[Do read A/N at the end]
The NQSC (North Quadrant Siege Capital) Government Building was a vast, heavily defended complex — built with utility in mind and no regard for aesthetics. It served as the Central Government Headquarters for the administration and management of the entire Northern Quadrant.
Automatic turrets loomed above the walls, their barrels tracking silently, while Awakened warriors in pristine dark blue uniforms stood guard around the perimeter.
Though not striking in appearance compared to government structures of the past, it still towered above the city and radiated a quiet intimidation — as if to remind all who saw it exactly who they were standing against. Of course, such displays would mean little to Nightmare Creatures.
Why?
Well, because if a Nightmare Creature ever manages to reach this place without being hunted down, then humanity might as well already be extinct.
In any case—
The morning sunlight fell dazzlingly across the dark pavement. The windows were narrow, letting in short striking rays of golden light that cut through the gloom. It wasn't as though people needed sunlight to see here, only that it's presence gave the building a subdued, almost sublime beauty.
The rough growl of a PTV echoed as it descended the slope into the underground parking garage. Behind the wheel sat a woman with short hair parted on the side, a slender accessory pinning back her bangs. Her icy-blue eyes caught the sunlight, shimmering faintly, though her expression remained calm and unreadable. She seemed to be quietly savoring the warmth of the rays across her skin—
—warmth that only heightened her already enchanting beauty.
After parking her PTV, she got on the the elevator, feeling it's slow crease and beep sound as the door remained open, for any other passengers, she quietly stood there waiting to ascend to her floor.
Juliet's office was located on the 9th floor, though she spent most of her time outside rather then in there, mostly because quite a few of her jobs included...eliminating some troublemakers or leading siege against any Nightmare Gates which open in the society.
The door was about to close when a shout came from the garage and Juliet sensed someone running towards the elevator:
"Wait!!stop!!"
Juliet slightly raised her hand preventing the door from closing as the figure dashed inside and heaved a sigh of relief.
"Thankyou, Master Jet." came a cheerful voice, the person was Rose, she had average height and seemed to be around the same age as Juliet, she worked at the reception on the 4rd floor, which could also be called as the finance ministry of the Government.
Though she had average physical features, with her auburn hair, dark eyes, and a mole next to her right eye, she looked rather pretty.
Juliet just nodded and smiled slightly at the too-cheerful-in-the-morning girl, most employees knew Rose well enough — no one escaped dealings with Finance. And many, Juliet included, had heard the stories of the girl: eccentric, air-headed, and brutally straightforward.
Rose seems to be struck by her beauty as she stared at Juliet's face, then slowly circled, as if taking in her entire figure.
"Anything I can help you with?"
Juliet asked amusingly.
Rose exhaled as if preparing for something then-
"Master Jet..."
"Hmm?"
"...have you gotten laid?"
...
Quite bold.
She quirked her eyebrow.
Well, Juliet had already heard the rumors of the eccentric Rose, most of them including as to how much of an air-head and straight forward she was. A greater part of stories include of a number of men and women being embarrassed by her prying at their life.
"Ah, Mr. Miyabi, what's your size?...oh, I meant your shoes of course, what did you think?..."
"Hmm, Miss. Catherine, did your chest get bigger? I am so jealous. Mine's the same for last two years..."
"Don't worry Master Liam, I won't tell anyone that you like Miss Jet, especially how much of an Ice queen she is..."
The last one was said not as a whisper you secretly share with someone, rather as an excited shout that ranged the whole hallway.
The embarrassed Master Liam had regretted confiding in Rose, and had disappeared for a whole week, the incident had taken place just a few weeks ago.
Seeing Juliet's reaction, Rose seemed to think for a moment, before coughing and continuing.
"Ah, sorry, you probably didn't understand..."
That's what you are sorry about?
"…but there are rumors that some lucky bloke has stolen your heart. People from your floor even said you're less cold these days — smiling now and then."
Well, well. Was she really that different?
Now that she thought about it, perhaps it was true.
Most of it likely came from meeting Avi, Sunny, and the others. She couldn't deny she had changed — and from the looks of it, the change was anything but negative.
A faint warmth stirred in her chest as her thoughts drifted to the three Sleepers far away. She'd heard that because of a Memory Sunny gave to Cassie, the girl could endure fights and obstacles far better than before. That, in turn, had led to a brutal training regimen: mornings to late at night, every day.
Mostly, it involved Cassie being rag-dolled by Nephis and Sunny — when she wasn't being tossed into survival drills. Still, her old fencing experience gave her an edge, and according to Nephis, both Cassie and Sunny were improving at an astonishing pace. Signs of rare talent, she had said.
Juliet had already made plans to get the three of them some Memories. After consulting with them on what they lacked, she'd gone and purchased a few — to be divided among the three.
She looked at Rose, considering how to respond. Then, taking a page out of Avi's book of shenanigans, she felt a spark of mischief.
"Why does it have to be a guy?" Juliet asked smoothly. "Why can't it be a girl? Such stereotypes, Rose. You should know better."
She gave a crooked smile.
Rose's eyes went wide. A blush exploded across her cheeks. Her mind instantly betrayed her — picturing the beautiful, respected Master Jet… with another woman… in bed… without clo—
No! No! Get your mind out of the gutter! It's her choice… but why would she tell me this…
Her thoughts tripped over themselves until they stumbled into something worse. Horror dawned as she subconsciously stepped back, gulping.
I'm a girl… alone here… with this pretty Master… no one can help me… no one can save me…
If she decided to have her way with me, I wouldn't be able to resist—
Kya!! …Actually…it might not be...so bad…
Juliet frowned, perplexed, as Rose cycled through expressions: shock, panic, realization… and now something dreamy and vaguely creepy.
The girl was mumbling under her breath:
"No… no… Jet… I don't want… I do… secretly…"
Juliet just stared.
The elevator chimed, signaling the fourth floor, snapping Rose out of her stupor.
Still flushed and dazed, she stumbled out, then turned back to Juliet.
"See you later, Master Jet…" She paused, her face suddenly determined. "Don't worry. I fully support your type."
She offered a wobbly smile and a thumbs-up.
Juliet decided to tease her a little more.
"Actually, Rose… why don't we meet up someti—"
She tried her best to sound seductive.
"Kya!!! Y-yes… I mean… n-no… I'm in… men's…!!"
Mortified, Rose spun around and bolted down the hallway, leaving Juliet chuckling to herself inside the elevator.
Ha. So much fun. Now I understand why Avi likes tormenting Sunny so much.
She smiled at the memory of Avi's endless mischief, then straightened, her expression hardening again.
Because today, she had real work to do.
To begin the investigation into the disappearance and trafficking cases in the Outskirts.
Namely, to find the bastards who had once tried to take Avi.