When I met back up with Yuri and Shindo, they had a lot of questions, but I turned them down for the moment. Right now my mind was more focused on what I had just seen. That girl, being carried around through the area on a carriage. I had a bad feeling about what was going on there.
Of course, I had a pretty good idea of what the situation probably was. This was a red-light district after all. And if she was well known among the patrons here, that could mean one thing.
However, something about the whole situation seemed more sinister. I couldn't put my finger on it, but something about the whole situation gave me the vibe of some secret operation, something more than the eye could see.
I leaned against the wall, desperately trying to figure out what my next move would even be. There was already the fact that we were on a mission of our own, with a potential delusion user in the mix, and one with a scary power at that. I couldn't afford to be distracted, or we would suffer.
At the same time, there was a high chance that whatever was going on with that girl had something to do with the delusion user. That may have just been me trying to justify the decision I was about to make, but it was a reason nonetheless.
Internally, from the moment I had seen her and that old man had given me a brief rundown, I knew for a fact that I was going to get involved. The situation didn't sit right with me, and that look in her eyes resolved my will to at least figure out what was going on.
Even if I were completely wrong, I would accept that. What I couldn't accept was leaving this alone and never figuring out what was going on.
Ariel: Saying that you're going to interfere and actually interfering are two completely different things; you do realize that, right, Raiden?
Of course I realized what Ariel was saying. I was the master of doing it myself. Going into in-depth breakdowns on what I wanted to do, and then realizing that doing it was easier said than done, was my specialty.
Ariel: On that topic, I would ask why you care so much, but I think that answer's obvious. You recognize this situation, don't you? If it's what you think it is, then it's exactly like back then. Like what happened to the women who hurt you the most.
You don't like to beat around the bush, do you? At least be somewhat considerate to people.
Ariel: Don't worry. If anything, I'm proud. Most people would turn away from a situation that reminded them of their trauma. But here you are, trying to help someone who might be in that situation.
The look in her eyes was that of someone who had lost all hope and all value in life. If she really was in the situation I thought she was, where she was nothing more than something to be owned, then chances are she was in the exact same situation as Eve.
And I didn't want to let that happen. If I could stop it, then maybe I could prevent someone from getting hurt the way I did.
Maybe I could save someone from falling into the same twisted path that Eve did.
"Wow. You're in pretty deep thought there. Something caught your eye?"
Shindo asked as he leaned on the wall next to me. There was still no sign of Xiao Mei.
I nodded, my eyes returning towards the crowded and busy street. I traced the path that the carriage had taken. It led down into a section of the district where things seemed to open up to reveal a huge cyberpunk-like city.
"It's just. I think I saw some interesting pieces of evidence. I want to chase it down as soon as possible. Especially if it means finding out more about delusions." I told a half-lie, half-truth. I didn't know how to explain what I was really planning on doing.
Shindo nodded, turning his eyes to face the street as well. "Same here." A short silence. "Do you remember Greed's ability?"
I looked at him with a bit of shock, wondering why he was bringing up that specifically. "Yeah, I do. That vault, right? Even now, the effects of it are still hurting people to this day. Hundreds of missing people, all suddenly found, and what's worst, trapped in deep, coma-like slumbers."
"Sleeping Beauty Syndrome is what it's called." Shindo laughed dryly. "I remember when I said that as a joke to you before. Who knew it would end up becoming something that hurt so many people..."
I could sense self-deprecation in his tone. "There's no way you're actually blaming yourself for that, right? There was no way you could have known or prevented what happened to the people caught inside of his vault. His ability was something that distorted the laws of magic and the world itself. No one can be blamed for what it did."
Still, I could tell Shindo wasn't convinced.
"Do you know about the Aiko family?"
I nodded, confused as to where he was taking it.
"One of the 10 Grand Magic families that lost their heir, right?" I asked.
Shindo nodded, and I could see the pain creeping into his eyes. This was a part of his past that hurt. I remembered my father talking about how Shindo and the Miyamotos had a falling out. There was also the nickname he had been given, "Ghost of the Miyamoto."
"Well, their heir, Sayako. I was friends with her. Good friends. One day something happened; someone came to hurt her. I fought against that person and told him to escape. After the battle was over, I heard a sound. That of someone running. I didn't follow it. I thought it was Sayako rightfully running away after what she had seen."
Shindo paused, taking a deep breath.
"Come to find out, she was taken into Greed's vault." I gasped. Shindo's fist clenched tightly. "Back then. She was captured by Greed. That was why she went missing. I had the chance to stop her, and yet I didn't. That's why, this time, I'll stop things before they get worse. If there's a chance of a delusional user being out and about, I'll stop them."
There were a lot of things that I wanted to ask; however, I decided to shut them all down. It wasn't the time. Instead, I nodded. "I'm sure you've been looking hard for her all this time." I put a hand on his shoulder awkwardly, not really sure if the words I wanted to say would've had any effect. but I spoke them anyway.
"If you ever need help, don't be afraid to ask for my help. Don't think you're above a little assistance, all-mighty prince."
Shindo's eyes widened slightly, and he laughed at my jab. "I'll keep that in mind then."
At that moment Xiao Mei had returned. Noticeably, there were a few papers in her hand, and probably most concerning of all was the bag suspiciously filled with clothes in her possession.
