Vices and Maces

Chapter 60: Can You Feel the Storm Coming?

Virgil's hands were shaking as he slowly finished the laser. It ended up being a big gun, mostly to contain any blasts. Black was surely going to visit soon to see the progress since Melany had visited yesterday.

He had tried to keep himself busy by making more bullets, for both the laser and the guns that can shoot ice shards. But even that wasn't enough, he had just hoped to tinker with the gun every now and then to stall. He couldn't just not work on it, that would upset Black, and if he knows Virgil is the mole...

On the brightside, he managed to message Roman and agreed to meet with him later tonight. So if he somehow survives today... well he won't be at the factory for hopefully a few hours so if Black sent someone after him, maybe they'll miss him.

Plus if he doesn't show up, and Virgil couldn't press the button on his bracelet in time, they'll know something happened to him. Hopefully Roman can protect Anna. Virgil doesn't want to die, but if he had to, he doesn't want to take his sister or new friends down with him. He'd rather take Black down with him.

There were weapons stored all over the factory, hidden from sight. As well as traps that were hidden from sight. He'll set them up before he leaves, he can't have them out during the day in case one of the factory workers runs into them. That would give away everything Virgil has been setting up these last few days.

He needs to survive, at least until Black is dealt with. Either he needs to be imprisoned or... Virgil didn't know if he had the guts to do the other option. It wasn't like blood wasn't already on his hands. And this man had killed so many people already... it would be a good death.

How disappointed would his parents be if they knew what he was thinking right now. They may have taught him some... wrong ideals. But overall, they had good morals. They told him to never use his strength and skills for his own gain. To never harm others unless in self defense. His sister also told him that.

Virgil may not care what his parents think anymore, but his sister wouldn't be able to recognize him if she saw him today. She had defended him when Wolfsbane had drugged him, she had defended him when he told his parents he was dating a boy in highschool! At every turn, she was there to help him.

But if she knew what he does now, where he is, and what his hands were creating right now... How could she defend any of this? She can't. Virgil just hopes he never sees her again, because he couldn't stand to put her through anymore pain. It's a good thing she doesn't live in this city anymore.

Virgil jumped when the door opened. First Melany walked in, giving him a smile. And then Black. The water genie also wore a smile, but not as sweet as Melany's. It's never as kind as her's. This smile sent shivers up Virgil's spin, it was a smile that tells the world he won a horrible game.

His glance went from Virgil to the laser that was in front of him. Virgil was just finishing up screwing in a few pieces. It honestly looked like a silver mess, but it was a silver mess with unimaginable power.

A younger Virgil would have been excited by such a creation. The good that this invention could have brought... Safely cutting through cement or rocks for construction, a smaller version to cut through gems, a gateway to better surgery, just... anything but destruction of lives and homes.

He knew he was privileged even back then, but he had no idea how bad it could be. Black tore that from him.

"This must be my laser, clearly I should never have given you a time limit last time," Black said. "Though you still came to me with a good weapon. This however... Is it finished?"

Virgil set down the drill he was holding, but kept his hand near it. He answered, "It is."

Black picked it up, and the dragon had to remind himself that the laser can't hurt him. It's a fire laser, the worst it'll do is burn a hole in his clothes. Maybe the force could bruise him, but that's it.

Black pointed it at the target Virgil had, one that was completely covered in burns and scratches. He pulled the trigger, and the laser hit the middle. With a smile, he pulled the trigger again and held it, making a continuous laser that burned through it.

He set it down with a smile. "Do you have the blueprints for it? In English, that is."

Virgil knew he would ask, as he usually does whenever Virgil finishes a weapon that Black asks for. "I just need to finish it up." Plus he wants to give a similar blueprint to Roman.

"Then we'll be back to pick it up later. Thank you for this Snapdragon, this is much better than the last weapon you made. It's a bit bigger than I expected, but it'll do." Black fixed a cuff on his sleeve. "I suppose I'll be seeing you later. Have a good day."

He walked away and Melany put a hand on his shoulder. "Good job, Virgil, I'm so proud! You're so smart to be able to make something like this."

"Melany," Black called from the doorway.

"Coming! I'll see you later, bye!" She followed after Black.

Once the door closed, Virgil let out a big sigh, leaning against the counter and ending up sliding down to the floor. He took a deep breath with a hand against his chest, his heartbeat way too fast. He's going to be okay, he's going to be okay.

~~~

Virgil fidgeted with the hoodie string, twisting it around his finger and pulling it off. He had a bunch of detailed blueprints in front of him, including the laser gun blueprint. He had gotten to Daisy's bakery early and sat at a table, after ordering some tea and a muffin.

He took small sips and bites as he double and triple checked the blueprints. There weren't any mistakes, and they were all there. This will be the last of the blueprints that Roman needs... If he hasn't been caught yet, then maybe this will be the last time they meet up. All Virgil needed to do was continue to sabotage the factory until either his death, or Black's.

Though if he was being honest, he hopes to see Roman again. He was so easy to talk to, and it felt safe to be around him. It shouldn't, if he's caught with him, then that just spells danger. But if they were attacked while together, they could fight together, and they would win.

Not to mention... he was so kind and caring. Not like his sister was, she was kind too, but it felt different. Virgil just couldn't explain it.

He looked up when the bell to the door and smiled when he saw Roman. Already he felt calmer as he walked over to the table.

"I was a bit surprised when you asked for a meeting," he said. "You seem more like an introvert."

"I am but... Well these are the last of them," Virgil told him, pushing the blueprints closer. "My notes, that is. I turned them into proper blueprints. And... the laser."

Roman frowned. "Did you finish it?"

Virgil nodded. "I... tried to hide it from Black, but he saw. And it works. I'm sure he's going to start mass producing it soon. I'm sorry..."

"As long as you stay safe, we can handle it. And you've given us plenty to use! You didn't ask to be in this situation, none of this is your fault, so don't apologize."

There he goes again, being all too kind. Virgil wanted to deserve it, all this kindness. "I'm glad it helps, even a little. I just hope you can get Wolfsbane out of this city, one way or another."

"We hope so too. Is there anything else you want to tell me?"

Virgil debated whether to tell him that he might die tonight or not. He... didn't want to put Roman in any unnecessary trouble. And he definitely didn't want to put him in danger.

"No, nothing else."