"Ah?!"
I found myself bound to an uncomfortable chair. The room was dim and cold. My face leaned to the side, and drool ran out of my mouth. It wasn't like I was sleeping, more like I was in a daze and finally came to.
"Eh, I hope nobody saw that."
I rubbed my mouth on my shoulder as I looked about. It was a dark room with grey walls and a single table in the middle. There was a one-way glass behind me and a door in front.
This room reminded me of my books again. It was certainly inspired by the design of human European civilization. It used to be called a precinct office interrogation room.
"Arrrg. I seriously hope nobody saw that."
My mind wasn't clear yet, and I could only think about people watching me foam at the mouth as I was in a strange daze.
"Where am I?"
The place where a suspect would be pushed around by two investigators. I kind of expected two men to come in. One being the nice guy and the other… not so much.
The door shook and burly man came through. With a stack of papers in hand, he approached and slapped them on the table.
"Alright you little fiery-haired punk, you're gonna talk!"
He was large, maybe around 6'5 or so, as he towered over me. His bald head shined in the dim light of the room. With a reddish nose, a brown mustache, a casual white shirt with a bright red tie, and pants that rode up around his big waist, he circled the table before sitting down.
"We have reported that you caused a lot of trouble, Missy. I have a lot of charges I can press on you."
The big man licked his finger before reading them off.
"Disturbing the peace, reckless endangerment, chase and pursuit of a minor…"
I lunged back.
"That barklight was no minor! She attempted to take my weapon!"
He scrunched up that cherry nose of his and turned away.
"I don't know, Missy. It ain't lookin' all that good for you, nope, sir, nope, sir. Jade told me to keep you until she came back."
I leaned back in my uncomfortable chair, regretting my life choices.
"This is why I need to grow my own tomatoes…"
I scorned my inability to be self-sufficient. My cravings got the best of me, and I went into town. Maxwell was right. I should have stayed alone, and none of this would have happened.
"Alright, that's enough, Halmote. I can handle it from here."
The beautiful Radiant named Jade walked in. Her long dark hair, reaching her hips, swayed from left to right as she made her way to me. At her command, the burly man walked out, shutting the door as he did.
"I want to start off by apologizing to you. I didn't mean to leave you there, but things had been hectic in the city."
I recalled what happened—that earthquake and explosion. There was a fire in the distance, and Jade ran off to help.
"Y-Yeah… I ran over there to find you… and this strange woman started interrogating me."
Confused, she looked at me.
"What are you talking about? I found you back where I left you. That explosion caused you to fall over, and you hit your head. I didn't have time to deal with you. So, I handcuffed you and took off."
"What?"
"When I came back, you were in a daze. I asked Halmote to look after you as I finished up my duties. It looked like you came out of it. I don't know what caused it, but…"
She bit her lip.
"I'll be honest, I don't care, Feodora. I have a job right now, and you are the person I need to chat with."
She sounded so matter of fact about it, but that's not what happened. I clearly remember running after her, but instead of saying anything else, I shook my head.
"Listen… I just came to town for groceries. This is a little much. If it's about that barklight, she stole from me and-"
With her hand, she stopped me.
"Look, you have a lot of charges facing you. These come from witnesses' accounts. I know about what happened. You don't have to worry about Lana Pasco."
She laid out a bunch of papers. Each was scribbled so terribly I couldn't tell what they even said. Apparently, Halmote wasn't too good at their job.
"Legally, I can hold you here for the foreseeable future and it's not even about that incident with you and Lana."
"Lana? Is that her name?"
I recalled her face—the bratty earth spectrum user who called her golem on me. Her name is Lana, it seemed. But the image of her vanished as everything in me wanted to just have those fried green tomatoes. My stomach began to growl.
"I just wanted to go home and make fried green tomatoes…"
I complained.
"But I don't think that would benefit either of us, now would it, Feodora? If I just locked, you in here and threw away the key."
"I don't think so."
I pondered.
"Could I be in solitary confinement if you do?"
"No, you'll be in a cell with three roommates at the very least."
My heart sank into my stomach.
"Here's the true reason I brought you in here."
