Downgrade

Thanksgiving's End

Miguel had a headache as he recalled everything that had happened with them for two days – it was hard to bear being the human book of the team. He was losing the mood to listen when Loshiana slapped him on the back. Reality struck him like a flash – he heard everything, and as usual, it wasn’t fine. Era had been discussing about the negotiators and their cryptic movements under the rule of the two levels. It was a decent job that anyone would want to have. At the same time, it’s a pit for those who will have a connection with the upper ranks. Just like an Informant, a Negotiator is a position that had not caught the attention of the force, not until Penelope stepped on the rule and seek dominance. She had taken ways in building her own allies, her fortress, using the best weapon she got – negotiations. Of course, negotiators will do the thing in her shadows.

It wasn’t a thing to brag – they had been stealing from the people. All of them, for sure, had kept something and there’s nothing that they didn’t keep. It was stealing. Negotiators are known for such deeds. During the trip with the carrier, they can easily have an amount on the things that are being shipped. Then, they would defalcate what they took using various ways, but the amount will be ample still. Most of it will have different types but are not far different from the original. Mr. Owen without fail had also done it and maybe he still does.

Illegal acts had been a thing inside the city. Guilbert taunted. Kinzel kept herself chilled, putting her feet on the table. Mr. Owen sat across to them. Vixen and Cody were standing behind Kinzel, leaning their backs on the wall. Loshiana went to the kitchen. She had to drink some water. Her throat began to itch again. She had been dealing with it since before they are taken under the Royals. She thought it was fine, until she realized that every time she uses her power, she will have it. She was the only person who knows the effects of using her own powers.

“Are you alright?” Miguel anxiously asked her, gently rubbing her back.

“Yes. I’m fine.”

“You should take some wild berries. The old man is selling it in the market. I heard he had put something that can ease sore throats.” He commented.

“I’ll take a look at that when I go there.” She replied.

The atmosphere was blanch. It was serious. Everyone was all ears to Mr. Owen, patiently waiting to tell them something. Kinzel cleared her throat. “Well…are we just going to have a staring game? Or you’re going to spit it out?”

Mr. Owen looked at Guilbert and sighed. “I…came back being a negotiator.” He timidly said. Kinzel didn’t show any anger. She was tapping her shoe heel on. “Since when?”

Despite of being a nagging, elusive boss of Era, Kinzel learned to be a patient one when it comes to Mr. Owen. She’s trying her best since then to understand the man’s reasons and life choices. Life is a battle arena, and she knows that. “A month ago.”

“Care to give your reasons out?”

“The Jack invited me to do such job again –” Just before he could finish what he’s saying, Cody cut him off with a shocked, pondering voice. “Woah. Woah. Woah, you’ve encountered the Jack?”

“Yeah…he’s the one who recruited me again and had me handle with the transactions in goods under the Royals.”

“So you’re not in the Elites Category now?” Guilbert asked.

“Yes. When I came back. He placed me under their category. I lost track of Zephia too and the others who are under the Elites Category. The last time I had the chance to reconnect with them, she told me that they’re heading to somewhere else and have bigger transactions. The load I saw with them that time was a bane.”

Loshiana just finished drinking her glass and snooped in. “Do you have any idea where they are heading?”

“No. I wanted to ask them, but the carriers were in a hurry and the Jack wanted me to transact some red wine with one of the Embreal Committee.”

“You’ve seen one of them?”

“Yes. But she was all in cloth with dark blue satin. I didn’t have a chance to talk with her regarding the system. She was also in a hurry that time due to some appointments I guessed. As far as I can remember, she had the same height as yours, young lady.” He said as he watched Loshiana.

“Mmm…I wonder who she is and the other committee.” Loshiana said, her eyes traveled the outside. The wind was pouring dust that she can barely see what’s beyond the house.

“So why did you come back?” Kinzel asked again, now she was serious. She placed her elbows, playing with her fingers.”

“The truth is…I really don’t want to put myself in the position that will harm me again or the both of you…but the Jack…he gave me no choice but to accept his offer…or he will hunt you down.”

