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Soul's Requiem: B1 - 16. Setting The Mood
🕑 Added 2021-11-25 08:55:48 +0000 UTCNote: For some reason, I pasted TO's latest chapter into here!?!?! When?!?! I just fixed it. Sorry D=
1: Clover Emberfield
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“Interesting, so not even the great Clover Emberfield could handle the Cardinal Beasts without sustaining damage. [data lost]. Yes, I understand, she’s still recovering, Hazel. No need to get defensive. How is the [data lost]? Hmm. Aging? Impossible…” - Samuel, New Hope Settlement General, The Lost Diaries, Vol. IV.
Clover leaned forward to stare at the wooden table, chin resting on her steepled fingers; Tamara had left a good two minutes ago, but their meeting still echoed through Clover’s mind. The psychic seemed to have a long history with Tyler, and the successful banker had excluded something important to the masked woman that severely damaged their relationship.
I went from world problems confusing me to interpersonal relationships… Great.
Rising to her feet, Clover brushed back her still-wet silver hair, studying the exit Tamara had taken. There were a lot of questions she missed that flooded her brain after Tamara left, but there weren’t any do-overs; she’d have to bring them up to Tyler and see if he had anything to add to her plate.
Her vision wandered to her outfit, completely dry, unlike the rest of her slick skin from the storm outside, and she took a deep breath before letting it stream through her nose.
It’s worth a shot.
Desiring for her clothes to be removed and draped over her arm, she was a tad surprised when the cobalt and royal-purple aura cloaked her frame, transferring them to the place she wanted. On the other hand, her full lips fell upon seeing her naked body.
It appeared that wishing to swap outfits and simply wanting to remove her Spirit Armament were two different things; it was fortunate she’d tested it out in private. Another desire brought her gray cotton dress back; it returned as a swirl of teal and purple, veiling her skin instead of materializing around her as a vortex.
These clothes aren’t made of Spirit Force like the stuff Tamara crafts, so I’m layering my Spirit and Void Force over them. It’s more like I’m wearing a cloak over the outfit than sending it away to some void space… however it’s stored. Good to know. Does that mean if I get hurt enough, it will bypass the cloak and damage my normal clothes?
Filing the thought away, Clover returned to the room she’d entered from and took note of the area before walking to Yumi, but the old man behind the counter stopped her; Clover glanced down at the clean rag he’d produced from under the bar, offering it to her with a small smile.
“Thank you,” Clover said, taking it and shifting her clothes to the counter to pull her damp hair around and pat it down with the rest of her exposed skin; the elderly man didn’t say a word, and she was beginning to think he might not be able to speak.
He accepted the item back, placing it in a dirty hamper in a corner compartment before his focus returned to the TV, showing some kind of news feed as a reporter stood out in the rain; the volume was off, but subtitles went across the bottom of the screen.
Leaving him to his own devices, Clover threw back her hair and took the clothing to Yumi; Parker followed her path with his eyes, waving at her as Ronan and he played pool in the back right half of the room.
The fire-headed boy was totally concentrated on the balls in front of him—by the looks of things, he wasn’t performing that well—and Clover suspected he’d made some kind of bet with the Trade Union man.
Yumi jumped when she casually set her outfit on the table in front of her, complete with the thigh-high boots, top, tight pants, gloves, belt, and all.
“Here you go,” Clover smiled, speaking softly. “Did you want to look at the outfit, too? To be honest, I’d like some kind of overcoat over anything else.”
“Oh?” Yumi hummed, somehow controlling the gravity of the table to bring the items into the air. “Fascinating… Actually, it does have a coat.”
Eyebrows furrowing as her gaze drifted to the floating garments, she waited for the girl to explain because, so far as she could see, there wasn’t anything of the kind.
“Do you see these rips?” she asked, directing her attention to the skin-tight leggings and sleeveless leather-like top.
“Mhm?”
