Chapter 6: Midnight Errand
Etoile's hand was placed on the machine; an ear-piercing sound emitted from the edge as a red light started flickering. Tsuki lifted Etoile's hand off the machine and the reminiscence of her fingerprint was imprinted on the surface of the machine. It recorded her fingerprint, at least she wasn't going to be electrocuted to death.
Tsuki took notes on all the factors that would identify Etoile including a profile picture, height, weight and a full-body scan. Etoile remained perplexed however aligned with whatever he said. A knock on the door surprised both. Tsuki's gaze shifted to the doorknob that was jiggling open, he hid Etoile behind his wings protectively - the wings covered Etoile completely. She got off the chair and tip toped to get a good view of the hazard ahead.
"Hello, didn't know you guys were here" The door opened and unveiled a middle-aged well-built man as if one that came out of the army. He held the scruffling snow leopard she saw before on the skyline trains. His dark cerulean jacket which complemented the black tight suit pants he wore along with the polished shoes, this man had no animalistic features – possibly the first human Etoile has seen in a while – he had a face that looked more relaxed than Tsuki's. The wings that defensively covered Etoile fell down and folded as he bowed down. Etoile looked at Tsuki and back at the man who held the leopard, being the muddled little bean she was; looking tiny compared to their large figures, she bowed too.
"No need guys, we're all here to file in someone" A supposed smile writhed on the man's wrinkled face stretching his skin. Tsuki raised from his bow and held Etoile on her forearm leading her out, as they reached the door the man raised his voice without turning around to face Tsuki.
"We need to talk later, please take care of the children hey?" The statement incorporated an element of threat which visibly made Tsuki tense up with his puffed-up wings and tighter grip on Etoile. What status does this man hold to scare a man that scared her? He didn't release a vibe she liked, it was like those extremely cruel managers that made employee's work-life living hell.
"Yes, sir" The newly discovered respect Tsuki has surprised Etoile. They marched towards the stairs again, he never let go of her forearm which probably will transpire with what looks like a hand-shaped sunburn.
"Let go! It hurts!" Etoile attempted to push Tsuki's arm off only to be held up in a hugging position with her face buried on his shoulder blades getting a stunning view of the prominent muscles along his back that united with those carmine tremendous wings. Etoile tried kicking Tsuki's stomach with her knee only to collide with a wall-like texture.
"Ow! I can walk put me down"
"You work as a journalist, right?" Rewinding back to a few hours ago, Tsuki's assistant, the sugar glider with a voice of honey, had given Tsuki a full report of Etoile including information such as her work, everyday routine and history. She was fortuitously someone the team could trust however that will have to depend upon her morals. It was precarious, but probably their only shot. People who arrived at the mansion-like-lab concealed behind the dumpster were either intruders, run away hybrids or agents of another government trying to steal the science behind people like Tsuki.
He had a history to tell the world - only if people were willing to listen.
"Yeah, why are you whispering" Tsuki's face slightly turned towards Etoile for her to hear him better.
"This is the only place without cameras, back there resembled a dentist was a place to get information out of agents. You want some explosive news, I got one for you. Thirty minutes after midnight meet me in the second aisle of the file room. Don't get caught." Tsuki held Etoile up till the top of the stairs, their voices remained silent. Their body size had the difference between a wolf and a rabbit, from far it looked as if Tsuki was gazing at Etoile lovingly searching for the glimmering stars in her pupils. Such a small girl, barely 165cm, held up in the air, head nearly touching the ceiling as she was hoisted up.
"Okay." Etoile agreed to the deal with a thousand questions running a hundred kilometres an hour through her head. This could risk her life, there could be some trap to this place. She knew well enough about the dangers and potentials of such a risky investment. This area requires a whole team's investigation and according to Tsuki's tiny vignette of this area, it was not trustworthy. Etoile wasn't in a secure area. She knew the second she saw these hybrids, fear rushed through her blood veins like a tsunami collapsing the tiny building she was in. She wasn't sure if her mental stability would not force her to run away from such…
Agreeing was the only choice, he didn't exactly ask her a question.
Etoile sat on her bed replaying Tsuki's words.
What was in this place? She held onto the handle of the door. She pushed it down a bit only to be caught by the fact that it was locked. Her eyes drooped down as a small squeak was heard. She leaned her self by the door and slid down to squat. A piece of paper was passed through the bottom of the door.