The Pagemasters: The Case of the New Arrival (PG)

[Lovetheangelshadow]

*Nanowrimo 2017 submission*

Chapter 1: The Raid

Athenos Draco had both hands gripped to the steering wheel of his black cruiser. He had been roused from an aromatic cup of spiced tea and a decent looking dime novel he had just bought and was now driving at speed in the chill of fall. How thankful, he thought, that he was aware of every street here in Central Westpoint Valley otherwise things were going to go south very quickly at the site. He had only just received the radio call that they had gone ahead without his approval. When this was all over, he was going to have a few choice words at the Inquisition.
“Fredrick L. Grigg: age 35. Registered pagemaster. Currently under suspicion of selling illicit material to minors.” Athenos’ passenger was reading off his tablet computer while unconsciously leaning his body in perfect sync to the driver’s wide turns.
“Yes Roan, I am perfectly aware of…”
“Further evidence suggests he may also be receiving prohibited goods from outside borders. Under section 47 code 101 the sale of…”
“Yes Roan, I know”, Athenos huffed. Roan didn’t seem to notice or care for Athenos’ growing annoyance as he continued to stare at the screen and open up files for viewing.

“Sir, if I may, as your partner it is my duty to ensure you are properly informed of the situation. After all, reviews are coming soon and every good point on your record…” Athenos glanced at the silver cane resting across his lap. This had been going on for some time to the point where he was sure Roan Blake had thoroughly convinced himself that he was officially Athenos’ partner. Even looking at him, you would not even think him to be a simple clerk for the Inquisition. With his golden blonde hair, chiseled looks, and lean but well-built frame, Roan would have looked more at home in a clothing magazine or even an outdoor display than constantly fact gathering and organizing to the Imperium’s coveted enforcement constables. Somehow, Roan had attached himself to Athenos though Athenos had never asked for it.

Athenos slid the car elegantly behind the riot van parked in front of the location. The white painted initials CVWIQN shone brilliantly despite the heavy shade the surrounding buildings cast down upon it. Ten members had surrounded a small store front. It was a miniscule brick housing compared to its massive steel neighbors with the letters “Eureka: Texts of Inspiration for the Common Good”. Athenos resisted the sickening urge rising in his stomach at the sign. The Inquisition field agents had now encompassed the entire front of the store. With their white suits and black body armor, they reminded Athenos of those giant penguins he might’ve seen in a movie once or twice. The whirring sound of phweeeennngg rang in his ears as they were priming up their standard issue electro stun pistols. He stood next to an officer who was readying the megaphone.

“Attention Fredrick Grigg! Come out now with your hands up and your sentence might not be so severe.” There was a condensending tone in the sergeant’s voice that Athenos unconsciously sneered at. From somewhere in the upper floors they heard two loud BANGS followed by metallic twangs against the riot van. The sergeant snarled and turned up the dial on his gun for a more unpleasant shock.

“Stinking Pagemaster scum, always thinking they’re so special they can do whatever they want and think they’re above the Grace’s law.”
The term Pagemaster was rather inaccurate, but the name had stuck thanks to a few news outlets. They refered to people having a special kind of quirk: the ability to bring their imagination to physical form commonly titled the Avatar. From there Avatars were controlled like powerful puppets to the whims of their creator. The name Pagemaster had come about due to the first public recording was a madman who dressed like a wizard and had a monstrous book as its puppet. There really was not an agreed upon origin of these sorts of people. Some called it a genetic anonomoly; others actual forbidden magic from the Outside. Either way, the Imperium was not too keen on their kind rising to power hence the Grace’s Laws.
One of those laws was that all Pagemasters had to register with the Inquisition and that was not a request. The second law was keeping them away from any material that gave stimuli to their imagination; ie film, literature, theatre work, and even scholarly positions.
Athenos glanced at the two dents in the riot van. Roan seemed to voice his current thoughts.
“Mr. Grigg’s Avatar level has been registered as a 5 in the system. Not exactly squad threatening but certainly enough to cause trouble in the arrest.” So why wasn’t Grigg’s using his avatar? There was a growing murmur behind the squad. Bystanders were now beginning to gather around. If shooting happened, some curious fool was likely to be harmed by either a shotgun bullet from Grigg or an electro stun shock from an overzealous officer.
“Sargent, are there any hostages or additional suspects in the building?”
The sergeant hadn’t even looked up at him.

“What you mean by that nonsense? You know it’s just the Pagemaster in there and one is enough. We’re going to get him good all right. Selling illicit material to minors, real scum ain’t they?”
“Interesting, and I suppose this raid which was not approved by me is perfectly valid?” The sargent had turned fists ready and calling out whomever was smart mouthing him until he had seen Athenos casually leaning on his walking stick.
“Inspector Draco, sir! I did not see you standing there!” Other officers had also been taken aback him being there even though he had been standing there for the last five minutes.This, Athenos had long grown accustomed to. Average height, average build, even his facial features were practically generic. Despite his chalky pallor and stringy black hair, there was nothing that stood out about him. He had learned to take full advantage of this. Many people hardly ever noticed him unless he wished to. This was very handy in gathering information. It was now he had confirmed the long suspicions that Grigg had been smuggling prohibited literature and selling it to children despite the best efforts of the Intelligence Department. And now thanks to this bungling sergeant, he would have to put in extra effort to ensure a successful arrest. And extra work, especially paperwork was not something he enjoyed.

“All right men, ready the tear gas bombs and we’ll get them quick!” Athenos had barely a time to gasp out a belay order before the whistle of the gas bomb soared above his head and tumbled inside the door. Several loud bangs pierced the morning air along with a sequence of hissing as the gas spewed out. The officers waited hoping that would have flushed out their quarry, except nothing occurred. Over the raido Athenos heard the other officers had not seen anyone come out the back way either. Inquisition standard grenades were potent little pieces of tech with just one capable of subduing a decent sized crowd. And inside the building, they couldn’t possibly be resisting it. The sergeant barked orders for them to move in for the arrest.
“Gas mask, sir”, Roan responded as he held out the equipment to Athenos. Athenos followed closely behind the rushing crowd of officers with a bit a wobbling gait as he was trying to put on his mask, hold his cane under his arm, and run at the same time.

[Lovetheangelshadow]

Chapter 1 (cont.)

The interior was a stark contrast to the façade outside. The brick walls had been plastered over by plain white plastic and his heels clicked on tile. Even the furniture was a dull white color that blended in with the walls. The few things that added any color were the motivational posters fastened to the wall by glass frames and maybe one or two books. The bile in Athenos’ stomach moved to his throat. There was just something that he really did not care for in places that gave a sterile vibe.

Aside from himself and the five officers surrounding him, there was no one else inside the main store. He heard shuffling in the back and a cracking from the radio from the sergeant’s hip informed him they were officers. Indeed, it was the distinguishable swip-twack of the soles of strandard Inquision uniforms he was hearing now. The sergeant was sill barking orders for them to search everywhere and find the ‘page mucking rats’ as he put it.
“If you would be so kind as to silence your bovine crooing for a moment? Some of us are trying to work here.” Athenos had already tuned out the yelling sergeant mentally, but everyone stamping about was making things more complicated than they needed to be. He had removed his mask by now as most of the gas had dispersed and the visor did not help much in the way of accurate vision. His cane began to tap rhythmically as his eyes darted from wall to shelf to ceiling. There was no second story save for a moderate sized landing near the front window. The open window on a cold afternoon like this suggested that was where the shotgun shots had some from. There was an officer up there now and the landing was so small and barren save for a coffee table, no one could be hiding down there. His eyes followed the stairway as he imagined the possible scenario. He could see it perfectly in his mind now. Grigg had fired the shots and then began to scuffle away as soon as he saw the tear gas bomb being hurled though the window. There were fresh chips on the edges of the stairs where he had run down them to escape the fumes. Athenos’ cane followed more scuff marks on the tile. There were strikes against the paint in the left side. Someone had to be pretty hefty to leave deep scratches. He had also notied they had left a peculiar pattern on the floor too-like a big animal. Something buzzed in the back of Athenos’ brain, but he shoved it aside. He needed to concentrate.

The prints ran to the back door but then turned and were moving back to the main store before stopping at the cash counter. This was where the prints ceased. Athenos lowered his brow. He doubted the runner took off his shoes for any given reason this quickly. He then saw there was a fresh strike against the counter where something heavy had hit it. Looking down, there was one single piece of tile noticeably larger than the others; spanning half the length of the entire counter. He bent down and felt around. The gouges had indeed stopped just at the edge. His fingers traced a wide mortar grove around this one block. He pressed his fingers against the mortar and it pressed downward much to his own surprise. A heave upward and the tile began to tilt open. He had to barely move it up before it sprung open with the velocity of a jack-in-the-box.
A trail of stairs was leading sinking into a black room. Athenos held his cane to his chest and was the first to transcend downward. Suddenly there was loud crash underneath his feet. The wooden planks underneath him had violently folded in on themselves and he rolled downward a few steps. One of the steps he had been on had supported one of the springs that held the door open. With nothing to hold up, the door slammed shut above him sealing him on the darkened stairwell. The buzzing in his head began to increase that it was now impossible to ignore it any further. It also felt a little mocking. There was no time for him to muse on it now as he could hear the sound of wood began to creak under his stance. He darted down the steps as something was now clawing at the supports underneath him.

A bright light staggered him when he had reached the floor. Of course, older buildings would have had underground basements like these. That was poor oversight for this raid.
“Digging for bones, Imperium dog?”
Grigg was a stocky fellow with a flat face and puffy lips that gave off the impression of an overstuffed salmon. Athenos flipped out his badge.
“Quite a haul of illicit material you have here.” Grigg just wheezed a laugh.
“Illicit? You call this illicit?” He kicked over a box and allowed the contents to spill out onto Athenos’ feet. The books were about the size of a magazine but hardly thicker than a pamphlet. On one of the covers was a muscular man dressed like a bat and swinging across the city top. Another had a giant green man holding up a mountain. Athenos’ gripped his cane as he inhaled a long, deep breath.
“By the authority of The Grace, you, Fredrick Grigg, are under arrest for violating Penal code 2005 section sp6: the possession and selling prohibited material to minors.”

