Kiramman family drama club..
Piltover: Kiramman Manor: Morning
After an exhaustive search through her mothers journals and the Kirammans Analytical Machine in her office, Cassandra Kiramman had found what she was looking for. She was was sorry for it.
The Councilor had decided to continue her search after Tobias had fallen asleep, which she envied her husband’s ability to pass out on moment’s notice when he laid his head down. Granted, his day had been arduous at the hospital, and she would never deny him rest. She had slid out of bed, put on her dressing gown and carrying her slippers, padded down to her office ensuring she had the Kiramman Key in her possession.
She had been close last night, only a couple of the journals down from her stack, from the time her mother Annabelle lead Clan Kiramman and she was a headstrong preteen attacking the world with her best friend Thena Grayson. She remembered her Uncle Jared and the argument with her parents, but not in context.
Until she read it...
Today the family had a falling out with Jared, which had been some time coming with his apparent disregard for the Ethos against Magic. It would have been forgivable had it not come to blows with Fallon over his insistence that House Kiramman support for the Society, both financially and politically. When Patrice was head of House Kiramman, she embraced the Black Orchids as an ally, as had several generations before her. However, when I became the head of House Kiramman, I decided that the Society put too heavy toll on the Clan, one that we could no longer afford. We were close to ruin under their thumb, and would have to rebuild to remain competitive with Houses like Giopera or Ferros. Though I have a feeling the Society has their hooks in several of the other houses as well. I have a feeling that the Black Orchids have connections with the Black Rose from Noxus. A terrifying thought.
He was informed this evening that his support for the Black Orchid Society would no longer be tolerated in his position as the Clan Chief Intelligencer. He of course could continue his support on his own, but no longer expect support from House Kiramman. Jared became enraged, that ending the clan’s relationship with the Society was not an option, and advised us that he had passed on family secrets that could cause disruption of our interests on the Runeterran stage and would use them if we ended the partnership. I could no longer in good conscious allow it to go on.
Cassandra sat back, running her fingers through her hair as memories flooded into her mind. She remembered the entire argument and subsequent brawl with her father, and how he was brutalized by her Uncle Jared when he started to be overpowered. How she rushed downstairs to stop the fight, but her Uncle was already on his way out the main entrance, walking stick in hand and her mother’s glare burning a hole into his back. It was the first time she had ever experienced real violence, and it pained her to admit that it frightened her. A fear stemming from this Black Orchid Society. The next morning after the altercation, a single black orchid was found in her mother’s office, in a black urn on her desk. She had no idea what was missing, and her mother never told her what happened, but she remembered Hiemerdinger was asked to consult in her office. The house was secured with new securities and a new Intelligencer brought in to replace her uncle. She despised that flower, and now she understood why.
It was time to call in her own agent.
A knock at her door shook her from the memory, and taking a breath, allowed entry. Caitlyn stuck her head around the door, and glanced around inside as her motioned for her to come in.
“Good morning my sweet.” Cassandra beaconed, standing up to meet her daughter, “What are you doing up this early.” And glancing at the clock, she rolled her eyes. Not so early after all. Caitlyn snickered at her mother’s reaction to losing time which Cassandra caught, and handed her a Pneumo-Tube with the Sheriffs glyph emblazoned on it.
“This just came, and since Father had sent me up to tell you breakfast was ready Carson let me bring it to you.” The younger Kiramman said. “The Sheriff must have been up all night working on the case.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it.” Cassandra looked at the Pneumo-Tube. “I’ll be down in a moment, Dear.”
Caitlyn looked at the unusually chaotic scene on her mother’s desk, “Can I help in any way?”
Cassandra considered the question, and shook her head, “No dearest, I’ve found what I was looking for, I just haven’t cleaned up yet, and you will be in school by the time I start,” and added, “Thank you though, that’s very sweet.” Her daughter would read these journals eventually, and wanted to keep her innocence as long as possible.
Caitlyn nodded, and rushed towards the door. “Eggs on toast, by the way.”
Cassandra smiled as her child closed the door behind her, and turned her attention to the Pneumo-Tube. Thena must have been working on this all night, and if she knew her friend as well as she thought she did, she wasn’t going to let this go. The question in her mind was, did she want her to let it go, or shine a light on all the filth. Doing so would put a target on her back. She opened the Tube, and pulled the letter out.
