Track 29 - Those We Lost

You weren't sure what Chaotix did afterwards but know they at least reached Tess. An unknown number called hours later in the wee hours, Tess. Her voice sounded cold and hollow, no cheer from the last time you heard her.

It roused you and Tabi from sleep on the couch, Tabi lying on you. With the passing days it started to become normal to fall asleep together, even if the first few times it was unintentional. You put her on speaker, Tabi wanting to hear it.

Her explanation confirmed what you guessed earlier. That after the Night of Fire, she was awoken to a text message from Displo. She quoted it, revealing Displo's final words.

"I'm sorry for what has happened. It wasn't your fault."

And then radio silence. She went to the restaurant later to find it a smouldering pile of flames being doused by firefighters. And that it was it.

With IRIS thrown into turmoil they effectively abandoned her. Left without a job, no prospect for a new restaurant, and no explanation as to what happened she didn't leave her apartment. Since that night she didn't even get another job, the grieving process hitting her hard. "I just want to why he was killed. It's not fair."

She suspected you at first. But other than knowing your name she knew nothing. She went to the police though no cop claimed to know who you were. Then she suspected your name was just an alias. That you were too suspicious to not have killed Displo for whatever backwards deals you and he concocted. In the end she stumbled upon Chaotix, who had set up shop in the city. And they brought her to you.

When they had told her your message she broke down crying. She didn't know why the Family would go after him. What had Displo done? Why didn't he tell her? She said the one line you had gotten used to hearing in many different forms and phrases.

"I can't let this stand anymore." She said, almost on the verge of tears. "They have to pay. I will do whatever it takes."

It was Tabi's turn to speak. "They won't. Not anymore."

There wasn't much of a conversation to have after that. Tabi listened in, formally introducing himself to Tess. Because of Tabi's previous spiel he whispered to you to not discuss the plan over the phone. Not that you intended to anyways you cut it short, telling Tess to meet you tomorrow at noon at Rosie's. You don't know if she had heard of the place, but she certainly didn't react to it.

"I'll tell you everything. I promise."

She still seemed depressed when you hung up but knew she would be better tomorrow. The night slept by easily though you couldn't help but worry about Tess. There was guilt there. That you should have told Tess sooner. But as you thought of it, you couldn't see how you could have. Displo wanted to keep her in the dark.

One dreamy sleep later, you arrive at Rosie's Cafe. Still a little before noon and before Tess were due to arrive.

"Never thought you'd be working for me huh?" Rosie said mockingly. She was waiting for you outside as you pulled in to the back. There was no indication she had been shot and was just as energized as before.

"Yeah well, this isn't permanent. Just until we-"

"-win. I know. It'll be very soon yada yada. But until then you're all mine." She grinned. Looking at her, you start to feel like you've made a mistake quitting TGG. But just as dread starts to seep in, her grin fades.

"Ah, I'm just screwin' with ya. C'mon. I'll show you your quarters." She was dressed as a maid, the same frilly pink outfit you'd seen her in the day before.

There was some strange song playing on the speakers, incomprehensible. It was as if sugar itself had infected the music with the cheery vocals and heavy use of bright keys. It suited Rosie's sweet and possibly deranged personality.

Now Playing...

Artist: Daniel Lentz

Song: Is It Love?

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZYcvEBN48I

Past the back entrance you catch some glances from other Belladonna members. It was clear they didn't completely trust you just yet. Rosie picked up on the glances and laughed it off. "What you did the other night was insane, but you'll understand if not all my girls like you. Least the fairies have taken to you. Dunno why."

The cafe was bustling, many tables filled and plenty enjoying their fill of coffee or pastries. Rosie lead you to the counter. "Hold on a sec. Need to get something."

"You're really gonna wear that huh?" Rosie asked as fumbled stuff behind the counter. You still had Displo's uniform on, its dark colours clashing horribly with the cafe's fluffy aesthetic.

"Yep. I already said. It's non-negotiable. Wearing it for a passed friend."

