Chapter 2:

Guardian

Code: SIN


A large Manor could be seen. The Estates yard stretches far outward with an elaborate garden and several other floral arrangements around the grounds along with a large fountain resting as a centerpiece to the circular driveway in front of the Manor, looping around and heading directly back towards the entrance.

In the clear reflection of a mirror, the lower half of a woman’s face would be visible. A hand would lift a stick of lip gloss into view as it was pressed against her soft lips. Long silk blonde hair hung from her head which framed her soft cheeks. The gloss glided around her lips, finishing up with the puckering of her lips before the woman stood up straight. A young woman in half-dressed garb stood before the mirror now overlooking her entire appearance. Her golden-colored hair flowed down halfway down her back, her even bangs across her forehead. The girl was in a moderately sized room. It was decorative in appearance, with an elaborate dresser with a mirror placed on it. The bed held a colorful arrangement with a few stuffed animals resting by the pillows at the head of the bed. Her cheeks flushed red as she nervously attempted to strike a cute pose, although it looked as if she was already upset.

Mysterious Female Voice: “I never knew you liked make-up, Reina!”

A mysterious voice suddenly called out from behind the blonde-haired woman Reina, causing her to jump in shock from the sudden surprise. Quickly turning around. Witnessing a short blonde-haired girl, dressed in a formal shirt coupled with a skirt with a bright smile on her lips.

Reina Lionhart: “E-Eleanor! I-I was just-”

Eleanor Calicio: “You were just caught red-handed!”

Reina's shoulder dropped as she let out a sigh, knowing there wasn’t a way she could talk her way out of it. The younger girl hummed a tune as she happily made her way over to Reina’s bed, taking a seat and looking over to her friend.

“I like the outfit, kinda like a formal princess bodyguard. You’ve been my personal guard and friend for a decade now. Since we were young.”

Eleanor said, reminiscing on the past as she looked at the ceiling. Her eyes then shifted back to Reina with a teasing smirk on her lips.

“All this time I haven’t seen you ever wear any make-up besides doing your eyes. Maybe you’re trying to impress someone at the meeting tonight?! Maybe some rich stud, maybe an heir in central? Hee-hee.”

Eleanor jokingly snickered, her tease causing Reina’s cheeks to flush red, her embarrassment obvious by her face at the thought of trying to impress someone in general as her friend jokingly teased. Although flushed Eleanor could tell she was slightly upset with the joke, looking upset at the notion.

“Of course not! I have no need to impress anyone much less some Old man or his young ward at the meeting.”

Reina stated, using her hand to brush one side of her hair to the side.

“I simply thought I might try these things you’re into, too maybe look nice for the meeting…and some of the other guards said my looks can kill, so I’ll use it as one.”

“You’ve always been pretty Reina, I’ve known so since the day we met. You’re a part of the family as anyone! So just be yourself, be by my side and all will go well like all of our plans!”

Reina’s face lit up with a slight smile.

“Thank you. It really means a lot, Eleanor. It’s because of you and your grandfather I’m here.”

“No thanks required. We should be thanking you! My grandfather trusts you more than most of the people he holds on his council. Needless to say, I trust you more than anyone!”

Eleanor smiled brightly at the end of her comment, causing Reina to share in the mutual joy they found in her comment. The girls shared a quick laugh between themselves. While the two laughed a sight caught Eleanor’s eyes which turned her face into a look of envy. Her eyes caught sight of Reina’s chest bouncing as she laughed, her laugh causing them to slightly bounce over the rim of her bra. Reina hadn’t fully zipped up the uniform, leaving her bra and bust exposed out of the outfit.

(The hell? It’s like they’re about to come close to spilling out of her bra. *Sigh* the world can be so unfair. Any size is a good size from small to big honestly; women come in their own way. Hmph. It’s likely easier not to have them that big anyway in my opinion. Easier to move and everything….wait…how does she move and fight with those?!)