Athenos had turned too late when the blow struck him from behind. He had just enough time to roll away when a heavy boot had nearly collided with his stomach. He heard a scrape against the concrete when the foot had made contact. Of course. Grigg was a small man, he couldn’t have made those markings. What stood over him was a mountain of a man-at least it had a similar shape of one. He was barefooted and wore little more than jeans stretched to their max. Long shaggy hair covered his bare skin and its face was twisted between something human and canine. Its maw opened to let out a soundless bark as it lunged for Athenos.

Athenos struck the head of his cane against the chest of the beast to shove it back against Grigg. The beast stood in front of Grigg as if it was shielding him. Athenos’ hand hovered over his Shock Pistol.
“Let’s not get into this sort of violent, please? I don’t feel like exerting myself more than I have to.” Grigg was looking past Athenos’ shoulder and Athenos swung his cane in a wide arc behind him. Another man yelped out in furious pain as the cane stuck his wrist. Under the limited light Athenos saw another man, similar to the beast rub his wound. His clothes were jeans and the pattern on his shirt was not one that had been around for ages. This man was from the Outside.

The beast dove for Athenos and lashed its nails across Athenos’ shoulder as it spun the officer to face it directly. Athenos’ pressed the length of his case against the beast’s neck just to keep it from clawing at his face. The beast pressed down and its musky reek filled Athenos’ lungs. If it wasn’t trying to kill him, he’d almost be impressed that someone could create their Avatar with not only sight and weight, but scent as well. Athenos rolled back on his elbows and let the creature fall forward and roll right into its creator. The beast was only stunned for a moment and it was poised for another strike. Fighting the avatar wasn’t going to do Athenos’ much good in the long run as long as the Pagemaster was still conscious. He could hear pounding above them. No doubt the officers above were trying to get the trap door open. They were not going to get here soon enough for his liking.

Athenos skirted behind boxes trying to bring some distance between him and the beast-man. Suddenly the creature sprung to the ceiling and began to scuttle like a spider towards its prey. Athenos shot four rounds into the concrete around the beast and it tumbled under the sudden weight of the rubble. Athenos bounced off the emerging monster and went straight for its master. He fired one single shot, making the attacker unconscious. The avatar was now melting into a puddle of watery ink where Grigg had been cowering behind it. Athenos put him to sleep as well.

[The Commodore]

So he was selling the kids comics,and this included batman and was the other one hulk?

Cool start nevertheless, excited to see more of this world and its characters.

[Lovetheangelshadow]

Chapter 2: Morphis Dreamur
“Upon further inspection of the contraband mentioned above, the literature; while not possessing the official Inquisition Approval Stamp: does not violate the Obscene Material clause of Approved Material for Minors (section 320 paragraph 9). Suggest 1 to 2 year term hard labor at Bartley Penitentiary. Offer reduced sentence if accused offers names of suppliers and any other information leading to their arrest.” Athenos rubbed his sore shoulder as he gave his report one more go over. He already had to fill out two other forms in regards to property damage and the assault from Grigg’s helper. The Pagemaster who had attacked him had yet to divulge any evidence in the smuggling of these comics. All he would say is that he was sent there as a bodyguard.

“Sir, I suggest you refrain from putting too much weight on your right arm until it fully heals. You are fortunate to be alive.” Roan was carrying Athenos’ midday coffee in one hand and a stack of papers under his opposite arm. Athenos snorted at the “luck” part. There was no luck about it. True the avatar was a bit of a brute, but he had only been lucky due to the ambush. Everything else was pure skill on the inspector’s part.
“Oh, and the chief wants you in his office. Shall I format your report and submit it while you are speaking to him?” Athenos rapped his computer screen as he got out of his chair. Roan bowed at attention before seating himself at his own desk.

Frankly, Athenos was never pleased when the chief spoke to him. In part it was because he had to walk all the way to the opposite side of the building and then to the upper floors. The Inquisition Office of Central Valley Westpoint was certainly a marvel in its own right; so much so that it’s exterior had been known as a tourist attraction for some years. The exterior had high brick siding with three towers embracing its edges. Each spire of the towers was crowned with snarling mythological beasts with eyes that seemed to follow anyone who crossed their path. Moral groups had long petitioned for them to be removed despite them being protected under The Grace as a historical monument. The only thing truly marring its grotesque beauty, at least to Athenos, was the various radio and satellite towers that were juxtaposed with the stone monsters. He had half-wished on more than one occasion that the beasts would come to life and tear down the contraptions. Sometimes he thought he caught one of them moving as if in response.
The interior was a series of elevators, platforms, and corridors. Thankfully, they had chosen to not go with the common white and had saved most of the original stonework. A large dial hung over the main forum. It was part clock but its upper portion measured threat levels for the city. Things were moderate according to dial. Athenos could only think of perhaps twice in his employment when things ever got higher than that. Athenos squeezed himself into the glass elevator as pressed for the top floor. As it rose he had to face the door and even then squeeze his eyes tight until the box had stopped at his destination. Catching his rise in heart rate Athenos walked down the hall with one hand pressed tightly against the way and keeping himself as far away from the open railing.
Chief Vero Kirra was the stereotypical image of a police chief you often saw in old cartoons. Short, fat, heavy mustached, and a certain laziness about the face. However, if you said anything along those lines, you might find yourself somewhere on the next floor below face down if your offense was minor. Athenos had his own thoughts about his boss, but he was smart enough to keep those safely in his head. He was beckoned to sit down.
“Draco, how if your report on the Grigg’s case coming along?” Athenos raised an eyebrow. The Chief was not known to personally ask about statuses of the Contraband Department; at least not directly.

“All paperwork and evidence is ready for trial, sir.”
“And your injury?”
“Minor, sir.” The Chief leaned back.
“Inspector Draco, the reason I ask is to put things in perspective. There are going to be changes in how the Inquisition handles itself.” Again Athenos’ eyebrows moved in a puzzled manor. True, the Inquisition has not exactly been bathed in public adoration, but he was unaware of any major scandals. Roan would have told him.
“You could have been killed in that ambush.”
“I hardly think so.”
“Don’t get cocky with me, Athenos.” The chief rarely ever used Athenos’ first name, or rather any officer’s first name unless there was something dire attached to it.
“Draco, the Grace has been going over injury reports submitted by the Inquisition of late. Your assault is not becoming a rare occurrence anymore. These Pagemasters are starting to gather together now; attacking in blind areas, ambushing in raids, and are growing in strength.”
“You think an uprising is happening?”
“The brains upstairs are unsure yet. But in the meantime, the Grace has issued a new standard for all inspectors. Athenos, starting today you’re getting a partner.”

Athenos’ thought his throat clenched up and he chocked on his own breath.
“I…I beg your pardon? You said, partner.”
“I did. And no Roan doesn’t count. That clerk may have a pretty face, but won’t do you any good bashed in by some ogre or other nonsense.” Athenos gripped the head of his cane tightly. The Chief seemed to notice it as well.
“And no, THAT doesn’t count either. They would prefer you be partnered up with someone human.”
“You expect me to have faith that someone isn’t going to stand in my way of my investigations? I work far more efficiently if I do not have to deal with someone else’s jejune intellect.” He thought he caught the chief smirking, but then again he was not even sure the chief was capable of smiling. Instead the Chief had actually risen up from his seat and clenched Athenos’ tie with one fist. A sudden jerk forward and Athenos was halfway across the table.
“Listen you little smarmy punk, your overconfidence is going to get you killed one of these days and then I would have to explain to daddy dearest why his son was shipped to him in a pine box.”
“Dear me, I would hate to see the postage rates for oversized packages”, a voice quipped from the corner. Athenos had just managed to collect his spine back in alignment when he saw someone reading a newspaper in the corner chair. The Chief let Athenos go and the man almost face planted on the desk.
“Oh eh, I forgot you were there. Athenos Draco, this is Morphis Dreamur; transfer from the Kings Island Inquisition branch. Their loss.”

[Lovetheangelshadow]

Morphis casually folded his newspaper and stood up. As much as Athenos had a tendency to just fade into the background, this man stood out in every way possible. He was at least a foot taller than Athenos with broad shoulders and sizeable pectoral and arm muscles that could have snapped Athenos in two if he so wanted. His nose was both crooked and pointy like a broken beak. Across Morphis’ right eye was a peculiar scar that looked as if some bird had simply latched on and had tried to tear his golden eyes out. Fair brown shag cut hair framed his round youthful tanned face. His appearance gave Athenos the impression of from large owl that had been in one too many fights. His outfit also stood out inside the room. Instead of the standard white suit and black tie that was required uniform, he wore a black suit and red tie though Athenos noted it was not crisply ironed as custom. A pair of large wireless black and blue headphones rested around his neck. Again not standard for uniforms. Morphis held out his broad hand in greeting.
“Morphis Dreamur at your service, Mr. Draco.” Athenos was a bit hesitant just shook that hand if only to be merely polite. Even Morphis’ grip felt like talons against his skin. The Chief cleared his throat for attention.
“I trust you two to get acquainted. Oh and Draco, do stay in one piece.” Athenos felt a hard slap on his back from Morphis.
“You can count on me, Chief.”

Athenos rapped his fingers on the elevator panel as it went down. This was not the first time he had a partner in the field; however, they never lasted long. He expected the same from Morphis. When they had reached his office, Roan was already there with the court documents in hand ready to be sent out to the District Attorney’s Offices. His eyes went wide as they went past Athenos’ shoulder. No doubt he was looking at the black clothed stranger behind him. In fact, most people they had passed had been staring at them. Athenos did not appreciate this kind of attention.
“Who is he”, Roan asked accusingly. Morphis just grinned.
“Oh, you have your own personal assistant? My word, I never realized how upper class you really were.” Roan glared at Athenos. Athenos wasn’t even sure why he was the one being interrogated here. It was not his decision.
“Roan, this is Mr. Morphis Dreamur. He is…”
“I am his new partner”, Morphis finished. The court documents were starting to slide from Roan’s clenching grip. He caught himself and stepped back through the glass doors of the office. Morphis followed him inside.