"Ugh, fine. Displo right? You know that cloud guy wouldn't shut up about him? Dude didn't act like it but I could tell he misses him too."

"I see."

"Can you at least wear...this?" She pulled out a bright pink bandana.

"I guess." You take it and tie it around your arm, the same way the Belladonnas do.

"That's not what I was hoping but whatever. It'll have to work. Come on." She jumped over the counter and continued leading. You saw it. In the corner of the cafe was a large desk. It was made out of a partially disassembled booth and positions to help overlook the whole restaurant. A window was next to it, giving you a good sight of outside's dining area.

You take a seat, finding the booth's cushion well made. It was definitely a step up from the last two jobs.

"Comfy? Good. Now stay here and don't get into trouble."

"How often do you have to deal with bad customers?"

"Not often. It was bad at the start but deal with a few Belladonna-style and they get the picture."

You give her a sideways look.

"Hey. You're not a cop anymore. You legally don't have to care what I do to them."

You just give her a smile and nod. "Good. I'm glad were on the same page." Rosie said. "I don't care if you go brutal with them either. Just don't kill people."

"Geez. You make it sound like that's all I did."

"Isn't that what cops do?" You roll your eyes at her as she laughs.

"Alright. I'm sure you know the deal. If any waiters have problems they'll either talk to you or deal with it themselves."

"Oh and if you want any food or stuff just find me. I'm sure I got some leftovers."

"I'm not some dog you know."

"Hey c'mon. Those extras usually for the fae. They love sweets. We always make some extra for them."

"I'll keep that in mind." You pull open the book you brought.

"Well, off to it then!" Rosie said and skipped off happily.

'Work' doesn't last long however as Tess showed up on time. You spotted her first. Despite how she had sounded on the phone she looked much cheerier. Her hair was done up in pony tails, her large green glasses finely polished, and her dress and skates shined.

She spots you quickly enough and you wave her over. However, her entrance does not go unnoticed as you see Rosie practically jump her counter to run up to her.

"What are you doing here?" She asked smarmily. It was such an unexpected gesture you stand up.

"I'm just here to see (Y/N)." Tess said quietly.

Rosie took a step back, now surprised she had the same voice as Nikku.

"You know her?" You ask first.

"Course I know her. You're Tess, aren't you? You own a diner 'cross town."

"Owned." She said quietly.

"Huh?"

"Do...? Do you not know?" You ask Rosie.

"Know what?"

Tess just looked down. Rosie looked at Tess then you.

"Can we go somewhere private to discuss this?" You ask.

Rosie, still unsure of what exactly happened agreed and leads you two into her office.

It was a plain place, like Blackjack's office. Nothing but a desk, two simple chairs and the walls lined in various memorabilia of Rosie's. The key difference between her and Blackjack's was the bright pink wallpaper that covered the walls.

Her desk was a pink-ish wood that she couldn't help but brag about. "Pink ivory wood tabletop. Had the fairies grow me a tree. Cool isn't it!"

Neither you nor Tess had a response for it, the mood quickly becoming awkward. "So...someone wanna start?" Rosie asked after some uncomfortable silence.

You just lay it all out and tell Rosie. What you knew about Tess' life story. Had a restaurant. Bombed. Worked for Displo. Bombed. Currently unemployed, depressed and angry.

"Harsh." She said as she looked affectionately at Tess. "Geez. I'm sorry. All I knew was that you were one of my competitors. Even had one of my people copy your recipes back in the day."

You shot Rosie a dirty look. "Hey, I had to make due. Her business was great."

"Y-you did?" Tess asked, her voice a little lighter.

"Damn straight. You gals made a wicked pot of coffee."

You had expected Tess to be a little more upset but her face lightened up.

"D-do you think I could have a copy? When my restaurant was blown up I wasn't able to save all my recipes. They mean a lot to me."

