Chapter Text
Klein was led by Leonard into the cathedral, entering further down where most of the red gloves and such were stationed. This, on its own, was maybe a bit strange, an angel taking care of a new member– but they were chatting like old friends, which immediately made everyone else there spiral into theories. Truly, while Leonard was sociable– even less as a grounded angel, he was waaaaayyyyy too chummy with this new fellow, not to mention how gay it looked. They decided to pin the gay blame on Leonard as per usual, but still, maybe they'd not interrupt them, they could bother the new guy later. Cindy and Albert soon broke off and gossiped away, which could be heard from Leonard, and Klein's intuition told him everything he needed to know– more than that actually.
“Mn. They're talking about us.” Klein stated the obvious, both of them knew it, but also found it somewhat entertaining. “Hmmm… we really should get your sense of shame back, I fear I'll falter without it.” Leonard teased with honesty, ignoring the two's gossip about their relationship. “I fear they might try to leave you with all the paperwork…”
“That wouldn't be an issue, I do believe you'd handle that for me, wouldn't you?”
Leonard let out a dry chuckle, as he stopped in front of Captain Soest’s door.
“Of course, anything for you.”
He said sweetly, stealing a glance at Klein before opening the door to the captain’s office.
“Leonard… this is… the new red glove?” Soest asked with minor shock, another one so young, just like Daly and Leonard. “Yep! I quite like him though so I might tag along, I haven't got anything else to do for now anyways!’ Leonard added with cheeriness, posing Klein's back as Soest practically felt an eyeroll from Klein, though there was warmth to it. “I see, then let me quickly get the document to sign.” Soest said after a moment, searching through the attacks of papers, Klein's intuition telling him it's due to some of the red gloves leaving their paperwork for him. ‘Ahh… Leonard is most definitely guilty of this as well’ Klein let out a soft chuckle, Leonard frowning at him in defense.
. • ° 0—《{~ ◆ ~}》—0 ° • .
“Rather smooth, I suppose we can thank ■■■■■■■■ for that, as well as Lady Arianna.” Klein commented, not paying a mind to the name that was concealed. ‘It was better to have it concealed than have her title announced anyways..’ He muttered inwardly as Leonard watched him with gleaming eyes for no particular reason. “...What is..” Klein finally let out, still asking even though he already knew the answer. “I was just thinking… I was never able to taste your cooking..”, ‘...Hmph. Truly, it is best to understand when told in person rather than intuition…’ Klein gave a soft sigh, but smiled nonetheless. “Once my first shift ends, we can look for a house to rent and I'll make sure to cook you something.” Klein said, his smile soft. ‘..Haa… how domestic. Perhaps I should be glad I don't feel shame right now… hehe.. maybe I should keep this.’ Nevermind that thought, as his current view was taken up by Leonard who now looked life the cutest ‘pupper’ in the world.
. • ° 0—《{~ ◆ ~}》—0 ° • .
Klein stood there in the kitchen, flicking the chopsticks somewhat out of habit, as if there were something stuck to them. The smell of authentic Chinese dishes wafting through the apartment as Leonard watched intently over Klein's shoulder. “Mn… some spices are historical projections… but it shouldn't change anything..” Klein muttered with minor disdain. Truly, this world was his own, and yet, after the world ended for his epoch, how come there were grapes, chicken, cows– but a major lack of spices! ‘They were probably locked up in the damned western continent..’ He huffed, truly, this was the one thing that annoyed him– as a member of the foodaholic empire, how could he not be mad at this fact! Leonard watched him with hidden interest, curious at what's gotten Klein annoyed, but he decided to try the food first– he'd never tried Klein's cooking after all!
“...”
“... Is it good?”
“You already know the answer to that..”
“...Hmmmkh. And I thought–”
“Right– right–! It's the best food I've ever had Klein.”
“..Sigh. Truly, time and time again, it is best to experience, intuition is just intuition.”
“...Ha..! Fine then, I'll show you everything!”
“...haa…. You really are like a big dog, a given retriever but a bit dumber.”
“..?”
“Hehe… don't worry about it my dear poet.”
“..ah– alright– thanks for cooking.. for me.. by the way..!”
“Of course Leonard.. of course.”
. • ° 0—《{~ ◆ ~}》—0 ° • .
Klein hummed as he sifted through the papers he’d need to continue going through. They were all related to the missions he’d recently done for the church, though they were rather easy, it was a good thing since that meant it was peaceful after all. Of course he was pretending to be a sequence 7 Magician, but that didn’t matter, as he was still privy to all the private information due to his unique circumstance of being there.
