Skylance frowned a little when Norriden didn't let them into the room. Though he was pleased that Norriden wanted to know more, Skylance still felt that they were too exposed to continue talking where they were, especially if High Seraphim ears were tuning in. But, he had little choice but to continue, so he smiled again and-
A woman suddenly materialized inside the ring of guards, uncomfortably close to Skylance. Visage even stopped jotting down the conversation for second in surprise, but the woman was apparently not hostile, although she wanted to be it seemed.
Then another newcomer reluctantly rounded the corner after the woman called out for him, one that was more familiar than the woman: Zekial. The Blood Angel slid past the ring of guards, who stood rigidly and allowed him passage, avoiding eye contact with Skylance as he slipped into the room after Morrigan. Skylance smirked a little when he saw who it was, but said nothing about him.
Instead, he looked back to Norriden then and elaborated for him, Visage continuing to write down every word and action as well, "We want to bring the renegade to justice, of course. As I have said, this is indeed a very serious matter, and I would like nothing more than for the glorious city of Hallow and Skylance Empire to have been a part in resolving this utmost threat. I have one thousand of my finest, most elite soldiers dedicated to this righteous cause, with tens of thousands more waiting only on my call. With the power and capabilities of my Skylance Empire behind me, make no mistake Norriden, we will find this corrupt High Seraphim and bring her to Heaven's justice."
Skylance took in a breath of air, then continued, "However, as you, most unfortunately, know better than I, it seems that this Mother has at least one captive in her possession. Rest assured though: Because this woman, Nazune, is considered a bystander by us, after having subdued Mother, we would have simply let her go about her ways after all due procedure.
"But, this is one of the two reasons in which I have come to speak with you, Norriden. Mutual benefit: If we were to work in tandem, we could each achieve what we want much faster than working separately. Think about it, Norriden... this is opportunity."
Skylance's smile dissolved away then, and he took on a more grave look; just like he had planned, just like he had rehearsed. "I have also come here to tell you, Norriden, that you are in danger by someone among you."
Neseraph did some praire-dogging for a few minutes, trying to see if he could spot Mariam in the lightly populated large lobby area of the Skylight. He was half-tempted to get Insera to call her again when he finally spotted that familiar head of black hair over some furniture and plant decorations.
"Over there! Follow me," Neseraph called back to Insera and Vivante, still catching up to him. Oh, look, Xurlaq made it, and he was apparently onto something.
As Neseraph darted around the plants and headed for the couch she was sitting on, Insera took out the mirror bracelet and tapped its surface three times as she walked. After a moment, Grizrend's image appeared on its surface, and he greeted warmly, "About goddamn time. Took ya long enough. What the hell? Is that Vivante there? How's it goin' kiddo?"
It took a lot of self-control to disregard Grizrend's rudeness, but Insera managed. "We have found your 'reinforcements', Grizrend. They are safely with us now."
Grizrend looked a little confused. "All three of 'em??"
Insera narrowed her eyes slightly. "We only found one person: Mariam Serra. Perhaps if you were just a little more specific earlier we would have known that."
The old demon scratched the back of his head somewhat nervously. "Well, there's somethin' you ought to know before-"
"No, Grizrend, there is not. You can spare me any more of your messes to clean up for tonight," Insera replied hotly before shoving the mirror bracelet back into her trouser pocket.
Neseraph plopped himself down on the couch next to Mariam, sprawling himself out very lazily and bringing one of his arms down around her shoulders, which provoked an eyebrow perk out of her. "So I heard you just a little on the phone. There's nothin' I love more than a female cop, especially when they frisk me. Wanna frisk me? I can get some cuffs if you're into-"
Insera, coming up onto the scene then, slapped Neseraph hard against the back of his head, causing him to grunt in pain and to sit up a little and take his arm away from Mariam's shoulders. In contrast to her vicious attack, she spoke to Mariam formally, "Detective Serra, and...?"
"Banestride. Just Banestride," greeted the mage that sat on Mariam's other side, and he awkwardly shook Insera's hand.
"Ms. Diane Insera. Luck's a funny thing," said Mariam as she shook Insera's hand as well. Then, with a glance at both Neseraph and Vivante, asked, "I take it you know them? I recognize you, from what Grizrend said." She pointed at Neseraph, who could only grin in return.
Crossing her arms and still standing behind the couch between Neseraph and Mariam, Insera said then, "What brings you to the future then, Detective Serra? And how did you know about Grizrend?"
Mariam could tell that Insera was easily suspicious, and no doubt anyone within earshot could as well. "Well, I've been investigating two missing persons. One, obviously, is you, and the-"
"Hey, I got those dinner reservations," called out a voice.
An adolescent boy, looking to be around seventeen, jogged up onto the scene then. He had short brown hair, green eyes, and a strangely familiar friendly face. He wore sneakers, blue jeans, a black T-shirt with the name and logo of the band 'Three to the End' on it, and a pale blue open, short-sleeve button-up shirt over that, like a jacket.
He handed the tickets to Mariam, and she pointed up at him, finishing, "And the other is Bishop Keller. This is his son, Leon Keller."
Leon raised his head for a second in greeting and said to the three, "Hey. 'Sup."
Both Neseraph and Insera were open-mouthed and speechless.
