Prose Magica: The Ballad of the Seventeenth Part 5

Odette leaned against the wall outside of her apartment building, tapping her foot in a puddle as costumed magical girls shuffled in and out of the entrance. In addition to whatever frilly, girlish affair they were assigned, each girl wore a white cape with gold trimmings over her left shoulder - the symbol and uniform of the Valkyrie squad, the very best the Seventeenth Officio had to offer. Even Odette remembered a time when she was among their rank, some four or five years previous.

She couldn't help but reminisce about the old days as she waited. How long had it been since she'd actually fought a witch? How long had it been since she'd done the damn job she'd signed up for all those years ago? There were three other fresh recruits when she had first joined up. One had moved out West, to take charge of Vancouver HQ, the other two had been among the first to go missing in the past month. As far as Odette knew, that left her as one of the two members of the Seventeenth Officio that had been around the longest. She couldn't think of anyone left that had been around prior to her, save perhaps Holly and Molly. Those two seemed to have always been members of the Officio.

It was an odd feeling, being one of the last of a generation. Before anyone came Warmaster Brie, the first warmaster of the Seventeenth and the first member of the Officio on record. Odette had always seen her as an older sister figure, which was part of why she'd taken her death the hardest of anyone. Brie had groomed her, in a way, to become the second warmaster. Some said that after her death, Odette changed. A small, imperceptible change, but a change that would nonetheless snowball into something much bigger.

The one-eyed girl shook her head just as she caught the sound of heels clicking on pavement. Odette tilted her head up. Two white-shouldered guards followed in step with Therese Witton, the third warmaster of the Seventeenth. Her flowing overcoat wavered behind her, giving the impression of a king's cloak - an image all the more reinforced by her obscenely tall cap. As she approached Odette, Therese gestured toward the two guards with her chin and watched closely as they disappeared into the towering apartment complex.

Odette held out her hand, expecting the traditional greeting of Eversors. "Long time no- GHRK."

Instead, Therese threw her arms around the silver-haired girl, pulling her in tight. Odette tried her best to return the hug, but it was complicated somewhat by Therese being a full head taller than the tiny former warmaster.

"I missed you," the taller girl mumbled, holding the other girl as closely as she could.

"Ni- Nice to see you, too, Terry," Odette wheezed. "Please don't kill me."

Therese slowly released the squirming magical girl and gently patted her head. "Sorry, sorry. It's just... been a while."

"Two months by my count," Odette stated, nodding. "How's the job been?"

Therese shook her head and sighed, leaning her shoulder on the wall next to Odette. "It's not fair, really. You made it look so easy. I wasn't exactly expecting..."

"Everything."

"Pretty much," the warmaster let out another long breath as she tried to compose herself. "I've been overseas four times in the past month. The others have been helpful but it's still difficult to get used to." Therese smiled as she looked down at Odette. "How's retirement been?"

“It's been fine,” the silver-haired girl mumbled.

“And of course by that you mean it's not fine,” the warmaster replied, saying everything that the smaller girl couldn't bring herself to.

Odette's one blue eye swivelled up, glaring at the rusty-haired girl.

"I'll take that as a yes, then," Therese said, smiling to herself in smug satisfaction. "You don't have to keep this up, you know. This little... self-imposed exile of yours has gone on long enough, wouldn't you say?"

"Doesn't seem like the world's giving me much choice," Odette replied.

"Seems that way," the warmaster smiled as she turned her head up to the apartment building. “What exactly happened? I've been hearing some... strange reports.”

"I, uh, got a bit mopy earlier. Drove around for a few hours," Odette's shoulders slumped for just a moment, long enough that she couldn't quite manage to disguise it as a shrug. "Came home to a smashed window and a creepy ass note."

"Can I see it?"

Odette fished around in her pocket for a few seconds before pulling out the crumpled piece of paper and holding it up to Therese.

"I see you're as careful about these things as always," the taller girl observed, gingerly taking the paper between two fingers, as if it would disintegrate with so much as a sharp breath. With a delicate touch, she unfolded it, her eyes scanning its contents. "This is... something. That's for sure."

"You're tellin' me."

Therese flipped it around, looking the paper over back to front. "What do you think it means?"

"Going line by line?" Odette plucked the sheet from Therese's hands and pursed her lips. "First part doesn't really need much explanation. Tests before me... the disappearances? I need to find who's been taking our girls?"

"Could be," the warmaster offered, shrugging. "It would be a hell of a coincidence if this didn't have anything to do with them."

Odette nodded before continuing. "'Her gracious boon'," she paused and slapped the paper against her palm as she thought. "No idea what that could mean. But 'Her' is capitalized. That's gotta mean something."

"Like a god," Therese mumbled. "Ess. Goddess. Since it's a her and all."

"This 'Blessed Lady'.”

