Chapter 94: Golden Coast.
In the car, when we arrived at the mall, I could tell that my passenger was a little overwhelmed. I didn’t force her out, letting her adjust to all the growing chaos. When she finally calmed down enough, we went on a shopping spree.
At first, she was reticent. Not wanting to spend too much, but after numerous encouragements, she took to it like a fish to water. She quickly loosened up, buying what she both needed and wanted. Filling our arms with bags as we went from place to place.
As we neared the end of the trip, we were sitting at the food court eating what could be considered a late lunch when she spoke up, with ketchup on her face and a burger in hand.
“I know I didn’t mention it earlier, but I chose a name.”
“Did you now? What is it?”
“Talia. I chose Talia as my name.”
“Well, it’s a pleasure meeting you, Talia. And I hope we can have a fruitful relationship.” I say, and extend a hand. She looks at it, then back to me before taking it with her least greasy hand.
“Mm, and it’s nice to meet you as well Prima. I don’t know what’d I do if you hadn’t offered me a job.” She said with a large smile.
“I’m sure you would have found something.” I offer, but that just seems to upset her.
“I don’t know about that… There were a number of us brought in after the blood moon. Most of them were still working through processing.”
“Were they? I’d have assumed the police were doing all they could.”
“They are, but part of the processing involved finding us a place to stay and work. There wouldn’t be a point to just releasing us into the city…” She trailed off. Her eyes distant. “None of us have any real experience being… our own people. Since we were, made, created?” She hesitates, “Or whatever, all we’ve known was our previous leader, and she didn’t exactly treat us well.”
I nod, “I can understand, at least, a little.”
“Can you?”
“Well, my experiences weren’t exactly like yours, but I know what it’s like to arrive somewhere new. With no friends, no family, and nobody to rely on. It can be difficult to know where you want to start.”
Much like when I arrived in this city, or more aptly, back when I changed my identity and applied for college. After leaving Alex, I had difficulties getting settled in. I ended up smoking more and more to distract myself from the pain and anxiety building up.
It wasn’t until my professor at the time took note of me that I felt a shift in the air. He looked out for me, in a sense. Helped me get settled in, and he was the one who led me to my Master…
“It can be… Difficult.” I finish. Talia nodded firmly.
“Yeah…” She said, trailing off. She stared at her burger for a good minute before choosing to chomp down what was left in a couple of furious bites. Nearly choking in the process. Hurriedly she downs her soda to clear her throat and coughs. “Which is why, I want to help you. I want to do something with my life. If you would let me.”
“You don’t need my permission.” I say. “I want you to grow, for both my sake and yours.” I honestly admit.
“Thank you. And I look forward to working with you, Prima!”
“I feel the same, Talia.” We share a brief moment and move onto finishing our meal. We take stock of what we have, what we still needed.
“We almost done?” Talia asks, clearly looking tired.
“Almost, we have one more stop. I wanted to get you a few suits for official work.” I say.
“Official?”
“Yes, I’m not sure when I can use you, ‘officially’, but I’d like for you to have a suit handy for when I need you.”
“Alright then, should we get moving?”
“Yeah, but first… you should clean up your face.” I point to where she still has ketchup on her face. Her face goes red and she furiously rubs it away with a napkin.
“Did I get it?”
“You got it, now let’s go.”
After a quick stop to the car first, of course. We needed to drop off our assorted goods and then, with our hands free, we went up to the tailor.
The moment we entered, I was greeted by the establishment owner.
“Oh, Prima! It has been quite some time, and what are you wearing?” The older man tutted.
“Something simple for the day out.” I say, knowing that I was dressed in my usual tracksuit casual attire.
“That is hardly fitting for a young lady such as yourself. You should take greater care in how you present yourself!” He continued. “Surely, I’d be more than happy to sell you all the latest fashion at a reasonable discount, if only you would come in.”
“I’ve been a bit busy these last few months, unfortunately. But I have made orders.”
“Of course you have, but it’s always the same clothing! My, if it weren’t for that sudden request for a dress, why, I’d be downright furious.”
“Dress?” I mutter, a bit too loudly. “Then you were the one that made the dress Leo gave me?”
“Why of course, that boy is many things, but he certainly has a good eye for beauty. Why, I wish I could have seen you in that dress!” He gushed.
