The Memory Garden

Chapter 11 by Helene Neale 

“ How soon before he is ready?” asks the handsome gentleman with cobalt hair of his associate.“ Within the week”“ Excellent. What of the other?” There is a slight pause while the associate thank of her reply.“ Our charms are not having the desired effect.  She seems to have an unusual immunity to them, but she shall be ours very soon.  I’ve arranged for her pick up.”“Let us hope so.  If we have to wait too much longer then she will no longer be a suitable vessel.  You know how much I Dislike starting over again.” Circling his associate, he ran his hands through her full curls.  The associate leaned into his caress, then entices his hand into hers and looked into his green eyes and smiled seductively, “Do not worry my dear, you shall have the child and all she will give.” Tossing back his cobalt hair, he turned her palm face up and with his other hand trailed his fingers up over her wrists, to lightly tickle the tattooed rose on her forearm.  The fingers continue their journey up her arm onto her shoulder and behind her head.  Grabbing a handful of hair, he aggressively pulled her to him and looked at her with an unnatural light emanating from his eyes.  Sneering at her and commenting, “ You better believe the child will be mine.  You would find the consequences otherwise rather…unfortunate.”   Throwing her away like day old garbage he walked around his desk studying his notes dismissing his associate. 

*                  *                    * 

‘You’ll not get away from me this time’ thought Charlie while adjusting his back legs ready to pounce his unsuspecting prey.  It just sat there, oblivious to the danger lurking behind.   Muscles bunching he readied himself to leap forward.  Like the breath of death Charlie’s muscles contracted sending him forward to capture his prey.  Just as his claws are about to dig into his prey, he hears the sound of keys in the lock and picked up on Clemancy’s thoughts.  He landed deftly next to the prey sending it a look of frustration and bounded over to the couch to camouflage against it.  Looking over at his prey he thought ‘Fate has spared you this day, but there will be other days.  You will rue the day you thought you would thwart me.’ The prey chooses not to respond as it continued to sit in its blue, red and black splendour on the floor.Charlie’s bond mate Clemancy absentmindedly walked into the apartment and kicks the ball across the room, blue, black and red colours flashing in the light. Heading towards the table she deposited her bag and stared at the silver envelope in her hand.  Charlie tried to get an impression of Clemancy’s mood, but had a hard time making sense of her fear shrouded thoughts.  He watched the ball roll by and thinks ‘run, run, wherever you go I will find you.’  The ball chuckled in reply as it rolled away to hide under a chair.A dull thud brought his attention back to Clemancy.  Looking in her direction he saw the remnants of small hairs floating to the ground.“ Charlie, I brought you something”.Looking around for the promised gift he saw a new prey, this one worth hunting.  Coming out from under the couch he started stalking the dead rat Clemancy threw down for him.  Slowly approaching, least the slightest sounds scare it away he inched closer. The only sounds audible, the slow rhythmic breathing of Clemancy and the hum of the fridge.  Flies quickly gathered on the carcass prodding Charlie to hurry, least he have to share his meal.  Once within range, Charlie’s muscular legs bunched and contracted, launching him on top of the rat.  Sinking his teeth into the flesh he ripped off small pieces to swallow.  After a few minutes of stuffing his face in this manner, he asks of Clemancy ‘Hey boss, you got more?’“Sorry Charlie, I don’t.  Besides they would make you fat.”‘Fat good.  The ladies like fat.  It means I a good hunter’“Well then mighty hunter, go catch your own.” Opening a window to let Charlie out she added, “Don’t be seen.” Hopping onto the table from the floor Charlie peeked at what Clemancy brought home and saw a torn price of paper and a silvery envelope marked AOracle Inc.  Meekly walking over to Clemancy he tried to figure out what had gotten her so distracted.  Never having learned to read he can’t figure out why paper would distract her so.  Climbing onto her shoulder he gently rubbed his head on her cheek.  She gives him a quick scratch under the chin and statted  “ Get out of here you rascal.” Hopping over to the windowsill Charlie gave her a toothy grin and headed out the window.  