent's lifeless body sprawled out nearby and mutters indifferently, "Should be in Argent's backpack." 

Dusk arches an eyebrow curiously, "Argent? He's the guy with the scary hook swords?" After mulling it over briefly, she sighs reluctantly. Rising from her crouched position beside him, she begins to walk over but pauses, turning back to ask with concern, "Wait, am I going to be cursed if I touch it?" 

Rolling his eyes exasperatedly at Dusk's superstition, Xavia weakly scoffs at her comment, "Only if you believe in that sort of thing." 

"Coming from a guy who just got taken down by someone with hook swords, I think I'll keep an open mind about this," She bites back, her tone laced with a hint of playful sarcasm as she cautiously approaches Argent's body. Careful not to disturb it too much, she begins rummaging through the backpack that's still strapped onto him. 

Xavia sharply responds to her mocking remark, "Watch your mouth. Tranquilizer or no tranquilizer, remember that I can still kick your ass," He warns, though the small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips reveals his amusement at their current back-and-forth. 

Glancing over her shoulder briefly, Dusk gives Xavia an entertained look, unable to resist teasing him further, "I'd like to see you try." 

"Just wait and see." 

Eventually finding what they're after, Dusk cautiously picks up the ancient mask and takes a moment to study it properly. It's creepy looking yet fascinating in a haunting sort of way. Carefully tucking it into her own bag, she returns to Xavia with a triumphant grin playing on her lips, "Mission accomplished. Can you stand?" 

"I don't need your help," Xavia proclaims stubbornly, even as he uses the wall to support himself. 

Shaking her head at his denial, Dusk nevertheless extends an open hand toward him, "Yes, you've made your point very clear." 

Ignoring her offered help, Xavia instead opts to push himself up into a standing position, albeit with some difficulty, "Told you," He grunts defiantly, shooting a glare in Dusk's direction. Almost immediately, however, he stumbles unsteadily. 

Dusk can't help but raise an eyebrow skeptically at the sight. Acting on instinct, she swiftly reaches out and grabs Xavia's arm just in time, preventing him from falling over completely, "Yeah, yeah, I'm still not convinced," She quips playfully while offering him some much-needed physical support. 

Feeling her arm tighten protectively around his, a faint, amused smirk forms on Xavia's lips as he grumbles, "Let's get out of here." 

"Sounds like a plan," Dusk replies with a nod, offering him a reassuring smile. She steals one more lingering glance at Xavia before they make their move. 

However, catching sight of her gaze from the corner of his eye doesn't sit well with the normally stoic man. Turning sharply to face her, Xavia snaps irritably, "Stop staring." 

Just as quickly, Dusk vehemently denies the accusation, "Wasn't staring," She retorts defensively, her cheeks tinged red from anger and embarrassment, while hastily averting her eyes from his piercing gaze. 

Taking a moment to study Dusk's profile more thoroughly, Xavia finally feels compelled to begrudgingly admit, "You're actually... A decent shot. That shot you pulled off wouldn't have been possible for any normal archer. Was that your nen ability?" 

Upon hearing his rare words of praise, Dusk blinks in surprise before slowly answering with a growing smile, "Yeah! I can enhance my eyesight using my nen. It lets me see really far away, and I also use it to enhance my arrows, making them fly further and hit their targets with better accuracy." 

"Huh," Is all Xavia can manage to say after listening attentively to her explanation. Despite his usual cynicism, he finds himself impressed. Her ability is practical and highly useful, two traits he greatly admires. 

Seeing his underwhelming response, Dusk feels a small sense of giddiness wash over her. It's progress, no matter how minor it might seem to an outsider. Maybe there could be hope for them after all. 

An awkward silence falls between them once again, temporarily halting their short-lived banter. However, Xavia finds himself not caring as he stares resolutely into the distance, "Let's head home," He murmurs quietly, almost as if speaking to himself. 

Maybe having a partner won't be as annoying as he initially imagined... Not that he would ever admit his thoughts aloud, especially not to her. 

