London Calling [Open]

He finally did it. Cassiel Mattei was out of Headquarters, alone. He was still on high alert in case any finders or other exorcists were in the streets of London and kept the hood of his too large black sweatshirt over his head, hiding his auburn locks and large, curious amber eyes as he sneaked in and out of crowds, keeping his head down and making sure to turn a corner quickly the second he saw anything that looked even remotely close to an exorcist or finder’s uniform. It felt like a huge game to him, almost. Except… if he lost and got caught, he would probably have to deal with a harsh punishment from Central. “All the more reason to win” he thought to himself.

It was still pretty early for Cassiel. The coastal fog still hung around, making the streets chilly despite the sun’s vain attempt at burning it away. With £20 in his pockets, the small boy decided to visit a quaint little café by the docks and order some tea, maybe even a small cake. The caffeine and sugar might wake him up a little. He still wanted to visit the park and feed the ducks before noon. A young, curly haired woman greeted him at the entrance and led him over to a small table in the back by request. He didn’t want to be seen in the café by anyone. He was supposedly sick in bed today with a fever.

The plan had been perfect. The night before, he’d started out simple. Purposely making his voice sound raspy and complaining of a sore throat and a headache during dinner, going to bed early after a few finders suggested he sleep it off. It worked quite nicely as the next morning he was told to go to the infirmary to get checked out. Luckily, the nurse there was understanding and agreed to play along, giving him a private room to “rest” in since his room had barred windows. After changing back into his normal day clothes, it was simply a matter of opening the window, activating his Innocence and flying out. At least there were a few things it was good for.

The waitress came back after a few minutes of leaving Cassiel with the menu, ready to take an order. Earl grey tea with violet honey and seventeen scones with a side of key-lime marmalade. It would do for now as a small snack. He had plenty of money to waste, but he didn’t want to draw too much attention with his oddly large appetite. The girl blinked at the small, frail looking child for several seconds. “Can you really eat that much, sweetie?”

Cassiel just smiled sweetly and nodded. “I haven’t eaten in a few days,” he lied. What? He couldn’t think of a better excuse than that at the time. The girl “aww”ed at the "poor dear" and offered him a piece of lemon balm cake with his scones and tea, free of charge. The boy thanked her and she was off to get his food. Cassiel sighed, staring out at the rest of the café. It was nearly empty this early in the morning. It was nice.

It was quiet early in the morning. A strand of velvet cold air washed over her as she walked carefully balanced on the edges of the dock. Her arms to her sides as like wings, she walked carefully and with delight that clearly showed on her lunar eye. She wore an eye patch over her right eye, hiding the silver tinted gold eye. There was no need for her to hide her lunar eye, really. Another breeze washed over her and she smiled happily.

She wore black and white scarf and simple dark vanilla colored jacket that reached down to her shins. She wore equally faded dark colored pants and a pair of black boots. Her fragile and delicate strands of waist length black hair followed the paths of the wind, causing it to scatter all about. She was delighted as another wave after another of clear and lucid wind washed over her.

However she had to get out of this area soon. Although her sleeves were long enough to cover her hands, it would be a trouble if someone found her little… curse. A sting of pain revealed in her and she grumbled slightly about it. She looked around her, finding a place where she can rest for a bit and also to eat. Perhaps to enjoy the scenery. No, that was impossible and she knew that. She made a light dissatisfied face as she walked to it. Only few people were in the building, she assumed. A waiter, a child, a manager… The usual. There was none to perhaps even remember her if she used her illusion correctly. Illusion that did not work on people with innocence and also to those disgusting monsters… How… Delightfully helpful. This time her own power rebelled slightly, causing her a headache. She grumbled.

She took out a piece of paper from her pocket and wrote several characters on it that seemed queer and too complicated to find a pattern in. She then stuffed the pen back inside of her pocket and released the paper in the air, chanting few words that were lost in the sudden raging wind. The paper was soon lost and she turned back to enter the shop. A small smile was on her face as she was led to a seat by the windows by the waitress.

“Earl Grey tea, two scones, rose jam, I believe that will be it.”

She said, her voice normal to the woman but luring to the others who could see. The woman hurried, discouraged to even stay by her although she looked normal to her.

