The SerumOrb

Untitled Part 68

Chapter: Sage's Warning

Sage looked up from the letter she was reading at the tinkling of the bell she hung over the shop's door.

"Good afternoon, how may we help you?" Her apprentice recited with a kind voice and smile.

"Afternoon, Paris. Is the Potion Maker in?" Sage recognized the voice as guard captain Dev Drexel.

"AYe." she stood from where she sat in a corner behind the counter.

"Oh pardon, I didn't see you there." He blushed somewhat flustered.

"It's quite alright," she offered the captain a friendly smile, "Now what did you need?"

"I have observed a significant amount of strange behavior around your shop, more than usual, Potion Maker. After the events that took place yesterday morning I felt the need to make you aware.

"Strange activity, Captain Drexel?" Sage asked, maintaining her friendly, oblivious smile.

"Lingerers. Someone's watching your shop, going as far as to perch on the rooftops. Every time I take notice they scatter and scurry away before I can even call out to them." Dev crossed his arms at Sage's hesitation and frozen smile.

"I can assure you there is no need to worry about these lingerers, however, I do thank you for bringing the notice of their presence to my attention."

"WHat do you mean Potion Maker?" Sage let her smile drop.

"If you have seen them, they clearly aren't doing their jobs as well as I am paying them."

"Pardon?"

"I hired these lurkers to watch over my shop with the current political state. No Matter how skilled, Paris is just a chile and can;t be expected to defend my business or himself against a mob."

"Oh I see. You hired extra protection." You know you can get something like that for free?" Dev's voice was heavy with annoyance.

"No disrespect intended, sir. But these aren't guard. They've already assured me they would not disturb the people of Lisianthus." SHe forced another large smile, "though, you should not feel inferior or unwanted. I trust the skill and hearts of our wonderful Guard. But Mystico Magic is no element to be toyed with, even if it's as simple as potion making. The hatred for it is an unbelievably strong force." Sage pushed the memory of her friends and family from her mind, avoiding the thoughts of the extinction.

"Hmph, they're still teaching too much Mystico history." Dev rolled his eyes causing Sage's vision to bURN with anger, A scary sight when combined with her sweet smile.

"I agree," Sage ground her teeth at the captain's heavy laugh, "If you don't mind, Dev Drexel, Captain, sir." Sage took a breath, steadying herself before continuing, "Paris and I have quite a bit of studying on Mystico Magic to do. Dev gave a quick nod.

"Till next time." He waved clanging the door as he left.

"So how long have you been spying on me?" Paris crossed his arms defiantly.

"Huh?" Sage looked at the boy's pouting face. He reminded her of Kitty when they were young, short but overgrown messy black hair and always sporting a signature tough guy face, "I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, Paris."

"WHat?" You're telling me you know nothing of the jumpers even after I just heard you tell the captain you-" Paris's anger faded, "You didn't know about the jumpers did you?"

"No." she ruffled the top of his head as she moved passed him to the back room, "Neat nickname by the way. Jumper. Sage was thoughtful as she busied herself with a pile of letters.

"Wait I knew about something you didn't?"

"DO you mean to tell me, Paris, you had previous knowledge of the lurkers and failed to tell me?"

"Well," He started abruptly, " I didn't know they were watching us, just that they were there. I assumed it was another batch of lost jumpers or a rogue hunt squad looking for orbs." Sage shook her head with a sigh and looked around the shop.

"Did you even bring your books?"

"No, I thought we'd just make more potions." He smiled hopeful.

"WHere are they?" Sage chuckled at his less than charismatic grin.

"Home." His voice filled with disappointment.

"Sail home and grab them, and I'll be sure to make time to teach you a new potion." He gathered his things to leave and Sage threw a quick," make sure you come back."

"DOn't worry Gagi, I'm not like the kids in Gerbera."

"gERBERA HUH?" a deep voice rumbled behind her. Sage moved to turn toward the intruder, but was stopped by a pair of strong hands, "No need, stay facing that way and we won't have a problem.

"Luccii?" she whispered to herself, recognizing the thick voice. The hands released her, but she didn't attempt to turn. If she was correct on his identity, it was in her best interest.

"I need not explain to you the current situation in Galaxia, correct, Sage?"

"Correct." she glared at the door in front of her willing it to stay closed.

"DOn't worry about the boy he'll be awhile yet." Sage gasped,

"If you hurt him-"

"I'd never allow serious harm to come to a child. Exactly the reason I haven't gone after the kidnapped Princess Yizeldan." Sage struggled to not flinch at the sound of her name, filled with fear she had to pretend she had no idea where the girl could be, "One problem at a time, I suppose." He chuckled.

"WHat problem?" she struggled to control her voice.

"You've been in hiding for far too long."

"I haven't been hiding." Sage's eyes remained glued to the door but she couldn't help the smug grin tugging at the corners of her lips.

"No matter how you define or defend your actions i've come to give you this warning." with that he moved closer, his breath hot on the back of her head.

"They have found you." Sage heard him turn to leave and immediately swing herself in his direction,

"WHat about-" she was roughly wrestled to the ground, her face being held forcefully away from his.

"I didn't come here with the intentions of hurting you," He hissed, "save the questions and smart moves for another time." he stood, prepared for her to try and face him again, "I'll take my leave now. Please keep the details of this meeting to yourself."

When she was sure he had gone Sage pushed herself into a sitting position, trying to grasp what had just happened when Paris burst through the door gasping excitedly.

"You'll never believe what just happened. I was on my way back when these guys started chasing me everywhere until I threatened to blow them up. Then they just left," He paused to catch his breath, "WHy are you on the floor?"