Rosie snickered. "Ehn, what the hell. I'll do ya better. You want a job here? A few of my people got injured the other night...Er..." Rosie whispered to you. "Can we even tell her that?"

"I want to know everything!" Tess blurted out. "It's not fair everyone keeps me in the dark. I could have saved Displo!" She started to bawl now.

Rosie does a better job than you and hands her a handkerchief. Though robotic you could see she was crying oil. Rosie took initiative, giving her a rundown on the group. You filled in where Rosie missed, from Blindside to Earthquake to Flashbang.

With a sniffle, she spoke. "Wow. I had no idea you all did that."

"You want in?" You ask.

"And still want a job? We could use someone like you." Rosie finished.

Tess nodded on both accounts. "I want them to pay for what they did to Displo." She vowed. "I'm not much of a fighter but I will do what can!" She declared, a fervour taking over.

"That's right girl!" Rosie slammed her fist on the desk. With her other hand she extended it out, shaking Tess'.

"Welcome aboard!"

Tess nodded.

For the next several hours you watched as Tess picked up the ropes easily. She got along swimmingly with Rosie, easily picking up the slack. During any lull time she stopped by you to ask questions about the crew. Thought not on a first name basis she knew practically every member of the group having seen them at Displo's and her own restaurant before. It almost felt like you were back at Displo's.

You hardly notice the sun start to set and the cafe's activity die down. It was only when Updike arrived that you did snap out of your trance.

He didn't do with introductions, instead cutting to the point and going directly up to you. "My agents gave me the summary of the incident. I presume it's resolved?"

You nod. "Yeah, private investigators. They were looking into Displo's death."

"Huh. They were? Who hired them?"

"Her." You point to Tess. She was cleaning up some table. She waved back.

"She was a waiter back when, wasn't she?" Updike asked.

"Yep. Long story. She's with us now. Her restaurant got bombed by our 'friends'."

"I see. That is unfortunate. Shall we go to the meeting?"

"Yep." You put your book away and get up. It was clear your work was no longer needed here.

As you lead Updike, your mind wandered, a question arising. "So did you end up solving Nikusa's friend's problem?"

"Who? Oh, the green guy? Yes. He really is something though, possibly the most dangerous abomination I have ever seen."

"That bad, huh? He looked normal."

"His physical appearance normal but without his suit he would emit radiation."

"R-radiation? Are we okay?"

"His suit suppresses it, as does his mask. He can use it like a weapon, even emit waste. It would be fascinating if not terrifying."

"And she wants you to fix it?"

"That's right. We ran a few tests today actually. It can be suppressed with the use of cryptococcus neoformans or cladosporium sphaerospermum. Though to import or grow it will take some time."

You quickly realize you've stepped into a conversation way out of your league. "I see...no idea what that is."

"They are types of fungus. Are you familiar with Chernobyl?" Updike asked as you two entered the meeting room. Tabi and Theo were present already, having been the first to arrive. Aldryx arrived behind him, making some comment that Sol would be in soon.

"I'm not."

"What about it?" Tabi asked, overhearing 'Chernobyl'.

"Simply put, Nikusa's 'friend' is a walking nuclear fallout. He ingests the fungus and it will eat the radiation. It's horribly dangerous for a regular person to drink with but testing it seemed to lower his radioactive ability. We made a tea for him."

Tabi was lost.

"I see. Any idea how it started?"

"I've no idea. Based on his attitude towards 'our friends' I am certain they did something to him." Updike said as he took a seat.

Solazar arrived shortly after.

"Wait a minute. Radiation, glowing green? D-did they attack the compound the other day?" You ask.

"He would not confirm it to me but I believe so. Why exactly I do not know."

"Probably revenge for Agoti." Aldryx muttered, once again proposing his 'Nikusa good-guy theory'.

There were some other things you were curious about. Since the others didn't arrive yet you felt curious to ask.

"Did you two end up having your one-on-ones with Nikusa?" You ask Aldryx and Tabi.

Aldryx and Tabi looked at each other. Tabi spoke for the both of them.