Reina, managing to calm down managed to see Eleanor staring directly at her chest with a look of envy. Noticing this turned Reina’s face flushed red, feeling embarrassed with even her friend looking perversely at her body even though this was far from the first time Eleanor had entered an envious glare, embarrassing her just as it did now. Covering her chest with her arms and turning towards the closet to seek something else to put on.

“Ok! I’ll change just please stop staring at me El please.”

After their short bonding moment and the two finishing their preparations, Eleanor rose to her feet off of Reina’s bed and began taking steps towards the door.

“We should hurry though, Grandfather should be waiting for us.”

With Eleanor’s lead, Reina followed her towards the door. On her way out Reina reached out near the head of her bed, grabbing a katana, the hilt and sheathe alone made it easy to tell it must have been a finely crafted blade sheathed inside. Making out of the room, Reina closed the door behind her and Eleanor. The two now walked down a hallway inside of the large manor.

“I was surprised, Mr. Calicio tends to handle these meetings himself with his personal security to protect him. Is there something special as to why we’re going?”

“Your guess is as good as mine. All he said to me is he thinks I should take part in these meetings as the next head of the family when he retires.”

“It’s a good idea. It’ll be a great experience for you.”

“Yes but to be stuck as a leader always cramped in a room with old guys? Ew Ek”

Eleanor’s face told the full story of her disgust with the thought, leaving Reina to giggle at her reaction.

“Not looking forward to becoming the next head anymore?”

“Of course I am! It’s just when the meetings are here, all the maids say how creepily the old guys just stare at them with their eyes looking over them and drooling like they spotted a feast or whatever old guys think of.”

The words put an image in both of the young women’s minds, causing them both to stop in disgust at the image in their heads. Both took a second to instinctively shudder at the thought.

“But of course, they’ll all be stunned by the marvelous beauty that is Eleanor Calicio!”

In her confidence, Eleanor gained a large smile and placed her hands on her hips.

“This will be the first time anyone my grandfather does business with will see me and I think I might be quite the cutie, don’t you agree? Hee-hee!”

Reina's facial expression told how she was taken off guard by the question. Her cheeks blushed before a slight smile formed as she continued to look forward where they were walking.

*Giggles* “I absolutely agree.”

She said shyly under her breath enough for Eleanor to hear her answer, putting a smile on Eleanor’s face in the process.

Moments later…

A large SUV made its way through the city streets. Inside were five individuals. Vergil Calicio, head of the Calicio family. Next to him was a woman with her hair tied up who wore a formal outfit coupled with a business skirt. In her hands, she held a leather briefcase for Vergil Calicio as his personal secretary, and at her side a single man in a well-fitted suit. His dark shades hid his eyes as he seemed to be keeping his gaze outside the window. There seemed nothing astounding about the older gentleman Kai while he sat in silence, serving as one of the head’s bodyguards. Across from the esteemed trio sat Reina and Eleanor. They all sat, the only conversation was between Vergil and his secretary here and there until he began speaking to his granddaughter

Vergil Calicio: “El I know you would prefer not to have to come with this old man to a meeting with other old men”

He said chuckling as he did so. His words led Reina and Eleanor to glance at each other, both remembering their conversation earlier which caused Eleanor to laugh slightly while Reina placed her fingers gently over her mouth in an attempt to stop herself from laughing as well. Both noticing they got the joke, Eleanor then looked over at her grandfather who continued to speak.

Vergil Calicio: “But with recent events, I would just feel better to have you a part of these things now. Your instructor says you’re doing excellently in your studies. Would you like to guess as to why I’ve decided now to finally bring you for these meetings?”

Eleanor Calicio: “To give me personal experience with important people around the city?”

Vergil Calicio smiled at his granddaughter and began to chuckle before speaking again

“That is quite true. But also make an announcement about our family. Many wonder about the state of our family. With the loss of a daughter and her husband, your parents, Several have questioned our family's future.”

Reina and Eleanor’s facial expressions and the loss of their smiles revealed the change in weight of the conversation.

