Papercut

The steel bars of the jail gate slid shut to contain the accused and to wait for sound judgment to be passed. We were waiting for the investigation regarding food poisoning that happened a while ago.

It was bothersome to see that one of the people who we had fought with was behind that gate and was being scrutinized thoroughly. This didn't feel right. My instincts told me that Garrison was innocent.

'Droog, did the pale woman really do it?'

"I'm not sure, breux, and Garrison is a man," I clarified.

Fenris gasped. 'Droog, why didn't you tell me?'

"I didn't think it was relevant information, breux."

"I'm sorry Garrison, but Ikesha left you the responsibility to monitor the food preparations. There is no other person we could think of as of now who could do this," Lucius said with an apologetic tone but bearing a firm stance.

Garrison kept a small smile on his lips and relinquished a sigh.

"I understand your doubts and it is partly my fault for not performing my duties accurately. This is the consequence for my laxness; I should have been more persnickety."

"Are you certain that you have not seen anyone suspicious in the kitchen? Name someone and it might save you from this judgment," Laeroth stated.

"Enginn (None), just please start to investigate everyone. I do not want to recklessly throw out names and put innocent lives behind these bars with me. I do appreciate you setting up my room as the cell area for I find the dungeon here very distasteful," Garrison chuckled. He headed to the round table, pouring himself a glass of wine.

The figureheads of the boonies exited the room one-by-one. Crowley, who had a scorned expression, finally verbalized his feelings.

"Never have I imagined that I would see you in this situation."

Garrison swirled the ruby red drink and crossed his legs.

"I am touched to see you bothered by my predicament, hanuman," he replied amusingly.

He looked at Lucian who gave him an unreadable glance. Garrison placed his wine glass down and rose up to bow at him.

"My Lord, I am sure you are disappointed in me. I can understand if you would not grace me with your beauty after exiting this vile stockade."

Lucian maintained an expressionless composure and shut his eyes.

"I will come and visit every now and then," he responded.

Garrison blinked in shock.

"My Lord?" he questioned.

"If you really are guilty then you wouldn't have fought number XII as you did. You could have merely handed me over and be done with it," he reasoned out.

Garrison became teary-eyed.

"My heart is floating with the clouds as it sunbathes underneath the sun's unscathed warmth. Thank you for believing in me."

"We'll come and visit too! I'm sure we'll catch the real person behind this," Ziru positively assured.

Kox remained silent. We were requested to exit the room by the guards assigned to watch over Garrison. Once we were out of their range of hearing, Ziru twirled around and jumped up and down.

"Let's investigate!"

Crowley gave him a rude "huh".Ziru pouted.

"We have to do something about this. I don't believe misster had anything to do with this at all! Don't you agree, onii?" Ziru asked Lucian. This kid got creative with the misster. It was pretty accurate with how androgynous-looking Garrison was.

Crowley pinched his ear.

"Don't make Lord Lucian agree with your crap. We can't have him doing something so dangerous. Let the figureheads solve this."

"But what if one of the figureheads is behind this?" Kox asked, silencing Crowley and Ziru who were only beginning to argue.

"So you're agreeing with Ziru?" I asked Kox.

"The faster we can hunt down the culprit, the earlier we can leave this temporary bolthole for a new one."

A purple flower appeared above the turning pages of his book.

The flower had round and elongated white petals with purple corona filaments growing adaxial to the corolla. Green carpels stood out in the middle of the petals. Kox grasped the green stem before tossing the flower at me.

"This is the flower that was added to the pastries. Ultimately, you might just sniff out the scent in the kitchen, but let's see if you can sniff out its odor from any other room."

"Alright let's do this~!" Ziru cheered.

"Ugh, kids..." Crowley groaned.

No other protests were heard from Crowley, Ziru, and certainly not from Lucian. I let Fenris take over the physical form to start our investigation.

The scent led us to the kitchen that was now empty and disheveled. Pots and saddles were everywhere and unfinished porridge was covered. Lucius and the others were probably interrogating the ones given the task to cook.

