Eminence in Shadow (Book 2)

Ch2: Sugar Daddy (1)

Me: You know, when I heard the term Lawless City, I was picturing something a bit more...

Claire: Destroyed?

Me: Filled with crime. This...this is just a normal city.

Claire: There are indeed virtually no laws here so the name does hold merit. 

Me: Doesn't the government have forces in the city?

Claire: If you count those here unofficially or merely passing through-

Me: Then why exactly are we here?

Claire: I'm here to further my skills. You're here to accompany me.

Me: I wasn't aware you needed moral support.

Claire: I...it's the least you can do-

Me: Yes, yes.

We continue walking down the streets, her arm still locked with mine as Beatrix silently follows from behind. Perhaps it is due to her presence but none of the pickpockets visibly robbing other passerbys so much as come within 10 feet of us. In fact, now that I look closer, it's as if the entire street is giving us a wide berth.

Me: What did you do now?

Claire: Huh?

Me: Why is everyone avoiding you?

Claire: Avoiding me?

She looks around, her eyes flashing with sudden recognition. Turning away, she sheepishly remarks that in her daydreaming she has seemingly led us to the less savoury part of the city. Despite it being nighttime, I can see her cheeks reddening as she tries to hide her embarassment. 

However, true to her word, what was once well paved streets lined with vendors and shops has long since been replaced by con-artists and the occassional alleyway, each with four to eight men glaring at us as we pass as if daring us to step onto their turf. 

I'm looking down one such alleyway when I suddenly feel my sister being forcefully separated from me. It happens quickly with two men in black cloaks grabbing her even as another pushes me to the side. Beatrix readies herself to draw her blade but I signal to her to stay put as the men vanish down the nearest alleyway.

Beatrix: Is it okay to let them take her?

Me: My sister can be quite resilient when she wants to be. She'll be fine.

Beatrix: But-

Me: More importantly, this provides me with a unique opportunity to explore the place without her presence.

Beatrix steps closer, joining me at my side as we continue walking down the streets. After passing a few more men, all watching our every move, we turn down an empty alleyway. Two men follow us but both are easily dispatched by Beatrix before she joins me on the roof.

Beatrix: I wasn't aware you had plans for this city.

Me: I don't...but isn't that the beauty of it all?

Beatrix: I'm not following.

Me: A blank canvas, ripe for true artistry. An artist could ask for nothing else.

As if waiting on my signal, the streets below erupt in chaos as screems echo across the city. What quickly reveals itself to be a wave of ghouls pour forth from the central plaza, attacking any and everything in their path. Sensing an opportunity, I change in my alter ego, simultaneously clothing my companion in our colours to mask her identity.