“Well, your Spirit Armament—how do I say this?” she whispered, folding her arms as her eyes traced certain parts of the outfit; letters Clover couldn’t understand flashed across the glowing air.
“Mmh. Your… Spirit Force is damaged, and your Void Force seems surprisingly weak compared to what it should be. It’s like I’m looking at a picture that’s all torn up, but you certainly have a jacket…”
Clover tucked her lower lip under as Yumi waved her hand across a section in the air, making a holographic display of a fitted white and gold half-cut overcoat materialize. It certainly was in a stylish formal nobility design but had a slightly more militaristic theme than she was accustomed to wearing.
“Hmm… It is lovely,” she whispered and swallowed a lump in her throat, “but Yumi… what do you mean by that comparison… Can I recover?”
Yumi’s features brightened, trying to look confident. “As far as I’m aware, this isn’t unheard of—in fact, a lot of Class-6’s and even Shane had similar experiences at first. Although, I don’t think it was this bad for them,” she added, pushing her glasses up to stare at the items. “There’s also some… Mmh, how do I describe it… I—uh, hmm…”
She took a minute to gather her thoughts, spinning the objects around to study each of them before pointing at the Viper Blade.
“From what I can tell, there’s some resistance between your Void and Spirit Force that is causing your recovery to be slower and… your power is working against itself—although, heh, I’m no medical specialist, so I can’t tell you anything about your body! No, this is just what I’m getting from the types of forces in your Spirit Armament…”
Clover and Yumi’s focus snapped to Ronan as he hissed a low growl, his back still to them as Parker made a sharp smack of his stick against a ball that sank two into separate holes. “You gotta be kiddin’ me! I swear, you’re hustlin’, Parker—best two out of three!”
“I’m game,” he shrugged, giving them a small smirk and shrug. “Nothin’ much for me to do right now anyway.”
“Yeah, okay, whatever…” Ronan huffed, taking out the balls to set them up. “Oh, when did Clove get out… Is Tamara done?” he asked, his vision scanning the nearly empty room.
Clover shook her head. “She went further into the building.”
“Shoot,” he grumbled, glaring at the wall. “She’ll be gone for like an hour… Guess that means I can win big, huh?” the boy asked, grinning at the purple-eyed man.
“Sure,” Parker shrugged, playing with the shell rocks around his neck. “You won last time, remember?”
“That’s what I’m saying! You’re so much better now, though… Rosa,” he whispered a curse in frustration, almost soft enough that Clover missed it; it was ironic that a half-rassi would use a Skydream swear word.
Yumi cleared her throat, bringing Clover back to their conversation. “Anyway, umm, hmm… You see, this is your base Spirit Armament that reflects the state of your, uh, inner-self, I guess you could call it. If I design a set around it, then it will be like your spirit is wearing the items I craft—providing power to it like a suit.”
She held out a hand for a see-through umbrella to shimmer into existence; it wasn’t plastic but seemed to be made of some kind of bubble—liquid almost.
Suspending it in the air beside Clover’s boots, she pointed at the closed item. “Stuff like this doesn’t use a Core Flux that grants it specific properties. It’s cool and has some innate, weak affixes that allow it to repel water, but without the Core Flux, it doesn’t matter even if a spirit user floods it with energy to power it—nothing will happen.”
A small smile lifted her lips. “Eh-heh, well, that’s not entirely true… It might just shatter like iron when hit really hard by something—it just can’t absorb it. To add different effects to objects that your energy can activate, it needs to be designed a specific way, but that also depends on the spirit user’s own power.”
Clover slowly nodded. “I think I understand what you’re trying to tell me… If I’m too weak, and you use powerful materials, I wouldn’t be able to power it, but I guess if Shane tried to use a Class-4 grade Spirit Weapon, he’d destroy it because it can’t handle the pressure.”
Yumi sighed, rubbing under her left eye. “Sadly. Which is why these kinds of things are complicated to mass produce or to make last for an extended period of time—especially if the spirit user is still growing or recovering.”
