The books

I didn't find Dawson.

He found me.

He just showed up in the room Rebecca lent me, books in hand.

"What is this?" I demanded.

I could still feel the Nightlander's presence on him. Which would explain how he got in. He knew that getting this close to me would allow me to gain their power. So why show up? And why did he have the missing book and the diary?

"This," he informed me. "Is an act of betrayal."

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"I'm betraying Kraken," he clarified. "Don't get me wrong. I still wish to bring down the plague of humanity. Just not their way. What with all the infighting, terrible planning, and general lack of competence, I just can't deal with them any more. And the Shadow's have grown weary as well."

"What about the rest of your team?" I asked.

"Myrir, and... what did you call him? Puppy Dog? They're still on my side." he said.

"Which one was Myrir?" I asked.

"The girl with the sword," he said.

"I see," I said. "So Haji and the Doll are still with Kraken?"

"Correct," he said.

I nodded to the books.

"So what's with those?" I asked.

"I've no more use for these," he said, tossing them to me. "And they don't belong with Kraken either."

"So you want me returning them where they belong?" I asked.

"Do whatever you want with them," he said. "Doesn't make a difference to me."

I examined them both. The book by R. R. Hood was indeed one of them. The other was a stack of papyrus sheets bound and scrawled upon with hieroglyphs. Fit Abdalin's description.

"Again," he said. "Don't get me wrong. We are not allies here. I'm not your friend. This is simply one last middle finger to Kraken as I depart. If you cross me again, I will kill you."

As he spoke, the shadows spread over his skin the same way they'd done last time, as if to intimidate me. Roll failed.

"You mean to say you'll try," I said.

"And you mean to say I'll fail?" I smirked. "We'll see. I bid you Farewell, Doctor."

He then melted into the floor and vanished. Once he was gone, I focused on my shadow, and watched as it rose off the floor, and morphed into a number of different forms flowing through my head, before returning to normal.

So I had gained their power. I could animate and manipulate my shadow now. I still don't know why'd he'd risk that outcome, as opposed to meeting me through proxie, but that's a question for another day. For now, I need to examine this book. Then I'll arrange to visit the AMU with Kallaway. Hopefully the Professor will be there. He has a habit of taking vacations...

Another thing I'd like to note. I managed to get the books back without needing to rely on the card I got from Abdalin. He insisted it would be useful. But if it didn't come into play here, then what exactly is it supposed to be useful for? I suppose I'll have to find the answer to that question another time...

The Black Joker

Me, Kallaway, and a couple of the Sisters met outside the local library to wait for Justin and the others to arrive. Someone else appeared first.

Like, he literally appeared out of thin air, right in front of me. He hadn't used the God's Way, like I do. There's sort of a feeling that I get when the God's Way is accessed when I'm nearby. I can't really explain it.

His appearance was smoother. I felt nothing from it. As if he had teleported straight there, without having to move through another domain to do so.

"Doctor," he addressed me. "We need to talk."

I looked the man over, hesitantly. He was a tall man, with a few inches on me. His skin was deeply tanned, and his hair was jet black. He was dressed in dark purple and blue clothing, with a leather jacket over it all. A black escrima stick was sheathed at his side, raising a bit of a flag for me.

"You're armed," I noted. "Who are you and what is this about?"

"My weapon is sheathed," he said, nodding toward my cane as he did so. "As is yours. Keep it that way, and so will I."

"I don't need to draw it to win a fight," I warned him.

"Nor do I," he replied.

"You haven't answered either of my questions," I said.

"This is about Dawson," he said. "He possesses a book I have interest in."

"Something from the AMU, right?" I asked.

"No," He said. "While he is in possession of one of those books... specifically, the one of interest to you... there is another book... if you wish to call it that... that he has with him."

"Wish to call it that?" I asked.

"It's more of a collection of papyrus scrolls, bound together in a book-like fashion," he said. "Literature was a bit different back in the day."

"Just who are you?" I demanded.

"The Black Joker," he said. "But you may know me better as the Thief King-"

"Abdalin," Kallaway interrupted. "Dyson warned me about you."

"Mr. Kallaway," Abdalin said, with a smirk. "Your father sends his regards."

"I killed my father," Kallaway growled.

"Yes, and he's still quite annoyed with you over that," Abdalin said, before turning back to me. "Those pages belonged to me, in my younger days. They're something of a journal, if you will."

"The legendary thief king kept a diary?" I asked.

"Yes," he said. "And I'd like it back."

"So you want me to liberate it from Dawson next time we meet?" I guessed.

He nodded.

"And what's in it for me?" I asked.

"First of all, a narrowing down of his location," he said. "He and the others you mentioned in your earlier post have been active in this town and New Strawn."

Just a few miles North. With Solar Progeny on our side, we could scout those two areas easily enough.

"Secondly," Abdalin said. "I will lend you one of my cards."

He produced a deck of what appeared to be Tarot cards, and spread them out in front of me. Catching a glimpsed of some of the images and names, I could tell they weren't normal Tarot cards.