Jade continued writing for a moment before continuing.
"You are a user of the dark spectrum, aren't you?"
I grit my teeth as I look her in the eye.
"What about it?"
"You know how extraordinarily rare that is? Anyone who is born to use the spectrum drifts toward one element. Most of us are born with the highest ability of fire, water, earth, and wind."
I kicked the ground as she went on…
"Fewer than one percent is born with the compatibility to use dark or light. That means you are special, and I shouldn't have to tell you that, right, Feodora?"
I turned away as she pierced my eyes with her fearsome gaze. I couldn't deny that she was beautiful, but she was also a little scary.
"How long have you lived around here, Feodora?"
"I traveled from a forest around ten days' time or so. I arrived here a few months ago. I set up a cabin on the outskirts of the city. Today was the first time I entered here, and I regret that."
People are stressful to deal with. There was a reason why I never associated with them much. I concluded that if I got out of here, I would never come back.
"So, you're a hermit, Feodora Cicer?"
"H-Hermit? That's a cold word to associate with. I'm not a hermit."
"But you just told me you live on the town's outskirts. You prefer to be alone and away from people too. That's the definition of a hermit."
"Can you drop the hermit thing, please, Jade?"
"No, I'm writing it down into your records. It might be important for later."
As it would turn out, I was now Feodora Cicer, the hermit girl. My body slumped all the more.
"Hey, fix your posture. Kids these days."
I did as I was told and sat up properly. After a moment of writing, Jade looked back up at me.
"Listen, from my conclusion, I can't let you leave today."
"Why?"
"You fit the profile of a person I'm looking for in an ongoing investigation."
"Profile?"
She pointed at me and listed what was on the paper before her.
"The person I'm looking for is likely young, a recluse, a user of the dark arts or dark spectrum at its highest caliber. They are a dark vessel…"
"You're looking for a dark spectrum user a dark vessel?"
She nodded.
"Yes, someone who has birth-level capabilities. Someone who was born with a line attracted to the dark spectrum. Someone just like you, Feodora Cicer."
My mouth jawed. The only person I knew was Maxwell, who was like me. But now someone else around this city could be like me?
"Well, it's not me."
"You are my prime suspect in a string of missing people investigation now."
"What?"
"You're the likely culprit, and I have no intention of letting you go as of now."
She leaned back in her seat.
"However, I can let you walk today if you help me with something important, Feodora."
I was on edge as her stone face Jade had a slight smirk. It seemed this was her true purpose all along.
"What do you mean?"
I asked warily. Jade crossed her arms and leaned in closer.
"I've been at a standstill in this case because I don't have someone reliable who is privy to the dark spectrum."
I didn't like where this was going. I went on the defensive as I turned away.
"What do you want from me?"
"As I said, there's been a string of disappearances around this city. The only things that turn up are these symbols."
She looked in her stack of papers and slid a picture across. I instantly knew what this was—a symbol of the dark arts. This symbol swung in a strange arrow pointing to the right.
"What does this symbol mean, Feodora Cicer?"
I knew exactly what this symbol meant.
"This is the symbol of [S]ubjagation."
This was the symbol of subjugation, and it entailed that someone was being used as a slave by a dark vessel user. If this symbol was found by Jade, this knight, then the person they are looking for is likely being used as a tool and nothing more.
I looked up and caught the knight analyzing my expression. I carelessly showed on my face that I knew more than I first said.
"You know something don't you, Feodora Cicer?"
I shook my head.
"No, it's not that. I've seen this symbol before. It's prevalent in my dreams."
I recalled the teachings of my mentor. The dark arts are illegal, and using ones like [P]ossession and [N]ecromancy will likely lead to me being executed for crimes against the spectrum humanity. I had to be careful in trusting my knowledge to someone like her.
"So, what do you know about it, Feodora Cicer? This was left at my crime scene, and if you're holding out information, I have every right to keep you here for further interrogation."
The knight was relentless, and the longer I stayed here, the less pull I would have. I had to play my words carefully to walk out of this place today.
"The dark arts are passed down from dark vessel to dark vessel."
