The day star finally set as Angelo got up from his trance. He remembered the scent Bingwen had when he held him close. In fact he felt it still lingered on him. He wondered if he'd made it back yet, or if he waited for him. No, that wouldn't be the case. His reaction was just too pure. It was obvious he's never been that close to someone before. It would mean that Bingwen would most likely keep his mouth shut. He wouldn't want to hurt his clean respectable reputation. But then again Bingwen would just get a slap on the wrist, unlike Angelo who would feel Griffith's wrath as well as Lillian's. He was especially afraid of her rather than Griffith. She was the one who recommended him to Griffith and allowed to carry out the mission she personally assigned him. And it wasn't just to keep Bingwen safe.
If only he could go back to seek Jack Jomei. He can be quite useful when it comes to seeking advice. To know that he was just a pumpkin head being held around by Griffith in the early years of COPPESS. During their fallout the life of the Matchmaker was gambled upon and lost because of it. It has even been rumored that the fifth council member, Keahi, had a hand in her murder. The Matchmaker and her were said to be close and would be in each other's company. After her passing, Keahi adopted her servant and even raised and trained her. It is said that Keahi's life on earth was miserable, hence her gloomy appearance and anger issues. But alas Jack is still around behind the scenes colluding with an important member of the council. Angelo flapped his wings and finally decided to pay the lantern Jack Jomei a visit.
-
Before Bingwen finally arrived at Neil Mansion, he fixed his hair into a low bun. The Neil Mansion is the main building belonging to the council. This Mansion was the earliest building built for COPESS, which housed most of the original members. Little Bingwen was able to live here for a couple of years, before moving out at the age of twelve to live with his 2k group.
As he entered the premises, he saw the usual guards scattered outside patrolling the area. When he got close to the entrance hall, none of them looked up, except one. A tall muscular guard with long black raven hair. He nodded at Bingwen and motioned for the melody. Again like when he arrived at the training grounds, the same melody from back then was played on a steel tongue drum. As Bingwen passed, all the guards would give a slight bow and open the doors for him.
The Neil Mansion was mostly made of dark red wood from the forced grown mossy forests Jack and Lillian made. They made several forests like those around the endless prairie. One which they had passed along their way back from the mission. Floors were draped with fancy hand made carpet and the walls were decorated with many paintings, lanterns, and fine curtains. Decor like vases, plants, and furniture were displayed left and right. Nothing seemed out of tune and matched the overall theme and aesthetic of the mansion.
Finally, hall after hall he arrived at the salon. None of the wise ones seemed to be present. There was only a chubby short-haired girl who seemed to be in her own little world. Her hair was a light blue, with a tint of purple, which covered her right eye. The moment she heard footsteps coming closer, she quickly corrected her posture. Who else could it be other than Appia. She is one of the most trusted servants who mostly serves both Griffith and Lillian as a messenger. Bingwen greeted with a sigh, "How was your day, Appia?"
Appia spun around and ran into her beloved brother's arms, "Brother! It's been awfully awkward today. Haha, especially since our father has been accompanied by mother all day. Was your new partner Angelo 2k good to you? Oh, I know mother would love to know everything about your mission, as well as father. They have been waiting for your return ever since you've left!"
"...They've been waiting?" Bingwen became nervous and knew he had to act more aloof before his mother or Griffith suspected him. He knew that almost nothing could escape from his mother's eyes. It was completely nerve racking just how Lillian understood her son and read him like a book. Nothing could stay hidden from her, exactly like mother's instincts.
"Oh yes! They have, both of them have been in a VERY good mood today. Follow me, since you're already late, I'll show you to them."
How could Bingwen ever imagine that two COPPESS leaders were actually waiting for his return??? Usually It'd only be Itchtaka he'd have to report to. But then again that information he received and the map he turned in were of great importance. This could mean that the other council members are kept in the dark.
Appia led Bingwen through the back of the mansion to a private courtyard. When they arrived, the sweet mossy and posey fragrance swiftly enveloped their bodies. A beautiful sight awaited their eyes. A cluster of gorgeous trees growing a sort of Spanish moss and seeds slightly moved in the wind. The bushes around them glowed with blooming buds. A tall delicate pergola with vines and moss hovered over them. There was a white table in the middle of these trees. The luminous day star was no longer here to gift its rays of shiny crystal lights; so now it was the tree's glowing that granted them light. Lillian's courtyard has never failed to make Bingwen feel captivated by its grace and beauty. No matter how many times he steps foot on this pebble pathway, he can't help but wish he had a garden like this.
