CotB 42: Important Meetings

[center]Cult of the Bay

Chapter 42: Important Meetings

<<<Lamb>>>[/center]

Fetching some tea for her guests, Lamb’s mind raced as she tried to figure out what the Dragon of Kyushu wanted with her. Requests, he said… but what could he request? For her not to destroy his gang, quite possibly but even if she didn’t it would only be a matter of time. During her time as an active cape she’d come to realize that capes that were bullet proof, such as herself and Alexandria, were exceptionally rare.

Resistant to small calibur? More common, but higher calibers? Also Lung only became bullet proof once he started ramping up, and well… Lamb honestly doubted he could recover from a .50 caliber BMG to the skull when he wasn't ramped up. Shaking her head she eventually returned and sat a tea service on the table before taking a seat beside a very anxious Kitsune.

Not that her nerves were showing, benefit of being an empath.

“So, what are you requesting, exactly?” Lamb asked as she poured some tea for Lung and herself, she would’ve offered some for Oni Lee but… she didn’t think he’d acknowledge it either way.

Even trying to ignore his unnervingly blank emotional signature, the blankness unnerved her in ways she couldn’t put into words.

Lung gave a short bow before he removed the lower portion of his mask, and took a sip of tea. 

“A pleasant blend…” He said politely, “But yes, to business I believe. I won’t dance around pleasantries, neither I or you have the patience for it I believe.” He added as he sat his cup down and bowed his head once more, “What must I do to prevent the fate of the Empire from falling on my gang?”

Lamb was expecting many things, but that wasn’t one of them. But still now that he asked, she gave it some thought. Absentmindedly wondering if Fortuna is shaking her head somewhere and saying “Goddammit Lamb” or something similar? Amusing thought aside, she… had a very general idea of how to proceed.

Even if Kitsune was metaphorically screaming at her due to hearing her thoughts.

Selene just giggled in amusement, while the others went out of their way to ignore what they were hearing.

“Lung, as a hero I will say I take offense to your gang in general.” She said honestly, telling he appreciated the honesty, “But for me particularly? What I find particularly foul is how you force women into your brothels and into prostitution. I have no issue with turning tricks, but what I find offensive is being forced into it. If you choose to live that life, that’s your choice.”

Lung just took another sip of tea before tilting his head thoughtfully, “It isn’t the drugs or protection rackets but the whores…” He rubbed his chin, “Hypothetically if we weren’t having this conversation, what would you do?”

“I would systematically raid your brothels, freeing the woman and taking them into my home. I would heal them, and give them a choice; leave that life or not.” Lamb said, “And if they choose to say I would provide them security, a way to insure their health, and other things. I would be in charge and I would enforce rules to ensure the safety of the woman that chose to continue living that life and remain under my protection.”

“Consider it done,” He replied, looking like he’d expected such. “As for my second request, Bakuda will object. She’s unstable and will likely become violent when this is announced.”

“Bakuda…” Lamb muttered thoughtfully before looking at Kitsune thoughtfully.

“... You want me to go with Lung to see this tinker myself to get a thorough assessment of how she’d react?” Kitsune asked dryly.

“Yes, you’d be able to read her best,” Lamb said, “As long as Lung is willing of course,” She added courteously.

“I am, though it may be best if you Mastered her instead,” Lung replied, “Your choice, of course.”

“It may come to that,” Lamb admitted, “If she’s as bad as you imply, I simply would like Kitsune to see just how… thoroughly it would have to be…” Lamb grimaced, “I don’t enjoy Mastering people, but if needs must…”

“If only all Masters were as reasonable…” Lung rumbled with some amusement and got up.

“Ah, Lung? About Oni Lee… why is he so…” Lamb trailed off, not really sure how to phrase it.

The man sighed, leaning back on his heels somewhat. “He didn’t used to be like this,” He admitted. “It’s his power, every time he uses it a piece of him seems to die. There isn’t much left, now.”

“But a core of loyalty to you…” Lamb said as she inspected Oni Lee’s emotions, “I… am willing to help him, it would take time. What’s happening to him isn’t right… no one should suffer this fate…” She shivered despite being covered in wool.

The utter blankness would be in her nightmares… if she had any that is.

“You will not be able to restore what was lost,” Selene whispered, “Only create something new.”

“But it will be a life.” Lamb responded, “No one deserves this, I wouldn’t even wish it on Jack Slash…”

Lung looked at her for a few moments before giving her a full bow. “Thank you.” Lamb could feel just how grateful he was, “If you can return Oni Lee, even if he isn’t the same, you will have my eternal gratitude.”

