Re:reaper

Arriving in the slums, the difference was like the sun and Pluto. The contrast was stark where there had been bustling crowds, lively chatter, and an air of joy, while here there was only an oppressive quiet. There was a harsh smell, People here didn't seem to want attention as most would only spare glances in our direction. the sand lifts through the air with the wind's influence. all in all, it was sad. 

I subtly scanned my surroundings, my eyes flicking from one spot to another, taking in the sights to keep myself entertained. because at the moment, I was wasting time. I needed to time our arrival just right. Too early, and we'd be stuck waiting around. Too late aaaaand... well guts on the floor. and no, not the one with the big sword. 

"the contrast between here and there is quite vast," I mused, more to fill the silence than anything else. the only thing that makes me do anything, boredom has decided to grab me by the legs and pull me head deep. in other words, I'm bored as fuck.

Emilia nodded, her expression thoughtful as she glanced around. "It's… sad. The difference in how people live just a few streets apart."

Puck, floating beside her, flicked his tail. "Yeah, but that's just how things are. the rich live comfortably and stay rich, while the poor get by however they can." He let out a small sigh. "Though I have to say, the atmosphere here isn't exactly welcoming."

"Well, can ya blame em?" I said, swinging my hand to gesture to them. "We're walking around looking like we don't belong by a long shot, I mean we're all clean-looking. They probably think we're either lost, dumb, or gonna cause something to happen. we're like hella suspicious right now."

Emilia frowned at that, looking at the wary gazes from the people around us. "but I just want to ask about the insignia nothing bad... I wish they wouldn't be so scared."

"Well, we could always try looking less sus" I suggested with a grin. "Maybe roll around in the dirt a little? look over there, a large patch of dust. maybe if we look like them, they'll treat us like them." 

Puck snickered while Emilia let out a tired sigh. "Sorry, Shiro, but Satella is far too dignified to roll around in the dirt. You, on the other hand, are more than welcome to test it out for us," he said with a smirk.

I tapped my chin, pretending to consider it. "Hmm, I could… but wouldn't it be more fitting for you? I mean, you're a cat. And cats are always getting into dirty places, right?" I pointed at him with an expression of smugness.

Puck gasped, placing a tiny paw over his chest in mock offence. "How dare you! I'll have you know I'm a very clean spirit! you wound me shiro. shameful" he turned his head away, with an expression of deep betrayal. 

"Uh-huh," I deadpanned. "Sure you are... i think I'll be more convinced if you let me touch your fur" I reached out, fingers wiggling ominously. a danger approaches.

Puck immediately darted behind Emilia's head, peeking out just enough to glare at me. "Nope! Only Satella may touch my delicate fur."

I gasped dramatically, placing a hand on my chin and stroking my very real beard, which was very long and very soft. VERY "A-ha! My deduction has been confirmed!" I straightened up, nodding sagely. "Your adamant refusal clearly indicates a guilty mind. You, sir, are undeniably a dirty little kitty cat. Case closed. no rebuttal, and no judge needed. My orders are absolute."

He gasped as he flew above Emilia's head, his tail flicking behind him. "This is outrageous! I demand a retail trial. NO, a Fair trial with no bias involved."

I smirked, crossing my arms. his outrage was oh-so fun. "The court of logic has already ruled, Puck. Your desperate evasion only adds to your guilt. You, sir, are a filthy little kitty."

"This is a grave injustice. I'll have my revenge, mark my words." puck made a fist, as a fire burned in his eye.

Emilia stifled a giggle, shaking her head. "Alright, you two, that's enough. Seriously, you two seem so close already, but we are here for a reason." 

"Yeah, yeah," I waved her off with a grin. "But just so we're clear, I won that argument."

Puck grumbled something under his breath, but I had now tuned him out. Right now, it was about 90 minutes until sundown, which meant I'd stalled long enough. By now, Felt should be close to reaching Rom's place.

time to make sure we get there.

###

"Hey, Satella," I called out, lazily trailing behind her.

Emilia glanced back at me, raising an eyebrow. "What is it?"

i slowed down a bit "Could you describe the insignia again? i just want to make sure of something."

She gave me a curious look but didn't question it. "It's a small badge with a red jewel in the middle and the dragon emblem engraved on it. Why?"

"I've got a theory... So it's basically jewellery then? right?"

Emilia nodded. "Yes, that's what most would consider it."