“The Calicio have the best reception from the Government. Enough so, as head of the family, I am the only one the Prime Arch allows to take part in the government council meetings of which determine the very essence of how the city functions. As you can assume, many dislike the Calicio for that reason alone as far as other families go. Many want the position, even the people within our family as a whole.”

“You mean the others who help our family run our area? The people who sit on your council meeting right?”

Vergil’s eyes widened to his surprise his granddaughter had specified the list of people he worried about. His smile grew and he looked over to his advisor. It was obviously a large amount of pride going through him at the moment.

“Indeed. To this day none of them have done anything out of bounds but the reality is…let’s just say my age has given me plenty of wisdom. They are not alone however to question who should lead the Calicio since I’m getting pretty old. The Prime Arch and his board of council wonder the same thing. On both ends, I’ve been asked to step down numerous times, and of course, I refused and I will refuse to step down for one of them today.”

A smile came to Eleanor hearing the strength behind her grandfather’s words. Brightening her mood greatly which became apparent to everyone.

“Um, Excuse me, Sir Vergil?”

Reina gently spoke up, raising her hand slightly as to gain permission for a question. Vergil laughed slightly.

“Ha Reina, you do not have to ask permission to speak, and please, I’ve said it over the six years you’ve been with our family no need for formalities, You can just call me Vergil or do as El does and call me Grandpa. So what is it that you ask?”

Vergil finished, looking curiously at Reina. Eleanor however looked slightly disgusted at the thought of how odd it sounded to have her call her grandpa, deeming her grandpa an old pervert in her head. The same discomfort had reached Reina at the thought, she hid her expression behind a smile as best as she could.

“Um thank you, sir? I was wondering what made the Prime Arch decide to allow the leader of your family a seat in his board’s major decisions. Would it be due to you proposing and getting approved The Alpha Trio Law?”

“The Alpha Trio Law."  Eleanor began to say.

"The Compromising law which presents “equal” opportunity in society. The right to freedom, the right to residence, and the right to employment. These opportunities are available so long as every person of the species follows the three governing rules and laws. The harm to a normal human being is considered a severe punishable threat. Possessing any kind of firearm is a punishable offense, due to such hand-carried weapons are allowed to be owned within one's home, A person must register to the government system and follow the laws of the city.”

Vergil nodded to his granddaughter's briefing of what was known as The Alpha Trio Law. Prior to these laws many alphas were violently harassed and prosecuted by the public and lawful officials. After awakening and being fortunate enough to have their mind and sanity intact, they were refused refuge and a means of living. Until 10 years ago the Prime Arch and Vergil Calicio came to a personal agreement which became the Trio Law.

“Or was it that the Prime Arch keeps you in high respect and value?”

Reina continued to ask curiously. Vergil's Advisor opened her mouth to silence Reina but a swift hand gesture from Vergil kept the woman silent.

“Haha, those things are both indeed true. Most people in the city assume that as well. In truth, we’re just a couple of old guys that grew up together as children heh heh.”

Reina Lionhart & Eleanor Calicio: “You were childhood friends like the Prime Arch?!”

Vergil nodded pleasantly in response to their surprise.

“Yes indeed, but let’s keep that our little family secret haha. You’re also part of our family Reina. In all honesty, I see you more as Eleanor’s sister than a bodyguard. Blood isn’t the only thing that can make a family. You two are the future of this family and over the years I find myself somehow continuing to be proud and impressed by the both of you. It’s a nice day, what would you two say about a day out in the central district after this meeting? They have the best stores and restaurants in the city.”

Without hesitation, both girls happily nodded in agreement. With that, the car continued on its path to its destination.

The Vehicle slowed to a stop along a sidewalk in front of a massive and tall building. The sunlight gleamed reflections from its glass-paned window. The party of four stepped outside of the vehicle, standing by the building entrance.

“We’re here. Before we go in, I warn you girls, what we’re going to walk into is confidential. So I hope you understand I say this not as you’re grandfather but as the Head of our families.”

Vergil prepared to say as he fixed his tie.