- VAN HELSING GUEST HOUSE // JANUARY 17TH -

Xavia lounges comfortably on the couch when, suddenly, the front door swings open with a loud creak. This unexpected intrusion brings in Dusk who's lugging several suitcases along with her. Right behind her enters Zane, carrying an absurdly large box, which he promptly sets down as he steps into the house. 

Raising an eyebrow at this peculiar sight, Xavia can't help but eye them both suspiciously from where he sits, "What the hell is this?" He grumbles, not even bothering to get up from his comfortable position on the couch. 

"Well, Xavia... About that," Zane replies hesitantly, nervously scratching the back of his head. A sheepish grin spreads across his face as he finally reveals their reason for being here, "Dusk is moving in with you. Aurelius' orders. Don't shoot the messenger, alright?" 

As soon as the words leave Zane's mouth, Xavia's eyes narrow skeptically, clearly displaying his annoyance as he snaps, "And I wasn't included in this decision because...?" 

The navy-haired man shrugs apologetically, raising a hand defensively, "Didn't get the chance to tell you earlier since you stormed out. Besides..." He tilts his head slightly towards Xavia and meets his glare with a challenging stare, "It's not really something we need your approval for." 

An irrational wave of anger instantly surges through Xavia, causing him to scoff loudly in frustration, "I can see that." 

First off, he was forced into accepting a partner he didn't want or need. And now, a roommate too? What kind of fresh hell is this turning into? 

"Hey, hey," Dusk interjects, her eyes darting between Xavia and Zane as she tries to mediate the situation, "Let's not start a fight over this, okay? I'll try to stay out of your way as much as possible." 

A deep frown etches itself onto Xavia's face as he slowly brings his hand up to rub his temples in frustration. This is all starting to give him a massive headache, "Yeah, well... You better," He finally manages to say through gritted teeth. 

She offers a small nod, not entirely appeased but choosing to drop the subject for now, "I will." 

Xavia falls into an uncomfortable silence, breaking it only with pent-up sigh. Without another word, he waves his hand dismissively at both of them, silently signaling them to continue with their moving process. 

"Well, that went better than expected," Zane murmurs under his breath, mostly to himself. Sharing a quick glance with Dusk, the navy-haired man then directs her attention to a nearby open room, "That'll be your quarters for now." 

As Zane leads Dusk away, Xavia squints after them in annoyance, making no attempt to hide his irritation. He sighs heavily and leans back onto the couch. 

"Leave it to Aurelius... Always making decisions without ever giving me any say in the matter." 

- VAN HELSING ESTATE // JANUARY 16TH -

Xavia finds himself striding down the opulent corridors of Aurelius's mansion, passing by priceless paintings and sculptures along the way. They're absurdly valuable, each piece a testament to its creator's genius and Aurelius's taste for exorbitance.

His steps echo off marble floors under a ceiling adorned with intricate murals; figures from ancient history locked in eternal combat amid sweeping landscapes. It's all disgustingly affluent but, it does give an impression of sophistication, he muses darkly to himself.

He makes his way towards Aurelius' office, a familiar route he has traversed countless times before for mission briefings. His right shoulder still feels stiff from his injury but it's no longer holding him back. It's just another battle scar etched onto his body as a testament to the dangerous life he lives.

As he approaches the heavy wooden doors leading to Aurelius' office, Xavia runs a hand through his slicked-back white hair, preparing himself mentally for whatever challenge awaits him beyond those doors.

No matter how mentally fortified he thought he was, life had a knack for throwing curveballs his way. And today seemed to be no exception.

As the office door creaks open, Xavia's eyes fall on her. An unfamiliar woman stands by Aurelius' desk; tall and poised with a self-assuredness that instantly grates on him. Her long black hair is pulled into a high ponytail with some loose strands framing her face.

Her complexion is fair, dotted with freckles like constellations across the span of her face and neck. One of her eyes is as brown as rich mahogany while the other is... Purple? The same damn hue from that sunset weeks ago that still haunts his thoughts.

The unknown woman wears a violet top with mesh accents and high-waisted jeans, a large bow resting against her shoulder. The weapon looks well-used and loved, like an extension of herself.

