Vices and Maces

Chapter 43: Virgil's Anxiety is Going to Kill Him if Black Doesn't

Why did it resort to this? Why was this Virgil's only option for saving Janus? Sitting here in this bakery late at night felt like he was waiting for his execution. The satyr had called someone, asking for Burning Petals, and now she was watching him as they waited.

It was both awkward and terrifying, and the only thing that kept Virgil in his seat was the thought of finding Janus. Well, he knows where they are, but they need to get them out. Preferably alive.

Finally, finally a car parked outside the shop. Virgil recognized the vampire the moment he stepped out, walking up the steps and pulling the bakery door open. If this is a mistake, it's one Virgil's willing to make. He'd trade his life to make sure Janus is okay.

"Alright," the satyr sighed. "I'm gonna clean this place up. If you're going to stay, please don't make a mess." She glanced over to Virgil. "Keep it friendly."

She walked off to the back as the fae walked over to the table Virgil was sitting at. He sat down across from him, watching him carefully, making the dragon feel even smaller.

"I have to admit, I'm surprised you're here," Roman stated. "Now, what could Wolfsbane's weaponsmith possibly want with me?"

"I-I need help," Virgil squeaked out.

"So I've gathered. Are you trying to leave Wolfsbane?"

Why did this have to be harder than he thought it would be? How could he possibly explain the situation to him, and furthermore, how can he convince him to help? "I can't, not-not yet. Don't get me wrong, I want to but... Black has ways of convincing us to stay."

Roman nodded. "I had a feeling. So what is this about?" He looked around to make sure they were completely alone, glancing out the windows.

"M-my friend was kidnapped. I need help getting them back."

The vampire stood up. "I don't do search and recovery missions for anyone outside of my gang, especially a Wolfsbane member."

"Wait!" Virgil stood up. "I'll do anything I can, slow down weapons production, give you any secrets that may be helpful, anything at all. My friend- they're the only person I have left in this world. I don't have any family, no one in my life is a safe person but my friend... Please I can't stand to lose anyone else."

Roman turned to him. "You'd risk being caught as a mole for this person?"

The dragon nodded, blinking tears away. Then he remembered- "My friend, they're dating someone from your gang. I don't think they know anything about your gang, but on the off chance they do... it would be best for both of us if you help."

"Wait, they're dating someone from Bleeding Rose?" The vampire frowned, searching Virgil's face for any trace of dishonesty. "Who?"

"I-I don't know, it could be anyone." The dragon searched his memories. He lit up when he remembered something else. Maybe it won't be impossible to convince Petals? "B-but I think- o-or I know that he knows someone else from your gang! They- they're half orc I think? I think they had wings too, and a kid."

Roman's eyes grew wide. "What's your friend's name?"

Virgil looked up at him in surprise. "Their codename is Snakehead, after the plant. But-" He really needs this man to trust him. "But their name is Janus."

Roman pulled out his phone and dialed a number, putting the phone up to his ear as it rang. Virgil twisted around his hoodie string as he waited, focusing on his breathing. It was going to be okay, he had to convince himself that. Janus will be saved one way or another...

Finally the person on the other side seemed to answer, and Petals quickly cut them off. "Thorn, the person you were dating, what's their name?"

Virgil strained his ears to hear the person from the other side, catching, "Why do you wanna know?"