"Okay, so we know Blondie is likely poor—hence the thieving. Since she's in the slums, she's probably in need of extra cash for food, shelter, or whatever else. That means she's not going to keep the expensive jewellery; it serves no real purpose for her."

Emilia's eyes widened slightly. "You think she's going to sell it?" Her expression shifted toward panic.

"yes, exactly. but you see, that is a good thing. for us that is."

"How could that possibly be good for us?" She demanded, clearly not seeing where I was going with this.

"Because trying to track down one little blonde thief wandering around this massive area? Nearly impossible. But finding a pawn shop willing to buy stolen goods? like at least 20 times easier. since it's gotta be obvious for customers to find em. right? makes sense doesn't it? but, it would be handy to know which direction she went or something." 

Emilia hummed in thought before brightening. "I can try asking the lesser spirits if they've seen my insignia or the girl." She suggested.

"hmm, sure give it a try. it might work." i agreed

Emilia's gaze drifted to Puck. "Puck, why don't you go and sit with Shiro while I speak to the spirits?"

Emilia turned to Puck, who was still lounging lazily in the air. "Puck, why don't you sit with Shiro while I speak to the spirits?"

Puck perked up, his fluffy tail twitching. "What, you don't want me to help?"

"you know lesser spirits are scared of you, they won't come close if you are near. You'd just get in the way," Emilia said, smiling fondly.

"Oof, wounded," Puck sighed dramatically before floating over to me, and plopping himself onto my shoulder. "Guess I'm stuck with you then."

"Yep," I said, reaching up to poke his tiny belly. "Now suffer you "

Puck batted my hand away with a tiny paw, grumbling, while Emilia closed her eyes, hands clasped together as she reached out to the lesser spirits. The air around us seemed to shift slightly, a faint shimmer flickering in the atmosphere.

I leaned against a nearby wall, watching her work. "So, how long does this usually take?" I muttered to Puck.

"Depends. Spirits don't exactly have a concept of time like you mortals do," he mused, tail swishing. "Could be a few seconds, could be a few minutes. If they're feeling extra dramatic, maybe longer. who knows"

I sighed, stretching my arms behind my head. "Well, guess we gotta wai-" My gaze wandered idly as I spoke, before sharply locking onto a vender. i could speed this up.

Actually, Puck," I said, suddenly perking up, "I'm gonna go have a little chat with that vendor over there." I lazily pointed in the general direction. "Y'know, ask some questions."

Before he could respond, I was already walking off, leaving him floating mid-air, momentarily stunned into silence.

Then, predictably, the grumbling started.

"Hey, wait-! You can't just wander off like that!" Puck huffed, zipping after me. "What kind of questions? Why do I feel like this is gonna be trouble?"

crud, can't use future knowledge to help barter with him, and i can't get puck away without lookin hella suspicious. well, go with the flow i guess "whaaaaaat? nooo way, do you really have that little trust in poor little me?" 

"yep, Not even a little bit." he deadpanned.

Fair enough. no complaints there.

As I approached the vendor, I took a quick moment to assess him. This tradesman's place of business looked more like a child's lemonade stand than a normal shop. It was a small wooden table with food and general goods lying in baskets on the ground behind it. with the trader being a tubby middle-aged man with a short white goatee. i quickly whispered to puck "You're quite the eyecatcher puck so I'd rather you keep hidden so i can work my magic."

Puck's eyes flicked between me and the vendor before sighing. "Fine, fine, but if this goes south, I told you so." With that, he slipped into my hood, the prime real estate for any small, spoiled pet. another point for a little shit.

"Hello, ma'am. What's your pleasure today?" the merchant greeted, his voice smooth with that well-practised air of someone used to haggling.

i scratched my chin. "Maybe you can point me in the right direction?" i asked in a hushed tone.

"Maybe," he replied, eyeing me curiously. "What are you looking for?"

I leaned in just a bit. "i was looking to... acquire a certain jewel for my boss, you see...." I Lied, My voice carrying just the right mix of suggestion and secrecy. while also sounding cool cause might as well have fun with it.

The merchant chuckled. "You won't find any jewellery shops down here, miss. If it's gems you're after, you'd be better off heading to Hightown. There's a big—"

The man's expression shifted slightly, his grin was still there, but there was now a glint of understanding in his eyes. "Ahh, I see," he nodded knowingly.

