#underteika 02

It had been the first and last (not really) time she'd seen them. However, this version of the ghost she saw back at that mansion was different. For one, they were not a spirit that she had to banish. Still, the memory of that time is fresh in her mind. She's been close to death so many times before. You know, being a shaman such as herself, it came with the job. Mediumship, shamanism, summoner, they were all connected to the world between life and death and she walked that very same path.

Anyway, all that to say: She wasn't avoiding them at all. She just wasn't sure how to approach someone that---well, from what she saw, was supposed to be dead. Maybe being dragged to this place saved their life?

[Text Message to Anda]

Dear Anda,

I hope this message finds you well. 

I regret to hear what happened yesterday involving Lady Reines and her new acquaintance. This person made very clear you were upset because of an incident involving ‘peaches’, ‘breakfast’ and our participation as NULL agents during the first week of the assault. 

Yes, this is regretfully true. Master chose to side with GPU for reasons I can somehow understand. She is concerned she will never return home, and as a first-class mage, having her power sealed is very distressing. 

Mages live by codes, rules, secrets and restrictions that many times will be deemed as questionable and cruel. But as a Servant I have learned dangers of war. 

I failed my previous Master, I never understood his pride as I was blinded by mine. I wish not to repeat this event. I wish Lady Reines and Lord El-Melloi II find their expectations fulfilled. 

I am a Knight and Servant, and knighthood itself is a life of devotion and compromise.  

Please, do not feel aggravated by the duties we faced together. I wish to believe my honor was never sullied when I wielded those weapons against the heroes of Spirale. 

As an apology for the incident, I wish to send you a proper gift from the marketplace. Unfortunately, my Star funds are slightly low this month. My debt will be fulfilled as Summer graces us. For the time being, I offer the promise and my word. 

Always Loyal.

Could it get any worse? Probably. But he didn’t want to see it. Finding that darned copy and then forcing it into the virtual space happyland or whatever. Denying his first instinct to unleash his magic against him had been a challenge. But Judar had learned the city’s power was enough to trouble him. 

They obviously cheated.

But now, his time grew thin.  At least the strange device acted like a compass of some sorts, almost as useful as his sight.

He was tired of levitating, only thirty minutes per day! He finally landed, bare feet against the cold pavement of Spirale. He shivered, cursing the cold and glaring ahead. His favourite clothes had proved awfully bad against the seasons, just like the year before (but he had probably forgotten). His memory still wasn’t the best. 

“Stupid copy”, he hissed and continued to walk ahead, arms wrapped around himself and the magic shield momentarily protecting him from the icy weather of the twelfth month. 

The evening was chilly and mist rolled across the quiet buildings of Fibonacci. Until he saw a familiar figure in the fog, that unforgettable purple head. 

Alone on a Friday night?  You were if you were Zelos Wilder.  He had saw Raine off to her apartment a few hours ago, and once he sobered up enough, he would find himself at the nearest convenience store, shoving as many cheap bottles of wine into his basket as he feasibly could.

But then, Anda had to round the corner.  Like a switch, Zelos lit up.