It was only a moment before the man started to peruse Athenos’ office. He began to open file cabinets and run his fingers along the shelves.
“You know, you can tell a lot about a man by the way he keep his office. Ah now there is something interesting.” His slid to a shelf that Athenos had behind his chair and began poking and turning the figurines on it. Athenos swallowed a minor shriek as he darted over and began straightening them out.
“Must you touch everything?” Morphis grinned and turned a fox figure 180 degrees. Even before Athenos could voice a complaint, Morphis had moved on to the desk opposite Athenos’.
“Hmm, chair is a bit too small but that’s easy to order. Going to have to figure out…”
“That is MY desk”, Roan shrieked. If a pin dropped in the department, everyone inside the building and out in the rec yard could have heard it. Morphis tiled his head like a curious owl.
“I beg your pardon? I assumed this was my desk. I mean, you cannot fit another one in this room. And aren’t you some kind of clerk? Don’t ya have desks somewhere else?” Roan inhaled to scream another string of insults, when Athenos stepped in between.
“Roan has been a useful assistant in my work. I strongly recommend you respect that.” Morphis crossed his arms.
“Maybe you run things differently here in Westpoint, but last I recall, partners share an office.” Athenos shoved the head of his cane in Morphis’ face.
“You are only here because of some half-baked ruling by pencil pushers in the Grace’s officers and because I am humoring the Chief. But as far as things go, I have no need of whatever unassuming services you offer. So you can find a desk somewhere else and maybe I’ll call you if I need someone roughed up in a dark alley or something.”

Morphis inhaled a large sigh and shrugged.
“Okay I get it. Big change for you. Kinda freaking you out and ya don’t like it.”
“I…I never said…” Morphis patted him on the head like some kind of pet.
“We’ll take it slow then, eh? Don’t worry, I won’t squeal to the chief. See ya real soon.” He saluted and then maneuvered down the hall until he had pretty much vanished in the maze of halls. Everyone else in the department stood there agape for a moment before forcing themselves back to their own business.
“I don’t like him one bit, sir”, Roan grumbled. “Just who does he think he is?” Athenos was still staring at where his new partner had vanished. He was tapping his cane in haphazard fashion against his shoe as he thought the best courses of action. There was something in those words of Morphis that left him unsettled. He was not going to tell Roan his increasing worry. Athenos was used to relative routine and had grown accustomed to where he was now. He didn’t like being uprooted anywhere. Finally he turned and took the court reports from Roan before sitting back at his desk.
“Roan, gather all you can on this Morphis Dreamur.”

[The Commodore]

Heh, now is when things get fun...and interesting how the Inquisition has different branches setup...would be cool to see some of them pop up.

[Lovetheangelshadow]

Chapter 3: Welcome to Violent Crimes

Athenos grumbled when his phone rang the following night. Half asleep his hand prodded for the phone before dragging it across his pillow to his ear.
“Nnnggh…ello?” he yawned.
“You sleep this early?” Athenos rubbed his eyes and glanced at the clock on the screen. The time was 11:30.
“Who are you and how did you get my number?”
“Um…the dossier the chief gave us?” It took a moment for Athenos to realize it was his “partner” on the other end of the line.
“Why the hell are you calling me at this hour?” Athenos barked into the phone. There was a pause though Athenos thought he heard humming from Morphis.
“Because the boss man wants us to investigate an assault case by the docks; Mitsuki Street pier 37. I am on my way there now. Oh and medium or large coffee?”
“Large coffee, dark roast with two sugars and half a splash of hazelnut…hey wait a minute!” Morphis had already hung up.

There was nothing he really could do about it. If the Chief wanted him somewhere, he had no choice but to comply. Athenos brushed his tangled strands of hair down and forced himself into a clean white suit before trudging to the patrol car. He had to blast the air conditioner to keep awake enough to not crash on the highway.
Mitsuki Street was a long wide road that outlined Mitsuki Bay. Anything from overseas had to come through the numerous seaports and warehouses constructed along the coastline. Athenos noted that even in the dark hours of the night, the buildings stood like impressive gigantic pillars all equipped with the most modern of lighting, décor, and security. Some even had massive chain link fences surrounding the land portions along with guard towers and regular patrols. Athenos considered Mitsuki Street something of a third or fourth home. A sizeable amount of unregulated items had a way of trying to sneak through here and he had broken at least six operations since his initation into Contraband division.
Athenos did not recall every stopping at Pier 37 and its warehouses. He was a bit taken aback. There were no fences or heavy guards and the central warehouse was maybe half the size of what he had seen normally. The walls had concaved in a little and the once cheery beige paint had all but peeled completely away. The words Duskeyes Housing painted in red letters was the only thing that seemed to not have fallen into decay…yet.
“Coffee, dark roast, two sugars and half a splash of hazelnut flavoring”, quipped a voice beside him before the coffee cup hovered before Athenos’ face. He must have been still groggy (and now freezing) because he thanked Roan for the coffee.
“Who?”

Athenos must have been groggy. Morphis was the one holding the hot coffee cup.
“Not really a night owl are ya?” The groggy inspecter snatched the beverage from Morphis’ hand.
“You don’t have a mountain of paperwork and an impending court date.”
“Riiiiight, the selling of unapproved comics to minors thing. Are you guys here in Central Valley Westpoint really bored or something?”
“Let us just get this case over with.”

Athenos noted the number of regular police officers surrounding the warehouse. Usually your garden variety crime was handled by local authorities. This seemed to be one of them. An officer halted the pair at the gate. Morphis pulled out his badge from his inner coat pocket; the emblem of a serpentine dragon clutching a sword and an olive branch while a shield was ensnared in the coils of its body.
“Morphis Dreamur, Inquisition officer from Violent Crimes. This is my partner, Athenos Draco. You called us in?” The officer pounded his fist into his open palm as if he remembered something.
“Yes, of course! Please come in. Wow I never thought I’d ever have to call you guys. I mean, you handle the big stuff right? Normally this kind of stuff is routine and you know how these…”
Inside roped off area a man in a stretcher was just being lifted into the ambulance. Morphis was already over there before Athenos could question what was happening here. He saw Morphis lift up the arms and examine the chest of the victim despite the protests of the EMTs. Then he took pictures with a personal camera. Athenos barked for him to come back.
“Now then, could you kindly inform me why you called the Inquisition?” Athenos groaned impatiently.

***
The man that was on his way to the hospital was Alistair Duskeyes; owner of the warehouses on Pier 37. He had been found beaten behind the main storeroom on the loading dock. According to the night guard, he and the guard were the only ones here that night mainly to finish the preparations for a special shipment coming in (details of this shipment were unknown to the guard). Duskeyes wanted to make a final check on the main loading pier before retiring for the night. The guard had waited ten minutes before becoming worried that Duskeyes hadn’t returned. He found the man lying just under the awning of the warehouse’s main loading door. The police and ambulances were called in and they had arrived ten minutes later. When the First Response had arrived they noted there were dark splotches near or on the multiple bruises. A precursory test showed them to be residue from an Avatar. Avatars, though still debated among scholars, had a tendency to leave behind some form of deposit where they come in contact with other objects. Microscopically the residue resembled very close to the old fashioned ink that came in bottles (a novelty more than practicality these days). This residue also had the characteristic of being unique to each Pagemaster akin to fingerprints and DNA. When a Pagemaster had registered, an Ink Print-as it was called- was cataloged within the Inquisiton’s database. That last part was not public knowledge. The state of injuries Alistair Duskeyes had sustained listed from multiple fractures on his libs, to a concussion, to multiple bruises on the chest. It was not clear if he would pull through the night, but there was a strong chance they could bring him around.
“In other words, whoever beat our friend Duskeyes like a tartare used an Avatar to do it”, Athenos commented. “I still fail to see why I am here though. Was Duskeyes smuggling anything into the city?”
“Didn’t the Chief tell you”, asked Morphis who had just appeared to his left. After putting his heart back in his chest, Athenos growled,
“What do you mean by that remark?” Morphis grinned at his confusion.
“You won’t be doing contraband cases anymore, buddy of mine. Welcome to Violent Crimes.”
***

Athenos was not completely registering what was happening. True, sudden shifting of departments weren’t exactly unheard of, but with his standing he had grown quite comfortable in Contraband. The duo were led past another cordon of police tape to the scene of the actual beating. The Main Dock was a fairly standard one though this one seemed to have seen better days. Patches were held together with metal plating or large amounts of glue. Poles had large metal brackets to keep them upright. Even the large cargo doors seemed to be stitched together. Lighting was not much better. The single source was the lone pair of floodlights above the main door. Other than that, a sizeable part of the ends were encased in heavy shadow. It was a wonder that this warehouse even had business at all. No ship in their right mind would want their goods here, except maybe those not exactly above board. If that was the case, then no wonder Duskeyes had been beaten in such a manner. He had come across some messier cases like this before.
The dock was crowded with police as they scoured the area looking for any further clues as to their violent Pagemaster friend. So far there was little evidence of anyone but Alistair and the guard. Athenos bent down around the area where the victim’s body had been outlined with white rope. He took a penlight from his inner pocket and clicked the head until it turned purple. He shone the light around the body until something began to illuminate just along the edge of where the light touched. He moved the beam just over and a set of footprints shone brilliantly on the dark dock. They were massive sandaled prints that had moved in a steady pace almost as if the Avatar had just walked casually up to its victim. Athenos followed them backwards and found they continued outward even outside the property. Was someone that bold enough to just summon their Avatar so casually and then just walk out in public and with one so enormous a size? Surely someone must have noticed. He glanced at the guard tower of the adjacent warehouse company. He saw a swipe of light from above in the tower. Someone might have seen something from up there and it would do him some good to talk to this person.
Athenos took a long sip from his coffee and then grasped that he had not heard a sound from his accommodating partner. Indeed Morphis was nowhere to be seen and he stood out like an artichoke in a candy store even in his black suit on a night like this. An officer informed him he had seen the guard go inside the warehouse’s office alongside a tall man with a funny nose. Athenos wrung his cane while he stormed inside.
It did not take too long to find the office. The interior was not that much larger than the outside. There were some crates stacked in the corners, but otherwise it was a barren space. He snapped several quick phones with the pen camera in his pocket before moving on. He wasn’t exactly comfortable with places that echoed. It just felt so empty. There was a light from a window above and he could see two shadows against the glass. Athenos made his way up the steel steps, trying desperately to not look between the grills, and entered the room.
Morphis and the guard were looking at a series of computer monitors behind a desk. Most the monitors were off save for the one both were looking it.
“And you said he had just installed this just a few days ago.”
“Aye, with the payment advance from the new cargo he was taking on.”
“A shame this camera was the only one online.”
“Mr. Alistair had just got the cameras mounted. We were going to get them all on tonight, but Mr. Weple never showed up.” Athenos cleared his throat.
“Am I interrupting something important?” Morphis just smiled and shrugged.
“Oh you seemed to be doing just fine outside. So I thought what better way to maybe check the security footage and see our perp? Why are you looking so dubious at me?” Athenos glanced around thinking that would have been enough of a response. This security camera system was new and a very recent model. It was rather out of place in this somewhat low-class location. Morphis suddenly developed a cat-like grin.
“Oh I see. You think this is some random act of violence or an underground deal gone bad. Well, mr smart spider, our guard friend was just telling me that our pal Alistair suspected someone prowling around the dock area for the past couple of weeks.” The guard wheezed and nodded.
“We thought it might’ve been teens at first. They’ve been known to ah…enjoy themselves behind the warehouses on this street. But we then we thought it funny some of the boards had weird depressions in ‘em. The boss was hoping to catch the guy in the act before the first shipment of our new contract arrived.” Morphis’ hand slipped to the keyboard.

