Chapter 233 : Friends in the sewers

James, Jeremy, and Maggie walked in line behind the infused guard leading them through the tunnels of Zalcien's sewers. Not any tunnels, mind you, those were cleaned and maintained by Silhouette's forces. No refuse or smells here, those were more like secondary maintenance tunnels. Pristine and perfectly welcoming to civilians unused to the more disgusting side of life.

"So... Jerry."

"Jeremy."

"Jerry. Mind telling me why you dragged me and James into the deep, dark depths below?"

"Maggie, if you call me Jerry one more time, I will push you into the first body of water we find. And you know why."

"I dunno, you just asked us for a favor, to trust you, and then to follow you down here. Or, well, follow tall, dark, and silent over there. By the way, feels kinda weird to banter when there's some random dude listening to us, ya know? James, what about you? You're used to this place, right?"

James shook his head, though he couldn't deny he was a little amused at his friends' antics.

"First, no, I'm not used to this area. Silhouette likes handling the Sunken City business himself. I told you what I dealt with was reports, I never mentioned visits. As for our bodyguard? You learn to deal with it. Besides, these guys care more about their jobs than drama and gossip. Trust me, they weird everyone else out. They almost feel like soulless machines sometimes."

"Oh, like Decanov?"

"Ah! No, no. Decanov has a soul. A very loud and grumpy one. By the way, we may run into him down there. He's working on the defenses and building some new toys with Techlord."

"Aw, they're working together?"

"They're not stabbing each other, at least. Which is good for Decanov, Techlord would shred him in a brawl."

"Whoa, I didn't know you had picked favorites."

"Maggie, this isn't James picking a side. This is an objective observation of facts. Decanov is a brilliant scientist, and I'm sure his mechanical body has a few surprises to help in self-defense, but he's no fighter. Techlord is always walking around in an armored suit covered in gadgets, much like Mecha Man. He looks more readily armed than even Silhouette does, and that man goes around showing off his power whenever he can."

"Come on, the boss isn't that much of a show off. Sure, he likes his dramatic entrances, but that's it."

"Well, Jeremy isn't exactly wrong either, Maggie. Silhouette does have a habit of... Well, he likes reminding people that just because he's usually armless doesn't mean he's harmless. And it's not like he needs any of the gadgets we sell. But yeah, Techlord's a fighter. He used to be something of a Vigilante, actually, before joining Silhouette."

"Really? I don't think I've ever heard of the dude before, and I have family that works around the slums and knows about the latest big changes, at least near the border. It's like he appeared alongside Silhouette."

"Nah, they weren't always partners. Techlord's a local. His career started shortly before Silhouette went public, actually. He had this big mech he was working on, and he... Well, Silhouette knew about him from Larry and Barry, after Techlord saved their bacon from a pack of feral Patchees who were trying to eat them."

Jeremy grimaced, and while James disliked disturbing his friends, he knew it was necessary. He genuinely wanted the Patchees to get better, but it would be stupid and unhealthy to ignore the reality that some were too far gone or too dangerous for that. Jeremy needed that reminder, and it would hopefully keep Maggie from being stupid and bothering those who wanted aid but were still a little unstable around strangers. This also helped further cement the difference between him and Silhouette. James would get to be a little more unsettled by the poor creatures, whereas Silhouette would be more focused on their future than on past incidents.

"Ouch. So... Silhouette found him, said thank you, and hired him? And Techlord gave up his Vigilante plans to become a cog in the machine instead? Kinda weird."

"I'm sure there's a more complex reason behind it, but I doubt James would necessarily be made aware of that fact."

"Yeah, makes sense. Oh, is it about that kid you mentioned once? The abomination?"

"The what?"

As they talked and walked, the trio and their handler had reached the private elevator Shades Of Penumbra had created to directly head to the Sewer Network, skipping the regular sewer section to head to the deeper layer composed of grand canals and lakes. The elevator ride was smooth but quick, letting them quickly join the dock where one of Silhouette's group's custom barges was ready, the infused guards quickly taking his role as captain of the small embarkation. The boarding did briefly interrupt their talk, especially since Maggie was a little squeamish about the idea of going on a ship through sewage. Jeremy's calm in the situation, despite his usual proper look, finally convinced her.

