Friday, 22 November, 2049; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

The boy forced a shy smile at the youthful runner and let D-Pop lead him out. But at the kitchen door, he stopped and half-turned, addressing Vexboy over his shoulder.

"No. You're not the scum of the earth."

And then he disappeared through the door with the woman.

"Nice kid." Vexboy said smiling. "Even kids can maintain innocence here. Vexboy turned to Bronwyn and Daphne. "I would like to ask something of you two
I would... Well... Put simply I would like to work for you two. Same as D-pop. In exchange for... Assistance. I wanna explore this concept of the Pattern... I... Im kinda happy something like that exists you know!" He suddenly seems like a child himself. But be tries to look serious. "I also want to improve my own understanding of magic and the like. I love magic... Well most of magic and I never really got any teaching about it beyond the bare basics."

Friday, 22 November, 2056; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

Bronwyn smiled kindly at Vexboy's foray, and Dapne turned from her quiet conversation with Rocky. Both started to speak at once, then both stopped. A moment's confusion as both tried to defer to the other. More smiles. Finally, Bronwyn had the floor.

"We can't tell you how much we appreciate what you've done. Putting your life on the line, getting hurt, to help us, to help our cause, and to save those other children. That alone is enough that I'll do all I can for you. And I'm sure Daphne will as well..."

The ghostly form of the other woman nodded. "Absolutely..." Then, sensing a slight bit of confusion, she said, "You have to understand that we can only speak for ourselves personally. The fact is that Bronwyn and I have never met until just before you came in. We are each part of separate groups, each very secretive. I don't even know what group she hails from, only that we have been sent to assist each other at this moment based on the direction of our seniors - womyn who are wiser and more seasoned than we in the ways of the Pattern. I do agree with Bronwyn that we are in your debt, and likely to incur an even deeper obligation if we find ourselves needing to call on your services again - as I fear and hope we will. So I'll give your request some thought, see if I can think of someone appropriate for you."

Bronwyn joined back in. "Actually, I think I know someone you might should meet. But I think it's something we should discuss one-on-one. Us witches. Secrets and secrets and secrets. It's what keeps us fun." And she gave the young man a saucy wink.

"Smooth work kid. Just don't fall in love." Vexboy turned red for a sec. "So she is a tease huh?" He thought to himself. "Well I can keep a secret." Vexboy says in response to Bronwyn. To Daphne he says. "Thank you. I would appricate the chance to train. And I would keep everything confidential if need be."

Friday, 22 November, 2120; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

As the meeting drew to a close, Daphne made her excuses. "My time in this form is nearing an end, gotta get back to my body." Her ghostly visage clearly winced at the thought. "Join me in the living room, Rocky, before I go?" As they left, she said to Vexboy, "Your real name wouldn't be Nathanael would it? Every time you speak I'm reminded of his meeting with our Lord in the first chapter of John."

"Really, Daphne, the Bible?" rejoined Bronwyn. "Surely one of your achievements...."

"You see contradictions where there are none, dear. Until we meet again." And she disappeared into the other room, the huge troll ducking through the door behind her.

"That leaves us to clean up, Vex," said Bronwyn. "Can't leave the place a sty for DES's friend."

After they cleared the table, they stood close as she rinsed bowls and handed them to Vexboy to put into the dishwasher. She said, "You should go and find Felix. He's not one of us, but a loyal friend to our cause. We trust him. And, for a man, he has gone far towards glimpsing the Patterns. If you tell him I sent you, he may show you things. No real address, though. Sorry. You'll have to look for him in Glow City."

"And you? Are you leaving town? I was serious about hanging out you know?" Vexboy said as he started writing down his contact info. "Glow... City... Um... Funny I have only been a handful of times. Felix his street handle?."

Friday, 22 November, 2121; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

Bronwyn's eyes shot up in a mixed expression. "You've spent time in the Glow?" She reached up and ran her manicured fingers through his hair, blood-red nails contrasting nicely with his blond locks. "Still got all your hair...full of surprises, aren't you?"

She stepped back, started to say something, smiled, and said something else. "Felix is the only name we know him by. Us magickey type are a bit more careful with our real names than even your average paranoia-driven runner. Don't know whether he gave it to himself or if it was given to him. You'll see what I mean."

"Lone Star gave us some gear to go after a toxic once. You should meet my sister. She is like Mycroft Holmes with intitaive. Plus she is a crack sniper with legal access to illegal mods." He says trying not to shake. This is the most female touch he has had ever. The Dragonslayer was laughing at him which was of course reassuring. When she stepped back he took a sigh. "We were public relations on paper. We really hunted serial killers that made it to the trids before anyone could collect any bounties. Then we gave credit to "faces"." He rolled his eyes and muttered. "Assholes." Under his breath. "It had its... Advantages. We got 10% of the cut of bounty."

Friday, 22 November, 2123; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

"Well, if you used to hunt serial killers...and you know the Glow....then I guess you shouldn't have any trouble tracking Felix down. But look at you...sit down."

She put a hand on his shoulder, and the gentle pressure was enough to guide him back into a chair. "You didn't exactly come out of this evening unscathed, did you. Here..." A hand on his head, and a warm blow suffused his body. Moments later everything in his body was as it should be - right down to the last scratch. "And here..." the hand dropped to his lapel, caressing his cheek as it went. His clothes and kit were suddenly like new.

"W...well I wouldn't say I know the Gl.." He stopped as a shiver went down his spine. Her touch healing him and his gear was like... Well maybe it too much info to accurately describe it. "W..wow." He said simply. A bit wide eyed. "Magic really is amazing."

Friday, 22 November, 2123; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

"Yup. It's magical. Listen, I've got a cab coming...and it's coming just for me. This place is just borrowed - time I got back to my own digs. Been a long day, you know? So if you've got any last questions before I head out and leave you to your noble quest...I probably won't know the answers...or I'll think I'm, like, super wise or something and tell you to seek the answers yourself. But can't hurt to ask 'em if you got 'em."

But there was a honk outside....

"Okay. Wanna go out sometime?" He asks deadpan with a smile.

Friday, 22 November, 2123; 38th Avenue NE, Northeast Tacoma, Tacoma, Seattle Metroplex

Bronwyn smiled wickedly. Behind her eyes, she was imagining something. "How old are you? No, don't ruin it. There, I've flashed you my details. Let me think about it for a week - decide whether I want Santa to come this year - then call me if you're still interested. Good luck with Felix!"

She kissed him on the cheek, leaving a bright lipstick mark, and was off on her way.

"I think she wants you to stuff her stocking kid. But with c..." Vexboy sighed blocking that out. He got a kiss! He leaped for joy. He left on his bike after leaving a thank you note for Daphne with his contact info. He arrived at his apartment exhausted but unable to sleep...