“We had just called up the footage to around the time our buddy might’ve met his attacker. You want to stick around and watch?”
Athenos sat back as they cued up the video. At first there was little to see, though he had to admit at least the production values were decent. A few minutes later and Alistair Duskeyes came into view. He was holding a toolbox in one hand and a flashlight in the other. The man had paused and shone the light directly into the camera lens. Suddenly the ray swung out in front of him. He leaned forward like he was trying to see something out of camera shot. A large humanoid figure was walking casually towards him. Its back was to the camera but it clearly showed its massive muscles and long white hair trailing behind it. Alistair tried to run but the figure was swift and it grasped him with two massive hands. It lifted the man up and then tossed him back on the ground with a massive thud. There was no sound but clearly Alistair had cried out in pain as he gripped his shoulder. Now the giant was on top of him and it rammed its fists repeatedly on Alistair’s limbs and chest. Athenos tried not to wince with each successive blow as he forced himself to watch the screen. He had fought before when it came to Pagemasters and their avatars, but this was something that made him feel uncomfortable. Until now, those he had dealt with fought out of survival, desperation, and even panic. This was something cruel and malicious. He had glanced over to Morphis. The black-clad inspector had his eyes furrowed all the way down and was nervously tapping the table with one finger while gripped his headphone with his opposite hand. It was a certain look of anger he didn’t think the jovial fellow had in him.

The video was paused as the avatar had swiftly turned around before fading into nothing. Morphis had placed his hand on Athenos’ shoulder.
“You alright?” Athenos tapped Morphis’ hand with the head of his cane.
“I am perfectly well. Your concern was not necessary.” Morphis requested a copy of the footage and the guard permitted provided anyone of them could figure out how to do so.
“What good is the video going to do us? It only showed the Avatar and mostly its back”, Athenos groused.
“You don’t know much about Pagemaster’s do ya? I would have thought it would be quite apparent.” Athenos wasn’t sure but he thought Morphis winked.
“What is going on here? Who are you two and what are you doing in this office?”

A small man in a yellow suit had entered into the room. He was a scrawny fellow, with large glasses and pale downy hair. In his hand was a briefcase that he gripped quite obsessively.
“Morphis Dreamur: Inquisiton Inspector for Violent Crimes and my partner Athenos Draco of Contraband, at your service”, Morphis responded. The little man hugged his briefcase to his chest.
“The Inquisit…*ahem* Y-yes, the policeman outside said my partner Alistair had been savagely attacked tonight. I fail to see why the Inquisition need be here if it is something mundane.”
“Mr, Duskeyes had been assaulted by an Avatar tonight. That brings us into the picture”, replied Athenos. “And your name and occupation sir?”
“Isaac Weple, I am the accountant and partner in this business.” Morphis leaned towards him.
“Yes, your name DID come up. You were supposed to be here doing some…prepping I think.” He glanced at the guard for confirmation.
“Aye that he was. Say, come to think of it, Alistair was pretty mad about something tonight and your name came…”
“Mr. Duskeyes and I had different opinions about our recently acquired contract; mostly how to spend the advance payment we had been given. That is all”, Weple huffed.

“How come you’re so late if you were expected to be here tonight to prepare for this special contract”, questioned Morphis. “That seems very lax on your part, expecially from someone who values time and efficiency.” The little man had reached out to point at Morphis but recanted when he saw he was using the hand holding the attaché.
“I do not see how that is your concern. Are you accusing me of the crime? Did you not just say that an Avatar was responsible? If you are going to accuse me, then go ahead and have me tested. I’ll sue you for libel when you find out I am perfectly clean in the matter.” Athenos slid between the two.
“Please, Mr. Weple. We have no intention of having you suspect.”
“Humph, your partner seems to think otherwise. This sort of intrusiveness I expect from the police, not its higher order.”
“He must be talking about you, Atheno…ow!” Morphis rubbed his calf where Athenos had lashed with his cane while Athenos began talking.
“We simply with to establish everyone’s alibi, Mr. Weple. Plus any potential witnesses to this crime would be appreciated. Tell me, just what is this contract?”
“No doubt your info rats would find out anyway. Very well. It was a government contract; part of a small business improvement initiative. I know no further than that.”
“All right. Tell me one more thing, is there anything missing from your warehouse? If so, the Robbery department might get involved.”
“I…won’t know until I go over our current inventory. Has…someone called his wife?”
“His wife?”
“The police have been trying to, but they don’t get a response. They fear she might be on the run.”
“No! Maria couldn’t…I mean, she wouldn’t. She might not know the police have been trying to call her. She’s a lot like Alistair; both are not every good at keeping their phones on them. I’ve had to rag Alistair on it all the time.” Athenos turned to Morphis who had just slipped a hard drive into his beast pocket.
“We’ll get her address and check in the morning. If you think of anything Mr. Weple please call me direct.” Athenos handed him his business card. Weple seemed rather uneasy to accept it, but he did.

The two were walking outside and onto the street where Athenos had parked. He happened a glance at the warehouse on the right with its guard tower still lit up and swinging the searchlight. His eyes happened downward and noted that even in the dark the black ground seemed to shine a bit.
“I wonder why our Mr. Weple was so late tonight”, Morphs thought aloud.
“Indeed. There was a curious dark splattering on his trouser leg too.”
“Ah so you did see that. I don’t think it was an Ink Print though. Oh, could you possibly drop me off at the taxi stand? I am a bit lacking in vehicular transport.”
“The nearest one is almost two miles away! How did you get over here so quickly then? Fly?”
“Why, Athenos, however did you guess?” There was a certain sincerity in his grin and Athenos was not positive if his partner was joking or not.
“Fine. Just don’t expect fare money as well.”

[Lovetheangelshadow]

Chapter 4: Maria Duskeyes
There was no real change to Athenos’ routine. He arrived at the same hour and as expected, Roan was there with his coffee in one hand and the paper under his arm.
“I have your background information on Alistair Duskeyes and the Duskeyes Warehouse Company as you requested.”
“I…requested?” The last thing Athenos remembered was dropping off Morphis at the taxi depot and then making beeline for house and bed.
“Er well, your ‘partner’ called me last night. Said you requested these documents.” Athenos was not going to complain about that right now. At least his partner saved him some time.

Alistair Duskeyes was roughly in his early 30’s with no records with either the police or the Inquisition Offices. He had started up the Duskeyes Warehouse company about ten years ago and had moderate financial success mainly in catering to smaller ship enterprises that dealt with more local businesses. However, finical reports read him going into red in recent years; but never close enough to be bankrupt. His wife was a Maria Duskeyes, unemployed with no visible income on her own. The picture of her was not exactly flattering, but ID pictures rarely ever do. Athenos flipped through the other pages, but this couple was clean. The same went for his partner, Isaac Weple.
Unfortunately, Roan had not competed his research on Morphis Dreamur. Inquisition Officers were harder to get information on as much of it was closely guarded by the Imperium. It was a safety measure for their officers and families if any. Anything the Inquisition did deemed unpopular by the public had its risks to personnel. For the longest time though, officers had enjoyed relative information safety. With this new partner ruling in place, Athenos wondered if that was the case anymore.

“So I heard you’re going into the Violent Crimes department.”
“Not by my chosing I assure you.” Roan wrung his fingers nervously.
“I…I hope you’ll be careful. I’ve heard things about that department, none of it pleasant.” Violent Crimes dealt with assault and homicide. Most of time the cases they dealt with were considered direct threats to the Imperium and The Grace. Athenos mused about that government contract Isaac mentioned. He wondered if it really had anything to do with this assault. Violent Crimes was also potentially the most hazardous department in the Inquisition. He had heard stories of officers getting seriously injured or even killed trying to bring criminals down. Some even had to be sent to Rest due mental strain of the job. He had left the office and was quickly in front of the Chief’s office door. The Chief had let him in even before he could knock.
“If it’s about asking about not having a partner, too bad. Orders from the top.”
“No, I was more concerned with the transfer.”
“Ohhh that.” Athenos was not keen on the Chief’s aloof response. “Sit down, Draco.”
Athenos seated on the opposite chair apprehensively. The Chief asking you to sit down was typically never a good thing. Even worse so when the Chief closed and locked the door and turned down the blinds.
“I’ll be frank with you and I don’t want this getting out past this office. Understood?”
“Yes sir, but I don’t see…”
“Violent Crimes is short-staffed right now. Too many good officers are getting incapacitated on cases that shouldn’t even be a big issue. And what officers are left can’t handle the workload. The department is getting too stretched thin and the Imperium is afraid that might lead to another uprising maybe on the same magnitude or worse than the Devil’s Party.” Athenos tapped the head of his cane anxiously.
“What does this have to do with…”
“I’m getting to that. Violent Crimes needs more officers and you are one of the most capable men I know right now. Plus you have Morphis Dreamur as your partner. You’re looking at me like I have tomato on my moustache. You didn’t read the file I give you, did you?” Athenos failed to see how someone who just wandered about and insulted suspects was a good thing. There was a rapid knock outside the door. Speaking of the devil, his partner was outside waiting.
Athenos was greeted with a strong one-armed hug by his partner.
“Ah there you are, pal of mine. I got in touch with Mrs. Duskeyes. We’d better not keep the lady waiting.”
***