Hello Cassie.
Sorry if this isn’t one of my more coherent messages, but it’s been a long night. The fire marshal has decided that the explosion was a chemical gas leak, so there won’t be charges for the explosion on Mr. Talis. We will finish the forensics on the explosion by the end of tomorrow. Of course, I understand that you have to keep the house secrets close to your vest, and you know I can be discreet. I have concerns that there is more to this than a gas leak, especially with that untouched black orchid. I am going to be visiting my Undercity contact today and see if he has heard anything about the explosion, I will let you in on what I find. Hopefully, you will keep ME informed on what you find as well, as I know there is more to this than you are letting on.
Thena Grayson
Sheriff
Cassandra shook her head, of course Thena knew that she was rattled. The Sheriff and her had been friends since they were young teens with the ups and downs that brought. There were times she couldn’t stand the woman and her rigid adherence to the law, needing her to look the other way. There were also times that Thena was the ear she needed, and knew that whatever they spoke of never left their circle. Cassandra trusted her with the most valuable Kiramman asset, who had just left the room to eat Eggs on Toast.
She would respond later, and placed the Pneumo-Tube in her desk, locked it and left to enjoy some time with her family. Carson was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. As she passed by, she halted for a moment, and spoke in a lower tone.
“Please have Mr. Argos come by for a visit.” Cassandra said, and continued on to the kitchen.
Piltover: Bathyspheres: Mid-morning.
Thena Grayson watched out the windows of the Bathysphere, as Piltover disappeared into the humid, thicker air of the undercity. She didn’t visit the Lanes as often as she should, but tried to keep at least a toe in the waters down here by keeping Enforcers she trusted on rotation. She supposedly could trust her section chiefs and captains as well as the Council, but that had begun to feel like folly. Now one of her oldest friends was keeping things from her, all in the name of Clan Security, or Secrets or whatever rules they followed within the noble houses. They preferred to use their own Agents instead of Law Enforcement to investigate crimes, as they trusted them far more to look after their interests. Councilor Hoskel only wanted the Enforcers to keep the Undercity in line and working, a stand he was most vocal about. The rest of the council had similar views, though not at loudly and found it comforting knowing that the two strongest noble houses didn’t see eye to eye with them. Kiramman and Medarda hadn’t done much to ingratiate themselves to the Undercity, but at least they took a more pragmatic approach towards them.
The Sheriff felt she was at a crossroads, and she was going to have to make a choice of who she served.
The Council or the People of Piltover, which included the people of the Lanes. She felt some regret as she had to put thought into that question, and not know the answer outright. Maybe the Houses had it right and just let them police themselves. Leave the enforcers to what they were meant to be, the angry fist of the elite and privileged. That would be the day she retired.
She shook her head to clear out the cobwebs that had taken root, the catnap she took wasn’t going to make any of this easier. This case was getting to her, more so than it should. The Fire marshal signed off on it, which made it official, but there was something not right about all if it. According to the initial report, the explosion took place in the main room, from the gas line that went through a surge, got too hot and burst. The chem-line caught next and took out the adjoining room. Her own forensics team said the guessed the explosion took place a foot over the workbench, which wouldn’t allow for the kind of explosion they were seeing.
Then there was the untouched flower and urn, which made no sense either. The only explanation was that it was placed there after the explosion, which begged to wonder who put it there, and why. A warning to House Kiramman? They have enemies, which was certain but any that would go to such lengths? It’s possible she supposed, but during Cassie’s time as Head? Cassie was a lot of things, but she wasn’t one to bring the kind of vitriol to warrant a terrorist attack. Maybe it wasn’t against Cassie, but against the House itself. In the past, clan Kiramman had done some unsavory business, even Annabelle, Cassie’s mother had to clean up some messes created by her uncle Jared.
Thena thought about her father, who had been the operative for House Ferros when he was offered the post with Kiramman, and took it. A job that would eventually kill him.
