Chapter Eleven: Mansions Galore

    We pulled up to the gate, it's grey and gold fillings catching the last few beams of sunlight. The gate had a large G in the center, gold inlaid and rather magnificent. I'd have made it black, but people don't seem to have the same tastes as mine. The tall metal structure opened, and Halina moved us forward. Lamps lined down the road, revealing the forest like scenery.

"This guy must be loaded," Halina said. Even through the car we could hear the sounds of animals, snarls and roars and buzzes. "Are those like, magic animals?"

"Probably. He is a collector." A group of rolling monkeys went by, swerving around trees and rocks. I could just barely make out their red fur. "I wouldn't mention it though."

The long driveway came to an end. And let me tell you, the mansion was very big, and very tricked out on magic. Buildings were suspended in mid air, connected by flowing tunnels of water. Large four winged birds flew in between large luminescence bulbs, showing off the hand carved stone work. The bottom building attached to the ground had a man standing out front, waiting.

"Ugh. So tacky," I said, going up the steps to the man in the suit. "Hey Gene, what's going on?"

"Master Ditto, glad you could arrive on time." Gene the Butler of this manor nodded, his long blonde hair tied back in a pony tail. Half human and half warlock, Gene made for delight to be around. "We were just waiting."

"Cool Gene. This is Halina. Don't try to kill her or anything."

He nodded. "Noted. Now, if we may hurry. Master is very tired of this ghost."

"Hey, who house is this?" Halina's head went back as she examined the foyer, white marble and gold inlaying everything. Huge paintings and statues decked the room, making it feel like a museum.

Saying nothing, we followed Gene into a living room, where a man sat with a glass of wine in hand. The fae was average built, dark blue skin matching the black suit, wings not visible, and like his butler his black hair was in a pony tail.

Halina gasped. "That's Sir Gedec, the legendary fae hero and billionaire. Oh my God, he's considered one of the best."

"Ah, Ditto. Glad you could finally arrive." Gedec stood, a good head taller than me, and shook my hand. His voice was like a typical rich guys. Smooth, yet in control. One that made ladies get down on two knees. Er, I mean, ah fuck it I stand by it. He flashed a smile. "It's been too long."

"Sure has. Look at you, still as hot as ever." So, I've learned a long time ago you can't be formal with the powerful. Not if you want to prove your own dominance. You have to make them think twice about believing that you are inferior. That's a reason why I've lived till now, by implanting the idea that I'm better. Which, usually, I am. "Hear you got a ghost problem."

"I'm afraid so. A nasty bugger." He motioned, and two glass cups and a bottle floated over. He poured us glasses, a fine red type. Rich wine is the best wine. "Who's your friend here? Last time, you told me you kept away from the humans."

"Ah, this is Halina Deya. A book writer, researching the Hidden." I motioned between them. "Halina, this is Sir Gedec Hath. A top hero by most rankings. Mostly for hire now, by the most elite of elites."

"A pleasure." He came and kissed her hand. "How rare it is to find such scholars in this world. A daunting task I'm sure."

Halina I think wanted to freak out. Her breaths came in ragged, powerful gasps. "I can't believe it. Sir Gedec. You were one of the first names I ever heard about. God, you once defeated twin dragons. You saved a city from a warlock's earth bomb. I--you're the coolest."

"Oh, I see you brought a fan." Gedec waved a hand, and I grabbed the glass set in front of me. Tasting it, it was definitely fine wine. Rich friends are the best. "But we may talk about me later. Right now, I need you Ditto to eliminate the ghost."

"That I can do. Where pray tell, is this fella at?" God, this was damn good wine. After I finished up here I might go buy a cheap ass bottle to remind myself just how far life can be. Or maybe just a twelve pack.

"It's up in the art collection room. Gene can show you the way." Gedec seemed less interested, gazing at a large painting of himself. "Do be careful. Those are expensive, and well loved. Please don't harm them."

"Gotcha. Come on Halina."

"Actually, is it alright if I stay here? I'd like to.....talk with Sir Gedec some more." She sweated a little. "If that's fine with him."

"Do as you wish. As you'll see, I am a gracious host." Gedec sat down, swirling his cup, still basking in his greatness. "And it's been so long since I've enjoyed the company of a human."

"Sorry Ditto. Don't die," she remarked, joining the fae in a quiet manor.

That's alright. I guess I can be alone for a time.

Gene lead me to a set of stairs, more pictures of his master and other people. Brilliant red curtains covered the huge windows, glittering yellow stitches resembling tall, important men. Ignoring the quiet, I said, "You know Gene, we haven't talked in awhile. You doing well?"

"I am doing my best, Master Ditto." Gene, for being rather young, had zero emotion in anything he said. It just felt like a waste of a charismatic man, who could have been filled with pleasures and potential.

"Come on, you can give me a little more than that. Is Gedec being a good boss?"

The sigh of anger and annoyance made me smile. "He is fair. Since there have been fewer calls for his hero work, I've been busier these past few years. The work has been good though."

"That's boring," I said, as we went around a corner. "No real dish to spill? Nothing exciting going on?"