Roan had Athenos’ patrol car warmed up and waiting for them in the garage. Morphis and Roan both tried for the passenger seat.
“Wait, he is coming along too?” they both asked Athenos.
“Exusme me Mr. Dreamur but I am Mr. Draco’s assistant.”
“And I am his assigned partner.”
“ENOUGH!” Athenos huffed rapidly through his nose until his breath turned steady.
“Don’t you have your own transport, Mr. Dreamur?” Morphis scratched the back of his head with a sheepish smirk.
“Truth is, I got into a bit of an accident on the way to this city. It’s kinda in shop soooo I have to use other means to get around. And I cannot fly over there, my arms are still tired.”
“Just get in the back seat then”, Athenos groaned. Morphis puffed a ‘seriously?’ but obeyed.
“I feel like the kid in the back seat of his parent’s station wagon.”
“Just don’t ask me if we’re there yet.”
****

The Duskeyes residence had a bit of a luxurious appearance despite its suburban surroundings. It was a cream colored two story home with a high brick wall and modest iron gate at the entrance. The gate was not closed and had been propped open, though the grass around it suggested it had been in that position for a while now. Driving closer to the home the luxury appeared more depressing. The walls showed signs of distress despite someone trying very hard to upkeep things judging by ladder and wash bucket on the side of the house.
The trio walked onto the front porch and Athenos rang the buzzer.
“Let ME do the talking, Mr. Dreamur.” Morphis just shrugged and slipped his headphones on.
“Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid”, he whispered to Roan.
It was a few moments before a woman had answered the door. She was hard to see in the darkness of the hall and most of her was behind the door.
“Y-yes? Can I help you?”
“Inqusition officers, madam. I…we called you this morning?” The woman had a sharp intake of breath and she winced.
“Oh, of course. Please do come in. We can talk in the living room.” The three followed her inside. She did not move very fast and had to heavily lean on the wall to move forward. Athenos observed her breathing was a bit labored with each step. When they at least reached the room, she sat down and breathed a long sigh of relief.

It was only now that they could see her clearly. Athenos could best describe as one of those nymphs one reads about in contraband literature. There was a definite beauty to her, but something in her face had a wild spirit to it. Perhaps it was her emerald eyes or the flaxen strands of her hair that framed her face. And yet, must like the house there were signs of distress to her. Her skin was pale and her arms and legs thin; giving the impression of a porcelain fragility. What broke the overall beauty though was her wide and somewhat gnarled feet shoved into slippers.
“I understand you were trying to call me last night. I am afraid I did not hear my phone. My husband, is he alright?”
“The doctors got him past the danger zone, but he still has not regained consciousness, I’m afraid.” Maria twisted the hem of her thin dress as she listened. Her shoulders were shaking and she kept her head down towards her lap as Athenos explained what happened.
“Mrs. Duskeyes, do you know who might have done this? Did he have any enemies?”
“I…no, he doesn’t. My husband was always an optimist. He always looked on the bright side of things even when they got worse. He always tried to make friends, even with those brutes Codex and Zenmetsu.” Athenos was about to ask when Roan held his tablet to him.
“Ambrose Codex owns the warehouses to the west of the Duskeyes property while Zenmetsu is on the eastern side”, Roan informed him. Athenos thanked but also jabbed his thumb in Morphis direction. He had glanced briefly behind him to check on his companion. Morphis seemed more interested in the fireplace mantle and the pictures surrounding it than what Maria had to say-and he was still wearing his headphones.
“Both of them have been trying to buy out my husband for access to that pier. Still, he and Weple have managed to make a steady business out of it. And things were looking up with that contract they were getting.”

“Do you think either of them might have hired someone to attack your husband?”
“I would not put it past them. Perhaps it was one of their employees who was snooping about the past week.”
“Oh, you knew about that.”
“My husband and I don’t keep secrets from each other, Mr. Draco.”
“I see. Can you tell me where you were last night between the hours of 9:30 pm and 10:30pm?”
“I was here in the house”, she said quicly.
“But the police said you did not answer either your landline or your cell.”
“I…had turned the ringer down. I am a light sleeper.”
“Has someone been calling you?”
“I sometimes have friends who call me at odd hours-usually not on purpose. Um, your friend there seems occupied with my photos. Is there something I can help you with?” Morphis casually slid his headphones back around his neck as he turned to her.
“Mrs. Duskeyes, can you tell me your whereabouts last night?”
“I do believe I just told the inspector here.” Morphis squinted at her.
“I do mean where you actually were.”
“Mrs. Duskeyes, I think we have all we need…” Maria did not rise from her seat. She remained quite still in her position. Her face though seemed to shift from calm but concerned to insult.
“You suggest that I am lying. All right I was out, but where I was is none of your business. If you want to accuse me of harming Alistair, then prove it.” Morphis’ eyes softened.
“Madam, you don’t seem to understand. I want to help…”
“You can help by leaving. I will see my husband when I can. Was there anything else you want to know before you go?”
“Just one, ma’am. Have we met before? You seem very familiar”, said Athenos.
“No. We have not. Now leave.”
****

The drive was silent on the way back to the Offices. None of them had been groaned until the car was parked in the garage.
“She’s lying”, Athenos and Morphis said in conjunction. The statement seemed to surprise the other.
“She offered up Codex and Zenmetsu too quickly for my liking”, mused Athenos.
“She was awfully defensive about where she was last night”, Morphis added.
“Well at least we agree on something.”
“She’s scared, Athenos.”
“You’re not serious. I’d rather say she’s involved in this somehow.”
“Maybe. Maybe your minion here might be able to help out.” Morphis pulled out parking ticket. The date and time stamp was for last night.
“Where did you…”
“Have the minion check for all businesses around this location open past 10pm and offers parking validation. It might help us to know where was at those hours and why.”

“Don’t be stupid. Mrs. Duskeyes cannot drive. You were too busy looking at photos but Mrs. Duskeyes uses a wheelchair to get around. There were grooves in the carpet the proper width for one. Also she kept clutching her pelvis as she walked. And her feet were too mangled for driving.”
“This might answer that.” Morphis held up a plastic bag with black scrapings inside. “This was part of an Ink Print on the steering wheel of the car inside the garage along with the parking ticket. Furthermore the windows were tinted black so no one can see inside the vehicle.”
“When did you do this? You never moved from the fireplace”, exclaimed Roan. Morphis smirked and winked.
“You weren’t watching me the whole time. Tsk tsk, you really need to follow instructions better from your master. Now while you go check this ticket, I’ll hop over to the lab to get this print analyzed. Okey dokey?”
Roan and Athenos watched Morphis hum and disappear inside the building.
“Who does he think he is? I am not a minion…right?” Athenos only had half heard his secretary. He was going to have to call on these two warehouse owners and get their statements and see the warehouse in the daylight. This was going to mean a very likely chance of a lot more paperwork and he groaned at the thought.

[Lovetheangelshadow]

Chapter 5: Codex and Zenmetsu
“Frankly, I am not interested”, Morphis muttered.
After spending some hours on the phone making inquiries, Athenos had made his way down to the lower levels towards the Violent Crimes department. Frankly he had avoided this place whenever possible even if on occasion his own department crossed paths. Perhaps where was just something about the macabre that never settled right with him. All of the departments shared a uniform look; the rows of desks and computer monitors with one large monitor used for group meetings. The walls were adorned with bulletin boards and motivation posters glorifying the Imperium as the saviors and the constant threat of the Pagemasters; both of which churned Athenos’ stomach a little.
He was baffled as uproarious laughter was echoing from the final landing of the stairway. As he passed through the archway marking the department his puzzlement increased tenfold. All inspectors were crowded around the center of the room. From the center he could hear someone chatting in a rapid-fire pace.

He pushed his way through trying to catch just what was so amusing.
Morphis was the source of the entertainment. At current he was in a hunched over position; his face scrunched up with age and his powerful limbs quaking like withered branches in the wind. Suddenly with a switch he stood right back up and any trace of age weakness was gone.
“Come on, one more! Just one more”, someone shouted from the crows behind Athenos. Morphis rubbed the back of his neck and agreed to one final performance whatever that meant. Athenos thought he saw his partner wink in his direction. He knew he was standing there? Athenos watched as Morphis swayed from side to side like an entranced cobra. The inspector swallowed his amazement as Morphis’ chest puffed out and his face seemed to swell in the cheeks slightly. Without cure, Morphis swayed right over to Athenos and jabbed a finger in his direction.
“Now listen here you smarmy little punk, just because daddy dearest is top man, don’t mean you get to run about playing pretend however you like.” The voice, was almost an exact facsimile of the chief, right down to the tones, inflection, and even the facial expression! Athenos felt himself shrink a little.
“Y-yes, sir!” The next moment his eardrums were rebounded by rancorous laughter. It took a few seconds to realize they were laughing at him specifically. He forced himself straight up and enforced a nervous laugh like he was in on the joke. It was not stopping his face from glowing a bright red and his hands twitching on the head of his cane. Morphis cleared his throat and bellowed out in the chief’s voice,
“What you lousy body saps lounging about for? Get back to work!” The crowd seemed unsure if the black clad inspector was joking or not so most just chuckled uneasily and slunk back to their desks. Morphis let out a long exhale and rubbed his throat.
“That was rather uncomfortable. Oh, did you want something?” He just smiled so casually like he and Athenos were just meeting up for coffee and had forgotten completely he just thoroughly embarrassed his own partner. Morphis made his way to a desk at the back of the room. On the desk was a sketchpad with a half-finished drawing of some four armed monster. The computer was on and a still of the security footage they had gotten from the Duskeyes warehouse was on the screen.

