Chapter Text
“Mumei! Catch!”
The assassin, codenamed Owl, watched a slice of a deep-fried sausage shoot up across the table. Towards her direction, as the mischief of Watsonville, Gawr Gura, intended.
All the years of training and experience she acquired as a Night Assassin. All the cultivation of knowledge. Being a Guardian of Civilization... had led her to this very moment.
She leaned back grabbing the fork in front of her. The Owl remained focused, her arm coordinating with her line of sight. Before the chunk of food could even reach eye level with the Owl, she was able to fork it midair. A calculated thrust on a specific angle, with a little bit of force, did the trick.
“You got the reflexes, ey!” said a very impressed Gura.
That made her chuckle for some reason. It was weird to think that months ago, she never had anyone who'd praise the skills she had meant for killing people.
She bit the sausage slice off the fork with her teeth. Mumei continued on with her breakfast while Gura stood to grab grapes off the fruit basket on the table. She even switched chairs, finding her new seat three chairs before Mumei, who sat at the head of the table.
“Oh, did you hear? The Time Carnival is opening tonight.” Gura asked.
“I’m sorry, the what?”
"Time Carnival, downtown at the bay view. Didn't you see the flyers?"
It has only been about eight months since Mumei arrived in the Timeless cities. She's always busy with her Guardian duties that she rarely has time to get acquainted with most happenings in the city. If it's irrelevant to her duties, then it's something she'll never catch on to or know beforehand.
“What's the occasion?”
“Oh, you're no fun! Why would you need an occasion for a carnival?” Gura chomped down a bite of her croissant. “Time Carnival is always open.”
Mumei paused, a frown starting to form over her uninterested expression. “I thought you said it's opening tonight?”
“Oh.” Gura realized the same. It doesn't sound like a problem, for Gura had only misspoken her facts.
“I mean it used to be always open. It's a known tourist attraction and the locals liked it a lot, too. But it closed down like a year ago." Gura added, finally correcting herself. "I have no idea why. Only rumors to be honest. TK, do you know what happened?”
The head maid, TK, was standing by the utility cart at the corner of the room. She was still brewing the morning tea when her head looked up in response to Gura's question.
Mumei had known the head maid's real name was Tick, but everyone just calls her TK. What she didn't know was why the head maid decided to go with a shorter, more ambiguous moniker. Her brother, Tock, the current head of security, is the only one that Mumei knows who calls her by her real name.
TK sauntered over back to the table holding a tray. She first placed both the teapot and cups down before replying to Gura’s question with a monotonous tone.
“Would you like a watered-down explanation, Miss Gawr, or the simple one?”
Mumei snickered at Gura who pouted at the head maid. Instead of looking upset and angry, she was just as cute as the little menace that she is.
“She’ll have the simple one, please,” Mumei said on her behalf. She knew the servants here are always the serious bunch, but they do have a bit of humor under it. Unfortunately, for someone like Gura, it might sound otherwise.
TK nodded at Mumei before providing the answer to their inquiry.
“A couple of carnival rides kept breaking down, so people got hurt. Inspectors came for an investigation and the carnival had to shut down. Mistress Sana donated a generous sum to them recently. She made efforts to have the place pass inspections and get the entire Carnival up and running again."
“But isn’t Miss Sana in Australia right now?” Gura asked. She may have known that through the news.
Mumei knew that too, but only because of the doctor, Ceres Fauna. She had visited Fauna in her hospital in Watsonville days ago to catch up. The doctor was lonely, talking about how much she was missing her girlfriend.
“On general knowledge, I suppose. I am not informed of anything otherwise.”
And by that, TK meant Sana is again away on a business trip that she’s not allowed to disclose.
Mumei had been around long enough to understand the meaning behind the staff’s subtle gestures and responses. She didn't learn those things for a reason nor use them to attempt murdering their master again. Although, the Owl had tried many times in the recent past.
But right now, the Owl and the Snake are in a relative time of peace, finally coming to a treaty of sorts. A kind of partnership in some of their shared interests with keeping the city at peace.
The Owl's duty is to protect the interest and safety of civilizations. If this is how the Timeless Cities thrive, as long as there is no conflict, then there is no reason for her to interfere. Plus, the Snake's rule had been orderly, even though it's kind of enforced through fear. She still had yet to keep some of the larger gangs in check, but it was only a matter of time.
She has also found it way more effective to use Ouro's connections when doing her Guardian duties. There's no benefit in killing her at this point, aside from trying to have a bit of fun and chaos. But even that can be simply done by being around the mafia boss.