She turned to give the umbrella a sad look. “Imagine being in an intense battle and you suddenly grow too strong for the weapon someone designed for you, and it just shatters—it’s why I try to focus on durability and flexibility over just pure damage. I want the spirit user to have a Soul Weapon or Soul Armor that can take a sudden spike in Spirit Force just in case that happens, which can lessen the overall attributes it can be given.”
“I like that,” Clover smiled, happy she’d met the girl. “Although, maybe if we get enough materials, it would be good to have multiple weapons for various purposes. I might need that extra firepower in a tough fight, even if it could break—to beat that transevil—I’d need to have a weapon that’s pushed to its limit.”
“Right!” Yumi nodded, eyes lighting up with excitement. “The hard part is really tuning a weapon—Ronan’s job—and if you spent a ton of resources on it for it only to break, it can be pretty disheartening, but that’s why I always focus on having at least one stable set for my clients.
“My first priority is for their overall safety—hehe, a dead patron is not a returning one, obviously… Uh, this means I need to make sure they’ll always have a weapon and armor to fall back on—raw power isn’t everything!”
Clover knew that all too well, given her finesse style. “So… would you mind waiting a bit longer to make my first weapon and armor?”
“Oh? Planning on finding rare resources soon?” Yumi asked, gripping her elbow behind her back.
Shaking her head, Clover eyed the Viper Blade. “It’s not that… I just need to do something that will probably increase my strength, and after what you just told me…”
“Ah! Got it! Got it!” Yumi grinned. “Your Soul-Spirit. Mhm, I almost forgot about that… Umm, yeah, in fact, that could be why your Spirit Force looks so damaged,” she whispered, shooting an inquisitive stare at the ripped pants. “I still need some time to study how your Void and Spirit Force interact because it’s almost like… water and oil trying to mix, and somehow… Well, it’s doing it, but it’s really weird and slow.”
Not wanting to fill her brain with any more rules and conditions at the moment, Clover dismissed it with a wave of her hand. “Give me the rundown when you finish going through it; I don’t plan to go running off today, and I need to see Tyler next…”
“Yo!” Ronan’s head darted up from his game. “If you’re gonna see Tyler, ask him if I can borrow a bit of money; I’m running low—he knows I’m good for it!”
Parker popped his tongue, head tilting to the left. “Boy, ask the man yourself. Don’t be throwin’ more junk on Clover—the lass has got it hard as it is tryin’ ta keep up with this mess.”
“It’s just asking about some funds,” Ronan grumbled. “Oh, check out this shot!”
Clover gave Parker a thankful smile as he gave her a casual two-fingered salute, distracting the half-rassi again.
“Oh, by the way,” Yumi plucked the umbrella out of the air to hand it to Clover, “I wanted to give you this as a gift!”
“Yumi…” Clover whispered, adding a soft smile while accepting the item. “Are you sure? I can pay you back later.”
“Nuh-uh!” The short, black-haired girl’s locks shifted across her shoulders as she shook her head. “I know Tamara likes to keep everything between her and everyone kind of business-like for the first while, but I don’t mind being friends. It isn’t that expensive to make anyway—heh, it’s just a cool umbrella you can store.”
Trying it out, Clover desired for it to enter her private locker, and it vanished in turquoise and violet colors, making Yumi hum with interest.
“The dual hues are so cool… I look forward to getting to know you better!”
Clover reached out to take Yumi’s extended hand, shaking it. “Me as well.”
“It’s fun for me!” Yumi replied, shaking her head. “You’ve given me a new puzzle to work out, and I love puzzles! Uh, okay, don’t hesitate to call if you want to chat.”
Heading for the exit, Clover focused on Ronan and Parker. “Anything the two of you need before I go?”
“Naa, get outta here and have some time to yourself—unwind a little,” Parker shot back, pulling the blustering half-rassi into a one-armed hug. “We’ll be here chillin’.”