“I wonder why the Jack is taking his ways that connect us with him. He’s so eager to have a connection with us, huh. Are we his new mission?” Quinten said which made them looked upon him. Cody yawned and stretched. Vixen was silenced. She remembered the time she met the Jack. What is his plan? Is he digging some traps to lure us silently? She thought for herself. She saw Loshiana intimidatingly looking over on anything. Is she being skeptical all of a sudden?

No, she should be the huntress, not the one whom the wolves are hunting. The era should win the race first. They should be the ones to take the first step. The best weapon they got is a good defense. Era should not waver. And if it does, it should stand up again, stronger and better for real.

A smirk was placed on Kinzel’s face and eventually turned into a sardonic laugh. She’s a hell, crazy woman. She tends to make shifts with her emotions that most of the team sees her as a crackpot. But that’s what she is and that what makes her as the Kinzel they know and respect – a woman with her zealous ways. A mad one.

“I guess we just caught the Jack’s attention. God, I could cry my eyes out right now.” She said hysterically. It was an awkward moment but the team joined her with a laugh.

“Hahaha…Yeah…But oh, why of all the people, the Jack took Mr. Owen?” Miguel asked, rubbing his chin.

Kinzel pointed to him with enthusiasm. It was strange seeing her with much power and energy at the time. “That’s the point! He wants us to feel his presence…That he is watching over us…That he is the Jack.”

“What’s the point of taking himself into such exposure? Why can’t he just meet us face to face? Does he just want to have a grand exposure by the time that he wants himself to see by us?”

“Because he’s still in the process of making his plans go well with what he wants.” Kinzel added.

“That’s right. That’s why he had led himself to Mr. Owen, the closest but the farthest person we know and is part of my family.” Guilbert said.

Mr. Owen felt fear. His limbs are shaking. He gulped several times, which Guilbert caught with a glimpse. He felt sorry for him. “You’re basically just starting again with the same job. And the contract is two years. So…there’s nothing we can do.” He sighed.

“Wait. What do you mean we can’t do anything? We are the Era, remember?” Quinten pondered.

“I know that. But it’s better if we let the Jack do what he wants. We can’t be a hindrance to him…for now.”

“But, Mr. Owen will be in great danger. He will harm him.” Cody butted.

“Is he?” Guilbert looked at Mr. Owen. He knew that the man is scared. “As you can see… Mr. Owen is still fine. No Jack’s hand had harmed him.” He needed to keep calm. He doesn’t want his emotions to eat him or he’ll lose. “But…we can’t let him be at harm.” He assured the man.

Mr. Owen gave him a warry smile and patted him. “I’ll be fine. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Don’t’ act too brave, Too much will kill you.” Kinzel pondered and stood up. “Aye. Guilbert is right. We don’t need to deal with the Jack for now. Let him do what he wants. The time will come that we will meet him along the way, then that will be the time where we can take a damage to him. We’re not scorned dogs after all.” She smirked. “As for you uncle…” She turned her gaze to him. “We can’t really assure you the safety you need, but I have something to give you, in case of emergency.”

Kinzel snatched something from her pocket. It was a walkie-talkie. Everyone’s eyes were glued on the thing. “Y-you got one? H-how?” Quinten stuttered and wanted to take a hold of the thing, until Kinzel snapped his hand. “It’s not for you, dummy.”

“I was just mesmerizing the thing. Tsh.” He rolled his eye and stayed beside Loshiana and Miguel.

“Where did you get it?” Vixen asked.

“It’s called magic. Okay? Geez, we’re not talking about this walkie-talkie or how I got one, and this is for Mr. Owen.” She abruptly said and gave the thing to him.

Mr. Owen looked at it, as if he didn’t see it for his entire life. It was ages when the thing had existed. As far as they knew, the royals had taken all of it and somehow buried it in a place that no one knows. He was shaking a bit as he took it.

“I didn’t expect to see this again…” The man said in awe.