Well, one mystery solved. At least I didn’t need to worry about Leo knowing everything about me, he’d just asked for a dress made for me… though…
“I’m actually rather surprised. The dress fit perfectly, I’d have figured you would have needed me for the fitting.”
“I hardly forget a customer, especially one with such discerning taste like yourself.” He says, his eyes fall on the watch, then my purse. A smile on his face. “I can see your still wearing the watch.”
“It’s useful, even if it comes with some strings.” I say, not being subtle.
“Ah, but I can assure you, those strings are very light, otherwise I wouldn’t have allowed him to gift you it. If anything, had he given you trouble, I would have banned him and his ilk from my store.”
“Then you’re aware?” I ask, more in a hush, leaning forward like a conspirator.
“I knew the moment you entered. You brim with energy, your whole being screams of what you are, even now, subdued, you are unmistakable for what you are. Like how a lion cannot possibly be mistaken for a common housecat.”
I wasn’t sure I liked that, but oddly enough, I trusted the man.
“But I digress! What brings you in? Is it your friend here?”
“Yes, Talia here needs a suit for official duties.”
“Suits, yes? I can do that easily enough. What kind of style?”
I glance over to Talia, but… well, she wasn’t exactly tuned into the conversation.
“Subdued, but strong. I plan for her to be my second when I begin to expand my roots.”
“Oh, hm…” The man states, scrutinizing the girl. Talia straightens up a bit under his inspective gaze. His eyes narrow. He almost seems to huff and shuts his eyes.
For a moment, he became completely unreadable. His presence, null. For a tense moment, I wasn’t sure if he’d take the job or simply brush it aside, believing it not to be worth his time.
Then, with a clap of his hands, startling both Talia and I, he spoke. “Yes! An equally remarkable young woman has found her way her. You are quickly becoming my favorite muse!” The older man practically squeals like a schoolgirl meeting her favorite idol.
“Just look at this girl, she has a splendid mix of bestial savagery, and regal authority. Like a warrior princess, a tiger on the prowl in the jungle! She shines like a gemstone, a beautiful jewel, but nothing like you!” He says, continuing.
“I have ideas, many! Ah, please, come come, I must get your measurements!” The man moved in a flurry, taking Talia completely off-guard, practically sweeping her off her feet. Measurements were taken at a fast pace. Designs were drawn up and quickly approved.
“If possible, I would love to work on a dress, no, not just for her, but you as well.”
“I’m not sure about that. A suit would serve fine, wouldn’t it?” I ask.
“Bah, in most circumstances yes, but that is just mimicry. A suit naturally carries with it a more masculine power, but that isn’t where your true charm lies in. I could design you a dress that could properly let you shine.”
“I’m not sure I follow.” I answer honestly. I knew of fashion, to an extent. I’ve also learned more about proper application of makeup through Samantha back at work. But a dress? My only experience of dealing with dresses was when Leo took me to that party of his…
During the whole time, I hardly felt powerful. If anything, I felt like I was weaker, second to Leo… And then, how his father took control…
“I can see the worry on your face.” The proprietor says, sensing my mood. “I understand how you feel, but the purpose behind the dress I made you before was not to stand out, but to complement the young master. What I intend to make, will make you not only stand out, but make people feel as if they are facing a regal white tiger, the king of the jungle, a holy beast. Solitary, yet powerful. Lithe, with every muscle rippling with power, something to be worshipped and praised!”
And so he went, continuing to press. It sounded… honestly… it sounded tempting. Wearing a suit would get me far, but only so far. There would come a time for me to wear a dress, it was only natural. But could he truly do what he says he can?
I was tempted to let him try, but… “Can you give me time to think on this?” I say instead. I could tell he wanted to keep pressing, but he held his tongue.
“Can I ask why? Do you doubt my skills?”
In part, I do, but I couldn’t just say that I felt uncomfortable with the idea either…
“In a month’s time, I might have another member to add to my party.” I say instead. His eyes fell on me then to Talia. The gears in his head churn. All the passion bled from his face, he almost became mechanical in that moment, and honestly, that was more terrifying than if he had just exploded into a frenzy.
“I hope to see this new member the instant they are in your entourage.” His words carry an intensity, a burning fire that promised to scorch all. I have no idea how he kept his cool, but he did.
