Love and Deepspace x Reader

Chapter 43: Into the Deep

Y/N's P.O.V.

You headed straight to your apartment after leaving Philo. In the morning, you study and confirm the details of the hunting event.

Y/N:
          To be the "bait" that is the most valuable and the most undefended...

Looking through some files, you remember what Zayne, Xavier, and Rafayel said about Aether Core.

[FLASHBACKS]

The time you and Zayne went to Dr. Noah's place:

Zayne:
           Perhaps they don't want anyone else to get their hands on it, as they try to obtain one for themselves. Or there are Aether Cores already in their possession.

The time you were at Philo with Xavier:

Xavier:
            That's why they're selling a high-grade Protocore at the auction. It will go to the highest bidder. Laws don't exist in the N109 Zone, but knowing the right people can come in handy. If your reputation is good enough, even the ones who want to mess with you will think twice.

The time when you and Rafayel are walking in the streets:

Rafayel:
            Why not come up with the master plan? Become the best bait for Onychinus. Maybe a small opening is all it'll take to get them to expose themselves.

[END OF FLASHBACKS]

Y/N:
            I've confirmed the location of the Aether Core, and I have a fake identity that can keep me alive. (Now I need to figure out how to get into the N109 Zone.)

Resolved, you pick up your phone and dial Rafayel's number.

[Calling]

Rafayel:
          Hello...

Y/N:
         Are you free right now?

Rafayel:
         Why?

Y/N:
          Meet me at The Nest. Show me how to fish.

Rafayel:
         Huh?

[Hangs up]

____________________________________________________

The Nest Livehouse
10:48 P.M.

The place was like any ordinary club. People are drinking, dancing, talking. Lights were dim. You look at your watch.

Y/N:
           (Weren't we supposed to meet up at eleven? Where's Rafayel...?)

You look around.

Y/N:
           (It's Hunting Day... There are more people here than last night. Hopefully, everything will go according to plan.)

As you walk around hoping to find Rafayel, a stranger bump on you. He look at you and in a very persuasive tone he said...

Protocore Trader:
           Ultra-dangerous Protocores! Nothing illegal, and lots more in stock. Are you interested, Miss?

He moves closer to you. Interested, you stand still and listen.

Protocore Trader:
           Haven't seen you before. I'll give you a discount. One Narcissus, and you've got yourself a deal.

Y/N:
           Where did you get them? Why don't we start with-

UNKNOWN:
           Don'tcha think it's a little weird to do business with newcomers?

A familiar voice suddenly speaks from behind. You look behind and see Rafayel. He shoo the man, and angrily he left.

Y/N:
            If I'm the newcomer, then you must be the veteran?

Rafayel:
           You're today's shining star. The little secrets I carry aren't worth the trouble.

Rafayel starts walking to the mini bar at the corner, you followed him.

Rafayel:
           Got your "bait" ready?

Y/N:
            Yeah. I'll play their game and let myself be taken into the N109 Zone.

Rafayel:
            Which means we need to cast the line. Should be easy enough. Here.

He sit down on a bar stool and gestures you to do the same. He get one piece of paper  and quill on the counter and slides it to you.

Y/N:
             What's this?

Rafayel:
            Write your bargaining chip on it.

In front of you now is a blank paper. You take a deep breathe and using the quill you write "Aether Core". As soon as you finish writing, the letter soon began to fade until it's nothing but a blank paper again.

Rafayel:
            Waiter.

The bartender walks Infront of you, grab the paper then walked away.

Y/N:
            Who's he going to tell?

Rafayel:
            Doesn't matter. If they're interested, they're in.

Y/N:
            Now we wait for the fish to bite. How long?

Rafayel:
           Not long. The Nest lives up to its name, you know. It's an underground intelligence network that's known to match supply and demand.

You look at rafayel, he's playing the glass of whiskey.

Rafayel:
            Even normal info would've passed through three layers by now.

After a few minutes of waiting, the same bartender arrives carrying a small cup. He stops walking and put the cup right Infront of you.

Y/N:
            And what's this?

Rafayel:
           It's part of the process. Drink it, and you officially have a deal.

You look at the liquid inside the cup.

Y/N:
           It's black...

Rafayel:
           Think about it first. A black glass means you'll pay a high price.

Rafayel lean closely to you.

Rafayel:
            If it doesn't go smoothly, you'll be the payment instead.

Y/N:
           Being the payment is still better than staying in the same place and doing nothing.

You pick up the glass and swallow it down in one go.

Rafayel:
           Since you've made up your mind, I won't stop you.

Rafayel stands up.

Rafayel:
           I hope you find the answer you seek.

He wave his hand and walked away, leaving you alone.