Prose Magica: The Ballad of the Seventeenth Part 17

The past few days had been a strange experience for Odette Brighton. She had been stabbed, punched and kissed, nearly witched out and fell in love all within the last forty-eight hours. Now she stood face to face with colleague of dubious seniority, unsure whether or not she should be afraid or happy to see her.

The shrine maiden was at least a head taller than Odette, dressed in traditional Japanese garb with her hair tied back with a gigantic red ribbon. The two locked eyes for moment, sharing a stern look of meaning that only they could discern, before both broke into matching grins and shared a firm, strong handshake that just as quickly turned into a sisterly hug.

"Been long time, Snowflake!"

"So it has, Armpits," the one-eyed girl laughed as they pulled apart. "Holly neglected to tell me you'd be stopping by. I figured you'd be meeting with Terry, not some washed-up loser."

"Tch," Xiaomei muttered, giving a vague look of annoyance. "Sparky dumb like billy goat and even less fun. Besides, Fatty say you finally get over bad case of stupids."

"And you had to come see for yourself."

"Exactly! So how it feel being lowly peasant again?"

"I dunno," Odette shrugged. "I figured I'd at least get rid of you, but it looks like I'm not so lucky, huh?"

"Since when you been lucky?"

Odette's gaze wandered as she tilted her head. "That's... That's a fair point," she replied. "So, you want to go get lunch or something? I think I still owe you one for last time."

"Free lunch?" The Chinese girl narrowed her eyes and nodded, making a rather satisfied sounding noise. "This is good start, Snowflake. Very good start..."

✱✱✱

Water trickled softly between rocks draped in vibrant, green moss. In a small, square-roofed pagoda, two incubators sat across from each other, alone. One, looking much like the rest of his brothers - albeit with a billowing, crimson scarf - looked out over the garden, absorbing the serenity of the carefully arranged landscape. The other, wide-bodied and sitting primly atop a bright red pillow, lifted a small teacup to his lips and drank deeply, closing his eyes as he savoured the taste.

"Exquisite," Fubey breathed, almost more of a sigh than a word. "Absolutely exquisite, brother. You must return my compliments to Miss Marigold. Her cultivation techniques are simply unmatched."

A smile came to the other's face as he continued to observe the garden. "I believe the only technique she uses is love, brother," he replied, softly and serenely. "It can do a great many things. The perfect pot of tea is, as they say, only the tip of the iceberg."

Fubey regarded his older brother with an intrigued eye. He had always been the most thoughtful and, perhaps, eccentric of the incubators. Some saw him as naive, others an idealist, and even more believed him insane. To Fubey, however, he was his most treasured brother. The fat incubator chuckled as his gaze turned to the outdoors.

"Perhaps," replied Fubey, "but I was under the impression that it had more to do with magic, does it not?"

Kelzang lifted one of the small cups to his lips and took another drink, letting out a soft chuckle as well. "I suppose so, brother," he said. "But, in either case, you deserve no less than the best, what with the week you have had. I am glad to hear young Miss Brighton is well again, both in body and mind."

The larger incubator nodded before taking another sip of tea. He had, admittedly, been worried nearly as much as her closest friends; not that he would admit it to anyone other than his brother.

"As am I," Fubey said, sounding somewhat down-trodden. "I admit, I may have acted rashly these past months. Had Miss Vance not disappeared, I fear that I would have gone through with the Ymir Protocol..."

The Seventh turned to look at his brother. "Now, Fubey," he said, "you have far more sense than to do such a thing. You would nev-"

"But I did, brother," the Seventeenth interrupted. "I say that not in reflection, but as a fact. I had already sent out the order. It is only by some divine intervention that she never learned of my error in judgement."

"I," Kelzang paused and looked down into his tea, "I see..."

"I failed Brie," Fubey continued. "She asked that I look after Odette. I was supposed to care for her, not ki-"

"Brother, please!" The Seventh pleaded. "If that is truly the case, then let us be thankful that nothing came of it. Odette is well, and that is what matters most. The past is best learned from, not dwelt upon."

The larger incubator nodded and took a long sip of tea. "I apologize, brother," he paused, then took a another drink as he considered his next words. "Do you... Do you think Brie would be pleased with Officio if she saw it now?"

"Now there is an interesting question," Kelzang said, giving a short chuckle. "Miss Eldridge was a... rather difficult person to please, as I recall. In a way, she reminded me of Xiaomei, back in her youth. I imagine that she would certainly be upset that things did not unfold quite as she had planned... but, yes, I believe she would be pleased."

Fubey gently swirled his tea around in its cup, watching the scattered leaves dance as he absorbed his brother's words. Never had there been a magical girl who meant more to him than Brie Eldridge. A small part of him was arrogant enough to believe that none of his brothers had ever cared for any of their girls more than he did for her. With her at his side, he had never felt as small before his brothers as he did the past three years.