"If the pretty boy can do it, so can I. It's just... Water. River water's dirty, too, and it ain't that bad."

All three guests seated, the guard had the bark take off. The ride was smooth, as always. James knew there were supposedly some hostile parties in these tunnels, but most of them stayed clear of the area once he had claimed it, and this was also a route often patrolled by those working for Doctor Bones, being this close to the border of the mundane Zalcien. Greedy they may be, sewer pirates knew better than to risk running afoul of the unofficial peacekeeper of the Sunken City. Besides, there was another layer of protection, another guardian.

"So, what were we talking about?"

"You said something about Techlord having a child, Maggie. An abomination."

"Ah, right. James told me about it the other day. James, you mind explaining?"

"No problem. It's not exactly a secret, we may run into them out there. So, the reason Techlord dropped Vigilantism is because of the day they saved Larry and Barry. See, the Patcher hadn't meant to release those monsters. He wasn't done with them. They escaped. He called on one of his allies to go gather them up, but when he arrived, Sunburn discovered lifeless bodies instead. That, and an armored man piloting a mech."

"Oh. Oooh... Ah. That's... That's not a good thing."

"Maggie, if this is the degree of commentary you will provide, please keep your mouth shut. Continue, James. I'm curious to know how Techlord survived crossing paths with a hostile Sunburn. If it truly was Techlord piloting that mech, and not an associate?"

"No, no, it was the real one. Sunburn blasted him and took off, underestimating Techlord's work. The mech was destroyed, but it shielded him well enough that he survived. From what I've been told, Silhouette was coming up to check on the mess Larry and Barry reported when he saw the burning wreck. He went in there, saved Techlord's life, and helped him recuperate, finding him a doctor to help heal his wounds. He still goes there regularly, to make sure everything scars properly and doesn't worsen. She also helped me a bit, but that's a different story."

"Oh, I see. So it's a life debt kind of thing. Warrior's honor and all that."

"I guess? I don't think I've ever heard Silhouette or Techlord calling it that, though. But maybe it's an unspoken thing? Techlord is the kind of guy who wouldn't let his pride ignore thanking someone who helped him, even if it's non-verbally."

"Maggie, not everyone plays by honor rules. It's also possible this is merely Techlord seeing that working for Silhouette is a better job with greater benefits and safety than fighting monsters and criminals on his own. But... James, if you do not mind me asking... What is the extent of the damage? Is... Is this incident perhaps why Techlord always wears his armor?"

"Maybe? I mean, he doesn't always wear it, at least not fully. When he's working, he prefers to have the helmet off, something about focusing easier. But it is true he prefers to keep his face hidden on the surface... You know, you could always ask him. Decent chance we'll run into him down there. As for the damage... Okay, yeah, it's bad. Like, he can still move around as he used to, even if it might sting a bit, but his entire body is burned and... Look, Silhouette had to cut off pieces of his skin and flesh where the plastic and metal of his old mech and armor had been melting and grafting onto Techlord."

"Holy... That's... That's metal..."

"That's disgusting, dangerous, and highly unsanitary. And Techlord recovered?"

"He sure did! And those removed bits got thrown away. They drifted in sewage until they came in contact with an old wizard corpse with some fancy macguffin trapped in carnivorous moss, and bingo! Suddenly, the discarded flesh and ruined tech melded with the stuff they had come across, and the whole thing collapsed into a singular humanoid entity. Who went on to travel the sewers to reunite with its origins."

"Techlord."

"Precisely, Jeremy. So, once it got there and Mesker confirmed this was a new lifeform and not some malevolent curse or zombie, Techlord decided to adopt the then newly dubbed Techlord Junior. Though you can just call them Junior, everyone does. They're a sweetheart, even if they can be a little slow. Their vocabulary is limited, but they fully understand what you say."

"Right, you... Well, I don't remember you saying all that gory stuff, but you did mention Junior before. I think when we were talking about your kids? It's been a while, I can't remember."

"It was around the same time, yes."

"Speaking of, Maggie, James. I still can't believe I learned you were a father in chat rather than in person."