He feels an immediate surge of annoyance prickling beneath his skin at the sight of this stranger standing so casually in his employer's office. Yet another unexpected complication he's going to have to deal with now.

His attention drifts to the man sitting behind the desk, the grand patron of Xavia's dangerous escapades - Aurelius Van Helsing. An elderly man with snow-white hair that matches his well-maintained curly mustache. 

He's clad in one of those horrendously purple aristocrat vests, complete with an equally obnoxious bow tie.  Xavia secretly thinks his outfit looks like it was stolen from the set of some outdated period drama.

"Good afternoon, Xavia!" The elderly gentleman greets him warmly despite the coldness etched onto Xavia's features, "I'm glad you're here! There's someone I'd like you to meet."

Xavia's eyes narrow slightly at the boisterous greeting of his employer. Aurelius is a peculiar man with an infectious enthusiasm that often gets on Xavia's nerves.

"This is your new partner," Aurelius announces as he gestures grandly towards the stranger, grinning from ear to ear like he'd just unveiled a priceless artifact, "Her name is Dusk and she's quite skilled with that bow of hers!"

Dusk responds to the introduction with a subtle smile, her mismatched eyes meeting Xavia's dark brown ones. She gives him a small wave and steps forward, extending her hand towards him.

"It's nice to meet you!" She says, the sincerity in her voice somewhat disarming. Her demeanor contrasts sharply with his own cynicism and it feels like watching daylight clash against midnight.

Ignoring Dusk's extended hand, Xavia turns his attention back towards his employer. He crosses his arms over his chest, an unreadable expression on his face as he speaks.

"Partner?" He questions with a hint of incredulity in his voice, "I don't recall asking for one or needing one," His tone is curt but not entirely disrespectful.

He likes working alone. He doesn't need anyone else to watch his back and certainly not some newbie who will probably get in the way more than anything.

Aurelius laughs at Xavia's reaction, taking it in stride as always, "Ah, don't be so fickle, Xav," He begins lightheartedly, "I'm aware you like working alone but Dusk here is an incredible shot. And we both know you've had a few close calls lately."

He pauses, letting his words sink in before adding with a twinkle in his eye, "Plus, having some company wouldn't hurt now, would it?"

His words leave a bitter taste in Xavia's mouth and he bristles at the reminder of his close calls. He had always managed to get out alive, hadn't he? It's part of the job, high risk for high reward.

"I'm not fickle. I'm practical," Xavia retorts, his eyes darting from Dusk to Aurelius and back again, "I don't need a partner."

His gaze lingers on Dusk for a moment longer before he turns back towards his employer, irritation seeping into his voice.

"Especially one who looks like she's never been out past sunset," The comment is pointedly sharp; Xavia has no qualms about expressing his skepticism.

"And stop calling me Xav," He adds as an afterthought, annoyance flickering in his dark brown eyes.

"Pardon my interruption," A cool voice cuts through the room, distracting Xavia from his heated argument with Aurelius. The speaker is Zane Argyle - Aurelius' ever-present assistant and someone Xavia never lets himself trust too easily.

Zane always maintains an air of mystery around him. His navy-blue hair mirrors his cold eyes that seem to hide a world of secrets behind them. He dresses like an old-time detective, normally wearing crisp dress shirts and dark trench coats.

Xavia has heard whispers about Zane's connections with the underworld, but he'd rather not delve into it unless necessary. He knows better than to meddle with someone who could stab you in the back while shaking your hand.

"But I agree with Aurelius," Zane continues smoothly, meeting Xavia's glare without flinching, "You nearly died during your last job. Some cover wouldn't be a bad thing."

"An unnecessary interruption," He shoots back icily, "The last job had nothing to do with needing backup, and everything to do with lousy intel."

Zane doesn't miss a beat, bowing his head slightly in an apologetic gesture, "My apologies."

"Not accepted," Xavia retorts dismissively, his gaze cutting through the room. He's growing tired of this conversation. 

Before Dusk can even open her mouth to speak, he turns sharply towards her with a cynical scowl plastered on his face, "Save it," He warns her before she can utter anything about being capable, reliable, or any other empty promise.

"I don't need some pretty-eyed archer for me to babysit."