Scums who had the misfortune to consume the poisoned pastries were given an antidote by Ikesha. They were currently recovering on the third floor.

"The scent is strong here droog!" Fenris told me, bumping his nose against the huge copper cylindrical barrel.

"Aha! The object of the crime is here!" Ziru announced.

Crowley lifted the lid, showing the confiscated pastries inside.

"So what now?" Crowley drawled, placing the lid back on.

"If you ask me, it's obvious that Garrison was framed. But to come up with a plan like that right after being assigned to their specific task... "

"The culprit must have planned it from the start regardless of the meeting we held earlier," Lucian spoke.

So our mate really was listening?

"The carrot thief must be discovered..." he sternly murmured.

What was I expecting? Of course, he was asleep the entire time.

"I see that you're investigating."

All of us turned to look at Aramastus who was resting against the wall with his eyes trained on us. I have never seen this guy without his mask on.

"What are you doing here?" Ziru asked.

"Master Lucius told me to come to the kitchen and see if I can find something. To my surprise, I find four people trying to put Master Lucius' beloved brother into serious danger," he chirped.

This stronzo might report this to Lucius. Fuck, he's going to pluck my wolf's whiskers for this.

"Are you going to stop us?" Kox asked. "I know you won't."

Aramastus shrugged his shoulders.

"There's no need to. Anyway, I know that Lord Lucian isn't someone who can be taken without a fight," he replied, turning around.

"Who do you think it is?" Crowley asked. "Any luck with the interrogations?"

Aramastus turned his head slightly to the side.

"I can pinpoint a lot of people who want Lord Lucian gone. It's not actually that difficult to name them."

Crowley and Ziru were taken aback for a moment before both of them took a step forward.

"Seriously?" they asked in unison.

The vampire-scented leech nodded with his eyes smiling.

"Sure, there are many people who have a grudge on him."

What?

What was this leech reincarnation saying? Why would anyone be having vengeful thoughts on this bland yet doll-looking ancient?

I admit that Lucian was guileless in the most unnerving events, but I didn't believe that he would hurt anyone to the point of cold agony.

"Who?" Ziru asked with worry. "My big brother is nice and kind, why would anyone want to hurt him?"

I agree with this statement one hundred and one percent. I will claw out their livers and dry them under the sun for even thinking of hurting our mate.

"It would be better if we ask that person directly," Kox butted in. "I have a plan."

'Here we go again,' I groaned.

"Oh, by the way," Aramastus trailed.

He fished something from his pocket.

"This petal was found on the third floor. Is it yours?" he asked.

Kox tilted his head and squinted his eyes.

"I summoned this sample of flowers on the first floor. That's not mine."

Aramastus hummed, letting his arms fall to his sides.

"Better investigate on the 3rd floor then. I'll dispose of the pastries so that it won't hinder the werewolf from sniffing out smaller pieces of evidence that could be substantial."

"Ah thank you," Crowley replied. "You're not gonna come with us?"

"No, I'll do a separate investigation. You guys go ahead and make sure you protect the prince with your lives."

He didn't need to state the obvious. We'll protect Lucian with or without Lucius telling us.

The five of us headed to the 3rd floor where Aramastus found the petal. There was a vivid scent of the flower here that was stronger in one specific room.

"Found anything?" Kox asked.

Fenris scampered and busted inside the area where he picked up the scent the strongest.

"There's nothing here," Ziru said with disappointment.

"Don't underestimate a werewolf's nose, kid," Crowley smugly said.

This room's scent was familiar. There seemed to be two people resting in this bedroom judging from the mix of scents. The room would be pretty innocent for anyone without a sharp nose, but for us werewolves, it was overspilling with proof.

Fenris bit the pillow from the mattress and tossed it at Crowley who instantly caught it with one hand. Realizing that Fenris had sniffed out the scent from the pillow, the hanuman held the pillow with both hands and ripped it into two.