The warmaster nodded, holding her cap in place as she did. "Precisely. Next?"

"Gets weird after that," the one-eyed girl explained, scrunching her brow. "I may defeat 'the Usurper'. The fuck does that mean?"

"Me maybe?"

"Don't flatter yourself," Odette laughed, nudging the warmaster with her elbow. "Not like I want to take you down. The hat looked dumb on me anyways."

"I always wondered why you stopped wearing it..."

"Story for another day," Odette grumbled as she shook her head. "And the last bit about the singing and the animals... I don't really care to find out."

Therese nodded several times as she rubbed her chin. "I'll ask Molly if she can find anything out about this 'Blessed Lady'. Maybe Holly, too, for good measure."

"I've got Gerty and Freddy hunting leads," the silver-haired girl added, "I'll check in with them. I'm guessing fatty'll want to see me."

"A debriefing at the least," Therese smiled as she let out a few muted laughs. "He'll be happy to see how serious you're taking this. Probably expected you to take it slower, if at all."

"Thought I'd let my lackeys handle it, eh?" Odette asked as a smirk crept across her face.

"In much more pleasant terms, I think. But yes."

The former warmaster's smile drooped as she made a few shallow nods. "Seems like the assumption most would make."

The current warmaster looked down at Odette, then slowly leaned over as she rested her head on top of the shorter girl's. "Not everyone," she whispered, smiling gently, "boss."

"You're cruel," Odette muttered as she laughed to herself. "It's after midnight. Go home and get some sleep, kiddo. I'll handle things from here."

"Just a little longer," the warmaster mumbled, rubbing her cheek into the top of Odette's hair. "I order it."

"Idiot."

✱✱✱

The next day, or much later in the current one, Fredrica Volk stepped out of one of the Officio's many interrogation rooms. Another witness with nothing to say. No, not exactly nothing. Just more of the same. Little noise, the odd muffled scream here and there, a strange smell and always at night. Only one new piece of evidence, and it was nearly useless. A nervous young Vindicare had sworn she'd seen a figure bounding over the rooftops after her partner was taken. A figure carrying something shiny and metallic, something that she'd claimed was golden. Great. So they could establish that it was, in fact, SOMEONE that had taken the girls. Someone with a penchant for gaudy accessories.

Freddy shook her head and leaned her shoulder against the wall. It was always busy at midday, and that particular afternoon was no exception; girls in all assortment of costume passed back and forth, coming and going from various appointments. Occasionally one or two would stop to admire the boyish Eversor - the fact that her costume looked very much like a butler's suit had always attracted the attention of some of the girls. Not that Freddy minded one bit.

She still couldn't shake that sense of failure, though. Having so little to show for the first task the former warmaster had given her in months. Failing in general was one thing, but failing Odette was something that Freddy simply couldn't fathom. The stress had only built as she questioned each witness, turning up with nothing each time. The Eversor balled up her fists in frustration as she looked up and down the hall.

And then she heard it. That distinct click-clack of footsteps that just echoed with authority. It wasn't the warmaster, oh no. Freddy sneered. She was already spoiling for a fight and even her usual fans had sense enough to give her space. But there was one individual who never seemed to be able to read the atmosphere, one whom Freddy loathed above all others. Tyler Argente. Oh how much she'd like to just tear out those damned hairclips and gouge her eyes out with them.

"Volk," the Vindicare called out, picking her way through the crowd. "I'd hoped I would catch you."

"Oh yeah?" Freddy asked, her voice laced with venom. "What for?"

"I simply wished to offer my condolences about Miss Norton, nothing more," the aide said. "I understand it has been hard on the Valkyries."

Freddy nodded, turning to lean her back against the wall. "Mostly for the younger ones, but thanks anyways," she answered. Part of her hoped the other girl would simply leave it at that. Just offer her sympathies and be on her way, but Freddy knew it was only a matter of moments before the other shoe dropped.

"Just a shame they assigned the case to Brighton," Tyler said, laughing to herself. "I spoke to her the other day and she was the same as ever."

And there it was, all the excuse Freddy needed to pick a fight. She barely even noticed the sudden weight in her hand as the switchblade dropped into her palm. Nobody insulted Odette on her watch. The black haired girl grinned, baring her teeth ever so slightly. "Yeah, I heard about that. Rumour is that you picked a fight and got into scuffle. They say she really put you in your place."

Tyler narrowed her eyes by a hair. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

"Just thought I'd give you some advice," the Eversor hissed, putting her arm around the aide's shoulders. "I wouldn't mess with Odette if I were you. Not sure if you've noticed, but she's still pretty damn popular with folk around here."

"Is that so," the aide growled back.

"You've already made yourself a fair few enemies, Ty," Freddy smirked. "Don't want to make them too upset now. The Officio would be a mess without you. Think of all the pencils that would go unpushed."