"Yes, you do see." I offered a small smile. "You see, my boss really needed this particular jewel, but unfortunately, someone beat me to it. Stolen right from under my nose. And, well… if I were to return empty-handed, let's just say my health might take a sudden nosedive." I let out a small, humourless chuckle. "Now, if I happened to know where a thief might sell such an item, I could, perhaps, still buy it back and avoid an unfortunate accident."

The merchant frowned, looking thoughtful. "I get where you're coming from, but my hands are tied. See, I don't really have any incentive to do it, with a chance of it backfiring on me. And, well… I don't really know you, do I?"

i pulled out a packet of crisps and opened it, the smell wafted into the air, "well that's a shame, here have a chip, it's good" i handed him a singular chip. 

I let out a dramatic sigh, then casually reached into my pocket, pulling out a small packet of crisps. With a deliberate slowness, I tore it open, letting the rich, jalapeno aroma fill the air. The merchant's eyes flickered toward it, ever so slightly. he was interested. 

"Well, that's a shame," I mused, popping one into my mouth with not-so-exaggerated enjoyment because dam is it good, but enough of that. I held one out to him. "Here. Have a chip. It's good."

"...Are you bribing me with... food?" he asked confused, but the smell was quite bribing in of itself. 

"Yes." i spoke sharply

and after slight hesitation, her tried it.

The moment the chip hit his tongue, the man's eyes widened ever so slightly. He chewed slowly, savouring the crunch and flavour like a man who had just discovered the meaning of life.

"...Damn," he muttered under his breath. "That's good."

a smile forming on my lips.

His gaze flickered between me and the bag of crisps in my hand. He licked his lips subtly before clearing his throat. "So… uh, let's say, hypothetically speaking, I had a bit of information."

"then i might, hypothetically, give this bag over for this hypothetical information. " I sassed

I raised an eyebrow, shaking the bag ever so slightly, letting the sound of chips rustling fill the air. and dominate his senses.

and this, his resolve instantly crumbled, as the best way to anyone's heart, is food. especial fan-fucking-tastic food. 

With a resigned sigh, he rubbed his goatee before jabbing a finger in a direction. "Alright, listen up. Few blocks down - straight, left, straight, straight, right, straight, straight, left. Keep going till you hit a big building. Old Man Rom runs the place. Hard to miss, guy's built like a damn boulder. Tell him what you're after and flash some coin, and he'll do business. But here's a free tip, don't try to scam him unless you wanna leave in pieces."

good, clear directions, perfect.

I tossed him the bag with a nod. "Pleasure doing business."

He caught it with both hands like a prized treasure, already fishing out another chip. "Mmm… soo worth it."

With that, I turned on my heel and headed back to Emilia.

---

As I strolled back toward Emilia, Puck suddenly shot out of my hood, stretching mid-air like a cat waking from a nap.

"Well, that was… something," he muttered, rubbing his eyes. Then, with a squint of suspicion, he added, "And also surprisingly well thought out. But seriously, did you just bribe a man with food?"

I smug smirk played on my lips. "yes. And it worked, didn't it? or did it not?"

Puck crossed his tiny arms, looking both amused and exasperated. "I dunno if I should be impressed or worried. That guy folded faster than a cheap tent."

I waved a hand dismissively "You underestimate the power of food. food is a powerful persuasion tool. especial if its good food. 100%" this is not due to past actions, no way jose

Puck hummed, tapping his chin in thought. "Huh. Maybe I should start carrying snacks around. Might be useful."

"mmmm, yeah right. I doubt that, I think you'd just eat it. you little spoiled kitty." I snorted.

Before he could argue, I reached out and poked his belly, earning an indignant squeak. "Oi! I'm not spoiled." he huffed, puffing up slightly like an offended cat. an offended spoiled kitty perhaps?

I just chuckled, but before we could continue our banter, Emilia's voice rang out, sharp with frustration.

"Where did they go!?"

She rounded the corner in a huff, eyes scanning the streets before landing on us. Her expression softened slightly, but the exasperation remained.

"Did you two seriously just leave me behind!?" she demanded, hands on her hips.

Puck, the little traitor, snickered. "Technically, she left. I just tagged along."

Emilia huffed, crossing her arms. "You didn't even tell me!"

I blinked, glancing at Puck. Now that I thought about it… why had he come along? Wouldn't he rather stay with Emilia? I mean, I was basically a stranger he met an hour ago. Shouldn't he be glued to her side instead of following me around? hmmm... this might be good or bad. i hope its good and that anime "become friends in like 5 minutes of meeting" thing happened.

