Sunny dressed quickly, glancing intermittently at a wristwatch he slapped on his left wrist. Its fierce cobalt exterior and band complimented his eyes well. He put on a specialized black combat garb laced with chromium hidden away beneath his two piece suit. It was skin tight in nature but surprisingly flexible and light. His suit was a classic black with a similarly coloured tie. The dress shoes slid on easily as they gripped to his feet. I hate this formal style but…ain't nothing like Vanguard made clothes. Sunny yearned to throw on his new Abibas shirt he bought specifically for today but it'd have to wait. I wonder if Stella saw me change. I mean It would be easy for a phantom to just creep on people right? A fire burned low in his belly and a thrill went right through him. Yeah…never gotten excited about a phantom lurking around before. Sunny shook his head in disbelief. C'mon Sunny you weren't always this bad were you? By now he made his way to the bathroom to splash his face with cold water. He didn't even know what she was; he could only speculate. I wonder what the Round Table are going to decide.
The Round Table consisted of older Vanguards who each served a critical role at HQ. Generally speaking their field experience dwarfed the likes of the nineteen year old Sunny. With Locke there I doubt anyone will do anything, Sunny thought to himself. There were twelve main members on the council and Locke was one of them. Locke served as the Shield of Vanguard that could never be broken. In a sense he was the one all members of Vanguard respected, regardless of how they felt about his decisions. Sunny was a member too but his membership was honorary. To be fair, not too many Vanguards have achieved the coveted rating of Dragon-Class. The classes from weakest to strongest were taught to him from a young age. Fayrie, Kinglyt, Raven, Gryphyn, Phoenyx and finally Dragon-Class. I've done it all. Sunny nodded at his achievement.
The council had recognized Sunny's power and sheer lunacy dubbing him the honorary thirteenth. Not that it means anything. Sunny grumbled. I've been a part of the table for years and I still get treated like a grunt.
He shook himself free of the memory and then he made his way to the living room. He swept the room with his eyes but only found his stuff.
"Stella?" he called out when he didn't see her.
He could feel her aura nearby emanating from her gate. She materialized from the corner of his eye and it took a great deal of willpower for Sunny not to pull a weapon. He clenched his hands by his side and smiled tightly. As a Vanguard, his primary assignment was to exercise phantoms and Kinshi. Yet here he was, mingling with one in his apartment like it was the norm. Stella had made herself known and patiently waited for Sunny to continue. A massive smirk was painted across her face. Awwww. He's all dressed up. Stella's eyes drifted up and down his body admiring the neatly pressed fit. She took note of his watch. It's a nice touch and accents his eyes well. He clearly cares about his appearance. Her concentration was broken by Sunny.
He cleared his throat noisily and began to pull out his phone. "Alright, I'll just check if Locke is—"
He was interrupted by the chime of his phone. He whipped out his ruby coloured phone from his right pocket. Hurriedly unlocking his phone to see who messaged him. His smile faded slightly when he saw Locke's name.
"Hurry up kid," the text read.
"Talk of the devil," Sunny said. "He's here, let's get going."
Stella nodded and floated away towards the door. Sunny followed in tow, shutting the door carefully almost like he was afraid of it breaking. He looked to his left down the hall, sighing in disgust. That's going to cost so much money. The remnants of his battle with Glenda wore on Sunny. He shook his head and bolted off to the stairwell. Stella beckoned him from the platform below and he rested his bum on the rail surfing to the bottom. He did this three more times chasing Stella back to the first floor. Once outside he quickly locked the building entrance before whipping around to look for his friend. He noticed Stella was floating by a dark red 1961 Musbang. Sunny casually approached the car leaning over to the open driver side window.
"Hey, Locke. How's it kicking?"
"Pretty good, Sunny. Get in, there's something you and Stella might want to hear. Well, you see… err," Locke paused, glancing at Stella's hovering form. "You want to get in, Stella? Maybe you could transform and..."
Stella shook her head and Sunny's phone chimed in his pocket a second after. He pulled it out and read it out loud. "She says not to worry, Locke. She doesn't want to transform just yet."
"Makes sense," Locke shrugged and started the car. "And I have a feeling she might need to go tangible where we're going."
Sunny hopped over the car and slid into the passenger seat through the window.
"Show off," Locke chuckled.
Stella phased into the car and Locke revved it up, spinning out towards a main road. Loose gravel shot out from under the tires and dirt flew through the air. He turned up the music so loud it rattled his windows slightly.
Damn I needed that.
Locke's relief at the sound of his trusty steed was obvious. His bulging traps relaxed and his smile was childlike.
"So, what's the deal?" Sunny asked.