“You are aware this isn’t your desk, correct?” Athenos commented as he tapped his cane on a nameplate that said ‘Lenore Twili’.
“Technically my desk is being occupied by your personal minion if you recall. And she did say I was perfectly allowed to use her computer. Just between you and me, she MIGHT want to consider deleting her search history.”
“The minion has a name. I suggest forward that you use it.” Morphis grinned impishly back at him like he was daring his partner to finish the threat. Then he went back to his drawing.
“Anyway, was there something you needed?”
“We will be questioning Ambrose Codex this afternoon. I have a feeling he might shed some light on last night’s events.”
“Frankly, I’m not interested”, was Morphis response.
“I beg your pardon?”

“I said I am currently not interested in his testimony. Or would you prefer me to repeat that more monosyllabically?” Athenos slammed his hand on the desk and wrenched Morphis forward by his necktie.
“Listen you abundant mockery of an officer; I have spent four hours on the phone and combing through backlogs of business reports. Both Zenmetsu and Codex were considering a merger of their warehouse properties. The only issue is, it’s pretty pointless since Duskeyes owned the center of the bay and has refused to sell. Don’t you think it would be to their advantage to put Duskeyes in a critical position and then pressure his weak-minded partner to sell the business?”
“So you think that one of these lovely tycoons hired a pagemaster to beat our poor friend to a pulp? Heh, that is…quite a logical theory. And I am quite impressed at your depth of research. However, there are a few things I don’t think you’re considering here. If I may…”
“Frankly I am not interested.”

“Cute. But I really do think you need to hear…”
“Listen, I don’t need your unwanted opinions. You are here only because of some bureaucratic order from upstairs. I’ll do the thinking in this team and you just follow my orders.” Morphis blinked back at him and pouted a little. He brushed off Athenos’ grip casually and exhaled slowly.
“I see. That is how it is going to be. Heh heh heh, has anyone every told you are an interesting fool? Now now, no need to growl like that. Lead on, my master.” He patted Athenos on the head and gleefully jaunted his way upstairs. Athenos felt the eyes of the department on his back and a quick glare of him made them all turn around.
****

Morphis was surprisingly silent the entire drive there. He seemed content to fiddle about with his phone and frankly it didn’t settle with Athenos either. Or perhaps he was so used to Roan echoing his own opinion. The warehouses very vastly different in the daylight. They seemed to have a good deal more life to them as opposed to jutting tombstones in the darkness. Codex Suppliy Warehouse was a stark contrast to the Duskeyes facilities. The walls had been freshly painted and even the parking lot was slightly sticky from a recent tar job. The gates were high brink walls broken up by iron gates and guardhouses jutting down the line. As the guard let them in Morphis seemed interested in the cameras above them.
They were led to the waiting room just outside Ambrose Codex’s office. Athenos just waited patiently while Morphis chatted it up with the secretary. At first he thought his partner was asking her questions for their investigation, only to hear him chat about the weather and any good tourist spots. Just let him do as he wants, he thought. At least he would not be interfering with his task at hand. The office door opened and Issac Weple exited the room. He was tugging at his sleeve cuffs and trying hard to not look back at Ambrose Codex.

“Just consider it, my friend. It is in your best interests after all.” Weple simply nodded without looking back and hurried out of sight.
“Ah Mister Drake, I rather surprised to see you. I did not think you dealt in such…unpleasant affairs.” Ambrose Codex was a broad man who would have seemed more at home as a caricature on the editorial page of a newspaper. His bulk just barely squeezed into the chair and he grinned back with a squareish head so angular it couldn’t possibly be real skull. Dark grizzled hair framed his face like a lion’s mane.
“A temporary positon, nothing more”, Athenos replied briskly. “I have a few question for you regarding last night.” Codex leaned back and his chair creaked a long struggling sigh.

“Oh I am sure you do. You are quite transparent, Mr. Drake. Furthermore, you cannot prove I have anything to do with poor Duskeyes lying in the hospital.” Athenos started to twist his cane on the ground. Codex has right, but he was not going to let him know that.
“Did you or any of your employees see anything unusual last night?”
“What happens at that warehouse is none of my concern.”
“Oh? Then why did Issac Weple just leave your office?”
“Business my dear inspector. Gabriel is most likely going to die isn’t he? And that darling wife of his. Poor poor girl. Do you really think I’d do something so terrible just to get a spit of land on the coast?”
“I would not put it past you.” Codex’ narrow eyes shifted down to almost slits.
“I’d watch what you say, boy. Now then, I am quite busy so unless you have something concrete to speak to me on this meeting…get out."

[Lovetheangelshadow]

Chapter 5 part 2

Athenos twisted the cane on the carpet. That itching buzz scratched at the back of his skull and he hated it. All of his instincts were telling him to push forward with Codex, but the fat buzzard had a point. He had nothing to push forward with and this infuriated him. Athenos had stepped out into the lobby to find the secretary alone with her filing cabinet.
“Oh, if you’re looking for that big fellow that came with you, he went to the guard house down on the second floor.”

The guard house was a notable difference to the small office space that the neighboring warehouse had. There were rows of various monitors measuring everything from visual, to audio, and even temperature. Three guards were walking back and forth between the monitors and constantly checking their clipboards. Athenos found his wandering companion bending over a smaller screen with a guard. Compared to the other three, the guard was demure in stature and his uniform was a basic shirt and slacks; most likely an intern Athenos mused.
“Just give me a moment here. The footage should still be here in the archive somewhere”, he mumbled meekly. Athenos rapped the head of his cane on Morphis’ shoulder to get his attention.

“The point of this…partnership is to watch each other’s backs if I remember correctly.” Morphis frowned a little and yawned.
“I thought you would have distracted him longer.”
“I am no one’s bait you…” Morphis shushed him and he grinned as the files came into view.
“Here is a list of all the cameras and what they recorded each hour. I just need to know which ones to pull up”, the intern explained. Athenos groaned and shook his head somberly.

“Pull up the ones facing the Duskeyes Warehouse’s parking lot and truck dock.”
“Oh so you DID notice them”, Morphis quipped. Athenos was not going to satisfy him with a remark.
8pm: Stephan Duskeyes arrived followed shortly by Issac Weple’s car.
8:30pm: Issac leaves and drives off in the direction of the Codex Complex.
9:45pm: Another car arrives in the parking lot. Athenos heard Morphis click the back of his tongue. The door opens and a massive humanoid shape leaves out of the driver’s side of the car. Unfortunately the thing was just blurry enough for the camera to not capture it clearly.
10pm: The thing comes back to the car and drives away.
“What is the meaning of this?!”

Ambrose Codex had strormed into the guard house and pointed a fat finger accusingly at Athenos.
“You little brat. Who do you think you are prying into my affairs eh? I’ll have your chief see you removed for this. I will…you!” His finger went upwards to Morphis who just had a dumb expression on his face.
“What…what is he doing here?” Codex was trembling now and was backing away slowly. Athenos raised a puzzled eyebrow at Morphis who just cluelessly shrugged.
“This is Morphis Dreamur, Mr. Codex. My…junior partner.” Codex forced a smile and wrung his hand.
“Oh. Oh I see. Oh please do forgive my rude outburst. Please do help yourself to whatever you need.”
****

The pair were out in the parking lot. Morphis was playing with his phone again.
“So the second car housed the Avatar used on Duskeyes”, Athenos mused. “That would make sense since a Pagemaster has to be within at least ten maybe twenty feet at best in range. Too bad the camera did not catch the license plate. It would save Roan time.”
“The car belongs to Maria Duskeyes.” Morphis showed the screen on his phone and slid through a series of pictures of the same car in a garage. Of course, Athenos thought, he did have to get that second Ink Stain from somewhere.

“How did you get those pictures again? You never left the living room.”
“I told you, you weren’t paying much attention to me. Why don’t we talk to Mr. Weple, hmm? That garish yellow car of his is in the parking lot out there.”
As they walked across the street Morphis piped up,
“That Codex fellow really didn’t seem to like you at all.”
“I got several of his top employees arrested and convicted of narcotics possession. That’s all. What about you?”
“Meaning what?”
“Mr. Codex seemed…afraid of you. You two know each other?”
“Can’t say I have. Maybe he owed me money at some point. Couldn’t tell ya anything useful.” Athenos wasn’t too pleased how chipper his partner’s response was.

Issac was in the office with another man. A small man with a large bald, bulbous head and stocky limbs. The heavy coat he was wearing gave the impression of a turtle-without the adorable charm that comes with it.
“Just think about, Mr. Weple. I CAN prove my convictions”, the turtle man wheezed.
“Mr. Zenmetsu I…Mr. Codex has already offered…I mean.”
“Oh ho, he has proof too, hmm? Dear me, what a dilemma for you and with your poor partner at death’s door in the hospital still.”
“I heard from the doctors there that he’s expected to live. And the contract…” Mr. Zenmetsu’s puckered mouth puckered even further.
“That contract isn’t going to save you when they find out. And they WILL. Think about what happened to Stephan when he found out, but that’s why you had him incapacitated wasn’t it?”

“Are you suggesting I…I had nothing to do with that!”
“Didn’t you? Consider my offer, Mr. Weple. After all, you want to help poor Maria too don’t you? Isn’t that why you did it in the first place? Really think hard on what you are going to do now. Good bye.”
Athenos and Morphis watched as Zenmuetsu slunkered away. Issac Weple slumped in his office chair with his head in his hands trying to not sob his eyes out. Morphis forced a loud sneeze that bounced him out of his chair.
“Oh, h-hello there. What brings you here?” Athenos’ eyes scanned about the empty building. There was something very different here now and not just because it was daylight.

“Didn’t you have some crates over there in the corner”, Athenos asked. A slight flush came to Issac’s check.
“No, I am afraid not. This place will be empty until the first shipment from the contract gets in.”
“And just what is the contract, hmm? What are you intending to hold here?” Morphis pressed.
“I…I am not permitted to say. It’s per the terms of the deal, even to the Inquisition. I have the contract if you’d like to see it.”
“That will not be necessary. But you know this place is shut down until our investigation is complete. And if you removed anything even so much as a gas receipt, you could be facing some unpleasant charges”, Athenos informed him. Athenos noted that Weple was trying hard to not look into that corner.
“Is that all you need to ask me? I really have a lot of work to do before the first shipment comes in and without Stephan…”
“You arrived here last night with Stephan did you not”, Morphis piped up.
“I…yes, briefly.”