Nodding, she left the gang, only opening the door wide enough to slip through so no one could see Ronan’s flaming hair. The room of criminals hushed as she walked toward the exit; obviously, being in a new outfit drew speculation and mutters from the tenets and patrons alike, but it wasn’t worth Clover’s attention.
Not a soul stopped her from leaving the establishment, and as she drew closer to the final door, the patterning of heavy rainfall caught her notice again.
The guard’s focus fixated on her umbrella as she made it appear from thin air, causing his jaw to slacken. Sliding her hand down the shaft, she watched in fascination while the cool surface of the bubble left a slick sensation against her hand; it expanded to drape over her, and she stepped out into the downpour.
A crisp smell filled her nose, filtering out the smoke, sex, and drugs from the business she’d left, and a short boom rolled across the purple-stained sky. She stood still for a time, letting the calming sounds of nature ease her tight muscles.
Her vision lifted to watch the water slide down her transparent umbrella; it was unusual to see the violet tinge against the morning’s discolored rays that managed to penetrate the dark clouds overhead.
Clover rested the shaft against her shoulder and held her left hand against her breast, feeling the gentle thumps of her heart; it had been a while since she’d been able to enjoy the rain and just relax. Thunderstorms were her favorite kind of weather; there was something soothing about the consistent tapping sound the falling water made and the rumble of the heavens.
The liquid ricocheted off the sidewalk to send light sprays that hit her shins, and the Great Void’s continuous gale sent a chilled wind to press her gray dress against her legs; this was the peace she had craved for so long.
A small reverberation escaped her throat as she realized the emotions swelling within her chest; this moment was so much more impactful to her than she would have first thought.
Taking her first step to the alleyway, Clover let the sublime climate purify her psyche. Every step and pure breath she took sent a tingling wave through her veins; it was as if she hadn’t experienced this in eternity.
Most people had cleared the streets, but there was still a healthy amount of citizens going about their business, old umbrellas in hand. She wandered the town, allowing her mind to be cleansed of thoughts to just enjoy the experience.
The storm drains along the city were surprisingly well-maintained, drinking in the water that blanketed the area, and Clover’s gaze drifted between various dogs or cats that had taken cover under porches, abandoned buildings, and empty crates.
A gentle gust tickled her legs as she walked, slowly returning to the more populated part of Hollow Veil. Trucks and cars were a bit more common, mostly hauling trash or other items to the outer wall or in for new residents; there wasn’t a lack of old-world goods to be scavenged and sold.
She caught a lot more commercial vehicles making their presence known as the hour went on, carrying produce and other dried goods brought to restock stores. Even in a heavy thunderstorm, people had to work to live in this post-apocalyptic world.
Not getting directions to give herself more breathing room to roam, Clover took the next hour and forty minutes to herself, wandering through the town until spotting the large, well-maintained ten-story building with the name Eclipse Bank from an alleyway.
Taking her time to navigate the block to reach her destination, she noticed school girls in the area and figured she was close to Main Street; by the sign numbers and what she knew about the grid system, she was reaching the entrance to the southwestern district.
Clover went through the first and second doors before putting away her umbrella; the water that had stuck to it instantly fell to the floor, leaving a small puddle that caused her to frown. Well, I didn’t mean to cause a slipping hazard…
The flare of color caused a small commotion, but one of the male bank associates from inside a nearby office was the first to rush out to greet her. “Clover, I assume?”
His neat blond hair was crafted with care, and his suit made it clear this establishment was far higher class than most everywhere else in Hollow Veil; of course, that could be drawn by the pristine environment and the black dresses the women wore behind the counter. Even the patrons appeared to be of higher standing, given their accessories, despite their gray attire.
Giving the tall man a quick nod, he led her toward some elevators; a few very muscular security guards watched him escort her to the area, whispering into their radios.
For a post-apocalyptic world, things have certainly taken a drastic turn after their heroes pushed back the tide… Markets and corporations are making their return. Eclipse Banking is a prime example of using the state of things to consolidate power.
