Okumura Syndicate

Chapter 147: A Stark Halt

"Vox! How are things keeping my love?", said an unexpected voice. To Vox's dismay, Edward had gotten out of bed and was wandering down the corridors. Keeping his cool, Vox answered his boyfriend, "Everything's in order Eddie! By the way, what are you doing out of bed? You need your rest!", insisted the green man. Edward gave Vox a confused look, "I rested all morning, surely that's enough."

"What's so important that you get up from a well deserved break?", pondered Vox. "I was just paying a visit to Catoria, she has letters that need urgent appeal from the man in charge.", Edward informed. "Don't you worry about a thing, Eddie! I'll do it instead!", enthused Vox. Edward put a hand on his lover's shoulder and glanced at him sincerely. "It's a boss's job, I'm sure you understand.", insisted the vampire.

Vox was frustrated, he wanted to lie but physically couldn't, "Damn this ability!", he thought. How could he manipulate a situation while still telling the truth? "Vox, are you sure you're okay? I'm sure being in charge this morning has really taken a toll on you...", asked a concerned Edward. That was it, Edward cared, he could use this to his advantage, "You've had fifteen years of this, wouldn't you feel worse?", he questioned. However Edward answered would determine the fae's next move.

"I-I guess you're right...", admitted Edward. "Being the boss whittles you down." he added. The man was clearly a mess, he continued, "You think that you're helping your subordinates by giving them a safe space to live and then kill their spirits with the job, it puts you in a predicament of not being able to understand the people you try so hard to protect.". Vox found a way he could use this...

The truthful man made sure to word carefully, no lies, but no exposure of his plan, this was where he excelled, "I'll show them a new world, one that will change them. One day is all I need, if you let me take over for you the rest of the day...", he announced. Edward was intrigued, "Very compelling, the exact reason I love you!", he expressed. "So you accept?", enquired Vox. "We have a deal, my love!", enthused Edward.

The taller man stumbled back to his quarters as Vox headed to Catoria's. After all, a boss must do any and all duties he can. Upon entering the office, Vox could see Catoria was incredibly stressed, much like 3 days ago when she went out on the field. "Vox? I assumed Edward was going to show up.", she commented. "My dear boyfriend is resting for the first time in fifteen years, I'm taking on his duties for today.", he remarked.

"But Fleur-", Catoria knew an underboss would take over in a boss's absence and was aware of Fleur's recent promotion. "It's only been 2 days, can we be sure she's experienced enough?", he questioned. "You could be right...", replied Catoria. "She can be emotional at times, because she's so young...", added the succubus. "Young and emotional you say?", the underboss heard the conversation and stormed through the door.

"Becoming acting boss without informing me at all?! If you think you can get away with that Vox, you'd better be mistaken!", announced Fleur. "And this is exactly why I'm the big boss today. Look at her face Catoria, so immature, so unprepared.", taunted Vox. Catoria wanted to level the situation, "Surely both of you can lead in some way, we could start with my letters, if that helps.", suggested Catoria. "No-", Vox was interrupted by Fleur, "Yes, that would be great!", she enthused.

"I've been getting a lot of messages from the Renegard syndicate lately, many rather hostile towards the syndicate. What do you make of it?", asked Catoria. Fleur, being knowledgeable on the rival syndicate, knew exactly what to say, "It must be something to do with Aster, Craaq and I, as well as a friend we made along the way, thwarting their plans to allow Rou to join thier ranks.", she stated.

"Aren't you a smart child?", Vox said condescendingly to the elf girl. Fleur took no notice, "If tensions rise between our syndicates, I'll get the capos to send a few soldiers there to settle things.", she promised Catoria. "Solving tensions between syndicates, so boring. Why don't we just mess with them instead?", Vox suggested. "This is why you're not a suitable acting boss!", Fleur emphasised. "You'll just use people for your own desires.", she then clarified.

"I think we're finished here...", said Catoria awkwardly. "Me too.", replied Fleur. The pink haired girl then stared firmly at Vox as she left the room,"You can pretend to be the boss all you want, but I'm helping Sir Edward, and you're not getting in my way!", Fleur announced. "Good luck with that.", sniggered Vox. Tension between the consigliere and underboss was only getting greater as time went on. But was Fleur truly prepared for what Vox has in store?