ALEXiThymiA: Chapter 80: Reintegration

Chapter 80

Reintegration

Monday

Time Until Integration: 1 Month, 26 Days…

The ride back was just as odd as the time out, the only real difference again being that Alexa now had more time to ponder what made her trip unique. Was it the fact that her rank made it so she would remain mentally awake during these transit times, or if there was something more at play. For the life of her she didn’t understand what the difference was. She made a note to ask Mr. Mackie about his time traveling, he was a Knight Captain, which meant he had some authority and might be aware of what was happening while he was traveling as well.

Once again, Alexa found that she arrived a few seconds before Bullford did, which she was chalking up to her faster Fast Travel Times by 30% which were noted in the description of her new Rank.

This time just like last, Bullford looked confused upon seeing her first thing upon arrival, despite having entered the gateway system before her.

“You do travel quickly.”

Alexa nodded.

“Well then, come on. I think some of the techs might have picked up a new pair of pants and some shoes for you.” Bullford said.

With that Alexa nodded and followed along.

The pants were easy enough to get right, they just looked at the waistline tag of what remained of her pants turned capris and went with the original measurements. As for the shoes, they had to guess a size. Fortunately, they too had the knowledge of her boot sized used for her Super costume and were able to go with that as the size in sneakers. Alexa also found that a replacement shirt was also provided, though her other gear was washed and cleaned as well.

The shirt that was provided had the TSI field logo on the left shoulder. Looking at it, Alexa thought about it for a moment then shrugged and put it on. A clean shirt was clean shirt.

From there she was given her backpack and double checked the contents, to her surprise no one seemed to have even looked at the crystals that were inside. That or if they did, they didn’t take any items.

“I can’t help but thank you enough for your work today.” Bullford said.

“It was fun.” Alexa replied.

“Fun?” Bullford asked as even now his legs were still shaking from the events he saw. Now that the thrill of adrenaline was gone and he was able to think about what happened, he realized how badly that whole event could have gone.

“Yeah, I got two title upgrades.”

“Two?”

Alexa nodded.

Shrugging Bullford thought that was a relatively good day then. Last time he got two title upgrades was…well never. He got the one today and a few other titles throughout his career for doing different things within the dungeons, but never two in one day. Especially not two in one day while outside of a dungeon.

“I guess that is a good day.”

The two looked around. Alexa double checked everything first, then showered and changed using the TSI women’s locker room. She was glad a spare set of bras and panties were provided, though she was a little concerned when those turned out to be the correct size as well. Still clean clothes that fit were never a problem.

After her time showering, she was dressed and ready. She placed her old, replaced clothes into her backpack, but that still left one problem.

She held up her Super uniform for Bullford, as if in question of what to do with the uniform. It would be rather incriminating for her to have her super uniform on her while others could see her, and the uniform separated.

“Oh, I’ll take that. We will have this professionally cleaned then returned to the school.” Bullford said taking her folded uniform and boots and placing them in a weird, oversized laundry bin.

Alexa nodded at the proficiency that the TSI worked at.

“I think that just about takes care of everything?” Bullford said, but his tone was more of a question than an answer.

“I believe so, yes.” Alexa answered.

With that the two went to the garage, which housed a few dozen TSI black vehicles and gestured for Alexa to get in.

Then a few seconds later the two were racing down the highway as the morning rays were fully visible. Looking at the clock it read 10:22 AM.

“We have already called in to let the school know you were late and assisting us with a case.” Bullford said.

Alexa nodded.

There was a silence that filled the vehicle. Alexa for her part did what she always did in these times and looked at the scenery outside.

Bullford for his part twitched nervously as it was clear there was a subject, he wanted to bring up but seemingly couldn’t for some reason.

Finally, he took a deep breath and continued.

“Have you ever been to the UK?”

Alexa raised an eyebrow at that. Mentally she realized that this conversation was bound to come up at some point. “No.”

At that Bullford nodded. “Would you be opposed to going?”

“To kill the twin dragons?”

“To kill the twin dragons, one that is in London and the other that has now gone over to Ireland.”

“Ireland?” Alexa asked.

“Yeah apparently once the dragons both became over level 100 they split up their territory, the larger dragon stayed, while the slightly smaller dragon was forced to take up a roost elsewhere. That elsewhere has now been confirmed as Ireland.” Bullford admitted.

With that Alexa nodded. “When do we go?”

“We, don’t go anywhere until we are given orders to. I just wanted to make sure you were in on the whole mission. Normally I might say it is too tough, but after seeing the way you took down the level 92 dragon I figured you might have a chance against the twins, especially since they have split up.”

“I don’t have a passport.” Alexa noted.

Shaking his head Bullford waved a dismissive hand. “That is where traveling with military orders comes in. You will get an exemption due to your traveling as an official Super as part of a military operation. Your official role will be listed as Combat Medic.”

“I’m guessing more Combat than Medic?” Alexa asked.