Petals rained down to the floor. Our eyes bore witness to the evidence that could possibly free Garrison from the accusation.

Now, the problem lied with the actual people behind this.

This got even more complicated.

"Whose room is this?" Crowley questioned with a wicked grin on his face.

'Droog, this room belongs to—'

"Why are you all here?" Ikesha asked from behind us.

Once she saw the pool of flower petals on the ground, her eyes widened in shock. She let a knowing smile on her lips.

"This...First Garrison and now us," she murmured.

"Are you saying that you don't have anything to do with this?" Crowley interrogated with suspicion laced with his voice.

Ziru hesitantly stepped forward. "You, it's you isn't it, Madame?"

"If I said no you'll just think I'm lying," Ikesha chuckled. "Report this to Lucius and don't remove those petals from the ground."

There was no trace of guilt found on her features. This could have been much easier if she would become defensive and attack us, but she continued to become calm and composed. She instructed us on the proper way to handle this mess.

The Hanuman dropped the torn pillow to the ground and glared at Ikesha.

"You're not going to report this yourself?"

The blue-haired woman swayed her head as an initial response.

"No, you found the evidence that places me in the position of the perpetrator. It's only right that you report this yourself."

"Something smells fishy about this," Crowley groaned.

"It must be your armpits," Ziru giggled, dodging Crowley's incoming fist.

We reported what we found to Lucius who was forbidding the entire conversation. Crowley was the main person to explain the situation with Ziru backing him up.

After reporting, we visited Ikesha's and Laeroth's room. There we found steel bars keeping them inside and with guards already keeping watch.

"It looks like they already organized everything for their imprisonment," Lucius laughed.

"You didn't wait for me to interrogate you. Are you telling me that you admit to your crimes?" he teased.

Laeroth scoffed and plopped down on the mattress. "That pest wants this to happen. This will make the investigation go easier for you."

Lucius placed his weight on his left leg, crossing his arms in thought.

"But to plant some lame evidence in your room— that person is a new kind of stupid."

"I'm starting to think that you're responsible for all of this," Ikesha chuckled.

Lucius scoffed. "I'm offended that you think I have such low intelligence."

"Just hurry up and deal with this stupidity," Laeroth grunted.

"I'll gather everyone and announce your imprisonment. Be ready," Lucius declared.

"Good luck," Ikesha bid.

"So what now?" Crowley asked right after being dismissed by Lucius.

He possessed a good mood that was oddly frightening.

"My plan..." Kox pushed on.

"Maybe we should let onii rest," Ziru proposed.

"Listen to me," Kox deadpanned.

"How about a little nap?" Crowley yawned.

"Hey..."

"Wowieee I'm bummed out!" the Hanuman exclaimed as he stretched up.

I guess they weren't excited to hear Kox's strategy. His first strategy wasn't bad; it actually saved us. But he was really extreme and was willing to sacrifice anything.

With the constant hindering and disrespect that Kox received, the child evidently sulked and floated away from us.

"Hey, we're just joking! What were you saying again?" Crowley cackled.

"Nevermind, I'll handle it myself..." Kox brooded.

"No, we're serious! Let us in with your strategy," Ziru sheepishly encouraged.

Kox slightly turned, with his face bearing a dead expression that made both of them regret their meddling.

I didn't know which world this child was from or how he could come up with such ridiculous strategies, but Goddess forbid, he could really get Lucius to squeeze lemon on my dick.

It was already nightfall. Kox told us to stay hidden until he signaled us the cue. But he didn't specify what his cue would be or why Lucian had to be excluded from the hiding part in the dark forest.

What the heck was Koxteus planning?

"That warugaki (brat) is taking too long..." Crowley whispered.

We were on a tree watching from above. Lucian was standing coolly. At this rate, he was going to fall asleep while standing. My heart thumped wildly on my chest when Kox appeared with someone I didn't expect to come.

"I told you, he's here," Kox murmured.

