Damn.

It’s cold.

All this snow is making the ground slippery.

Tonight’s theme is cats. Since the Omniscient Guard is searching for a man wearing a Midnight Roc mask, I’ve temporarily switched to a cheap cat mask from a street vendor. It matches Meera’s own feline face covering, although hers is actually a genuine Rainstopper original. We parade down the streets, side by side, and I huff at how uncomfortable the new mask is. Unlike the beautiful one Jarshan gave me, this one is hard to breathe in. I feel a bit choked, and claustrophobic, although that might just be because we’re out here to commit crimes.

“Woops!” Meera slips on the slippery ice. Her hand shoots out and grabs mine for balance. After she’s regained her footing though, I don’t get my hand back. “Thanks, Boss!”

“Meera?” I turn my head sideways, to find her eyes on me. Or more accurately eye. The other one is just a black spot in the mask since her patch is behind it. Her hand’s pretty warm. “Since when do you slip?”

“Whaaaaat? Maybe I had too much wine?” She does a passable job slurring her words, but I can hear the telltale signs of laughter in her voice. “Can’t we just go like this, today? It can be our cover story!”

“Our, cover story?” I raise an eyebrow which she can’t see. But I’m sure my voice is enough to convey the doubt. “Is there a reason we need a cover story to be out tonight?”

“Boss! Aren’t you the one who said we always need to have a cover story? Well, this is our cover!” she excitedly says and I’m one hundred percent sure she’s taking advantage of me. However, I don’t really mind. My hands are kinda cold. “Hehehe, you can be a gentleman, escorting me home after our party.”

“R-i-g-h-t. Yea, I’ll bring you home alright!” I say, “Hopefully it’s not too late to swap you out for Janus!” I chuckle as Meera drops my hand like it’s turned into a snake. Behind the mask, her death stare is probably enough to afflict me with a curse right now, but luckily, I can barely see it. “At least he doesn’t drink. Never talks back, never distracted, the perfect henchman!”

“Tch. You’re one to talk!” Meera snidely remarks. “Is that what you want? Some brainless idiot who just follows in your shadow? Yea, I guess that must be why you take in so many Demi’s-“ She pauses for a second, lifting her nose and sniffing the air. With that mask on, I’d genuinely believe it if you told me she was a Demi-Cat, herself. “Jero’s coming.”

“You can smell him?” I ask. Her reply is odd.

“Nah. But I can hear him. He has a limp.” Meera puts a hand to her ear and cups it.

“Then why are you sniffing...?”

“Thought you might be into it. Demi-roleplay, yea?”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Oh...too soon. The disease hasn’t advanced that far yet. Forget I said anything!”

“You’re an idiot. And I’m not even into Demi’s!” Sighing, I shake my head and turn on Foresight. Lately, I’ve developed something of a phobia when I reach into the future. It makes my headaches worse. And sometimes time gets all slushy and frozen. I’m scared. What if it happens again? I’ve been avoiding using my powers when I don’t have to, but I’d be an idiot to deny the advantage it gives me in this city. This time, as I stiffen from the rush of information entering my brain, Meera suddenly snatches my hand back. I hear her reply to my confused look before it arrives. “What?”

“You’re shivering again...” Meera’s voice has more than just a tinge of worry. “You always do that these days...before you...get that look in your eye. Like you know...everything. Are you okay, Myrr? You never used to do that until we came here. Is it because you’re still thinking about that Demi-Raccoon? It wasn’t your fault-”

“I’m fine. Mind your own business.” Breaking away from her grasp, I huff and look away. Damn...you noticed that? Things are zooming in and out. Time feels...loose. Disjointed and hard to hold onto. I feel loose. Like I might disappear if I don’t focus. Ugh...my head...why does this keep happening?