She smiled at us. "Lots of good news. And maybe a little bad news."
I didn't think that was in any way possible considering the situation we were in, but I decided to humor her anyway.
"Oh, really? Let's hear the bad news."
Xiao Mei's smile did not even waver as she revealed the possibly worst piece of news I thought I'd ever hear in my entire life. Of course, I didn't know that at the moment. No, I had just laughed. Like a dumbass.
"They didn't have any cotton pads!"
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"AHAHAhAH!"
Rowdy laughter filled the air.
"I can't believe this! Raiden, please take a picture with me!"
"Dude, you look like a different person!"
In order to complete our mission, Xiao Mei would divide us into three different parts of the Red Light District. These three districts were where her intel agents had said the most severe cases of mood swings and self-harm incidents were happening.
Those were the casino, the Service Hotels, and the luxury hotels.
Xiao Mei's plan was to have the three of us infiltrate each of those areas and collect as much info as possible, staying in contact through communication devices she had given us.
We would try to find information that would lead us to the delusional user and report back what we found to the group, and that would eventually bring us to find and corner the suspect.
That was all fine and dandy.
What wasn't was the assignment of areas and what going into each area meant.
We were meant to act like regular people, not mages. Meaning we'd have to blend in to the areas that we were going to. For Yuri and Shindo, who had not drawn the short straw, that meant they were dressing up in fine and fancy suits to head to the casino and luxury hotel.
Unfortunately, I had drawn that short straw. Meaning I was heading to the Service hotels. That involved maids, cooks,c servants,band other service workers.
That wouldn't have been bad. Just really uncomfortable. But I could push through for the mission. Besides, it might bring me closer to that girl.
What wasn't okay was my own disguise.
Shindo was nearly dying of laughter in front of me.
Yuri was sneakily trying to snap pictures of me.
Standing in front of the mirror in the room Xiao Mei had rented for this briefing, I tried to take everything in calmly.
Ariel: I got to say. That Xiao Mei has outdone herself.
Shut up.
She laughed.
Ariel: You know, I can't help but feel like this is foreshadowing for something....
I really hope not. Kill me if I ever have to do this again.
My dignity was fading away quickly.
Staring back at me was a tall young girl, with fair skin and purplish-black hair. She had purple eyes and was dressed in a cute black dress, which was cut far shorter than I would have liked. Black stockings and even a black hair accessory and chain. Not to mention the makeup that gave her the clearest skin I'd ever seen.
I had been transformed into a maid. One with a slight gothic vibe, if anything.
Xiao Mei stared at me with a bright smile while I stared at my reflection and tried not to flip.
"What do you think?" She asked proudly.
"I mean... She's definitely...cute." I had to stop the tears from flowing.
Xiao Mei shook her head.
"That won't do. Not she, silly. This cute girl is now you!" I was actually going to break down if she kept going.
I was internally thanking God that nobody else would see me like this. Especially Kami. And Erika. And Masayoshi.
I shivered.
"Maybe this will help?" She snapped her fingers, and I could feel magic swelling around my throat.
"What di—"
I instantly put a hand over my mouth when I heard my voice. It had literally risen in pitch.
Shindo and Yuri were leaning on each other for support from how hard they were laughing.
Xiao Mei smiled. "Perfect."
"This is the exact opposite of perfect…"
She pretended not to hear my protest.
"Now, we're all ready, I assume? We know our missions?"
Everyone but me nodded.
Xiao Mei smiled. ignoring me.
"Alright, let's head out."
As we were filing out of the room, and I got used to walking on elevated shoes, Xiao Mei slipped closer to me as we made our way to one of the carriages driven by one of her intel agents. I was impressed by the size of the Mage's association.
"Raiden. All jokes aside. You need to be careful. When you get over there, find Micah. My agent. And stick to him like glue. Go nowhere without him. That place is filled with dangerous creeps and weirdos. It wouldn't be long for someone as cute as you to get snatched up in an instant."
I swallowed and nodded at her warning. I heard that loud and clear.
"When you get there, you become Rina. You are just working as Micha's personal escort. That is all. Even though I brought you kids on this mission, I'm not evil. I don't want you getting hurt in any way. I brought you here because I trust you."
I nodded once again, realizing that this wasn't the time to be wallowing. I had a mission to complete. If anything, I should be grateful I was headed to an area that would boost my chance of coming across that girl once more.
As we stepped into the carriage, Shindo held out a hand.
"Allow me to assist you, my lady." He gave me a smile and wink.
I stared at him, trying to give him my best glare.
Shindo's eyes widened, and he and Yuri burst into laughter once more.
"He even blushes like a girl!"
I shook my head, suppressing the anger and taking a seat.
Just calm down, Raiden. Things will be fine.
I received a flick to the forehead.
"Owww!" I let out a high-pitched groan of pain that sent Shindo and Yuri into another fit.
I looked at the person responsible. Xiao Mei.
She was glaring at me.
"Pay close attention, Rina! Here begins your first lesson in the etiquette of being a proper lady!" She pointed at me.
"Number one: Nobody needs to see your bright pink underwear, so sit with your legs closed!"
It was a miracle I hadn't torn my wig off already.