“I’ll be sure to do so… But I do have a request, if possible.”
“And I am at your command, my lady.” He says with a bow.
“I may have need for uniforms or such.”
“Uniforms?”
“For…” I glance about, we were in a side room, and nobody was near. “Familiars, mannequin types.” I finally say. The proprietor gives me a look.
“And I assume, you don’t want just a normal uniform?”
“No, I’d like it to be magical in nature. If possible.”
“That would be possible, but expensive… Normal clothing would work just fine, would it not?”
“It could, but I figured if the uniform was magical it would have a multiplicative effect.”
“You aren’t wrong, but there is a lot to be considered…” He hums. “I can help you design a uniform, but I will need to see the familiars in question. I have a studio that I work out of on my own time, if you’d like to stop by. I mostly use it to prototype new designs.”
“And what would that cost?” I ask.
“I’d ask for your time, and possible help modelling new outfits, if possible. Better if you can bring your friend here.” He motions to Talia.
“I can plan on that. Though, I imagine that means you’ll try selling me some of these outfits?”
“Why, of course! After all, seeing you in such… drab attire hurts my soul.”
I could imagine it did. “Very well, I’ll plan on it. I won’t need it now, but maybe when I get my new member, we can set a date. Kill two birds with one stone, as they say.”
“That sounds like a wonderful idea! I could use the time to help design your dresses as well!” He says with glee. Having slightly recovered from whatever that was earlier.
“Now, what do I owe you?” The number he gave, wasn’t cheap, but was completely worth it.
With her suits ordered, we drove back to the warehouse. I helped her unload and set up what she needed. All the while loading some of my own personal items that I would need for my condo later.
“You planning on staying the night?” Talia asks.
“I have work tomorrow, unfortunately.” I say. “But I would like your help getting some ice slabs ready.”
“Sure, I can do that.”
With her help, it doesn’t take long to fill the enclosures I bought for the ice slabs. With them in the cold storage, and with it getting late, it was time to leave.
After making sure she had the keys to the warehouse door, and warning her not to leave after dark, I left for my new condo. Move in day was officially today. A quick stop at the condo office, and I was handed the keys and all.
After a few trips, taking the elevator up to my floor each time, a cart in tow carrying my few personal possessions. After all that, I was finally moved in. I threw my futon down on the hard floor. I placed my few meager possessions into the bedroom. A bedroom whose window looked out over a drab cityscape.
The place hardly looked lived in. I needed to take time to get furniture and such, but I’d have to wait till my next patrol or paycheck. Whichever came first before I went on a spending spree.
For the first time in what felt like months though, I was finally able to take a bath. It was nowhere near as luxurious as how the bathhouse felt, but… There was just something about soaking in a hot bath after a quick rinse that really helped thaw the lingering ice out of my body.
I very nearly fell asleep in those warm waters. It was with great reluctance that I pulled myself out and dried myself off. I also, finally, had my own toilet. No longer did I need to share it, or deal with annoying neighbors.
It was a huge change… If only the scenery was better. By the time I was out, the sun had truly set. Which meant that I couldn’t just sit on my balcony and enjoy a meal, or a beer if I wanted too…
With a roll of my shoulders and hands on my hips. I looked over my apartment, a familiar sense of pride and accomplishment filled me. A small smile on my face.
This felt like such a big achievement. However, this was only just the start. I laid down on my futon and fell right to sleep…
I dreamt of climbing stairs. Circular stairs that ascended to the heavens. An endless tower whose peak reached for the very stars. I didn’t get very far up. The stairs were nigh endless, but not once did I stop.
Before my phone alarm could even wake me, the rising sun did. As did a distant sound, like crashing waves on the shore. Slowly, I worked my way up. Threw open my window to greet the day, only to blinded by the golden horizon…
I blinked away the stars and gaped. A sea of gold greeted me, no… An actual ocean greeted me. Wind blew in through the window, carrying with it the scent of the sea. The sound of waves crashed down below, and looking down, I could see a sand covered beach.
I blinked again. Where once empty cityscape had been, like a placeholder, or a void, was now something entirely new. In the distance, I saw it… A Ferris wheel. For some reason… the word hit me like a fish to the face.
A boardwalk. We had a Boardwalk District now…