She didn’t exchange any words, taking in the treatment as the sound of nature faded away. They rose through the floors to the top, the man using an ID card to unlock the security protocols.
Clover caught sight of the position the man held, Associate Branch Director Smith, shifting her eyes to the steel doors to watch the number beside them glow as they continued to rise.
Tyler sent an associate branch director to wait for me. Surely he knew I’d catch it… Is there a meaning behind it or not? He’s not nervous in the least and not annoyed I took so long to show up… There’s interest in his scent. I suppose I am a hot topic…
Her full lips drew in upon instinctively recognizing the hormones he produced. I’m certainly pretty enough to draw men’s notice, it seems.
Following Smith across the wide hallway after the elevator opened, she heard various major phone calls and meetings happening in the few rooms on the floor. After unlocking the door with his ID, Smith bowed his head slightly, opened it, and gestured for her to enter.
Clover’s gaze lingered on him as she proceeded. The world collapses, people are given an inch by the blood of spirit users, and humanity takes a mile. I suppose there’s a reason why I’m such a big deal after most of them vanished… The enemies are gathering their armies, and humanity needs a new hammer to beat them back.
He shut it behind her, and Clover’s focus settled on the tall, well-built man that stood at a large window, staring down at Hollow Veil as the curtain of tinted water obscured most of the town. “Clover, I tracked your progress through the streets as you drew near…”
Tyler partially turned to give her a half-smile, hands clasped behind his back. “You took your time. Heavy thoughts?”
“The opposite,” she said, moving to his side to look down at the streets.
Given her hyper-sensitive senses and excellent sight, she could see various individuals going about their business, unaware they were being studied from a high vantage point; they had a full view of the center and east districts.
“Hmm.”
An ensuing silence took over as they listened to the pattering rain that slid down the side of the glass. The purple heavens drew her vision as time went on, and just barely, from the corner of the large glass window, she could see a sliver of the Great Void.
Minutes passed, but all Clover could sense from Tyler was a profound sense of solemnness; he was wrestling with something. Clover kept a loose posture as she took the time to relax in the thunderstorm.
“Don’t you have any questions?”
Not looking at the man, Clover released a low rumble in her throat that matched the thunder. “Plenty… I simply don’t know where to start.”
“Heh…” Tyler smirked, eyes drifting to the weeping sky. “You and I both, it seems. Hmm… In short, I… think I need your help, Clover. You’ve, hmm, backed me into a corner. So, I’ll cut to the chase…”
Keeping her passive expression, her seafoam serpent eyes tilted toward the man, allowing him to continue without interruption; if he was going to start, she’d let him show his cards first.
A low roar shook the heavens as a flash streaked not too far away, but they ignored the phenomenon; Tyler’s mouth had fallen with his eyebrows. “I need you to take a flash drive and extract some information for me from a covert Marcov facility. Do that for me, and I’ll give you what you want: the data on what they did to your operator.”
Clover couldn’t help but swallow the lump that appeared in her throat. “How did you determine that was what I wanted?”
He shifted to face her, sharp hazel eyes cool and collected. “I have informants everywhere… Money makes the world go ‘round, and I have a lot of it.”
You own the bank… Clover dryly thought. “That’s not everything I want.”
“I can accept that,” he returned. “As I said, you’ve backed me into a corner… I can’t rely on Tamara anymore. So, unwittingly, you’ve forced me into a desperate position. What do you want?”
Clover’s eyes narrowed. “Answers… training. I want to become stronger, and you likely have the means to give me the clarity I need. Tamara gives me tools; can you help me learn how to properly use those tools?”
He turned to study the storm for a moment, searching for something in the purifying gloom. “Training and answers… I can provide you an explanation as to what motivates me, and if you are satisfied, we can do business. I’m sure Parker told you about various tasks you could be hired for… I need a partner. Will you hear me out?”
She acknowledged the question by walking a few feet away to sit in one of the brown leather armchairs, adjusting her dress, and crossing her legs. “I’m listening.”
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