Chrono X Angel, Book 5: Winds of Change

Chapter 10

It only took an hour for everyone to meet at the entrance to the Catacombs, and fortunately Emiko and Midori had been in the area which allowed them to scope it out a bit ahead of time. Emiko had not seen anyone suspicious enter or leave, but had heard some faint chanting sounds coming from somewhere deep inside. Too faint to make out any specific words or voices, but loud enough to hear the ritualistic ebb and flow of vocal tones. Midori meanwhile had attempted to cast a spell of detect life to maybe get a count of what they were up against, but it seemed they were both too far out of range, and there was too much interference from the surrounding buildings. Nonami was still on the phone to the French President when the group converged on their location.

"Yes I understand Monsieur President," she said into the phone speaker, "but it's been fixed now, I promise you. Just tell people... I don't know, tell them it was a movie shoot gone slightly awry or something. I have to go now, Adieu."

She put her phone away and approached Emiko.
"Any luck?"

Emi shook her head in a negative, explaining what she at least had heard while Usoko approached Midori. The Lich's Yokai Crystal was able to give her back her full human appearance, but was not able to disguise the green irises of her eyes which flickered like fire when you looked closely at them. Usoko introduced herself, smiling heartily.

"Nice to finally meet you Midori!" She said with a friendly grin, "Emi told me a lot about you, I'm glad we finally get to meet face to face! You know some magic too yeah? Maybe we can teach each other some spells!"

"Y-yes that would be nice," smiled Midori faintly, "It's nice to finally put a face to a name as well, Usoko. Emiko has told me a lot about you as well."

The last to arrive was Iris and, upon seeing Elisabeth with the group, she could not help but scowl. That traitorous bitch was here? Why? Did she know who Iris was? It could not just be a coincidence... could it? No... no it was. It had to be, after all there was absolutely no way she could know that Iris was a spawn of Ahrimanes. Still, Iris was smart enough not to broach such a topic, openly or otherwise, and as well quickly changed her expression to a much more neutral one. Emiko was already aware she was not who she said she was, and this whole situation had gone completely south when they had come to what was supposed to be her hometown!! Of all the places in the world that Psychic Vampire could have fled to, it had to be where the Dragon had told them she had lived for DECADES!!! Fortunately she had been able to somewhat clear up the situation by explaining that she had only ever stayed near or around the cathedral but it was clear that Sarah at least was starting to doubt her openly. And if the Banshee was this open about her doubtfulness, Iris was sure the others were not too far behind. If she could just convince Usoko of her innocence, then maybe she could use her good nature to get everyone's suspicions off of her back. While not exactly gullible, she knew the pinkette had a big heart, something someone like Iris had no compunctions with exploiting if need be.

"Everyone's here then?" Inquired Nonami rhetorically, "Good, now listen well. These catacombs are massive, they stretch on for miles and miles, and they aren't fully mapped. In order to stay together in the pitch black, we're going to be connected via the Bonds of Fate. If anyone is allergic to holy relics, say so now."

Holy relics? Iris gulped. She was not completely sure if she shared her father's weakness to such things, but as a direct spawn of his essence it seemed likely. She could not let the golden rope now in Nonami's hands touch her, even if just through clothes, as the holy energies would burn her to the core. Assuming again that she shared Ahrimanes' weakness.

"What's the matter Iris?" Asked Emiko in a knowing, mocking tone, "You seem a bit pale, don't tell me you're affected by holy relics now."

"Of course I am," she laughed, remembering a less important reason why she had chosen Gargoyle as her cover alias to begin with, "Gargoyles are a kind of demon, holy relics like that are our bane. Here, I have an idea though."