Fragments of Ash Vol. 2 (Urban Fantasy)

Chapter Eight: Back to Ciel

Ciel was, as usual, outside tinkering with his miniature radio tower. His usual spot at the top of an abandoned building was starting to become as useless as all the others. The howling wind was interfering with his work and the dirty street smell was especially distracting in the morning. Either way, no matter how hard he tried he couldn't get the signal to be strong enough to go past the network of tubes in the sky. He couldn't reach the moon.

The sun was starting to rise. Thankfully it was a weekend, no need to worry about opening up shop.

"Ciel," Francoise joined Ciel on the roof, "we need to talk."

"Oh hi, wanna see how I'm progressing?" Ciel frowned, "I'm not."

"Ciel..." Francoise said in an exasperated tone,

"Seriously, this is pointless. I'm thinking the only way this experiment will work if we take it to one of the sacred cathedral grounds. There's still two left right?."

"And why's that?" Francoise just wanted to get the dialogue exchange out of the way,

"Well I dunno if you know this, but cathedrals have been proven to be absolute hot-spots for radio waves, they amplify tech to insane degrees, sort of like how they do to magic."

"You'd have to travel,"

"Because of my damn father..."

"His destruction of Melchiezedek's Cathedral was partially due to his enthusiasm for the scientific arts though, you've told me in the past that you agreed that some of the edicts of the Seekers of the Moon caused art and technology to stunt in growth."

"Yeah, I guess so. In any case I guess we'll have to go on a journey. There are still three others known of right? It's three yeah?"

"Yes. But I doubt the people of Abram will allow you to walk into their cathedral."

"I've heard of one in Florem."

"It's hidden, exactly because people don't want foreigners trespassing."

"You're from Florem aren't you? It should be fine."

"W-"

"Then it's settled, you and I will go to Florem, we can bring Ada and Eleanor with us too!"

"... Actually that's what I've come here to tell you."

"Hm?"

"The two went to fight an army of outlanders and perhaps a monstrously strong soldier on their own. It's been two days since they left... I'm worried about them."

"What!? You mean they're not back from that!?"

"I was waiting it out. But... I think I'll need to go after them."

"To rescue them?"

"Yes. Will you be ok without me?"

"I'll survive," Ciel rolled his eyes, "can't you take me to the outskirts of the city? I know I can't fight, but I want to see Ada the moment you get her."

"I'd rather you didn't, I'd end up worrying about you."

"Tch... fine."

Francoise looked into the distance, "Right, I'm going to take my leave now," he began to walk away,

"Francoise."

"Yes?"

"If they've touched even a hair on Ada's head, I want you to slaughter them all."

Francoise nodded. He walked to the entrance to the building and down the stairs, leaving Ciel on his own.

Ciel was worried for a while. But knowing that Francoise was on the case made him feel a bit more relaxed. Nothing could go wrong if his Francoise had anything to do with it. Nothing ever did.