"We did. There's not much to say. She just wanted to talk."

"Talk?"

"Pretty much about our lives, recent stuff and so on. Just about life." Aldryx added as he shrugged. "She's not that bad I swear."

Updike exhaled audibly. Though he said nothing everyone knew he disagreed. Still waiting for the rest you ask Updike another question. "Wait, so the doctor that saw him. Is he okay?"

"He is. He determined early on that man was radioactive. He took proper measures. I assure you we know what were' doing."

"Hey, I didn't mean it like that."

Updike just exhales through his nose like a bull and looks back at his phone.

"Oh. I spoke to someone about recruiting a demon for the team."

Updike's eyes narrowed.

"To shut the gate."

"And?"

"He said it'd be better if we just destroyed the gate up here. Did say two names however. RetroSpector, a gang leader in the city and Stolas-"

"We cannot recruit Stolas. He is wanted by the FBI."

"W-what? The FBI?"

"Us too. He is responsible for mind-breaking two federal agents. Having him on our team would present too many risks. And I am aware of this 'Retro'. His gang, the 'Seven Deadly Sins' are too reckless. And Retro has been missing for two months anyways."

"Guess we'll blow up the gate then."

"Let's just blow it up. I don't trust demons anyways." Tabi said.

There wasn't much else in the way of discussion as everyone trickled in. There were a few absentees however, namely Kapi, Pompom and S. Kapi apparently was needed at the arcade, Blackjack needing some information to finalize the contract purchase. Pompom had friends over working on some project and S had vanished yet again.

At least, that's what Nikku had said. "S saw something on the news and vanished. I've never seen him so angry. He just left, saying it was upmost importance he see what's happening. I think he went to the 'Chaotix' guys." She shrugged.

Tess showed up with Rosie last. Introductions weren't really necessary as she knew everyone from before. The only new person was Theo, and they quickly got acquainted discussing different types of tea.

There were four goals Updike spoke of days ago when the first meeting occurred.

1. Find a demon to join the team. Which was then changed to 'get a demolitionist to blow up the gate'.

2. Get the floor plan of the Compound.

3. Find a new base of operations.

4. We need a distraction party.

And since then only one had been solved. Though there wasn't any rush to the final operation, you felt emboldened by Flashbang to start preparing for it. The others shared the sentiment with even Aldryx saying he was ready to throw down.

Solazar recalled the four items, making it the principle topic of tonight's meeting. After turning on MALLEUS he began.

"We did a great job the other night. I am seriously impressed by all of your skills. Things could have been smoothed out but after comparing the report to the last two operation it is clear everyone has improved immensely. I should like to think we can begin planning for the final mission." Solazar pressed a button as the MALLEUS hologram changed to the compound. "However, there are still some minor pieces that need solving. Updike will begin."

"Ahem. It is public knowledge The Family employs demons exclusively as their staff. And, somewhere in the compound is a gate that will allow them to summon more at the drop of a hat. Disabling this is key. We have two options, either get a demon to do it for us, or we send someone alone to disable it. Does anyone have any ideas?"

Obtaining a demon was out of the question as nobody knew any. Blackjack was the only friendly demon you'd ever known and he couldn't disable the gate. Barring him, there was Sarventes though she'd lost her position in hell recently. Updike shot down Retro and Stolas, leading everyone to determine the gate needed to be disabled.

"Then we need a demolitionist."

"I could do it." Tabi said curtly.

"Uh, no offense but Agoti told me about your bombs. You aren't a demolitionist."

Tabi glared at Aldryx. "Hey, I'm just saying if you were a good demo, you would've properly blown up that restaurant."

Tabi snorted and leaned back, ignoring Aldryx's attempt at trolling.

"You sure we can't just recruit that Retro guy? I mean, if he's up here can't we just find him?" Theo asked.

"I suppose I could mount an investigation. I shall have Springheel look into him. However, even with a demon I still don't trust it. I think we'll need to disable the portal, even if we need to blow up the damn thing. "

"Springheel? I thought you dealt with him!" Aldryx said, angrily.

