The Captain Grille was just as beautiful as it had been the first time I stepped through its doors. The snowflakes that had covered my coat and hat started to melt as soon as the warmth of the building spilled down onto me. The lunch service of this restaurant was a bit slow with only a few tables being used, though in the back I could see the woman I was looking for. I never had gotta a chance to question this woman about the information Ori told me about. So I came here, remembering that this was her favorite restaurant in the city. Whitney was sitting across from another woman from this angle all I could see was her wavy black hair with a few dark red streaks running through it. My client quickly excused herself before walking over to me, she was dressed in blue jeans and a black vest protecting her light red and white sweater. “What are you doing here?” She asked with fake smile. “I believe I told you to wait for me at home my darling niece.”
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I looked over towards the receptionist at her small desk and then back at Whitney. I stood up on my tip toes like a little kid would and put on my best puppy dog eyes. “I was lonely at home and wanted to spend time with my auntie. See what she does, eat what she does.”
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“Ms. Dawnbreaker, it is no trouble for us to get a seat set up for your niece.” The college aged girl said her hair tied back in a ponytail. “We can get her order in and be added to you and your business partner in a few minutes.”
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Whitney looked over at the girl and than back at me. “Of course, I would love you to join me darling.” She said through gritted teeth. I held my hand out to her, hiding a wince as her long nails dung into my wrist. “Thank you for this, Elizabeth.” She thanked the woman before leading me over to the table in the back. “Why are you here and drop your adorable child act for a moment!”
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“I had something to ask you and it couldn’t wait.” I said in a hushed voice. The closer we got to this woman the more the hair on the back of my neck started to raise. A dark red jepei energy was flowing from her and there was something very dark about it. “W-Who is this woman?”
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“You will see in a moment.” Whitney Dawnbreaker walked over to the woman who had now turned around a bit. She had a pair of piercing red eyes that would give my mother fierceness a run for its money. She was a good looking woman with a rectangle shaped head that ended in her pointed jaw. She looked like she was maybe in her late 40ths or early 50ths. “I am sorry for this intrusion Lady Blackthorn, this is the young lady I had spoken of, the one that is taking care of our slight issue.”
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She spoke with a mix of an American and Spanish accent. Now that I was closer I could see her tanned skin that shined like polished bronze. “It is no intrusion at all, we were just finishing our little meeting.” As I stepped in front of the woman she held out one of her hands. It was covered with expensive looking rings. Around her neck was a dark red netrix crystal with the head of a tiger, though hers was cracked, the sign of a dark order user. “It is a pleasure to meet the heir to the throne of the Oren. My name is Lady Serena Blackthorn.”
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“Ivy Oren, heir to the throne of the oren.” I greeted taking her hand and giving it a small shake.
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“I have not been in your people’s presence in nearly 10 years. Not after I hired your father for a mission, wonderful results, truly perfect.” She motioned towards an empty chair. “Please sit down, I am curious what has brought you here without any interruption.”
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I cautiously sat down before her, I could feel Aiko’s fear starting to spread through my body. “I had a few questions about something I learned recently. Something that might help me better track down my target.”
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“Ah yes, Ori Oikawa I believe her name was. She has been causing quite the issues for my former student here.” This woman looked away from me and onto Whitney Dawnbreaker, her long red nails trailing around the brim of her mostly empty wine glass. She reached out and picked up a bottle of wine and poured three glasses. Refiling her’s, one for my client and then she gave one for me. Though mine was filled halfway.
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“Isn’t she a bit too young for wine, Lady Blackthorn?” Whitney questioned.
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“I believe our little friend can handle a few sips of wine, my mother gave me my first task when I was no older than her.” She smiled at me, all of her mannerisms made her seem so nice and kind, from the gentle smile on her face to the warmth in her eyes. Yet underneath all of that, her words held in the air in such a way that it sent a taint of fear rushing up my spine. “Aren’t you gonna try some?”
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“Thank you, madam.” I said politely as I took a small sip. It was strong, so strong that it tasted disgusting, I forced my face to remain still not wanting her to think I was nothing more than a child. “I ran into my target last night, I tricked her into trust me and she let a lot of information lose.”
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“If you ran into her last night then what happened?” Whitney asked.
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“As I was going to finish her, someone called the police so I needed to leave. No evidence was left that I was even there.” I explained.
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Whitney let out a small sigh. “I believe I saw that on the news this morning, so I am guessing she is in a nearby hospital.”
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“She is and I am going there soon, no need to worry about that.” I said, forcing another sip of wine down my throat. “I was interested in some odd history she told me, and seeing that you are the best historian in this city I wanted to bring it up to you. What do you know about the city of Atlantis?”
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“Ah yes the famed city that sank due to the wrath of poseidon. A wonderful read written by the great plato.” Serena said bring her chin to rest on her outstretched hand, looking at me with an icy gaze. “Do you know the true story of that ancient city?”