“Kitsune? Can you go with Lung?” Lamb asked, “And as soon as you get eyes on the tinker, I’ll know and we’ll resolve this.”

She nodded and stood, “Yes ma’am. You sure you don’t want me around for the press conference?” She asked, giving a look to her. “We can deal with Bakuda tomorrow.”

Lamb grimaced and looked at Lung, “If you’re willing to give it another day?”

Lung snorted, “A single day isn’t a big loss. It just means I’ll have to keep the mad bitch on a tighter leash…” He said before he gave a more amused chuckle, “I do not envy you, there is a reason I prefer being a gang leader. No press conferences.”

Lamb just raised a brow but had the perfect riposte in mind, “Perhaps, but you have paperwork all the same.”

Lung just said something in Japanese that Lamb had a feeling wasn’t complimentary in the slightest, and the amusement she felt from Kitsune only reinforced her opinion.

“Yes, but I don’t have to pay taxes, you will,” He noted, sounding rather smug at that moment, “Another day, Lamb.” Then he turned and left.

“... Touche…” Lamb said with a chuckle as she shook her head in amusement, “Well, I suppose we should get ready for the press conference.”

With a nod, Kitsune tossed a binder towards her, “That has the designs. She wanted to show them to you in person, but Lung…” She shrugged before pausing, “Wait, you can teleport us.”

Lamb just giggled as she pulled her Kitsune close and they dropped through a portal and suddenly found themselves standing behind Sabah.

“So, what’s my beautiful seamstress designed?” Lamb asked as she skipped over and hugged the other parahuman and gave her a kiss.

Sabah gave her a deep kiss in return, suckling on her tongue gently. “They’re just over here,~” She purred, gesturing to a closet.

Lamb just hummed as she picked Sabah up and wandered right over, as she giggled in her arms.

Kitsune just snorted, “I swear you’d think I’d never forget you’re stronger than you look and yet I keep doing so,” She said dryly.

Sabah just giggled as she had a large teddy open the closet and pulled each outfit out and presented them.

“You know, if you wanted me in a suit you only had to ask,” Lamb commented.

“It’s the most basic option,” Sabah noted, “For a hyper-professional look.”

“Don’t forget sexy,” Kitsume commented, “Woman in a fine suit is a fetish in itself.”

“And don’t you forget it.” Honestly, she so rarely commented Lamb had forgotten that Fortuna was a part of the bond.

“The next option may be a touch more embarrassing for you,” Sabah replied, and if that didn’t strike fear in her nothing else ever would, “But I have a good reason for it.”

“... Proceed…” Lamb said warily.

Another teddy pulled out… a wedding dress. “This would be perfect if you come out with Beatrice or Tay, but it would work on its own. Bride of god type thing.”

There was a lot of golden thread too…

“Wow, I didn’t know you could get that red there…” Kitsune said, though she was a little red in the cheeks herself.

“... What’s option three?” Lamb asked after a few moments, fear in her heart.

Sabah clapped theatrically and… a puppet brought out a shrouded dress. “This one is very experimental,” She said, unveiling it with a flick of the wrist, the cloth shooting out across the room to reveal…

“Is that fetish wear?” Lamb asked in shock.

“W-what? No!” Sabah shouted, “This is a traditional dress from Japan! I fancied it up a bit, it gives a bit more cleavage and leg than normal, but it isn’t fetish wear!”

“Oh… huh… you didn’t put this together because I had a meeting with Lung did you?” Lamb asked.

“Not even a little bit,” She replied, “I actually made it to signify that you will eventually avenge Kyushu, then I included Newfoundland’s flag colors for them.”

“Oh… I like that actually.” Lamb said as she nodded, “Maybe… I’ll wear this for the conference, and the suit for that interview on tv? Actually, when was that supposed to be again?” She added looking at Kitsune.

Who had become something of the organizer/secretary for Lamb… something she didn’t intend to happen.

“Still better than my previous job, the benefits are killer,” Kitsune said, “But the interview is for later on this week. Saturday, specifically.”

Lamb nodded. “Okay… Sabby help me put this on… and arrange my cleavage so I ain’t one misstep to flashing everyone present please.” She requested, “I’m shameless, but I’m pretty sure flashing everyone at an event like this is pretty low brow honestly.”

