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The Big Oof! Volume 2 Chapter 62: Enemy of all Women
🕑 Added 2023-09-27 09:43:32 +0000 UTCAs the carriage and its accompanying party proceeded with a quiet, uneventful night, they gradually neared Elijah. He stood firm and commanding, hands on his hips and eyes fixated on the shadowy rooftops. "Alright, tweedle dumb and tweedle dipshit!" he hollered, his voice carrying over the soft rumble of the carriage's wheels as the procession slowed to a halt. "Come on down, and we won't hurt–"
He paused, his face taking on a thoughtful expression before he corrected himself, “Come on down and we won't kill you!”
“Wow…” Bennett let out a sarcastic huff. “Very convincing.”
From her position next to the carriage, Azeline couldn't help but let out a soft, amused snort. Elijah's dramatic change in wording had caught her off guard.
Laza, on the other hand, merely stood still, her brows furrowed in bemusement as she studied Elijah from afar. The man's casual demeanor and odd theatrics seemed to puzzle her. Her eyes, wide with confusion, kept flicking from Azeline, to Bennett and finally Elijah, as though seeking some sort of explanation for this unusual interaction.
“You guys, don't make this any harder than it has to be! All your friends are dead, so don’t make me MAKE YOU get down!” Elijah’s ultimatum punctuated the tense silence, his voice rising in volume. His casual facade remained, but the undercurrent of danger became. However the only thing he received in turn was silence.
The ongoing spectacle seemed to baffle Laza even more. She watched Elijah with an uncertain tilt of her head, her confusion growing as he raised a hand to his face, slowly dragging it down in a display of blatant frustration.
“BEN!” Elijah then yelled out, casually waving his hand in the general direction of the rooftops.
Before anyone could react, a deafening SNAP echoed through the stillness. Bennett had nonchalantly raised his odd, stick-like contraption and casually aimed it towards the roof. An almost imperceptible flash of fire erupted from the device, causing Laza, who was already on edge, to nearly leap from her seat in surprise.
Then, a scream of pain reverberated throughout the otherwise silent night. A figure, previously unseen by Laza, now thrashed around on the rooftop in a show of agony before unfortunately rolling off the edge and landing with a weighty thud on the ground.
For a moment, an uneasy silence swept over the scene, disturbed only by the distant hum of nocturnal insects.
“Alright, asshole!” Elijah's voice shattered the silence as he turned his attention back to the rooftop. “Your buddy didn't fare so well so stop fucking around and get your ass down here!” His words carried a tone of warning, his patience visibly waning.
Another tense moment of silence followed as everyone's gaze was fixed on the rooftop where the other potential threat could be lurking. Azeline let out a yawn of boredom and stretched her back out while Laza could only look on in anticipation. She could only look on in confusion while her hands clamped firmly around her chest.
A thousand questions raced through her mind as her gaze turned down to the unmoving figure on the ground. What was that sound? Was he dead? What weapons were these Freelancers using? Each query formed in her mind, but she dared not voice them. The loud SNAP from earlier still reverberated in her ears, and she couldn't help but steal glances at the strange tool in Bennett's hands, now realizing it was more than just a simple stick. Fear mixed with curiosity as she continued to watch, her heart pounding against her chest.
Elijah let out a weary sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose as he grumbled to himself. “BEN!!” He yelled out, snapping his fingers in the engineer’s general direction. But before Bennett could raise his weapon a desperate voice resounded through the night.
“WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT WAIT!!”
From the shadow of the rooftop emerged another figure, this one with hands held high in surrender. He made his way down, stepping carefully, fear clear in his every move. As he landed, his gaze darted nervously between Elijah, Bennett, and the lifeless body of his companion.
“Finally, some sense,” Azeline muttered, straightening her posture. She cast a quick glance at Laza, catching the wide-eyed, shell-shocked look on the other woman's face. The Northern woman simply chuffed and shook her head with a wry smile on her face. She couldn’t blame the merchant for reacting that way, she had only been with these boys for only a few weeks, and they’d had shown her a lifetime’s worth of surprises.
“There you go! Was that so hard?” Elijah said with a clear note of sarcasm coloring his voice as he waved Bennett over.
Bennett heaved a sigh, lowering his strange device and moving towards the surrendered thug. Another string of profanities and complaints left his mouth as he meandered towards the mess. "God, I hate field work..." he muttered as he came to a stop just in front of the newly surrendered individual. The creature visibly flinched at Bennett's approach, his eyes darting frantically between the two giant, menacing looking men.