"The council wants to meet her. That's not it though," Locke rumbled. "Apparently, there's only been one case such as this and it was a looong time ago."
"How long?"
"Long." Locke said. "Back when humans burned people for using basic math and shit."
Sunny whistled under his breath, "Oh, so long."
"For an organization that has a history of being a bunch of pencil pushing nerds, the records about it weren't too clear. We know a lot of information has been lost to time but it's still annoying. But we're still here so either we took care of it or it wasn't a threat."
Sunny didn't want to analyze Locke's statement too deeply. Whatever was a threat to the Vanguards was quickly exterminated. There were no two ways about it. If they got to the HQ and the council ordered that Stella be taken out, they would have to do so. He glanced to his left and shared a look with Locke. They were both thinking the same thing. Stella must have picked up on the vibe, because Sunny's phone chimed once again.
"What's wrong?" the text read.
"Nothing!"
Sunny yelled to the back of the car, refusing to turn back to face her. He expected another text but Stella remained silent throughout the drive. All sorts of scenarios played out in Sunny's head. He could feel the faint tug of the bond between his gate and hers. He could tell she wanted to be included but he wasn't sure how to approach the topic. Another thought occurred to him and his eyes widened in alarm. What if…what if they order her exorcism and choose to ignore everything that's happened so far? What if they try to make me do it? The idea of betraying Vanguard had never swam through the recess of his mind before. His fists clutched at his pant legs and he closed his eyes in an attempt to slow his breathing.
"You okay, kid?" Locke asked softly, concern filled his eyes.
Sunny reopened his eyes before responding, loosening his grips on his slacks.
"Yes, I just want to get it over with. Ya know?"
"I understand, the place is full of stiffs." Locke replied. "We'll be there soon. You good back there Stella?"
Sunny expected his phone or Locke's to ring out but to his surprise, Stella's voice rang out from the speakers of the car, cutting the music.
"Yes, Locke."
"Holy fu—shi—FUCK!" swore Locke, swerving the steering wheel and righting it almost immediately. "What the fuck?" Locke gave Sunny a don't you dare glance before rubbing his face with his meaty hands.
Sunny chuckled at Locke's reaction and turned to look at Stella in the back.
"That's pretty awesome. It's like you've got some sort of tech quirk. Isn't that right?"
"I guess." Stella said happily from the speakers.
Sunny saw her lips move and it was uncanny to hear her voice emanating from the speakers and bouncing around in the car. It had a nasal quality to it but it was no doubt Stella's voice.
"I just wanted to respond myself but you were driving and the music was so loud," Stella explained.
"Neat trick," Locke said appreciatively. "The nerds over at R&D would have a field day if they get wind of this."
"R&D, what's that?" Stella asked, caution evident in her voice.
"Just our research and development team. They're nearly harmless Stella. Dr. Rose cares little about anything other than her work and Licht…well he's…he's just Licht."
Even as Sunny spoke he realized he wasn't entirely honest. The R&D team were responsible for a host of things: Developing weapons for Vanguards to use against their enemies, carrying out extensive study on the phantoms and seeking out ways to exorcize them faster and more efficiently. Obviously they spent a fraction of their time developing for AM Tech to keep their cover intact. But R&D wasn't harmless at all. They were the skeletal system supporting Vanguard in everything they do. Without them, there would be little to no information about the threats to humanity. Locke must have realized the fact too because his jaw tightened and he gripped the steering like it was a phantom's neck.
"So… Stella," Locke said. "How does your, err…transformation work again?"
"I can make myself tangible but for a short time. I can't do it again until it's past three in the morning the next day."
"Right right…" Locke said. "Still no idea why right?"
"No, it just works like that," Her voice rang through the speakers once more.
"I have a theory," Sunny said, almost to himself.
"Well son, you're gonna have to share later. We're here."
The Musbang swerved into a run down parking lot on the side of a highway. They had taken the highway north from Oldhaven and flew by the exit for a larger city called Aegis.
Oh I didn't even notice we passed my old city, Sunny thought. Then again the old man drives way too fast.
Before them, Vanguard HQ towered. A large church that had clearly stood for many years beckoned them. The colors were faded and it had very few civilians present. No identifiable symbols of worship were seen on the exterior.
"A church?" Stella asked.
"Yep, what better place to house a bunch of demon-killing soldiers than a church?" Locke said smugly.
He drove the car into an almost empty parking lot attached to the back of the church and switched the car off.
"Let's go," Locke said, losing the smile on his face. "Stay close Stella. Most Vanguards would kill first and ask questions later. But as long as one of us is with you they wouldn't dare."
