“I don’t know why you keep insisting on dragging me into your contracts, Asano.”

  “Well, I thought this one particularly suited you.”

  “You thought a contract in the sewers suited me… Rude.”

  “Mate, you sort of have a history of being a little shit.”

  “Well, you were assigned to this contract first, so at least the Society knows where we both belong.”

  “Are you implying I’m the shit?”

  “Asano, the same joke repackaged. That’s sad even for you.”

  “What? It’s got multiple meanings.”

  “Still crap.”

  “Oh, piss off.”

  Thad looked around at the colorful tapestry of buildings and stalls making up the Cavendish District’s Rainbow Road and felt unmitigated dread, despite the mask he presented.

  He shouldn’t be here.

  Not in Old City.

  “Keep up, Thad, no time to go commit philanthropy while on a contract.”

  The young noble sighed as he followed the affliction specialist through the crowded street.

  Well, at least he didn’t have to worry about Jason getting jumped in this timeline. He’d nipped that in the bud weeks ago. All he had to focus on now was fighting some rats and testing out some of his new rituals. It wouldn’t hurt that this would help him complete part of his ongoing task, either.

  Thad watched as Jason walked up to a crowded water pump, and a chill ran up his spine as he felt five malicious auras approaching.

  Wait… how? But he’d…

  Clippy?

  -I’m working on it, give me a second. One’s Dean Tuckell, that coward. The others would be familiar if you’d finished integrating your memory files, as I recommended. -

  This doesn’t make any sense.

  -You’re telling me. Maybe Asano pissed someone else off? -

  Not hard to believe… but it's too big a coincidence.

  “Do you feel that?” Jason whispered, glancing back at Thad, who already looked slightly panicked. The young noble nodded, looking towards an alley on the other side of the street.

  “We’re adventurers,” Jason announced to the crowd, “About to do some adventurer’s things, so please clear the area.”

  Thad watched the colorful square, empty of civilians, as the thugs stood just out of view.

  “You may as well come out,” Jason called, looking towards the same alley as Thad.

  “I think they noticed us, boys.”

  It was happening beat by beat… why? He’d never hired these men to jump Jason. Not this time.

  The young men were just as described in the novel, with practical light armor, clubs, and recording crystals over their heads.

  “I don’t know if this is worth it, Dink. You felt that aura. I don’t think his bodyguard is as weak as you suppose.” Dean said, glancing nervously at the scruffier-looking gang leader.

  Thad needed to stop this before these guys got hurt.

  “You all should go home,” Thad said, making direct eye contact with Dean, who flinched back.

  “Oye, you think you can tell us what to do, Lord Mercer?” Dink spat with a glare.

  “Is there something we can help you with, gentlemen?” Jason cut in, giving a menacing smile.

  “Yeah, you can shut it, while we talk to the little lord,” Dink said, turning his back on the affliction specialist.

  Jason’s eyebrow twitched.

  … They’re not here for Asano… oh god, they’re not here for Asano!

  -Huhhh… well, who could’ve seen this coming? –

  Clippy, now is not the time!

  -Oh? I didn’t know I had to wait around to say I told you so! –

  “Did Thad do something to offend you? Is it the handsomeness? I do have to admit with a personality like his, you’d expect something more your caliber, but hey, get to diamond rank and I’m sure you can look about as half as decent as Mercer does now.”

  “Asano, I’m flattered, but—”

  “Are you both seriously flirting right now?” Dink asked, turning back to Jason with a glare. “Let's see how good you are at flirting with no teeth.”

  “I mean, no teeth works for some people,” Jason said with a shrug.

  “Dink, if his bodyguard’s as weak as you said, I think he’d be more scared,” Dean spoke up again.

  “I’m not Thad’s bodyguard, but I’ll not have you taking advantage of my friend.”

  “You consider us friends, Jason?” Thad asked, pleasantly surprised despite the circumstances.

  “As long as you're fine being friends with someone who’s gonna have no teeth.”

  “Both of you, stop trying to have a gods’ damn moment! I’m here to send a message, not listen to you two banter.”

  “Well, you obviously know nothing about me, Dink. I’m all about the banter.” Jason said with a smirk.

  “Oh, I know all about you, Asano,” Dink said, cracking his knuckles. “That Geller Lady set you up a fight so you could beat all her fancy trainees, teach 'em a lesson or some crap. But the whole thing was rigged, and really, you’re just as weak as Mercer over here.”

  “I’m not that weak,” Thad lamented.

  Dink spun and jabbed a finger at Thad. “Weak enough to stand back and watch as we build our reputation by kicking the crap out of your boyfriend.”

  “Are you foolish enough to think the Mercers will let this slide?” Thad said, hoping it’d send the attackers running, but instead Dink looked at him square in the eyes, hatred buried deep.

  If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

  “You’d be a fool to tell; with all the things we know, all that Silva knows.”

  …Silva?

