Estranged [Completed]

E-Night

Out in the city, Shenaia worked her "persuasion" on a few of the Tusic grunts. Some methods violent, others not-so-violent, but in every case, she found an excuse to pull out one of her guns. The teenager was seemingly in love with her pair of silver etched pistols, and she didn't seem capable of resisting the opportunity to show them off. It had started when Shenaia put her gun to the head of a gangster, demanding information on the section manager's hideout. Then they moved on to the section manager's office where Shenaia switched tactics, leaning over his desk to show him the new modifications she had added to the slide.

Kalei was revolted by the whole show. The section manager was a stout pile of rolls sitting behind a cluttered desk, with probably no recollection of what it felt like to have a chin, and here Shenaia was, leering over the man as if she wanted to have his babies. Kalei told herself that it was all just an act on Shenaia's part, and hoped it was true.

But Kalei's mood grew darker as the section manager told them he had no information on Xamic or Fenn. Kalei was about to step forward and throttle the man, assuming she could find his neck among all the lard, but then he smiled and told Shenaia something useful: Landen Franklin would be at his mansion hosting "E-night" tonight.

"'E-night?" Kalei asked.

The manager looked at her incredulously. "Yeah, you ain't never heard of 'E-night'? Shit, how long you been keepin' this one under a rock, Shenaia?" He wiped the sweat off his brow with a damp kerchief and explained, "Landen opens up his mansion every year on the E-day anniversary for this massive party. Invitation only. A lot of high-class Untouched come by to get turned into Estranged."

Kalei was stunned as several thoughts went racing through her mind. 

Today is E-Day? Already? Shit, it figures the day I break out had to be E-day... Wait– What was that other thing he said? There's no fucking way. 

"You seriously want me to believe that Landen Franklin, savior of Celan, throws parties to turn people into Estranged? That doesn't sound like him."

"Sure it does. You just don' know 'im."

Kalei scoffed and resumed her silence while Shenaia and the manager finished up. Once they were back on the street, Kalei asked, "He's joking about the E-night thing, right?"

"Nah, Landen does it every year. He acts like the damn thing is better than Christmas too."

"You're shitting me."

"Nope."

Kalei stopped and looked into Shenaia's eyes, searching for some hint of the punchline she wasn't getting. Shenaia gazed back, her eyes dead serious.

Kalei threw her arms up in resignation. "Okay, so why the hell would a bunch of rich Untouched show up to be turned into Estranged? Don't they realize there's a good chance they could die?"

Shenaia shrugged and gave a noncommittal "eh." She answered, "Rich people like risks. I dunno, I've seen just as many of 'em fall as walk, but for some reason, the dumbasses keep climbin' up to the stage thinkin' they're the exception to the rule."

"You mean you've been to these parties?"

"Of course, I—" Shenaia gave Kalei a sideways glance. "It's complicated." She started to walk down the street again.

Kalei scoffed and followed Shenaia. "Right. Whatever."

Shenaia slowed a bit, looking at the street sign, and then checking over her shoulder. "Y'know, we should probably wait 'til tomorrow."

Kalei matched her pace and tried to spot what the young woman was looking for. "Like hell. You're the one who said we don't have time."

"Yeah, that was before I knew it was E-night. Landen ain't the most... rational guy on E-night."

"I don't care what kind of guy he is. I just need him to tell me where to find Fenn. Now would you stop checking street signs and take me to the damn place already?"

Shenaia stopped at the corner and hesitated.

"You said you wanted to help me. Then do it."

Glancing at Kalei, Shenaia stepped out into the street. "I ain't sure you'll call this help."

Kalei followed, aggravated by Shenaia's resistance. "Just take me to the damn mansion!"

"That's what I'm doin'!"