"And how is that helpful?" I asked.

"These cards are enchanted," he said. "Each has a different magical effect."

He then shuffled them, and spread them out again, face-down this time.

"You two may each take one," he said.

"We don't get to look at them?" I asked.

"That's not how this works," he said. "You ick one. At random. And the one you select will be useful."

Okay...

I took a card. It showed the image of a man sprinting, and leaping over some kind of hurdle, the name "The Mobile" scrawled near the bottom. Kallaway hesitantly took a card as well. He stared at it for a bit before glaring at Abdalin.

"You speak of my father as if he's still alive," he said. "Where is he?"

"I'm not at liberty to discuss his whereabouts," Abdalin said.

"Tell me!" Kallaway demanded, pocketing his card as he did. "He deserves to stay dead after what he did!"

"Now, now, Mr. Kallaway," Abdalin said, like a parent tut-tutting their child. "I'm afraid I can't allow you to commit patricide twice, can I?"

I realized people were giving the lot of us looks. In my line of work, drawing attention isn't exactly a good thing. I needed to come up with a way to diffuse the situation, but I was drawing a blank. Kallaway took a step toward Abdalin, manifesting his gauntlet in a threatening manner. Abdalin smirked, and drew his escrima stick. As he did, all the cards in his hand vanished, and a second later, another appeared in his hand.

"You don't want to do this, David," Abdalin said warningly.

"Tell me where he is, damn it!" Kallaway hissed.

Abdalin drew his arm back, ready to strike with his weapon, if need be, but as he did, a kusarigama (Small scythe attached to a chain, for those too lazy to google it) came flying out from behind him, wrapping around his forearm and halting his motion. We all turned to see that Justin was there, holding the other end of the chain in his left hand, with his right arm tucked behind him.

Justin is a handsome man. Brown eyes, long blonde hair, fairly muscular, and usually dressed in a leather jacket. Has a hard on for scythes, as well as both main genders. He was accompanied by Terrence McCleary (maternal surname), a man with short, gray-black hair and a purple T-Shirt, and Ciel Potomac, an angry looking red-headed woman dressed up in a light blue, floral printed dress.

"This guy givin' you shit, Dan?" he asked.

"It's fine," I said, putting a hand on Kallaway's shoulder and whispering to him. "We can deal with your daddy issues some other time. We're making a scene."

Sure enough, we had drawn a lot more attention, with a bunch of people standing around gawking, with a few whispering to each other. Abdalin noticed as well, let out a sigh, glanced at his card, and invoked it's power.

"The Daze" he said, facing the card towards the crowd.

A flash of light erupted from the card, and they all stopped talking, and began to just stare blankly ahead of them.

"What did you just do?" Kallaway demanded.

"Like the card's name says," Abdalin replied. "They're in a daze. Once it wares off, they won't remember any of this."

"You take a card at random," I said.

"And it will be useful," he replied, nodding.

Interesting...

Abdalin teleported out of he chain's grip, and turned to face me one last time.

"You understand, correct?" he said. "Use that card to recover my book for me. I shall return then."

"Fine," I said. "This thing better not explode or something."

"And David," Abdalin said, warranting some tension from Kallaway. "Your father is... sorry."

"That's not enough," Kallaway growled. "I lost my mother because of him!"

"And he lost his wife," Abdalin said, before vanishing.

Kallaway remained silent for a minute, while I turned to address Justin.

"Just had to break out the chain scythe, didja?" I asked.

"I feel like it makes an impact," he said. "So... Nightlanders, eh?"

"Yep," I said. "And that guy just confirmed that this town, and the next town up are where this Dawson guy and his gang are currently operating."

"Okay," Justin said. "Tell us who to look out for."

I gave them all the best descriptions of Dawson and his crew that I could. They exchanged looks with each other before Justin spoke.

"Okay," he said. "We'll help you guys scout the area. But we need to make it clear that Tony comes first. He's up in Topeka, looking into the Kai case, so if he calls us needing help, you two are on your own from there."

"Got it," I said.

"Speaking of you two," Justin said, turning to Kallaway. "I don't believe we've met."

"Oh, right!" Kallaway said, offering his right hand to shake, which drew a smirk from Justin. "I'm David. David Kallaway."

Just drew his right arm from behind his back, and thrust the small stump that was left of his forearm into Kallaway's hand.

"Nice to meet you!" Justin said, with malevolent enthusiasm.

Kallaway realized what he was holding and drew his hand back in alarm, causing Justin to laugh out loud.

"Sorry, dude," Justin said. "I just love fucking with right handed shakers. Name's Justin Gremori Ferin."

Kallaway raised an eyebrow.

"Why did you include your middl-"

"Because it's badass," Justin answered before Kallaway could finish. "These guys here are Terrence McCleary."

"Yo," Terrence said.

"And Ciel Potomac," Justin finished.

"Sup, dumbass," Ciel said.