The Bathysphere stopped and the lamps turned to green, give all clear to disembark from the people mover. Thena stood, and smoothed out her civilian clothing. Well-worn field pants and boots with a comfortable structured shirt and a leather jacket and hood. She had switched her holster for a concealed shoulder rig with her revolver tucked into it. Her attire wouldn’t pass as the usual wear for the Lanes, but it wouldn’t attract attention. What would attract attention was the air filter, which she kept stowed inside her pocket. She had been down here enough that she grew accustomed to it fairly quickly, but it was always that first few breaths that were like breathing needles. Following her fellow passengers, she stepped out into the Undercity and took a deep breath and held it, feeling the burning sensation for the thirty count before letting it out, the prickles in her chest demanding she cough it out, but rather than do that she took another deep breath and held it again for a thirty count, the feeling in her chest still there but more manageable.
With that out of the way, she began the trek to the Last Drop.
Piltover Academy: Academy Park: Lunch
Caitlyn sat across from Sandalmans Sweets in the Academy district, watching her peers in their little cliques, enjoying the confectionaries they had gotten from the local hangout. They were all bragging about how well they were doing in their perspective classes, or the sports they played or how they were getting on with their boyfriends or girlfriends. All valid conversations, she admitted, but why weren’t they talking about the trade disputes between Noxus and Piltover, or the blatant prejudice against people who were imprisoned in Demancia for the way they were born. Where were the conversations about the Undercity, and how people just don’t eat every day?
One of the young people that works for her family was excited that a man just gave her a Goji fruit and asked nothing in return was so special to her. Eve was so happy when she arrived in the morning that it was infectious. Caitlyn and her father listened as she spoke of the big man in the green scarf who noticed her out of the people standing there and just gave her his food. Some of the older staff were skeptical, that he had ulterior motives. Eve took it that the man was just being kind, and wanted to share that not everyone in the world was an ass. Her father probed more, as he was prone to do, but that was as far as Eve had the capacity to offer and returned to the general standoffish attitude.
Caitlyn knew the girls background a bit, or at least as much as she could discern from listening in. She knew that her mother was very sick, to the point that she was unable to carry much of the weight of their two-person family and a lot of the pressure now fell on Eves shoulders. That Eve never wanted charity, but didn’t refuse a few extra cogs in her pay from her family each week. As long as it wasn’t too much, she could take it as Pilty Guilt, or at least that’s what she heard it called from some of the staff.
No, her peers couldn’t talk about that, just how much they spent on the latest disk for their music players. She took a sip of her malted, and shook her head. The cost of this drink could feed them for a full day.
Well, maybe not a full day, but at least a meal.
Being honest with herself, she knew nothing about the Undercity other than that as soon as you walked off the Bathysphere you were stabbed and robbed. Just lines of muggers waiting for you, and you walk out of the station and BAM, stabbed. Then your robbed. She smirked at how silly that was, but there was probably a kernel of truth there. People did get hurt there, that was certain. People were brought in all the time to the hospital her father worked at with injuries they sustained while in the Undercity. Her mother’s attitude was “That’s what they get for going down there.” Her father was much kinder, but very much the same attitude.
Jayce had gone down there so many times, and never got stabbed, or shot, or anything close to being harmed. She wanted to join him during his adventures down there but he refused her, saying it was too dangerous for her even though he always said ‘a little danger is worth the risk.’ And now his entire world was turned to dust, as whatever caused the explosion in his lab had halted his research and even now, he was going to be investigated if he can even continue his studies at the academy.
Jayce didn’t deserve that. He was a kind man who wanted to make the world a better place. She knew that her family was still behind him, that he was a valued member of Clan Kiramman. He was also her friend, who didn’t mind her idiosyncrasies, and in fact encouraged her to ask the questions she’d ask, or talk about the issue she found important. If she could choose a brother, it would be Jayce. Her mother was still annoyed with him, but wasn’t planning on ending the collaboration as his work still held interest.
At least that was what her mother said this morning at the breakfast table. By the end of the day her opinion could change drastically.
She finished her malted, and dropped it in the trash bin. It hadn’t changed her mood, and she was still hungry. Shoving herself up, she walked back across the walkway to Sandalmans Sweets to find something else as she didn’t feel like looking for any real food. Probably the closest thing she’d find was a cookie, which she could finish on her way back to classes and would burn off the sweets during physical education this afternoon.
