Chapter 76: 70. Tuesday Tango

Jay helped Rick and Tim with their astronomy homework while Dennis picked out a pulp fiction book from the library. Even with Dennis saying fantasy wasn’t his thing, he gravitated toward it anyway. 

By the time senior lunch neared, Jay squeezed in more gravity reading. Dennis, Rick, and Tim took turns reading the corny but fun adventurer's book. Hearing the [Fighters] in the background didn’t bother Jay at all.

He kind of liked it, honestly.

There was something peaceful about having a dry read while there was hilarity and teen chaos nearby. Hell, Jay didn’t bother to stop reading as the lunch bell rang.

He was hitting passages on the historic discoveries of famous Physicists. Back in the times when they thought the earth was the center of everything. Jay found that amusing. Eyes glued to the page, Jay collected his stuff, returned the borrowed laptop, and entered the frenzied sea of students hurrying to class or lunch.

The [Fighter] trio trailed behind him, Dennis and Rick sounding impressed by Jay’s ability to walk around without looking up. Tim didn’t seem that impressed since he could probably do the same thing. It didn’t require a full 85 Perception to pull the trick off–Tim’s 50 Perception was more than enough

Jay reached the senior cafeteria without trouble. Dennis went out of his way to get lunch for the [Freak], letting Jay sit at the table and keep reading uninterrupted.

Lilith arrived.

She made a beeline straight to Jay. She took a seat next to him and studied him while he finished off a passage near the end of a page. Then he slipped in a bookmark from the library and closed the textbook.

Lilith ogled his book selection.

“Sup, Lilith.” Jay smiled.

Her eyes twitched up and down, side-to-side, and then centered on him after she reviewed whatever was in her head.

“Jay, when will you present me with a pet blackhole?” Lilith asked demandingly. “I will like one within two years. Three at the most.”

“I haven’t even hit that part yet,” Jay said. “I’m still on how Newton’s gravity is described as action at a distance.”

“Ah, that thing. Well, don’t cling to it. It was already wrong before YoAnna’s arrival on our planet. Lots of theories are wrong or incomplete now,” Lilith said, folding her arms on the table. “And that leaves me in a mood.”

Jay swung his arm around Lilith’s little shoulders and pulled her close. He wouldn’t have ever dared last week in fear of tarnishing Lilith’s status as First Nerd in public. But Jay wasn’t concerned by that anymore, and the little murderous maniac adored the affection, leaning her head against his chin.

The sweet and heady alchemy smell perfumed up. But instead of making him think of poisonous death, it made him feel at peace.

“I don’t care about school anymore,” Lilith said softly, sounding haunted and relieved. “I don’t care about the grades. The ivy league universities. The future where I’m recognized in science journals for my seemingly benign contribution to humanity. The money I’ll make selling those contributions as militarized components to the next great weapon to terrorize Earth.”

Lilith clenched the front of Jay’s hoodie as if she could disappear into his chest like Kleo. As Champions gathered at their table, giving attention to the strange sight, Jay patted Lilith’s back gently. It was doubtless she was bothered if she was going to show this much emotion in public.

“All I care about is the next thrill,” Lilith said into his chest. “How long until we can meet more challenges and kill again, Jay?”

“It hasn’t been a full two days since the assassins,” Jay said softly, combing through her light brown, shoulder-length hair.

Lilith shuddered slightly. She slowly put herself back together, removing her face from his chest. She returned to her bored-looking and uninterested expression. But she stayed in Jay’s embrace, which meant she was totally in her comfort zone and nothing would remove her from it until lunch ended. The moment Mike arrived, she reached out with a hand, beckoning for his attention. Mike held her hand with one of his as he ate his food with the other, further feeding Lilith whatever comforting energy she sought from her two closest friends.

The childhood trio looked quite odd like this, especially since Lilith’s First Nerd nickname had a reputation for being machine-like, blunt, and unaffectionate. But Jay had known Lilith for quite some time. She could be as affectionate as easily as she could be savage. But it seemed that having a genocidal outlet for her savage side meant her affectionate side was coming out more.