“Use it. You can call us anytime if you need us.” She smiled. “That’s the best that we can do. And oh, catch.” Kinzel through a small pouch. Mr. Owen caught it straight and opened it. The smell of fresh blood lingered around the place. His eyes grew bigger when he saw it. He glances over Kinzel who just turned her back on him, she was talking with Vixen.

“Did you…Did you cut yourself for this?” He asked. Kinzel didn’t turn a glance at him. She doesn’t want to see a worried face from a family member – it will be a weakness. “Use it…if it’s needed.” She said, covering her right arm with fresh wounds.

“Kinzel…” Loshiana whispered when she saw her arm.

Kinzel forced a smile and assured the team that she’s fine. Poison…the thing that keeps her safe, her power. They say, blood keeps them alive, but to Kinzel, she sees death with her own blood. It was poison. Cutting her own body is her best weapon to use her powers but at the same time, she will hurt herself. It was life against death. “You don’t need to worry. I’m fine. These will heal eventually.” She said to everyone.

Yet, no one knows. No one knows how many wounds are engraved in her body. She was in pain, but far different from the one she experienced before – the time she saw her parents died in front of her – the pain she won’t ever forget and forgive herself. Most of the time, she would wear her long sleeves or jackets, enough to cover her sufferings. All she knew, she is willing to set her life in danger if it’s worth saving thousands of souls. She was in total delusion of the hope that’s burning inside her. It’s neither good nor bad. Kinzel didn’t show them that she was hurting. She needed to be strong. Not to waver. She needs to fight and lead her own army.

“We have to go. We still have a Thanksgiving to attend.” Miguel said, his voice was warm. Guilbert and Mr. Owen slowly stood up from their seats. Guilbert looked at him, like a son. He hugged the man tight. “We’re going to see each other again. I will visit you and bring corn coffee, your favourite.” He smiled.

Mr. Owen hugged him back and slowly patted his back. “That will be great…my son.” He turned his gaze to Kinzel and opened his arms for her. The woman embraced him tightly. “Please take care of yourself.” She said, digging her face on his shoulder. The man chuckled as he shed some tears.

“I will. I will do my best.”

The three of them pulled from the hug and smiled. It was a family reunion after all.

“Okay, okay. Can we go home now?” Quinten said.

Cody elbowed him. “I smelt jealousy over you.”

He rolled his eyes. Truth hurts. He didn’t have a family to call his own not until he joined Era. He went first outside the house, leaving them inside with a teasing laugh.

“You just stepped his ego.” Miguel whispered.

“Surely I did.” Cody replied, shaking his head.

They gathered everything they need together with the oil from the basement, the slime and the things they brought from Mr. Elikai’s place. They needed to make hurry up, to think it was afternoon. Mr. Owen hurriedly went outside where they’re standing. The wind is not strong enough for them to see the path clearly. “Here, bring this with you.” He said and gave each one of them a rare vine.

“What is this?” Loshiana asked.

“That’s a power-up. One of the ingredients for the potion. Just boil it with water add some oil you got from below then drink it.”

Guilbert laughed. “You stole it?”

Mr. Owen hushed him. “It’s just a small piece from the one I transacted last week.” He winked.

“Mhm…That’s fine. We won’t tell anyone about it. See you soon.”

They left Mr. Owen with smiles and in a blink of an eye they disappeared. The team arrived inside their base. The smell of rusted pipes, dusted pillows and papers and wood welcomed them. Miguel went off inside his room and changed his clothes. He turned on the radio and listened to soft music. He needs to calm himself, especially his head. Information was nagging him off since yesterday.

Quinten jumped and rolled over the couch, he said, “Ahh…it’s so good to be back. Man, I’m worn out.” Closing his eyes, he crouched some pillows.

Cody passed by him and sat across. Wiping his glasses, he yawned. Loshiana and Vixen gathered all their things in the kitchen. The siblings are preparing to go to the Long Range Fountain to offer something. They don’t need to waste time. Wearing their usual outfits, enough for them to blend in, they took an amount of wool and some of the goods that Mr. Elikai gave them. Vixen and Cody were in a rush to them. “We’re going with you.” The two of them said in the chorus.

