---- Nox ----
Nox never imagined being in a guild headquarters. From the moment he was identified as a universal guide he told himself he would never limit who he cared for. Private guilds did that by definition, so naturally Nox had never considered them. He'd had offers sure. His paper recycling was a graveyard of increasingly outlandish salary offers for every guild in the country.
But as it had been for the past decade, Daedalus Kane was the exception. When he was contacted by a representative from Titan instead of Kane himself, Nox was more than a little annoyed. He was annoyed at first.
The rep had informed Nox that Kane instructed the guild to give Nox 'whatever he wanted.' A paradoxical offer since all Nox wanted was to speak with Kane after all these years. Fortunately, such a generous offer, when applied correctly, allowed Nox exactly that.
So Nox found himself sitting in the waiting room for the guildmaster of Titan. Nox had no experience signing on to a private guild so he couldn't be certain as to their inner workings. But even to an outsider like Nox, it seemed odd for the guildmaster herself to go over a guide's contract face to face.
Nox wondered if he would have felt less out of place in a gate than in this opulent room. The waiting room was the size of Nox's entire apartment. He was far enough from the secretaries' desk that he couldn't make out what they were whispering to each other.
All of the furniture was sleek, minimalist, and either chrome or grayscale. The couch Nox was sitting on had a crossing design on both of its sides that resembled the cross section of treebranches. The coffee table was just a slab of glass held up by a similar metal structure. Nox was hesitant to set down the tea offered to him for fear the table would tip over if he put it in the wrong place.
He settled for clutching the teacup tightly and glancing around the room. Sipping anxiously from time to time. There were several paintings. All of them taller than a full grown man and featuring various optical illusions. The painting ahead of Nox, behind the secretary's desk, featured primary colors in a shape that suggested either an eye or a mouth.
Just as Nox began to lose himself in the illusion of the painting, the elevator opened. Nox's posture remained straight and his face expressionless even as the noise startled him. Sipping his tea and keeping his eyes trained ahead, waiting for the new arrival to address the gossiping secretaries.
Instead, a familiar voice echoed across the marble tiles.
"Oh I see why he-" Nox jerked his head up in time to see Esper Jin-Won Song cut herself off as she stared directly at Nox. Nox's expression remained steady as his pupils dilated in surprise. His lack of reaction amused Song. She crossed the room to stand directly in front of Nox.
Nox had seen Esper Song on multiple occasions. She was the senior most S-rank at Titan and one of the higher ups in the guild as a whole. Song did public outreach and appeared in press conferences from time to time. He'd even seen him briefly at the gate. She was different in person and off duty.
For one she was shorter than Nox assumed. When Nox stood to shake her hand he was shocked to find himself taller than her. Her presence was so commanding it gave her an intimidating air. She also looked much less harsh outside of field gear. In her official public outings she always kept her hair in a tight bun, not a strand out of place, her clothing was always well tailored and professional.
Now, Nox could see smile lines on her face. She also had light freckles that either didn't show on camera or were covered by makeup. Nox could imagine this woman allowing anyone to do her makeup even if it was ordered by the guild. Her hair was in a loose braid, strands sticking out and waiving in the air with static energy.
Right on que, an arch of electricity pricked between Song and Nox's outstretched hands. Song just laughed and took a firm hold of Nox's hand. Song's casual appearance helped Nox feel a little less out of place with his generic brand button up and department store slacks. The excited sparkle in Song's eyes as she observed Nox was comforting, in a way that also managed to be terrifying.
"I'm Guide Nox Levi. I'm here to sign with your guild."
"Oh I know who you are. It's nice to officially meet you." The smile on Song's thin lips didn't reach her eyes and Nox felt a chill creeping up his spine. He'd forgotten he should never lower his defenses in an Esper's presence, "I don't need to pretend you don't know who I am, right?"
Nox smiled politely and tucked one hand behind his back in an imitation of standing at attention. With the other he clutched his tea cup tighter, "No you do not ma'am."
"Don't call me ma'am, Nox. It makes me feel old."
"Yes, Esper Song."
Song paused and took a step back. Gentle sadness tinged her features and she adjusted her posture to the professional persona reminiscent of her public appearances.
"I understand, Guide Nox." Her tone was less warm, more professional. Nox was afraid he'd done something to upset her. Still, it was better this way. Addressing each other professionally and keeping personal feelings aside.
The empty kindness Nox had perfected in his time as a guide fit much better next to Song's militaristic attitude. Nox knew he would need that empty smile to get what he wanted from the guild. Nox had been told he could have whatever he wanted, but everyone had limits. He was certain his request would test Titan's.
"Well, Guide Nox," Nox ignored the mocking lilt Song used to address him, "I am also here for your official welcome into our guild. Follow me."
"I was told to wait here, Esper Song." Song side eyed Nox. Nox ignored her and continued, unbothered, "I was told the guildmaster is in an important meeting."
Song's head whipped towards the secretaries, who'd grown strangely still since she arrived. She pointed at them and mouthed something before turning to flash a fake smile at Nox.
