Chapter 6

Just as suddenly…

Steps echoed through the pale, metallic halls as Felix headed once again to the chief’s office alone. As he walked along every other person moved to the side to greet him, yet he continued ahead without pause or a thought.

Up until he saw on the way there, a young woman, around the same age he was. Her hair was short and red, like an apple fully ripe, contrasting with the pale corridor they walked through.

Her left eye was a bright orange and glowing like his own, while the other scarred with patchy red clumps, covered by an eyepatch; an obvious burn mark. All collected in a calm and expressionless face.

As they crossed paths, she did not move to the side for him. Felix paused and turned his head slightly to glance over her.

“… orange… she must’ve been.” He paused in thought with his head turned toward her as she walked away.

“Permission to enter.” Felix knocked at the door as he made it.

“Granted.” The chief responded.

As he entered, he found the chief sat in front of her desk with a somber look on her face.

“Chief, did the third rank come here?” Felix asked after closing the door behind him.

“Anastasia? She came here to collect information for her next mission.” Chief answered.

“So after all this time then, she’s finally done. So then, what’s my next mission.” He asked.

“Before that…” The chief walked up to Felix, closing into him at an uncomfortable distance, “Did your eyes really turn blue?”

”Yes, I believe that was in my report during the reconnaissance.”

“I may have glossed over that part.”

“You just… glossed over my report?”

“I just didn’t get to read it properly back then. Just what the hell did they put in you to make your eyes glow in the dark anyway?” The chief sighed as she walked back to her desk.

“You tell me… You’re the one with the information.” Felix shrugged.

“Back in my day, we didn’t have that kind of body altering drugs or cybernetic enhancements. We relied solely on our own wit and—”

“Chief, you’ve told me this story enough times.”

“And I’ll keep telling you about it until I’m satisfied.” The chief responded as she lit up her cigarette.

“About the last mission, the girl in the armor, um… agent CT-2…”

“Carol Thomas wasn’t as “critically wounded” as you said she was. Her armor took most of the damage, but she’ll probably still be hospitalized for another week. Thanks to you, Cygnus now owes us a favor for securing their tech and keeping one of their agents alive.”

“So her name was Carol? I’m glad she’s alright. And any survivors?” Felix sighed with relief.

“None. Everyone in the factory was found dead, save for the one you caught.”

“I see.” He answered with a blank stare.

The chief stare was fixed at Felix empty expression a moment before she lit her cigarette.

“It was sudden. You got there late, so I can’t blame you, and Cygnus’ CEO wasn’t exactly being cooperative with their information. But from what I can piece together, Miss Carol was on a stake out, expecting a drug trade. But it was a trap to lure her out to take her armor.”

“Right… the man said he wanted to sell it and get his family out of debt.” Felix’s eyebrows curled, “But… how could they possibly have known she would show up?”

“A couple of robins were discovered dead two days after your encounter.” The chief answered.

“… Oh…”

“And the weapon I brought you?”

“I haven’t received intel yet, but from what you’ve described in your report, it appears to be an energy gun, similar to yours, but for now, we’ll have to wait.”

“Then, what about the Matrix Key?”

“It’s a complex structure of codes that changes every time anyone tries to solve it, as for what it opens, we’ll just have to wait for Maria.”

“No need to wait.” The door opened as Maria nonchalantly waltzed in unannounced, in a pale-yellow top with a bright pizza print in the middle. There were visible dark bags under her eyes.

“Marie.” Felix greeted; his head leaned against the sofa as he looked at her.

“Care to explain why I’m not involved in this briefing?”

“Maria, this is a solo mission.”

“What happened to ‘the two of you will be partners from now on?’” She asked with a pout on her face.

Marie’s expression was sad… in more ways than one.

Felix patted the seat beside him, and Maria sat down grumpily with her arms crossed.

“It’s because you’re supposed to be analyzing the key. Are you done?”

“Not yet… it had a multi-layered encryption lock on it. Why would a key be locked?” Maria spoke in a low, curious voice.

“That’s for you to find out. Besides, I did specify that there would be instances where you would work separately, did I not? As for Felix, you were requested to bodyguard this girl.” She said as she swiped the holographic screen towards him.

The photo showed a young blonde girl. As Felix read through it, a particular detail caught his eye, “A pop idol?”

“The daughter of Takeuchi Sakurai.”

“If it’s Obsidian Industries heiress, why don’t they just use their own operatives?” Felix asked.

“If it was professional help they were looking for, why did they pick Felix?” Maria scoffed.

“Rank eighty-four, Ernesto Hansen, fifty-two, Andrea Battley, twenty-seven, Warren Antonovich, all dead. Along with four robins. All of them were riddled with bullets.” Chief explained.

Caught off guard, Felix didn’t know how to respond. Noticing this, Maria let out a bitter joke, “Poor word birds, but I guess that means they finally recognize Felix’s ability.”

“Actually, Felix was their third choice. Sir Takeuchi wanted the highest-ranked ‘esper’ available.”

“Esper?” He asked.

“It’s what everyone from Project ASTRAEA will officially be referred to from here on out, to differentiate you from the Enhanced Humans of Project CHIMERA.”