"A ghost is haunting our home."

We came to a water tunnel, blue and clean. These things are so stupid. Why not stairs? Or anything else that's practical. Gene turned. "It's in the room directly attached to this. There are priceless items in there, as Master Gedec has mentioned. But I'm sure a man of your caliber will suffice."

"Haha. Don't know about that. I'll do my best bro." I tried to give him a fist bump, but he dismissed me. Angry, I scoffed. "Whatever. I'll probably be done in thirty minutes. Get the drinks ready Gene because we'll be celebrating."

Going into the water, I was sucked up and went speeding through the torrent, until it spat me out. The magic made sure me and my stuff was dry, which I appreciated. Getting myself right, the first thing I noticed was how big this art room was. Huge columns and pieces of artwork filled this hollow, spacious place. I walked around, enjoying the high culture that the rich loved. Collectors like Gedec were always the most dangerous. His art was nothing compared to his zoo, which housed some dangerous shit, and helped him as a hero.

Though, he did make money in some sketchy stuff. Which is why I liked Gedec a lot.

I sensed the ghost, floating by in a chill ease. Summoning a necro-circle, it trapped the apparition, forming it before me. "So, you get what I want?"

"Yes," the ghastly thing spoke. "I found no evidence of the diamond circle symbol in this house. The master has nothing relating to anything you described. He is clean."

"And any of the staff?"

"All clean. In fact, they seem oblivious as to what's going on." The ghost flickered, moaning loudly. "You made a right choice. They seem to be powerful allies."

"I hope. I need the Gedec house." The ghost was drooling, which brought an ache to my heart. "Here's your reward. You did good."

I pulled out a vial of my own blood. Always handy to keep on you. Undoing the stopper, I dropped three large drops onto the circle. The ghost shook, embracing the blood bath. "My thanks, Necromancer."

"You're welcome. Now get the fuck out of here." Sending the spirit away, the room became still again.

That was rather quick. I got what I needed, something I did not to easily expect. Damn, I even said a half an hour. And it took less than a minute.

I'm glad though. It would've pained me to no end if Gedec had been corrupted, had been against me from the moment of entering this manor. Plus, and I say this with love, I didn't want to kill him. Of course, there was the possibility that I would have lost if we fought. He is pretty good. And good looking.

A deadly combination.

Sitting my tired ass down, back against a statue, I began writing down the new facts. The plan was still in tack, my machinations still moving. One friend was now able to reach places that I never could. Or at least without breaking some laws first.

My pen scribbled away, sword pressing onto my back.

After twenty minutes I decided that that was probably enough time to head back where Halina was most likely being bored to death by the rich man's constant babbling. Making my way back, I couldn't help but think about who were going to be the most important pawns in this game. Surely the Sleeping Witch must have some of the best under her thumb. Her power was so seductive, that even the best would probably drool from the thought of it. Time I think to look at my lists after this.....

I turned a corner and saw Gedec and Halina burst into laughter, making the silent house loud. They were acting as though they were best buds, uniting again for the first time in years. Huh, that was certainly unforeseen.

"Honestly, Bawl the Fist has nothing on you," Halina giggled. "You are one my favorites. I've watched all of your recorded fights, and I have to say, you are cooler than most. The way you fight is so graceful, and how you incorporate your animals is breathtaking."

"I must admit, my familiar magic is something I am very proud of. Almost as much as my shield magic." Gedec was clearly enjoying the praise. Makes me question if he doesn't either get enough of it, or simply loves being told about his glory work. I'm assuming the latter. "Ah, Ditto, you've returned. All went well then?"

"Yeah. No more ghost problem." Sitting beside Halina, I noted another bottle of wine sitting out. Damn guys, it's only been twenty minutes. I guess I'll be driving back.

"I'm happy to hear that. Gene has your check. I threw in a little bonus, since you brought me such a lovely guest."

Ooo, I like the sound of that.

But focus, there is still one matter at hand.

"Gedec, I.....need a favor."

"That depends," he stated bluntly. "What kind of favor are we talking about?"

I pulled out a piece of paper. "This is a symbol of a dangerous cult that is going around and corrupting many powerful people. I was hoping you could, investigate, any of the people on this list." Turning the paper around, a good dozen names were written down. "All I need to know who has anything that matches this symbol. A pendant, or picture, or whatever."

Gedec examined the paper, reading the names carefully. "These are all rich, powerful Hidden."

"Yes. Yes they are."

"Is there a reason for that?"

"Um, I'm a lowly nobody. You a big somebody. Class is kinda stopping me from doing this myself." Ugh, and I don't have the energy or time to focus on getting information from all of these people. If Gedec can do this for me, it'll save me from doing the middleman work, and I can go from there.

"So you believe that some sort of cult is going around, recruiting members of the elite class?" Well, when you put it like that, it sounds extremely plausible. "What purpose, and motivation, would this cult even need from us?"

"Money. Strong Hidden. Resources. Connections." Why else do you go to the rich other than to beg? "With a promise of more power. A power stronger than anything else."

Gedec stroked his chin, humming softly. "I take it this power is bad."

