Ruby Red Crown

10

"I'm pretty sure that's a faulty source." Leon says skeptically.

I quickly fetched Leon to make sure I'm not hallucinating the content. After reading it through three times, he has branded false. On the other hand, I'm not so sure.

"I don't think so."

"The whole thing sounds sketchy. Why would it be true?"

"Then why put it in a book?" I challenge.

"This book was made like three years ago. They were probably scrambling for anything information at all. Daimon hasn't been a criminal for long."

"I'm going to ask someone else. You can stay and continue reading the other books."

I walk off, leaving Leon behind. I go back to the front desk, my mind going a mile a minute. How could blood just disappear? Was there any in the first place? Was he even shot?

I shake my head, effectively clearing my thoughts. Why is the stupid article even bothering so much anyway?

"Back already?" Allegra looks up from her book at my approach.

"Uh...yah. Are those books completely accurate?"

She looks at me like I'm stupid.

"Just making sure. My cousin doesn't seem to think so." I explain.

"Let me guess. That article excerpt?"

"Spot on."

"Everyone who reads those three books has the same questions."

"I see." I stand there awkwardly before I turn to go back up.

"Why'd you want to know about him? Most who come through are shady wannabes and authorities. You don't look like either."

"A favor, I guess." Better not say it's a command from her emperor.

"Strange guy."

"You could say that." Strange probably isn't the words I would use.

"Hey, Allegra! Already working I see!" I jump a mile high at the sudden voice behind me. I turn around to see a guy with red orange hair wheeling around on rollerblades.

He stops short, his purple eyes clouding over in confusion. "Who's this?"

Allegra pauses, realizing she doesn't know my name. I stick out my hand to her. "I'm Azayla."

"That my personal nuisance, Ikotsu." She points towards the new guy while shaking my hand.

"I think you have the wrong title." Ikotsu feigns being hurt.

Allegra rolls her eyes. "He prefers boyfriend."

We look at each other and start laughing.

"You guys are so mean."

Allegra stops laughing. "...Say, what exactly are the details of your 'favor.'"

I lean in close, lowering my voice. "Promise you can keep a secret?"

"Your secret's safe with me." Allegra also lowers her voice.

"I'm looking for information on a certain criminal because I've been....tasked with capturing him." I can't believe I'm telling this to a mostly complete stranger, but oh well.

"And who would be asking this?"

I hesitate. I've already said plenty enough.

"It's okay. You don't have to tell me. However, I would like to say that I have a certain boyfriend that is particularly good at finding people."

"And how are you going to convince this certain boyfriend to help my cause?"

"That's easy. I go with you. He can't say no then."

"I see. And why the sudden change of heart."

"You seem to need it. Your also nicer than anyone else who's been chasing your certain criminal."

I raise my voice back to it's normal volume. I stick my hand back out. "Welcome to the team."

"What just happened." Ikotsu gaze is dancing back and forth between us, having clearly missed out on our conversation.

"I'm going to go and get my cousins and those books." I say Allegra, leaving her to sort it out with Ikotsu.

"Leave the books."

"Are you sure?"

She smiles mischievously. "I've already memorized them."