The conversations paused as she walked by her peers in their cliques, with Helena Ferros holding court. Caitlyn stared straight ahead as she entered the store, and the conversations began anew in hushed tones and twittering chuckles. Was it about her? Probably not but she still felt self-conscious. Their attitudes towards her weren’t anything new, she was often left out of social gatherings or conversation groups unless it somehow boosted their social standing by having a Kiramman present. Then it just felt ingenuous. Caitlyn hated it, which was why she preferred to hang out with Jayce. The shop was still busy, with a lot of academy students milling about picking up snacks for the rest of the day. There were also two kids from the Undercity in the back of the store, looking over the washer candies. The pair were wearing overalls generally possessed by groundskeepers at the Academy and the University talking between themselves and in general minding their own business. A tall man with a green scarf handed the proprietor some washers for a bag of nuts and exited the store.
She stared into the front case at the various baked goods, and found nothing of interest as Mr. Sandalman hovered around waiting for her to choose something. He may end up being very disappointed with her decision as she wasn’t sure if she was still hungry. She glanced up and noticed he was dividing his attention between the counter and the two kids.
“Is everything alright Mr. Sandalman?” She asked, the man still watching the two boys.
“Nothing for you to worry about Ms. Kiramman.” He said, his round face beaming. “One of your friends already called the enforcers.”
Caitlyn eyebrows raised, “On who?” and he nudged his chin towards the two undercity kids. “a couple of the kids saw them swipe some of the candies.” He said nodding. “They’ll get what’s coming to them. Filthy little Sump rats. They shouldn’t even be in the academy district.”
“Did you see them take anything?” She asked, her eyes narrowing. “Why get enforcers involved, it seems a bit extreme.”
“They’re trenchers, of course they stole.” Sandalman stated. “That’s what they do.”
“What, those two?” She said, think fast Kiramman. “Oh, they...” faster! “I didn’t give you, their payment… Yet?” she smiled, and reached into her vest for some coins. “They did some… thing… for me and I promised to buy them sweets.” She smiled brightly, and handed him a gold hex. “that should cover it, and I’m so sorry for the confusion...” he looked even more annoyed, shaking his head as she pressed another gold hex into his hand.
Sandalman nodded, and took the coins and dropped it in the till. His jovial features were gone as he turned back to her. “You should take better care of the company you keep, Ms. Kiramman. You should stay away from those hardened undercity lot.” His mask was off, and she could see what he was. It disgusted her.
“You’ll of course tell the enforcers of the misunderstanding.” And pointed at two cookies, To with he nodded and pulled out the baked goods and his jovial face returned as he moved to another customer. In all honesty, she wouldn’t miss coming here as this would be the last time.
“Hello...” She said, approaching the two undercity kids. They both jumped and stared at her like she had a second head. “I’m Caitlyn.” She beamed. The two Trenchers glanced at each other, and shrugged. “Brock, and he’s Sparky.” Brock turned out was a girl, at least by the voice. “We work with Mr. Farnsmith at the Academy grounds, so were allowed to be here.” Brock said, bringing her chin up.
“Thank you so much for your help today with my…project.” She said, smiling and handing each a cookie. “Take a handful of the hard candies too.” and glanced at the shops front window. The two looked confused, but Brock nodded in agreement. Several of the academy students were speaking with the pair of Enforcers about to enter the shop. “…and I’m going to walk you out. You should head back to the Academy and talk to Mr. Farnsmith about this.”
Sparky’s face drained. “Were going to Stillwater over hard candies.”
“Shut it.” Brock said, as she turned her attention back to Caitlyn. “Go on.”
“Mr. Sandalman got his money, and will not stop you but I suggest you go...” she breathed out, “I’m ever so sorry about this.” The two kids looked at each other and took a handful of candies each and stuffed them into their overalls and nodded. With a practiced smile she learned from her mother, Caitlyn and the two kids walked out of the shop. “It was all a misunderstanding, gentlemen.” She beamed at the two peacekeepers, who glanced at Sandalman, who nodded his acknowledgment. The two enforcers shrugged and moved along the way they had come, leaving the area. She was never so happy to see enforcers leaving.
Caitlyn turned to the two. “Thanks for you help again, and sorry for the mix-up.”
“You didn’t do it, Ms. Kiramman.” Brock said, her brown eyes softening for the slightest moment. “That Pilty did.” Motioning towards the proprietor, her eyes back to the beetled brows that she had earlier and the two took off towards the Academy.