“Tch, you’re fine, huh?” she looks down at the ground, growing silent. For a long moment, Meera doesn’t reply. And then...she explodes, “Have you looked in a mirror lately? We haven’t started selling the wine yet, but half our stock is missing! Even I can smell it! You think Kisa and Nya haven’t noticed? They’re just too polite to say anything! Your breathe reeks so bad the Omniscient Guard probably doesn’t need magic tracking to find us! They can just follow the scent of wine! Either you tell me what’s going on with you, or I’ll...I’ll tell Elina you’re sick!”

...

...

It sucks having to hear things twice.

I don’t need this right now.

My head hurts.

But...I can’t ignore this.

How dare you...threaten me?

“Meera...am I hearing you right? Because I think you just made a threat. And I know you’d never do that.” Narrowing my eyes, I make sure to get right into her eye so she can see the rage through the mask. Though I know Jero is about to show up, I don’t do a good job of controlling my voice, “I let you live because I thought you knew how to do what needed to be done. You told me you were willing to die for our goal. I expected you to keep your word. Yet, here you are...questioning my orders. I don’t need people I can’t trust. Are you...or are you not...with me?”

“B-Boss...” She backs up a bit, realizing her overstep. Who knows what I must look like right now? It must be quite scary because Meera is afraid. And she’s never afraid of anyone else. “I-I was just worried. It won’t happen again-“

“Worry about what I tell you to worry about.” I snap. Putting my hands on her shoulders, I stand to my full height and glare down at her. “I say things. You do them. Or I’ll replace you. I don’t want to do that. I’ve put a lot of trust in you. I believe you’re the best person for the job. But if you can’t keep your mouth shut, I’ll find someone who can!”

...

...

“Well?”

*Clink*

Huh?

It’s cold?

“Myrr...please...stop it...” Meera gasps, and I hear something I haven’t heard from her in many years. Not since the Trials. A whimper. She’s in pain? Following her gaze, I see that my hands on her shoulders have begun to grow icy. Freezing blue ice crystals are forming on her coat, penetrating down into her flesh. Her defensive Qi wasn’t up. She cries out, “It...hurts...let go!”

When did I...cast Chill?

Why...?

When I realize what’s happening, I quickly shut off the flow of mana and end the spell. As my hands leave her shoulders, Meera hunches over, shivering. Most wounds heal in seconds, her ability to regenerate is strong. However, when I reach out to check her shoulder, she slaps aside my hand and stands straight up. Her spine is so stiff it’s like looking at a knife. I want to believe she’s pretending but...someone as prideful as Meera would never be willing to act this vulnerable. I...I didn’t mean to...I’m sorry! What’s happening to me?!

“Meera...my bad. I...I didn’t...I don’t...have any idea why that happened. Look, are you okay? Maybe we should just call it a night. Get you a healer-“

“I’m fine! Just like you’re fine! We’re all FINE!” Meera hisses, throwing her hands around her shoulders. She shivers violently, though I didn’t think there’d be any real damage. Perhaps it’s even worse than I thought. Damn, how much mana did I use? Meera...I’m sorry! I try again to touch her, but she recoils, her assassin reflexes too fast to catch even when I know her destination in advance.

“It was an accident....I swear I didn’t know that was going to happen!”

“Yea...it’s always an accident with you! I’m sure you didn’t know what was going to happen to that Demi either-!“

“-H-Hey, Master!” Someone else interrupts. Both our heads snap sideways to see who’s in the alleyway. A certain rat-faced man in a tattered coat filled with holes. His claws are constantly moving, clicking against each other as he nervously wrings his hands. Oh great...Jero’s here. My least favorite Demi-Rat shudders a bit as he feels the irritation and downright killing intent in our gazes. “B-Bad time? I...I can come back later!”

...

“It’s fine. We’re fine.” I reply softly to him, though I’m looking at Meera. She meets my gaze, and I can feel the hurt radiating through the mask even without seeing her face. “Right, Meera? It was just our cover story. An angry couple trying to get away from the kids.”

...

Please don’t be mad with me.