And now that Mumei is no longer an enemy, people working for the Ouro heir also have to work with her too. TK had at least gotten used to her presence, but only recently. Because if it wasn’t the case, they’ll sure be eating bullets for breakfast right now.
“But I heard it's actually foul play. Some lowly goons kept sabotaging the rides because the Carnival is symbolic and shit.” Gura added. She just finished her plate and had snagged an apple from the basket.
“That is true as well. An attempt to stir the city's peace and have people distrust the Governor."
“Mmmm, that makes sense.”
“What doesn't make sense…” said a voice coming in from across the room. “...is that the two of you are here having breakfast like you own the place.”
Mumei looked up, watching Ouro Kronii walk into the dining room, Boros just right behind.
Her grace comes in the form of a tailored navy pinstripe waistcoat, befitting the curves of her body. Paired well with her white long-sleeved shirt and a tie, she looks like she's going to an important meeting. That's how you'd normally see the Ouro heir on most days. Still, it's undeniable that her aura of authority and elegance, beauty even, shines as brightly.
TK bowed her head. “Good morning, Mistress Kronii.”
“Good morning, TK.” Ouro Kronii replied, nodding in the head maid's direction.
She was folding the ends of her sleeves as she regarded the two, comfortable in their seats and enjoying the served breakfast.
“Mornin’.” Gura replied with a snide grin.
“Gura.” The Warden nodded at the white-haired menace as she took her seat across the table opposite Mumei. She then looked at the assassin.
“Owl.”
There's nothing much to it, actually. It's said with the same stern expression. The same modest and respectful tone. With the same professional and authoritative posture. Kronii came in today acting like how she would with other people she didn't trust. Understandable, but…
I have given her the right to call me by name and yet she still calls me Owl.
Mumei frowned.
It was kind of important… for Night Assassins do not regard themselves beyond their duties. Their true names are never shared with outsiders, and if they did, then it must be because it was earned.
Ouro Kronii went to great lengths to earn that along with Mumei's trust for a while now. And now that she had it, the Ouro heir refused to even call her as such. The Owl couldn't understand why. When Amelia and Gura learned of her name, they even threw her a party. They knew what it meant, and were grateful that Mumei had trusted them for something so important.
It's way easier when all they're doing is trying to kill each other.
When they don't have to tiptoe around the reasons why things don't seem to improve between the two of them. It must be a matter of trust or an issue with Ouro Kronii's indecisiveness. That or either what they had was superficial, at best.
How insufferable, this Warden.
“Morning, Boros.” Mumei greeted the right-hand man instead.
“Lovely morning, ma'am.”
There was a hint of disappointment on Kronii's face, to which she shrugged away as TK and another servant came to the table to serve her breakfast.
“We entered through the front door, by the way,” Gura commented when the servants left.
“Huh,” Kronii doesn’t sound impressed at all. She didn’t even look up as Boros handed her a tablet and whispered to her in a hushed voice.
Mumei observed no change in Kronii's expression as she reviewed the tablet display. A couple of taps on the screen, then a satisfied nod before Kronii handed it back to her right-hand man.
“That explains why TK let you have breakfast, then. Well, you’re here anyway.” Kronii continued.
“You’re so dead energetic today, Kronii. Please tone down, the lovely morning can’t keep up with your vigor.” Gura quipped.
“I haven’t had my breakfast, Gura. But if you're going to be sassy all day then no, thank you. The door is over there.”
"Rude." Gura stuck out her tongue.
"Says the person who came in here uninvited and even ate breakfast."
"As if you can eat all these, stinky . We are, in fact, helping you."
"Uh-huh." Kronii only replied. She had already started eating so she couldn't bother to reply to another quip. Silence actually began to settle on the breakfast table.
It seemed to have rubbed on Gura as well. She would have talked more like she always does, but she realized it's better to not try to tamper with the silence. So all three of them ate their breakfast, with only the sound of utensils audible in the wide dining room.
Mumei wondered if this is how Ouro Kronii usually spends her morning. It was full of tranquility, and yet it was so… empty.
But who is she to talk about how someone should spend their mornings? She is unqualified to judge what's normal or not in this society. She was not raised in a household, but on a training ground. The Guardians taught her how to kill, and never about how one should spend their morning.
"So… are you two just here to eat breakfast?" Kronii finally said, breaking the silence. She wiped her mouth with a napkin, and let the maids clear out the table. "Or is there a problem?"