"You'll get used to her attitude," I whispered to Kallaway.

"You got something to say about my attitude, you cuck!?" she demanded.

"I'm not married, and if I was, I'm sure she'd be loyal," I replied. "Now, shall we begin?"

"Of course," Justin replied.

Starlight

Kallaway and I arrived in Burlington a little over a week ago, and approached the front door of a quaint little house. Kallaway knocked, and when the door was opened, he immediately belted out an obviously rehearsed greeting.

"Greetings, sister!" He said, making an odd hand gesture as he did so. "I have come here on the advisement of Master Dyson Malrick, to seek your aid."

The teenage girl standing before us just gave him a confused, awkward stare.

"I don't think your secret password worked," I whispered to Kallaway.

The girl then turned and shouted out to her mother.

"Mom!" She yelled. "There's a couple weirdos at the door!"

"What do you mean?" Her mother called back to her.

She gave us another glance before responding.

"There's a guy in robes carrying a sword and a long-haired guy in a mustard stained lab coat!" she said.

Seriously? It's one stain! Why do people insist on pointing it out?

The girls mother came to the door to examine us. As soon as she noticed Kallaway's robes, her eyes lit up, and she instructed her daughter to go to her room before inviting us inside. A few minutes later, we were being served tea, as the woman rambled on about a group called the Sister's of the Star's Light, and how she was so honored to be in the presence of a Scion. Upon being called that, Kallaway interjected to correct her.

"I'm not a Scion," he said. "I just have a temporary partnership with Dyson Malrick. I have questions, and he has answers. That is the extent of our relationship."

The woman, who I guess is named Rebecca, looked a little disappointed until I opened my mouth.

"He's a Descendant," I said.

Her eyes lit up again.

"Of the Guiding Goddess?" She asked.

"Yep," I said. "So these sisters are a Vision Cult, I take it?"

This seemed to upset her.

"We are not a cult!" she insisted, staring me down angrily.

"Okay, okay," I said. "Fans, then?"

She angrily nodded before turning her attention back to Kallaway. She then began bombarding him with questions.

"You're really a Descendant? Can you see the future? Have you met the Ace of Chaos? Is that his sword? Can I see your Growth?"

"Growth?" Kallaway asked, confused and a little disturbed.

"The Gauntlet," I clarified.

"Oh!" he said, allowing the gauntlet to form on his right arm.

Rebecca practically squeed upon seeing it.

"A Growth is a weapon-like, chitin growth that appears on a Descendant's dominant arm when they awaken their powers," I explained. "Its shape varies from Descendant to Descendant, but as you grow stronger, other Growths will appear on your body. Such as the wings."

Rebecca's eyes widened.

"You've gotten your wings?" she asked.

"I'd rather not sprout those right now, if its all the same to you," Kallaway said.

Rebecca was disappointed again, but he promised to show her another time. After that, we explained our situation, that we were both tracking Bill Dawson, and that the Sister's of the Star's Light could potentially help. She agreed to discuss it with the other Sisters, and she been allowing us to stay at her place for the time being. Her daughter, Kathleen, still thinks we're both weirdos (I get the feeling she's being kept in the dark) but she's warmed up a little, it seems.

Still, it's been a week, and last night I had an important discussion with Kallaway.

"We're not getting very far, are we?" he asked.

"Not yet," I said. "It's likely Dawson's out of our reach by now. The Sister's have been searching for what information they can, but what they've gathered so far isn't particularly useful to us."

"I was really hoping they'd be of use to us," he replied. "Guess I was wrong."

"Don't beat yourself up," I said. "They're just 'fans' of the Vision. Not like the Scions, who can actually predict destiny."

"So can I," Kallaway said. "But it isn't helping. All I see is confusing, and unhelpful. Nothing that can pinpoint where Dawson's going to be or when. I don't even know when the things I see are going to play out."

"Your vision's not as sharp as your ancestors was," I said. "Things just aren't as clear to you."

"What about you?" Kallaway asked. "You took that power from my blood, right? You have foresight too, don't you?"

I shrugged.

"Yeah, but I don't really use it much," I said. "And when I do, I'm in the same boat as you. Can't see enough to get a clear answer on what's going to happen."

"So what do we do?" Kallaway asked.

"Give the Sister's a bit more time," I said. "In the meantime, I've requested Solar rogeny to come out here."

"You mean Tony?" Kallaway asked.

"No, he's still busy in Topeka," I said. "I've called the rest of them."

"How can they help?" Kallaway asked.

"They've picked up a bit of detective skills from Tony," I said. "And they can handle themselves in a fight if we do find Dawson. They'll be here by tomorrow night. Hopefully they can find something that'll show us where Dawson went after bailing from our fight."

"I see," Kallaway said. "I hope so too."

There were a couple minutes of silence before I spoke again.

"Kraken's the greater of two evils, aren't they?" I asked.

"What?" Kallaway relied.

"When you first gained foresight, you attacked me, know how much pain I'd cause later on," I said. "Yet you're working together with me to deal with them."