“Why’d you do that, Caitlyn.” She heard Helena say behind her. “That would have been seriously entertaining. If they’d ran for it, we’d have an even better story.” Caitlyn turned on her, and could feel her face reddening. “Why would you even do that, they weren’t hurting anyone, and they could have ended up in serious trouble.”
“So...” Helena Ferros scoffed, and her sycophants all laughed, congratulating her for her witty comeback. Caitlyn shook her head angrily, and rushed off towards the benches, their laughed still ringing in her ears. “Don’t forget to come to by birthday party Kiramman.” Was the last thing she could hear before she was out of earshot. She sat down on the bench, and buried her face in her hands. Of course, she’d be there, it was on her social calendar which had to be followed according to House Kiramman etiquette. Never miss a socially advantageous event regardless of your own misgivings. She hated it. She hated her classmates, she hated Piltover, and her stupid stupid life!
Shake Shake Shake…
Caitlyn was startled by the sound, and looked at the brown sack of candied nuts offered to her. Glancing up, the person holding it was the man with the green scarf, the one she saw earlier in the shop. He was blond, a little older than Jayce and had a couple days of beard growth. His clothing and shoulder harnesses screamed adventurer, but the cheap green scarf was an outlier, and it was inside out. She took a couple of the nuts, and rolled them in her hand and between her fingers. He was sent by Mr. Argos to look after her, she imagined. Had he been the man Eve had mentioned this morning as well? Could this be him?
“Those friends of yours are a real piece of work.” The man said, “Those aren’t people you associate with often I hope.”
“Only during House duties like Progress day, winter festival or...” She sighed, shaking her head “…birthdays.” She really didn’t like talking about it, but here she was talking to a complete stranger on her social issues. “Otherwise, well you saw.” The man nodded, and crunched another nut.
“You did the right thing, helping those two kids out.” He said, popping one of the nuts into his mouth, and crunching down on it. “It takes a lot of gumption to stand up when you see a situation going south... or badly, and you have to do something.” And offered the bag again. This time she took the nut and eat it. “I haven’t seen a lot of that around here so far.”
“It was the right thing to do.” She said, shrugging. “My friend Eve said the man in the green scarf gave her a fruit this morning, which was the right thing to do as well.” And pointed at his neck ware.
He looked confused a moment, then it apparently dawned on him. “The Bathysphere... How do you know her?” He chuckled, and took another nut, crunching it. “Small world.”
“She works in my household, and was so excited about the fruit, she couldn’t stop talking about it.” Caitlyn crunched the nut she had been holding. “You work for my mother?” She said, sitting up as he crunched the other nut. The man shook his head. “Just observant, and you looked like you could use a friend.”
She smirked. “Not that observant, your scarf is inside out.”
The man quirked an eyebrow and pulled the scarf off from around his neck. “Yeah, that wasn’t as great idea was it. I thought it would be odd for a grown man to have a kids character around his neck.” He turned the tubed scarf back the way it was intended, allowing Teemo to show. Her eyes brightened. “Oh Teemo! I loved his books when I was a child,” and grabbed the printed end. “This might be a collector’s item, these haven’t been seen in years and years...”
The man stood up, “Yours now...” he said, and offered the nut bag once more. It was nearly empty, but she took another and crunched it as he crumpled the bag and tossed it the bin. “Thanks, kid. Enjoy the scarf.” Caitlyn looked at the scarf, a smile crossing her face.
“I’m Caitlyn, by the way.” She realized she hadn’t properly introduced herself. He wiped his hands on his trousers and offered it. “I’m Steve, Steve Rogers. Nice to meet you, Caitlyn.” She stood and smoothed out her skirt, and shook his hand, then with a wave they walked off in separate directions. She watched after him as she disappeared into the grounds of Piltover University as she heard the chimes from the Academy Master Clock. She took off at a run, as now she was late.
Piltover Academy: Gymnasium Locker Rooms: Mid Afternoon
Caitlyn held the towels close to her as she walked out of the girls showers and over to her gym locker, and spun the combination lock as the other girls from her class did similar, though with considerably more giggling and chiding. Sindia Obelle took the bench next to her, already toweled off and mostly dressed. Sindia wasn’t one of the popular girls, but usually kept a distance from her to keep from the fallout of the House teenage infighting. It was usually a smile when no one was looking that counted as interaction.