"yeah, puck, why did ya leave her? what, did I win ya over?" I smirked, as I fished for info.

Puck shrugged, floating lazily in circles. "Dunno. You seemed like you'd get into trouble without supervision."

I scoffed. "Pfft, I don't need a chaperone. i was just fishing for info from some merchants..." I turned to face Emilia "Anyway, let's move on from Puck's obvious interest in me"

"hey-!" I heard in the background but ignored it, because I love being a dick.

"Did the spirits tell ya anything?" 

Emilia shook her head. "Not really. They recognize the girl. She comes around here a lot but they don't know where she lives or where she is. I thought maybe if we waited here for a while we might bump into her."

"Hmm…" I tapped my chin. "That plan might've worked, but like, an hour ago... she's probably already trying to sell it. which is not good. Buuuut, lucky for you, the merchant I spoke to gave me some JUICY information about everything we needed to know. real kind huh?"

Emilia perked up. "Really?"

"Yep. he said that there's a guy named Old Man Rom who runs a fence not too far from here." I grinned, jabbing a thumb in the direction I memorized. "Got super specific directions too, so we'll be there in less than a minute."

I clasped my hands together, closing my eyes like I had just bestowed divine wisdom. "Now this is the part where you shower me with praise for being such an amazing detective."

Emilia blinked.

Puck snorted. "More like 'accidentally useful.'"

I gasped dramatically. "I cannot believe this slander." he held my chest, acting all hurt. "you wound me," I wiped a "tear" from my eye, turning away dramatically. when you play so much DnD its in your nature.

Emilia giggled but quickly composed herself. "Well, either way, that's a great lead. Let's go before we lose more time."

I immediately straightened up, dropping all the dramatics from my voice. "Yes, I agree. We should go." like a flick of a hat, so fast that it gave puck whiplash. 

With that, we set off, following the merchant's directions. It was pretty easy to remember, so, just as I had predicted, we arrived at a rather large building in less than a couple of minutes.

As we walked, I outlined my plan. Emilia and I would enter alone—without Puck—since he would be too obvious. It was smarter to hide any advantages we had. Knowing he had limited time left in the physical world, Puck retreated into his crystal to conserve energy, waiting in case something happened. The idea was simple: we'd approach Rom in a friendly manner since he should be alone, and then wait for Felt to arrive and demand the insignia. well, that's what I told Emilia.

Of course, the real reason for this plan was to make sure events played out in a way similar to the anime, such as her getting hit in the back by else, so that I could make her know I saved her life. it would make Puck like me a lot more. though, I don't think I need to that much anymore, seems like he is a lot more friendly with me. is it cause I'm not a man? whatever enough ranting.

She agreed with the idea, and as we rounded the final corner, the large, familiar warehouse-like building came into view. It was identical to my memories

But… something odd happened.

In just a fraction of a fraction of a second, such a minuscule sliver of time that most wouldn't have even registered it, but I did.

A sudden wave of dizziness. Light-headedness. Strain?

Whatever it was, it came fast and vanished just as quickly, but it was there. Subtle, almost imperceptible to most, but enough for me to notice. Enough to make me stumble slightly from the abrupt shift, even if it was minor.

"Woah—?" I caught myself, feet steadying against the ground as I stood still, waiting. what the fuck was that?

I straightened up, eyes darting around, scanning my surroundings with sharp precision. Every single detail and every single flicker of movement, I analyzed it all in an instant. i was in alert... but

But… nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary... ok. what the fuck happened there, that was NOT normal. 

"Shiro? Are you alright?" Emilia's voice held a note of concern as she glanced at me. noticing my stumble.

I blinked refocusing back to reality dismissing my thoughts and forcing a grin, waving it off. "Oh, it's nothing. Just tripped on absolutely nothing like an idiot."

Emilia still looked a bit unconvinced, but she didn't press. 

ugh, I don't have anything to go off of now. so I will leave this be, but this was really odd. it felt like what is described when a character tries to push a mental ability to far.. i guess... but... i don't have any... i think?

I really hope this doesn't bite me in the ass later. and with that last thought, I dismissed this occurrence to the back corner of my mind for review later. as we walked to Old Man Rom's bar.

A/N maybe some OOC because I really don't give a shit. decided eh whatever. more crack. more fun. more humor. alsom slight drop in qaulity as I was suddenly hit by a massive wave of procrastination. sorry but here have a longer chap for it.