“Uhh…sure.” Kinzel replied.

The others were left to take some rest. The four of them didn’t bother to loosen up and immediately went to the fountain. It was 4:30 in the afternoon. The fountain was filled with different things: vegetables, flowers, oil, clothes, and even toys. Most of the people have already visited. Guards can be seen in every corner of the street, wearing breastplates, shields, and head armours. It’s a celebration they need to protect. There was no any presence of Penelope neither of Zyrender. Of course, they wouldn’t want themselves to get in touch with the normal ones, especially in a celebration where everybody will see them. Their personal maids will be responsible in offering the things they want in the fountain.

Cody went first at the side of it and placed a bottle of oil. Vixen was beside him. She offered some of her clothes, while the siblings gave vegetables. Vixen hoped that the children in the orphanage are in good condition and are not put in much work. She promised the two kids that she will visit them any time, but it seems that the nuns are getting strict of the visitors.

Guilbert’s eyes roamed the place. He looked above and saw the dreadful faces, the sneering laughter and devious eyes. As usual, people are looking below them and so do the Royals looking over the Elites. Everything runs according to the Royals’ plans. Kinzel suddenly thought as she joined her brother with such scenery. What are the Elites even doing? Are they just some followers too to those who’re above them? They’ll surely, in precise, know what the middle level is doing and might as well keyed their locked up plans.

“I can’t wait to change those faces into sadness…” She said.

A guard suddenly passed them. Cody slightly bowed his head, trying not to find something from the things that are gathered. Vixen pinched his hand, which made him looked her. “Is anything wrong?”

“I’ve seen her.” She said, not taking off her gaze from the distance – the light green, old penthouse. Cody looked at the place then back to her. “Who? Who did you see, Vix?”

“The Invisible Girl…I saw her…I saw her just entered the door.”

Guilbert and Kinzel went beside them. She also caught the attention of the two. “I smell something fishy. Care to share?” Kinzel pondered.

“She saw someone. The Invisible Girl.” Cody replied. His reluctant eyes roamed, he was trying to find the person whom Vixen is talking about. To his dismay, he saw no one.

“Where?” Now, Guilbert was the one who asked.

“At the penthouse’s door. She just popped all of a sudden then she opened it. I’m sure she’s inside.”

“But I thought, she doesn’t exist.” Miguel replied.

“Thy eye is devious. Not all things you see are true, and often the things you can’t see are the real ones.” Vixen whispered to herself.

Everyone was looking at the place. They see no one being suspicious, except for the Lowies.

“If she’s real…what brings her here?” Kinzel suddenly muttered.

They looked at each other. She’s right. There’s a motive for every action.

Invisible Girl, the person who is hard to find and doesn't want to be found. The city believed that she’s an Elite and a member of the committee. Some said that she’s just a child roaming around the city. News is also spreading that she’s a killer, a thief and a liar. But, is she even real? There are several reports that they have seen her but no one succeeded in capturing the lady. The Royals think that she’s a threat to them, but the other levels consider her as just a fine human wanting to live her life in a peaceful way. Did she even get the peace that she wanted?

“Do we need to find her?”

“I smell a possible alliance here.” Kinzel rubbed her nose. “God, I’m getting chills all of a sudden. Hey, did you talk behind my back?”

“What? Of course not. Why would we?” Cody said.

“Just making sure.” She replied, looking at him from head to toe.

Vixen took a step when she saw something. “Look! The door just opened.”

They hurriedly looked in the direction but the door was closed. They thought that Vixen was just playing with them, trying to piss. “Hey…Are you joking?” Guilbert’s words are threats. Eyebrows met each other as Vixen exchanged a glare to him. “Do you think I have time to joke?”

Cody went between them. “Hahaha…No need to drag yourselves in a fight. I guess the girl just left our level…Maybe we can deal with her some time.”

“Cody is right. She’s not a priority for now.” Kinzel said.

“And, I’m sure she’ll let us see her soon.” She added with a grin.