“Everyone’s looking,” Tim warned, eyeing the Systemless humans all around the cafeteria.

“Let them,” Casey said, giving Jay an assessing look.

“I’d never seen Lilith like this before,” Hailey commented, surprised. 

“You’ve never been her childhood friend,” Jay said softly.

“It is quite the arduous task,” Mike said between bites of his sandwich. “A duty like no other.”

“But a duty I’m happy to have.” Jay tousled Lilith’s hair like she was a little kid. It helped that she was the shortest Champion at five feet flat.

Emily and Macy eyed Jay’s childhood trio pack with curiosity. They paid Jay more attention as if they had to update their opinions of him.

“Jay, Mike, would you think of me differently if I stepped down from First Nerd?” Lilith asked.

Everyone froze at the table. When Dennis arrived with Jay’s food, he had a big smile on his face that slowly morphed into concern.

“Why?” Hailey asked breathlessly.

“The nicknames are denoting us as archetypes to fulfill certain roles in YoAnna’s schemes,” Lilith explained. “If you haven’t realized that the nicknames are another one of YoAnna’s machinations, then now you know. And if you’re wondering why, it’s to prop up our notoriety–or what you may call our story roles–and keep us within an easily digestible structure no matter the symbiotic and/or parasitic relationship of the social paradigms around us. It is, after all, another system that shapes our presence and potential.” Lilith sighed. “I do not blame her for it. Her manipulations can be necessary. But they will quickly become obsolete. And as the saying goes, ‘the times are a-changin'.”

Lilith raised two fingers to signify she had more points.

“Jay’s reading physics books on gravity,” she said. “Jay is outgrowing his Rooftop Weirdo nickname. I predict Jay’s personal progression will accelerate even further.”

Huh.

What did she mean by that?

Jay kept silent since the table was enraptured by Lilith’s speech. Not every Champion was here–such as Brit and Frank–but that seemed perfectly suitable with Lilith. Frank wasn’t invested in the strange norms of Central High. And Brit….

“Brit should be quitting the band by today,” Lilith announced. “She might grant them one more performance and–”

“Band Lead! Wait, Band Lead!” shouted an older man on the far side from the Champions’ spot.

The distress in his voice yanked at the Champions’ attention. They grew more agitated as Brit walked at a fast clip with the older man hounding her from close behind.

Frank finally appeared, strolling to the Champion table with his lunch.

“No,” Frank said as the Divine started to get up. “Let Brit handle this.”

Emily frowned. Jay frowned just the same. For this occasion, the two probably shared a similar thought. Wouldn’t it be better to get the Champions together again? Especially for their Holy [Medium]?

“I agree with Frank,” Lilith said, clutching Jay and Mike tighter. “Brit must overcome this alone. She’s strong enough.”

“We’ll see how strong,” Dennis said flatly.

Brit stopped in the middle of the cafeteria and whirled on the older man. Her hands remained down at her sides, thankfully.

Jay’s 30 Intellect sifted through some discarded memories for context. The older man was the band director.

He was dressed in a brown three-piece suit that was a little too big on his gangly and tall frame. He was balding. He had a tendency to wave his hands around and touch a lot.

Jay felt for any future gravity warnings or signs where Brit might kill the man. Jay got nothing. He thought about using [Eye of Venerated Madness’s] future-observing perk, but it seemed wasteful in a situation like this.

In the end, Jay had to trust Brit would conclude this peacefully, which was scary for some reason. Jay suspected Brit bearing Holy Affinity didn’t make her the sweetest and nicest all the time. She could be the opposite.

“Sir, I oughta not keep repeating myself like this.” Brit’s rural Alabamian accent intensified. Her emotional gravity thickened with slow-rising anger. “I’m finna quit the band. I’m finna see myself out after Friday. And that’s that.”

“Now, now Band Lead, I hear what you’re saying, and I know you’re frustrated and dealing with some hard things,” the band director said with a deflective smile, his hand on Brit’s arm. “And we can talk more about that in the band room with everyone else. Because you’re not alone.”

