Chapter 10: New Hunters on the Block

The girls spent some time decorating the house. Elise immediately hooked up her computer and consoles in her new room. “Oh, Killer’s Oath: Kinship, when will I get to play you?” She lamented her busy life. A photo of her and Chloe sat on her nightstand, a memento of their first date.

An ethereal wave passed through the house, alarming her. Elise ran into the living room and saw Jeff pushing a glowing crystal ball into the floor. “What’s up, Jeff?”

“Oh, just putting the finishing touches on the security system’s magic aspect,” he answered. He stood up and fixed his glasses. “Finished.”

“I think our place is more secure than the White House,” Chloe commented in a dry voice.

Jeff laughed bashfully. “I got a bit worried about you girls,” he admitted. “The world can be dangerous, even without unsealed pharaohs and evil priests from Ancient Egypt running around.”

Elise and Chloe were visibly stunned. “Wait, you knew?” Elise asked.

Jeff gave her a cool smile. “Yep. I figured it out a few minutes after I inspected the museum’s storage room the night Chloe made her report,” he replied. “I have a trick that lets me see into the past of objects or places. Nice moves, by the way.” He tried to ease her fears, and clearly failed.

“Look, nothing’s gonna happen to you or Neferu, I give you my word. The S.P.D. isn’t in the market for bagging and tagging interesting magic specimens,” he assured her. “Granted, they would like to run some tests, especially since your friend there is technically a demi-goddess daughter of Ra with Isis’ magic blessing.” He then pointed to her left eye. “Magic organs that grant supernatural powers are a dime a dozen. Insurance won’t cover it, but that’s what employee perks are for.”

“They know of us, but will not attempt to uncover the truth of our power?” Neferu asked as she walked into the living room.

“Pretty much, yes. Certain laws and moral codes prevent us from bringing innocent people in by force,” Jeff explained.

“Then, please inform us when you locate Ptahmose and Setesh. Only we can properly destroy them.”

Jeff rubbed the back of his head, messing up his short brown hair. “Look, we can’t let you turn Boston into a battlefield for an ancient blood feud.”

“I understand, of course,” Neferu agreed, stepping closer to him. “However, he is as devious as he is powerful, and Ahneith and I know how best to defeat him. You may detain or execute him as you wish once we’ve brought him down.”

“Uh…sure. Yeah, we work with outside consultants from time to time, especially if they have experience with the subjects of our current investigation,” he explained. “You just need to follow our instructions to maintain the secret of magic and protect civilians.”

“Very well,” Neferu agreed to his terms.

“Uh, Jeff? You said your power could ‘look into the past’ or something, right?” Elise broached the topic.

“Yeah. It’s not really a ‘power’ per se, it’s a rare and difficult spell I’m especially good at,” he elaborated.

“Sure, sure, but could you use it to help with my memories?”

Jeff seemed uncertain. “Technically, yes, and I’ve done it before. However, your case is unique, and I wouldn’t want to risk harming your mind,” he warned her. “My advice is just to let things happen in their own time. Good money says you recover at least some of these ancient memories.”

“Indeed, your instinct manifests your talents as Ahneith. This is a sign that your past and present will merge as I expect,” Neferu assured her beloved.

“Exactly,” Jeff agreed. “Now, if you ladies will excuse me, I’m needed back in the office. We still have a priest and his guard to find.”

“If it would help you, Ptahmose prefers to use enchanted ushabti statues as servants and guards. They would be made of stone or metal,” Neferu informed him.

“Gotcha, thanks for the tip.” Jeff took his leave with a spring in his step. He was glad he could fortify their house against any threats.

The girls sat to eat lunch after they finished decorating their house. Elise warily eyed the apron Chloe casually left on the counter while she cooked spaghetti and meatballs for them. She wasn’t opposed to showing off for her girlfriends, but her heart wasn’t ready for it yet.

Chloe’s phone went off while they ate, drawing Elise’s suspicion. “Are all of your texts work-related?”

“Not all of them. Some really are just friends texting me,” Chloe replied.

“And this time?”

“Yeah, it’s work-related. A nest of vampires, a couple of miles from here. They grabbed some humans to use them for sport. We’re going in to make them dead-dead tonight.”

Elise was alarmed. “Wait, what? And you’re going to go? It sounds insane!”

Chloe gave her a playful smirk. “But for me, it’s just another Saturday. I do this stuff all the time. Whenever they’re short on agents, and I’m free, they call me in.” She downed her drink and stood up. “I gotta go get ready. I’ll wrap this and heat it when I come back later.” She gave Elise a quick kiss and took her plate to the counter.

“Wait, we’ll go with you. Jeff already said the S.P.D. works with outside consultants.” She couldn’t bear to let Chloe go alone on some dangerous mission, even if she knew that Chloe had done so hundreds of times before.

Chloe smiled affectionately. “Honey, I appreciate the offer, but I can’t bring an untrained civilian out on a hunt, even a typical vampire hunt. It’s just way too dangerous.”

Neferu finished her drink and set her cup down. “Ahneith was a peerless hunter in our time. Many creatures fell to her blade, including vampires.”

Chloe gave her a flat look. “Uh huh. I’m sure she was. Unfortunately, Elise here can’t tap into those skills on command, and losing focus in the middle of a fight against vampires is certain death.”

Neferu stood up and grinned. “Fortunately, we shall be there with her,” she stated. “This is simple training. If Elise cannot slay a group of vampires, she cannot hope to defeat the likes of Ptahmose and Setesh, and we will need her for the battle to come.”

Chloe sighed and relented. “Fine. Just follow my lead and stay close, okay?”

“Always,” Elise promised, earning a slight blush from her girlfriend.

“Your cuteness won’t win you every battle, you minx,” Chloe muttered as she texted her uncle. “Okay, you’ll be listed as trainees. I’ll give you a couple of my spare uniforms and weapons.”

“Maybe we can stick with our regular weapons? Neferu and I have never fired a gun before,” Elise suggested.

“You’re in luck, a few of the more, shall we say, dramatic hunters like using medieval weaponry. You’ll fit right in.”