"But, hrm," the Seventh started, taking a lengthy sip as he chose his words, "to create the 'perfect' magical girl. A noble goal, certainly. I would say she fared better than most others who have tried. Misguided, though, I think."

The larger incubator looked up at his brother, tilting his head as he asked, "Explain, brother."

Kelzang turned to look out at the garden once more. "A flower alone is nothing more than a flower, no matter how beautiful it may be. It serves no higher purpose and, in time, it will grow old, wither and die. But, look then at this garden, brother."

As the Seventh gestured outward with one ear-hand, Fubey followed his brother's gaze. It was something the two Officios had built together many years previous, a sign of everlasting friendship between the two. Kelzang had overseen the planning whilst girls from both Officios designed and built it. Even now, one girl from each was assigned to maintain it every week.

"When placed with love and care, even a simple daisy can help create a sight more precious than the most beautiful lotus," Kelzang explained. "By our actions, we allow each part to achieve its highest potential. From the smallest pebble to the tallest tree, each works together to create something more beautiful than any one part alone. This is true harmony, brother; many parts working toward a greater good."

Fubey looked into his tea cup once more, nodding to himself as he pondered the thought. "An Officio... is a garden, is it?"

"And, remember, dear brother," the Seventh added, pointing at the fat incubator, "it is only by the skilled hand of a gardener that the garden is able to become beautiful."

The Seventeenth laughed softly and shook his head, saying, "If only I could be as skilled or brave as you, Kelzang. Perhaps then our brothers might take me a seriously. I dare say, they might show me a bit more respect were I as unpredictable as the Ninth."

"They might," the scarfed incubator replied, "but is it not better to be loved than feared? Your magical girls adore you for your policies, even though our brothers may not. Is that not enough, brother?"

"I suppose you have a point," the Seventeenth conceded, sipping at the last of his tea, "but I must admit, I do very much miss my prized lotus."

"Miss Eldridge?" Kelzang chuckled. "I believe the amaranth would suit her better, would it not?"

The incubators laughed and spoke for some time, reminiscing of the past and discussing the future just as they always did. Eventually, a girl with long, raven hair and skin like porcelain stepped up to the tiny pagoda, bearing a tray with a fresh pot of tea and cookies. She smiled brightly with a peaceful sincerity, bowing her head as she set the tray down without a word and began to unload its contents on to the table.

"Ah, thank you, Miss Dalia," Fubey said, nodding to the girl as she refilled his tea cup.

The Seventh bowed his head, thanking her as well. The girl bowed her head in kind, never saying a word even as she left.

"Your new tender seems very at home here," Kelzang said, watching her as she walked away. "What is her name? Miss Dalia, was it?"

"Heidi Dalia, yes," the larger incubator answered. "A very quiet and humble girl. I thought she would do well here."

The Seventh's gaze wandered back out over the garden as he poured himself a fresh cup of tea. "Sounds very much like someone I know."

✱✱✱

"-nd so now we're living together."

"So, what?" Xiaomei waved her chopsticks at the Canadian. "You going to settle down now or something?"

The pair dined in a noisy, bustling Chinatown restaurant with a name Odette could barely remember much less pronounce. Little old ladies jostled between tables, bringing out food and shouting orders in Chinese as they went. The Warmaster and former Warmaster made an odd couple - one dressed in a flamboyant shrine maiden outfit, the other wearing a modest, unfashionable ensemble of jeans, t-shirt and jacket. Odette had long since stopped bothering to master the use of chopsticks and prodded a plate of noodles with her fork.

"'course not," she responded, shaking her head. "You know me. I'm thinking I'll put my name in for Equerry, since a friend of mine is already lined up for Rank Leader. I'll be damned if I'm letting that bitch Argente take the post."

Xiaomei gave a snort of laughter as she shovelled another mouthful of rice into her face. The concept of having to volunteer for a position before being considered had always been one of the Seventeenth's many quirks.

"You never had Equerry, did you?" Asked Xiaomei, giving the other girl a wry grin. "Nobody want the job, huh?"

"Oh, a couple people did," Odette forced a hollow smile. "You remember Mimi, right? Miranda?"

"Ah..."

The former Warmaster shook her head as she twirled noodles around her fork. "It's fine. It's been two years, I figure I oughta get over it by now. Time move on and let it go."

Xiaomei smirked. "Took long time, but you finally grow up. Old Lady would be proud," she said, before pointing her chopsticks at the former Warmaster. "Shame you still so short, though."

"Just can't give a straight compliment, can you?"

"You should be happy I give compliment at all!" The Chinese girl smirked as she took a long sip of green tea. "So what else you going to do with new found wisdom, hm?"

Odette had to think for a moment. She hadn't exactly given everything much though beyond moving in with Lotte and finishing her assignment. There were a few matters that she would have liked taken care of, but the future was a blur aside from those select few things.

"I'll probably go out to the compound and visit Harry," she said at last. "We used to be bestfriends and I haven't seen her in months..."