Jevi looked outside of the window, a small smile on her face and her lunar eyes dazing slightly. She only looked up when the waitress put down the drink and food in front of her. She took it with a nod and grasped the cup carefully and in perfect manner. She placed her fingers to the front and back of the handle with the pinkie finger tilted slightly up for balance. She sipped it gently, enjoying the scent and savoring the taste of it. Her eye closed for a moment as the delightful scent of the tea floated around her.

The waitress soon returned with the tray of scones and tea, setting them down in front of the starving kid. Cassiel thanked her, still smiling and raised the tea cup to his lips, blowing the steam off before taking a dainty little sip. The curly haired woman bowed her head slightly and was off to take care of other visitors… or visitor. The boy watched from behind the tea cup as a young girl took a seat at another table. He usually didn’t stare at strangers. It was rude after all. However… there was something strange about this girl, but Cassiel just could not put his finger on it.

Setting the cup down, he decided to distract himself with the mountain of scones in front of him. Scooping out a superfluous amount of marmalade, he spread it heavily on a small scone and shoved the entire thing in his mouth, taking another sip of tea to wash it down.

The girl wore an eye patch. Cassiel raised an eyebrow slightly at that. What was wrong with the other one? He really shouldn’t be curious, he knew that… but he just couldn’t help it. The girl was interesting to him, not in that way, of course. He shook his head, setting the tea down. It was like something was pulling his eyes and thoughts toward her. Finally, he could no longer take it. He was going to find out what made her so interesting. There was nothing that special about her that he could see.

Gathering up the scones and cup of tea in his hands and pulling up the hood of his sweater, Cassiel toddled over to the girl’s table, setting the plates back down and climbing into the chair opposite her. ”…What am I doing?” he thought to himself, staring down at his lap. It wasn’t like he really wanted to meet her, so why had he bothered moving over to her table? Lifting his head the tiniest bit, he looked around the café, noticing that everyone else (being two staff members) seemed to be avoiding her. He’d noticed earlier too as the waitress took her order. She hurried away as fast as possible. Maybe the girl was dangerous?

His eyes wandered from the waitress to the mysterious girl sitting in front of him. Well, he was already here. “Might as well say something,” he groaned inwardly. Keeping his head down, still the boy nodded the smallest bit to the girl. “H-hello,” he stuttered quietly. What was he supposed to say? That he felt a need to sit with her? He let his eyes lift up to look at her. What if she didn’t want him here? He was probably bothering her. Or maybe she was meeting someone here. He shouldn’t be sitting with her. With so many discouraging thoughts flooding his mind, Cassiel just found it even harder to speak. His tongue felt heavy in his mouth as words he wanted to say collected behind his bottom lip, refusing to be pushed out. This was getting awkward. The boy sighed, mustering up the little courage he had to speak. He’d start off simple, yeah. “Wh-what’s your name, miss?”

She looked at him. A flood of annoyance across her face. She frowned slightly then smiled. A friendly smile and yet with a hint of relief-like and annoyance still visible.

"My name is of no one's concern exorsist."

She stretched the word as if it annoyed her. She had no reason to be concerning with this child even if he was an exorsist. Her words has just slipped... She should've told him another of her name. She sighed. She could very well feel the curiosity radiating from the child. Her voice was cold and metallic. Soft too and a lullaby.

Ignoring him once more, she took a scon and smoothered it with the rose jam. Delicately she took a bite. Rather, she nibbled on it, enjoying and savoring the very taste. Her glance went back outside to the window as she observed more and more people appearing. She spotted few quite hateful ones as well. She sighed.

If he was holding an innocence, which she was certain of, he could probably see the glimmer in her exposed hand. The shimmering letters in silver and red color. She sighed once more as she took a rather large bite compared to the ones before. She would need to get out of here. If the other exorsists found her and marked her with the innocence. A hint of annoyance spread on her face from the thought. She would catch a train and leave...

Her thoughts continued as she ignored the child plainly.

