Juliet stepped out of the elevator with a satisfied smile. She had fun torment–teasing Rose, though remembering the chatterbox, she knew rumors of her...'taste' were definitely going to fly around the entire building by morning.
'Whatever. Price to pay for a little fun. And it'll keep some troublemakers away.'
She sighed.
Juliet had no idea just how much rumors could twist a person, or torment them. Being so unsocial until now, she didn't realize she'd just dug her own grave.
'Alright. Time to work.'
Her face, as usual, was calm, composed, detached. But inside, her mind was already running through the details of today's schedule: reports, preparations for the trafficking investigation. She had work to do, and she hated wasting time.
Which was why she was annoyed when she saw a man standing awkwardly near her office door, shifting from one foot to the other as if debating whether to flee or approach.
"Master Jet!"
'Am I about to be… confessed to?'
Juliet stopped. The voice was too loud, too desperate.
She was feeling strangely giddy — she might just give out her first rejection.
'Hmph. I've been feeling too much these days. Avi has really rubbed off on me...hopefully in a positive way.'
The man rushed forward, almost tripping on his own feet. His dyed blond hair was slicked back, though a few strands rebelled. Brown eyes flickered nervously over her. He looked early thirties, wearing the standard Government uniform, his dark coat crooked at the collar. His cheeks were already red.
"Master Liam," Juliet said flatly.
"Yes! Yes, it's me. Liam." He laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "Sorry to bother you so early. I was actually… uh, waiting for you. For a while. Not in a creepy way! Just… waiting."
Juliet blinked once, then resumed walking into her office. "If you have something to say, then say it."
He stumbled after her. "Right. Of course. Well, I heard—you're looking into the trafficking case? Outskirts, lots of disappearances, rumors about organized groups?"
If she was disappointed, she didn't show it.
Her eyes cut toward him, sharp as a blade. "How do you know about that?"
Liam gulped, fumbling with the satchel slung over his shoulder. After nearly dropping it twice, he pulled out a thick folder and held it up like a shield. "Because I've been on the case for months. I've collected files, site photographs, some witness notes… not much got past me. I, uh, wanted to show you."
Inside were photos, typed reports, handwritten notes. Some pages smudged with ash and dirt. Juliet scanned them with quick, precise eyes.
"But, ah… there's something troublesome going on."
The first image: a row of burned houses on the outskirts. The second: a crude mark drawn in black paint, angular and jagged, scrawled on a collapsed wall. Beneath it, a scrawl: Pedestal Holder?
Juliet's eyes narrowed. "So it's confirmed."
"Yes." Liam nodded, suddenly serious. "The disappearances are too systematic. They don't leave traces. This is organized crime. And since it's the outskirts… nobody pays attention."
He took a breath. "There are nine of them. Nine leaders who control everything: transport, storage, finance, security. They call themselves the Pedestals. The organization itself is called… Ashen Ground."
He listed the names.
Igor, the pit boss.
Irina, his strategist sister.
Kenji, the assassin.
Nam-il, the info-broker.
Choden, the camp overseer.
Ravi, the tactician.
Mikhail, the smuggler.
Lana, the launderer.
and the most mysterious Dante, called Phantom. His work is unknown.
"That's all I've got," Liam admitted. "Names. Rumors. Some of them might even be Awakened, with aspects built perfectly for...this."
Juliet closed the folder, lips pressed thin. "And what do you expect me to do with this?"
"Work with me," he blurted.
She stared.
"I've been stuck chasing shadows, and you… well, you're you. Together we might break them. Alone I'm just—" He faltered. "Alone I'm not enough."
Juliet studied him. Awkward posture. Clumsy words. But his eyes — nervous though they were — burned with determination.
She said nothing.
Liam shifted, flushing deeper. "…Also, I thought if I brought you this file, maybe you'd finally see me as—uh, never mind."
Juliet raised a brow. "As what?"
"Nothing!" He panicked. "Forget it."
She brushed past him toward the elevators. "Fine. You have more details in your office? Let's go."
"Y-yes! Of course! Right away!"
He nearly dropped the folder again rushing after her.
***
Cassie slumped against Sunny, her breath ragged, sweat dripping down her face — but a bright smile stretched across her lips.
Leaning behind her, Sunny was just as exhausted, but relaxed in a way he hadn't felt in ages.
They'd done it.
Finally.
Yes! Sunny and Cassie had done it!
They landed a hit on Nephis.
…
'Wait. Why did that sound wrong?' Sunny mused, too tired to chase the thought.
It had been two weeks since Cassie regained her confidence. Just the next day, Juliet had gotten them new Memories. What followed could only be described as Nephis rag-dolling and torturing both him and Cassie in the name of training.
Everyday. From dawn to dusk.
Worst part? Sunny was sure the seemingly emotionless wench was enjoying herself.
"What are the two of you so happy about?" Nephis said coolly. "One hit. I could've killed you a hundred times by now."
Sunny grit his teeth. She looked calm, but he swore she was smug, he just can't prove it yet.
Does she really feel joy crushing us ants? And yet acts like some goddess of humanity… looking down on us poor blokes for daring to fight back…
***
Back at HQ, Juliet and Liam entered the elevator. Liam muttered softly, "I lost friends on this case. I can't let it go."
Juliet gave the faintest nod. For once, her eyes softened.
The doors chimed open. She walked out without a word. Liam sagged, then hurried after her.
The investigation had begun.
***
A dim room. Cracked walls, damp with mold. Hard-packed dirt floor.
Two young girls, no older than ten, sat huddled in the corner. Hana clutched a ragged doll. Hina traced shapes in the dirt.
Around them, muffled sobs and coughs echoed from other children crammed inside.
Some cried from starvation, some were beaten.
And some...because of the guards 'disciplining' them using...activities.
Boots passed by the door. Hana tensed, hugging the doll tighter.
"Don't worry," she whispered to her sister. "It'll be fine."
But her voice shook.
The guard's shadow lingered, then moved on.
The girls sat in silence, breathing shallowly.
Waiting for a tomorrow that might never come.