They stepped out of the car and the trio made their way towards the entrance of the church. The passing by of vehicles from the highway could be heard. Sunny smiled faintly at Stella when he saw she was the only one whose hair did not move in the gentle breeze. Instead it floated on its own accord in rhythm with her movements. They made it to the rickety steps with chipped paint and opened the doors. Upon stepping into the church Sunny felt a tug within him.
She was glued tight against him. He couldn't feel her on his skin but he felt her deep inside himself. He lifted an eyebrow, a question in his gaze. He pulled out his phone and waited.
Sure enough he received a message from a strange contact.
"I feel odd. Like I'm being haunted."
Sunny grimaced and showed Locke the text.
"That's strange." Locke said light-heartedly. "Ain't you the phantom? Relax, nothing is going to happen to you. Remember we're both right here. I'd offer to turn around but…it's a little late for that."
"He's right Stella." Sunny reassured her. "We're almost there."
He put his phone away along with the urge to reach out a hand towards Stella. She's strong… She's going to be fine. Sunny then assured himself.
They walked past pews and benches and finally got to a door behind the pulpit. Locke knocked thrice and the door swung open. Locke headed into the darkness first and Stella went next. Sunny followed immediately after his breathing slowed down to a crawl. The door shut softly behind them and the room was suddenly flooded with light.
People dressed in black and gold uniforms flooded the room. They wore a mix of berets, helmets and caps on their heads. Each of them were armed to the teeth with modified pistols and assault rifles in their gloved hands. Sunny didn't miss the swords and blades strapped at their backs and waists. Stella had to be careful of the next movement she made. They pointed their guns at Stella and Sunny moved in front of her protectively. They numbered eight in total and even Locke was visibly shocked at the reception. He could recognize a few of the faces. The looks they shot at him and Sunny were anything but friendly.
"Relax, guys," Locke said to break the tension. "It's just me and Sunny."
"Please, step away from the phantom sir." Said one of the men tightly, the young Vanguard was one Locke had fought side by side with. His bright blonde hair and green eyes were fully exposed. For a six foot, twenty three year old he was awfully thin. To his credit his muscles had been refined and he was not lacking physically. Out of the eight officers there he was the only one not wielding any weapons except his off duty baton and pistol. His sharp eyes hadn't left Stella even for a moment.
"Hey. Jasper," Locke cautioned. "Knock it off. I was asked to bring her here. The Round Table is supposed to have gathered."
"The council sent us to escort the phantom into a designated holding cell while they met," Jasper said.
"Well, I didn't get the memo. I am on the council Jasper."
"It's just my orders, sir."
Locke sighed and motioned to Sunny and Stella, he lowered his voice and spoke directly to Sunny. His eyes shifted back and forth. Sunny's ears perked up and he listened carefully. "Listen kid, go with them and stay with Stella. Under no circumstance are you to leave her side unless she's with me."
"Sir, we were instructed to escort only the phantom to its cell," Jasper interjected.
"Her," Sunny said, bristling at the Vanguard's term he had just recently used himself. "And her name is Stella."
The Vanguards shared a look among themselves and returned their gazes to Sunny and Stella. There was disgust in their eyes.
"Well, I'm instructing that Sunny here follows to keep an eye on things while I go meet with the other council members. Nothing wrong with that, right Jasper? We're all friends here. Not so?" Locke was silent for half a beat before going on. "Good. Go with them Sunny. See you both in a bit."
Locke confidently stomped towards another door by the corner and disappeared through it. The Vanguard members in the room were hesitant to do anything.
"This way," Jasper said roughly, gesturing towards the door opposite the one Locke had just entered.
Sunny could feel Stella's fear like it was his own and he had no doubt the other Vanguards could too. He could tell they were itching to bury a knife in Stella's back, or pump her full of Chromium bullets until she disappeared from this plane. But even Vanguard's hate wasn't enough to make them disobey a direct order. The punishment for that was swift and grievous. Again, Sunny wished Stella was tangible, then he could offer her comfort. Instead, he reached out with his gate and found hers already waiting. Tense and quivering with anticipation. He closed the gap between them and he could almost hear her sigh in relief. The air surrounding them electrified, the Vanguards acute senses had them all sweating. Sunny hid his smile. They don't understand the change in energy around them. Sunny didn't understand either. But he liked the feeling, he liked it a lot. He held on tighter to Stella's gate and it was as though they had begun to fuse together.
They were marching down a narrow hallway when one of the Vanguards spat bitterly from behind. "Frolicking with filth now, are we?"