“Yeah, it wouldn’t go well,” Kitsune agreed as Sabah moved to help, starting with stripping Lamb down to get her into an undersuit.

“I swear if we weren’t on a time crunch…” Lamb muttered.

Sabah just giggled and continued working with a smile, giving Lamb instructions, and eventually Lamb was in the outfit and checking herself out in a mirror.

[spoiler=Lamb’s kimono][img]https://th.bing.com/th/id/OIP.aYDe29umWhX_9vUtdOlHDQHaKW?pid=ImgDet&w=159&h=221&c=7[/img][/spoiler]

“Oh, Sabah I am going to pamper the utter hell out of you after this is all over,” Lamb promised, “Maybe a date somewhere in Italy?”

“That sounds lovely,” She replied, “We’ll bring everyone, of course.”

“Of course,” Lamb said, “Maybe talk Annette into joining and taking Danny out on their own date?”

“Sounds good to me,~” Sabah said, stretching out, “Now get going, you have a speech to go over again. Don’t talk about sex too much during it!”

“Fine, fine I’m going!” Lamb said, “Though I’m taking my social-support fox with me!” She added as she grabbed Kitsune and they fell through another portal.

Appearing in a conference room, several guards rushed them before… sighing and going back to their positions. 

“... Probably should’ve taken the front door huh?” Lamb muttered scratching her cheek, “I’ll try to do that next time, just didn’t want to be late.”

“You’re fine, Lamb,” Dauntless started, “No media has arrived yet.”

“If you’re sure.” Lamb said, still feeling a little embarrassed, “But it's nice to meet you, I don’t think we’d officially met?”

“We haven’t,” He replied with a smile, hand going out to her, “Nice to meet you, Lamb.”

“Nice to meet you too,” Lamb said with a smile as she shook his hand, “You’re the rising star of the PRT right? At least that’s what I heard.”

“Maybe a bit,” He replied, “But I don’t really… care about that?” The armored man shrugged, “I’m just doing what’s right… but you’re making that a lot easier, so I’ve got to give some personal thanks for that.”

Lamb could tell he was honest about that, “You’re welcome,” She said, “You know, the funny thing is this all started because some skinheads gave my best friend a hard time,” She admitted.

“We all have our reasons,” He said, “Some more personal than others.”

Lamb nodded in understanding, “So… how’s this supposed to work anyway?” She asked, figuring she might as well get as much help as possible.

It wasn’t fair to rely entirely on her social-support fox after all, Kitsune just rolled her eyes and batted Lamb in the back of her head with her tail.

“Pretty simple, you go up to that podium,” He started, nodding towards it, “give a little speech, answer some questions that we’ve vetted, and then we go in the back for some food and drinks.”

“... Maybe I didn’t have to bring my social-support fox…” Lamb said with a faint snicker.

“Probably not, but everyone brings someone with them for these things,” He replied, “I brought my little sis once, but she was in the audience…” He grinned, “Of course, that was a speaking engagement at a school too.”

“A sister, huh?” She absentmindedly wondered how Dinah was doing.

Miles better since she didn’t have to worry about Coil anymore, maybe one day she’d pay her a visit?

“Yeah, not telling you how old she is but… you did save her life when you slayed Behemoth,” He admitted, “I’d give you a hug for that, but it would ruin your dress.”

“Wait until after this and I’ll change,” Lamb said, “I’m not one to turn down a hug from a handsome individual such as yourself,” She added as she wiggled her eyebrows.

He laughed, “Thanks for the compliment. I’ll let you get to practicing your speech.”

“You’re welcome.” Lamb said with a smile while Kitsune snorted.

“Practice? I don’t think she’s practiced a day in her life,” The thinker said dryly, “But it makes her sound more genuine, so… trade offs, I suppose.”

Dauntless just chuckled, “Fair enough, I just hope you won’t pull a Clockblocker…” His head shook as he sighed out, “Please don’t pull a Clockblocker.”

“... I can only imagine what that means, but I assume it means don’t make a fool of myself?” Lamb asked.

“Got it in one, Lambchop!” A man said as he sauntered over, “Assault! Big fan of your work!” A very exasperated woman (not that she gave it away) simply came over to smack him upside the head, “Aw, Puppy! I’m just being friendly!”

“You’re going to overwhelm her,” She replied, “And Lambchop? Really? Are you going to try eating her?”

“I mean… if you were game then maybe?” Lamb could almost feel his eyebrows wiggling in response.

That made the woman audibly groan.