“Did they figure out what happened at your apartment building yet?” The girl asked. Caitlyn just shook her head. “The Sheriff is still working on the case. She has her best people on it.”
Raylan Fobbs, fresh out of the shower sat across from them. “Is this about the explosion?”
Sindia nodded. “Yeah, the Sheriff is baffled.”
“When did I even say she was baffled. I said...” Caitlyn snapped, buttoning up her shirt.
“Wow, who’d a thunk the mad bomber would have stumped the Enforcers. Should we be worried?” Ryalan said, her hands going to her forehead.
“It’s probably someone from the Undercity...” Sindia stated, punching her fist into her open palm, followed by an “ow.”
“There’s no proof of Undercity involve…” Caitlyn attempted to say.
“Probably used the bomb so they can stab you down stairs.” Raylan whispered. “Then Rob you.”
Caitlyn grabbed the rest of her belonging from the locker, and slammed it shut. “See you tomorrow girls.” And stalked out, putting on her vest and shoes in the hallway. She had had more than enough of students today. She just wanted to go home and read, or clean her rifle, play with the dogs outside. She didn’t even comb out her hair after the gym shower, and opened her school bag and pulled out a brush and gave her hair a quick once over before attempting to put it back in her bag, but in her flustered haste, dropped the brush which then got kicked farther down the girls gym corridor.
“FINE STAY THERE!” She shouted at it, and hefted her bag over her shoulder and headed towards the exit along with the other students looking forward to the end of the day.
A dark skinned student with white hair walked up to her brush and picked it up, Smiling at the hairs present on the teeth, she tucked the brush into her own bag and followed the rest of the class out of the gym.
Caitlyn was met by a tall dark skinned man wearing a very nice suit, long dreads tied up into a knot onto his head. He was flanked by two Enforcers, wearing heavy armor rather than the usual patrol uniform. The man held up his hand as Caitlyn approached. What was all this about, she wondered. It couldn’t be connected to the earlier Sweet shop incident. This day was going down as one for the books she mused. She was going to be journaling tonight!
“Miss Kiramman.” He bowed “I am Mr. Coyden with House Kiramman Security. Mr. Argos sent me to collect you.” He said, producing a House badge.
“Mr. Argos would generally come himself in case of an emergency. What has happened.” Keeping a cool head was key in these situations. “I don’t remember meeting you before.” There was a rule by Mr. Argos himself, if the person coming for you didn’t have a letter from him, then run as fast as you can to the Enforcers. This man hadn’t given her anything. He was a fraud.
“We haven’t met, Miss. Once you are safe, I will be happy to give you my CV.” He smiled brightly, and a bow. The two Enforcers simply stood there, silent as the grave. “Mr. Argos is with your mother at this moment, attempting to understand what is happening.”
She once again drew on the practiced smile reserved for asshats. “Very well, let’s go, Mr. Coyden.” And once out of the building she would make her break. She knew she was faster then the two Enforcers in heavy armor, and was sure the fake agent wouldn’t run quickly with a broken toe. She had to keep in front to be able to smash his foot, and push the two probably fake Enforcers.
They walked out of the gymnasium building and into the main quad where students were rushed around to leave for the day. This would be a good place to enact her plan.
“We have a vehicle waiting just on the otheAARG!” as Caitlyn smashed her heel onto the top of his toes, crushing his every nice, very expensive shoes. Rather than attempt to smash into the Enforcers, she sprinted away as fast as she could. She could hear the cursing behind her in the distance, and the heavy boots of the Armored men following. Caitlyn looked behind her and saw the two heavy armored men sprinting for all they were worth and were joined by two patrol officers, pulling out trap balls. Were the patrol officers part of whatever Coyden was involved with, or were they swept up with the other two enforcers. It was better to ask to be forgiven for running away from law enforcement rather than the other option which might be ransom or worse.
She exited the grounds of the Academy, into the city streets past the Incognium Runeterra and into the mid-afternoon crowds with the four Enforcers hot on her trail, sprinting behind her. People scattered away from her, like she was carrying a bomb or something. A trap ball flung past her, opening its bolo mechanism causing her to dodge out of the way, nearly dodging into another one which smashed into the wall. This was real, way too real. There was even a hummingbird that was buzz bombing her, which she swatted away as she was beginning to feel she was slowing down. They were going to catch her!
Only if she panicked the thought blared through her head.
