| The Second Angel Part 3 By Keiko Drenched and miserable, I sat back down on the chair. Markas motioned for Endo to proceed with the briefing. With a few taps on his handheld keyboard, a screen popped into existence in front of everyone. Too close. I pushed mine farther away and glared at Endo for miscalculating the distance. Again. I swear, that fool is such a klutz. I looked at the screen again. There was a map of the Dome continent, with certain spots high-lighted and others circled. Looking closer, I realized that the highlighted locations were ruins that either Endo or I or the other Hunters had visited on previous hunts. The other ones were places that none of us had ever explored before. Endo coughed to get my attention, "As you can see, the highlighted spots are places where we've found books or scrolls containing bits of the Prophecy. As you know, the scroll containing the prophecy was split into many pieces from the days when Serum... ah... I mean..." he glanced at Markus nervously, "that is... the Nameless One reigned supreme-" "Skip all the tales and get to the point." I interrupted. "Um... right. So anyway, we've found the different pieces of the original scroll lying between the pages of various books that survived the destruction of the Domes, and we've tried to reassemble them back into a scroll, but there are a few pieces missing, and as you know, every word of a prophecy is important. That's where these other locations come in. We've circled the spots where we think we're likely to find the remaining pieces. Of course, these are all Dome ruins, as legend says that the pieces of the prophecy were not scattered but hidden by the ancestors of the Dome occupants, so that they may one day be reunited and used to bring about the defeat of-" "I know the rest." I interrupted again, not quite wanting to hear the story again, as fascinating as it was. Once Endo got going on the legends and tales concerning Serumas, he could go on forever. "I presume that this is where I, the best Hunter in the Shell, come in?" Markus looked amused, "Conceited, but true." "Of course, Tali will be going with you, as some of these locations are quite far from the Shell. He can transport the two of you back after you find what we need." Endo added. Studying the map again, I realized that it was true. Some of these Dome locations lay so far to the north as to be almost near the North Pole. Having Tali along would be a blessing indeed. "We can transport you to the nearest Dome location, but Tali will have to handle the rest." I did a mental calculation. "With about 4 Dome ruins to cover, plus recovery time for Tali, this will take at least a week!" "Yes, which is why Tali is resting up for this right now." Markus said. "We have plenty of time, but still, if you can get going as soon as possible..." I stood up, "I'll pack provisions for Tali and me tonight. I assume we'll be leaving first light tomorrow? As usual?" "As usual." Endo nodded. I checked on Tali on my way back to my room. He was fast asleep, true to Markus' words. I poked into the small duffel bag he'd left sitting on a table. Toiletries, change of clothing, and a note. Next to the duffel bag were a few light weapons. Knives, daggers, collapsible bow, the like. I approved. Tali's efficiency was fast improving my mood. Opening the note, I scanned the first few familiar lines. Sato: Knew you'd sneak into my room and go through my stuff. ^_^ Well, I've packed everything I can carry with me. Everything else is up to you. I've never been to the north before. Is it very cold? Well, I'll trust you to get parkas in the right size for me, right? Tali P.S. Wake me up tomorrow morning. My alarm's broken. I snorted. Tali's alarm was always broken. At least it was every time we went on an expedition together. It was becoming tradition for me to sneak into his room while he was resting for the mission, check his things, read the note he leaves for me, get supplies for the both of us, and wake him up the next morning. If it weren't for the fact that we both worked too well alone (and liked it that way), we would be partners. Many Watchers and Hunters in the Shell worked as a team, complementing each other perfectly. Few were talented enough to be both Watcher and Hunter, and those few always preferred working alone. Tali turned over in his bed, and the covers slid off his shoulders. Walking over, I was surprised to see him sleeping with his hands cupping his face, like a child. Cute, I thought. I pulled the covers over him again. His fingers twitched. I narrowed my eyes, "Don't even think about it, Tali. I'll burn you if you try anything." To emphasize my warning I flicked my finger and held a candle-size flame close to his face. Close enough for him to feel the warmth from the fire. Tali merely smiled in response, not even bothering to open his eyes, and snuggled deeper into his covers. A moment later, his breathing slowed and he was fast asleep again. I felt belittled, and grumbled to myself. Tali was way too comfortable with himself around me. He didn't even believe I'd burn him. Well, not that I would, I thought to myself, but still, it felt ridiculous to have one's threat treated like a bedtime story. Leaving Tali to his dreams, whatever they may be, I made my way to the seamstress of the Shell. You could always find what you needed there. As it was, I needed parkas, of all things, for our exploration of the northern Dome ruins. Apparently Markus had already informed the woman of our destination, for as soon as she saw me, she ahhed and pulled me over to the vast wardrobe sitting against one wall. Soon, I was staggering under the weight of sweaters, jerkins, and windbreakers, and she was still throwing clothing onto the pile in my arms. I ended up dropping everything when she added the final item: a huge parka. I was strong, but the parka was a heavy thing. The seamstress bustled about and dumped everything back into my arms, and then shoved me into the dressing room. "Try all of those on, and choose the ones you like. I can have adjustments made by tomorrow morning." Ah good, so I won't have to wear all of this... Keiko's Rants: Yes, she's still bitchy, but I think I designed Sato to be unapproachable and unlikable from the start. She's like an onion, you have to peel away the layers to find what's truly inside. So, how does Tali come off? Is he likable so far? Part 2 Part 4 Back Main K & K |