"Settle down, kitty," Bennett drawled out as he got closer, noticing the thug he was approaching looked exactly like a humanized, bipedal cat. The cat was covered head to toe in an almost matted and dirty orange with white stripes as his gaze looked over the body of his comrade. The thug froze as he saw the pool surrounding his former friend until he snapped his eyes back to the two giant men in front of him. The beast's gaze seemed to be fixated on a set of strange, white and wiry looking cuffs that Bennett pulled from the back of his belt and lowered his ears in surrender.
Elijah's gaze was cool and impassive as he watched the interaction unfold. He crossed his arms over his chest, a silent yet intimidating figure amidst the chaos. His voice, when it broke the silence, was low and carrying an undeniable finality. "I’ll make it simple for both of us." Elijah said, tapping the bloodied wooden club in his hand on the ground. “Answer our questions honestly, and you come out of this unscathed.”
The feline thug swallowed hard, his furred throat bobbing visibly as his gaze floated to the blood-splattered club in one of the giant men’s hands. Recognition flashed in his wide, yellow eyes as he remembered Liir, one of their scouts, was carrying around that weapon not too long ago.
"I... I understand," the feline thug finally murmured, his voice barely more than a whisper, laden with fear and resignation.
Bennett simply grunted in indignation as he zipped the plasticuffs around their wrists giving out small, plastic clicks as they tightened. With their prisoner now secure, the engineer met Elijah's gaze with a silent nod.
With the bloodied club still in his hands, Elijah jutted the club heavily into the ground as he brought his attention back to the thug. “Are there more of you?”
“Y-Yes! There’s more in reinforcements!” The feline immediately said pointing south behind the carriage. “We were to attack and keep you busy!”
Elijah's eyebrows shot up in surprise as the thug stammered out his admission and looked towards where the beast was pointing. “And is there a signal for these ‘reinforcements’ to attack?”
The feline's eyes flickered with uncertainty, darting between Elijah and Bennett. After a moment, he seemed to make a decision, apparently deciding that cooperation was the best path forward.
"Y-Yes, there is a signal," he confessed, his voice just a bare whisper as he looked over to his dead friend. "I-In his pocket… there’s a magical tool."
Elijah's sharp eyes flickered over to the fallen figure, then back to the captive feline. A small nod was his only response before he motioned for Bennett to check.
Grumbling under his breath, Bennett stalked over to the corpse. He crouched beside it, a grimace distorting his features as he reached into the dead thug's pocket. His hand emerged clutching a small, metallic tube. "Got it," he announced, holding it up for Elijah to see.
Studying the device carefully, Elijah creased his brows and frowned as he examined it from all angles. It seemed to resemble an old-style Roman candle, its design reminiscent of the historical firework devices used centuries ago for celebrations.
Elijah's fingers traced the rough surface of the object, taking in the grooves and inconsistencies that were evidence of its handmade nature. In a world that was dominated by the near-perfect and sterile objects churned out by modern machinery, this tool would have been starkly out of place in their world, a raw and unrefined contrast.
It was a subtle reminder of the world beyond the advanced cities and the technology that consumed them; a world where survival often meant improvisation and making do with what one had. For a moment, Elijah found himself appreciating the crude craftsmanship, seeing it as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of those who lived outside the confines of civilization as he knew it.
“You said this was a magical tool?” Elijah said as he handed the device over to Bennett, who seemed to share his sentiment. The engineer's fingers gently examined the item, a glint of fascination in his eyes. The silence that fell upon them was comfortable, punctuated only by the occasional murmuring as they tried to decipher the workings of the object.
"Yes, it's...um...the boss gave it to us," the feline thug stammered, gulping audibly as he watched the object be passed around.
As Bennett continued to fuss with the device, Elijah squatted down and came face to face with the thug. “And why aren’t your reinforcements attacking us right now? I find it odd that they haven't swooped in already after waiting so long." Elijah finished his statement, his gaze never wavering from the feline thug. He was trying to piece together the puzzle, draw a map of the ambush in his mind.
The thug's feline eyes darted nervously. "They...they're waiting for the signal," he stammered, the fear palpable in his voice. "Everyone is off doing other things like, shaking people down or protecting our working girls, so they’ll only come when they see the fire in the sky."
Silence reigned as Elijah took in the new information, nodding his head thoughtfully "Well, that actually makes a lot of sense," Elijah conceded, rubbing his scruffy beard. "Have your men scattered about doing other tasks and only have them rally when the signal goes off...a neat way to maximize productivity with minimum resources.”