“Project Chimera?” Maria muttered as gears started to turn in her head.

“I guess it’s better than Homo Novus whatever…” He shrugged.

“The Director was annoyed at how you were assisted by during Lewis’ capture and thought that you may have gotten promoted too quickly. Besides, I think this might interest you. The suspect is rumored to have a connection with the Jackal.”

Felix’s lips widen ever so slightly upon hearing the words chief uttered, “Jackal… huh?”

“Weren’t all of his accomplices in Cocytus penitentiary?” Maria interjected.

“It’s all speculation from the intel the Robin System’s collected, but it’s possible that he might be forming a new little band of terrorists, a new set of “Fangs”, if you will. It would be preferable if you could detain him.”

“But, why target her instead of the CEO himself?”

“Taking out the higher ups is probably a task too difficult, even for them, but in targeting an official’s family members during the concert, it’s basically a declaration that he’s not afraid of us.”

“But if that’s the case, then why would they pick me?” Felix mumbled out.

“Didn’t you say you were the best agent here?”

“I’m not saying I can’t do it.”

“Initially they requested David or Anastasia. But since they’re occupied, that leaves you. It may also be because they wanted to know why you suddenly jumped two ranks in a single night. They wanted to know if their funding was being put to good use, so they intend to borrow you for twenty-four hours.”

“So, an exhibition… the info on this assassin, then?”

The chief slid another projected screen Felix’s way. But there wasn’t a lot of info written on it.

“His name is Jeffrey Carleton, but after we looked up his background, it was clearly a fake alias, and there were no images of him either. All we know is that he’s male, and that he’s close to one of the heiress’s friends.”

“Which one?”

“We don’t know.”

“That’s helpful.”

“The robin who collected this info was killed before they could deliver the full details. His phone was found destroyed, and his body was found inside of a dumpster and covered in ashes. We have reason to believe that the ashes were the back-up data.”

“Oh…”

“You will leave tomorrow morning. Preparations are being made as we speak. For now, you just get some rest. Or you could start right now, if you so prefer.” The chief snickered.

“So then, can I join?”

“Marie…” Felix spoke.

“Fine, fine. You suck as a bodyguard. You know that, right?” Maria sulked.

“Besides, this is what you wanted, no? Or did your heart change too much after one mission with her?” The Chief mockingly remarked.

Felix scratched his cheek, feeling flushed at the chief’s throwaway comment.

“Then I guess it’s time to prepare.” He stood up and stretched his arms out.

“Before that…” The chief answered as she reached for something under her desk.

“Cake?” Maria mumbled.

With a curious look, Felix asked, as he walked forward, “What’s the occasion?”

She pushed up the bridge of her orange-tinted glasses and congratulated him, “Congratulations on being promoted to rank eleven.”

Both Felix and Maria walked up to her table to take a slice of the simple black chocolate cake. Maria quickly sat back after taking her portion, her feet up on the chair as she enjoyed the cake with a smile on her face, while Felix continued to stand as he took a bite.

The chief asked with an approving smirk; “So, how does it feel to no longer be the black cat of ruin?”

“Has anything changed really?”

“I see, then let me rephrase my question, how does it feel achieving Luna’s goal for her?”

“Reaching the first rank is a means… not an end.” Felix grumbled after taking a bite from his cake.

“Luna?” Maria mumbled out.

“Has Felix not told you?”

“She was my mentor.” Felix immediately cut the chief off. “The one I told you about before.”

Maria’s eyes lowered with curiosity down to a cold expression, “So that’s her name…” She coldly mumbled.

The short-lived party of three people ended as the daytime fell, and the night time passed. And the new day dawned.

*

The blue skies were pale and soft, without a cloud in the sky. With a cup of coffee in hand and a suitcase on the other, Felix headed to the agency’s air terminal, which was already set to leave. Ahead of him stood Maria, waiting for him beside the jet.

Felix took his time walking.

When he finally made it, Maria reached out her hand with eyes full of pity and pressed it on Felix’s shoulder, “I won’t be there to take care of you, okay? No one’s gonna be there to pick up after your mess, understand?” She said condescendingly.

A vein pulsed on his forehead, but played along regardless, “I understand. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“You didn’t forget to pack a grappling hook, did you?”

“I actually brought two, in case one explodes again.”

“Hope you do a better job bodyguarding this girl than you did with me.”

“I’ll... try my best.” He replied with a click of his tongue.

“Don’t forget about me, okay?” She teased, placing her hand on Felix’s cheek with a teary, mocking smile on her face.

I really want to hit her but she unfortunately had a point. I did make for a lousy bodyguard. However...

Felix, overcome by his annoyance of her taunts, pinched her checks. ”What is wrong with you?!”

“Ah guwayt— menny thi— s-stahp it!” But as she tried to whimper out her response, he pinched her cheeks harder.

He sighed and let go before looking at her with a serious look, “You want me to get you an autograph or something?”

“What, are you gonna take a photo with them or something? Nah, I’m more of a rock kinda girl.” She answered in a somewhat oddly triumphant tone.

“Mhm… why?”