Sunny kept silent and sharpened his senses, this was the perfect place for an ambush. This was a bad idea. All they would have to say is Stella attacked first. Everyone would know but no one would care. Sunny could already envision it happening. His hands strayed to the weapon by his side and he gripped the handle tightly.
"Shut up," Jasper growled at the Vanguard to Sunny's surprise. His hand lightly came off of the handle hovering above it. The air thickened with animosity and Sunny stayed alert with each bend of the hall. He knew exactly where they were going. This isn't the way to holding cells. He thought as he saw a faint green glow from around a corner. It's R&D. There were people with lab coats and curious gazes present. Staff and Vanguard scientists scurried the floor of the massive area that once was a warehouse. Non-combatants. Sixty-seven of them. No seventy-two. Sunny counted. A bunch of computers and machines lined one side of the wall, along with gizmos Sunny had never seen before. The constant noise of debates and machines humming was maddening. Sunny looked up at the ceiling. It was unbelievably high up and it always made him dizzy whenever he would visit R&D. There were multiple sets of stairs leading to the top of various devices, platforms for viewing the ground level and leisure areas. One of them was even built strictly for sleeping. I could never take a nap way up there. Sunny shook his head. A woman with silver streaks in her aqua coloured hair and pearl earrings in her ears strutted over to Stella and Sunny. She was rather tall compared to Stella. Her lips were adorned with a clear lipstick and her nails were coloured black. Her mascara and eye shadow blended well with her yellow eyes.
"Beautiful," she breathed heavily. "We heard the stories but didn't think it was possible. What's it...her name?"
"Stella," Sunny said stiffly.
He glanced to the side and saw a hollow cylindrical chamber made from glass with wires hooked up to it. Its green glass sat ominously in its frame. Inside it was lined with luxurious upholstery designed for maximum comfort.
"The holding cell," the woman said. Sunny glanced at the name tag on her chest. Dr. Rose, it read. She was a lead doctor involved in many projects for Vanguard. "It won't harm her, I assure you. It's to keep her stable and contained until the council asks for her. We didn't even use chromium!" she exclaimed.
The woman pulled out her phone and opened an app. Once in her thumbs rapidly tapped the screen and the cylindrical glass on the cell swung open. Stella looked at Sunny for a short second and Sunny nodded reassuringly. Stella got into the chamber and it closed shut gently. It seemed to Sunny as though she became more present. Alive even, she was in her intangible form.
"It was a contraption made hastily but I'm glad it works," Dr. Rose smiled maniacally.
"What?" A distracted Sunny asked.
"The chamber, we made it after councilman Locke called. We didn't know what to expect, so we just brainstormed."
"Oh," Sunny wasn't shocked. The R&D were adept at working round the clock, and quickly too.
The chamber had dampened the connection between himself and Stella, but it was still present. Sunny relaxed as he felt the fear melt away from Stella's side of their connection.
"You may leave the room now," The Doctor said to the other Vanguards.
"Ma'am," began Jasper. "We were ordered to watch the phantom until they sent for it, her, I mean."
"Well, you're in my lab and I'm telling you to wait at the door."
"That might not be entirely wise, ma'am. You're jeopardizing your safety and the rest of the staff here."
"Do you not think we would already be dead if she wanted us so, Jasper?"
Jasper thought for a moment and then a blush blossomed on his cheeks. He fidgeted with a carbine on his belt but remained silent.
Dr. Rose took pity on him and softened her tone. "Well, you can stay but the rest should wait outside. I think we're making our guest nervous with all this chromium present."
Jasper nodded thankfully and gave the order. The other Vanguards moved out grudgingly but obeyed regardless. The area emptied out until it was just Sunny, Stella, Dr. Rose and Jasper present in the immediate vicinity.
Dr. Rose walked across the room, her heels clicking loudly on the tiled floor. She sat behind a table with two computers and eight monitors. The desk was full of clutter but she easily navigated the mess as she typed on her chrome keyboard.
"You want to take a look at this, Alldust?" she said absently.
"Sure, why not?" He walked around the table, positioning himself beside her and looked at where she pointed on the screen.
"We have never had a live phantom here and I didn't ever think we would, b-but the charts...it's pure euphoria!"
Four of the monitors on the left were bundled together to make a big screen. On them Stella's vitals were being measured meticulously. Looking at the data he didn't understand some of the parameters but something did strike his fancy. She's generating CO2 and what is that? Sunny squinted at the screen then turned to look at the enclosure his friend was in. I must be overtired. I thought I saw sparks. On the right side of the desk Dr. Rose had the other four monitors showing different algorithms running searching for an answer to something. Sunny didn't fully grasp the source of the doctor's excitement or process but he understood it. The very concept of becoming allies with phantom still seemed odd to him if he thought about it. Strange times just get stranger I guess. Honestly just another day at the office. Sunny joked to himself but the semblance of truth remained. The thing that was the strangest was his willingness to fight his peers over the slightest infraction towards Stella. I wonder if Dr. Rose will be able to figure out her abilities. I'm sure Stella has some ability that's influencing me. That has to be it. Sunny yawned and rubbed his eyes.