I began my explanation to Jade Opal. Despite my hesitation.
"Yes, I've heard that to be the case."
I leaned back.
"First off, I want you to know that I am not a part of whatever is happening here. If you choose not to believe me, I won't tell you anything more."
I was firm. Knowing this subject gave me the power I needed in this discussion. It was clear to me that Jade was at a loss in her investigation and that I would be the only person who had the knowledge to push it forwards. The knight grunted, and it made me believe that she knew what position she was in.
I held power in this interrogation. I just needed confidence to show her that. But despite that, Jade tried her best to come back with a rebuttal.
"Anyone would assume that the culprit behind these disappearances is someone of the dark spectrum… in other words…"
"Someone like me?"
I blurted out, but instantly, I regretted it.
"Listen, Feodora. There aren't too many dark vessels in this world. The few I've known passed away years ago. Many… aren't around anymore. But what I do know is that if you were on this case, you might be able to solve why these people go missing… unless you're the culprit, that is."
"And if I refuse?"
"I lock you up under the pretense that you might be associated with this whole ordeal. Even if another incident occurs… I can't be certain that you're innocent."
I called her bluff.
"Then lock me up."
Jade looked surprised as her iced expression thawed. I put her on her back foot. Without me, her investigation would come to a stall. Because I had the knowledge she needed, I'm sure Jade knew locking me up would be the worst thing possible.
"Hehe…"
Jade smiled and even giggled. It threw me off because she didn't look like the type to do that.
"You're in here with handcuffs and the prospect of being tossed into a cell and you still hold the confidence to threaten me?"
"…"
I decided to shut up.
It was clear to me that Jade needed this. I became the key that would open the doors for her. That's where my confidence came from.
"Fine."
Jade said as she reached over the table. My handcuffs shattered as she released her spell from me.
"As a sign of good faith, I have no intention to put you in jail, Feodora… as long as you help me understand what's going on here."
I felt my wrists. They had light burns from the spell, but this was a sign of good faith, as she proposed. Jade leaned back in her seat, showing me that she wasn't as guarded as before.
"What if I leave?"
I asked.
"If you leave and another person goes missing, I will put you on the most wanted list, and we will find you. However, if you are telling me the truth and you aren't a part of this entire missing person case, what would it hurt if you told me what you knew?"
I pondered for a bit. Giving up my leverage was a price I would have to take for my freedom.
"If you want me to consult with you on this matter then I want to be paid for it."
I laid out my demands. The knight smiled again, to my surprise.
"Huh, I didn't expect you to try and grift me. Give me information, so I know you're not bullshitting me, Feodora Cicer."
I thought about that symbol on the table as I explained the true meaning behind it to her.
"The symbol of subjugation is an arrow pointing forwards. It means: No matter, I will go forward. It is an order for the slave to follow thy will until death."
I repeated my teachings from Maxwell.
"Subjugation?"
Jade asked.
"This means a dark vessel laid this trap out for a victim. They stepped on it and were caught. As long as the dark vessel allows, the victim is their slave going forward."
The knight bit her lip.
"And how many slaves can one dark vessel user have, Feodora Cicer?"
"Honestly, as many as they want."
I could see the discomfort in her body language. She adjusted her seat and sat tall.
"Explain how that would be possible. Isn't there a limit on how much the spell weighs on the dark vessel?"
I shook my head.
"The symbol of subjugation doesn't feed off the dark vessel. It feeds off of the host. The spell tricks the host to obey the commands of the dark vessel by using their own spectrum lines."
I put a finger on my lip.
"For example, If I gave you the command to "run," you can choose to run or not. It is always your choice to decide what you want to do and not do. But this symbol overrides your will to say no. You are using your own energy to fulfill what I want you to do. That's why it's called "subjugation."
Jade clicked her tongue.
"And how far can those commands go?"
"I could tell you to kill yourself, Jade, and you wouldn't bat an eye and just do it."
The knight closed her eyes and repeated my previous words.
"No matter, I will go forward. It is an order for the slave to follow thy will until death."
The knight clicked her tongue.
"What… a dangerous spell. And there's the chance that a lot of people have fallen victim to it already."