"You're an asshole, and people will suffer from your actions," he said. "But far more eople will suffer and die if Kraken gets their way."

"So I am the lesser evil here?" I asked.

"Shut it," Kallaway said. "We have a meeting with the Sister's tomorrow. Let's get some sleep."

"Sure," I said. "Oh, and..."

"What?" he asked.

"I know someone who you'll wanna meet," I said. "But he's with the AMU. It'll be hard to arrange an introduction if I don't have at least one of those books in hand."

"Why would I want to meet this guy?" he asked.

"It's complicated," I said. "But trust me. You'll wanna meet this guy. So helping get one of those books will be in your best interests."

He gave me a skeptical look, before shrugging and leaving the room.

Dawson

I had been investigating Emporia for a while before I finally caught sight of Bill Dawson. He caught sight of me as well, then smirked at me before turning a corner out of my sight. I teleported over there, to find he had completely vanished. All I found was a sticky note on the ground, with and address written down on it.

Felt like a trap.

But I decided to bite. Worst case scenarios, I just teleport out. It's not I had anyone else's life on the line this time.

I went to that address, bracing myself for a fight. It was a grocery store, that was currently closed for renovations. I approached the front door, and immediately noticed some odd looking flyers pasted all over the outside walls, displaying a large number of weird looking symbols. I hesitated.

They could mean a lot of things. They could just be servant or Fear symbols that I just wasn't familiar with yet. But they could also be an attempt at performing a eldritch ritual.

The electric door suddenly opened. I hadn't even gotten close enough to trigger it, and I couldn't see anyone on the other side.

"Ahlan was sahlan, Doctor," came a voice from behind me. "We've been expecting you."

I turned. A tall, middle-eastern looking man, with short, black hair and a couple days worth of stubble stood there. He was dressed in business-casual clothing, and had a rather large, sealed off gourd hanging from his belt.

"And you are?" I asked.

"You may call me Haji," the man said. "May I escort you inside?"

"I'll enter on my own, thank you," I said.

Well, no more point in hesitating. If there was some kind of ritual going on here, I'd deal with it upon crossing that bridge.

I walk toward the door, with him walking beside me, uncomfortably close. He leaned in and whispered to me.

"The hive would like to know how Spider Wolfie is doing," he said. "I hope you are taking good care of her. They've never had their own Indisen before."

So Spider Wolfie's a girl, huh? I'm bad with arthropod genders...

"Wolfie's doing fine," I said back. "No need for concern."

"Good."

We entered. The front area was restricted with a great deal of waist-high barricades. Bill Dawson sat in a folding lawn chair towards the back of the store, directly in my line of sight. four other people were there.

There was an energetic looking young lady, with dark black hair and crimson eyes. Likely a Prowler.

Then there was a disinterested looking Timberwolf. He had a gray streak in his otherwise black hair, and had a khopesh sheathed at his side. I decided to mentally call him Puppy Dog.

There was a Willing Doll with a chakram in his lap, sitting down on a stack of unopened boxes.

Then there was a girl who didn't seem to be a Fear servant at all. Not sure what her deal was, but she had long blonde hair, and seemed slightly older than me.

"William Dawson," I said. "Nice to meet you. I take it you guys are using this place as a meeting ground while renovations are underway?"

"Correct, Mr. Ferris," the Doll said, answering for Dawson. Dick...

"Dr. Ferris," I insisted. "So what's with all of this?"

I motioned to the barricades.

"I'd like to maintain some distance between us, if it's all right with you, doctor," Dawson replied.

I focused on him a bit more. I could feel eldritch energy coming from him. There was a Fear with him. And if his insistence at keeping a distance between us was any indication, than it must be one I haven't gained the power of yet.

I also realized that the gourd Haji was carrying also had an eldritch aura coming from it. One I was familiar with. He was carrying some of the Intrusion with him. I subtly did something about that...

I smirked a bit. As if a barricade would stop me from acquiring another Fear power...

I made an attempt to teleport over to him, but all my body did was flicker slightly. It was his turn to smirk at me now.

Son of a bitch.

That's what those fliers on the outside of the building were for. He was using them to cut me off from the God's Way.

"My apologies," Dawson said. "But we can't have you growing stronger right now."

"I see," I said.

So, teleporting away if things got dicey was out of the question. Damn...

"So, I taken you guys are involved with Kraken?" I asked.

Dawson simply nodded.

"The books and Ki," I said. "How are you guys involved with their disappearance?"

"That's none of your business, mister!" the Prowler said.

"Doctor!" I said, in a warning tone of voice.

"Mister!" she said, snarkily. "Mister! Mister mister mist-"

"Bang."

A bolt of lighting shot from my finger, tearing through her chest. She stood there, stunned for a moment, before falling to her knees, then slumping forward onto the floor.

The rest of them stared in horror at her lifeless burnt corpse, laying on the floor. Dawson, however, just sighed.