Appia stopped halfway and said, "Go on, I have things to take care of inside." Bingwen walked towards the white table nodding. He greeted his parents, "Master Einar, Ms. Vondri. I have brought to you tonight-"
"Oh perfect! You're here now! Little Daoming, come, sit with us." Lillian said with a cheerful soft voice, which made Griffith jump a little. Bingwen nodded and joined them at the table. Griffith asks, "So, Little DaoMing. How was the mission? You've arrived much later than expected."
Bingwen couldn't lie, but he also didn't want to tell them what happened. "The mission went smoothly. We were able to acquire the information you sought."
Lillian spoke, "See Griffith, I told you pairing those two together for this mission was nothing to be afraid about. I bet they even became close friends after their near death situation. I bet if we assigned them another mission again, they'll be done in a day. Even going through a lot together."
"Little DaoMing, I see that you've been able to work well with this 2k. You both will be partners in missions from now on. We don't have any missions for you the rest of this year, so you can take this as a break and stay with your 2k group. Lillian and I decided to let Angelo move in with your 2k group for two months. He will also have no missions for the rest of the year. Prithee, DaoMing, kindly get along and socialize with him. Live a little, socialize, in case you are chosen for the next council member it'd be wise to keep him by your side."
"Well said Griffith, I also agree! Little DaoMing, I am concerned about how much time you spend on these missions, and the little time you have to socialize. You've hardly spoken to your 2ks these months. And this Angelo is very social, decent, considerate, and interesting. Having him as a friend will benefit you."
Bingwen gulped and nodded as he tried to divert the conversation, looking at Griffith, he said "Here this is the scroll I have inquired about. I'll have to report what we have encountered." Griffith received it and smiled, "It's okay, Angelo will fill us in. You just head back to your cottage. Don't forget that in a few days you'll be coming back for the annual children's play and candidate bi-yearly assessments. We hope you will be able to join us along with all the council members and candidates."
Lillian enthusiastically encouraged him, "That's right! The kids have been really excited to see you again! They've been practicing real hard, they basically became experts in acting!!!"
"I will be there, mother. I would also love to see how much they've grown since last year," Bingwen said with a smile in his voice. "Bingwen," said Griffith. "Did you perhaps take a look at the map?"
Bingwen purposefully pointed at the scroll and asked, "That map?" Griffith looked down at the parchment and back at him, "It's nothing, don't worry about it." He had noticed it looked wrinkled which meant he must have had some trouble while retrieving it. It was to be expected since he used an enchantment on the map. There was also that Bingwen had his hair in a lazy low ponytail. He never wears his hair like that, as a matter of fact it was the first time he's seen him don that hair style. "Is there something you would like to say, DaoMing?"
"Not entirely… just that. I'd like to return to Hyssop Cottage? It's been a while since I've had time to rest and live quietly with my 2ks."
"Very well, in that case you should be going now."
"Oh, do stay for a little while son! I'll have Appia teleport you there so you'll have plenty of time! Please have some tea with us."
"Sure, mother."
After tea they asked Appia to join them as well. They had a lovely time chatting and spending time as a family before Bingwen called it a day. Appia teleported him back to the same two story cottage he arrived at before he had to go on another mission. He was absolutely beaten from everything and everyone. All he wanted to do was to get some sleep. He headed straight into his room. After entering, he took several deep breaths and took off his mask before letting it sit on his wide drawer on the right. He stood there feeling chills as he remembered the day's occurrence. He took back his mask and put it on his nightstand, which was next to his bed. His bed was placed on the left against a wall. Across the entrance was a window which let the light of the snowy white crystal moon into the shadowy room.
Bingwen lit some candles and closed the thin white curtains. After that was done, he opened one of the drawers and took out a comb. He moved a chair to the center of the small room and sat down facing the window. While untying his hair and running his fingers through it, BANG! Someone burst through the door. It was a teenager of the age of 18, just like Bingwen. This orange clad teen was wide with huge muscles but still looked feminine. Who else could it be but Jasper?
