Ch 9. A Love Filled Hate

[Doppel Asura's POV:]

Striding away from the Monastery, I searched for the nearest alleyway. Things were going well, I could feel the looming of Murphy's Law.

[Collogue Art: Swarm Network]

Agent 2 moved away from his nest, extending his hand his rifle collapsed into his left forearm. The telescopic sight folding against the outside, locking it in place. His eyes darted around the rooftop, his hand resting gently against the large kukri concealed within his back.

"Since when did Agent 2 get so into body modification?" I mutter to no one.

Continuing to watch the feed, I heard his chuckle.

"Alright Sister Brigid, I know you're there," He snickered, "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

A shimmer of the light shifted, the barely seen outline of a woman putting her hands on her hips. If I was not watching through Agent 2's eyes I would've missed her. I have no doubts that he could perceive more.

"How did Agent 5 gain such skills of perception?" I wonder, "What else has he taught himself?"

The drama of Agent 5 and Sister Brigid continued.

"Your Master sought out our support," She deadpanned, "Do you want to hear our answer?"

I could feel his body tense, his hand closed around the Kukri's handle. His fingers twitched to quick-draw his rifle. Yet his mind was clear, his breath even.

"Holy shit, Agent 5's a killer."

"It would be nice to know where we stand," He answered Sister Brigid.

"Wait?" I wondered, "We?

"As allies," She answered him, "perhaps we can continue our last conversation?"

His hand fell from his weapon, his arms swept wide, "I think I remember where we last left off."

A weight settled against him, his head lowered as his arms wrapped around the invisible form of Sister Bridget. I felt her breath against his face.

Then the bastard broke the connection.

[Collogue Art: Shared Whispers]

"Sorry Sir," Agent 2 apologized, "Kinda want some privacy for this. Glad this worked out, I would'a been put out if I had to kill her."

I shook my head as his words echoed in my mind, "I'm Glad too Agent 2, enjoy whatever you've found."

[Collogue Art: Shared Whispers]

[Collogue Art: Swarm Network]

Looking out the Eyes of Agent 5, I redirect the mad acrobat.

[Argos Art: Flicker]

[Mnemosynis Art: Washed In The Lethe]

Once more at street level, Agent 5 moves through the crowds, looping back around to the Head Tax collector. Catching his reflection in passing, I notice Agent 5's eyes are similar to mine. A baleful toxic green left eye ending any similarities. An androgynous form shimmers within the reflection. An otherwise faceless form laughs back.

"Don't taunt me Agent 5," I warn, "Princess Elvie may find you cute, but that bears little weight with me."

[Mnemosnyis Art: Washed In The Lethe]

Pouting slightly, Agent 5 prances forgotten and unnoticed among the masses. Soon it stands before the lending house. Glancing at the window, it sends me a glare.

"You know what must be done, Agent 5," I snarl, "I will not tolerate insubordination."

It sighs, then enters.

[Embody Art: Whispers]

What?! When did Agent 5 learn that?!

The old man looks upward, a smile on his face, "Good, you've returned David."

Father grabs a tome of gargantuan proportions and seeks to move it over. 'David' steps forward to assist, taking the thick book.

Wait? Father? That has to be leakage from Agent 5. He feels that way about the old fart huh? Can't say I blame him.

[Embody Art: Whispers]

The Old man nods to words only her hears, "Yes, David, I know. But soon everything we've worked for will be in place. Princess Elvie excepted my proposal. You and the other collectors will be safe, instead of culled like in the past. Once she takes power I'll retire. Then you, my apprentice, will take my place."

Just as Elvie wishes, let the dude live his life out in whatever way he wants. Agent 5 will do right by him. Ugh! damn emotional bleed through! I swear Agent 5 if I find out your doing this on purpose I'll make sure you get recalled for scrap!

[Embody Art: Whispers]

[Way Of The Scholar Art: Filial Duty]

Okay, one new Arcanoi at 1rst level is one thing, but that's high level. At what point did Agent 5 get the time to learn this?

The old man's chuckle jars my thoughts, "Indeed that would be nice. I think financing Elvie's movement will move things along nicely. Allow me to get the funds, then I will give them to you. And taking a break before I come back will be nice. I am glad you're here to man the front."

He moves into the vault room, the only sound the crackle of his old bones.

"Alright, Agent 5,' I order, "Duke Duchatt will be here in a moment. Follow the plan."

[Moliate Art: Imitate]

[Moliate Art: Sculpt]

It sighs, I feel the shifts within Agent 5 take place. The room rises as it adds height, I feel the rustle of cloth as Agent 5 grows the old man's suit. Moving into the Old Man's chair, I can see Agent 5's face in the old man's desk mirror. It has become a near-perfect copy of the old man. A smoothness of the old mans sharpness the only error.

A bell jingles just as Agent 5 finishes as Duke Duchatt stalks inward. Nodding to Agent 5 the Duke sneers at it.

"Where is my money, Reginald? It should've been delivered to the castle this morning."

"My lord, I am sure it is just a minor hold up. Allow me to check the ledger."

[Mnemosynis Art: Muse of Lies]

This at least I did know about. Of all of us, Agent 5 has plumbed the depths of our shared Arcanoi the furthest. I had no concept of how much further it had achieved though.

"See my lord," Agent 5 shows the Duke, "You signed for it yourself. I have the receipt right here."

A Receipt forged by Agent 5. Is there anything that bastard can't do.

A feeling of absolute malicious joy blooms inside of me, echoes of Agent 5's emotions flooding the link.

[Way of The Scholar Art: Filial Duty]

[Intimation Art: A Single Thread]

"You were just mistaken, return to the castle, and attend to your paramour. I am sure Lady Elena misses you. We'll forget this. After all, you've been so overstressed."

Alright, I don't care how Agent 5 learned what he did, that combination is both cruel and funny. Agent 5, I just forgave you for every annoyance you've inflicted on me.

The Duke puffs up, "Mistakes happen," he scoffs, "I have been so incredibly busy. And Lady Elena is indeed waiting for me to attend her. She is the one bright spot of my day. The one I can truly depend on. What with that damn Princess Elvie stirring up trouble. I had to execute several of my guards because they refused to hunt her down. If only the Princesses of this Kingdom would behave themselves. Things would go a lot smoother."

Stomping back out the door, the Duke slammed it shut. A certain self-satisfied smirk danced within me as Agent 5 moved away from the desk, his real form reasserting itself.

"Yes. Yes," I congratulated, "you did a good job. Now get back to work. I don't want to hear the old man complaining about you slacking off."

Grabbing a stack of letters, Agent 5 left a note for Father. Switching the sign to closed, it latched the doors. Moving out into the city, Agent 5 once more skipped through the crowds. Breaking the connection I was once again alone in my head.

[Collogue Art: Shared Whispers]

Shaking my head to shake the rest fo the bleed, I reestablished contact with Fortress Asura. Downloading my old memories and updating myself on Elvie's status. She should've definitely gotten back to him by now.

"Wait, she did what?"