“Please remain silent no matter what during this meeting. Watch, learn, and remember. Also and possibly equally important, what you two hear in these meetings is also to never be repeated.”

With a confirmation nod from Eleanor and Reina, the group entered the building.

Moments later…

A large office would be seen, at the back of the room, opposite of its entrance doorway was made of a one-sided glass pane overlooking the city from its incredible height. A large circular table sat at the center of the room with eight men in Suits, sitting around the table with three seats beside each other left open. Each man had a single person behind them, although they were each dressed in casual clothing. The door was pushed open with Vergil Calicio at its opening, his secretary seeming to stay out in the hall with his bodyguard next to him. Entering next to him was Eleanor who was followed by Reina.

Silently they made their way to the available three seats. Vergil and Eleanor took their seats, Reina eyed the vacant seat next to Eleanor as she stood behind her friend's chair yet a sudden tap on Reina’s arm earned her attention to the other side of her. Eleanor who also questioned Reina taking the seat looked back in curiosity of this yet right when she turned to look behind her, she saw the hand tapping her friend's arm. The two girls looked to the owner’s hand, the bodyguard to Vergil making brief eye contact with Reina. In that second both girls knew the guard's message. The two girls looked at the others sitting at the table and noticed each person had someone standing behind them.

(Each person sitting is an important person…Everyone standing-)

Reina thought to herself as her eyes moved from the seated members to the ones standing.

(Is dressed more casually…they are the protection.)

Eleanor Calicio: (A meeting of important figures who run the government and they see it necessary to have protection even here.)

Reina Lionhart: (That just means-)

Reina Lionhart/ Eleanor Calicio: (Each one of these people must be really dangerous and have a lot of power)

At this second they both looked over to Vergil who seemed as calm as ever, his gaze forward.

Reina Lionhart: (Sir Vergil must be just as respected by these men.)

Several flashbacks raced through Reina’s mind of the gentle and peaceful Vergil Calicio, playing with Eleanor growing up, offering her a hand off the streets, him welcoming and allowing her to become part of the family. Unlike many others she was never forced to work, instead, she was given her freedom of choice only thing asked of her was to protect Eleanor as her friend. Coming back to the present, her eyes continued to look at Vergil.

(There’s no doubt about it if everyone here is acknowledged by each other to be dangerous. Could he be the same as well?)

Taking her eyes off Vergil she looked down, seeing the look in Eleanor’s eyes, Reina could tell Eleanor questioned the same thing yet she kept her eyes forward, focused. A smile rose on Reina’s face, seeing how she had noticed but she remained focused, representing her grandfather well. Suddenly the door flung open with great force, earning the hastily attention and eyes of everyone in the room. A bearded male entered the room, a luxurious cloak draped around his shoulders. All seated rose to their feet in the man’s presence. Whether part of this small group or part of the general public anyone could recognize it as the Prime Arch. The sole elected leader of the city's government and as such the figurehead of the city.

Raziel Lunar: “Greetings.”

The older man said, performing a hand gesture, signaling the gathered leaders to take their seats again. The Prime Arch took the final vacant seat at the head of the table, next to Eleanor with Reina standing behind her.

Prime Arch Raziel Lunar: “Without further stalling, let the council begin.”

Council Member A: “If it’s straight to business then let’s get to what’s on everyone's mind right now.”

One of the men seated brought forward to the room, Pointing a finger casually over to Eleanor and Reina.

Council Member A: “What’s the deal with the two new additions?”

He questioned, smirking at the two girls, his eyes mostly focusing on Reina in a less than professional way. His mannerisms stood out from the crowd not only verbally but also by his body language and choice of attire for such a meeting. Seeming to give little care to formal wear. The Arch Prime remained silent, only shifting his head towards Vergil Calicio. The two met gazes briefly before Vergil took a deep sigh.

Vergil Calicio: “That is simply one of the important matters of business we are going to discuss today. Before we go into the details, We should address wishes Prime Arch wishes to tend to first and foremost.”