"Very. Highly illegal, and will most likely cause their deaths in the long run."

The fae stood, his confidence just oozing off like a good dealer. Like a man who knows what he wants. "This is interesting. You want me to covertly investigate my fellow colleagues. Out of a favor. For what is clearly not a full story. There must be more you can promise me."

Greedy bastard. I like that.

"I can get you a Jungle Monkey Demon, one of the rarest creatures on earth." Never have nothing to bet. "Naturally, I'll need some time. But it can be here in a month."

"A Jungle Monkey Demon. Interesting. I've heard there are only twenty left." He faced me, a gleam in his hard, dark eyes. "I accept. I'll get you what you want. In return for the monkey."

"Thank you, Sir Gedec. A friend to the end."

He nodded. "Do not disappoint me Ditto. As you know, I myself am rather dangerous."

"Yeah yeah. So is everyone else." I live in a scary world. Flanked by nightmares and death and blood. What isn't dangerous when you are thrown into a pit of darkness. Maybe I'll have to show off what I can really do, just to prove danger means nothing to me. "Have a good evening, Gedec. Glad I could be of assistance tonight."

"And thank you for bringing such a wonderful guest. We must talk again."

Halina smiled, but a brief contorted look made me frown. "I was glad to meet you. It's rare I think to meet such brilliant heros."

"And it's just as rare to meet a human who cares so much." His attention turned to Gene. "Please see them out."

And so we were walking to the car, me fondling the keys. Going down the road, I said, "See. I knew you'd know Gedec. His popularity is insane. Once he had tons of fangirls following him around as he went on hero work."

"What's wrong with you?" Her anger kinda scared me. How thrilling. "You are willing to give away an endangered animal to get what you want? Is that the type of person you are?"

"Eh--normally I'd say yes. Normally I'd be totally willing to give up a rare creature." Okay, don't fucking judge me. Just because I'm a rare specie, doesn't mean I have to care about those special creatures. Their allowed to mate. "Except the Jungle Monkey Demon is only endangered here in the Earth Layer. The Dark Layer is crawling with those bastards. I'll just get one from there."

"Then why would Gedec even want one if they're plentiful somewhere else?" Still angry, Halina crossed her arms, trying to be tough. Good, don't back down. As I've said, I like a challenge.

"Because Demon summoning is very illegal and a huge no no. That magic is so regulated and monitored that it's impossible to do it without the magi noticing."

"Then how are you going to do it!" Her voice raised. That sent shivers down my spine. "Can you start telling me the truth? For once?"

My breath left in an exasperated sigh. "I've never lied to you Halina. Not once. Have I withheld information? Yes. Told the partial truth? Of course. But never lied."

"Then how can I trust you Ditto? In the beginning I thought you were.....a straight shooter." Her tone went down, now filled with regret and disbelief. Now that hurt. "I'm not so sure now. After this visit, you seem even more manipulative than ever."

"Never doubt the truth Halina." This is the kind of speech I'd thought I'd make when I would be forced by my friends to do so. Not now, of all places. "I can't make you trust me. I can't make you distrust me either. I have reasons to keep secrets. But you can't doubt the truth. Use the facts. Use what you know, to judge whether I'm worth being around, or leaving as soon as we get back. I can't control your thoughts. Your emotions. You have to decide. Not me."

It took a moment for her to collect her thoughts. Now she was more at her normal tone. "You're right. I need the facts. Answer me then Ditto. How much do you care?"

"Care? About what?"

"About your friends. Your cause. Life."

"I care deeply about my friends. I care slightly less about the cause." Then shrugging, very indifferent, I said, "And as for life, that's another conversation. For another time."

Either satisfied or knowing that maybe that's all the answers she'll get, she said, "I trust you. That could be a foolish statement, and maybe it will kill me. I'm willing though, to see this through."

"Huh. That sounds weird to hear." Trust. A concept that defines sentient beings, and separates them as people. Makes you think what's easier--lying or trusting. Humans have a knack for naturally trusting, but for purposefully lying. The Magi more or less the same. Fae are liers in general. Witches and Warlocks honest but suspicious. Shifters are honest, but can change sides in a moment. Vampires are simply predictable, and are never lying, but never telling the truth. Angels are just arrogant.

So what does that make Necromancers?

I'm whatever I need to be.

"Trust is two ways. I guess I'll trust you. Humans though do have a good track record for betrayal however."

"Then we'll have to hold each other to our standards," she said. "And willing to call each other out."

"Oh, I'm good at that." I smiled. "Who's more observant that one who can see death?"

My phone rang before she could react. Wanting to be smart while driving, I handed it to Halina. "It's Paul. Just a warning, he's a low speaker."

Answering, Halina listened carefully. After a minute, and some quick 'alrights', she hung up.

"What he want?"

"Paul says he found a Cult's hideout at Statue City. Apparently it's a local base of operations."

"Well well, looks like another busy day tomorrow."

I think this time I want more answers. The pieces and pawns are beginning to reveal themselves.

    And it's time to show that the opposing side is more than willing to fight back.