There was silence as Cassiel went from friendly and curious to completely terrified. How did she know? He hasn’t wearing his uniform, his Innocence mark was hidden under his sweatshirt. Was she part of the Black Order? No… if she was, she would be dragging him back by now. His large, fright filled eyes lowered to his lap as he thought. Maybe he could pretend not to know what she was talking about. Who knew, maybe she was an akuma or a Noah or something. What if she was? Then he’d have no one to protect him. Maybe it was a stupid idea to go out alone after all.

Lifting his head again, he wiped away his fright and forced a smile. “Exorcist?” he asked, making himself sound as confused and clueless as he possibly could, adding in a little sideways head tilt for more effect. “What’s that?”

…Was she ignoring him? Cassiel opened his mouth to say something, but stopped when he noticed the glimmer coming from her wrist. What was that, now? A tattoo? No, couldn’t be that. The boy stared at it carefully, trying to figure out what the heck it was. What would happen if he touched it? His eyes slowly looked back up at the girl staring out the window. Well, he wanted to get her attention, anyway. He lifted up his hand, getting it untangled from the long sleeve of his sweatshirt and reached out to lightly touch the strange shimmering marks on the other and looked back at her to see the reaction.

If he had wished for a reaction, it was granted immediately. As soon as she felt the air around her hand heat, she flickered her wrist and caught the child's hand. Her hand was cold as she automatically twisted the child's finger back, holding it painfully still. Her gaze went back to him. The strange purple eyes seeming liquid and pulsing. Having another life of its own.

"I wouldn't try that again..."

She hissed the words to him. She let the silence act as the threat. To the others however, they couldn't see what was going on in the angle and the words were too soft for others to hear. She released his hand and smoothered the other scone with the jam.

"I assume you are running away from thoes guys as well."

She sighed as she finished the scone delicately and sipped the rest of her tea. With a flued hand motion, she summoned the waitress who was gazing at her with awkward gaze and with a hint of... fear? She smiled pleasantly at her as she handed her the money and waving her hand no to the change. Only when the action was done and the waitress scurried away with a pitied look to the child that she turned her attention back to him.

"So then, do you wish to run away from them?"

Her smile was different. It reminded one of a cat looking at a toy. Perhaps a prey. Her fingers weaved and supported her chin as she spoke so.Her elbows on the table.

"Or is it that you are more curious about me then to run away from them?"

She freed a hand from the tangle as she pointed the outside of the window. One in white and another in black. The uniform she hated to see so much. She would have to leave. She had no wish to be held against her will nor did she wish to find out more about the time she had arrived in. A simple spell and they would be too occupied with fire then to deal with her. A simple trick until that time. She sighed as she turned her gaze back on him. It asked for his answer.

“Ah!” The boy yelped, trying to tug his hand back from the other’s grip. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Tears pricked the corners of his eyes. Didn’t she know fingers didn’t bend that way!? When his hand was finally let go, Cassiel hugged it to his chest, nursing it while he pouted. “D-don’t have be so viol-lent.”

He unceremoniously shoved several of his own scones into his mouth then slunk down in his seat and looked at the woman across from him under auburn colored bangs. She was most definitely strange. His attention fell back on the shimmering marks on her hand, though he didn’t dare touch them this time. To distract his hands, he took up his tea cup and stirred the now cold contents with his pinkie and looked out the window, watching the early morning fog dissipate, the sun finally shining through and warming the cobbled streets.

It was the woman’s cold voice that tore him away from the scene. Cassiel looked back up at her, forcing a small smile. “Wh-what makes you think I-I’m running away from s-something, signorina?” He replied as cheerfully as he could, and then downed the rest of the tea, syrupy remains clinging to the bottom and slowly traveling down to his tongue. He wasn’t going to admit to being an exorcist. No way.

From the corner of his eye, he could spot the waitress giving him a pitying glace before she walked off. Ah… he still had to pay her for the tea and scones. Setting down the ceramic cup after getting the last of the left over honey, Cassiel raised a linen napkin to his lips. It didn’t look like she would be coming back any time soon. So much for the lemon balm cake, he thought to himself, sighing heavily. Shifting his eyes, he could see the still nameless woman staring at him. Her smile did not look the least bit comforting. ”Do you wish to runaway from them?”

The words echoed in his mind. Being able to runaway from that “organization” was, at one point, his top priority. However, he’d eventually given up almost a year ago after being caught so many times and being punished SO many times for trying. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair and grabbed another scone stuffing it into his mouth as he thought over the question.