“Damn straight she ain’t.” Tim’s entire body tensed like a tightly coiled spring. For this rare occasion, Rick remained silent with an insane grin that flirted with senseless anger.

The band director yammered on. "Your bandmates got some funky things going on with them, too. And you should know that, Brit. So, let’s take a breather and rethink all of this.”

The band director squeezed Brit’s arm, his hold on her remaining.

Brit took the band director’s hand off her arm with a gentleness similar to YoAnna when dealing with lowly mortals. Brit propped her fists on her hips and glared the older man down like he was beneath her.

“This is the last straw, mister,” she said coldly. “I’m quitting the band. I’m finna give you one last performance Friday for the sake of my band mates. That’s that.”

The band director reeled back as if Brit slapped him. His emotional gravity was a childish and ugly thing. Jay couldn’t spare the man any pity.

“Humans are like animals,” Lilith said in a dreamy tone that accentuated the unfolding drama. “When made desperate, the veneer of their societal masks fall, and what they truly harbor inside comes out to bite.”

“I raised you up from nothing, girl,” the band director said in a harsh whisper, clamping onto Brit’s shoulder. “Full-ride scholarships. Accolades and awards. The whole works. And this is how you betray me.”

It was a miracle the Champions remained seated.

“If we’re animals, then the weaker animals should know their place or get eaten,” Casey said viciously.

“Or we stay human,” Dennis said softly. “And try to be better than animals.”

Again, Brit showed a level of restraint that surprised Jay. She brushed the band director’s hand off and turned away. That might’ve seemed like the end of things. But ever so briefly, maybe faster than a Systemless human could perceive, Brit flashed her Holy Affinity behind her.

The band director paled, clutching at his chest. He stumbled away from Brit and quickly exited the cafeteria.

Brit got food and sat with the rest of the Champions. The other seniors spoke quietly in the background like white noise.

“What did you hit him with?” Emily asked her fellow [Medium] quickly, which Jay appreciated. He wanted to know, too.

“I shared a few of my feelings toward him plus the weight of his Earthly sin.” Brit dipped a piece of her grilled cheese sandwich into a bowl of steamy and seasoned tomato sauce. “He’s an awfully slothful man. Just wants to sit back and take credit. No matter how hard I helped him be more active and see the good of a little hard work, he never wanted to get better. He always piggybacked when times were good. And when times were bad….”

Brit shook her head.

“Weakness like that is unacceptable in a lot of places around the Multiverse,” Brit said.

“How do you know that?” Jay asked, feeling the other Champions grow more curious.

Brit shrugged as she munched on her lunch. “Dunno. It’s just one of those things that come to me from the inside. Like a wordless song that speaks the truth.” She eyed her counterpart, the Death [Medium]. “It’s in you, too, Emily.”

Emily smiled as if Brit made her entire day brighter.

Jay tousled Lilith’s hair further and whispered in her ear. “First Nerd or not, I think the Ivy League schools would be too small for you.”

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Lilith’s smile brightened into a sweet and bubbly one. Jay cherished it.

***

Every Champion had a free block at the end of the day except for the top nerds. So, Jay’s last class was right after lunch, and Frank wasn’t in it, either. He must’ve wriggled his way out of being attached to Jay’s Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Damn, it would’ve been hilarious to bug Frank any time during school. And Frank would’ve made for an interesting and much-needed addition to Jay’s ballroom dance class.

It would’ve been less awkward every time Jay glanced around and saw the only other Champion was Casey.

Cheerleading Captain. Black Belt Karate Master. Queen YoAnna’s right-hand woman. Leader of the Divine Four, the rich preppy kids, the mean girl clique. And a tall and physical chick with all the beauty and brawn you could pack into a blonde.

If only her personality wasn’t so crushing, then she would’ve been Jay’s number one Divine if he had his own personal ranking. Which he might develop soon if the Divine were going to keep flirting with him.

And if Chance was going to keep meddling with his love life. The moment they walked into Dance class, Chance had linked them together mercilessly. They could try to ignore it. But the other options for Jay were the skittish girls with two left feet or the creepy admirers who looked like they would steal Jay’s eyes if they could.

