The say that all you need to know of your life’s worth in the last few moments. You know, ‘my life flashed before my eyes’ or seeing a light in the end of a long tunnel. Not sure why that keeps going around for what I saw was neither my life or a light in a tunnel. Instead I was seeing more like a mass of swirling darkness with teeth. Guess ‘at the end of your life you’ll be devoured by a giant mouth’ doesn’t fly well with focus groups.
It took some effort but I managed to summon enough will to get myself out of Dr. Anderson’s office and almost at once felt my head clearing up. Not quite like getting my strength back but more of a haze lifting from my mind. If that… that thing was in there, that does not bode well of anyone of demonic blood. Speaking as a firsthand witness I can attest to that much.
I went back to angel receptionist back at the desk. “Yes sir? Did you find anything?” she asked in a very soft voice trying not to cause a scene. Got to give her points for trying to do good by her own self first at least. I nodded gravely and quickly explained my findings. As my tale went on I could see the fear and terror in her eyes widening.
“I think for now any appointments with this Dr. Anderson should be on hold, and redirect any demonic clients to another clinic. Do not speak of this to anyone, I will report it to the GC myself.” I spoke in a calm authoritative tone weaving my magic into my words. Her eyes began to glaze over a little and dull, her breathing slowing down just slightly. “I will leave now, in an hour or two you’ll not remember my face or name or clothing. Thank you for your time” I said snapping my fingers causing her to blink. Before she had a moment to try to recollect what just happened I was already gone.
The beauty of suggesting things to other beings like that is that the more they are stressed or panicked, the easier it is for them to fall under your spell. Not that I enjoy erasing myself from her mind like that, reducing myself to just a nebulous figment of déjà vu. But in my line of work loose ends are a liability, and if they know I was there then she could be a target. And that would be entirely unacceptable to me.
‘Paleon I got a task for you. Bring up all beings in our records with the last name of ‘Anderson’ and then cross reference that with the archives for any that is working in the medical field and a degree in Demonic Biology. I’ll remain grounded for now.’ I thought loudly for Paleon to hear. The rod in my hand grew warm as a note that Paleon gotten my message, followed by another one from him quickly. ‘Already on it boss, I’ll ring you when I got any more information.’
I looked around the surrounding block before heading into one of the various cafes we have here, Diabljoe. Demon ran coffee chain store, biggest in Rantoul to be exact. After that harrowing experience with the Demicatcher and the revelation that the Consortium might have their hooks into this, I need something to calm down. My mind is reeling a bit from all of this.
At this point you probably have questions on what exactly is the Consortium. In my personal experience with them, none good mind you, I can safely say this. If human mages were ever on a spectrum of good and evil, the Consortium will be all the way on the evil side and then fly off the spectrum for good measure. A group of humans who believe that humans alone should have the gift of magic, and forcibly take magic from others in horrific ways. The Demicatcher should give you a clue on how they work.
The interior of Diabljoe however is more of my style. Nicely lit with bright bulbs, a cardboard cutout of a miniature red devil holding a giant cup of mocha with a toothy grin, a faint spicy smell in the air, and black leather high chairs. Typical demon furnishing if that demon had a coffee addiction, not that I am any much better. I walked up to the barista to place my order for a french vanilla mocha the barista turned to me. A naga it seems, judging by the snake like lower body and the reptilian eyes.
“Welcome to Diabjoe what can I get for yo-” he stop part way towards the end before shaking slightly. “O-oh it’s you, my apologies didn’t expect to see someone of your stature here. Please what can I get for you?” he said his eyes gleaming brightly and a wide smile on his face, or at least as wide as a snake mouth can stretch it. When I placed my order the naga quickly punched in the price, three dollars and fourteen cents. Before I could even bring out my wallet he hit another button, dropping the price to a flat two dollars. “As my own thanks to you, for your hard work and giving our kind a good name.” he smiled before accepting my money and swirling back to make the drink.
Sometimes this job can drag on, but I won’t complain for the little bits of goodness I can squeeze here. A cheaper mocha is always good, especially when it helps calm the nerves. After I thanked the barista and enjoyed my drink I watched the outside world from behind the glass. A thousand different stories, some I may play a part some I’ll never be known in happening. It makes me feel a strange sense of nostalgia for some reason, pondering on the lives of others. A bad habit I suppose when Paleon’s rod began to glow hot.
I grabbed the rod to listen in on Paleon’s message. ‘Boss it’s me, we got it narrowed down. Dr. Jonathan Anderson, graduated at Arc Raph Medical University. Guy scored pretty well in a lot of his examines, no prior track record or warrants. Single it says, kept to himself mostly. No talent for magical skills recorded. His house is at 2920 St. Micky’s and 54th Ave. If I dig up anything else, Paleon out.’
Another trail has opened, and it's time to follow this lead. Hopefully whatever is on the other end will lead to a happy ending for most of the parties involved.
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