"How she doing these days?"

"Stable, last I heard," Odette replied. "She can walk a bit with a cane, but usually she uses a wheelchair. The Vennies say she's probably only got a few months left. Khan takes care of her most of the time, but all of them chip in however they can. Secundus is still training to take over the position. You remember her right?"

The Vindicare shook her head.

"Monica? Lightning bolts on her helmet?"

"Ooooh! Lightning face girl! Yeah, yeah, I remember her. But we never talk before, I think."

"She's a really good kid. Reminds me of Harry back when we were first contracted."

Xiaomei laughed and took another sip. "I used to wonder if there anything between you two. Guess that wrong, huh?"

"Hell, I used to wonder about us myself," Odette shrugged, giving a sheepish grin. "Hanging out with her all the time sure gave me a hell of a tolerance for Culexus magic, though."

The Chinese girl snorted, sputtering in her tea, and slapped the table. "You- You remember time you get in argument with Malal? She keep trying to make you throw up-"

"And I just kept getting acid reflux from hell, yeah funny." The Eversor smiled, cold and hollow. "Until all of you guys started betting on how long I'd last before blowing chunks."

"Four minute!" Xiaomei nodded. "Good record! Won Xiaomei twenty dollar!"

Odette shook her head. "Right. So that's the extent of my plans. You should call me up if you get anything fun. Nothing interesting happens around here that often."

"Maybe. I think about it," the other girl teased. "So, ah, what about little sister?"

Odette nearly choked on a mouthful of noodles. As much as it pained her to realize, the though of her sister hadn't crossed her mind in a very long while. Hearing the ever-belligerent Xiaomei ask about her certainly didn't help her shock. After several seconds of violent coughing and sputtering, she said, "Vida? What- What about her?"

"You not going to go and see her?"

"Xiao, I haven't talked to her in YEARS."

"I just giving suggestion. Little birdy tell me you still keep picture of her in wallet, yes?"

Odette froze and flushed a bright crimson. Of course she did. She always had.

"W-what's it to you?"

"Why you so embarass? You ashame of meimei or something?"

"No, it's just-"

"Then show Xiaomei! Lighten up! Why you have to act like super serious big shot?"

Odette grumbled quietly, but said nothing as she reached into her back pocket. With a low grunt of effort, she produced her wallet, opened it and handed it across the table.

"That's, um," Odette murmurred, "that's this year's school picture."

A wide, toothy grin broke out across Xiaomei's face as she stared at the photo. The girl looked similar to Odette - short silver hair and shimmering blue eyes - but was noticeably taller, better endowed and had softer, more feminine features, unmarred by time and battle.

"Uwooooh!" The Chinese girl exclaimed. "She cute! So this where tall and boob gene went! How old you say she is?"

"She's, um, she's sixteen, turning seventeen this year," Odette answered, quickly adding, "and shut up!"

Xiaomei giggled, then handed the wallet back. "So Snowflake melts when she talk about little sister. I keep that in mind~"

"You do the same thing when I ask about Dahlia!"

This time it was Xiaomei's turn to blush and stammer out an embarassed response. The two old colleagues continued catching up and bickering for nearly an hour more before word came from Holly that the incubators' meeting had concluded. Odette settled the bill - far more than she had expected - and the two said their good byes. It wasn't until Xiaomei had already reached the door that she stopped.

"Ah! One more thing!"

The Chinese girl reached into her sleeve, and after a moment's fussing pulled out a tupperware container full of cookies.

"Dahlia hear about incident and make these for you yesterday. YOU SEND THANK YOU LETTER OR ELSE!"

Odette's eyes twinkled and a child-like grin came to her face as she accepted the package. "Ahhh! I- I need to save these for later. Nothing from you?"

Again, the prayerstick appeared in Xiaomei's hand and struck the other girl's head. "You get to eat lunch with beautiful, sophisticated Spiritual Liege of Seventh Officio herself! You should be grateful!"

"Whatever you say," Odette laughed. "I'll see you soon, hopefully."

"You keep in touch this time. Jiejie not going to hunt down stupid Snowflake down just to say hi, okay?"

"Fine, fine. Get outta here, Armpits."

Again, Xiaomei reached for the door, only to stop short.

"Ah! One more thing! Uncle want me to deliver message. He say, Fatty not show it, but he worry about you a lot while you went missing. He call Uncle almost every day while you gone. So don't forget he care about you," the Chinese girl stopped, then finally opened the door. "That it. Now, if you excuse me, I going to go throw up now."

As the two left, in a secluded corner of the restaurant, a woman with a snake's eyes closed her newspaper. Neither the Warmaster nor the ex-Warmaster had noticed her in the slightest, despite the fact that she had arrived several minutes after they had. She smiled, laughing to herself as she got up, and tossed a handful of change on the table. The woman pulled her black trenchcoat on, then tugged a matching fedora down over a short mass of vibrant green hair. Her job was about to get much, much easier.