  -Oh crap, they went to Silva. –

  He didn’t seem that competent in the books. Should I be concerned?

  -Yeah, I’d be concerned if the guy who killed his own father and still managed to salvage his criminal empire had leverage on you. Integrate your Redacted files, idiot! -

  Oh. I just thought he was a slightly more competent Thadwick… this is unideal.

  - Personal assistant has disconnected. –

  Clippy? Hello? Are you just coming up with a plan or—

  “Enough of this nonsense, is this gonna be with powers, or without? I suggest without, because at least you get to limp away after you wake up. And let’s get one thing straight here, Dink, I’m dating his sister, not him.”

  “I don’t give a crap which Mercer you’re going to bed with, but here’s some free advice before I beat you sans powers, they’ll leave you the moment it benefits their reputation. So, you might as well get out while you can. I’ll see you off then. Go on, get.”

  “No offence, Dink, but I’m not taking dating advice from a guy with a name like that and a face like yours?”

  “Well, you bagged a Mercer with that chin—”

  Dink rushed Jason; the club aimed for the massive target.

  Before he could blink, the thug found himself on the ground, the Affliction specialist twirling the club in his hands.

  “You get that one, Dink,” Jason said, crouching down to look the man in the eyes. “Next time, you pay in screams.”

  “Dink, just leave.” Thad urged, looking at the man who scrambled back to his feet, a scowl plastered to his face.

  “You don’t tell me what to do!” Dink yelled, a haymaker coming right at Thad’s face.

  Reflexively, from Cassandra’s training, his hand came up and deflected the fist as he stepped out of the way, Dink sailing past him to the ground.

  “Dean, look at me, get your friend, before Asano decides to take this further. We’re done here.” Thad warned, looking from Dean to the man sprawled on the ground.

  “We’re done when I say we’re done!” Dink said, standing back up, only to have Jason appear behind him using the man’s own shadow.

  The affliction specialist grabbed Dink’s arm, yanking him off balance. The first scream came as Jason tried to bend the man’s elbow the wrong way. Then a kick came crashing into the back of Dink’s knees, sending the man to the ground yet again with another pained shriek.

  “Jason!”

  “What? This is just services rendered,” Asano said as knuckles struck the man’s throat, followed by a knee to the nose, making the man lose consciousness. “We have a contract to get to. So, either all of you get over here and fight, or take this idiot and go!”

  Thad watched Dean drop his club first, followed by the other men. Their faces filled with terror as Jason’s eyes swept them.

  “How did you idiots collect fifteen essences between you?” Jason asked, shaking his head in disbelief.

  Thad could feel Dean’s stare. Yeah, this had Thadwick written all over it.

  A potion appeared in his hand, and he tossed it to Dean, who caught it in the air with a confused expression.

  Without a word, Thad grabbed Jason by the arm and pulled him towards the Townhouse, following Thadwick’s memories, before any more past decisions could come back to haunt him.

  The townhouse was just like he’d remembered it, grand with wood adorning most of its interior. Thadwick had spent plenty of drunken nights here, from the bar to the rooms.

  Thankfully, the early morning meant few people who’d recognize him, but not all.

  “Lord Mercer, it’s been a while since you’ve graced our humble townhouse with your presence. Are you here for business or pleasure?”

  Thad looked at the runic barman, who gave him a professional smile.

  “Business, today, Mr. Farrokh.”

  “Oh, then I take it by your garb that you are here from the Adventure Society. May I ask who your partner is this morning?”

  “Jason Asano, at your service,” Jason said, holding out his hand to Farrokh, who shook it. “Are you the owner?”

  “The owner isn’t in right now. She will be grateful for your prompt arrival. However, may I inquire, is it Mr., Master, or Lord, good Sir?

  “Stick to Jason and we’ll do just fine.”

  “Very good, sir. Allow me to lead you to the cellar, gentlemen.”

  Thad followed Jason and Farrokh down the stairs into a sprawling cellar.

  “You know it’s weird being in a cellar, that’s actually a cellar.” The Affliction specialist said, looking around the large whiskey barrels as they made their way further inside, stopping when they reached a man, who called himself Frank, his head sticking through a hole in the wall that was surrounded by glowing runes carved into its surface.

  The runes were simple, but expertly placed, with further minor runes carved into the larger runes, adding secondary effects. A masterclass in external magic.

  Thad felt an odd sort of guilt; this man had died in the original series due to Thadwick’s actions. A senseless murder of an innocent civilian, doing work most people wouldn’t think twice about.

  Given how the scenes from the book kept playing out, even if altered… would this man be safe?

  Could his actions save him?

  “I’ve chased ‘em, all back into this hole here, Mr. Farrack,” Frank said, leaning out of the hole and dusting his hands on his coveralls.

  “It’s Farrokh.”