“At least at first. Though it would go a long way if you could go around healing some of the wounded people there.” Bullford added.

Alexa nodded.

“I’ll go, but I want to be able to access their dungeons.”

“Their dungeons?” Bullford repeated.

Alexa nodded.

At that Bullford thought about it, then just chuckled to himself. “Come on girl. I’m not going to see you throw this opportunity away. What else would you want?”

Alexa thought about it, then came up with a list. “In that case I want two things.”

“Two?”

Alexa nodded. “First I want a motorcycle.”

“A motorcycle? Do you even know how to drive?” He asked.

At that Alexa just looked at him, “Mr. Bullford don’t tell me you ascribe to the patterns that I can’t drive because I am female?”

“What? No! I ascribe to that train of thought that you can’t drive because you don’t drive, that’s all.” He said, gesturing to where she was right now.

At that Alexa just nodded. “Fair.”

A slight pause.

“So if you can drive, why don’t you?”

“As a driver with others in the vehicle your body position to view the entire vehicle gives others the impression that you want to talk or engage in conversation. While being a passenger allows you to provide a detracted space which implies you want to be left alone.” Alexa said, explaining some of her insights into human interactions that she had identified over the years.

“So, you want a motorcycle because you don’t want to talk to people?”

At that Alexa turned to face the large agent.

“What no, they seem like they would be fun.” Alexa said, in her typical emotionless tone, though her voice was a bit more enchanting to hear since he first spoke to the emotionless teenager. Finally, after a second’s thought Bullford shrugged.

“Fair enough, and your second request?”

“I want a full scholarship, to Oxford.”

At that Bullford paused.

“I like it, shows you are thinking of your future. Though if you don’t mind my asking, why Oxford and not just some generic college fund?”

“Funds can be traced and ultimately linked back to me. Also, as for why Oxford, I like what they have done with their commas.”

Bullford paused at that. “A joke? You want to go to Oxford, one of the premier universities in the world, so you can make a joke about the Oxford Comma?”

Hearing that Alexa paused for a second, then nodded to herself. “Among other reasons, yes.”

Hearing her dry deliver for everything, Bullford just shrugged. “Okay, I will make sure management is aware of your requests. The motorcycle is a maybe, as for the scholarship, that should be workable too.” Bullford said, then paused. “You really don’t want anything other than those two things?”

“Three.” Alexa corrected.

“Correction, other than those three things?”

Alexa was about to say that she would want food and board, but then realized with her newfound abilities the first was taken care of. “Also, a dorm or something to live in while over there would be useful.”

“Well yeah, it would be kind of ridiculous to make you study while you were sleeping on the streets.” Bullford said.

Silence.

The conversation mostly died out after that, then they got to the Dawning Light campus and Bullford visibly straightened. It had been a long day, looking over at Alexa who all but looked fully refreshed after her shower and change of clothes, he couldn’t help but envy her.

“I wish I was young like you. Able to go instantly from dungeon delving to live combat on the streets then back.” Bullford said, as his bones and body ached just thinking about doing half of that. Heck his body was already showing signs of his age and all he did was run and hack up an already disabled dragon. He could only imagine what it would be like having to go full tilt at the beast would have been like. Even with magic as a possibility he knew that such a feat would have been nearly impossible, at least for him. That was why he was so jealous of her at this very moment.

Alexa just shrugged. “You should probably do more cardio. You’re going to give yourself a heart attack if you keep using times in the field as your only real time to work out.”

“I work out.”

Alexa just glared, “just lifting weights is not enough to be considered a workout. You need to also get on a treadmill, or something.”

Hearing that, Bullford gave her a look. “You some type of health nut?”

Alexa just glared back.

“Fine, bad question. Clearly you are doing something right.” Bullford said, as he let out a defeated sigh.

“Aren’t you a werewolf? Doesn’t that mean you like to run or something?”

“What you think all werewolves howl at the moon and chase mail trucks? That’s the stereotype you are going for?”

“No, I am going for the fact that you turn into an apex predator with a stride length that easily allows you to outpace any creature on this planet if you choose to.” Alexa said.

At that Bullford let out some of his false steam. “You’re right, just sometimes a wolf realizes they only have so many hunts left within them.”

“Getting sentimental now that you are getting long in the tooth?” Alexa asked.

“Oh, that is good. I should probably use that on Fletcher too.” Bullford said, laughing to himself. A pause, “but seriously kid. You will make a fine TSI operative.”

“There’s the sales pitch.” Alexa said.

Bullford just chuckled at that. “Yes, now you can tell Johnston that I gave it and that you were seriously considering it, especially after we get you your three wishes.”

Alexa just nodded, then asked. “So how much longer will you stay on?”

Snort.

“I’ll stay on until I die in the field.” Bullford said, a sad resolution filling his gaze.

“Is that why you don’t run, so you will die faster?”