Aurelius, despite the jovial facade, has a certain steeliness in his voice when he wants to be taken seriously. He levels a stern gaze at Xavia now, "This is not a request, Xavia. It's an order."

His words echo ominously through the grand room and for once since this conversation started, Xavia feels silenced.

"Dusk will accompany you on your next mission," Aurelius continues with finality that allows no argument.

Xavia clenches his jaw, the muscles in his neck straining against the flush of anger that spreads through him. His dark brown eyes narrow, a silent storm brewing within them as he glares at Aurelius.

"Fine," He spits out finally, the word tasting like poison on his tongue. But he isn't one to defy orders, not when it comes from Aurelius anyway.

Turning abruptly on his heel, Xavia storms towards the exit without sparing Dusk a second glance.

"Xavia!" Zane calls after him, "You need the details for your next mission!"

But Xavia isn't in the mood for more chatter. He flings a hand dismissively over his shoulder as he strides out of the room.

"I'm sure my 'partner' can fill me in... Seeing as she's so capable," He shoots back with an acid laced sarcasm that leaves no doubt about his feelings on this matter.

"Um..." Dusk begins, her voice barely a whisper in the tension-filled room. She wears a nervous smile on her face as she stares after Xavia's retreating figure, "Is he always like that?" Her question hangs in the air, trailing off into an uncertain silence.

Overhearing her comment, the door swings open again and Xavia pokes his head back in. His expression is unreadable but there's a mischievous glint in his eyes, "No. Only when I'm annoyed..." He corrects flatly, "Which is most of the time."

And with that, he disappears again, leaving behind another wave of uncomfortable silence.

The white-haired man sneers to himself as he saunters down the hallway, 'This is so annoying,' He thinks irritably. The faint throbbing at his temples is a testament to how frustrated this whole situation makes him.

"It's as he says, Dusk. Yes, he's always quite grumpy," Aurelius mentions with a lighthearted chuckle once Xavia's out of earshot. The old man doesn't seem to be bothered by his employee's blunt behavior at all, "I'm certain he'll warm up to you in no time."

Zane steps forward, adding onto Aurelius' words with a smirk on his face, one that Dusk finds unsettling for some reason, "Let's hope so. He's pretty stubborn after all... Well, that's our Xav for you."

Dusk chuckles lightly at their comments, brushing a stray strand of dark hair away from her face as she does so.

"Yeah? I've noticed," Her voice holds a hint of amusement mixed with determination which makes her eyes shine brightly, "He's cranky and stubborn but... That won't scare me off."

"That's a great attitude to have!" Aurelius laughs heartily at Dusk's determined declaration, his tone filled with unspoken approval, "I knew I made a good decision in hiring you."

"Thank you, sir!" Dusk's response comes brimming with enthusiasm and a spark of excitement that's hard to ignore. Her gratitude is genuine, adding an innocent charm to her already likable personality.

"Since you're here, Dusk," Zane begins, ignoring Xavia's abrupt departure as he pulls out a manila folder filled with documents and information. He slides it across the desk towards her, "The location is an amusement park in Oceania."

Dusk blinks in surprise at that revelation, her eyebrows knitting together in confusion, "Hmm... Amusement park?" She echoes the words slowly as she opens the folder to skim through its contents, "Sounds fun. What's our target?"

The curiosity is evident on her face, clearly showing that she's never been to one before.

"The target is an ancient mask that's currently being displayed in their haunted house exhibit," Zane explicates, watching as Dusk takes in the information.

Before he can provide further details, Aurelius chimes in cheerfully, "I'm looking forward to adding it to my collection! I've had my eyes on it for quite some time."

Dusk looks up at him with a small laugh escaping her lips, "An ancient mask... In a haunted house exhibit?" She repeats incredulously before her curiosity gets the better of her.

"That's definitely interesting," She concedes with a nod, "If you don't mind me asking, what's so special about it?"

Zane is about to answer Dusk's question when Aurelius beats him to it, "It's an ancient artifact that's rumored to be cursed!" The older man explains animatedly, "I can't wait to get my hands on it!"