The knight looked at me. Any playful banter she had in her was gone entirely. It seemed the severity of the symbol had erased all lightheartedness.
"Firstly, I want to apologize for how I treated you when we first met."
I didn't expect this, but I didn't say anything either.
"Secondly, I ask that you consult with us going forward. Knowing the dangers of this spell, I think you can understand why I would have to put you in prison if you fail to comply. For the safety of the people in Radiant City."
I understood her plight, but I had my own needs as well.
"Are you going to pay me for my service then?"
I asked, a tad coldly.
"I'll figure out a pay scale for you, Feodora Cicer."
"For the return of my freedom… I'll help you out for the time being. But I want to make sure you know that this is temporary and just until this case is concluded.
She nodded.
"Alright, I will write up a statement and put you as a consultant on this case. In return, I'll allow you to return home once your duties are finished."
She glared at me.
"But if you fail to show up at the appointed time, I will be forced to send knights to apprehend you. You will be charged with failing to appear, and I'll lock you up just as I pointed out before."
I called her bluff further.
"Yeah, I don't think so. You need me more than I need you, Jade Opal. I'm sure you can wait if I'm a little late."
Jade once again crossed her arms and smirked.
"You really are testing my patients. You're going to be an interesting asset if anything, Feodora Cicer."
The knight groaned in frustration. I think I just stabbed her in the side with my honesty. But in an odd way, I think Jade was enjoying my kickback
"Hm, you may be the key to victory."
Jade murmured.
"What did you say?"
I asked. But Jade just shook her head.
"Time will tell. For now, I'm relying on your knowledge."
If I was going to be a part of this, I would have to make sure she knew that I was in control of the knowledge she needed.
Even if I don't actually know all about the dark arts symbols, she didn't know that, and it needed to stay that way. I had the upper hand in this interrogation, and I wasn't going to allow Jade to have dominion over what I do.
"Alright then, tomorrow I have a scene for you to investigate with me. I expect you to be back here by 9:00AM in the morning. We'll meet outside Radiant City Brewery. It's a pleasure working with you, Feodora Cicer."
The knight reached out her hand and I accepted it. It felt like this knight gained at least a bit more respect for me and realized she couldn't treat me like a dog to do her bidding.
"Yeah, you as well, Jade Opal."
I stood up and made my way to the door. In a way, I felt empowered that I was needed for this knight. Jade had little to no pull on me because she needed me.
And this would solve my money problems for the time being. But I certainly wouldn't want to do this all the time. My goal is to live alone on the city's outskirts as Maxwell asked me to. I had no intention of making friends with the knights here.
"Oh, Feodora…"
"Huh?"
I turned back to her and met that charming smile of hers.
"Avoid the east gates of the city, please. I want you back tomorrow in one piece."
Her warning felt so ominous. I had no intention of going over there, but the fact of the matter is every place in this city felt dangerous. I mean, a girl can't even go to buy tomatoes without being hauled to jail like this.
"She's scary… but really pretty."
I could never say that to Jade's face though.
When I stepped outside the interrogation room, I was guided to the main entrance by a knight who gave me my weapon back.
"Hey, so that bombing earlier that was something else, wasn't it?"
To the side of me, two knights were discussing that bombing earlier in the day. I recalled that time, it happened suddenly, and I fell to the ground. Jade told me that I passed out in a daze, but I clearly remember making my way towards it to find her.
At least that all felt real enough. And that strange girl with dark blue hair and a gun. She interrogated me casting that spell.
"Hmm was that all a strange dream?"
I pondered.
"But I only have night terrors…"
I concluded, unsure what all that was about. I still had no idea what happened. But one thing is certain, there was a bombing, and they seemed to have got it under control.
"Well anyway, just keep your eyes peeled. We can't have a psycho going around bombing places. It'll only make it look like the knights can't keep order."
Not wanting to be questioned by them, I decided to take what I heard and make my way to the west gates. Jade warned me not to approach the east gates. I'm not sure why, but I'll take her word for it. The less I have to deal with people, the better.
"I still want fried green tomatoes."
Dejected, I made my way home hungry.