Sunny's phone chimed and he left the doctor's side to walk over to Stella. Jasper watched him closely, curiosity and wariness in his gaze. He hadn't gone for his weapon since they showed up. I gotta give Jasper credit. The guy is a stickler for rules, but he isn't as much of a stick in the mud as I thought. Sunny praised him but would never say it to his face. Upon reaching the container that housed Stella he checked his phone.
"What's she talking about, Sunny?" the text read.
"I have no idea," he said softly to her. "Just a bunch of stats that are supposed to mean something. How do you feel?"
"Quite good, actually. It doesn't feel bad. It reminds me of the times when I used to soak in a bathtub. Although there is no water. These pillows are wonderful!" Stella beamed at Sunny through the glass.
Sunny suppressed the need to apologize again. It was pointless if she was in good spirits. All he could do was focus his efforts on helping her find the psychopath that killed her.
"How the hell are you doing that?" Jasper said from beside him. "Are you...texting her?"
Sunny stiffened for a moment, and then exhaled. He's…genuinely curious isn't he? I don't sense a drop of hostility. Sunny noted thisand saw the doctor walking towards them. He waited until she was standing beside Jasper before explaining.
"Err…well, yes, she communicates like this when she's in this form." Sunny held up his phone. "The ride here was different though. She talked to me and Locke through the car speakers."
Jasper took a wary step back and stared at Stella in alarm. Sunny knew exactly how he was thinking, after all they had the same training. Phantoms were thought to be mindless entities that if left to their own devices could become Kinshi. When that happened they never remained quiet or peaceful. And now, here was one that seemed to be in control of her faculties. Alert and even going so far as to communicate in such an irregular way. It was enough to shake even the most steadfast Vanguard. The doctor didn't seem to share the sentiment. If anything, it made her body approach the chamber and rest her hands on the glass. Her face was full of bliss.
"Fantastic, she must be able to manipulate electrical signals in the air, tweaking it whichever way she wants. Absolutely fascinating. Have you...heard her speak while fully tangible?" Dr. Rose waited not so patiently for a response.
"Yes, and it sounded like her from the speakers too. But wait…I thought she was tangible now." Sunny said.
"Well, not quite. We are just supercharging her right now. Giving her some proper rest if you will. You can wipe that look off your face, Jasper. If she's capable of these things, I'm certain she could fry you where you stand with the static electricity your hair generates. With or without my new baby that is." Dr. Rose rubbed the side of the holding cell gently.
Jasper froze where he stood and Sunny couldn't help but chuckle.
"Stella means you no harm, Jasper. You can stop glaring at her."
Sunny's phone dinged.
"I would never knowingly hurt anyone," Stella texted.
"Here," Sunny said, passing the phone first to Jasper who passed it onto the doctor.
"How is this possible?" Jasper asked, shocked. His eye twitched in response to the overwhelming scene.
"Hahaha. You think I know?" Sunny's voice was tired. "But Stella was murdered, and she thinks she wants to find her killer."
Just then, the door swung open and Vanguards swarmed the room with Locke in front of them. His eyes were narrowed and his lips were a straight line in his face. His muscles bulged through his black vest and he stopped in the middle of the room. He looked around for a bit and then cut through the silence. "Alright, let's get this shit over with so we can get some food."
***
The Vanguard Round Table was located several more floors below ground on the same level as their arena. Normally the arena was used to house massive events or presentations. On special occasions it was used for battle between members of the Vanguard. Its tough concrete terrain ran for several meters dwarfing the size of a football field three times over. Even the rows of seats were massive. It might as well just be called a stadium. On the upper most ring of seating sat lines of offices and break rooms. The round table was situated directly in the largest northern section. On the other side of its one way glass the trio were escorted in by Jasper and company. Stella noticed several interesting faces sat amongst the dais. The table was built from gold chromium and sprawled uncomfortably.
How do they hold conversations at this thing? Stella marveled.