"I'm sorry, our staff must have been mistaken, the guildmaster is waiting for you to come in." Song was at the door to the guildmaster's office before Nox could properly process the fear on the secretaries' faces. Nox scrambled to follow.
The door was twice the size of Song but swung open as if it was nothing. Nox didn't know if it was actually light weight or if it was just Song's power. It didn't matter. Song politely held the door for him until he had passed into the office. Song announced their arrival to the guildmaster who looked up from her desk.
The guildmaster was similar to the decor. Sleek and harsh. Her blonde hair was slicked back, her white eyes glowed in contrast with the subtle smokey eye makeup surrounding them. It wasn't uncommon for Espers and guides to have inhuman features. Even knowing that, even having unusual eyes himself, Nox felt uncomfortable meeting her gaze.
She was wearing a charcoal grey suit, her earrings, cufflinks, and collar pin were made of a gem that resembled her eyes. Like lights floating in mist. They reminded Nox of the painting outside. They pulled Nox in. It was dizzying. Nox wanted to sprint out of the office. But he held his ground. He had faced gate beasts on his own, one Esper(who was actively seeking to employ him) was nothing.
"Please have a seat!" Her voice slipped under Nox's skin. He hummed a soft, anxious yelp before quickly composing himself and sitting down, "I would offer you tea but…" She trailed off and Nox realized he had carried the tea cup from the waiting room with him.
"Sorry." Nox mumbled. Then, louder, "It would have been a waste to just leave it."
He smiled hollowly at Song and the guildmaster. The guildmaster stepped out from behind the desk and made her way to the couch across from where Nox was sitting. A table sat between them. It was similar to the one outside but with gold trappings instead of silver. The couches were the same. The gold complimented the guildmaster's hair well. Nox felt like he'd walked into her lair. And that he was about to be devoured.
"Forgive me if I'm overstepping, is it typical for both the guildmaster and chief S-rank to meet with new guides?"
The guildmaster laughed. Her laugh was like crystal rattling in a china cabinet. It inspired an anxious tension in Nox.
"No, nothing about this is typical I assure you." Esper Song took a seat next to the guildmaster, making Nox feel even more threatened, "I am, as you already know, Lena Mirr, Guildmaster of Titan. This is Esper Jin-Won Song."
"He knows that too."
"That makes three of our highest rank Espers that you know, including Esper Kane." Guildmaster Mirr looked at Nox expectantly as she mentioned Kane.
Nox kept his expression neutral, annoying the guildmaster, "I wouldn't say I know Esper Kane any more than I know you two. I have provided guiding to him once in an official capacity and once unofficially before his assessment."
Song shifted forward, her brows creasing in concern.
"I was shocked to hear Esper Kane insisted on me being compensated for doing my job."
"But not shocked enough to turn down the compensation?" Song's voice was tight with emotion. Nox felt he'd hit on something unpleasant.
Guildmaster Mirr put a hand on Song's shoulder, "Now, now, Jin-won, we must give thanks where thanks is due. This young man did save Esper Kane, did he not?"
"Physically, yes." Song glared as she looked away from Nox.
"Pardon me, is Esper Kane in any mental distress?" Nox couldn't help the concern seeping out through his professional mask, "I heard he had adverse reactions to guides in the past and I know he rejected my guiding in the past but-"
"HE DID WHAT!" Song shot up from her seat, eyes like a feral animal. Loose strands from her braid drifted around her face adding to her wild appearance. Guildmaster Mirr grabbed her arm and pulled her back to the couch.
"Esper Kane is in better condition than he has been in a long time, thanks to you! We have yet to find anyone who can guide Esper Kane so your presence at that gate couldn't have been more fortuitous. I apologize for Esper Song. She is…fond of Esper Kane. She doesn't always behave rationally in regards to him."
"Fond my ass! I'm gonna beat the shit out of him! He didn't say anything about reje…" Guildmaster Mirr pinched Song, hard. Song glared at the guildmaster but stopped her verbal tirade.
"Back to the matter at hand. You told my representative that you wanted to join the guild, correct? I see that you've never been contracted with a guild in your time as a guide. What about our guild changed that?"
Nox eyed Song, who was still mumbling under her breath and fiddling with her watch, "As you know, I am universally compatible. I felt my abilities were best served helping as many people as possible."
"I understand what you mean. What changed?"
Nox was prepared for that question. He understood how strange it would look as a guide who had resolutely denied every guild request to ask to join a guild. Especially while having a history with one of their S-classes. At best it would look like an obsessive fan trying to take advantage of a shared past. At worst it could look like an attempt to extort the guild.
He'd planned a response specific enough to satisfy curiosity but ultimately vague and evasive. But now he sat before this dragon of a woman blinking at him with glowing eyes, and an S-rank who either REALLY hated Nox or REALLY liked him depending on how you looked at it. He couldn't force the words out.
"I don't know." Nox grimaced and squeezed his eyes closed, sure that he'd ruined everything. But nothing happened. Silence stretched out and when Nox finally opened his eyes both women were beaming at him.
"Well I for one am thrilled you've had this change of heart! The whys don't matter all that much, I was just curious. So tell me what would you like your contract to include?"