Standing back up, Elijah switched to their native tongue and turned to Bennett, who was still inspecting the signal tube with a fascinated expression. "We could use that strategy against them, couldn't we?" He suggested a devious smirk playing on his lips. “We’d need more muscle though.”
Bennett stopped his examination and looked up at Elijah. “I mean sure, but why would we? We’re not being paid to do anything about the local organized crime, so why is it our problem?”
Elijah, however, had a different perspective. He raised a hand, motioning around them. "You’re not thinking of the big picture Ben. If our employer is under constant threat, we can offer to retaliate against these threats—for a fee, of course.“
The engineer had to consider his captain's words for a moment as his eyes flickering to the thug tied up on the ground, then back to Elijah. It was clear the proposal intrigued him, even if he was hesitant to admit it. “You’re a menace, you know that? But, you've got a point," Bennett admitted slowly, crossing his arms over his chest. "I’m still hesitant about jumping into the middle of a local gang war without understanding the full scope of the situation."
“Agreed, and that’s why we start looking for more reliable muscle.” Elijah nodded in agreement, his gaze turning thoughtful. "We’ll talk about this later, let's focus on getting our employer to their destination first, then we can revisit this conversation."
Meanwhile, Laza watched them silently from her seat, her gaze alternating between the two men as they conversed with those strange devices in their hands. Her fingers writhed around the edges of her seat, the anticipation and unease making her stomach churn and nearly jumped out of her seat again when another pained yelp echoed out. Elijah had lifted the Ferfolks by their bound arms and brought him roughly to his feet.
“Aze, Laza, We’re good to go.” Elijah said, pushing the whimpering feline thug whimpered as they squirmed futilely against his hold.
Laza blinked at him with a blank expression etched across her face. She watched as Elijah dragged the Ferfolk behind the carriage and tossed him in like a sack of dirt right next to it’s wounded compatriot.
“Liir! You’re alive!” Laza heard the muffled voice in the back as she glanced at Azeline, who offered a simple shrug. Taking a deep breath, Laza’s hands instinctively swept down the fabric of her dress in an attempt to calm her flustered nerves, and signaled for her equally frazzled bodyguard to press forward.
As they bid farewell to the vibrant markets and opulent towers of the shopping district, the carriage lurched onto the stark, cobblestone streets of a high-security quarter. The gleaming towers, draped in the magic of commerce and bustling life, were replaced by imposing military installations and fortified guardhouses. The heart of this district beat not with the rhythm of trade, but with the stern pulse of law and order.
And under the cloak of night, the district seemed near deserted. Only the periodic flicker of torches from the guard towers disturbed the darkness. The merry cacophony of the marketplace was replaced by the occasional sound of metallic boots on cobblestone as the town's defenders patrolled their silent, nocturnal beat.
As their carriage rolled further into this fortress-like district, the echo of its wheels seemed to reverberate off the stoic stone walls, causing every defender to cast a wary eye towards the convoy and its escorts.
“Doesn’t matter where I am, what they called themselves or what they wear,” Elijah muttered as he slowed to keep lock step with the carriage. “I hate cops.”
Bennett, keeping his pace with Elijah, couldn’t help but give his friend the side eye. “Ya, I know.” He said in a monotone voice. “But surely they’ll leave you alone with your token wh-”
“Shut up, Ben.” Elijah cut him off in an even more annoyed tone.
A mischievous chuckle left Bennett’s mouth as he took in Elijah's indignation. His gaze trailed off to the row of stoic guards they were passing, their stern eyes trained on the unlikely group.
They continued onward, their banter temporarily silenced as they neared an imposing ornate and stone building as the horses drew to a slow. The formidable building loomed over them, an architectural testament to the might and wealth of the city's merchant guild. Guards in gilded armor stood tall at the entrance, their stern gazes scanning the arriving guests with practiced scrutiny.
With the grace and poise of a seasoned diplomat, Laza eased herself off the carriage. She smoothed down her dress before approaching the guards, her gait exuding confidence. The moonlight caught in her auburn curls, casting a soft halo around her. Her eyes, a brilliant green, held the guards' gazes without flinching.
"Gentlemen," she greeted, her voice as sweet as honey yet holding a steel undertone that commanded respect. She exchanged a few words with the guards, who, after a moment, stepped aside to grant her entry.