Opening his wings to catch the air he soared out over the buildings, a dark shape against a darkening sky.Each membrane extended, sensitive to the surrounding air, Charlie soared high overhead, his green eyes searching for some entertainment.  Changing the direction of his flight Charlie found himself a neat little perch atop the Blue Moon.  The Blue Moon is a relatively busy tavern within the Tatterdowns.  As with most buildings in this area, it was a cast off reject of a computer unreality.  With crazily leaning blue walls trying to represent a crescent moon, it look to be constantly falling down but managed to stay upright.  Bricks jutted out at odd angles and places giving it a rough-textured exterior, beyond that some genius decided to spruce up the exterior by adding gargoyles, which only made it more grotesque.  Yet, despite the bad architecture, it was still one of the busier establishments outside the actual Ministry of People. Perching on a piece of jutting brick out about a foot over the door, Charlie thought stony thoughts and blended with the building making himself look like one of several gargoyles that adorn the tavern.Standing at an impressive 15 inches, Charlie is a fair representation of his species.  Small coppery scales adorn his hide that change colour with a mere thought.  Iridescent green eyes watch with cat like interest at people walking by. Making himself comfortable, he neatly folded his wings along his back, wrapping his tail around his powerful back legs, talons gripping the stone.  Charlie’s favourite pastime was people watching, seeing the diversity and schemes they thought were secure from prying eyes. Moving slowly to maintain his camouflage, the dragonette peered over the edge of his perch, reptilian snout peaking down at the people traveling by the Blue Moon.  The strangest sorts would pass by either on their way to or from the Ministry of People.  There were tall ladies with coifs that stood two feet tall escorted by gentlemen no taller then 2.5 ft tall.  Some of the more peculiar include half breed demons wearing blue suede suits and heavily tattooed personages where the tattoos seem to come to life and move on their own.Spotting one such unusual pair, Charlie focused his attention of them.  This pair consists of two men, a half-breed hiding his true form and a well dressed, if dated, gentleman.  Concentrating on the half-breed Charlie picked up excitement and purpose from his surface thoughts.  The other one he can’t read.  Not liking this fact, Charlie crawled back into the shadows of the building, taking off after them via the rooftops trying to peer into the gentleman’s thoughts.Using all his concentration on breaching this mystery, Charlie flew right into the open.  Panic quickly set in, as the words “Don’t be seen”, echo in his head.  Pedestrians of every sort stopped and stared in silent shock at his rare form.  The two men have also stopped and watched with mild curiosity.  One of the many strangers in the crowd flicked her hand up.  In a blind panic Charlie blotted high into the sky and ran right through an insectoid leaving little insectoid bits to fall on the crowd below, never noticing the little bug that bit him on the base of his tail.Flying high overhead and through trees trying to avoid further notice Charlie returned to Clemancy with due alacrity, trusting in her to cover up any reports.  Stopping in a tree just short of the window, Charlie took a moment to clear his thoughts and catch his breath.  It would not help matters if Clemancy picked up what was on his mind before he could explain himself, she would just get upset and shut him out.  He can’t take that risk with some foreign source trying to influence her mind.Looking around Charlie ensured the coast was clear and hopped out of the tree to soar to the windowsill, landing delicately on the edge and peering inside.  His tiny chirps a greeting to Clemancy whose smile is quickly followed by a scowl. “Damn it Charlie, you have been chasing those damn insectoids again haven’t you?” Placing the still unopened envelope from AOracle on the table she walked over to grab Charlie.  One hand over each wing, she picked him up and carried him at arms length to the sink.  Turning a few shades paler, Charlie got a slight sinking feeling knowing what was coming and not sure which to fear more, the threatening wash or telling Clemancy about being seen.“This is for your own g…”Knock.  Knock.  Knock.Clemancy froze still holding her illegal creature at arms length wondering who in the world would be knocking on her door at this time of the day. 