Without even looking up, Udpike responded, "Springheel is our foremost expert on demons and abominations. He is far too valuable to let go."

Aldryx was practically ready to attack Updike but a raised hand stopped him. Updike continued. "If it's any consolidation I personally broke his arm. He has been moved to my own prison where he will serve as an inmate. He will stay there so long as he keeps his promise to never pull a stunt like that again."

Putting the phone down, Updike leaned in. "And if he does, it will be much more than his arm I will break." He said grimly. Solazar nodded, knowing full well Updike breaking the man's arm was only half the truth. He'd already dealt with Springheel in his own way...

Solazar continued on. "The next thing we need a floor plan. I have exhausted as all my leads as Updike has to."

"I've checked into Displo's logs as well." Updike chimed in. "He never found out who this mysterious architect was. S has tried to see if they contract any work out but alas, they do everything in-house. From the gardening to janitorial. There were not any angles he could breach."

"Maybe they just built it themselves?" Theo asked.

"Or maybe they got some demon architect?" You add.

Solazar shook his head. "We won't know for sure until we get confirmation. Either way we have two options. Either find out, or we get someone to map it out."

"How do you 'propose' we find out?" Tabi asked. He was leaning back, feet kicked up on the table. Rosie was about a minute away from swatting Tabi and would have done so if she wasn't sitting far away.

"There is one way. We ask them." Solazar said.

Tabi didn't respond. He knew Sol enough that he had something else planned. "Not everyone in that family is 'on the same page' so to speak." Sol added. He looked around expectantly for someone to understand what he meant.

Nobody knew what Solazar was hinting at except Updike. "We ask their daughter." Updike said after a while. Solazar sighed as the hologram changed to mock-figures of two young women. They didn't have any features, MALLEUS not knowing what they look like. One was taller than the other.

"From my own research into the Family there are two people within that do not share the same evil inclinations. Their youngest and second youngest. One of them is away at college, but their youngest is right here, in the city. Most of us here have met her and her boyfriend I presume."

Everyone looked at each other. Surprisingly everyone except you and Theo had run into them at one point. And you were at least vaguely familiar with them from your investigation. Some more than others as indicated by Tabi's deathly stare at Solazar.

"With their 'civilian' status, it is highly likely they could be tricked into revealing the architect." Solazar said.

"I bet if we just asked them directly they'd give it to us. Shoot. Even if we tell them what the operation is. They'll probably support us." Aldryx said. "I know Agoti's said as much."

"That's not a bet I'm going to make." Tabi remarked.

"I agree. We shall not reveal our cards, no matter how appealing they may be." Solazar.

"Are we sure they even know who built their place? I mean, I don't know who architected my house forever ago. And even then, how can we just ask them? Pretty much everyone here has run into that family. It'll raise tons of suspicion when we just stroll up and ask." You question.

"To answer your first question, (Y/N), if they don't know we have a backup plan. We shall use Theo. After all, his skills would be of good use to the Family."

"Really? I get to go undercover? I'll do it. I have always fancied myself a spy." Theo said happily.

"And to answer your second question, well not everyone here has a terrible relationship with the Family."

Updike smirked, knowing full well who Solazar meant. "Indeed. Who's the only person who doesn't have a terrible relationship with the Family?" He asked aloud.

"Theo?" Rosie asked.

"Not with the youth of today I must say." Theo spoke up. "I haven't had much luck with them."

"I don't suppose you will." Solazar said.

"S?" You ask.

Udpike shook his head. "I don't see how we can get them into VR and even then can't guarantee S won't kill them. In addition they have a fear of VR thanks to that Father's exploits."

"I meant like using S to track them. "

"We've scanned their network. They use a different system for file storage. It's a demonic-based system. Not the same kind of tech that S uses. No. I mean the one person here who was not even targeted during that cursed night."

There was no immediate response.