I really didn’t mean to hurt you.

My head’s just...it’s getting so bad, and I can’t think...

Meera’s eye blinks and she looks away.

“Yea...just a cover story. Not like we’re really together or anything.” She swallows and steps away towards the wall. A second later she runs up it, heading for the upper pathways. “I’m going to keep watch. Tell him the mission, Boss.”

“Thanks, Meera.”

“Just following your orders...Boss.”

*Whoosh*

And with that, Meera’s gone. I feel...strange. Something’s off. I figure it out after a second. Without realizing it, at some point, I stopped peeking into the future. Huh? Must have been too distracted. Quickly, I turn Foresight back on. My headache reminds me that it’s here again, twofold stronger than before. I might be a bit hungover too. Grimacing, I’m glad that the mask covers my expression. Walking over to Jero, I start casting spells. Soon, five identical orbs of ice and earth are placed inside bags. Only two of them are actually real Icebombs though. The other three are just duds that will slowly melt. Telling Jero who to give what to in our network, I close my eyes. Two explosions from us, one from the Stranger. And a bunch of decoys. Just in case any of the Demi’s are caught, or someone gets cold feet, only I know the identity and target of the real Icebombs. Normally, I wouldn’t entrust all of the orbs to one team leader, but I don’t have the energy to meet everyone today.

“Jero...give this one to Mandeli in Fossil Street. She’s the head of our Demi-Cow division. You know the password already. Same with Teheer and the Demi-Raccoons in Kahuka Alleyway. His network will deploy the third and fifth Icebombs, got it? Make sure you don’t mess up who gets what. I’m putting my trust in you tonight. Do this right, and there’ll be more of this!” Tossing Jero a block of Moliterno Al Tartufo, I mentally cringe at the loss. However, it’s important to make sure my followers are well rewarded. Even if the Demi’s hate Merekeep and the Daggas Clan, that’s no guarantee of loyalty. It’s best to use the carrot along with the stick. Or rather, the cheese with my bombs. Ugh...one more just for good measure.

“Hehe...Master, this...this is all, for me?!

“That one is. As for this one...” I throw a second block. “Use it to reward Mandeli and Teheer. Don’t keep it, or I’ll know. We’re always watching, Jero. Serve the cause well, and you’ll be compensated. Betray us and there will be consequences.”

I can’t believe I just said that. So, freaking corny.

Maybe, Meera’s right.

I really am losing my touch.

“O-Of course, Master! I wouldn’t dream of betraying such a gracious lord as yourself!” Jero scuttles away into the darkness, already licking his lips. I’m fairly certain that most of the second block won’t make it to Mandeli and Teheer. But it doesn’t matter. As long as the Icebombs get planted in the proper places. Glancing up, I nod to Meera who drops back down from the sky pathways. When I offer her my arm hopefully, I don’t expect her to accept. Not after what I did. However, with a long stare into my eyes, she finally sighs and links her elbow with mine. Her tight pull yanks us together but I don’t resist. We end up pressed tightly together and the chilly night grows a little warmer.

“Your Qi is crap. But your magic is getting stronger. I didn’t think getting hit would hurt that bad.” She says, sounding grumpy.

“It won’t happen again, Meera.” I do my best to appear remorseful.

“Tch...you’re damn right it won’t. Last time I drop my guard around you.”

“I thought you never dropped your guard. Guess things change.” Amidst the gently falling snow, we walk back to the shop before the fireworks start. She leans into me, shivering as if she’s still hurt, but from this close, I can see her lips underneath her mask. They’re smiling. Maybe I’m being taken advantage of again. Or maybe she’s really still hurting and trying to hide it. Either way, I suppose I can’t really complain. Did I really hit her that bad? Well, whatever...I guess...I guess my hands are kind of cold too. Maybe it isn’t so bad to lean on someone now and again. Meera’s hands are warm. They’re nice. Yea...that’s all this is. Just two...two people? Two...somethings...trying to stay warm in this bloody cold city. I’m a little hesitant to break the silence. But I have to ask, “Are we...good?”