Knock.  Knock.  Knock.“Open up, we know you’re in there, we can sense you” stated a masculine voice from the other side of the door, the echo of his statement resonating through her head.  Turning very pale she carefully set Charlie down oblivious to the insectoid bits on her hands.  Running to the table she quickly scooped everything into her bag.  Feeling and sharing her fear, Charlie scurried over to the couch to haul out Clemancy’s pack from between the cushions and dragged it over to her.  Grabbing the bag in thanks she throws her purse into it then held it open for Charlie to climb in.‘Can you block them out Charlie?’ Clemancy thought to Charlie.‘Already doing it Boss’“Damn, she’s blocking us!” surprise and outrage filled the masculine voice on the other side of the door.“Break it down”Pack in hand, Clemancy raced for the fire exit as the pounding continued on her front door.Bang. BANG! CRASH!The door gave under the abuse it was receiving and three individuals rushed into the now empty flat and recoil at the stench of week old food and feces. Racing down the fire escape Clemancy swung the pack to her shoulders.  Jumping down the last few steps, she slipped on a piece of filth and jarred her ankle painfully.  Charlie momentarily lost his hold on the block as he got tossed around in the bag as Clemancy stumbled.  Half limping, half running, Clemancy headed down the alley closely followed by curses as Charlie regained hold of the block.  Trusting to Charlie, she headed to the only place where she knows she can lose them…the Ministry of People.Dodging debris piles better left undisturbed, she ducked back and forth between back alleys and side streets trying to lose her pursuers in the maze of streets.  Grabbing an old coat hanging from a line, she through it over her shoulders in an attempt at disguise.  Dodging into an unmarked doorway, she slipped inside and peered out the crack in the door, watching for pursuit.  Five, ten, fifteen minutes pass with no sign of anyone.  Tentatively peeking out the doorway, she carefully eased herself out and hobbled her way towards the Ministry of People.Aptly named, the Ministry of People is where anyone can go to find workers, employers or friends with which to spend time.  Shaped like a pebble dropped into water, the rings ever expanding outwards.  The closer to the center one moved, the higher the cost for doing business there.  The majority of the middle class establishments are located in the third ring from the center.  One such establishment was her eventual goal, whether see knew it or not.Wondering through the fifth ring of the Ministry of People, Clemancy started feeling hopeless as the reality of her situation finally sank in.  Spotting a bench, she headed towards it in the hopes to relieve some pressure on her ankle.  Sitting down she swung her pack into her lap cradling it like a baby.  Feeling this as good a time as any, Charlie decided to tell her of his adventures.‘Hey Boss, I have something to tell ya.’‘What is it Charlie?’‘Well you remember when you said don’t be seen?’‘Yeah?…’ with some trepidation.‘Well…I was…’“You what?!?”Some pedestrians’ looked at her strangely, as they walked by, a few with raised eyebrows.  Drawing her knees up she curled into a ball on the bench draped protectively around her pack and in turn Charlie within it.Light as a feathers touch, he replies ‘Sorry boss…’‘Tell me what happened’ Charlie explained to her his adventures and showed her the two individuals he was following, much to her surprise.‘Do you think you could find them again?’‘I think so Boss’ he replied somewhat hesitantly.‘Good then, that is what we will do.  I need to see him’‘You sure Boss?’‘Yes absolutely.  Now be still a moment while I find a place to let you out unseen.’ Uncurling slowly, Clemancy started looking around for a place to let Charlie out.  Standing up she noticed the filth making her clothes stiff.  Sitting back down, she reached into her pack looking for some spare change for a quick clean.  Careful not to squish Charlie, while reaching into her purse she pulled out her last few coins.  On the move again, she headed to the public cleaning facilities.The cleaning facilities are scattered throughout the Ministry of People.  It was all a matter of how much you wanted to pay and how many perks went along with it.  Clemancy choose one within the fifth circle of the Ministry of People.  The building she approached was a rather non-descript rectangular building with few windows and one door.  Stepping inside she approached a geisha looking man chatting behind his desk to a really short portly woman.  As she approached, they both turned their combined stare at her.  