“And yet a half hour later you left and seemed to be pretty furious.”
“H-how…Jones didn’t say…” Morphis showed a semi hazy snapshot of the security monitor.
“The camera’s from the Codex warehouse showed you leaving the scene at 8:30 and then going to the complex. Come to think of it, you did arrive from that direction when the police showed up.”
“You saw the footage. Look, yes I did go to the complex last night after Stephan and I argued. But it was because Codexc kept pressuring us about the merger. I went there to tell him off. I swear I didn’t even know about the attack until he and I saw the police sirens from the office window!”
“Not even Maria’s car?” Weple’s face turned even more pallid than before.
“M-Maria’s car? That…that isn’t possible! She can’t drive.”
“You sure?”
“
Of course I’m sure! She hasn’t been able to drive for five years since her accident on stage…” Weple clamped a hand over his mouth. He inhaled deeply through his fingers and then let his hands fall to his side.
“Please, Maria is innocent of this whole mess. Either Codex or Zenmetsu could be responsible. Stephan almost did sell out to them until we got our Imperium contract. Wouldn’t they be desperate enough to do a thing like this?” Athenos glanced at Morphis for an answer. Morphis was listening through his headphones and seemed preoccupied in his own musical world. Athenos nudged him in the ribs. His partner sighed and pulled back one earpiece.
“Are you sure there isn’t anything you wish to tell us further?”
“And are you sure in your convictions of it being Zenmetsu or Codex?”
“I am positive sir.” Morphis snapped his headphones back in place. He pulled out a white piece of paper from his coat pocket and handed it to Weple.
“My direct number. When you feel safe to do so, call me. I might be able to help you a lot better than them. I think I can help her too.” Athenos mused over his last words as they went out to the car.

“Mr. Weple is definitely lying about something”, Athenos said.
“He’s afraid and desperate. That is an unhealthy combination.”
“Not to mention his panic when we mentioned Maria. Just what did you mean by that last remark?” Morphis never answered as Athenos’ phone buzzed in his coat. Roan was on the other line.
“Mr. Drake sir, the Ink Print results finally came in.”
“And?”
“The Ink Prints are not registered in the database.”
“Figures. That is all?”
“Well both the Ink Prints on Stephen’s wounds and the sample Mr. Dreamur brought in are identical.”
“So an avatar was used to drive the car”, Athenos mused.
“Sir?”
“Nothing, Roan. What about Stephan himself?”
“According to the hospital report, Mr. Duskeyes has multiple bruisings around his upper torso and pelvic area. Won’t be able to walk for some weeks, but nothing fatal. They did find it odd that only those areas were bruised save for one bruise on the back of the skull. Oh! Um…is…that…’partner’ of yours around. I have the information he wanted.”
“I’ll relay it to him. What was it?”
“That parking ticket was for the Pets Street Garage and there was only one place that offers validation and is open that late at night.”
“The Ian Balance Rehabilitation Center”, Morphis replied. Athnos turned around and found Morphis sitting in the driver’s seat and had the car running. He shoved his hand into his inner coat pocket and was devoid of his keys. Morphis honked the horn playfully.
“Come on, partner. I humored you. Now it’s my turn.”
“Roan, did you find anything about that other thing I asked for?”
“I’m sorry, sir. Mr. Dreamur had kept me busy.” Morphis honked the horn again, this time longer and louder.
“Keep at it. I’ll see what I can do from where I’m standing.” He clicked off and tapped his cane as he unwillingly forced himself into the passenger seat. The itch in his skull wanted to tear at Morphis and Athenos silently told it to sit shut up.

****
Athenos shifted trying to find some semblance of comfort in the passenger seat of his own car. Roan had the seat so far back and down that he felt like a toddler in desperate need of a car seat. It had been so long, that even he had forgotten how to adjust the seat settings on his own vehicle. After five minutes or so of tugging at switches and sliding back and forth, Athenos just gave up and sulked with his arms folded tightly against his chest. He caught a coy smile on Morphis and thought he heard his partner snort in amusement.

“So, I suppose I will add pickpocketing to your list of…talents? I thought Inquisitor officers were supposed to be clean of record.”
A faint squeaking sound just barely reached his ears. It twisted and peeped and he thought the car’s engine revved up a little. Glancing slightly to his driver, he saw Morphis tightening his grip on the wheel and his eyes narrow to annoyance. Just as quickly as it had come, it relaxed and he responded with a big false smile.
“I was right. You are an interesting fool.” Athenos felt himself slid a bit closer to the door. There was a gleeful malice in the tone Morphis used.
“So, why are we going to this place again?”
“Simple. We are establishing Maria’s alibi.”
“You’re wasting my time. We saw Maria’s car in the lot outside the warehouse complex. And it’s not the first time an avatar has been used to drive a car. I’ve seen it done before in robbery cases. And Weple said something odd about Maria.”

“I’m…not sure. I won’t deny the possibility. Do you know how an avatar’s appearance it determined?” Athenos raised an eyebrow at the question. The buzzing in his head ceased a little, but still felt agitating.
“You’re joking right? Pagemaster’s design their avatar from their head. Plain and simple.”
“Is that right? Nothing more than that?”
“If you have something to say, just say it!” Morphis flashed his pearly whites.

“Sorry, Athenos, but you have yourself some homework to do.” Athenos raised the hand holding his case up over his lap. His partner had some nerve mocking him this way. He was almost missing Roan’s groveling. Almost. Morphis was taunting him on purpose. Why? What made him think himself so superior to him?
Morphis pulled the car in front of the garage entrance. It was like most buildings; tall, plated, and hardly carrying any sense of individual character. The buildings surrounding it were hardly much better. Many of the buildings of the downtown area had the same grey walls and plated glass. The only thing that stood them apart from each other were office logos and even they barely stood out much. Athenos remembered somewhere that many of the original buildings had been noticeably damaged after the infamous Devil’s Party incident. Some architect in charge of reconstruction must have had some steadfast idea of everything looking the same to discourage inspiration. Frankly, Athenos found it abhorrent. He thought about that little book shop he had just busted and how that was most likely to be torn down now. To the right of the parking garage entrance was a gilded sign inscribed with the words, “Balance Rehabilitation Temple.” Morphis clicked his tongue.
“Well at least it’s not an impertinent as what’s listed in our directory. Shall we?”

[Lovetheangelshadow]

Chapter 6: Ian Balance
“Must you park the car crooked?” Athenos huffed as he observed Morphis parking. Morphis glanced around him. The parking garage was practically empty save for a single attendant kiosk by the main gate. He cracked his head and shrugged.
“It’s not like anyone is going to hit an Inquisition car. But if it bothers you so much, catch.” He tossed the keys to Athenos and finished with a two finger salute and a mocking grin. Athenos grumbled the entire time wishing there was some rule he could use to afflict corporal punishment on his partner. Unfortunately, every rule he went through his head didn’t apply to annoyance. It wasn’t like Morphis was being incompetent to case as far as the letter of the rule went, or obstructing the investigation. It was almost ten minutes later when he had at last gotten his seat settings back to normal and the car parked correctly. At first he didn’t see his partner anywhere much to his relief and infuriation.
“Oh goodie, ready to go?” Morphis had appeared just behind him. An instinctual action made Athenos swing his cane at his partner’s head. Morphis blocked it with his forearm without even flinching or turning his eyes from Athenos.
“You snuck up from behind me. That is always a mistake”, Athenos snarled. Morphis patted his head and walked out into the street like nothing happened at all.

The Balance Rehabilitation Center was directly next door to the garage. Morphis whistled loudly as they stepped inside. The interior was a polished marble white with rows of colums spiraling out from the edges of the main room and upwards a central open space of the building. Each floor was edged with gold railing and marked with large letters their function. In the center was an impressive statue of an unspecific god like figure pulling smaller masses of weakened mortals up from the ground in a gesture of goodwill. A gilded crown adorned its head and its robes were decorated with gilded leafing. The smaller statues surrounding it were not as polished as the god. Dulcet tones of pan pipes and lyres filled the room and echoed through the corridors. Even the employees who were pushing carts or carrying clipboards were dressed in white and gold and almost flighty in their movements. This place really felt like a temple with grandeur that clearly outshone the typical prayer houses to His Grace. A nymph-like receptionist greeted them as they reached the plated counter.

“Welcome to the Balance Rehabilitation Center. How may I direct your service?” Athenos glanced at Morphis for a hint. Why were they here exactly? Morphis pulled out his identification to the clerk.
“I’m Morphis Dreamur and this is Athenos Drake of the Inquisition Violent Crimes Division. We would like to inquire about a patient here.”
“Oh, of course. Name please.”
“Maria Duskeyes.” The woman typed out the name without barely moving her head from her customers.
“Let’s see. Well we do have one Maria Duskeyes registered in our files. Poor girl. Had a big accident five years ago. The director really likes her…oh I mean…” Morphis leaned in and grinned.
“Your indiscretion is safe with me, darling. When was her last appointment, if I may ask? Was she here last night?”
“Last night? Oh no the rehab center is closed after nine with the exception of overnight patients. But we don’t generally take in after hour appointments. And her’s was…last time she was here was three weeks ago according to my screen here.”
“What about emergency appointments?”
“I’m sorry, but you’d have to talk to Miss Kaye for that. She filters all direct calls to our director.”
“I see. May we go and see her?” The girl pointed to a large glass shaft resting towards the back of the room.
“The elevator will take you to the director’s private office. Floor 12.” Morphis bowed and then dragged his partner off with him.

Athenos kept his eyes closed and his fingers gripped tightly around the head of his cane. He was trying his best to ignore the slow rising of the glass box even as Morphis was expounding how impressive the view and intricate details of their surroundings.
“Hey Athenos, do you have any chance suffer from acro-“ Athenos swung his cane out and stopped just short of Morphis’ nose.
“Finish that sentence and I’ll break that beak of yours even further.” Morphis pushed the cane away with one finger and chortled.
“And I believe you would do that. Ah and here is our floor. You can open your eyes now.”