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“That is why I came, she told me a story of two cities Atlas and Titus. One was off the coast of Japan and the other in between Nigeria, Gambo and Cameroon. That apparently God chose two tribes to protect the trident of the leviathan. One with their name lost to time and the other known as the Oikawa clan that still lives to this day. She was adopted into that clan and is looking for those pieces of the trident.”
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Once I finished I Whitney was the first to speak up. “An interesting theory, but it is one I have not seen so far. Madam Blackthorn what do you think?”
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“I have heard this theory, The Oikawa Clan and The Yemoja Tribe, both lay claims to the trident if it was ever to be found. The Yemoja tribe was wiped out, mostly lost to the world during the Atlantic slave trades. The Oikawa clan was nearly wiped out during the first great war in Japan. I believe there was a story that they began to fight over who truly could hold the trident and went to war with each other. Their cities sunk beneath the waves as punishment for fighting like the children they were.” Selena explained. “Did she tell you anything else of interest?”
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I don’t know what made me lie to her but something was telling me not to tell her the truth. “Not much else, only that my client is very evil and not to trust you or something like that. That you are a member of the dark order or something like that.”
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Serena looked at me for a few seconds that felt like hours before straightening up. “Well I am sure you can tell that I am clearly a member and I am surprised you don’t know who I truly am.”
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“With all due respect madam, my family doesn’t care about the conflict between the Order of the claw and The Dark Order, so I apologize for not knowing your great name.” For a brief moment a look of annoyance fell across her face almost like that of a pout. “I would be honored if you informed me who you are, Madam Blackthorn.”
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“Lady Blackthorn, Madam makes me sound older than I am.” She said with a slight laugh. “It is fine if you don’t know who I am for now. Just remember that I am someone that is to be respected the next time we meet.” 185Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEh1T7rniMA
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“Have I not been respectful, Lady Blackthorn?” I asked in mock hurt.
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“You have been wonderful, my dear.” Lady Blackthorn said. “It was just a warning for next time, I know children sometimes like to be cheeky, especially around those who they might think put up with it.”
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“I will remember your words of advice, my lady.” I said with a slight bow.
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“If I might be so rude as to change the subject.” Whitney interrupted. “But is there anything else you want to know while you have two of the greatest historians with you at the moment.”
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I slowly nodded my head, having thought of this question as carefully as I could. “Why are you trying to put The Trident back together anyway?”
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Lady Blackthorn spoke up first. “That is none of your concern.” She answered with a small wave of her hand.
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“It is my concern madam, my target is very clever and perhaps knowing what your plan is would help me figure out what she is gonna do next. As you know the Oren take secrets to the grave with us, not a soul living nor dead know the secrets that lay with my family.”
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Lady Blackthorn slowly shook her head, a small tisk escaping her lips three times. “Some secrets are best not to be told. Even to those that might take it to the grave. What we want with that trident is none of your concern. Am I clear?”
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“But madam it could.”
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“Am I clear?” The tone of her voice was enough for me to shut my mouth. “Such a curious girl you are and while it is good to be curious about certain things. Remember.” I tensed up as she brought one of her fingers to rest on the bottom chin. She slowly forced my head up to look her in the eyes. “Curiosity kills the cat, or in this case. Curiosity with crush the serpent.”
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“Y-yes madam, I understand.”
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“I told you already no calling me Madam.” She removed her hand yet the feeling never left my chin. “It makes me feel older than I actually am.” She repeated with a bit more firmly. “Call me Lady, Ma’am, or if you are bold enough. Serena, just Serena.”
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“Thank you, Miss Serena.” I settled on.
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Eventually our food arrived mine coming a few minutes laters. My mother taught me how to eat like a proper lady from the age of five. If I wasn’t good enough she would lightly tap my knuckles or wrists with a wicked metal ruler. A ruler that somehow “Disappeared” one night. All of her lessons were being put to the test as this woman seemed to watch me like I was some kind of prey. She and Whitney discussed old times and they didn’t seem like friends or even work colleagues. It was a maternal way they spoke to each other, I doubted that Ms. Serena was Whitney's mother, but maybe adoptive mother? My client spoke to this woman almost like how a child would when recounting their day to their parents after school. This woman never interrupted she just sat and listened, sometimes offering a wise word of advice or praise that made Whitney beam with a sense of pride. It was almost odd seeing a grown woman act like this.
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“Ivy.” I nearly jumped out of my skin as she suddenly called my name. “My apologies, Lady Ivy would be more fitting. Is there any chance you can do me a slight favor?” Serena asked.
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“Depends on the favor and how much you are willing to pay for it.” I said with a tiny grin. “Oren's services are never free.”
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“The Oren have more money than they could possibly know what to do with, but I suppose some people care more about material things than others.” This woman placed a hand on her netrix gemstone and a large red tiger appeared. Another sigh of the dark order as this beast had what looked like whip marks across its back and side. Aiko choses to serve and obey me sometimes, the dark order forces their own spirit animal into submission. “Amor, go to my car and get me the small briefcase on the floor.”
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“Yes my master.” She whispered back before padding off phasing through one of the walls like spirit animals tended to do.