"You didn't betray me. Thank you for making this job easier," Aramastus responded.

So it was the blood-sucking leech all along?!

Crowley instantly placed his hand on my chest when he noticed how riled up I was from what I was hearing.

"When do you depart for Cludea? The Higher-Order must be tired of waiting."

This was making me believe that Kox was a part of this scheming. Was this all part of his plan? I had a sudden urge to strangle him.

A flash of steel blade was drawn in the blink of an eye. I could visibly see Crowley holding his breath from the scene.

"It's too bad that they have to keep waiting..." Aramastus coldly seethed. His slim blade dangerously pressed against Kox's cheek.

The child hummed.

"So it wasn't you."

"You were testing me?" Aramastus laughed. He twirled his sword back to its sheath.

"Yes and I brought you here for another purpose," Kox murmured.

Aramastus vanished and reappeared right in front of Lucian to destroy incoming needles thrown towards the blonde.

Masked individuals leaped out from the bushes with clothes and odors familiar to my senses.

They were...Scums?

"I wanted to make use of a high-quality assassin against a large number of assassins," Kox explained.

"Good choice, I am flattered. Now return back and report this to Master Lucius," Aramastus ordered.

He lashed out, knocking down his enemies in a second.

Crowley jumped down, hauling Kox back. "Kox, will you tell me what's going on?!"

"Now is not the time to explain. Keep running."

I jumped out from the tree branch, carrying Lucian into my arms.

"Did I do good being a bait?" Lucian seemed rather sleepy from all the activities for today.

"You did a great job," I praised.

A loud explosion originated from the mansion. Fire broke out from the third floor.

"What's happening? Why are the Scums after Lord Lucian?!" Crowley growled.

"There might be someone who needs our help inside!" Ziru exclaimed, running off to the burning mansion.

Crowley groaned. "Wait, we can't go—"

"Let's go," Lucian cut him off. "I'll lead the way."

I let the blonde slip out of my arms. He seemed as if he was in deep thought which was rare.

Lucian had treated the boonies as a place where he belonged. I knew that he wanted to protect it and the people who were a part of it.

But how can he protect the people who wanted him gone?

A swirl of water that resembled a flying monster twirled inside the manor and killed off some of the fire. More of the ancients who got out helped in killing the blaze. We climbed to the third floor, hearing a plea for help.

"Are you alright?!" Crowley asked, helping Lettice stand.

"Ye--yeah, the kid...the kid you're with went inside the room where the bomber is. You have to hurry," Lettice wheezed out, holding her side which was bleeding.

"Damn it!" Crowley snarled.

I took Lettice off his hands so he could pick up Ziru who was engaging with the bomber.

"Do you know who it was?" I asked the weakened ancient as we walked. The fire was already extinguished. We were careful not to step on any craters on the floor.

"Yes, I know her well...That bastard!" Lettice cussed.

Was it Ikesha?

I was acting out of instinct but I didn't want to believe that it was really her.

"It was...me!" Lettice giggled, piercing her steeled hand through my side.

She tried to shove me away. I kept my feet anchored to the floor and punched her straight to the face which sent her body crashing inside the wall.

"Lucian, get out of here!" I barked out.

Steeled leaves were shot towards my direction. I held my arm up, shielding my face from the tiny blades.

"So the papercut was her," Kox mumbled.

A loud and hysterical giggle pierced through the air. Lettice sauntered out of the wall. I froze in place when the scent of rot spread out and with Crowley scampering out of the room. He had a terrified expression on his face.

It felt like my body was splashed with very cold water. I couldn't move. I felt like every breath I took was restricted to a minimum.

"All of the ancients here are dead!"

Ziru was tossed over his shoulder.

"It's only a matter of time before they completely wreak havoc. We must escape and warn the others," Kox told us.

"And who told you that I'll let you escape alive?" Lettice snorted. "Oh wait, the dead can't escape so nevermind!"

"Why did you do it?" Lucian asked.

