Wine and Kill

[legitlessgrump]

Atrum Galliasta. Oh there were certainly more people deserving of hatred. That's what Hei initially thought of the man at first. Likely just some spoiled brat using his wealth to his advantage and all for a harem. Most of that was most certainly true. He just didn't expect so many orphans within his facility.

Poor children, he thought. He was no stranger to taking a life, even that of a child. Used right, even a child soldier could be one of the deadliest forces on the battlefield. Underestimating your foe was a mistake, and it was how he remained alive all these years. However, that was years ago. The longer he kept dancing to the same tune, the more he hated killing. All those feelings had to be buried. Yet there was always someone who was able to push the one button holding him back.

So he went undercover as one of the new members in his staff. Surprisingly, not easy to do. Some of them were indeed trained assassins, much like himself. He had to give some details of his fighting talents away sadly. But his bumbling nature act seemed to be the real winner, getting mocked almost as much as the Servant summoned to this war: Medea.

Not hard to figure out. Based on the details of the ritual and overhearing the conversations, he could put two and two together. Researching was another matter, and one he dug into when he should have been sleeping. She possessed the greatest challenge yet. One wrong move, and he would die, surely. Something seemed wrong however the more he watched the two, noting the outright abuse she suffered under his watch. Only a matter of time before she plotted gaining revenge.

Time was good for no one involved, as he overheard Atrum brag about getting a new Servant and disposing of her, making her kill herself out of spite. Medea was no saint, but compared to Atrum, who would casually kill children for a lousy crystal, she might as well be. Combined with his own anger, there laid only one path to take. No doubt a stupid plan. He had to put faith in someone who threatened to turn him into a toad for being unable to get her some wine. And yet somehow, this was an improvement from many of his other contracts with normal people and mages.

So he planned on getting close to her. Doing so casually was impossible. He needed a good reason to see her. So Hei lied, telling a story of how she might be hungry at least. Doubt would be natural, yet they let him do so, teasing that he just wanted to "sleep with the witch". Had to follow along, avoid rolling his eyes all the while. Truly, everyone here tested the limits of his patience. He wouldn't miss them if this plan worked.

And so, there he was, right in front to the door to her room. He knocked on the door casually, holding up a bag and a bowl with a lid on it.

"Um, miss Caster?" He called out in a familiar nervous voice. "I uh, it's Li! You remember, potential road victim? I was wondering if you would like some dinner I made. Um, it's only fried rice since uh…well you know how those people are. But it's special and I have some unique sauces if you wanna mix it up?"

He paused for a bit, pulling out from his jacket a rather large bottle of wine. Not cheap either, quite expensive looking. His voice lowered as he got closer to the door.

"I also stole some wine from Atrum's storage. I'm of course prepared to take the fall for this!"

Comments

/Spongebob voice 'One eternity later'

[colchismagecraft]

"It is hardly unfamiliar to me. Most of those who call on me seek to exploit me and my magic for their own ends, and then discard me when they have what they want. That is the way of things," A scowl came into the Witch's face. Even in Medea's lifetime, it was the same, wasn't it? Jason only used her so long as he needed her help in his wretched quest- "You speak as if you know of that, yourself."

Sorry, 'Li', but as he would soon discover, this Caster's moods were rather volatile.

But on the other hand, that did play into his hand once she tasted the food, expression brightening just slightly beneath her hood. She had...almost forgotten what a home cooked meal tasted like. Simple though it was, it tasted good.

"Well, I have no objections if you want to talk." At least, she wasn't going to chase him out with her magic! She paused, then, adding with a smaller voice; "...Come to think of it, I think this is the first thing I've eaten since I was summoned to this war. I suppose it wasn't something I thought about."

[legitlessgrump]

"I'm sure you've seen my boss." All said with a simple smile, as if nothing was wrong. "It's not just you he does this to. You should have seen the last guy who had this job--Actually, you probably don't want the meal spoiled, nevermind."

He recalled the details. The last man wasn't even a spy. Just a simple mistake that embarrassed the mage, and well, he was apparently beaten up and used for that crystal project. Hei had been careful to make sure his goofs never went too far.

"He's treated you rather poorly, and I can sadly relate to that at least." The smile faded, gaze a bit distant. "And not just with him either. Mages can be cruel in this world in multiple ways, as can just regular people."

Finding a way to relate to Medea might be helpful, though it still meant walking on glass. But on the other hand, he didn't have to lie nearly as much, given what the last war had taken from him.