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“Why?” I thought to myself. “Why hurt such a beautiful spirit animal?”
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“I do not hurt her.” She answered almost as if she could read my mind. “I have had her obedient since I first awakened her. Remember little one, God gave us power over every creature, they are made to obey to our will. Spirit animals included.”
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“Her wounds would say otherwise.” I said glaring at her for a moment. I stood up to my feet, nearly throwing my chair over in the process. “Pardon me, I need to use the restroom.”
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“Remember to wash your hands.” She called out almost mockingly.
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As soon as I walked into the bathroom. I pressed my back against the door and slowly sat down until my bottom was on the cold marble floor. “Aiko come here please.” I whispered, feeling a single tear rush down my face. As soon as my prized serpent took her form I brought her into my arms. I let out a shaky breath as I kissed the top of her head. “If a day comes where I lose my mind and dare to harm you like she does her animal spirit. Promise me you will kill me.”
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“I won’t kill you,” Aiko said, escaping my arms to wrap herself around my shoulders. She hovered her head in front of me using her tongue to gently lick my tear away. “I would beat some sense into you sissy.” She whispered, bringing her head to now nuzzle against my cheek. “Besides, we both know you can’t beat me in a fight, silly girl.”
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It took a few minutes for me to regain my composer enough to go back and face them. The two women were speaking a bit more seriously to each other. My client looked as if she had just received a scolding of some kind. Sitting beside them with a small chrome briefcase was that poor tiger spirit. I avoided looking at it I wanted to get this over with, I looked at my phone as it vibrated once. Mr. Benny had responded to my text I sent him and I was happy to hear he was nearby. “Welcome back, Lady Ivy.” Serena greeted with that same icy smile. She snapped her fingers and the tiger walked over setting the case down next to my chair.
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“What do you need me to do?” I asked.
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“Nothing too big really, I just want a small job taken care of.” She brought her chin to rest on top of her folded hands. “200,000 dollars for you to find something for me. It has come to my attention that your target has also stolen something else very important to me. Something I thought I could trust, Whitney, to keep safe for me. She has taken a small cross from me, one I had made from very special wood. Once you retrieve it, do me a favor and destroy it.”
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“Why do you want something like that destroyed?” I asked.
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“None of your concern, just do as you are told.” She said with a dark smile. “You can do this for me, correct?”
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“How do you want me to tell you the deed is done?” I asked.
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She reached into her purse and handed me a posted note. “You can simply send me a picture of it in pieces or burning. I don’t care which.”
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“Consider it done.” I said, slipping the note into my jeans pocket.
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“Good girl, I like when things go my way and I am not a fan of failure. Something that you best remember, cause I am not as kind as my dear friend when it comes to failure.”
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“I will remember that if we ever do business.”
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“Finish this for me and finish the job for Whitney and I am sure you will be receiving a lot more work from us.”
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As soon as we entered our hotel room, the door was closed and locked. I walked over to Mr. Benny. “Do you need something, Lady Ivy?” He asked.
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“You tell no one I asked this of you.” I looked up at him with blurred vision and he seemed surprised to see me openly crying in front him. “Please hold me, just hold me like I am one of your children.”
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Mr. Benny lifted me up into his arms and sat down on my bed. I curled up against his chest and allowed silent tears to fall from eyes. “What happened?” He whispered to me not like that of a butler but of the father he was.
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“T-There was a woman there. A member of the dark order.” I said through choked words. “I saw her animal spirit, I saw.” Memories of that probably once beautiful red tiger flashed through my head. The scars on its back and stomach, how it didn’t even have emotions.
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“You saw the pain,” Mr. Benny correctly guessed.
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I nodded my head against his chest. “Why? Why hurt something that you are supposed to love with all your hurt. Something you are raised to look at as a part of yourself, as a sister or daughter? Why!?”
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“The Dark Order believes they are above everyone, including animals and animal spirits. They don’t see their animal spirits as a part of themselves. They see that as a beast that needs to be tamed, beasts that need to fill the sting of a whip or the flat of a hand. That is what they believe in.” He explained softly, bringing me a bit closer to his chest.
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“She broke her spirit animal.”
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“I know hun, it is never a pretty sight.” Mr. Benny said soothingly. “Do not hold yourself back, let your tears fall like the rain. Allow yourself to be, even just for a few minutes, allow yourself to be a scared and hurt little girl. No one will know, you have my word on that.”
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All I could do was cry, I cried until my head started to pound like a drum. I didn’t like crying, I didn’t like people seeing me cry either. I had heard stories of what the dark order did but seeing it up close, knowing that the stories weren’t stories but just terrible truths did something to me. The Oren are supposed to stay neutral in this war for the kingdom. It shouldn’t bother me as much as it does, I couldn’t shrug it off no matter what I tried. Through my blurred tears I looked at the briefcase that was given to me. Suddenly I didn’t want it anymore, I didn’t want the blood money of an abuser. For a brief moment, a thought crept into my mind, one I had to shake to the deepest parts of my mind. I was an Oren, “you can’t kill someone without a price on their head.” I told myself.
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