Prime Arch Raziel Lunar: “Hm, very well. From the Calicio perspective, they are one and the same.”

The redirection upset the outspoken council member but he remained silent, seeing the Prime Arch moving along with the process.

“At the last gathering, many have stated your…concerns upon Jurisdictions, And the future chains of power around the city. On the matter of the Wolves…”

The Prime Arch said, turning his attention to the outspoken council member.

“Reports indicate a substantial climb in violence, property damage, and a few other notes. I hope these are issues that can be remedied soon?”

Council Member A: “Of course, we’ve talked about measures to be taken to regain more control over things amongst us Pillars for the sleeping wolves.”

Reina Lionhart: (So that man is one of the Four Pillars of The Sleeping Wolves, the largest family in terms of numbers by an exponential amount. With their large territory and member base. The leading of the group is divided and handled by three main bosses, referred to as the Pillars. Coordinated by its true leader who stays behind the scenes)

Prime Arch Raziel Lunar: “Hm. Very well, we expect to see progress soon.”

The Prime Arch said, giving the Sleeping Wolves Pillar a nod of confirmation and the member returning one to the leader of this council. In the brief silence, one male politely raised his hand, earning the attention of every present, as he awaited permission to speak. Adjusting the glasses on his face in the meantime.

“Proceed.”

Council Member B: “As the City’s Head of Safety and Security, I assume today we speak of the balance in other families.”

Looks exchanged across the room as the subject of their focus was brought back up in reference to the newest addition to these meetings, Eleanor and Reina.

“You’re referring to the Louaire and the Calicio?”

“I personally think they are the more prominent issues at hand sir.”

“Hm, Calicio would you like to address the matter?”

The Prime Arch asked, looking over to Vergil who nodded in agreement. Clearing his throat, Vergil spoke clearly to the room.

“It seems the matters of my family remain a strong concern for you. Very well I’ve come today in order to address the matter. As most of you may be aware of the trouble brewing in a few of the territories along with a rise in troublemakers, obviously aiming to snake their way into power. As the most neutral family between humans and Alpha, our enemies are consistently scheming even within our own people. So I’d like to sever any possible routes to their claim to power before you. I name my granddaughter the next Calicio Head. Which eliminates any remaining wishes to leave that decision to others outside of the family.”

With his announcement, it drew the eyes and shock of most in the room, including his granddaughter and Reina.

“The direct claim so that who runs what in my family can only be decided by my heir. This meeting serves as my official notice to that claim.”

Prime Arch Raziel Lunar: “As Prime Arch, I formally acknowledge the rights to claim you have given.”

Council Member B: “For such a claim, the rules you set yourself Prime Arch would suggest before such a claim can be officially recognized. The candidate must be presented before the council, who’s to say the child is capable of sustaining the knowledge and character to hold the position.”

“As one of the eldest of this council, I’m sure Vergil Calicio recalls the rulings, as a man of his credit, I accept his approval of his granddaughter's ability to lead and sustain.”

A look of disappointment ran across the councilman's face, but he smirked to realize he still had a card left to play.

“That may be one issue, but these meetings are held months apart so it will take until the next one for the council to gauge this candidate. For all, we know she could just be a child who lacks the sense to keep certain things silent.”

“Have you all not had enough time already to assess the person in question?”

A shock went to everyone but it took less than a second for all in the room to piece the words together and turn their gaze towards Eleanor.

“I am Eleanor Calicio. Here today I stand before you presently. I may be young but my life has been focused on studies and experience under my grandfather to learn the proper management of things I can assure you.”

With a formal statement from Eleanor, the room fell silent, with only the slight chuckle from her grandfather breaking the silence. Her statement earned nothing but an empty gaze from the Prime Arch before his eyes scanned across the members of the council

“Now that is settled, onto the last subject of update. A series of murders have been taking place across the city. What started as what seemed random killings our former depiction of being an Alpha attack has been concluded they are more organized than stray attacks. Are there additional updates to follow?”