[colchismagecraft]

“I remember, yes… I imagine the Master is already plotting to dispose of me, but you’ve managed to play things quite carefully, haven’t you?”

Medea helped herself to a little soy sauce. Not a confirmation she thought his bumbling was an act, she wasn’t sure of that herself, but he had been able to toe the line enough to stop himself getting killed by her or by her Master. That meant he couldn’t be entirely brainless.

“…If you hadn’t stolen his wine, I would wonder if he’d sent you here to get rid of me in his stead but- no, that arrogant man probably wants to do that personally. To finally get an upper hand on a Witch whose magic far outstrips his own.”

A twisted, bitter little smirk. It seemed, the more he was willing to open up, she was more inclined to do the same in turn. After all, Medea had a tendency to mirror how she was treated.

“…I doubt he’d need much excuse to try and do the same to you. We both know how he is.”

[legitlessgrump]

She was sharp, to be expected. Simply going with all lies likely wouldn't have worked, not without getting closer. And obviously, there was no time to suddenly work his way in such a close state. But on the other hand, she was on guard and even guess what was happening. Convincing her might be easier than he thought.

His gaze hardened a bit at her words, and he nodded. "Indeed. And a man willing to sacrifice children, and for paltry gain, isn't worthy of your time or power."

He went next to Medea, leaning on the table. He was closer to strike with his hidden knives. But he was also closer to be easy to hit with a spell. Even if Casters were the weakest physically, they still had enough power to overpower a simple human. He saw her get hit by that annoying man, but everyone knew Medea could fry him within a blink of an eye. A frown was on his face.

"Truthfully, I am the kind of man that would be his assassin, were he not so vile." He pulled out one of the knives hidden under his shirt, setting it on the table. This was it, the big gamble. "He's actually my target. As for what, I'm sure you can guess. You saw what was going down in that lab of his."

He wasn't a hero, hardly even thought of himself as a good person. Too many lives died at his hand, and all so fruitlessly now thanks to the last Grail War. But given the venom in his voice now, even he had his limits.

Caster stop it

[colchismagecraft]

'And a man willing to sacrifice children, and for paltry gain, isn't worthy of your time or power.'

Well, that sure was a claim, wasn't it? Yes... she did loathe the Mage's actions, even before their inefficiency frustrated her, but Medea tried to read deeper into the comment. Given the nature of her legend, it was an ironic statement, and she could not be sure if he had done that intentionally at this point.

And then he stepped closer. His expression was far more serious now, and when his hand moved-

"Μαρδοξ." A quick spell, bolstered by her high-speed divine words. To cloak her body in shadow and product her manifestation. All the while, her keen eyes focused intently on his actions.

She did not think her Master had sent this one to kill her, but she was still cautious all the same. At least until she got gauge of who she was dealing with. Was he a potential ally, or a threat to them both?

"Yes, I saw his callously inefficient use of Magecraft. That on its own frustrates me. His methods deserve all the distain that can be given." She spoke coldly, but kept her own cards close to her chest. "...But tell me, why are you telling me this plan of yours?"

Her expression twisted then, from serious to a dark smirk. "Haha... you really have no idea what you're dealing with, do you? Or are you really here to remove the both of us? To take out that vile Magus and his Witch, for all of their evils?"

[legitlessgrump]

Well, this was it, he thought. Walking on glass and already it was cracking. But he showed no concern as he resumed speaking.

"If I just wanted you both dead, I doubt I need to do much," he spoke, pulling out his phone. On the screen had been a tracking device, a car right near a certain church. He wasn't sure if Medea knew about the safe place but--

"I overheard him. He does in fact want you gone. Knowing his connections and what I scouted beforehand, I think I know who he might send. Now, I could just leave that information and just handle my own business. You get information and a meal, I get to not be turned to ash, or however you wish to kill me. Instead, I want to offer a partnership, mutually beneficial, as you'll need a new master."

He turned his head, expression unchanging, right into her face.

"With the food and drink, I wanted to break the ice a bit. With the information...I want to establish trust. You can more than likely kill me, even if he breaks the contract right now, but to get my own revenge...I need your help."

His eyes seem to come alive, half-desperation, yet also a feeling Medea was too used to: a true desire for vengeance.

[colchismagecraft]

The aura of darkness around her didn't fade, but Caster still did not turn the wrath of her magic upon him directly.

It stung.

She knew that her Master was planning on getting rid of her. Knew he resented her, even, and that feeling was certainly mutual. And although she wasn't sure what that device of Li's did, she knew that his words meant she had even less time than she thought. If she couldn't find a way out of her Master's trap, she would almost certainly be dead before morning came.