"Or is it that you are more curious about me then to run away from them?"

He swallowed the lump in his throat, dry and itchy. What was he supposed to say? “U-um…” he started, but then noticed the woman pointing and the thing she was pointing at. He shrank down further in his seat, now completely terrified looking. If he got caught now who knows what sort of punishment was in store for him. Well, he had an idea… and it was definitely scary enough to want to flee the scene. Maybe he could disappear if he wished for it really, really, REALLY hard.

Nope. Looking up, he could see the girl staring at him. Was she waiting for an answer still? Cassiel swallowed another lump in his throat. “I just don’t want th-them to find m-me,” he squeaked out before pulling the hood of his sweatshirt over his head. "S-so... I guess so, yes. I-I would like to r-run away from them."

She smile didn't fade away at all. It only seemed to increase.

"So then..."

Her lullaby continued.

"Is that your wish?"

Luring. Sweet. Trusting. Innocent. Lies. Deception. Hope. All these filled her voice it seemed. Her very words overflowing with each. Or so it would sound to him. Only to the ones who wish will hear. She was a witch. If he wished, she would do it... For a price that may destruct him. Her smile changed slightly. It became darker in color and yet it dared him. Dared him to make his wish.

"I can make one of your wish come true."

The song continued to flow from her mouth.

"In exchange for a price."

She said. Who was it that had said so? Honey flows from the devil's mouth and leads to destrcution.

She laughed lightly. A small melodious laugh that sounded as if a delighted child. Silver bells ringing, it sounded.

"Of course, I haven't given you a reason to trust me with such."

She said. Her smile still daring him.

Outside, a local was talking with the one wearing the white clothing. The other wearing black must have seperated for the moment. The local pointed at the shop.

She smiled as she looked outside. The very moment made it so sweet and yet so bitter. So then, would he make the wish? Who held his collar, she thought. Who holds him tighter? Meaningless thoughts. It would lead her only to more of curiosity. She laughed silently at the child in front of her. So innocent and so tainted. She wanted to stain him further. Sickening thoughts, however he was so fragile. So precious. So easy to break. She couldn't help herself. However she would only offer. After all, she felt it and she knew it. It was his choice. She, the witch, a Jevi, has merely offered him a choice. It would depend on him.

The white clothed man walked towards the shop.

How could she grant his wish? Cassiel stared blankly at the woman, unable to decide what his feelings were towards this entire situation. She was a complete stranger and yet he felt drawn to her for some strange reason. She gave off confusing vibes. Her smile seemed deceitful, but her words seemed perfectly honest and innocent. Cassiel distracted his thoughts by shoving another scone in his mouth.

He tried to avoid eye contact with the girl and hunched his shoulders while he slumped down in his chair. Why was she saying these things? What kind of price would he have to pay? What if she couldn’t really grant a wish? She wasn’t a fair godmother or anything.

Laughter caused him to come out of his thoughts and he looked up at the woman. No, she hadn’t given him a reason to trust her. Cassiel wasn’t even sure if he liked her since she painfully twisted his hand back. Still, he wanted to accept her offer. He needed to accept her offer.

Looking out the window, he could see a stranger he now resented pointing towards the shop. The two Black Order members were coming this way. Cassiel was out of time. It was either accept this stranger’s offer and possibly escape or sit and wait to be dragged back to Headquarters, to his personal little prison cell.

“Y-you can get me out of here then?” he asked the mysterious girl across from him, eyes pleading and pitiful looking. “What do I h-have to do?”

At this point, he didn’t care what price he’d have to pay, as long as that man didn’t capture him. Cassiel doubted anything she asked of him could be worse than what Central would do to him if they found out he’d disobeyed them… again. He sunk deeper down into his seat until he was essentially sitting on the floor, under the table.

"The price of a freedom is the chains."

She said, her voice delighted. From her backs sprouted three pairs of red hued wings adorned with silver and gold chains.

A wish was to be granted...