Turning back to the carriage, Laza walked back to the group and offered a soft smile in Elijah and Bennett's direction, her gratitude evident. "Elijah, Bennett," she called out, her voice softer now. "Thank you for your protection. I will be sure to send word to your tasker once the deposit has been concluded."
"You're very welcome," Elijah responded, his voice smoothly dropping a few octaves as he stepped closer to her. His eyes danced with a hint of mischief under the moonlight. "But it’s a shame it all ended so soon. I was hoping I’d be able to stay in your company for a little while longer.”
A shy giggle left Laza’s mouth as she brushed her hair to the side. "Oh, really?" she responded as Elijah took a step closer. A gentle breeze caught her hair, making it dance in the soft moonlight. She tilted her head, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she responded to his playful remark. "And why might that be, Mr. Elijah? Have you taken a liking to my company?" She teased.
Elijah ran a hand through his hair, the corners of his lips curving upward into a devilish smile. "Well, Miss Laza, you are quite the intriguing woman. Not many merchants could keep their cool when surrounded by danger as you did tonight. I find that... admirable. And yes," he added, a touch of sincerity softening his voice, "I have indeed taken a liking to your company."
Both Azeline and Bennett couldn’t help but roll their eyes as they observed Elijah's flirtatious display. However, they said nothing and decided to watch from the sidelines, not wanting to ruin every one of Elijah’s moments.
Laza's cheeks colored slightly at Elijah's words, the compliment striking a chord deep within her. She had spent the majority of her life battling societal norms that sought to undermine her ambitions simply because she was a woman. It wasn't everyday someone appreciated her resilience, let alone a Freelancer who had just defended her from dangerous thugs.
"I...," she began, a soft smile forming on her lips. "I appreciate your words, Sir Elijah. It's not often that someone recognizes me for more than just my gender."
At her words, Elijah looked with a playful twinkle lighting up his eyes. "Well, Miss Laza," he began, his voice as smooth as velvet, "recognizing a gem when you see one is an expertise of mine. And you certainly are one." His gaze held hers, his eyes reflecting the moonlight above them.
"And if I may," he continued, his confident grin softening into a genuine smile, "I'd love to hear more about your battles and triumphs over dinner. Only if you're amenable to the idea, of course."
Taken aback, Laza looked at him, a mixture of surprise and delight dancing in her eyes. However, she immediately straightened up, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her demeanor transforming from the demure merchant lady to the fierce businesswoman she was. Elijah, for all his brazen charm, had managed to leave her speechless yet again.
“That’s…” She went to reject him outright, but hesitated. “Quite forward of you,” The merchant started turning around to hide her beet red face.
Glancing over her shoulder, Laza regarded him one more time, before snapping her head back around. "Perhaps," she finally answered, a small smile tugging at her lips. "But under one condition: we talk business as well. I'm a merchant, after all. It's only fitting that I merge work and pleasure."
Elijah, taken by surprise, found himself grinning widely. "A dinner date with a side of business," he repeated, lifting his hand in an imaginary toast. "I can't think of a better evening plan. You have yourself a deal, Miss Laza."
Caught off guard, Laza's heart pounded in her chest as Elijah's infectious grin loomed in her mind’s eye. "Meet me at the shop tomorrow at noon," she quickly blurted out, still refusing to face him. Before Elijah had the chance to respond, Laza practically sprinted towards the imposing building of the Merchant's Guild, her face flushed and her heart filled with a strange mix of excitement and apprehension. Her mind swirled with a flurry of different emotions as she passed the smirking guards. She hadn't anticipated a simple thank you turning into a dinner invitation, and her mind was swirling with what this could mean for her business and her future encounters with the charming Freelancer.
Turning around, Elijah looked at his two annoyed crewmates and spread his arms wide with a smug grin etched onto his face. "Am I good, or am I good?" He boasted. Bennett rolled his eyes in response, while Azeline looked on with a mixture of disgust and derision, shaking her head at Elijah's unabashed confidence.
"You're the enemy of all women," Azeline finally said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She pointedly glared at him before walking off in the direction of the tavern.
"And you're only good at getting yourself in trouble," Bennett chimed in, shaking his head in disbelief as he trailed after Azeline, leaving Elijah alone in the moonlit square.
Meanwhile, Elijah stood there, watching his two companions disappear into the night, his grin slowly fading from his face. The man’s arm reached up to scratch the back of his head in a sheepish manner, "I mean… I thought I was pretty smooth…" He murmured to himself as he sauntered off to follow his crewmates.