Sunny and Locke stood before the rest of their peers before taking their seats with their backs to the darkened glass. As Stella watched Sunny lower himself into his busted wooden chair her mind was filled with images of a King sitting before his subjects. Interesting. Stella thought about it for a moment longer; the image of a pointed crown casting shadows over Sunny's dead eyes made her giggle. Stella quickly came back to reality and hovered behind her two friends. The pressure of everyone's eyes forced her to lower her gaze as she twiddled her fingers. Sunny rested his arm on the table and the sound of his thumb incessantly tapping the gold drummed on.
The members eyed Stella with varying emotions. Eleven in number each with scars seen and unseen. Their presence was enough to make Jasper and his subordinates begin to sweat. He looked over at Sunny who now had leaned back in his chair disinterested.
Delinquent. What a wasted seat, Jasper seethed.
"We're gathered here to decide the fate of this phantom in our midst," began one of the councilmen with a gruff voice. He was a balding man with an eyepatch over his right eye. His pointed beard was pure white. He seemed slightly smaller than the members near him but Sunny knew it was a front. "Much has been said by Our Shield Locke Errandael, and he seems to think that much could be gained from keeping it alive rather than killing it."
His tone was venomous and disapproving as he made direct eye contact with Sunny. He had a balled fist on the edge of the table and his other hand lay readily above his sidearm.
"I say we end it and move on from this foolishness," continued the balding man. "We're in the business of exterminating these things, not recruiting them."
There were grumbles of agreement and disagreement. Sunny's ears struggled to figure out who was on his side or not.
"If I may be so bold as to interject, Garland," said one of the members sitting to Sunny's right. Oh this will be good. Sunny thought. Licht is always up to something.
The young slender man had a mischievous glint in his eyes and the smile he had permanently plastered on his face was anything but normal. His messy silver hair contrasted wildly against his garnet eyes. Two cross shaped earrings dangled from his lobes. He wore a lab coat over his specialized jet black combat garb. Interestingly enough he was the only vanguard to wear glasses. His had a black frame and were rectangular in nature.
"I am a scientist first, along with the rest of my department I'm really curious how this phenomenon came about. As you know my wonderful assistant Dr. Rose has already had something of a breakthrough in the short time we had with the Phantom," Licht reasoned.
"Bullshit," spat Garland. A vein on his temple popped as his frustration heightened. "You've been in here the whole time. How would you know?" Garland argued.
Licht's smile grew even wider and ominous. "You would do well to learn how to trust your allies and their convictions. I, for one, am willing to bet my seat on Dr. Rose and her capabilities. I say we trust Errandael's gut and maybe even bring Stella here into our ranks."
He's manipulating them, Stella realized. He didn't use my name earlier but he knows it's getting under their skin. He's a scary one. Stella shuddered at the idea of being alone with Licht.
"Licht, That's madness!" yelled a councilwoman, bolting to her feet. "It's an abomination and a danger to us all!"
The woman had a massive frame and out stood heads above the rest of the members. She wore small hooped earrings and seemed to be the only female in the entire establishment wearing heels. She had long flowing blonde hair and blue eyes full of vitality. Her combat garb was the only one that was formed into a dress designed to accentuate her stacked figure. She had an extendable baton on either hip and a long flowing contour drawn around her eyes.
"I am not yet done, Yelena." Licht said in a deceptively calm voice.
The councilwoman sat to regain her composure and Licht continued. "I say we let Sunny watch over her. She can be his responsibility. IF she becomes a problem then she is his problem. And why not put a nice ribbon on all of this so we can all be happy. To prove he is capable, let's just test him." Licht sat back in his computer chair folding his right leg over his left. He leaned back and pressed the tips of his fingers on each hand together.
Licht let the silence stretch and then he continued with a satisfied smile. "He must fight Gilgamesh for the phantom to remain in our plane. Well, he must win of course." Licht's smile was dangerous as he sat and listened to the various murmurs around him.
Locke stood up and placed his hand on Sunny's shoulder and wore a deadly scowl on his mug. "I think the fuck not," he said through clenched teeth. "I will not allow it."
Gilgamesh was the head of Security for the Vanguard, and widely considered as Vanguard's Spear.
"How interesting…are you worried your little tyrant will lose?" Licht teased, running a finger over his lower lip. "We will have to vote, Locke. There's no other way. Those in favour of letting Sunny fight here and now, please signify."
"You just want to get more data on his abilities." Locke sneered.
"Whatever do you mean?" Licht responded innocently.
"It's fine," Sunny said shortly. His eyes remained on Garland the entire time. "I've been waiting for an opportunity to do something about the disrespect around here anyway." Sunny stood up and Licht clapped lightly.
"Then it's settled," Licht said as he sat forward once more. "Any more objections to the vote?" Licht didn't give them much time before filling the air with his voice once more. "Perfect. Let the vote begin then. Raise your hand if you're in favour of the duel to decide the fate of the phantom named Stella."
