Chapter 179: Tea With Zura

“I see..that’s an unusual tale.” Zura said as she took another sip of her tea. Opposite to her, Agni sat, now quiet after explaining the events which led her to appear in the Silken Petal courtyard.

“Demons and Angellus certainly don’t get along most times. I wonder what he wanted?” Zura asked.

“He said he wanted information. Though I felt like maybe there was more to it.” Agni replied. She couldn’t help but ponder the situation between her and the Angellus known as Egolas. He was much different than the other two Angellus she’d interacted with. If she were to describe it, all of them seemed cold and distant but Egolas was definitely the “warmer” of the trio.

“Information about what? Angellus don’t usually talk from what I know of them.”

“A man named Enzo Gaines.” Agni responded, directing her gaze across the round table to study Zura’s response. The fuschia eyed proprietor of the Silken Petal tensed up, as if she were desperately struggling to suppress agitation at the sound of his name.

“I see. And those ‘snatchers’ as you call them, they are affiliated with Gaines? That explains a lot. But.. also creates more questions.” Zura said as she sat down her tea cup and interlaced her fingers, now in serious thought.

“What do you mean?” Agni asked, now leaning forward in her seat.

“Well, we have to maintain a certain level of business. So sometimes I send a few of the girls out to find new clients. A few of them never came back, usually newer girls. Whenever I would ask the others about it, they would always say the girls simply refused to return, or wandered off. I’ve even seen one or two of the missing women before. It was just something about the encounter.. They seemed distressed. But no matter what I did or said, they wouldn’t come with me. Or couldn’t. Furthermore, it’s not as if they were being guarded or monitored by anyone — it was strange indeed.”

“That sounds alot like what Egolas said. Almost word for word. He said he wanted to speak to me to see if I was the one compelling people. He seems to think that whatever is causing people to behave strangely is connected to this Enzo Gaines person — but he has absolutely no idea how it’s being done.”

“That’s very troubling. You and Katrin escaped? From what you said, the man you described is a rank two adventurer. Maybe stronger. There’s no realistic way you should have been able to defeat multiple second rankers and several first rankers — even with your Whisper ability in play.” Zura explained.

“I think, after our experience in the red shard, you’re absolutely right.” Agni’s gaze tilted downward as she recalled her most recent experiences against a rank three foe. Granted, the shard realm made Grimlock much more powerful, but she couldn’t fathom taking on a foe like that alone. Vivian and Bracha had done so for extended periods of time, and people like Oliver Pagnal even contributed to the battle. What had she done? Suddenly her pride at having defeated the snatcher’s superior numbers seemed tarnished.

“Zura. Will you spar with me?” Agni asked,out of the blue.

“What? Agni..I hardly think this is the time or place. Is that why you came to me today?” Zura replied, though as she took in the chiseled determination on Agni’s face she had a sinking feeling — logic wouldn’t reach her.

“No. I wanted you to do something about this bangle. But.. now I’m curious. I have nothing to gauge my strength against, nothing personal anyway.”

“Hmm. But I’m not a combat type. My Courtesan class could be considered more of a support role. I’m not sure how much help that would be to you.” Zura explained.

“I think because of that you would be able to go all out.”

“Agni, I don’t think…” Zura began, but as her voice trailed off she simply sighed.

“I can sort of understand why you want to do this. Fine. When I finish this cup of tea we will have a LIGHT sparring session. Just don’t…get discouraged.” Zura added as she picked up her cup of tea once more and took another sip.

“On the subject of this Gaines. He has a chapel here in Sprim Row called Memento Mori.” Zura then said, changing the subject.

“I can probably get in touch with one of my former girls if I go there. With that in mind, Agni I’d like to ask for your help.”

“Me?” Agni’s eyebrow shifted as she responded.

“Yes. If this Angellus’ suspicions are correct and these people are being controlled, perhaps you can get answers where I can’t. At any rate, just having you talk to her shouldn’t hurt. If you’re willing that is?” Though Zura phrased it as a question Agni was intuitively aware that she shouldn’t refuse, besides — she didn’t want to decline anyway.

“Sure. I’m curious as well. Now that I think about it…maybe attacking them outright wasn’t a good idea.” Agni relented. Though it felt good in the moment, perhaps even justified, the scrap had done little more than allow her to vent fleeting feelings.

“One more thing.” Zura said, causing Agni’s focus to shift back to their discussion.

“This sparring session, if I do this I’d like you to do something else for me.”

“Hmm? If it’s something within my power to do, I’ll do it.” Agni replied.

“That simply hmm? Don’t you even want to know what I have in mind?” Zura asked.

“Well, yes. But you’re helping me with a lot of important things. Come to think of it, you’ve always helped me out. Why is that?” Agni asked.

“Hmm. If I had to say, it’s because I like you. You’re straight forward, honest and sincere. It’s…refreshing. Most people aren’t so direct with their actions or intentions, playing mental chess can be tiring. It’s nice to be in the company of someone with whom I can be myself.” This was Zura’s unexpected answer.

Agni smiled as her face began to grow hot from blush.

*Why am I blushing like an idiot?*Agni thought as she forcefully contorted her lips to conceal a forming smile.

“See. You’re cute even when you try to hide it.” Zura replied with a chuckle as she sat down her tea cup.

“Also this favor is related to that bangle, you could think of it as another way to get over your complex.” She then got to her feet and motioned for Agni to do the same, signaling that the time for sparring was upon them..