"Now, what have we all learned about taunting superpowered egomaniacs?" he asked the others.

They all remained silent, and looked nervously between the two of us.

"Where are they?" I demanded.

"I'm afraid giving you a proper answer would be out of the question," he replied. "I can say that I'm not personally involved with Ki. I'm sure whoever is is taking very good care of them. Probably..."

"You're full of shit!" I said. "Just what's Karken's endgame here? Why steal those books? Why kidnap and innocent person!?"

"It's simple," Dawson said. "Humanity disgusts me. Kraken's goals coincide with my own. For now, at least."

"What you on about?" I demanded.

"We're fighting fire with fire," he said. "Solving one problem with another. Using a plague of our own to stamp out the plague that is mankind."

"I see," I said. "Classic supervillain bullshit."

"From your point of view, perhaps," he said. "To me, this goal is righteous. And I must as that you stay out of it."

"What?" I demanded.

"That is why I drew you here," he said. "To ask that you step aside. Stop seeking those books and the prisoner. Stay out of our way, and end your pursuit of power."

"And what if I say no?" I asked.

Haji positioned his hand to hover over the cover to his gourd, the Doll, got his chakram ready, Puppy Dog drew a sawed-off shotgun I hadn't even noticed, and the other girl drew a sword, as well as a shield decorated with a large, pink and purple butterfly.

"If you refuse," Dawson said, standing up. "Then you will not leave here alive."

"I'm afraid I predict a different ending," came a voice from above us.

Without warning, Kallway dropped down from the ceiling, bringing his sword (which was now emitting a soft blue light) swinging down at Dawson.  Dawson was able to dodge and step backwards away from the blade.

The Doll turned his attention to Kallaway, and threw his chakram. Kallaway turned and deflected it with his sword.

"Saw that coming," Kallaway said.

The Doll drew a pair of pistols and aimed at Kallaway.

"I don't miss!" he growled.

"You do now," Kallaway smirked.

I threw a ball of pure coldness at the Doll's hands, freezing them solid. Kallaway grabbed the side of the shelves next to him and brought them crashing down on the startled Doll. The blonde girl rushed at Kallaway with her sword, while I pointed my finger gun at Puppy Dog, who was trying to decide who to aim his gun at.

"Don't try anything," I warned him.

He scowled at me, made up his mind, and aimed his shotgun at my head.

"Try me," he challenged.

I grinned a bit.

"I like you," I said. "I think I'll spare you."

I pointed at the bottom of the shelved next to him and said "bang." A bolt of lightning hit them, causing them to fall over onto him, disarming and disabling him.

I turned my attention back to Haji, who was struggling to open his gourd. He looked at the seal in shock, realizing it was iced over.

"Did you just now notice that?" I asked, having been the one to freeze it shut while he wasn't paying attention earlier.

I raised my finger gun to his face and gave him a menacing stare.

"Leave the gourd and go," I said. "Or else you won't be the one to leave here alive."

He nervously placed the gourd on the ground, raised his hands in the air, and backed out of the store slowly, before completely bolting.

I turned my attention back to Kallaway, who had disarmed the girl's shield, and had now forced onto a desperate defensive. He quickly knocked the knocked the sword from he hand, and knocked her out with a punch before turning his attention to Dawson.

"Your turn," Kallaway hissed.

Dawson sighed, and I felt a shift in his aura.

"I didn't want to have to do this, but you leave me little choice," he said.

An inky darkness began taking the place of parts of his flesh. His entire right arm, a few fingers on his left hand, the left half of his face, and I'm assuming patching of skin beneath his clothes that I couldn't see, were replaced by pitch darkness. I couldn't believe my eyes. Not only had the Nightlanders spared him, but they'd bonded with him.

A shadowy sword appeared in his right hand, and he began clashing with Kallaway. I stepped forward and began struggling with a barricade. It moved, little by little. As I got it moving, Kallaway's blade managed to graze Dawson's right arm. Dawson shrieked in pain, and as he did, and unearthly wailing sounded from the shadows making up parts of his body.

"What is that thing!?" Dawson demanded.

"This?" Kallaway said, raising his blade. "It's a weapon wielded by my ancestor, the Ace of Chaos. He called it the Proto-Godslayer. A weapon enchanted to gain more power in the presence of a Fear. The first step in crafting a tool that can properly combat those fiends you've thrown your lot in with."

At this time, Dawson noticed me pushing the barricade out of the way. Realizing that the Nightlander's presence made Kallway's sword stronger, and that I would get stronger myself if I got close enough, he decided to bail. He melted into the shadows and quickly vanished.

Kallaway sighed, before turning his attention to Puppy Dog, who was beginning to stir. Kallaway approached him sword raised. I got there in time to hook Kallaway's arm with my cane.

"Don't stop me!" Kallaway said. "If they live on, they'll-"

"They'll learn from this," I said, before looking down at Puppy Dog. "Won't you?"

Puppy Dog stared back up at me, a look of confusion on his face.