As she burst through the doors, which she has a habit of, Bingwen jolted around to glare at her. Jasper panicked when she saw Bingwen's face. This was technically not the first time this has happened. It was probably like her one billionth time seeing it, whether it is on purpose or not. Bingwen was just too tired to lecture her again, so he just gave her a glare.
"S-SORRY!!!" she yelled apologetically. Rolling his eyes to the inside of his head, Bingwen tied his hair in a messy bun and put on his mask again. He decided not to braid his hair and went out. "So what is it this time?"
"Some guy told me to get you! IT'S AN EMERGENCY HE SAID!"
Bingwen, concerned, replied, "Wait calm down, who is this he?"
"HURRY, THERE'S NO TIME TO EXPLAIN!" Jasper turned and ran to the end of the hallway, with Bingwen thinking it was an actual emergency. He ran right after her.
Spoilers, it's not.
She led him outside the cottage next to the kitchen. The shack shed yellow light coming through the cracks. "Alright, I'm gonna leave you two together. I've got lots of work tomorrow! BYE," Jasper said as she hurriedly rushed back inside.
"Wait!" Bingwen reached out, but she was already as gone as the wind. He gave out a huge loud sigh before he opened the door.
Inside he heard laughter and was metaphorically struck by lightning. "Wow, I didn't think she'd actually go and get you, Mysterio." IT WAS ANGELO! He was dressed differently this time. This attire was of a fancy black and gray.
Bingwen was startled when he heard his voice. "Y-you! What are YOU doing here?! Go back to your 2k group. Leave this section at once!"
With a smirk, Angelo taunted, "NO! Is this any way to treat a guest? You know, Ms. Vondri basically ordered me to come here specifically for you. She for real worries for you, and since we were pretty close earlier today, I thought maybe we can have a little more time to get to know each other properly. Master Einar was also present, you can ask him if you want."
Angelo continued, "Also, Jasper doesn't know about me staying the night. If there isn't a spare room, I guess I can sleep with you tonight. It's not weird if you make it weird."
Bingwen felt discomfort and anger when he heard those words coming out of him. He responded with, "We have guest rooms. This Is the campus Master Griffth visits after all. Which campuses don't have any spare rooms!?"
"You're right Mysterio! How could I have forgotten? So, are you going to escort me to my room?"
Bingwen stormed outside with Angelo at his tail dancing with excitement. "Oh man, Bingwen I didn't bring many things with me except those big cases over there," Angelo pointed at his luggage.
Unamused, Bingwen asked Angelo, "How the fuck did you bring them here?" "I… Appia was kind enough to teleport me here and- who knew you could use foul language too." Bingwen was shocked, "You met with Appia too?!"Angelo felt like teasing Bingwen and stepped close, "Of course! I also greeted your parents. But don't worry, they don't know what happened between us."
"What happened between you?" Asked Jasper as she made her way to them. Bingwen took a step back and said, "Just a small slip in the mission. Nothing more." He began walking towards the luggage and asked, "more like a literal slip… Hey Jasper, why don't you help us with this luggage?"
Jasper asked, "Sure! But, where do I put it?" Angelo felt the sudden urge to randomly announce at the top of his lungs, "TO HIS ROOM!" Bingwen shouted, "TO THE GUEST ROOM!" Jasper alternated her focus between the two of them and realized there was no emergency. She became pissed that she was able to be tricked like that. Three more fellows exited the cabin dashing to the latter. The girl of the group, Janet, asked, "Where's the trouble at!?" The other two, Milo and Mason, tried to catch their breaths as they panted, "2k Bingwen we are ready for the trouble!" Bingwen felt a little embarrassed when he said, "Yeah, the only trouble we'll have is the trouble that comes with having him as a guest."
Everyone turned towards Angelo. If he was able to look at himself, he too would turn to see a six feet tall childish fool with wings. Everyone but Bingwen were excited to have a guest at the Hyssop cottage. To everyone this was a first since they were ever allowed to host or keep guests around. Everyone but Bingwen stayed up for dinner. They had a great time learning about Angelo and his 2k group. Only Jasper felt his presence was off. She didn't think much of it since she wanted to be a great host to a Hyssop guest.