Lamb giggled. “Well, this is the first time I’ve been in this situation,” The fluffy cape said with some amusement as she eyed them, “Mmm… either you're dating… or married…”

“Oh, you’re good. Or did your thinker friend tell you somehow?” Assault asked, “But seriously, keep that to yourself. We don’t like advertising it.”

“Nope, empath and you just confirmed it,” Lamb said, “And no one will find out from me, promise,” She finished with a smile.

“I’m going to be honest,” Kitsune started, “I think they don’t need to. Their own eyes should be enough…”

“You are awful at being discrete,” Battery noted, amused, “Really, really, really awful.”

“I am the picture of discretion!” Assault protested dramatically as he put his hand to his chest.

Lamb giggled, “Okay, I like this guy,” She admitted with a smile.

“Someone has to,” Battery sighed, though there was no heat in it, “Aside from himself, I mean.”

“Well, Lambchop the media here,” He said, “We’ll catch up later, oh maybe you could introduce me and Puppy to your not-a-cult!”

“... I’ve given up on that,” Lamb sighed, “I can’t even lie to myself at this point.”

Assault laughed, cackling as he and Battery went to wait nearby before the cameras started rolling.

Kitsune just giggled and patted Lamb’s shoulder as Director Piggot took the podium to get the press conference started.

Though Lamb had to admit Piggot seemed to be doing better, not physically but emotionally. She didn’t seem nearly as stressed when she first met the woman, but Lamb figured losing an entire gang and having an Endbringer destroyed would do a lot to improve a person’s mental health. Though she still carried a lot of stress, that was the burden of her position. All the same, it was good to see her doing better; now if only she would accept healing from herself or Amy.

After testing the mic and nodding, the woman cleared her throat, “You’re all here to ask some questions about the events that happened earlier this month,” She said in a brisk no-nonsense manner, “And I won’t keep you long, I just want to remind everyone to keep it orderly or this press conference isn’t going to end anytime soon. Now, Lamb?”

Taking that as her que she stepped forward and stepped up to the podium as Piggot stepped away. The cameras flashed, and already Lamb could hear them speculating over her dress and what it could mean. And she could definitely sense a spike in the overall lust in the room.

Incidentally, she didn’t get a hint of lust when she was talking to Dauntless or Assault. Curious, but nothing too interesting honestly.

“Hello, not sure if the Director or the fluff gave it away, but I’m Lamb,” She said with a smile, “And I guess we should get this started? Well, I’m not used to giving speeches but here we go…” She paused to clear her throat, “What happened earlier, well… I’m sure there are recordings of what happened circulating already. But I’ll confirm that Behemoth isn’t coming back from it. It’s dead or as close to dead as a creature like that can be.”

That set a cat amongst the pigeons as the room exploded with noise, journalists and reporters asking questions over each other. Eventually Lamb raised her hands to quiet everyone down, only using a small burst of her aura to do so.

“Please, let’s be civil! I’m not going anywhere, so let’s take this one at a time okay?” Lamb asked, “You? In the suit with a gray beard,” She added, pointing to a journalist in the front row.

“Where did Behemoth go?” He asked, “Videos show it going into a dark portal.”

“It was effectively dumped in the space between dimensions,” Lamb answered, “An extremely inhospitable space where the laws of physics are suggestions.”

After all, she couldn’t really say that Lamb gave it to Selene like a child presenting their parents with a picture now could she?

“Yes you can, my Lamb,” Selene admonished.

“Well, yes but I’m not sure if blowing their minds with ‘I gave it to my goddess’ would be well received. Besides, my cult is… honestly growing at an alarming pace. Pretty sure there are threads talking about me.” 

“And so you gather worship for yourself instead of me? I’m not sure that will help you dear,” Selene replied, amusement growing, “But I approve of that as well. Take all the credit you like.~”

“It's not that, you know that! I just don’t think a lot of people would appreciate the knowledge of a Godlike ‘trump’ taking ownership of Behemoth.” Lamb replied.

Selene… sighed, “No, I didn’t. You did, take responsibility. You own what was once Behemoth.”

“I know that, but the Endbringers killed a lot of people and me suddenly saying Behemoth is my pet now… probably wouldn’t be received well.” Or it would, there are some strange people in the world after all.

“Show them. Lies burn at the soul and will always end poorly. I’ve never lied to you, have I? Be honest with them too,” Selene whispered, advised.