"Wake your friends up and get out of here," I said. "I won't be falling for that 'God's Way seal' thing again."

Puppy Dog got the others and left. I turned to face Kallaway.

"We just keep running into each other, don't we?" I asked.

"Some one needs to keep track of you," Kallaway said.

"So, how many lives have I doomed by sparing theirs?" I asked, smirking.

Kallaway just glared at me.

"You said my actions will bring about a lot of deaths," I said. "I'm curious how many you can see right now."

"I don't know!" He growled. "My visions are unclear at best, and unreliable at worst. Destiny is fickle. But I am absolutely sure that people will die because of you. Whether they deserve it or not is something we'll have to wait and see."

"So, you've got beef with Kraken too, don't you?" I asked.

"They're up to something big," he said. "But like I said. I can't predict everything. But what I can say is that my motives for bringing them down are far less selfish than yours."

"Oh?" I asked.

"You're power mad and greedy," he said. "You want those books so that you can seek out even greater strength for yourself, and gain some good graces with that Academy. Helping out that missing person is just a bonus act of kindness for you."

"Thanks for pointing out my flaws," I said. "Mind if I note a few of yours?"

He scowled at me.

"Okay, fine, I'll save that for later," I said. "I am concerned about Ki, don't get me wrong about that. But you correct that I look out for number one. What wrong with that?"

"I think that's part of what Dawson hates about humanity," Kallaway said.

"Look, we can stand here arguing all day about 'motives' and whatnot," I said. "Or..."

I offered him a hand.

"We could call a truce," I said. "For now. After all, our motives may differ, but our goals are the same. Stop Kraken, save a kid, and something-something missing books."

Kallaway kept glaring for a little while.

"I accept the truce," he said. "But I'm not shaking your hand."

"Okay," I said. "What's next, prophet?"

"Well, we're still in Kansas," he replied. "Dyson said there's a group in Burlington who can help me if needed. Meet me there in two day's time."

Ramen

I received a text from Tony asking to meet with me at a spot in Lawrence Kansas called Ramen Bowls. I obliged, and teleported there. He was already outside, waiting for me.

"Glad no one noticed you spontaneously appearing out of no where," he said, after having a quick glance around.

"Meh," I said. "So, is this a legit ramen place?"

"Oh yeah," he said. "You're gonna love it."

We went inside and waited a moment to be seated. We received our menus, and were given some water.

"I'll also have some of your Elderflower Apple," Tony said, gesturing to a list of sparkling sake options on the table.

I had a look at it as well. They also carried Pink Grapefruit Ginger and Hibiscus Cucumber. That one made me raise an eyebrow. I had no idea what a cucumber based beverage would taste like, but the curiosity was killing me. I needed to try it.

"I'll have the Hibiscus Cucumber," I said.

"Okay," the waitress said. "Can I see your IDs?"

We handed them to her. Tony and I both look young, but we're both in our late twenties, with me only being about half a year older than him. She had a look at them.

"Oh, California, huh?" she said. "Alright. I'll be right back with those."

She handed us back our IDs and left us to examine the menus.

"So, how's been business?" I asked.

"A little slow lately," Tony said. "Having those three on board has made things run pretty smooth. Glad you managed to get them away from the Timberwolves."

"Yeah, but Rillek's still pissed at me about it," I said. "Robbed him of three good potential followers."

Tony chuckled.

"Shame we lost Greg though," he said.

"Yeah," I said. "I miss Greg."

We gave Mr. Garland a moment of silence. Then the waitress came back with out drinks and asked if we were ready to order. Tony ordered some kind of seafood ramen (Which looked really good in retrospect, and I'll be sure to try it if I'm ever in the area again) and I had the Double Ramen with extra noodles. She left us alone again. I had a drink of the cucumber sake, and it is the most delicious alcohol I've ever consumed! Like, I was seriously taken aback by how good it tasted.

"So, have you guys found a new base of operations yet?" Tony asked. "I read what happened with the SMSC."

"Not yet," I said. "We're laying low for now. My equipment has all been moved somewhere safe, and I'll set up shop once I find a decent enough place where they'll have a harder time finding me."

"Smart," Tony said. "And that Tyler kids handling things well?"

"For the most part," I said. "Took him some time to get used to the idea of Eldritch Abominations being a thing."

"Did he want you to show off your powers?" he asked.

"Naturally," I said. "I'll go about that when I find a good spot where we won't draw too much attention."

"I see," he said, sipping his sake a bit.

"So," I said. "Now that we've caught up a bit, what's this about? I assume you've found something?"

He nodded.

"Can't prove connection between everything just yet, but there's things we both need to look into," he said.

"Go on," I said.

"I'm planning a trip up to Topeka to see about speaking to that missing person's friend," he said. "If they really do walk their weird fluff thing twice a day, then they can't be too hard to find."

"Good," I said. "I really hope they can be helped. And you say there's something you need me to look into as well?"

He placed a photograph and some papers in front of me. I examined the picture and raised an eyebrow.