"Are you threatening me, Eversor?"

Freddy only laughed. "Wouldn't dream of it. Just thought I'd give you a friendly warning," she replied. She'd already lost herself in the thrill of the moment. Her grip tightened around the Vindicare's shoulders, pulling her in tighter, and whispered. "I've heard there's been some disappearances lately. People might not think much of it if you up and vanish."

The boyish magical girl barely had time to finish the sentence before she felt something thump against her neck. In that same instant, the blade of her knife sprung out, seemingly by itself. Tyler held her pistol crossbow under Freddy's chin, while the other girl held her blade millimetres from the aide's throat. Neither of them was in any mood to hold back, and they both knew it.

"Don't think I can just let a remark like that slide, Volk," Tyler growled. "You can't hide behind Odette anymore. No one's going to come rescue you now."

"You think you're tough shit," Freddy spat. "You ain't equerry just yet, and at this rate you never WILL be."

"And I highly doubt you'd put your promotion at risk over something so trivial," the Vindicare paused, trying her best to turn and look Freddy in the eye while keeping the Eversor's blade off of her neck. "Stand. Down. Neither of us needs this."

A second passed. Then another, and another after that. Finally, Freddy nodded as her switchblade retracted of its own accord. She felt the pressure on her neck fall away and dropped her arm from the aide's shoulders. As the Eversor slowly came to her senses, she couldn't help but notice the sizeable audience the show had gathered.

"You're right, you're right," Freddy laughed, backing up and holding her hands in the air. "Why beat you up as an equal when I can wait a week or two and beat you up as a superior, right?"

"Not exactly what I had in mi-"

"But!" The Eversor exclaimed, stepping back up to Tyler and leaning in. "Just remember. You may have caught her off guard and got her eye, but remember who it was that was chopped up into so many pieces that Fubey was out of the game for two days after putting her back together again. So you could at least show a little respect."

"Why you-"

"Listen," Freddy grinned, stepping off to the edge of the crowd. "It's been fun, but I've got stuff to do." She turned to leave, but tilted her head back after a thought crossed her mind. "Oh, and cute band-aid by the way. Really suits you."

Tyler simply shook her head in awe at the other girl's audacity as she disappeared into the crowd. As much as she hated to admit it, there was something to be said for the Eversor's boldness and loyalty. It was almost admirable, in a way. Still shaking her head, Tyler walked away in the opposite direction, the crowd making way for her and dissipating shortly after she made her exit.

✱✱✱

Meanwhile, in a darkened room lit only by the glow of a dozen screens, the Seventeenth incubator sat and watched the ensuing scene. The rotund incubator looked less like a cat or animal, as most of his brothers did, and more akin to a clear sack of flour with legs stretched just a bit past its limit. He was so large, in fact, that his enormous girth nearly covered the entirety of the pillow that had been placed atop his desk. The twin prehensile appendages known as the trademark of the Incubators hung limp from his cheeks, just above his mouth, giving the impression that he had an enormous moustache.

The monitor placed directly in front of him showed the confrontation between Tyler and Fredrica, while the one directly right of it displayed only a black screen with bright white text reading "V1 - Sound Only".

"Would those two just get it over with and fuck already?" Holly groaned over the speakers, the sound of typing in the distant background. "See boss, I told you this would happen. I told you! But nope, didn't listen! It's only a matter of time now.”

"I am grateful that you have brought this incident to my attention, Miss Corbin. I'm beginning to understand why my brothers add such violations of privacy to their contracts. However, I hardly believe this fulfils the conditions of your prediction.”

"Seriously? I just don't understand you, bossman," the Vanus sighed. "You spend millions on a state of the art prediction engine, and then when it tells you something SERIOUS, you don't listen."

"Miss Corbin, I am simply taking into account the variables of the human mind," the incubator paused, blinking its crimson eyes as the tape rewound itself and played again. "I apologize if it seems I am disregarding your predictions, but you yourself admitted how outlandish they sounded."

"Has it ever been wrong?" The vanus asked, her voice, for once, coming off as stern and cold.

"Miss Cor-"

"Has it ever been wrong?" She asked again, adding more strength to her voice.

"There is a first for everything.” The incubator's gaze seemed to wander for a moment before snapping back to the monitors. “I apologize, that was rude."

The Seventeenth had always been noted for being far more polite than any of his brothers. He was one of the few who treated his charges with utmost respect, believing this to be the key to optimal results. It had become a running joke among the girls of the Seventeenth - and select other Officios - that Fubey was only doing his best to act more Canadian.

"It's fine, Foob," Holly grumbled indignantly. "You want to ignore the prediction engine, fine by me. See if I care."

"Miss Corbin, I meant no disrepect and I sincerely apologize. However, you understand exactly what sort of measures would need to be taken should your prediction prove correct," the incubator shifted his gaze to the second screen, as if using it to look directly at the Vanus. "Our organization can not afford mobilization of that calibre on a hunch.”