"Cursed? Well, that's exciting," Dusk chuckles lightly, although her eyes hold a determined glint. She's eager not to disappoint her employer on her first assignment.

Zane takes this opportunity to cut into the conversation again, "I've arranged train tickets for you and Xavia. You'll leave in a few hours," He says as he reaches into his trench coat pocket, producing a slip of paper which he hands over to Dusk, "It should be a simple mission."

"And don't worry about Xav," Aurelius reassures her with a wide, confident smile, "He'll come around eventually. In fact, I'm certain he'll thank me for this someday."

Dusk turns to look at the closed door where Xavia had made his abrupt exit, her expression thoughtful as she contemplates the older man's words, "I'll do my best."

The train carriage jostles lightly as it chugs along the tracks, the scenery outside a blur of green and gold. Dusk leans against her window seat, her gaze studying Xavia's rigid form seated across from her. He's engrossed in his book, brows furrowed in deep concentration, an image so picturesque that it feels like she's looking at some living painting.

She takes in everything, from his strikingly white hair, gelled back yet playfully rebellious, to the way his black funnel neck jacket hugs and accentuates his toned physique. His almond-brown skin is smooth, save for an intimidating scar marring one cheek. 

But despite this rugged exterior, there's an allure about him that she finds captivating, something magnetic about those deep eyes and firm set lips which seem perpetually poised between a smirk and scowl.

He snaps his book shut, looking directly at Dusk. His eyes are intense, holding her with a piercing stare as he warns her sharply, "For the last time... Can you stop staring? It's fucking annoying."

Dusk, startled out of her thoughts by his sudden outburst, blinks a few times and then flashes him a sheepish grin as she leans back in her seat, "Sorry. I was just wondering... Have you been on many jobs like this before?"

With a nonchalant shrug, Xavia turns his gaze back to the pages of his book, replying curtly, "More than I can count."

Nodding, she says politely, "I'm sure you have a lot of experience," She pauses briefly before mumbling, "Guess I'll try not to hold us back then."

"Good idea," Xavia replies dryly, not looking up from his book.

Feeling the conversation turning frigid with each word exchanged, Dusk rolls her eyes and huffs softly. She turns to stare out of the window, watching as night falls outside, "Okay then... Fine."

His words stung more than she'd like to admit. It's clear he sees her as a burden, and his cold demeanor is unsettling. But she won't let it deter her, instead, it fuels her determination to prove him wrong. His respect won't be easy to earn... But somehow, the challenge only makes it seem worthwhile in her eyes.

- DREAMLAND GARDENS // JANUARY 16TH -

Xavia and Dusk arrive at the entrance of Dreamland Gardens, sneaking into the park under the cover of darkness. The once neon lights of the park have long gone dim, the rides having been shut down for the night as an eerie stillness blankets everything around them.

Xavia shoots a severe glare in Dusk's direction, breaking the silence with his gruff voice, "Just stay out here, keep watch, and don't get caught," He instructs her before adding on a final point, "If you see something suspicious or if things go south... Just run."

To him, this is absolutely ridiculous. Why is he even explaining himself to her? She should already know what to do.

"But-" Dusk begins to protest, but is cut short as Xavia vanishes into the gloom of the park. She sighs, watching his retreating figure with a frown before murmuring under her breath, "Always cranky..."

She makes her way around the entrance of the amusement park, her eyes keenly scanning their surroundings. There doesn't seem to be much activity happening which is a good sign... But it also means that she has time to overthink.

Despite trying not to, she finds herself wondering about Xavia, what he's doing at the moment and if he needs help. Part of her wants to rush in after him, but another part argues that maybe this assignment is a test, some sort of trust exercise?

She shakes off these thoughts quickly as they only serve to frustrate her more than she already is.

Opting instead for action, Dusk enhances her sight and scans the area once again. She spots the top of a Ferris wheel looming in the distance and mutters a soft, "Perfect," under breath before setting off towards it.

She quickly scales up the structure until she reaches one of the cabins at its peak. From her elevated perch, she has a clear view over most of Dreamland Gardens, including its haunted house exhibit where Xavia most likely is right now.