The witch took another sip of wine, then... as if trying to savour what might be the closest she'd ever be able to get to her wish in this war. A wish that felt so painfully far away at that moment.

...It was a small relief that the hood of her cloak partially covered her. Concealed the bitterness and anger and grief that washed into it- but perhaps, as he looked right into her face, he would see shades of that regardless.

So this assassin had it all planned out, then... and he needed her magic for it all to come together. Yes, if she helped dispose of her old Master, she would need a new pact- but 'mutually beneficial'... ha. As if she would believe that.

All the same, she couldn't help but glance to the plate she was still holding- to the meal she had half eaten already. He hadn't needed to do that, had he?

"And you expect me to believe that you won't toss me aside once you have what you want? It wouldn't be the first time, for me." For all she tried to hide her expression, the hurt tumbled out in her voice all the same.

As it was, though, it was painfully apparent that she needed to cooperate if she wanted to survive tonight. And that aside, she recognised it. That desperate, all-consuming vengeance in his eyes. One so intimately woven into her own being-

"But... if you are looking for someone to help you carry out bloody vengeance, well, you might find that I'm the right woman to have on your side, after all."

[legitlessgrump]

He recognized some of the pain in her voice. She was Medea, there was of course some pain in her life. But he didn't always know if the Servants found peace. Definitely not the case here. But based on her words, on the way she talked, maybe he could use that.

His gaze turned more sorrowful, forcing himself to dredge up more memories.

"When it comes to payback, it's not him. He's just a job, and my way into this war."

He sighed, grabbing the wine. He refilled her glass, before taking a swig of it for himself. He did it for a few seconds, before putting it down. Not really a drinker himself, but he felt he needed it given what his life had.

"The last grail war took everything from me." He started out, not hiding bitterness. "I was still a kid, trying to keep my sister safe, my team even. Then the city, it just...fire...nothing but fire everywhere. We did so well avoiding the chaos and..."

He stared back at Caster, frowning. "You know what it's like, finding your sister barely clinging to life? She was the only family I had left, the reason I became who I am. And they just...they..."

He sighed, trying to compose himself. But lord, it was hard.

[colchismagecraft]

"So you are intending to fight in the Grail War yourself, hm? Good."

And it seemed this one intended to follow through, unlike her current Master. That increased her own chances of being able to have her wishes granted, if he was true to his word. She couldn't be sure on his own wish, but perhaps if he got his vengeance, that would satisfy him.

Another sip of wine, listening carefully to what he had to say. The bitterness, the pain- that was clear in his voice. And just as her own composure had wavered, Li's did as well.

That was new information about the Grail, wasn't it? About the end of the last war...information that raised a great many questions about what this meant for her quest for the Grail, and for his. But right now, that was not an immediate problem.

...Because yes, she did know what it was like. All the same, it felt tactless to admit such a thing- after all, her brother had died by her own hand, not that of others. Comparing that to his sister's death would be callous, even for her.

Medea put the plate aside for the moment, expression harder to read as she reached over with a creepy, gloved hand--

And rested it on his shoulder, if he'd let her, giving it a little squeeze. She doubted it gave the man much comfort. Nothing helped ease a pain like that, not really. But the tiny part of her that still held warmth in her heart wanted to try.

Yes. She knew what it meant to lose everything.

"...then, you want to see them destroyed for everything that they've taken from you. I can understand that."

[legitlessgrump]

He didn't move when touched. If she ever touched him, he had only expected pain to follow before he could react. Though he never faced down a Servant, he faced mages that boasted they were close enough, able to put him through walls and make him bleed with ease. Hell, he could kill regular people with a touch and prolonged contact. But to his surprise, he didn't feel fear or pain. He didn't know what to think though, simply staying still and eventually sighing once she spoke.

"...Yeah. I know...I know she, they would want me to be happy and free. But I won't be, not until I make sure whoever ruined my life that day is dead."

Maybe then, the nightmares would finally end.

[colchismagecraft]

She moved her hands close to her chest after that, mentally scolding herself for getting distracted.

They didn't have much time.

But still... it did give more evidence to the idea he wouldn't harm her immediately. He could have easily driven one of his hidden knives into her the moment he got close, right?

"People who insist on such things rarely understand, do they? That once vengeance is all that is left to us, we will do everything in our power to achieve it."

Medea sighed. If he was being honest about his intentions, she should do the same. Come to think of it... her Master had never even asked her that much, had he?