"William Dawson?" I asked. "The Egyptologist? I thought he disappeared."

"He did," Tony confirmed. "Shortly after an expedition into the tomb of the ancient thief king Abdalin. The Archive covered u the full details of his disappearance, but I manage to uncover that he angered some Nightlanders by defiling that tomb."

I sighed.

"Classic Archive," I said. "So, what's the deal here?"

"This picture was taken recently," Tony said. "In Emporia."

"So he's still alive?" I asked.

"It would seem so," Tony said.

"And that's what you want me looking into?" I asked.

"Correct," Tony said.

We stayed silent for a bit before I brought up another important topic I had on my mind.

"So, you read all the blogs I told Justin about, right?" I asked.

"Yes," he confirmed.

"Even Genome's?" I said.

Tony nodded.

"Doesn't seem connected to the missing person or stolen books," he said. "So there's only one reason I can think that you would have suggested it. And I have to said that I agree with your suspicion."

"Really?" I asked.

His eyes narrowed.

"It's entirely likely that this 'Kraken' group that Genome has been dealing with may be the culprits behind both incidents," he said. "But we can't prove anything yet. That's why we need to work together to gather information."

"And you think Dawson may be involved as well?" I asked.

"Unless his resurgence is coincidental, it's best to assume so," he said. "Either way, its worth looking into."

"So, we're in business then?" I said, offering my hand.

"We are," Tony said, shaking it firmly.

Our ramen arrived shortly after. I had finished of my sake by that point, so I ordered some of the grapefruit stuff. The ramen itself was... heavenly... No other word will suffice. The broth was great. The pork practically melted in my mouth. The noodles were delicious and thin enough to put angel hair to shame. Kind of questioned the corn... not huge on corn to be honest. I like it on its own, but added to stuff is slightly off-putting to me. But it did not subtract from just how great that fucking ramen was.

Anyway, we spent the rest of the meal just eating, chatting, getting caught up on non-business stuff, and just having a great time. By the time we were finished, I had tried all three flavors of sake, and they were all great. My favorite was the grapefruit, with cucumber being a close second. I highly recommend that place if any of you ever find yourselves in Lawrence.

We finished up, paid our tabs, left a tip, and left.

"So, Emporia, right?" I asked.

"Yep," Tony said. "Good luck out there."

"I'll see you later," I said. "And um... tell Sera-"

"That your doing alright and you miss her," he finished for me. "I know. You end all our meetings like this. Now get out of here, ya' shithead."

"Fuck you too, jackass," I said.

We both had a laugh, and we parted ways.

We're very good friends.

Anyway, I have to go track this Dawson guy down. Peace.

Our next goal

"'A Detailed Guide to Find Spooky Locations' by R.R. Hood!" I announced confidently.

"Um... what?" That Guy Tyler asked.

"Is that a book or something?" Paris followed up.

"Not just any book!" I said. "Specifically, it is one of several books stolen from the University!"

"Wait... the AMU?" Paris asked. "Oh god, this isn't about what I think it is, is it?"

"Look," I said. "That book, and others like it, were stolen by some unidentified group. Suspects pending... That book may contain information that could lead us to more samples."

"Oh, right," That Guy Tyler said. "Samples. But what's the AMU? I'm a little confused here..."

"It's a school," Paris explained. "Daniel has a bit of a history with them."

"What kind of history?" That Guy Tyler asked.

"They expelled him," Paris said.

"Gee, thanks...," I sighed. "Look, if we get those books back,... skim through them a little bit... and return them, that'll clear the air with them. At least a little..."

"Everything you just said was stupid enough to discredit all three of your PHDs," Paris said.

"Fuck you too," I replied.

"How do we even find these books?" That Guy Tyler asked.

"We know a guy," I said.

"Solar Progeny, right?" Paris asked.

"This kind of work is their department," I said. "I'll give 'em a call and see if they can find anything."

I pulled out my phone and dialed a number. I got an answer a few moments later.

"Solar Progeny Detective Agency, Ciel Speaking," came the reply. "How may I help?"

"Hello, Miss Potomac," I said. "How have you been?"

"Oh god damn it, it's you...," She answered, her tone shifting. "Justin! Caller on hold! You deal with-"

I was then treated to some soft, royalty free slow-jazz, before someone else picked up.

"I'm judging by her reaction that you're someone we know," came the familiar voice of Justin Gremori Ferin.

"Hey Justin," I said. "How's things?"

"Oh, it's you," he said. "How's the leg?"

"Still hurts," I said. "How's the arm?"

"Still in Florida," he answered. "Unless someone's moved it. What are you calling about?"

"Books stolen from the AMU," I replied.

"You know Tony refuses to do business with them," Justin replied.

"What if I told you there was a missing person involved?" I said.

Paris and Tyler were both visibly shocked by that revelation.

"That could change things," Just admitted. "Any details?"

"I'm not a hundred percent sure," I said. "But this person was in possession of a unique book of their own, and I suspect the same ne'er-do-wells may be involved."