“Yes sir. Those behind the incidents are still unknown. No word on any type of affiliation, no trails no hints. But what we have discovered is…a secondary issue. Our monitors have recorded that the rate of outbreaks of Feral Awakenings has increased in the last year alone in the last half a decade. There are no clear links to the attack on city personnel nor any minor groups aiming to rise to power. All records reveal any more information.”

“Hm, see to it that word reaches the leaders of each territory. I hereby warrant an order of Investigation in each own respective area.”

Everyone in the room nodded in unison to the officially given order.

Half an hour later…

Outside the building, Reina, Eleanor, and Vergil Calicio alongside his bodyguard and secretary stood in front of the SUV vehicle. The secretary handed over a folder of files to Eleanor, who separated the papers between her and Reina to look at.

“What is-“

“I apologize for surprising you with my claim but I simply couldn’t afford any one of them figuring out before the meeting. In this city, everyone has their ways of obtaining information.”

“What of these files Mister Calicio?”

Reina asked, her eyes rapidly analyzing the forms of information in her hand.

“As the next head of the family, a lot of responsibilities and information will be passed onto you, my sweet grandchild. Reina, I can only ask that you stay at Eleanor’s side. Her responsibilities will grow from here forth and I can only trust you to protect Eleanor not just as a protector but to help her as well for the trials to come.”

“O-Of course sir!”

“Grandfather…”

“You two have been close for ten years. Even though you, Reina, have the title of bodyguard, it is simply to earn yourself finances and to grow alongside Eleanor. Unlike all the others I haven’t held you to duties for this reason. In this city, allies come few but a true family is hard to come by. As I’ve said before Reina, you are just as much a grandchild of mine as Eleanor as far as I’m concerned. From the day she takes my position as head of the family, the government will see it as such as well.”

“Is that why I was brought as well?”

Vergil nodded in confirmation of Reina's question allowing her to continue. Vergil being able to tell there was more she wanted to say, held his thoughts.

“Everyone in the meeting is equally as dangerous as they are respected, sir. Is it safe to assume everyone standing was the council members' bodyguards?”

“Indeed so. Each member is accompanied by their most trusted to watch their backs. Today not only Eleanor was recognized as the future leader of Calicio, but you have been recognized by all including the Prime Arch, as her most trusted official.”

A look of surprise came across Reina and Eleanor before they looked at each other and smiled greatly.

“So these files must be our family connections?”

“Indeed. Outside of territories, the four families have limited connections. The families each hold territory on the outer sections of the city.”

Reina Lionhart: “The largest controlled area is what’s called the center sector, taking up a wide area of the city’s north and center districts.”

Eleanor Calicio: “From the meeting, it seems not all of the families are included in these meetings that govern the city.”

Vergil Calicio: “As you say, only the Veil Family and Calicio have held seats on the council for over a decade. Just a couple of years ago one of the Pillars of the Sleeping Wolves had joined. The rest are government officials. Chief of Police, Chief of Security, etc. As such we have several resources here in the center Sector. Personnel only known and recognized by the Prime Arch himself.”

Eleanor Calicio: “So most of these files so far only state our standings.”

Reina Lionhart: “Hm? What’s with this location in these files in the back.”

“Briefing files of the most important connection we have in central. They hold ties with each family and the government. Remember the location. I want you two to head there now and acquaint yourselves. They will be the number one connection you have around this city. Once you arrive and tell them who you are, they will explain further.”

The secretary would reach for the files of which Reina and Eleanor casually returned to her care. Taking in a deep breath, Vergil released a deep sigh with a look that exposed his displeasure with sending the two girls there. Suddenly Vergil Calicio flung his arms wide open and embraced the two girls. Bringing them and hugging them close to himself with comedic tears flooding from his eyes

“They will absolutely not harm you but…Just stay ten feet from the owner! What cruel fate forces a man to send her children there! Waaah!”

A moment later, Vergil and his accomplices were back into the SUV, driving off with Reina and Eleanor still standing on the sidewalk. They look at each other curiously and confused.