"Nikku. You fit the bill perfectly." Updike said. He had a smirk on him as Nikku sighed. She had been trying not to get picked, looking away most of the time. She knew it was coming.

Stopping the scene for a second, Rosie's phone went off. Emergency call. She excused herself as she took it, leaving the room.

"Can't someone else do it? W-what about Kapi?" Nikku protested.

"He's too paranoid of getting another hit placed on him. He's out." You say for him.

"Pompom?"

"Her mom knows them, plus she was targeted during the Night of Fire." Tabi said.

Nikku sighed again. There was no getting out of this. Tess hadn't been asked yet but she was ready to recall the burning of her restaurant.

She had been listening in silence to the conversation. Still learning how this all worked, she was silently fascinated everyone was able to speak so calmly too each other. Especially when they were all so different.

"Can I at least bring S?" Nikku asked grumpily.

"I don't see why not." Solazar said.

"But, what do I have to do?" Nikku asked. "Are they...they gonna attack me?"

Tess spoke up now, feeling she had a grasp on the conversation. "They're nice people. That girl and her boyfriend. Little bratty but I don't think you'd be in any danger talking to them."

"Don't be deceived by her cute appearance. She is pure evil. Just like her mother." Tabi spat.

"Bah, I've met them. They ain't that bad. You're just butthurt she dumped you." Aldryx said.

Tabi glared at him. Had it been weeks prior he would have attacked him then and there.

"Okay, so I find them. Then what?"

"Get to know them. Work the question of who built their property into it." Solazar said.

Rosie returned, a worried look on her face. You noticed it instantly. Fed up with Tabi she went right up to him. "Can you not?" Rosie pushed Tabi's chair to get his feet off the table. He nearly toppled over, just barely catching himself on the edge.

"I don't want you scuffing up my beautiful table."

"Hmph." Tabi said as he adjusted himself.

"You alright?" You ask.

"Yep. Just some. Weird thing going on downstairs. Anyways, what did I miss?"

"Sending Nikku to go find the Family's daughter."

"Which one? They have like 3. Er 2 since I shot one."

"The youngest. Surely you know her? She and her boyfriend are inseparable."

"Oh! Yeah I know her. Her name's just Girlfriend. I think...I think I have her phone number still."

Theo shot Rosie a worried look, doubts in his mind she wasn't a mole.

"Relax. I used to be friends with them. Course that was before they attacked my fairies." A few fairies emerged from the tree in the corner and hovered around Rosie. They nodded in approval to Theo. He just leaned back, acknowledging his mistake. "Plus, Girlfriend barely agrees with the stuff they do."

Tabi snickered, but kept quiet.

"What do they look like?" Nikku asked.

"Short girl, long brown hair, wears red everything. Her boyfriend is short, blue hair, has the most annoying voice. Doesn't speak in words." Tabi said clinically. It came naturally, having been rehearsed many times in his mind. Thinking on it he realized how little he had been thinking about them lately.

"I think his name is Keith." Updike added.

"His name is actually Boyfriend. Not Keith." Rosie added.

"Oh! I think I know them. They were the reason I got caught!" Nikku grumbled. "Thought singing a song would cheer me up. S-ssee? I can't meet them."

"I do recall that and it is all the more reason for you to meet them. Show that you are fine." Updike smiled.

"Fine." Nikku said coldly.

"That is settled then. Rosie, can you get in touch with them?"

"Sure!"

"Then I will conclude this meeting here then. If this ends up working in our favour it should make planning much easier." Solazar said. He shut off MALLEUS.

With the meeting dispersed, Tess watched as everyone left.

"So what do ya think kid?" Rosie asked.

"I think we can do it. Was really everyone here hurt by that Family?"

"Pretty much everyone 'cept that old man."

"Wow." Tess said quietly. She had no idea they had so many enemies.

The next chapter will be called BF and GF.

Tess has joined the party!

Card: https://twitter.com/odaocer/status/1760997417648824531