What Lies Beneath His Pelt?

CHAPTER 14: RISING

“What do you mean?” I asked as I looked at Ciara. Her shoulders were tense, fists clenched and she glared at the Maji intensely.

“Just as I said. You two have similar auras and energies-both mysterious, powerful and strong-just like the Fabukage I usually deal with. Aren’t you two lovers or something? You seemed cozy before the rest of my men came.” The Magistratus continued and it was Ciara who stepped forward.

“Look, officer, we’re grateful you came to our aid since we didn’t know what to do. Now, instead of prying into our private lives, why don’t you deal with the investigation hmm? We need to go home.” Ciara hissed, and even if this was the second outburst I saw from her, it still shocked me. I placed a hand around her waist to keep her from launching herself toward him. What got her riled up?

“Whoa, apologies, Miss, I didn’t mean to offend you or something, I’m just doing my job. By the way, the name’s Sergeant Wave Aoi,” He introduced himself as he offered his hand. Ciara looked at it before raising an eyebrow.

How is he so calm? And clueless? Can’t he read the atmosphere?

When no one took it, he simply shrugged and pocketed it.

“ Anyhow, I feel that you two need to talk about something, so I’ll let you go. Just give me your numbers and we’ll call you when we need your input, yeah?” He mused as he gave an easygoing smile. I could feel Ciara’s annoyance at the Maji's attitude.

“Yeah, sure, it’s fine. Here.” I started as I pulled out my wallet from my pocket. I was about to hand him a card when Ciara went first.

“Here, he and I are friends, so it’s fine if it’s just my number, yeah? I can relay the message you have for him.”

“Oh? What’s the problem, doesn’t he have a phone of his own?” Sergeant Aoi grinned as he fixed his gaze on me.

Ciara looked at me, eyebrows raised. It took me a moment to understand what she was trying to say.

“Oh, oh right! Thank you for reminding me, my dear. You see, Sergeant, I had a stalker before. Bombarded me with texts and calls, and tried sending me messages on my socials using different accounts. When I didn’t respond, she sent letters and I had to leave my city to escape her. Kinda creepy and traumatic, you know? So I decided not to give out my number to just anyone. With our magic and technological advancement, my crazy ex-girlfriend might just find me again and you do not want to endanger a civilian, right, Sergeant?” I mused as I let the words come out of my mouth as smooth as silk. Ciara coughed to hide her laugh.

“Ah, I see. Alright, I understand. Well, I can’t blame her, you are quite a charmer after all,” Sergeant Aoi said thoughtfully. I could feel Ciara’s shoulders shaking.

“Thank you for your understanding, Sergeant. Well then, we’ll be off? Or do you want our statements?” I continued as I moved my arms around her shoulders to keep her from moving.

“Are you okay ma’am? You were shaking earlier.” Sergeant Aoi noticed the movement. Ciara cleared her throat.

“Ah, yes, it's cold. It would seem that my clothes aren’t warm enough,” she said with a straight face, and it was my turn to hide a laugh with a cough.

“I see. Do bundle up next time, alright Miss? It’s getting cold and the forecast said the snow might come early this year.”

“Yes, of course. Thank you so much, Sergeant. We’ll see you around!” Ciara said as she pulled me away. He simply raised a hand and smiled at us.

Once we were out of earshot she spoke.

"That damn bastard! What is he up to, now?” She mused as she looked back at the area we had just come from.

“What do you mean? He seemed genuinely nice?”

That earned me a look.

“What do I mean?” Her face hardened and I looked at her expectantly. She sighed as she massaged her temples.

“He used to be a member of my troops but he sold our plans to eradicate the Kage Opus to them. Also, remember his statement? ‘Just like the Fabukage I usually deal with.’” She spoke, mocking his tone, which got me chuckling again.

“You’re not good with impersonations, aren’t you?” I commented. She chuckled for a bit before turning serious again.

“Sorry, back to Sergeant Aoi. What is it?"

“Calum, Fabukage do not reveal their status to anyone. Have you forgotten? They are feared for their power and you spent a lifetime hunting and killing them, so you know the stigma and the prejudice.”

I stopped as I looked at her. I knew she was speaking from experience.

“So what he said was true then, that you are a Fabukage as well?”

“Yes, but that isn’t my point. That body was a checkpoint for Fabukage. Those who came were Fabukage. He asked for our numbers because if they have someone who has the list of people and their addresses working for him, he can easily search for them when he knows the name. Do you understand?”

“What is he like, gathering other Fabukage? For what?" My mind was racing and I was trying my best to keep up with what Ciara was thinking.

“Calum, we need to go.” She said, her voice panicked and I didn’t even ask because I could feel it. The shadows that covered the walls were gone and the feeling of being watched came from every direction.

We began running and I now understood why only a few people walked through these parts of the city even in daylight.

It was because the shadows were alive.