Casey had way better picks in dance partners. But she ignored all the other guys in favor of drilling a hole through Jay’s skull with her intense, icy blue stare. Yeah, she wasn’t going to take no as an answer, would she?

She had just enough Conviction, too.

“Okay, everyone, just like we practiced last week,” the ballroom teacher said excitedly. “Get with a partner and start with the basic steps for Lindy Hop, which is?”

“East Coast Swing,” Jay said along with the rest of the class. Casey’s surprisingly girlish voice stood out the most.

“Excellent! Now go on ahead and have fun. And I’ll be in the mix to help if you need me!” The teacher was pretty much letting them run loose from start to finish unless there was a mandatory break for hydration. She was more hands-on than theoretical, which suited Jay and Casey.

As a song with an electric jazz vibe played, Jay stayed in the far corner of the ballroom, facing the mirror. The glow in his eyes was dimly lit.

They brightened a little when Casey strolled to his side. She exchanged no words. She didn’t have to. She extended her out for him to take, and Jay handled things from there.

The height difference was significant. He heard other dace pairs whisper doubtfully that he could impress Captain Casey.

Jay performed as best he could. No more, no less. Then they had their first water break and the teacher’s mid-class praises and instructions. When the dance started up for another round, Casey was back at his side without saying a word.

It was safe to say he’d done a good enough job. Even when Chance's influence faded, Casey returned to his side again and again. She remained wordless but devoted.

Jay didn’t mind. There was a lot to like about having Casey as his partner. When she kicked her leg up for an advanced move and rested her thick and powerful thigh on his shoulder, that became one of many reasons. She was an amazing dancer, after all, better than him–the greatest in their school.

Even if they were in a personal battle for romantic supremacy–an inner Pantheon dispute–here on the dancefloor, they were an unlikely pair becoming a marvelous match.

***

Jay, Mike, Dennis, and Brit belted It’s My Life at the top of their lungs.

Spellcraft and incantation had already sealed their official meeting room. The large alabaster table and its gold and black lion emblem bore the weight of books, backpacks, laptops, a battle axe, and more. Hailey had brought a little extra that raised her approval rating by leaps and bounds.

Alcohol.

Sweet and glorious alcohol.

With mixers!

Hailey wore a marigold and charcoal sundress with matching sandals that showed off her new pedicure. She swirled around a glass of wine where the edge was imprinted by her orange lipstick. Her laughs were pitch-perfect and enthralling when Dennis had a squeaky crack in his voice. Her dark and smoky eyes stole looks at Jay teasingly.

Damn.

Jay had to admit that Hailey was good at leaving an impression. Even if she was the most political Divine. Potentially the hardest for Jay to deal with.

But he did his best to ignore her and bring the song to a finish with the other singers.

You couldn’t do a Bon Jovi song without putting your all into it. Flirty hotties were second to the purity of artistry.

“Whew, I needed that.” Brit let her Holy Affinity wash over the room pleasantly.

It felt like taking a walk under a sunny and blue sky day in mid-seventies weather. And the weather favored you like a friend. It gave you a couple of cheeky kisses and happy caresses with the wind.

Feeling the affection of Brit’s Affinity was one of the nicest for Jay. But it didn’t escape his notice that Emily withdrew her Affinity tighter when Brit’s came out.

Jay hoped the talks between the [Mediums] and Lilith would work out. No Champion should feel bad about their powers.

“When did you learn to sing, Mike?” Macy asked. She was dressed like a glaringly pink Flamingo today. She had stacks of cash she was counting from her Tuesday donations.

“Since my time in a church choir I was forced to do a while ago,” Mike admitted. “Jay’s just one of the few to get it out of me every now and then.”

“Maybe there’s truth to this whole nickname thing,” Emily said softly. “We get so caught up playing a role we think is us, it becomes a binding trap that narrows our perspectives.”

“Don’t make it sound like YoAnna’s in the wrong,” Casey said coldly.

“No, I’m not trying to!” Emily waved frantically.

Jay tossed a look at Lilith. She was fine with letting things devolve between the Divine. But Jay felt a need to step in.