  “Sorry about that, Mr. Farrack. So once I got ‘em all, out I sealed the hole off. It’ll keep ‘em out long enough for Mr. Asarno and…” Frank looked from Jason to Thad, then straightened up. “Lord Mercer, here to do their job. If you don’t mind me saying, I didn’t pick you as much of a rat catcher, M’Lord.”

  “Well, I didn’t much expect to be here either, but a job’s worth doing right regardless of how one finds themselves doing it,” Thad said, looking over at Jason, who had a smirk on his face. “Isn’t that right, Asarno?”

  “Of course it is, M’Lord,” Jason said with a mocking bow, causing Thad to roll his eyes.

  The entryway to the sewer tunnel had light shining through a ventilation grid in the ceiling, which cast a circular light on the floor. The air had a chemical smell that reminded Thad of a pool room.

  “You sure you’re alright for a light?” Frank asked. “I can lend you a glow stone if that’d help.”

  “I’ve got an alternative plan, but I appreciate it,” Thad said with a smile, a small compact appearing in his hand.

  “Wouldn’t the rats run from the light?” Jason asked, eyeing the compact that Thad had opened using the light from the ceiling to apply what looked like eyeliner.

  “Oh, you see a lot of critters like this in my kind of work, “Frank said. “My experience has been more of a run-towards situation. They’ll take a nibble out of you if they can, believe me. Your trouble will be the ones hidden away.”

  Thad barely listened, trying to keep his hand steady as he looked in the mirror. It didn’t need to look good to get the job done. He’d tested it previously by smudging it on, his dark room lighting up perfectly. However, there was no point in his not taking the time to look good if he was going to be wearing it for an extended period.

  “How long you reckon you’ll be?”

  “That depends on the rats… and how long it takes Thad to finish his makeup.”

  “Unlike some people, I can’t see in the dark, Asano.”

  “Fair enough,” Frank said, looking between the two men sassing each other. “Just try not to get lost; these tunnels all look the same. If you ain’t back here come dark, I’ll assume you got lost and come find you.” Frank said, walking out the door.

  “Did you hear that, Thad? We don’t have to worry about when you get lost now.”

  “I’m not that bad with directions!”

  “That’s not what Dusty said. Also, are you doing a cat eye? Why the eyeliner, isn’t it kind of... you know—"

  “Asano, everyone looks better with eyeliner, and as I said, I’m using it to see in the dark.”

  “… Do you think I’d look good in it?”

  “Of course you would.”

  “Can I try it?”

  “Oh, are you sure? I thought it was… You know.” Thad motioned like he was flipping long hair with a smirk. “To be honest, I don’t know how it’d interact with your abilities.”

  “Well, only one way to find out,” Jason said, putting his hands on his hips, presenting his face into the light, his eyes closed.

  “I guess we’re doing this now,” Thad said, letting out a disbelieving laugh, walking closer to Jason, his hand coming up to his face to angle it.

  He was putting eyeliner on Jason… If he’d taken a multiple-choice test and this had been an option for what he’d be doing in this world, Thad would’ve never chosen this.

  “Stop scrunching your face up.”

  “What if you poke me in the eye?”

  “It’ll happen if you don’t stay still.”

  Thad moved to the next eye, tilting the face again.

  “Did your sister teach you how to do this?” Jason asked, which caused Thad to pause for a second.

  It’d been his sister… just not Cassandra.

  Cassidy had applied eyeliner to him much like he was doing to Jason, back in high school. They’d wait until they got to school and make sure to wash it off before going home. It had been a bit of teenage rebellion, a way to express themselves outside of their religious upbringing.

  The Shepherd Twins, the pastor's kids who thought the teachers wouldn’t eventually rat them out.

  That had been an awful experience.

  “Thad, are you ok?” Jason asked, opening his eyes to look at the man whose aura he’d felt waver suddenly before snapping back into place.

  “Of course, Asano, how’s your vision? It isn’t all whited out, is it?” Thad asked, mentally putting distance between himself and his past life.

  “I can still see, if that’s what you're asking.”

  “Well, good,” Thad said, holding up the compact mirror. “And see, I told you everybody looks better in eyeliner.”

  “Huhh, you’re right. Must be a nice change of pace.”

  “We were having such a good moment there, Asano.”

  “You know, back in the city, you called me Jason when I was fighting those guys. Why are we back to square one?”

  “I… Are you sure you still want to be friends with me, Jason? People tried to jump you because of me. I’m not the best person, and I’m trying to change that, but I’m not sure why you’d want to hang out with me when you’re not obligated to. We used to be enemies after all.”

  “Mate, I can see you’re trying to make a change, and I don’t know what those guys have on you, but I know a thing or two about wanting to start over. It’d be hypocritical of me not to give you the chance. So, what do you say, friends?”

  “Sure, Jason… friends.”

  Well, well, well if it isn't Thad having to face the consequences of his own actions...oops.

  Jason putting on eyeliner using a dagger now, such an iconic image. Though to be honest this chapter gave me the "."