"Sorry again about that, Jeremy. It didn't really come up. But don't worry, I am planning to introduce you guys. Just tell me when you're both free, we'll have a pizza party or something."

"Whoa, your kids are gonna love us if they get pizza every time we drop by. Anchovies for me."

"That's... Kind of the plan. It's not that I don't think they'll like you guys, but a nice bribe to start things off will make them like you more. Wait, anchovies? For real?"

"I concur, fish has no place on this dish."

"Bah, you boys aren't daring enough. So? How long until we go meet your sister, Jeremy?"

The black and white man in question froze as he heard Maggie's question, his breath quickening.

"I never said anything of the sort."

"Dude. Silhouette announces he's working on rehabilitating Patchees in a secret location. Silhouette has a secret place in the Sunken City. You have a sister who was kidnapped years ago by the Patcher. You borrowed me and James to take a trip to the Sunken City for a special secret task Silhouette gave you. I make connections harder than that daily when I enchant stuff."

"Ah. I... I see. James?"

"Maggie isn't exactly wrong. For those for know about Silhouette's business in the Sunken City, this was... Well, obvious would imply there's no other explanation, but the fact that he asked you to lead this operation when I'm technically your superior does imply you have a special connection to the matter at hand. In this case..."

"My sister."

"As Maggie said, there are a lot of dots that connect here."

Jeremy sighed before getting up from his seat on the bark, walking to lean onto the railing and watch over the currents, no matter how vile the smell and sight.

"Maria is... She's still in there. She isn't a different person. She's even lucky enough to be the only brain in her body. But what happened, it... She needs love and support. I try my best. Silhouette lets me visit as often as I want, but she needs more than just me. She needs to see that the world out there is ready. So... You guys. Since you came along, I'm guessing you're ready to help."

"Dude, of course we're gonna help. Not just because we're pals, but because it's the right thing to do. What's some involuntary surgery, after all? A person's a person, no matter how bizarre they look to a mundane human. I mean, James and you are both weirdos by most standards. No offense."

"None taken. But yes, as Maggie put it, of course, we want to help, Jeremy. Even if... Well, it'd be a lie to say I don't have doubts. But I haven't met your sister yet, and if you say she's still the same, then I trust you. Besides, I'm raising a bunch of rats. I know appearances and even instincts don't make a person. And she isn't exactly wrong when she says I'm not too normal either. Just... Don't be mad if I don't feel comfortable being too close to her, alright?"

Jeremy let a small smile form on his grey lips.

"Yes. I... I can deal with that."

The other guardian of the tunnels chose this moment to bellow, her scaly back, so scarred it had turned white from her natural green, cutting through the water as she caught an enormous fish in her jaws, larger than the embarkation the trio and their silent keeper were on. Her eyes briefly locked onto James before she returned to the depths, disappearing from view.

The two civilians, unused to the giant crocodile, both looked at the water as though death itself was calling. Jeremy, in particular, slowly stepped away from the railing before dropping back in his seat.

"Was... That..."

"I... I believe it was, yes..."

And James couldn't deny that... Well, there was something a little amusing about the scene. Just a little.

"Silhouette and her share territory. We stay out of her way, she stays out of ours. She's never been this friendly with groups before. Apparently, outside of Doctor Bones' staff, she tends to eat those who annoy her. I guess some people just have something she likes and makes her willing to tolerate others."

Maggie stared at James.

"She's intelligent? Does she... Does she talk?"

"I don't know. I don't think anyone ever heard her speak. Though I don't think she's ever had anything to say, or at least something she couldn't do with a quick snap instead."

"Do... Do we have to pass by this place again on the way back?"

"Yep."

Jeremy kept staring at the sewage.

"I... I may invest in anti-crocodilian perfume..."

"Don't. This alliance relies on her being fine with us hanging around and building stuff, and you stinking to her senses would only make her mad."

"Oh joy."

"Could be worse. From what I hear, she's the friendliest of the three sewer rulers."

"Yes, I understand that. I also understand that this is the goddamned Marked, and that's she a giant, immortal, and unkillable crocodile."

Maggie chimed in, her need to babble on stronger than her fear now that the moment had passed.

"I heard she's a gator, actually. Something about being less aggressive?"

"That's still a giant murderous reptile!"