Floor 12 didn’t quite feel like the other floors. This almost had an ethereal quality to it with the walls painted pale wispy colors and even the floor was plush and cloud-like. The hallway before the elevator opened up to a large oval room adorned with relief paintings of Grecian columns. Braziers with fake fire adorned the room in a mystical glow. Sitting at a marble desk was a demure woman typing furiously while cradling the phone between her shoulder and head. With barely a flick of her wrist she replaced the phone back into the receiver as the officers approached the desk.
“I was informed that you wished to inquire about emergency patients. I can assure you we do a thorough background check on everyone we take in, so if you’re insisting that house Pagemasters here…”
“Madam, I can assure you that is none of our intention. Right, Morphis?!”
“Miss Kaye, we are inquiring the movements of one Maria Duskeyes for last night.” Athenos was about to hiss at him for his lack of tact, but he saw a flash of red cross Miss Kaye’s neck.
“Last…night. Is something wrong? Is she in trouble?”
“We’re not sure yet ma’am. Her husband, one Alistair Duskeyes, was assaulted last night. We are inquiring all suspect’s movements.”
“I…understand. I was here last night. Our director stays up late and I was finishing up paperwork for our annual audits.”
“Do you ever receive any after hour patients?”
“On occasion, but our director handles those himself personally. Any other late night patients are usually those that are staying over from the day.”
“Was a Maria Duskeyes here last night? If so, what time?” Miss Kaye’s fingers slipped slightly on the keyboard.
“Miss Kaye?”

“I’m sorry, but you will need to speak to our director Mr. Balance.” Miss Kaye glanced nervously at the large white doors behind her.
“I’m sorry, but Mr. Balance has a strict schedule and cannot be disturbed at this time so if you could come back later…sir wait!” Morphis had his hand practically on the door before she had even responded. Athenos was barely halfway there as Morphis pushed it open.
“Sir you can’t go in there! I will have to call security!” Morphis grinned like a michevious child who knew full well he was doing wrong.
“Oh please do. I was starting to feel a little bored.” Disregarding both the woman’s and his partner’s protests, Morphis forced himself right in.

The office was circular with a large hearth in the center. Towards the back of the room was a massive bay window that overlooked downtown. Standing before the window was a tall man dressed only in boxing shorts. He was a man of considerable stature with extensive shoulders and massive arms that even more sizeable than Morphis’. His golden hair was perfectly trimmed with a broad face outlined by a manicured beard. The afternoon sun encased him in a faint halo while the hearth extenuated his strong appearance. He reminded Athenos of the statues down below, but there was something that felt off to him. The statues had life, energy even in their stony state; this man give him a feeling of hollowness. The man was clearly annoyed by the sudden intrusion as he let the dummy he had been punching fall to shallow swaying like a convict in a noose.
“And just WHO are you”, he spoke in a deep reverberating tone. Morphis casually walked towards him and quite boldly placed his hand on the dummy.
“Morphis Dreamur of Violent Crimes, Mr. Balance. I have questions regarding a patient of yours.” Ian narrowed his dark eyes directly at Morphis.
“And you couldn’t wait. Inquisition or not, that is no excuse for lack of manners.” Athenos noticed that Morphis was running his hand over the dummy’s arms and chest. Ian must not have noticed because he hadn’t moved once.
“No, you are quite correct. Hmm, you box as a hobby I see. Perhaps a live opponent would be more satisfying than a dummy?” Ian’s eyes seemed to light up, but then dim like he was both pleased and annoyed at the idea.
“You fancy yourself a pugilist, Mr…Dreamur was it?”
“After a fashion. That way you can answer a few simple questions without cutting into your schedule.” Ian laughed and it bounced and rumbled within the room with thunderous cacophony.
“Ah you are both a brute and gentleman. I might like you. Indeed, I have a place for just such an occasion. Come, come!” Athenos raised an eyebrow. Morphis was wasting their time with this barbaric way of interviewing. Still, he might as well follow them and ensure his fool of a partner did not embaress him further.

Ian had led his opponent to the room adjacent. It was a full on gym complete with a court for various sports and a boxing ring. Even this room was opulently decorated fitly for gods.
“This is my own personal gym, Mr. Dreamur. I also use it to study various physical treatments.” Morphis started unbuttoning his coat and loosening his tie.
“Don’t look at me like that, Athenos. I promise to keep my shirt on. Unlike our friend here, I’m no god.” Morphis effortlessly heaved himself onto the mat and rubbed his wrists in preparation for combat.

Ian threw the first punch, but Morphis sidestepped and socked a rapid jab on Ian’s shoulder. It wasn’t even that hard of a blow, but Ian seemed surprised it happened at all. Ian threw another round of blows and each time Morphis either dodged the maneuver or simply blocked it. The match wasn’t progressing all that quickly. Athenos had seen this before in Dueling Matches back at the Inquisition Academy. It wasn’t uncommon for opponents to test each other first before really going forward. Then it was only who could read the other opponent’s mentality quicker and overcome them. He could tell both of them were holding back for one reason or another.
“So, Mr. Balance, we were hoping you could tell us if a Maria Duskeyes came here last night between the hours of 9:30 and ten.”
“Oh, is she in some kind of trouble with your organization?” Ian inquired in a huffing spit.
“Her husband was assaulted last night at his warehouse. An avatar was used to do their job.”
“Oh dear. And you suspect her?”
“She’s offered no alibi and her car was seen by a security camera around that time. But a ticket in her car suggests she might have come here.” Ian’s fist struck Morphis in the lower abdomen followed by a left hook to the jaw. Morphis spun in the air for a moment and then crumpled to the floor like a used napkin.

“Mariana was here briefly for a follow up. However, we had a blackout during our visit. While I went downstairs to check on my overnight patients, Mariana had been left alone upstairs for all that time.” Morphis was peeling himself off the floor with one hand and rubbing his side with the other.
“So, you suggesting she took that opportunity to sneak out of your office, commit the deed and come back?”
“It IS possible. Mariana has been a patient of mine for five years since her accident. I shouldn’t be sharing such confidential information, but her and her husband’s marriage has been tenuous at best. She could have done SO much better. Now this mess with the warehouse business, even with that contract it won’t be enough to make her happy.”
“I see. You have been most enlightening, Mr. Balance.”
“Frankly, I cannot say the same for you, Mr. Dreamur. Should you return, I trust you will have improved? Good day.”
****

[Lovetheangelshadow]

“Well?” Athenos snapped as they approached the car.
“Well what?” was his partner’s cheeky answer.

“What was the point of us being here? Frankly, this visit was a waste of time. I get there are sometimes dead end leads, but at least there is a logical thread to them. I don’t see one here.” Morphis had his head turned up to the upper floors of the building.
“I don’t like him.” Athenos repeated his question. Again Morphis seemed to ignore him and cupped his chin in his hand. He was muttering introspectively to himself when Athenos grabbed him by his tie and jerked him down to face level.
“Did you hear me? You wasted my time here! I could’ve had this done by nightfall.” Morphis grinned.

“Oh, I am interested in your theory. Please enlighten me.” Athenos tried to ignore that condescending tone his partner was addressing him with. At least when Roan requested an explanation, it was with the respect Athenos was rightfully due. Morphis seemed to view him as a mere underling; a rookie fresh from the academy. He was going to show up this brawny loon and put him rightfully in his place.
“Firstly, we know what Codex and Zenmetsu were in the process of co-partnering and the Duskeyes Warehouse is right in the middle of the bay harbor. The Duskeyes property would have clearly gone backrupt and up for sale had they not gotten this government contract. It would stand to reason they could do something that would keep the contract from following through. After all, why else have security cameras watching a warehouse not your property?” Morhpis leaned back against the car and seemingly started to play with his phone.
“Seems logical enough. So what you’re suggesting is that they could’ve beaten up the owner to halt the sale? What of our buddy Weple and the lovely Maria?”

“I have reason to suspect that Weple and Duskeyes were involved in some kind of illegal shipping. There WERE crates in that warehouse despite what Weple says. And we know Weple was with Codex the time of the assault. Codex could have been putting pressure to for the sale through Weple via blackmail. Put one partner in a positon where he’s too unconscious to refuse and press the weaker willed half. It’s not exactly a new thing. I’ve seen it before.”
“And Maria?”

“I’m…not sure. It was her car we saw in the photo and the Ink Prints on that steering wheel match the wounds on Alistair Duskeyes. And it is a twenty minute drive from here to the harbor. If that blackout was true, she could have had just enough time to use her Avatar to drive there and back during the blackout.”
“But why? Do you think she has a reason?”

“I asked Roan about that contract. It would have been enough just to keep them afloat, but not much else. Very likely that Codex offered a better price. You’ve seen the disrepair of the house; she could have been desperate.”
“And so readily offer up Codex as a scapegoat? And be absolutely terrified of her life? Our pal Codex may be a bully, but a legitimate threat? Hardly. You’re just forcing pieces to fit now. I thought you were smarter than this.”
“Well perhaps I would have a more concrete case by now if you didn’t keep insulting my suspects and dragging me at your own whims.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not used to having a partner. I should be more open to you if we are going to keep working together. That was my error.”
“Good. Now keep your trap shut while I finish this investigation.”
“I don’t think you exactly heard me. Please, let me ex-“

“I don’t need to hear anything from you! Maybe you were some hotshot from wherever King’s Island is, but I have been doing just fine on my own. I don’t need your meddling. So either zip that beak of yours or walk out!” Morphis narrowed his eyes and shook his head in a disappointed manner.
“Fine.”
“What?”

“You heard me. I said fine. You want to do this on your own? Fine.” He pushed himself off the car and started heading out towards the garage exit. Athenos wasn’t quite processing just what exactly was happening. Morphis wasn’t even putting up a shred of resistance. After all he had put Athenos through, that was it? He was just going to walk out.
“Just what are you up to?” Athenos called out after him.
“You said you wanted me out, so I’m out. Buh bye.” Morphis was out of sight before his partner could respond back. Athenos just ‘tched’ and started up the car. Good riddance, he thought. The buzzing in his head lessoned slightly, but was still drilling a feeling of uncertainty. He didn’t need that fool and he was going to prove it.