Gura puffed her cheeks. She does lots of things that make her look childish, Mumei had observed. It does seem like it's more something done out of habit. For the gang leader raised on the streets of Watsonville, it seems to check out.
"I am genuinely asking, Gura. I'm not used to other people coming to my doorstep." Kronii said. She softened her tone, not wanting Gura to misinterpret her question as a demand. "Usually, they call first or schedule an appointment… or enter through my window."
Kronii's eyes darted in Mumei's direction.
The Owl leaned back in her seat, a triumphant smirk wide on her lips. She's rather proud of that. They hadn't found a way to stop her from getting into the supposedly well-secured Ouro residence. At this point, even Kronii herself gave up on stopping her and just let the assassin be.
"There's no problem, alright. Cantaloupe said I should update you that we are–" Gura made air quotes. "Getting along well and the agreement you set up is doing its job."
An amused laugh came out of Kronii's lips. She propped her head on her arm and looked seemingly relaxed in her seat. Despite Gura's prior snarkiness and Kronii's unimpressed response, they are actually good friends. A rare sight you wouldn't see outside where the public eye perceives them to be always cold and ruthless.
"Still calling her Cantaloupe huh…"
Gura got herself into a territorial dispute with Mori Calliope just months ago. Mumei was somehow involved, too. Her friend, detective Amelia Watson asked her a favor to look after her troublemaker. Mori's Reaper mafia rules Solaris--one of the Timeless cities, under Kronii's domain. Midway through that turf war, the Ouro heir had to involve herself too.
The damage had been done, with losses on both sides, but it wasn't too far gone for a chance of reconciliation. With Kronii and Mumei as witnesses, the two warring factions finally came to an accord. Things ended, but Gura and Mori's post-turf war friendship is still in the works.
"Are you actually trying to get along with Calli?"
"Of course!"
Kronii hummed, but it was not an affirmative sound.
Gura caught on to that. "What? Really Kronii?"
"Why did you bring the Night Assassin with you then?"
"Duh, she's my ride! We said we were hungry and TK offered breakfast."
"Is she being honest, Owl?" Kronii glanced over at Mumei across the table.
"Well, if Mori Calliope comes to you with a missing finger or two, then you'll know. And yes, the breakfast is good." Mumei said.
"Mmm, fair." Kronii looked back to Gura. "Thank you for working with me on this."
"Anytime, stinky." Gura then moved forward, pulling herself up with both hands on the table. "By the way, do you know the Time Carn–"
"I'm busy," Kronii answered right away.
"You didn't even let me finish." Gura gasped.
"I already know what you're going to say."
Boros, who stepped away moments ago, returned with a phone in hand. After seeing who was calling, Kronii took it without question.
"Yes?" Kronii answered. "Uh-huh, she's here… please do. I'll tell her… Try to unwind then, detective."
The call ended and Kronii pointed at Gura. Already hearing the word detective, Gura already knew who was on the other line. Her expression lit up, grinning from ear to ear.
"Ame and Ina are outside. Ame wanted to show Ina around the city. They want you with them." Kronii said.
"Wait, really?" Gura was no longer able to hide her excitement. "They're here?"
Kronii shrugged. "As you said, Time Carnival opens tonight. Go, have fun with them."
"Okay okay. See ya suckers!" Gura pushed back her seat, dragging it through the tiled floor before she skittered away. Boros was somehow fast enough to open the door for her and even followed her on the way out to ensure she wouldn't get lost.
That left the Owl and the Snake on opposite sides of the table. The silence was louder between them. Mumei didn't say anything, only eyeing the all-so-perfect Mafia boss, waiting. Kronii would try to read the room to think of something to say, as she always does. It only took her two minutes. Kronii cleared her throat, creating an atmosphere that opened up a new conversation.
"What now that the little shark ditched you for her bitter crushes?" Kronii asked Mumei.
There was a tiny bit of a smile on Kronii's lips as she said those words. Mumei knew Kronii finds Gura's admiration for the detective, rather amusing.
Mumei assumed that the only reason Kronii seemed to care about it is that they are useful to her. Gura's gang may be small but she knows her strengths and puts up a good fight every time. The Detective is Kronii's eyes and ears, her partner ready for anything that comes down. Their relationship, despite its complicated nature, helps Kronii in keeping Watsonville in peace.
"I don't mind, as long as they're having fun," Mumei replied, rising from her seat. "I'll just do my guardian duties as usual. You got any tips, kind sir?"