Among the thirteen seated on the dais, the bald man, Yelena and two others were the only ones with their hands down. A few members including Locke and Gilgamesh hesitantly raised their hands. After the count Licht spoke once more.
"Nine to Four. It is settled then." The joy could easily be heard in his voice as he stood up.
Sunny's phone chimed and everyone's attention turned to him. The air was heavy with anticipation.
"Don't I get a say in this? I don't need you fighting on my behalf," the text read.
"It's from Stella. Turns out she has more spine than some of you," Sunny taunted.
"The tantrums of a child are meaningless," Garland retorted.
"Whatever old man" Sunny grumbled. He's only still alive because he's a coward, Sunny thought but switched his attention to the upcoming bout.
The group all got up from their seats and funneled through a door that led to a hallway. On the left hand side of the wall were some plants the cleaners hadn't found a new home for and a bench. On the right was an elevator they all took turns getting into. The exception being Sunny and Gilgamesh who took the stairs nearby. Gilgamesh was only a half a head taller than Sunny but was much more defined. Condensed muscles rippled through every inch of her body as she bounced down each step. Her fiery hair slipped into two long ponytails that extended down the middle of her back. The front of her hair spread ruggedly across her face. She had blue electric eyes that shot to Sunny sporadically. Her skin tight black combat suit was covered by a specialized pair of dark slacks with a light blue button up tucked into them. She wore no suit or tie and casually popped her collar leaving her upper buttons undone. I'm so jealous right now. Sunny looked down at her pair of Nocverse sneakers.
"Ya know they will know if I go easy on you," Gilgamesh stated abruptly.
"Oh? So you don't see me as a threat?" Sunny prodded.
Gilgamesh shook her head. "You took it the wrong way Sunny. I don't think Stella is the threat. But no, you can't beat me," she admitted.
"I think you need to hone your threat assessment capabilities Gilgamesh," Sunny said, his voice monotone.
"For the last time my name is Enna. Stop using my surname… it's weird."
"Fine…" Sunny stopped in his tracks for a moment eyeing the final flight of stairs to the arena. "Enna, I'm going to be honest with you. I fully intend to treat this duel as my last. If things go sideways I may not be your ally anymore," Sunny's voice chilled Enna as she hung on each word.
"If that's how you want it," Enna shrugged.
The two reached the wide double doors at the bottom of the stairs. Both of them pushed their weight against the doors breaching into the arena. A scoreboard hung in the middle of the arena way above their heads and the council along with Jasper's squad stood by the northern bleachers. The two made their way over to their co-workers.
"Ten Minutes," sighed Garland, "and then no more."
"If I can't knock him out by then who wins?" questioned Enna.
Licht smiled at her question. "Well, if he's strong enough to continue on after a ten minute bout with our Spear Gilgamesh…then he must be a capable young lad, no?"
"Fine," scoffed Garland. "If the time limit is reached, Alldust will have proven your point."
"Sunny, you got this?" Locke muttered beside Sunny, concern in his eyes.
"Of course," Sunny said, his eyes traced back to Enna. "Stay with her, Locke. Don't let them get their hands on her if…"
He saw Stella shimmer from the corner of his eye, and then he heard the collective gasp from the others. She was full of color and Sunny knew without looking she had materialized.
"You get used to it," Sunny joked dryly.
"Be safe, Sunny," she whispered, putting her hand in his and squeezing gently. "I still think this is stupid."
Sunny smiled tightly and nodded his head. The two stood there for a moment looking on as Jasper and his unit finished chalking the ground with a rather large square.
"Come on Stella," Locke said, leading her away from the Arena. She held onto Sunny's hand until she was no longer able. Locke took her to sit on a bleacher positioned relatively close to the door. Above the square, a timer appeared on a large hologram.
"Remember what I taught you," shouted Locke.
"Like I could forget if I tried," muttered Sunny.
Sunny and Enna both entered the square. They quickly found themselves circling one another inspecting their respective stances. Sunny's thumbs were tucked against his chin. His clenched fists covered his face as he swayed rhythmically from side to side.
"Peekaboo? Really?" Enna asked incredulously.
"Actually, can we start over? I gotta take this thing off."
"Make it snappy Alldust," Garland called out.
The timer stopped and reset. It was suspended at "10:00" once again. Sunny casually removed his cufflinks, jacket and tie. After rotating his neck and shoulders a few times he rolled up his sleeves while bending over and touching his toes.
"Alllldust!" Garland's voice was full of agitation.
"Sorry jus' one sec. Been in that monkey suit too long today," Sunny tried reasoning with him.