"As for me...I intend to win this war with whatever power I need to call upon. What becomes of this city, of the other Servants and their Masters, that matters little so long as I can claim the Grail for myself. I can't do that with the Master here."

[legitlessgrump]

Wasn't that the truth? Even when vengeance had briefly left his mind, life kept throwing one curveball after the other, soon even taking away his new team. But it left him with nothing, reminding him of what started it all, and how he desperately needed to kill his targets.

But then there was her plan. This...was risky. Caster was still a wildcard, and even she admitted she'd do anything to win. However, maybe...just maybe that was what he needed. And if he was being honest to himself, there wasn't lot he had left. Not that he didn't value life, he took on this job partly to save the children here. But his own life, well, hardly cared for it at this point. That's why he was taking the gamble with Caster in the first place, right?

"You can take the Grail," he spoke. "However, I don't wish to have a repeat of what happened years ago. I know it's impossible to avoid casualties. There's going to be a river of blood tonight within this building soon after all. But if we can work on minimizing spilling the blood of civilians, you have my guarantee not only the Grail, but I will do everything to serve and protect you."

He paused, before pointing at the bowl of food she had pushed away.

"...You at least know I am good at cooking, if nothing else."

About the only thing he could think of at this point to help sway her. But she did seem to be coming around to the idea anyway.

[colchismagecraft]

So there was still something in him- something that wanted to protect the people of the city. Strange, for a self-proclaimed assassin, wasn't it? But surely by the same card, it was strange for a witch to want to release the children who were being held here. Especially given her legend.

"Then, if you want to minimise bloodshed, you'll have no objections in me releasing the children held here and destroying his workshop for good measure, I take it?"

Well, even if he had objections, she had planned to do such a thing for good measure regardless.

"So long as our goals align, I suppose I can lend you the strength of my magic. As it is, we both have the same enemy, here."

At the very least, he was offering her the Grail.

She would come to see in time, if his words were to be trusted. All the same- his promise to serve and protect her- that made something stir up inside her before she could help herself. A little warmth, in the cold night.

No. Be careful. Don't let this man's words disarm you.

Caster's glance followed his hand to the half-finished plate. She collected it again, although wondered how much time she would really have to indulge in such a thing before they would need to act.

She'd acknowledge his skill, all the same;

"...You are. Yes. And...I do want to see what you can cook if we can get hold of a wider variety of ingredients."

Was that a strange thing to think about, under the circumstances? Well, he had brought the topic up to start with. Perhaps that was, for her, some desperate attempt to latch onto a hope they would both survive another day.

[legitlessgrump]

He nodded. "Yeah. That was actually part of my original job. Most of them are orphans, but quite a few are from families. I planned on waiting longer, but..."

His eyes shifted briefly towards her, then away again. He didn't Caster for the deed. Rather, it fell to the ego of the man they wanted to pay. It was hard not to feel bad for them, not given a choice and stripped of all hope. Reminded him all too well of the life he led and had seen play out repeatedly for his kind.

Still, it seemed they were in agreement. Good. Phase one was complete. Now he just had to do the rest of the plan.

"I'll agree to the terms." He outstretched his hand, calmly, face unflinching to Medea. He wouldn't have more tricks. This was him at his most open.

"My real name is Hei by the way...well, the only name I can really remember anymore."

Especially when that boy died a long time ago. Despite the grim thought though, he attempted a small smile.

"After this, I'll cook you a proper feast and show you what I can really do."

[colchismagecraft]

Good. It was an alliance, then- and in turn, a little smile formed on the witch's face as she took his hand. Whatever was to come after this, it was a relief to have someone alongside her she could rely on tonight. Now, it was just a matter of dealing with her Master, and then-...

"Hei, then...hm." Her hand tightened it's grip, just a little, as his words distracted her from her thoughts. Was it not strange, to trust her with a secret like that? And his expression, there was no trepidation in it. Even if she did not know what sort of a person he truly was just yet, she could tell he was opening up to her.

And Caster- Medea- was someone who reflected how she was treated.

"Most would call it foolish to trust the Witch of Betrayal so readily." A jab that almost sounded playful, before her voice turned serious once again. His promise of food was very much appealing, yes, but there was something that had to be taken care of before anything else, wasn't there? "Well...if we're doing formal introductions, I suppose I should oblige in kind."

"I meant it when I said that if you needed someone to enact bloody vengeance, I would be the right Servant to have on your side. After all, my name was written in legend for such a thing, when I made certain the wretched hero who wronged me had everything he cared for burned to the ground."