The next day Bingwen stayed in his room studying what he'd seen the day prior. He had come to the conclusion that Griffith wanted to expand COPPESS's borders and maybe even take control of Egypt City and other towns nearby. The alliance between Griffith and that hybrid cat is still a mystery. He wondered if he could sneak into Griffith's office back at Neil Mansion to investigate but thought it too risky. That place is crawling with watchful piercing eyes at every corner. He'd need help coming up with a good plan to go undiscovered. He thought maybe just investigating Griffith's long forgotten Office down in the basement of this very cottage. He quickly dismissed the idea for it was too improbable for it to contain any information regarding the plans.
A sudden knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts when Jasper asked if he wanted to eat breakfast to which Bingwen agreed. When he finally descended the stairs he was met with loud chatter from Angelo and his roommates. Jasper wasn't really talking much but instantly lit up when she saw him. Bingwen suddenly regretted coming down to eat with them since Angelo was also there. He seemed to charm his way into becoming best buddies with the JMM trio.
Angelo called him out and said, "You took so long coming downstairs, I thought you might have extended your beauty sleep." Everyone giggled except Jasper and Bingwen. Jasper ignored him and served Bingwen dandelions with eggs with a side of jelly bread. Angelo got up and served dandelion tea for him. Bingwen suddenly felt excited to try the tea since it was different from what Jaspers or Janet would make. Milo and Mason quickly sat Angelo back down and retrieved sugar and a substitute for honey.
As he ate he could feel an intense gaze coming from Angelo. Both Milo and Mason talked to him about the quiet life here in the Hyssop Cottage. His attention seemed to be focused on the topic but something told him he was watching him. He felt so complicated after the incident he ran away from. He felt hot and took the tea, he added sugar and honey to it before taking a sip. Angelo let out a subtle gasp as he leaned over to him.
Angelo was actually sitting across from him and asked, "Bingwen how did you like the tea? Was it good?" Bingwen looked up at him awkwardly and asked, "yes, did you not like yours?" Angelo giggled when Milo said, "Actually it was Angelo 2k who made it." Bingwen was surprised to know that Jasper would ever let anyone other than Mason near the kitchen. He asked, "how did you acquire so many of these?"
"Actually I had trouble sleeping so I decided to go out and roam about. I flew some distance when I came across a huge patch of yellow dandelions, so I plucked them and brought them back," said Angelo. All of a sudden Bingwen felt touched by this sudden action of his. Dandelions were his favorite because they symbolize optimism and rebirth which displayed strength other than also being beautiful. Angelo mentally high-fived himself. Good thing Lillian gave me a whole list of Bingwen's likes and dislikes!
In actuality Angelo really couldn't fall asleep so he went out, but he didn't fly anywhere. Instead he wanted to find Bingwen but he was already asleep, so Angelo watched him sleep from outside the window for a while before walking to the kitchen. Inside he detoxified the flowers Lillian gave him and went back to sleep.
After breakfast, Bingwen came out to read a book under a tree. Hours passed when he began to read a second book. After Angelo finally got rid of the trio he finally went outside to speak to Bingwen. When he saw him under the tree he wondered if he was still mad at him. Angelo sat right beside him and leaned closer to see what he was reading, but Bingwen instantly closed it before he got the chance. Bingwen asked, "What is it that you want?" Angelo rested his hands at each side, "Hey, why so cold all of a sudden? Can a man just make peace and be friends? Even though he's seen my face that hasn't been shown in months?!" Bingwen turned to look at him in fury. "It was an accident! An accident which you caused," he exclaimed. "Oh yeah, how about you tell me what was in the plans we collected the other day Mysterio? I bet you're hiding something aren't you?" Bingwen went silent hearing something so out of the blue. Just how much does this guy like to meddle in other people's affairs? Finally he said, "I am not hiding anything. The person who's more questionable is you. Why are you like this?"
Angelo was panicking and blurted out, "you're so interesting. I mean like, HOW the fuck did you even get that arrangement with the pixies that literally NOBODY knows about? I mean except for that Hank guy… Or how about you giving him your cloak and bag in exchange for a ride? What was even in that bag that he wanted? Or is it Griffith who is hiding something and planning behind people's back? Why would they choose only us to go on that mission?"
Bingwen was shocked when he realized that Angelo thought the same thing he did. He yelled "First off, none of this has anything to do with you! Mind your own business!" He stood up with his books in his hands and marched off even more determined. "If I can figure out more about this, maybe I'll be able to stop it," Bingwen thought. Angelo shouted, "I'll bring you more of those yellow flowers if you answer my questions!"