Having been on a visit to Eden for certain administrative matters, Platinum was surprised to see Snowpuff. Since she’d never seen the cat before, though, she didn’t recognize them. “Oh. Hello there, little cat. Are you lost?”
Wolf smiled at the cat, who rubbed against his legs before padding back into the lounge.
“Don’t worry. He’s just not ready to leave yet. May I come in?” he asked, “And where’s other Red?”
Serina flashed into existence beside Wolf, the AI lacing her hands behind her back.
“Mr Red is currently investigating a matter in New Eden’s universe. I’m afraid he will not return for another two days.”
As Snowpuff meowed again in the background, Red(F) invited Wolf to sit down on the couch.
“Come on, have a seat since you’re here. Also, Yuuki’s sleeping right now, so please don’t disturb her.”
Shiori sat down right next to her mother, cuddling close. If Wolf were to focus on magical signatures in the area, he would find that both Shiori and her sister Hanamori bore the unmistakable aura of Astrid’s divine protection.
Not even Majora or the greatest Bouzaculan deities could touch them without being irreparably harmed.
“Thank you, Serina.” Wolf said, “It probably isn’t hard for him to find something to do with his time off.”
Wolf came in once Red(F) invited him in, and nodded to what she said.
“Thank you for letting me know, Red. I won’t disturb her.” Wolf said, “I’ve got a lot on my plate, lately. Still trying to requisition material and manpower for the war effort. Even with the excavation of the Beasts and the Guardians, the losses and costs still mount up.”
Wolf looked tired, but not overworked.
“I’ve been trying to maintain a regular schedule to keep myself from getting overburdened, and Seraph keeps me in the loop of what’s going on out there.” Wolf said, “Any news I haven’t heard that you have?”
“Well…there is one thing.” Red(F) admitted.
Holding her daughter close, she looked at Wolf. “There’s been some faint, brief sightings of the Black Angels. That fleet which took out the pirates all those years ago, that’s what we call them now.”
“These sightings were scattered, mostly across the Coalition universes, and only one or two ships at a time. Lately some have been spotted wandering in your universe, outside Bouzac space. They’ve always kept their distance.”
Red(F) lowered her voice. “Gotta admit, we don’t know what this would mean. They haven’t responded to any hails, and they clearly have some kind of advanced cloaking tech, beyond anything we currently have.”
“Not trying to sound self centered or anything, but they seem connected to a few things involving myself.” Wolf said, “I mean, it’s probably just coincidence…”
Admittedly, he was very creeped out.
“What do they want with me…” Wolf muttered, “First, the Pirates… Now this.”
Red(F) shrugged. “Just coincidence, I think. They’ve increased activity somewhat in New Eden and Citadel space as well.”
“We haven’t found any vast swathes of fleet wreckage, so I don’t think they’ve blasted anyone to pieces. Probably just observing us, so best not to disturb them.”
As Snowpuff gave a meow and climbed up to Red(F)’s lap, she patted the cat’s head, then stroked his back.
“Anyway, Snowpuff here seems to like being around me a lot. Why’s that?”
“After seeing what they did to those pirates, I’d rather not provoke them. They did trigger me to have a blood attack.” Wolf said, “And I don’t know why he likes being around you so much.”
Snowpuff meowed and purred again, the cat eagerly rubbing his head against Red(F)’s hand.
Shiori looked at the cat, then Wolf. “How’d you get Snowpuff as your pet, Wolf? Did you buy him from a pet store, or was he found out in the streets?”
Initiative Archival Network 