"If you truly know what you're getting yourself into, you may have realised by now, but; I am a magus who hails from the Age of Gods, the Colchian Sorceress, Medea."

[legitlessgrump]

He most certainly knew. That mage loved to talk a big game, and his little performance just to embarass her (even if he looked more like the fool) told it all. He didn't feel any sense of fear, more at ease now. Even if he was signing with the devil themselves, Hei saw in Medea something human. That alone made this contract all the more worth it.

Nodding, he lightly shook her hand, small smile still there, unflinching. "Nice to formally meet you, Medea. Truthfully, they do have a title for me as well."

Reaching into his shirt, he pulled out a white mask, simple in design, a lightning around the eye of it. He put it over his face a moment later.

"They call me The Black Reaper. There's more of a story there, but--" He pointed to the phone, tracker on the move. "We should probably talk over our next meal when we make it out of here. Can you handle the lab? I'll handle his guards in the meantime."

Not having the kids in his mind would definitely help him clear it for the fights ahead.

[colchismagecraft]

The Black Reaper and the Witch of Betrayal, was it?

"A pleasure to meet you as well. Hmhm, we make quite the team, don't we?"

But the time for discussion was over, for now. Whatever that device of his did, it made it very clear that they needed to act immediately. Medea nodded quickly, an expression of surprise coming into her face for a moment. He knew her legend, and yet;

"...Yes, if you trust me with such a thing. I should be able to make quick work of things there, and deal with the Master when he inevitably comes running."

She was sure that as soon as he realised his workshop was under threat, the Master would act quickly- but she had a plan.

[legitlessgrump]

He rose up from his seat, and took back the knife he had on the table. Twirling it into his hand, he started to move to the door. Before opening, he looked back at his partner in crime. However, this felt like anything but, with the mage they sought to kill.

"When you get to the kids, tell them to run down the street and make a left. The police station will be there, and I know someone there who can help."

A connection who would want him to be turned in, but there were much bigger concerns right now. He'd have to endure the yelling from the police woman another time.

"And in ten seconds, the power will go out for a while. I rigged it earlier to a device, and the darkness should give us an advantage. I'll meet you back in the lab once we're done. Agreed?"

1/2

[colchismagecraft]

Medea took another quick mouthful of food, before putting the leftovers aside. Time to get this done and be rid of her wretched Master...and hope that, in the aftermath, they would be able to make it out quickly. She gave him a nod in agreement.

Taking some dragon fangs into her hand, she scattered them to the floor, getting a few skeletal familiars to rise up around her. They would help guard her in the darkness.

"Of course. Well then, do try not to get yourself killed."

And with that- the witch made her exit just after him, an ominous ritual knife manifesting in her hand as she did so.

Time to get this done-

2/2 For goodness sake Caster stop being so paranoid

[colchismagecraft]

She had done as he'd asked- well, really, as she'd planned to do from the beginning. With the children free, Medea set the lab ablaze, shattering his equipment with well-placed blasts of magic. And as expected, it did not take long for one Atrum Galliasta to make his appearance.

Medea was ready for him.

Even as he insulted her, threatened her, barraged her with Command Seals- she had already severed their pact. There was nothing he could do to escape the fires she turned on him as well.

By the time Hei came to find her in the ruins of the lab, a charred corpse was all that remained.

"...I hope you didn't want him in one piece," she said with a smirk, making sure that her cloak was securely around herself before she gestured to the remains.

A horrible thought was stuck in the back of her mind all the same; that he would use the chance she was at her weakest to get rid of her, now his mission here was done. It went against everything he'd already said, but still- but still-

She hoped, at least, she could hide her own wound. Even as a little blood had started to drip to the floor.

In fairness, he does kinda kill people for money so...

[legitlessgrump]

When the lights went out, Hei moved swiftly, changing in his usual suit once he and Medea separated. As expected, the goons were arriving in full force, searching through the area. Thankfully, the darkness proved to be his second best ally of the night, cloaking him as he casually killed the assassins. Even when he had been cornered, the explosions from the lab served as a fantastic distraction. By the time he finished up, he looked out the window, watching the kids retreat safely. A smile had been given under his mask. Good, this partnership might work better than intended.

Thankfully some things worked, like the elevator. No sign of the Servant Atrum hired on, so maybe they were just taking their time. The sight before him though only confirmed it, as he saw the mage in a burning heap.

"I'll admit, I wanted to at least punch him. But I'm sure you could outdo any revenge I would have wanted."