“Yea...you’re still the Boss. And I’m still your number one employee.” She’s grinning. A little sadly, but she definitely is under the mask under that mask. Alright, looks like it’s going to be okay.

“That’s our cover?” I ask. My headache hurts but I make an effort to be a good conversation partner so she doesn’t notice. I don’t think it works. She can probably tell. Meera always knows. We really have been doing this for a while now, huh? Living in Merekeep?

“Yea. That’s our cover. I don’t like being a fighting couple.” Meera replies.

“Me neither...does my breath really reek?”

“Boss...you eat nothing but wine and cheese. Nya tried to kiss your cheek last week and almost gagged. She was crying when she looked away.” The assassin giggles, leaning into me harder.

“Damn...I thought she was just embarrassed. She’s getting older. Not so tiny anymore.” I laugh alongside her. When I shift my weight a little, our bodies press together, and Meera tenses. She shifts away uncomfortably. Too late, I already know the truth. I stop moving, realizing that Meera is faking. But not how I thought. Meera’s whole body is tight, and though her hands are warm, her side and chest are actually still freezing cold. Normally, I wouldn’t be worried, but the fact that she can’t hide it is proof that she took real damage. She’s trying to pretend that she’s okay! I...oh God...I really messed up. How did I cast a spell that strong without meaning to?

“You see a lot...Boss. When you want to...but sometimes, you miss the simplest things...” She playfully pokes my side, only to stop halfway. When her arm stretches out too far from her shoulder, Meera’s eyes lose focus and the graceful assassin stumbles for real. I hurriedly reach out to catch her. She shivers, leaning into my body. It’s cold, but I make sure to press forwards rather than recoil. Meera’s eyes gradually regain their shimmer and she grumbles inside my grasp, “You drink too much.”

“Yea, I do. I’ll stop drinking so much.”

Not fair. I can’t deny anything you ask after today.

“You better. Or I’ll file a complaint with the labor board.” She jokes. I stop walking for a second, turning towards Meera with wide eyes.

“Hold on! They have labor boards here?!”

“Nah but you say that a lot in your sleep. What’s it, mean?” Meera laughs. I think she’s recovered a bit. When she dances away, it leaves me cold. After a second, she returns and I catch her arm while pretending to be mad. In reality, I’m just glad that my assassin has regained her grace.

“Tch...sneaky little assassin. Listening in on her Boss. Keep spying and I’ll send you to a labor camp!” my growl draws out an unexpected response.

“Is that what you did with my Master’s friends?” Meera asks curiously. Oh, you want to joke around huh? Well, how about this then-

“Nah, I sent them to the Black Continent. You want to go there too? I guess that’s just what happens to people who cross my path...”

“E-Err...nah, Boss. I’m good. Damn...the Black Continent...that’s cold. I won’t piss you off anymore!” This time, it’s Meera’s turn to be surprised. She trembles in my grasp, seemingly genuinely terrified. The assassin whispers up to me from under my chin in a hush, as if worried the dead will hear, “Aren’t you worried their ghosts will haunt you?”

You really believed that rumour?!

“It was just a scouting mission, you idiot! Why does everyone act like I had them killed?!”

By the time we get home, I realize that time spent talking has passed fast. I’ve lost track of what the countdown is at, no idea when our Icebombs are going to blow, but I can still hear the clock ticking...

[The clock’s always ticking...until things must end-]

...

*Jingle*

“Welcome back, Master!”

“You’re back!”

...

[Tic...Toc...Tic...Toc...Tic...Toc-]

...

“How was the mission?”

“You should be hearing the results anytime now.”

...

[Boom]

“Oh, there it is...! Three of them at once this time!”

“Yea...that was the plan...”

...

[It starts so simply...

My mistake was refusing to see it.

I’m sorry.]