Song, who was just as excited as Mirr, nodded her head and added, "We are ready to match your terms. Now is the time to be greedy!"
Guildmaster Mirr laughed again, "Remind never to let you sit in on negotiations again. But she is right," Mirr smiled at Nox, "We want to have you. By Any Means Necessary."
While the words sounded desperate, the look in the guildmaster's eyes made Nox feel like he was signing his soul away. It didn't matter. Nox was determined. He wouldn't have come all the way to the guildmaster's office if he wasn't willing to accept the consequences.
"I want double the salary I had at the EGC. I also want access to training facilities with the Espers. I am field work certified and I want to be able to continue working in the field. I need to be able to keep up."
"Money is a nonissue." She waved dismissively, "The training… While it is atypical for our guides to train with Espers, it is far from impossible. Naturally, you will be prevented from training directly with certain Espers, like Jin-Won here, who have enhanced strength as it may put you at risk." Nox nodded, "Is that everything? Your attitude had me thinking you were going to ask for ten percent of the shares in Titan or Esper Kane's hand in marriage."
Nox flinched and both women regarded him excitedly "No, not marriage, but I do want a chance to have an exclusive contract with Esper Kane." Nox spoke swiftly and firmly. He held eye contact with guildmaster Mirr and squared his shoulders. Fully prepared for pushback. Especially if her earlier joke was anything to go by.
President Mirr grinned and shared an amused glance with Song. Both women broke into raucous laughter. Nox was left staring in complete confusion.
"I understand that you cannot force Esper Kane to accept the contract and that it would be better for me to be at disposal of the entire guild but I just want the chance to-"
"No! No! You misunderstand!" Guildmaster Mirr spoke, gasping for air, "We were planning to encourage you to request exclusivity with Esper Kane. For that to be your 'difficult' condition… oh, my. I suppose our interests are aligned." Song stood and made for the door.
"I've heard all I needed to. I'm gonna head out. I have a little punk to whip into shape." The steely look in her eyes made Nox feel distantly sorry for her training partner. But most of his mind was still reeling from what Mirr had said.
"Why would you want to sign me if not for me being an universally compatible guide? How does it help you if I am contracted with a single Esper, even if he's one of your S-classes?"
Guildmaster Mirr crossed her legs and leaned towards Nox, "You may not know, but in guild's exclusive contracts do not mean you will NEVER guide other Esper's. It only ensures you will prioritize them."
"Yes but still-"
"It is true that if you prioritize someone like Esper Kane it will take up a significant amount of your time and energy. But we have no other choice. It seems you're aware of Kane's… distaste of guiding."
"I'm aware though not intimately familiar. As I said, he rejected my guiding after his test. Despite me being the most qualified on staff. I found it.. Atypical."
The hungry grin gracing the guildmaster's lips told Nox that he was missing some vital information, and that the president was rather enjoying watching him struggle.
"Indeed, Kane has been resistant to every guide we have paired with him. Universal guides, an S-class, even multiple guides at once. All report adverse side effects."
"Esper Kane described it as invasive."
Nox spoke as the guildmaster said, "Many guides refused to work with him again."
Nox stared at Guildmaster Mirr in confusion while she kept up that serpentine grin.
"The guides experience side effects?"
"I see this is a surprise to you. I take it you did not experience these side effects?"
Nox leaned his elbows on his knees. His shoulders fell.
"I-I mean I experienced a total drain. But that was from the strain of the cleanse and guiding the child. All of the other times- even that time, it didn't fatigue me especially quickly or affect me afterwards." Nox looked up at guildmaster Mirr who was practically purring with excitement at his confusion, "Were these adverse side effects long after or-"
"They were always immediate. Our S-class tapped out after holding his hand for less than three minutes. Every guide has the same issue. Nausea, exhaustion, full body aches. Some even become dehydrated. But you Guide Nox, you have helped him multiple times, to great effect, with minimal side effects. Extenuating circumstances aside."
Nox tried to soak in everything he had been told. At some point he'd started avoiding guides who'd worked with Kane, fearing his own inferiority complex. But if he'd listened to a single break room vent session maybe he would have known sooner. Maybe he could have reached out instead of letting Kane be a lifelong regret. Waited for fate to pull them together at the gate.
Now more than ever, Nox wanted to talk to Kane. Wanted to ask why he'd turned down that first session. Ask if he still needed Nox.
"I see you understand our predicament! Now I can't speak to why he declined your guiding all those years ago but I can assure you that you can help him. We need you, and he needs you, even if he doesn't want to admit it."
Nox's body lost all tension as he heard the words he didn't know he'd been longing to hear. Many people had needed Nox through his life, his guiding, his company, his assistance. Naturally, Nox had assumed what he wanted from Esper Kane was something else, something deeper. But this serpent tongued guildmaster trapped him with the simple truth. Nox's petty pride was nothing when weighed against the one person who had never asked or needed anything from Nox.
"What do I need to sign?" Nox said hoarsely. He tried his best to ignore the sinister gleam in the guildmaster's eyes as she held out a tablet.