Her wings remembered. Slowly the chains retreated, the silver chain lingering and fighting but was dragged away by the gold chains. The three paired blood hued wings. It was quiet delightful to be stretching them without the chains. A rush of energy filled her veins, the coldness of the mercury delighting her. A light chill shook through the wings, causing the feathers to muffle. Yet none fell from it and quavered as it alive.

"So then,"

She purred.

"Do you wish to be away from them?"

She smiled darkly. Yet it was light in humor and amusement. Even so, it was dark and lurid.

"Only a word is needed to change a flow."

Her voice was layered in silver. A warning tone and yet a luring tone. It was delightful and light as a lullaby and yet deadly as poison. A witch she was.

It was strange, no one in the cafe noticed her wings at all. They strayed from her on impulase, some old intinct keeping them away from her. The one wearing white was closer now. Only in mere few steps away from the door.

"The price of a freedom is the chains."

That didn’t sound too comforting at all. Cassiel’s eyes widened at the sight of the girl’s wings. So she was an exorcist… or at least a conformer of Innocence. The six wings were both beautiful and frightening and Cassiel couldn’t understand the chains. Did she mean those chains? Or was that just a metaphor of some type?

Whatever it was, now wasn’t the time to wonder about that. Out of the corner of his eye, Cassiel could see the Black Order member begin to open the door and he attempted to shrink away, scooting further and further away until his back was to the wall right behind the girl. It was then he noticed no one else seemed to notice her newly opened wings. If they did, they didn’t care. It wasn’t like sprouting a pair of red wings was an everyday thing, was it?

"Do you wish to be away from them?"

Cassiel nodded his head slowly. “Y-yes…?”

He really wasn’t sure. Who knew what this girl’s motive was for helping him. Maybe she didn’t even plan on helping him at all. Maybe she was just as bad as the men outside, maybe even worse. He looked up to her, studying her face. Her voice sounded sweet and made him want to go with her. He should trust that, right? Other than the eye patch, she looked like a normal girl with just a strange and gorgeous eye color (oh, and wings too).

“Make 'em g-go away.. o-or take me away. I don't c-care wh-which.”


((I'm writing this while dosed up on Nyquil. Forgive me if it's absolutely horrid. xD))

She laughed with delight. The chiming sound so charming in this place. She begin to giggle deviously as she wrote in the air. Her fingers left traces of white lines of spells on the air that touched the tips of her finger. The string of the spells were alive in the air as she released them.

The doorknob cried out loud as it turned.

The spells were set loose and a mist sprouted from it. The thickness of the mist probably would cause people who could see it feel claustrophobic. However only she and the one who has made the wish could see it. The mist was so thick, so deliciously sweet in smell. It chanted a silent lullaby that cause the eyes of the others mist as well. The once bright colors were dulled by the spell. Such a delightfully delinquent of a spell it was.

"Come along."

She said as she casually walked out of the door. Her touch should have alerted the other two entering, however it didn't. They were too drunk on the spell. They felt nothing of the touch as she walked, the mist trailing along with her and covering the outside.

The two from the organizations were having a perfectly reasonable questioning with the waitress and the other who did not see anything wrong. Yet in reality where they couldn't see, they were standing still inside. There was no words escaping from their mouths although they moved. They were fallen under the mist of the spell.

Cassiel watched curiously as the girl began tracing her fingers through the air, laughing like... well... someone he shouldn't be hanging around. What had he done? He was desperate to get away, yes... but what if this girl meant him harm? He shook his head and pushed those negative thoughts away, watching as a thick fog surrounded them. It was almost sickeningly sweet when he breathed in and he felt like he was almost choking.

"Come along..." He heard her say and watched in shock as she strode out the door as simple as that. No one cared. No one even seemed to take notice. He slowly and silently tip toed passed the waitress and two Black Order member, following the young girl out the door. He looked back to see the too still completely unaware of his (not so) grand escape. He was free! Well... almost. He was still a long way from being safe. If this girl's spell wore off or someone else came around, he'd be in trouble once again.

Cassiel turned back to the young woman who had helped him out and smiled meekly. "Th-thank you, signorina." He bowed his head slightly and then took one last glance at the little cafe. Maybe he should have left money on the table for the waitress. "Um... h-how did you do that anyway? Can you teach me?"

((Really crappy post, yay!))