Feeling a little self-conscious, she stammerd…“I would like to use the sonic showers…no frills or extras…I just want a basic wash”The geisha turned his nose up at her and tried not to inhale to deeply.  Tapping into a console on the desk he ripped off a small piece of paper and handed it across the desk careful not to contaminate himself with anything Clemancy might be carrying.  Sighing at the cost, Clemancy left the appropriate cash, took the paper and headed to the back of the building.The sonic stalls were glass enclosures.  There was a small panel on the outside where you punch in your number received from the front desk.  Then you stepped into it and it bombards you with ultrasonic vibrations that knock most of the dirt off you.  Clemancy approached one such stall and punched in her number.  Not bothering to get undressed, she stepped in taking her pack with her.  Closing her eyes, Clemancy waited for the start of the cycle, dreading the nausea that usually accompanies a sonic shower.  The shower lasted for about fifteen seconds.  Swallowing her bile, she give herself a shake to clear most of the debris that was still clinging.Feeling cleaner, Clemancy left the cleaning facility and with purposeful strides headed towards an alley.  Within the alley, she looked around then opens her pack and let Charlie out.  Looking a little greener then usual, Charlie crawled out of the bag and took flight.  Looking around again, Clemancy put her pack back on and headed back to the street.Meandering down the street looking into various establishments, she watched the other patrons of the Ministry of People, in particular watching for those that were chasing her earlier. A half hour passes in this manner when Clemancy received a message from Charlie.‘Boss…I found them, they just entered into The Queens Sorrow in the third ring.’‘Thanks Charlie, stay out of sight but keep an eye on them, I should be there shortly.’Six blocks later, Clemancy approached a rather busy establishment.  The sign above the door had a picture of a king buggering himself on a dog.  The exterior looked almost medieval with large grey bricks and an old wooden door.  Several patrons were sitting on the patio enjoying a late evening drink.  Walking through the tables and slightly inebriated customers, Clemancy pushed the door open and walked in.  Inside the place was packed and there was a dull roar of noise from the various patrons enjoying themselves. Scanning the various patrons, she spotted Kaplin and agent Lemon at a table in one of the booths having a drink and discussing something.  A large duffel bag sat on the table between them.‘Charlie, I found them.  Keep your eyes open and stay hidden.  I should be out in a few.’‘Right boss.’ Weaving through the crowd, she grabbed what is left of her cash and headed towards their table.“…think the ghast meant?”“How the hell would I know, you were the one that solved its riddle.”“Maybe it was referring to…” Stepping towards the table, Clemancy cleared her throat, not wishing to disturb these men but not wanting to stand by all night while they talked about ghast riddles.“I am sorry to interrupt but I was in the neighbourhood and saw you in here. I wanted to give you this for earlier…” Not yet recognizing who they were talking to, Kaplin and Lemon where not sure what to make of the interruption by this women whose hair framed her face in a halo.  Finally free of weeks worth of grim and dirt, Clemancy’s hair floated free and framed her delicate features. Peering closely at Clemancy, Lemon dug in his pocket to look at the card he received earlier.  Glancing from it to Clemancy he shook his head and put the card back in his pocket.“Well if you are in the Neighbourhood, why not sit for a moment and have a drink?” Lemon sat up a little and placed his left hand over his right, hiding the glowing sigil on the back of his right hand.  Looking a little indecisive but not wanting to be rude, Clemancy took a seat.  Not quite sure where to begin, she pushed her loose change towards Lemon.  Saving her from her dilemma, Lemon continued in an innocent tone “So what brought you to this neighbourhood Miss Forrester?  No trouble I presume”Suddenly feeling like a cornered animal she stammered, “ Trouble, no trouble” at the same time attempting to get up and leave.  With an iron grip Lemon grabbed her forearm with his right hand and stated “I think you should stay”.  Between the steely gaze and the iron grip, the command sank in but was quickly followed by a white flash behind her eyes and a glimpse of a man in his mid thirties, cobalt hair framing his surprised expression, before it all faded to black, a tiny voice calling ‘Boss? BOSS?!?’