“Hey!” Bullford said but couldn’t help but laugh at the girl. He still had no way of telling if she was joking or being completely serious, but he did find himself liking her more and more. Like the daughter, or maybe granddaughter he never had.

Then just like that they entered the No Trespassing signs that marked the boundary of the campus. Followed a few feet later by the tingling sensation that let them both know they entered the school grounds proper. The feeling always seemed to throw Bullford off his game as he always felt his senses were somehow muddled while on the campus. While it wasn’t enough to make him ineffective, it was noticeable enough that he did feel a slight discomfort from the sensation.

Apparently, Alexa also felt the same as she turned to him, then Bullford noted with some confusion that she kept turning her head to look at the back seat of their vehicle. Bullford too found his eyes going back to where Alexa was looking but saw nothing.

Flash.

Then Bullford nearly jumped out of his skin at the sudden appearance of General Mackie in the backseat of his cruiser.

VVRRRARAH-skreech!

Bullford slammed on the brakes as he guided the wildly swerving vehicle to the side of the road as he let his quickly beating heart come to a rest.

“Holy Christ! What are you doing!” Bullford said, as he grabbed at his chest.

Alexa looked at him, then seemed to cast some magic on him, as his heart that had been beating erratically a moment ago was slowly calming down.

“Told you, that was blockage that could have led to a heart attack.” Alexa said, in a tone that his mother would give him, not the tone a typical teenager would.

“Well, yeah…” Bullford said, as he felt the tension in his chest slowly subside. Then he managed to look back and see that sure enough General Mackie was still there, just as creepy as ever.

“Good morning. I have come to get Ms. Thyme before she heard about this from someone else.” General Mackie began.

At that tone, Bullford knew something was off.

“What is it?” Bullford asked.

“There has been a slight development with your brother.”

At that Alexa let out a long groan. “What has he done this time?”

“I am afraid it is not a matter of what he has done, but what has been done to him.”

A that Alexa who had a disinterested glance a second ago as suddenly posture erect and ready to go to war once more. Seeing her like that, he almost felt sorry for whoever got in the way of the dragon slayer.

“Perhaps you should continue to drive into campus and we can explain. I want you to know that your parents are already aware and working this situation, I would be too, but then I felt you arrive and figured someone should tell you before you find out later on.”

“Where!” Alexa’s normally melodic voice all but spoke a command of compulsion. That was the voice of someone who was about to go to war, someone who you pointed them at the target and let them loose. If the General was smart he would answer. Luckily for everyone involved General Mackie was no fool.

“I will tell you where he is, but first I will warn that he is being held by a Necromancer.”

“A necromancer!” Alexa again stated rather than questioned.

“Yes, and they are at the center of campus…”

Boom.

That was all that was needed Alexa was up and out of the vehicle before he could finish the rest of his statement.

“Oh bother.” General Mackie said, as he sighed to himself then disappeared just as quickly as he came.

Bullford sat there for a moment, realizing that his passenger side door was open. Leaning over he reached out his long paw of an arm to close the door. Then paused, as he realized he was going to have to tell the Captain about this as well.

Feeling the fact that the blockage was now almost completely gone, he sighed to himself and found himself wondering why couldn’t you have let me have my early retirement. Then dismissing that bad joke, he pulled up his comms piece and clicked into dispatch.

“Dispatch this is Hound1, over.”

“Hound1 this is dispatch, over.”

“Dispatch, you might need to recall the Captain and Fletcher. Apparently there is a Necromancer loose on Dawning Light campus.”

“A necromancer?”

“Correct, a necromancer.”

“Any clue on the grade?”

“No clue, but Judge and Warder are already engaged, along with General Mackie.”

“So it is handled?”

“Not quite.” Bullford grimaced as he did not want to be the dispatcher who had to relay this next part. “Tell her that the Necromancer is apparently engaged with the Asset’s brother.”

“The asset’s brother?” The dispatcher asked a bit confused.

“Yes, use those exact words. The Necromancer is engaged with the Asset’s brother.”

“Roger, over and out.”

“Out.” Bullford said, then realizing there would likely need to be some form of investigation after all of this, he put the vehicle in drive and began making his way further onto campus.

“Why is it that trouble only seems to come out and play on the days that she is out of the dungeons?” Bullford mused to himself.

BOOOOMMMM!!!

Just as he was thinking that, an explosion erupted from the center of campus.

“I guess she found them?” Bullford said, as he sighed then picked up the comms device to make another call to dispatch. This time asking for the firefighter suppression units.

RUUMMMMBBBBBLLLLEEE!!!

At this rate they might have to call in the Super National Guard. Bullford thought as he jumped out and started running on foot towards the scene knowing that he would be able to weave between the buildings faster than he could drive on campus. Surprisingly, his strides felt better and more fluid than they had in years. Realizing this, he remembered the words of the person who made this all possible. “I get it, more cardio…” he said, defeatedly to himself as he rounded the corner of the main office building and saw a scene that could best be described as complete mayhem.