“Klein,” Leonard called out, reappearing behind him after returning from bothering someone else. “There’s another mission.” He said simply, waiting for Klein so he could tag along for the millionth time now, not that Klein minded, he had specifically asked Leonard after all. Pushing his chair back in he began to walk out Leonard’s office that he used since Leonard practically begged him to do so, making his way to the lobby-ish area where everyone was likely waiting, Leonard following close behind as always.
“Ah, Leonard told you once again I assume?” Soest asked Klein, who nodded in response before taking a seat. “I see..” Soest said in return, eyeing Klein for a moment before returning back to reviewing the mission, Leonard standing behind Klein lazily rather than taking a seat as well. “Do you think they’re dating?” Cindy whispered to Bob and Albert, forgetting that Leonard, who was an angel, could most definitely hear them, same for Klein. “Pay attention to the mission!” Bob berated with a whisper, but could help but add his agreement with the question. “Probably oblivious too.” Albert added before they were reprimanded by Soest who soon continued the briefing. Klein just sighing in response as he pretended he didn’t know anything.
“Are there any questions or can we set off?” Soest said after finishing, as if he were teaching a group of elementary children since they all certainly acted like it. “Good, remember, it’s a magical artifact we have minimal knowledge of, we’ll arrive at the station tomorrow at dawn.” He finished before swiftly taking his leave, likely to continue looking through all of the paperwork that’s been dumped on him. The trio of gossipers immediately shuffled away to play cards and gossip more, while the others, including Klein and Leonard, went off to do their own things.
. • ° 0—《{~ ◆ ~}》—0 ° • .
The train came to a screeching halt as the doors swung open, citizens flocking in and out of the station as the group of Red Gloves got up, exiting the station with other common folk. Leonard following behind Klein devoutly as ever, as the other members, Cindy and Albert lead by Soest, began making their way to the outskirts of the city on a carriage The city they were at bustled despite not being a metropolis, lively as if there were nothing wrong, but alas this was how it was everywhere.
“So what do you think this soon to be sealed artifact does?” Cindy asked with her usual gossipy tone, unable to bear the boring silence. “Well, who really knows, the last two teams vanished after trying to encounter it..” Albert chimed in, trying, and failing to wrap his head around it, after all, wouldn't there be more importance on this matter? “The information given suggests it has to do with the Mother pathway.” Soest interrupted their not at pleasant daydreams before returning to silence with the rest, Klein shuttering inwardly. ‘Not another one…’ He mumbled inwardly, sighing silently, causing Leonard worry, though he stayed silent for now, he'd ask Klein about it later.
. • ° 0—《{~ ◆ ~}》—0 ° • .
“Wow, this is officially the most barren countryside I've seen.” Cindy commented, curious on why there was a lack of well… everything. Especially considering the artifact they were to keep an eye out for was likely of the pathway infamous for abundance and life. The others stayed silent, Klein clicking his tongue as Leonard’s gaze pestered him, as he tried to focus on the sealed artifact itself instead. ‘Humm… no wonder everyone died, it's similar to Omoebella’s, though more sinister in some way. It's fairly tame though. Hm.’ Klein turned his attention elsewhere, the artifact was dangerous, yes, they could maybe handle it without injury, but it was better to let Leonard do it, since he was a known mythical creature, and wouldn't be particularly affected. Klein didn't need to say a word, as per usual, Leonard was already gone. ‘Reckless. What're the chances he brings such a dangerous item here.’ Klein lampooned under his breath, knowing it was probably absolute. And so he was correct, Leonard returned holding what seemed like an earthen bone, particularly the large hip bones of an unspecified animal, damaged and worn, yet colored veins coursed over it vigorously, as if it were a last resort to continue survival. Klein glared at the artifact for but a moment before giving Leonard an annoyed glare that held no merit, using his clown abilities to give it real meaning, though Leonard didn't seem to understand his mistake. Soon enough the life of small organisms and plants were rapidly drained, as it served to nourish the artifact, feeding it so it may devour more, its veins spreading onto Leonard as it attempted to pierce into his skin and devour him, but failed repeatedly. The non-mythical creatures larger than insects felt their bodies slowly shutting down, as Soest looked towards Leonard who held the sealed artifact in his hands, his lips twitching. ‘Idiot’ was the singular thought both Klein and Soest shared at that moment.