"Ninety-nine point six repeating, Fubey. That's no hunch. I think a point three-four percent chance of failure is an acceptable risk when the fate of the entire Officio is at stake."

"Perhaps," the incubator nodded as his words flowed out into the air. "Perhaps."

With a distinct thump, Fubey rolled himself off the desk and disappeared underneath it. "If I may be so bold as to seek your counsel once more," he began, "what do feel should become of our Miss Volk? As Miss Argente said, it does not bode well for her promotion."

The vanus thought for a moment, leaving only the sound of fingers on keys emanating from the speakers. "I say we just send the video to Odette and leave it to her. Either that or put her on an assignment with Tyler. Make them buddy-cop it up."

"Goodness, I was unaware that you held such animosity for Miss Volk," the incubator replied as he emerged from beneath his desk, riding proud and tall on his Roomba, his fluffy tail swishing back and forth as he clutched the remote in his prehensile moustache.

"Are you- Do I hear-"

"I really must thank the warmaster for her gift. It is most useful."

"She spoils you," the Vanus groaned. She could almost hear the satisfaction in the incubator's voice. "This is why you're so fat. We keep saying you need to go on a diet."

"Incubators are neither fat nor thin and do not require organic sustenance. This is simply the figure which nature has seen fit to bestow upon me."

Hearing that remark, Holly couldn't hold back her laughter any longer. It came out long and hard as she wheezed out a few choice words. "The only thing bestowed upon you is a few too many Timbits, Chubby!"

✱✱✱

Later that day, Odette stood outside of the First Canadian Place, leaning against Sleepy Sue and glaring at her cellphone. Fredrica nervously shifted in place in front of her, twiddling her thumbs and fidgeting with the hems of her suit top.

"You want to explain this?" Odette asked, showing Freddy her phone.

The black-haired girl watched nervously as the earlier encounter with Tyler played out before her in all of its glory. She flinched when the two held pulled their weapons and held them to each other's throats and cringed at her own exit.

"I was just, y'know, standing up for yo-"

"Is that so?" Odette interrupted. Her words seethed with rage. If she could, Freddy would have turned tail and run that very moment. "YOU were standing up for ME?"

"Well, yeah, I mean-"

"Are you saying I can't stand up for myself, Freddy?" Odette asked, taking a step closer.

"No! Never!"

"Then why are you trying so hard to defend me, Freddy?" The one-eyed girl asked as she took another step.

"I- I meant no disrespect, warmas-" Freddy caught herself a moment too late. Her eyes shot open in a mixture of shock and fear. "I- I didn't mea-"

She barely even saw Odette move before the shorter girl's hand grabbed her by the collar and pulled Freddy down to eye level. "Listen, jackass," Odette hissed, "because of you, now I have to go and apologize to that cunt. I have to go and clean up YOUR goddamn mess. I have to apologize to the BITCH who TOOK. MY. EYE. Is that what you wanted?"

The former warmaster had a knack for being far more intimidating than anyone her size had any right to be. Freddy could see the fire in her single eye. A chill went up her spine as she noticed the sudden plunge in temperature. The panicking Eversor was suddenly aware that she could see her own breath as the smaller girl's iron grip held her in place. She knew all too well exactly how close Odette was to dragging her into a dark alley and making her wish she could just give up and die.

"I'll do it!" Freddy pleaded. "I promise! I'll do it myself! I'll apologize and grovel and everything! I just wanted to make you happy!"

A sly grin crept across the shorter girl's face. In that instant, Fredrica Volk realized exactly to what degree she had misjudged the other girl. She'd panicked and fallen right into her trap. This was the true nature of an angry Odette.

"Then do it," the one-eyed girl said, holding out her cellphone. "Right now."

"Ri- Right now?"

"Right now," Odette ordered as she began to navigate the device's various menus. "I'll even find her number for y-"

Odette blinked. Her eyes went wide. There was no way...

"Odette?" The black-haired Eversor called out. "You okay?"

It wasn't possible. It SHOUDLN'T have been possible.

The one-eyed girl's mouth hung open. "Oh my god. I am such an idiot."

"What is it?"

Odette shook her head. She didn't want to believe it, but there it was. Staring her in the face. With a pair of unmistakeable dark brown eyes and a long mane of hair that looked as though it had never seen a brush in its life.

"Fennel Vance," she muttered. "I met her yesterday."

"That's," Freddy blinked and wrinkled her brow, "that's impossible. She went missing nearly two weeks ago."

The silver-haired girl nodded. It was a sheer coincidence that she'd accidentally opened up the list of missing girls again. She'd always been terrible with faces. She knew that she knew them, she just couldn't figure out where from. Her voice was muted as she murmured out a simple question.

"So then what was she doing here?"