“Fresh,” said Savior. “My powers keep me from suffering too much from the effects of alcohol.”
Malcolm frowned. His memories of the previous night were a blur, but he distinctly remembered having absorbed Savior’s abilities at some point. He flexed his hand, trying to feel for them. He could sense his wind manipulation, but there wasn’t anything new beyond that in his awareness.
“Alright,” said Malcolm. “Tapestry is going to be expecting us. She already called my phone last night, and again this morning. I can’t imagine she’ll be thrilled if we don’t show up soon.”
“Indeed,” said Savior. “Lead on, then.”
“Do you need a shower?” asked Malcolm. “Change of clothes? I’d like to get myself washed up, at least.”
“They’ll be time for that once I’ve explained what your mission is going to be,” said Savior.
Malcolm nodded, though he felt a little irritated by Savior’s dismissive tone.
“Sure,” he said. “Because what I want to do most after a night of insane drinking is to head into work without a shower or a change of clothes.”
“That’s the attitude!” said Savior, enthusiastically. “Come on, let’s get going.”
The two of them took the bus to Tapestry’s house. More than a few of the fellow passengers recognized Savior, and Malcolm was a little put off by all the attention they paid them. Savior took it in stride, speaking conversationally to the people closest to him and waving to people as they got on and off.
The scene inside Tapestry’s house was like the day before, with Melanie again glued to the PS4, Wax reading a book on the couch, and Tapestry in the kitchen, working on breakfast. She came out into the living room wearing an apron, smiling at Savior, and frowning at an obviously hungover Malcolm.
“What exactly did your night involve?” asked Tapestry. “I’m assuming you managed to get something out of it?”
A throbbing headache and mixed emotions.
“Of course!” said Savior. He looked at Malcolm and shrugged. “I had plenty of time to speak with the bartender while you were, well… doing whatever you were doing.”
“Is this relevant to the city’s current crisis, Savior?” asked Wax.
The leader of the champions grinned, flashing two rows of perfect white teeth.
“Very much so,” said Savior. “Unfortunately, none of it relates to… finding Multi.”
Savior’s expression soured and he closed his eyes. Malcolm sensed that the two had been friends. Wax looked uncomfortable, but his expression didn’t reveal how he felt about the champion that was the original version of himself.
That’s weird to think about. Does Wax care about Multi, or vice versa, or do they just see each other as extensions of the same self?
“But, I did discover a few useful things,” continued Savior. “According to Scribe, the owner of the…ah… local monster neutrality zone, Rain Dancer has been recruiting.”
Malcolm frowned.
“That’s seriously bad news,” he said. “Rain Dancer means business. He hides behind the #monsterrights campaign like he’s all politically correct, but he’s really in it for power.”
“Indeed,” said Savior. “He’s set his eyes on a certain individual that the Champion Authority has been aware of for quite some time. A man by the name of Golden Joab.”
“I bet there’s a story behind that name,” said Malcolm.
“He’s a magician,” said Wax. “Performs in high class venues all around the world. But we know practically nothing about him, beyond the fact that he’s supposedly gifted. He rebuffs all of the Champion Authority’s attempts to make contact.”
“He’s not a demon or spryte?” asked Tapestry. “Then what would Rain Dancer want with him?”
Malcolm thought back to his time in Rain Dancer’s captivity, specifically how he and another younger champion had been tortured because they refused to join forces with Rain Dancer. The other champion had been tortured to death, murdered as Malcolm helplessly watched on.
“Rain Dancer likes to force people with gifts to turn into sprytes and demons,” said Malcolm. “That’s what his plan is here. I’m sure of it.”
“And that, my fellow champions, is where we come in,” said Savior. “Golden Joab is going to be performing at the Hawktail Casino this weekend. Malcolm, Tapestry, I’d like the two of you to infiltrate it ahead of time and force contact.”
“Force contact?” asked Malcolm. “That sounds kind of… rapey.”
Everyone in the room turned to stare at him, including Melanie, who had paused her game to turn and raise an eyebrow.
“What?” asked Malcolm. “It’s just an observation. Say it out loud again and tell me I’m wrong.”
“Moving on,” said Savior. “Your cover story will be two newlyweds enjoying their honeymoon.”
Tapestry let out an audible gasp.
“That seems unnecessary,” she said. “We can just be interested gamblers, stopping by to watch his show.”
“There’s a reason why we’ve been unable to contact Golden Joab in the past,” said Wax. “He’s paranoid. The two of you need a good cover, and it needs to be convincing. You could pass as newlyweds, but nobody is going to believe that you’re just there to gamble.”
“It could be fun…” said Malcolm. He smiled at Tapestry, and was surprised by the irritation in the expression she offered back.
“I don’t like it,” she said. “It makes me feel icky.”
“Tapestry,” said Savior. “You’re young, and I know this must be a confusing role to be placed into, but you must set your hormones and emotions aside. Be mature about this.”
Tapestry’s mouth fell open. She stared at Savior in shock, looking as though she was offended in several different ways. Malcolm couldn’t resist.
“Yeah, Tapestry,” he said. “Be mature about this.”
She stood up and let out a huff.
“Fine,” she said. “If anybody needs me, I’ll be in the kitchen, finishing breakfast.”
She stomped off, and Savior gave a shrug.
“Cutter, you will be taking on a big responsibility with this mission,” said Savior. “Do it well, and I’ll owe you a favor.”
He set a hand on Malcolm’s shoulder and looked at him seriously. The events of the previous night were still a little hazy, but Malcolm remembered at least one important conversation that they’d had.
I could ask him to pardon Rose. She’d be able to live safely, and we could be together.
“I’ll handle it,” said Malcolm. “So, after we’ve contacted Golden Joab…?”
“Bring him to me,” said Savior. “If he’s willing to go with you, that’s perfect. If he isn’t, well, find a way to do it that doesn’t cause too much harm to him.”
Malcolm nodded.
“Got it,” he said.
Conversation shifted to lighter topics for a couple of minutes, with Savior and Wax discussing the merits of smoking cigars vs cigarettes. Malcolm watched Melanie play PS4, teasing her a little each time her character died.
Tapestry brought out plates of pancakes and passed them around. They were light, fluffy, and delicious.
“Wax,” said Savior. “They’re going to need nicer clothes to pull this mission of.”
“I’m on it,” said Wax. “Tapestry, Malcolm, I’ll need to take your measurements.”
He pulled a small measuring tape out of his pocket casually, as though everyone carried one around, and began moving around Tapestry with the speed of a practiced tailor.
“And grab me some nylon briefs while you’re at it,” said Savior. “I wore cotton ones by mistake today, and you know how badly the area around my loins chafes.”
“Sure thing,” said Wax.
CHAPTER 10
Wax took all of Tapestry and Malcolm’s measurements, and then immediately left to do the necessary shopping, with Savior’s credit card in tow. Malcolm finished his breakfast, feeling slightly excited about the mission ahead.