“It’s not that YoAnna’s in the wrong,” Jay said carefully between sips of his drink. “I think it’s YoAnna doing things from a godling perspective.” Jay waved his free hand over his head. “From the top down. Can’t imagine what it looks like from there. Maybe it’s to help her make sense of us. See where we fit.” Jay shook his head. “Too bad some of us might not always fit into her plans neatly.”

There was a silent beat where Jay felt mortified that he might’ve given himself away. Then another beat where he thought nobody would pick up on what he had admitted.

“What did you do, Jay?” Casey said. “You’re hiding something bad, aren’t you?”

Jay felt like his soul could leave his body right about now. But Frank's entrance into the meeting room saved Jay from instant death via the spirit escapement.

Jay poured himself a lot of rum and coke. He was better off drinking than speaking. Then Casey wouldn't get another opportunity to dig the truth out of him.

Senior Agent Juliet Cabana's entrance behind Frank stayed Jay’s alcoholic hand. A good half of the Champions tensed. The other half regarded the senior agent curiously.

Once the door was locked, Jay’s left eye–the divine eye–glimmered with silver-gold light. He was going to check the Senior Agent for a profile. Something blocked him upon entry. Something more difficult than [Obscurification]. 

Jay didn’t press any further.

Agent Cabana turned to Jay, feeling his attempt to pry. She strode up, her tall high heels barely making a sound, and knelt in front of the [Freak].

“Apologies, Highest Champion, but my Title is resistant to prying without great effort,” Agent Cabana explained. “You could still look if you want, but it’ll be an incredible discomfort for me.”

“Nah,” Jay said. “I’m not interested in pushing it like that. Especially with someone from the Pantheon.”

He was guessing. He might be right. He might be wrong. But it would make him look cool if he tried. Getting called Highest Champion came with some gravitas.

Agent Cabana took that as her cue to stand and face all of the Champions. “Good evening, my Champions. Please excuse this humble servant for invading your space, for I’ll be of aid explaining the landscape between the Assassins, Agencies, and Admins. And no, Frank was not the information leak. That would be Dennis.”

Dennis tried to shrink into his seat even though he was too big for that.

Agent Cabana tucked one arm behind the small of her back. She held her other hand like claws over her chest where her heart would be. Then she bowed at the waist.

“Some of you have been introduced to me already,” she said. “But allow me to reintroduce myself as Juliet Cabana of the Multiverse Protectorate Pantheon, an Agent of Change beholden to Leader YoAnna Sainte-Rhythms and her Champions of Challenge and Change.”

Something in the air rang with truth from her statement. Jay sensed it. He could tell all the other Champions sensed it, too. There were no doubting Cabana’s words.

“This is fucked up,” Frank muttered.

“Why?” Mike asked. “Isn’t this good news?”

“I still look at her as my superior,” Frank admitted. “It’s embarrassing.”

“Is it like seeing your mom get out of the soccer van to tie your shoes, embarrassing? Or is it like seeing your mom come into your class as the substitute teacher, embarrassing?” Jay asked jovially.

Tim leaned over the table toward Jay. “Rick says you’ll get thrown through the window today. I bet tomorrow.”

Sparks and embers slipped out from Frank’s mouth as the Dragon [Fighter] eyed the window.

Rick leered like a red-haired goblin.

Jay couldn’t say which Junker Twin would win the bet. Jay chose to get more alcohol instead, which Hailey graciously poured for him.

She accidentally brushed her fingers along his hand. Her touches sent exciting tingles down his arm.

Which might have touch-based illusionary magic involved. Just enough to be noticeable without crossing the line.

Definitely got to be careful with Hailey, Jay thought as he sipped the drink she’d prepared for him.

Hm, tasty.

He sipped it again.

As the Champions entered another loud conversation about this latest revelation, Jay looked at Lilith.

She shook her head. The drink had nothing weird done to it.

Hailey laughed with a slight seductive flair, which made Jay feel wary. And something else. He might want more drinks from Hailey. She would make for an amazing bartender.

“It is without a doubt,” Agent Cabana said dryly, “I serve the best Champions you can find in the Multiverse.”

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