"Who says 'Ne'er-do-well anymore?" Paris muttered.

"I've got some blogs you can check out for more information," I said. "Can you right them down?"

"I'm holding a phone," Justin pointed out.

"Is McCleary there?" I asked.

"Terrence!" Justin called out. "I need you to write some stuff down for me!"

I gave him the blog addresses, and he agreed to look into it and give me a call back on whether they could help. Then we said our goodbyes and hung up.

"Now what?" That Guy Tyler asked.

"Now," I said, "We wait."

Decision

Paris and I met with Tyler outside an old gas station.

"So, kid," I asked. "Have you made up your mind?"

"I think so," he said. "I uh... got caught up on the blog."

"And?" I asked.

"These gods... you mentioned they avoid you, right?" he asked.

"I did bring that up," I confirmed.

"So, if they're as dangerous as you say, I'd um...," he hesitated for a few seconds. "I'd be safer if I stuck around you, right? They wouldn't come for me?"

"Can't exactly promise that, I'm afraid," I said.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"You'd only really be safe from the gods I haven't collected samples of," I said.

"What?" he replied.

"I'll explain," I said. "You see, there's a very specific reason these gods... the Fears... avoid me. You see, if I'm in the presence of one of them for long enough, I'll gain a new power unique to that Fear. And they don't want me reaching my full potential."

"So they... leave you alone?" Tyler asked.

I nodded.

"No Fear presence, no Fear powers," I said. "So I collect whatever samples I can find for the Extractor. Unfortunately, once I have a Fear's power, they no longer have a good reason to avoid me. Meaning they become a threat once I've added them to my arsenal."

"Add to that the fact that the SMSC hates us now," Paris added. "The company of Dan Ferris really isn't the safest place."

Tyler was silent for a while after that. Eventually he spoke up.

"The reason I took this internship in the first place," he said. "It so that I can learn more about medicine. Get experience that'll help me pursue a career."

"Yes," I said. "I remember."

He looked me dead in the eye.

"You can still promise me that, can't you?" he asked.

"Of course," I said.

He nodded, and outstretched his hand.

"Then I'm happy to remain on board, Doctor," he said.

I smirked, and gave him a firm handshake.

"Happy to have you, That Guy Tyler," I said.

He chuckled, and released my hand.

"And even if some Fears are a threat, the rest will still leave you alone," he said. "So, its still kind of safer near you."

"I'd disagree," came a familiar voice from off to the side.

I turned to see none other than David Kallaway, leaning against a gas tank, watching us."

"Kallaway!" I said, greeting him as if he were an old friend. "It's been ten years if its been a day!"

He glared at me silently. I got a better look at him. Srapped vertically across his back was a longsword, held it a dark black sheath. I think it was a Chinese Jian. He was also dressed in golden-brown robes, with black trimming, and with a familiar symbol on the chest, over his heart. A single eye, with a giant, black pupil, and surrounded by a vortex of small, curved lines.

"Those are Scion robes," I stated.

"They look more brownish," Paris said.

"Not the color Cyan," I said. "The Vision Cult."

Kallaway stepped forward.

"My visions lead me to a man name Dyson Malrick," he said. "He's been... informative."

"Dyson Malrick?" I asked. "I've heard of him. Is he still kicking?"

Kallaway suddenly drew his sword and charged at me. Paris darted between us, blocking the attack with a foot long short sword. Kallaway stepped back a bit, eyeing Paris's blade.

"Where'd he get a sword!?" That Guy Tyler asked, shocked.

"Oh, it's been hidden up his coat sleeve this entire time," I said. "Kallaway, allow me to properly introduce my Sparring partner."

"Paris Jacob," Paris said, smirking a little. "Pleased to beat ya."

"Did you just fucking steal my line?" he asked.

"You stole it from Jason Todd in Injustice 2," Paris said. "So put your high horse back in its stable and fuck off."

Paris thrust his blade forward quickly, but Kallaway manifested his wings and flew several feet backward before the attack could land. I aimed a finger at him, and Paris stepped to the side, out of the way (we've practiced for something like this).

"Bang!" I exclaimed, firing a bolt of lightning.

Kallaway calmly switched his sword to his off hand and raised his gauntleted right hand, stopping the bolt of lightning, and seemingly compressing it into a ball of electricity. I raised my eyebrows in shock.

"He caught it?" Paris asked, just as stunned as I was.

Kallaway slammed the ball of lightning on the ground between us, where it exploded, forcing the rest of us to cover our eyes briefly. He calmly sheathed his blade and locked eyes with me.

"I've seen your last two posts," he said. "And I've come here to inform you that things have only started going to shit."

"Excuse me?" I asked.

"There's a storm brewing, Daniel Ferris," he continued. "And your actions from here on out will decide many peoples fates."

He turned to the side, still holding his gaze.

"Try not to fuck everything up," he warned, as he began walking off, leaving the three of us alone again.