“I don’t like how idols are always so upbeat and overly cheerful. How they always seem ecstatic to make fans happy. It all seems so fake to me.” She said as she lowered her head, her tone was sharper than usual and dripping with petulance.

“Harsh... Alright, if that’s it, then I’m going—” Felix replied, about to go inside the plane.

“Actually, I want you to tell me something.” Maria spoke in a more serious manner.

“Mhm, what is it?”

“What is it that’s bothering you?”

“Wh— nothing’s bothering me.”

“Liar, you’ve looked troubled since this morning.”

“Like I said, it’s nothing.”

“It’s about Jackal, isn’t it?”

“Huh?”

“I saw you smirk when you heard his name.”

“Hm… right. I’m just… we finally get a trail. We finally get to find him.”

“Right… Good luck, and leave nothing to chance, as Chief Vivian would put it.”

“Thanks.”

As he took a step forward, however, Maria added, “And Felix. You may be the Blue Phantom, the professional masked assassin... but without the mask, you’re just you. Resident dumdum and... my irreplaceable friend. So, be careful, okay?”

“Okay. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” He replied as he placed his hand on her head.

From inside the jet, he noticed from the corner of his eye, the silver-haired girl and the blond young man from before, getting down from a black car at the agency’s entrance. He continued to gaze with his cheek against his hand, but they were eventually out of sight as it began to ascend.

Hours passed.

Visions filled his dreams as he remembered an arm protruding from under the rubble.

“They’ve… merged… Both stage four and the experimental…” Professor Yusuke said with a bleeding face.

“I asked your name, not your designation, silly!” The blonde girl said with a cheery smile.

“...May you be the fruit of all my endeavors, my prosperity, my charity, and my redemption... May you reach the stars… and be what they need… to protect the peace.” The professor cried as he looked up towards the sky, before lifting up a needle with prismatic fluid.

Felix’s mismatched eyes shot open as he deeply gasped, his face was covered in sweat. He looked ahead and saw a number of paper coffee cups twisted right in front of him.

He wiped his face and looked out the jet’s window and saw that he was landing already landing. He was greeted by a breath of cool, crisp air, before immediately being taken to the city, to the building where the heiress was residing.

**

At the front of the building were three bars, one taller than the next, encased in two triangles. The logo of Obsidian Industries.

Felix walked through the corridor at the highest floor, where he found a number of girls in colorful outfits stood behind the door of where he was supposed to go.

“You girls wouldn’t happen to be Starry Sweethearts, would you?” Felix asked.

”Ah, y-yes!” One of the girl’s responded in a tense manner.

”Um, are any of you girls Yumiko Sakurazawa?”

The girls looked at him with an uneasy expression.

“A-are you her new bodyguard?” One of the girls asked.

“W-wait, Ayame-chan.” Another girl from behind her tugged her sleeve.

”Yes. Is there something wrong?” Felix smiled warmly in response.

Somehow, I feel relieved they don’t speak English perfectly.

“She’s… in-in the room.” The girl stammered to answer, looking at the door with weary expressions.

There was an uneasy atmosphere. Something about their expressions hinted to Felix that he should proceed with caution. But as he looked at their faces, he suddenly found himself thinking about a woman with silvery hair patting him on the head.

Maybe I should try to ease their worries, the way Luna used to do for me. Now… what would she do… or maybe what would Marie do…

“I’m um… I’m actually a fan… your music is… really good. So would it be alright to take a picture?” Felix’s voice cracked as he did his best to finish that sentence.

Their eyes lit up slightly as they replied in a livelier manner, “Y-yes!”

“Ayame-chan, won’t your boyfriend get mad if he saw you with another guy?” One of the girls teased.

“He, he’s not my boyfriend!” The one named Ayame yelled out with bright red cheeks, “Let’s take the picture!” She sighed.

“Alright, thanks.”

As they took the photo, the girls briefly smiled brightly. Felix would have rather not done it, yet he did so in the hopes that it would calm their nerves, even if, just by a little bit. He then waved to the girls, but as he reached for the knob, one of the girls caught his sleeve and spoke.

“Be careful.”

“Ah, I will. Thanks.” He replied before waving goodbye.

“Cheerful, upbeat girls who would be ecstatic to make a fan happy… Idols sure are strange.” Felix mumbled to himself as he reached for the door.

Felix opened the door slowly, the scent of meat permeated the room, while a thin young girl in a white tank top stood next to the stove with chopsticks in hand. Her ponytail swayed with her movements as she cooked.

“Are you my new bodyguard?” She asked, not even giving Felix a glance. Her voice was clearly more used to speaking in English than the rest of the girls in her group.

“I believe so.”

The room was dimly lit, but it was clear how spacious it was. Felix placed his luggage next to the marble pillar on the corner of the kitchen. The stove let out a sharp click as it was turned off.

She turned to him and eyed him down while still cooking, “Moody, broody, and covered in all black. You must be the agent papa sent.”

“That assessment is… harsh. So, that means you’re Yumiko Sakurazawa, real name Natsumi Sakurai?” Just as he turned to face her, his mismatched eyes met with the muzzle of a gun she pointed at him. And just as suddenly – it fired.