Wasn't often he wished for someone to die painfully, save for certain people in the last Grail War. Atrum though, for what he did to those children, deserved to die a slow death, painful as well. Burning certainly seemed to be a good one.

Eyes flicked over to Medea clearly hiding something. Maybe she got hurt? Hard to tell from here, but he did need her in one piece. He held out his own hand, carefully making his way towards her amidst the flames in the lab.

"Show me where it hurts," he said, softly this time. "Not quite a healer, but I can stitch up wounds with my magic."

True... and injury tw

[colchismagecraft]

"He screamed and screamed as I let him know exactly who he was dealing with... haha, that was certainly satisfying." If he had any doubts she made sure he had suffered before his death!

At what he said next though, Medea's grew a little tense- but the hand Hei held out to her was empty. She glanced to his other hand, too, watching for a sign of a weapon that would finish her.

It was with some trepidation that she moved her cloak aside- and, more reluctantly, the hand that had been clasping at her stomach- revealing a bloody stab wound, already staining the dress around it deep red.

Thankfully, a Servant could survive even an injury like that for longer than a normal human, but the clock was ticking.

"Your magic can do such a thing, hm...?"

[legitlessgrump]

Stomach wound? That wasn't good. Granted, she was likely much more durable than he figured. Regardless, it was a wound that needed mending. He knelt down before the Caster, hand gently placed over the wound.

"Yeah. If I can understand the material, I can manipulate it."

Never tried it on a Servant before. But the flow of magic could be read and give him all the answers he needed, in time. Closing his eyes, it would take a few moments, as he tried his best to understand how her body worked.

Soon enough though, Caster would feel the blood retract, the skin stitch itself back together. Not pleasantly though, the same pain would be reexperienced in reverse. But her hand would be as good as new now.

He sighed, pulling the hand away from the job. Easily the longest he had to do this for. "...so...how does it feel?"

I shouldn't write late night tags but here we are lol I'm invested

[colchismagecraft]

A Servant's manifestation was an echo- a manifestation woven together by mana. Similar to a familiar, but not quite, certainly able to be read by his magic. Maybe it helped that the wound itself was caused by a magical dagger, maybe not, if he could even tell such a thing.

As Hei knelt down before her, Medea's eyes kept their sharp focus on his hands. Just in case, just in case, just in case-

It became quickly apparent that his plan wasn't to harm her.

Sure, the unpleasant feeling of her wound coming together sent a sharp wash of dread through her, but before her mind even caught up with what was happening, Medea found herself gripping tight onto his shoulder to steady herself. It hurt...! It hurt- it hurt and...even as she flinched, Medea took some comfort in that touch between them.

At least, soon enough, it was over. She prodded at the tear in her dress, and sure enough her stomach wound had completely disappeared. Now that was a surprise.

"That's...that is certainly impressive magic."

...It seemed she only remembered then that she needed to let him go, finally releasing his shoulder.

Same, even if it ain't that late over here!

[legitlessgrump]

It was surprisingly easier than he thought. Still took a while, but the fact that he was able to did help his confidence a bit with the plan. At least now he knew he could stitch together a powerful being like Medea.

But their closeness. It felt...intimate, her hand gripping his shoulder making him suppress a shudder. Contact was rare. He too was used to pain, used to being stabbed or put through walls. Concern? Fear? Looking for comfort? A rarity. It didn't help with how she was dressed, in the same colors as Yin. He slowly looked up at her, thankful the mask hid his features.

He could have sworn he saw a ghost in Medea.

"...my sister. She originally had this ability, before she transferred it to me."

Before the day she just vanished. Slowly, his own hand retreated back to his side. Had to think back on the plan, make the contract official, escape, and--

The elevator chimed. Shit, he forgot all about it being active. He didn't even hear it when fixing up Medea. And the doors soon opened, revealing a tall man, clad in what looked like a blue jumpsuit. Turning around, he paled under the mask, spotting a familiar earring.

"Yo," spoke the man, clearly annoyed at being here. "Guess I'm too late huh? Well, saw this guy, seemed like a prick, and it looks like my guess was right. Place reeks of mad scientist vibes."

He glanced between the two, and summoned a red spear. Hei was surprised at how well the colors contrasted, and at the power he could feel from the long distance they shared. And that fear seemed to grow, when the Lancer seemed to smile.

"Still, to think I'd find you of all people. Black Reaper, right? Had I known, I'd come sooner! I mean, I doubt I'm getting much of a fight, but I'm sure you and the old hag over there can help me vent a little!"