His head was bowed down. His eyes were those similar to when he had flashbacks of his past.

She grinned and tilted her hip to one side.

"Why not? It's tiring to fight for a noble cause. I just wanted to be part of the baddies now."

The ground where Lettice was standing crumbled but she was able to leap away before she could fall in. Hundreds of leaves gathered outside of the windows and threatened our current position.

Lucian paid no importance to them.

"Why did you do it?" he asked again.

"Why should I reply to a man who's going to die anyway?" she spat.

"Duck!" Crowley barked, throwing his body on top of mine when the leaves bulleted inside.

'Lucian!' my wolf whimpered.

The leaves avoided Lucian and Kox. They ended up tracing both the outlines of their bodies against the wall. The scent of decay became stronger. I still couldn't move.

The leaves that were stuck against the wall retracted from their staking and a glimmer of red flashed in Lucian's blue eyes.

"You're good for a royal swine," Lettice bitterly snickered.

"Why," Lucian trailed.

The leaves that Lettice sent pointed at Lettice herself.

"Did you do it?" he questioned again.

This time his voice mixed with someone else's.

The leaves shot mercilessly at their previous manipulator, but their speed was much faster and more ruthless than before. The woman fell on her knees. She released shaky pants which trembled even further when she laughed. Her clothes were torn apart by her own blades.

"Yo–you...You shouldn't be here. She should have been here and not you." Leaves gathered behind her, aiming back at Lucian.

"Is she the reason why you did it?" Lucian asked.

"Yes, she was the only one...who made me feel complete..." she stuttered.

Tears trailed down her cheeks. Leaves pierced through the air only to arrive as withered dried ones when they hit Lucian.

Still...one managed to slit Lucian's cheek, drawing blood from him.

Lettice broke down from laughing. Her laughter gradually died. Sobs replaced her previous false mirth. Lucian sauntered towards her, bending down before pulling her into an unexpected embrace.

"I have managed to finally create memories that I never thought I could have. If you were to take my life now, I would not mind," he murmured.

"Lucian!" I snarled, scrambling to my feet.

I stayed still when Lettice brought out a knife, pressing it against his nape.

No...

No...

No!

"Don't take him away from me! Please! I beg of you!" I screamed.

"You should suffer. You deserve to suffer. Your life costs a thousand and yet why is it that you are still loved? You deserve nothing but death! How does it feel to live a luxurious life in that castle while the rest of us struggle like worms?" Lettice cried.

Her other hand held Lucian close with her fist twisting his shirt. She raised her knife with eyes decisive on what to do next. My feet moved ,grabbing her wrist to yank Lucian out of her grasp. I turned around and heard her scream. She stabbed me behind.

"Why won't you stay dead, you damn monster?!"

I pivoted and elbowed her stomach. She stumbled back. I charged forward to kick her head. Crowley pummeled a wall for us to jump out from and I carried Lucian. I leaped out before Lettice could gain her balance.

At this point, it was hard to distinguish ally from foe, because everyone was from the Boonies.

"Watch out!" Crowley warned, pushing me aside before the leaves could hit me. Lettice jumped down with a grin on her face. She licked her busted lip and winked.

"I like you, werewolf. Why don't you become mine instead?"

My wolf gagged and whimpered.

'Look away droog! Fenris does not want to see that woman!'

'I never thought someone could be worse than Ulmer.'

I should put Lucian into a safe place.

"Crowley, get Lucian out—"

"I'll handle her," Lucian cut me off.

I wanted to chuck Lucian in a cave when he slipped off from my grasp.

"Oho? Did you get mad when I tried to flirt with the werewolf?" she teased.

The branches of trees agitated causing the leaves to fall off from them.

Lucian steadily raised his arm sideways. The fallen petioles unhurriedly ascended and abruptly aimed their sharpness at everyone.

The fighting stopped. The scums were petrified from their position.

"I simply want to have a harmless conversation with the people who want me gone. You seem to be their representative."