Garland signaled for the timer to move once again and it resumed its countdown. Enna began circling Sunny once more and he resumed his fighting stances. She bounced on the tips of her toes, her legs positioned slightly wider than average. She held her left hand perpendicular across her body and her right hand was held back so that her hand was closer to her chin.
"I'll knock you out before you can checkmate me," Enna proclaimed.
"Great," Sunny replied, speeding up his swaying rotations. He channeled mana through his gate and his magical circuits that spread throughout his body began to glow a deep blue hue. "I, the Unseen Tyrant, Sunny Alldust I call a War Consuel— I command you to try and knock me out within ten minutes."
"You lazy piece of sh—" Garland was cut off by the sound of Locke's voice.
"Now, now Garland. Surely someone of your honorable standing wouldn't say such dirty words. Tsk tsk." Locke waved his finger and sucked his teeth at Garland.
Enna grunted in frustration as her superior speed failed her. She watched as each of her deadly accurate kicks flew past Sunny. With each slip Sunny gained more speed on his rotations.
It's like he knows exactly what she is going to do. Did his chant earlier have something to do with that? This is crazy, how do they move so fast? Stella's fear of being exorcized vanished before she knew it as she became enthralled with the battle in front of her. She wasn't the only one drawn in by the display of skill being shown off. Every single member of the Round Table fell silent and Jasper's crew settled in completely absorbed by the bout.
Enna went for a feint with a sweeping kick before changing directory to rocket her heel into the sky aiming for Sunny's chin. Before her leg fully extended he swayed to the side deftly dodging. As he swung back like a pendulum, he brought his right fist over his head arching to the ground. If it weren't for Enna's blistering speed and reaction time, Sunny would have easily connected with her temple flattening her against the arena floor. Instead his fist met the air and she positioned herself behind him diving towards his neck with her right foot. Once again he knew exactly where she was and what she was about to do. With a well timed squat, Enna flew straight over Sunny's head, sliding on the ground. The two stood facing each other once more, circling slowly.
"I heard you were good at reading tells but this is different Sunny," Enna said. "What did you do?"
"Not tellin'," Sunny stuck out his tongue.
Enna's face twisted with frustration and even though Sunny knew what was coming next he was unable to stop it. A swift rotating heel kick drove its way through his guard into his ribs on the left side of his body. The sheer force of the impact created a loud snapping noise followed by a boom. Sunny was sent spiraling towards the edge of the chalked area until he dropped his heels into the ground.
"How did she do that?!" Stella exclaimed.
"Well…" Locke said. "Our Spear has the most gifted body in Vanguard. She may not be the most adept with Magik but her ability to buff her physical strengths is near unmatched. We knew this would happen though."
"C-can I do that?" Stella said bewildered.
"Wha-Uh… maybe?" Locke said, shooting Stella a curious glance.
In between an onslaught of glancing blows Sunny found himself getting closer and closer to being on the receiving end of a knockout blow.
"I, the Unseen Tyrant, Sunny Alldust accept your Parting Gift— I command you to use your feet to approach me," Sunny said loudly.
"What the fuck are you on about?" Enna angrily took a step forward and froze when she saw Sunny's grin. "What did you do?!" Enna yelled at him, demanding an answer.
"Holy shit Enna you have so much energy." Sunny began to move much faster than he had previously.
As he rolled side to side, his body became a blur. Enna struggled to move her legs from where she stood. She watched as Sunny tore at the distance between them within a second. His face was directly in front of hers and he had a look similar to someone possessed. With a single sweeping uppercut he drowned his fist into her abdomen crumpling her form around his knuckles. As he lifted her into the air he felt something pop underneath his hand so he quickly cut his momentum short.
"Sorry. I'll treat you to dinner sometime," Sunny said. "I need a medic right now!" Sunny yelled to the bystanders.
A few of Jasper's lot ran over quickly with a stretcher and checked Enna.
"She's out! Take her to med bay!" One of them ordered.
They hurriedly carted her out of the area heading for the med bay a few doors down. Fortunately Vanguard had the foresight to install a state of the art medical center near the arena. Scarrrryyy. She is waaaayy too strong. Sunny looked at his fist in disbelief. The Round Table began to talk among themselves and Locke grinned wider. The fight was over. Sunny walked away, the resounding victor. As Locke and Stella ran towards Sunny to congratulate him his vision began to blur out and he fell sideways. Once his body hit the ground, he felt the cracking sensation of the side of his head bouncing off of the hard floors. Fading out of consciousness, he heard worried shouting grow near.
That's nice. I needed a nap.
***