Lamb just drummed her fingers on the podium, “What survived of the Endbringer was repurposed, its power greatly weakened…” She chewed on her lip in thought, her ear flicking as she listened to Selene, “Made to understand what it's like to be a human…” She wasn’t lying, not really, just… bending the truth?

No, that didn’t sound right either… She was being honest. Just telling it in a way that could be interpreted differently?

“Now you understand. Why don’t you introduce them to her, hmm?” She whispered.

“This is a bad idea…” But then again she’s had a lot of bad ideas that worked out lately, and Selene hadn’t done anything wrong by her, still she chewed on her lip and looked awkward, “Would you all like to meet her?” She asked.

Silence… but one man did stand up. “Behemoth… killed my granddaughter,” He said, “At three years old. Will she remember having ever done that? Will she remember the attack on Salt Lake City at all?”

“She remembers everything, from the day she woke to today,” Lamb said, “She wasn’t human, but now she is… and she regrets everything. Guilt is a hell of a thing…” She added thoughtfully.

“... Then I think she will need to give us, give me and my family and everyone else she’s hurt… an apology,” He said, sounding resigned and pained, “And what she plans to do to make up for it all.”

“She does, and honestly I don’t think whatever she does will ever make up for it,” Lamb said honestly, “However the fact that she’s attempting to make it right? That means something, it probably won’t help the grieving but something is better than nothing.”

“And what is she doing to make it right?” He growled in question.

Lisa leaned over to whisper into her ear, “Summon her and let her explain.”

Lamb nodded before looking at the man, “How about you ask her, herself?” She retorted as she opened a portal, “Beatrice, please come through. This gentleman has a question for you.”

And come through she did, looking… exceptionally dour and upset in a conservative black dress, like she was going to a funeral. She was still painfully attractive, but it was… too sad looking to arouse her.

Good, honestly Lamb was worried she’d come in naked or in something… loud.

“I will work to undo all of the environmental damage I have ever done,” Beatrice said, “And though I know it will never bring them back, I will work to provide all victim’s families with just compensation to the best of my ability… and without crashing the economy.” The dark skinned girl grimaced. “I don’t think anyone would be better off if I did that. Further…”

She swallowed heavily before going down to one knee, speaking in a voice that was just audible to the others in the room. “I will take any punishment that you desire to give me. My soul belongs to Lamb, but my body is open for your punishment of choosing.”

Honestly, even Lamb was surprised… though she managed to not react beyond looking at her for a moment before focusing on the man that had spoken.

He stared at her for a time before… sitting down fully. “Fine. That’s… fine,” He sighed, eyes closing. “That’s all I wanted. Just a sincere apology.”

Lamb just nodded before looking at Beatrice, “You can stay or return.” She said quietly with a faint smile, “And I’m proud of you Beatrice.”

“I’ll stay, I’m sure the PRT and Protectorate will have questions,” Beatrice said quietly as she got up and stepped back to where Kitsune was.

Lamb let the silence continue for a moment before clearing her throat, “Well, let’s continue? You, in the back with the journal and exceptionally sporty looking.”

She stood up and asked, “Can I get a private one on one interview sometime in the future? I’ll pay for it. I think people will be interested in your everyday routine.”

Lamb blinked in vague surprise. “Sure, just ask Kitsune… honestly she’s become a secretary.” She said with a smile, “It might be sooner than you expect though, but I don’t mind. But do you have anything else you wanted to ask?”

She nodded before asking, “Do you have a favorite cape that isn’t in Coven already? Are you going to go recruiting more?”

“Well… if we go by power, then I’d have to say Bonesaw. Despite the screwed up shit, her power is fascinating and it was a sad day when Jack Slash sunk his claws into her.” Oh Lamb could already tell that was going to stir up some drama… maybe, “But despite that? Well, Panacea, Alexandria, Parian, and a thinker friend who’d prefer to remain anonymous.”

“Oh, you want the cutie?” Selene asked, “I was planning her death… but you make the call, dear Lamb.~”

“I thought Panacea was already in Coven?” The woman asked, clearly trying to take apart everything about the answer, “What about one that isn’t a villain and isn’t in Coven?”

“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean she can’t be my favorite cape,” Lamb said honestly, “Well, Mouse Protector. I mean who can hate a hammy hero right?”

“That’s all the questions I have,” She finished, sitting down and setting off another flurry of hands and shouted questions.

“One at a time please!” Lamb exclaimed, “Really people, there’s no hurry!”

It was going to be a long day…