Caitlyn did a quick turn down a deserted side street, and sprinted towards the alley off to the side and was halted by the sudden flash of light and displacement ring that knocked her on her butt. Coyden was there, limping towards her. Lines on his hands and face were glowing white, which matched his eyes glowing bright blue as she tried to control her breathing, scooting back as he advanced. The Enforcers had caught up, all four breathing heavily, but recovering quickly. She watched as all four gave nods to Coyden, calling him Brother Reez. She was in serious trouble, and wasn’t sure how to get out of it.
“What gave me away, Kiramman.” The man spat. “Some obscure codeword I forgot?” and released a burst of bright energy from his right hand, scorching the pavement causing her to shriek and cover her head as broken cobblestone flew past her head. She wouldn’t tell him since if this happens to some one else, maybe they’ll have a better chance.
“We’re to take her alive, Brother.” One of the enforcers stated, and a growl came from Reez. “I am well aware, now silence.” He said between gritted teeth and motioned to her. “Pick her up,” and turned away as the hummingbird that chased her darted around the street.
The two patrol officers grabbed her by the arms and wretched her up, and held her in a vice grip. The two armored Enforcers took place beside Reez as he walked towards her with a distinct limp, and gave her a sharp backhand across her face, wrenching her neck with the hit. She snapped her head back, the pain reminding her that now was the time to keep calm, to keep your wits about her.
She was terrified.
“That’s for the broken toe, Caitlyn Kiramman.” He wiped blood off from under her nose, and showed it to her, causing her to turn away. He wiped it on her forehead, sneering at her the entire time. Caitlyn glared at him, and even though she wasn’t doing well at hiding her terror, she could still show him she could be defiant as well, meeting his eyes with all the same spite he had.
What surprised her was his eyes suddenly going wide, she heard two meaty impacts and the air rush out of one of the guards that was holding her. He crumpled over, and literally thrown across the street into the facing wall, sliding down trailing blood. The second patrol officer pushed her, slamming her into the wall, and went for his revolver
Steve Rogers grabbed the second patrol officer, and slammed him into the closest wall, the wind escaping him, followed by a hard crunching sound and thrown through the air at the three surprised men. The Mageborne deftly moved to the side, but the two armored Enforcers weren’t so lucky, as the air born patrolman slammed into them, knocking them on their asses.
Caitlyn was frozen, she couldn’t move a muscle and she wasn’t sure why. All she could do was watch as the man called Reez raised he hand again and released a flash of white-hot energy, missing Steve by a hairs breadth. The man closed the space between the two in a second. Steve’s right hook swished air as Reez danced back, and again with the follow up left punch to his body. Reez extended his hand for another magic blast, and Steve grabbed his arm, jerked it around just as the energy released, hitting the Enforcer who had his rifle at the ready, catching the armored man in the chest. The blast burned a hole about the size of a grapefruit into him, and the Enforcer dropping to the ground and remained still.
Steve grabbed Reez’s jacket, and delivered four sharp blows into his sternum, and flipping him on his back and slamming him to the ground hard, finally kicked him up and into the last enforcer who was up and rushing towards him, colliding hard. The two men crashed into the ground, unconscious.
There was a flash of bright light, and the white-haired girl in the academy vest was kneeling next to Reez, and glaring at Steve and Caitlyn, touched him. Another bright flash and they were gone. The four Enforcers lay unconscious, or worst Steve thought, but they weren’t a threat at the moment. Steve rushed over to the last enforcer, and yanked off his facemask, and saw a white foam bubbling out of his mouth, his dead eyes staring blankly at him. Steve checked the other and found a similar story on each. They’d taken cyanide, or something like it. He looked back at the girl who was the focus of all this, sitting back up against the wall. He turned to Caitlyn and squatted next to her. She would have a hum dinger of a shiner, and probably some nightmares as he was pretty sure she wasn’t as hardened and his young friends from the undercity.
“Can you stand up?” She nodded, and took his offered hand helping her up. “I was coming from the University district, and I saw these guys chasing you so...”
“They tried to kidnap me, and they nearly succeeded.” She closed her eyes, she was so tired. “Had you not seen me I would be...” She stopped, this wasn’t the time or place for this. “What is all this.”
“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.” He said, and picked up the Revolver and tucked it into his belt. “Let’s get you home.”