Kronii looked at her, and a long one at that. It was as if she was calculating… thinking. She then blinked away and straightened herself.
"I do, but it's not worth the night you could spend on better things."
"Between you and me, Kronii, do you think we even have better things to do aside from our duties?"
Duties, which Mumei knows they both take seriously.
"Well, the Time Carnival opens tonight," Kronii said.
Although it crossed Mumei's mind, she didn't expect Kronii would actually suggest it.
"Ah, everyone keeps talking about that."
"I have fond memories there as a child. I'm sure other people had something similar and find the Carnival enticing as well."
"It got closed down for a year, I'm sure people missed it."
"The excitement for it is natural since it's a well-known spot here in Time City. You should go take a look."
Mumei was immediately reminded of the time they had their first actual conversation, setting aside their urge to kill each other. Kronii had suggested that she should see what Time City has to offer and at least explore some good spots.
Which she did, and it was a great experience. She loved it. Mumei could never admit that to the Ouro heir. But, she was glad she went against her judgment and explored the city at that time.
Kronii must've thought the Mumei's silence was hesitation.
"Take a break, Little Owl. Tonight will be a peaceful one."
Mumei raised a brow. Little Owl? That's new.
"How'd you even know there won't be trouble tonight?"
"Sana sponsors the Carnival reopening. Since she's away, I'll have to take charge and watch over the security to make sure no problems arise."
So that means…
"You won't be going to the Carnival?"
"No, I'll be busy." Kronii pulled out her phone and began going through it. Knowing Kronii, she is probably looking through her schedule.
"What about Fauna… is she going to the Carnival?"
"Fauna won't make it tonight," Kronii replied with a hint of disappointment in her voice. "She said she wanted to go, for Sana, but she had several more shareholder meetings till the evening."
Between family business and duties, the three have found an unlikely friendship bond. Fauna and Sana are the only ones the Ouro heir trusts the most. Even though their family businesses revolve heavily around them, their friendship stays the same. However, both have been rarely around recently, something the Warden seemed upset about. Of course, she would never admit it. Putting up the tough act and committing to her duties is her way to keep her mind off that.
"It doesn't seem fair. You would tell others to go have fun while you sulk in here."
"I'm glad you're concerned for my well being but it's fine. I don't feel like going anyways."
"Why not?" Mumei asked
"Hmmm well," Kronii finally sets down her phone, shifting her gaze back to the Owl. She gave her answer a thought. "I'm too busy for it."
Kronii will not go into detail of course, but she never uses being busy as an excuse. Administrating the Timeless cities is not an easy task. It was the burden of the Ouro heir, in exchange for power and control. To admire the empire she built from the ruins of her father's negligence and greed.
An idea popped into Mumei's mind.
"Well, you need to ensure everything goes well at the Carnival, right?"
"Yes."
"But you can do a better job if you're actually there."
"I–uh, that's true but perhaps... not a good idea. People will recognize me and I suppose they'll forget about having fun when they see me around."
Half the truth. People who knew her would probably feel safe and relieved to see her overseeing the Carnival. But it could also mean Kronii might attract her enemies and have them cause trouble in public.
"You obviously don't go out of your lonely mansion except when on a murder spree. Wear something else aside from your fancy suits then."
Mumei walked towards Kronii who had a hint of hesitation vivid on her face. She propped her elbow at the back of the chair where Kronii sat. She placed her other hand flat on the table. She arched down a little to get to Kronii's eye level.
Her eyes narrowed, stern and assertive azure staring back at Mumei.
"I know you love them but… they do make you stand out." Mumei resisted the urge to touch Kronii's tie. "So something casual is good enough. If you throw in some sunglasses, you'll look just like some rando with cool kicks or something."
"I'll be distracted. And if I am, then it will be time wasted."
"Then I'll keep watch with you."
"You don't have to, I have enough men for that." Kronii said. A second later she realized, turning her gaze away from Mumei.
Mumei smiled. Got you.
"Then why not take a break too, Kronii? Your men can handle it, right?" She leaned forward, cornering the Ouro heir. "If you insist that I should, then I will not be the only one lowering my guard to have some fun."
A long pause, then a sigh. "Fine, fine. Your argument is starting to get too strong for mine to defy."
Mumei's smile only widened. She won this time.
"See you there then." The assassin walked away, "Don't forget to wear something fancy."
"A suit is fanc–"
"–fancy and casual ." Mumei cut off.
Kronii just sighed in defeat.
Mumei giggled as she closed the door behind her.
Silly Kronii.
So silly.