Quoted By:
<span class="mu-r">“Tell me more about this Midnight Mission. What exactly is it?”</span> you asked.
Sensing that you wouldn’t accept the invitation right away, Louise stashed the paper away once more. Before speaking.
<span class="mu-r">“The Midnight is a sanctuary that was created by Monsieur Knight as a sort of service to the travelers of the night. There, he accepts their requests for assistance and protection. He says that he believes it to be his new purpose in life.”</span> she explained. <span class="mu-r">“The house is a bit creepy, but I feel like it has some potential in making this city a safer place.”</span>
So…something like a Heroes for Hire situation, but only for one guy. And he probably doesn’t get paid, either.
<span class="mu-r">“What about the Nightguard. You never really explained much about them.”</span> you said.
<span class="mu-r">“That is because there is not much to say. Nothing that you couldn’t have guessed for yourself, at least.”</span> Louise began. <span class="mu-r">“The Nightguard is an ancient and sacred order that devotes itself to combatting the Army of Darkness. Primarily, that includes vampires. Although, we have been known to hunt other creatures from time to time.”</span>
<span class="mu-r">“I just thought you’d have a lot more to say on the matter.”</span> you shot back.
<span class="mu-r">“For all intents and purposes, it is a <span class="mu-s">secret</span> order. I’m not eager to make any of this common knowledge. Any information you have has the potential to fall into the hands of vampires.”</span> she said, her expression becoming hard.
<span class="mu-g">“Why limit yourself to only one type of prey?”</span> Anastasia asked. <span class="mu-g">“With your skills and resources, you would be effective against creatures far deadlier than this.”</span>
Louise thought for a moment, and then clasped her hands together. <span class="mu-r">“Think of vampires as an…invasive species. They prey on other humans, and they have no natural predator. Thus, they throw the ecosystem into disharmony, and hunters like us are the ones putting things right.”</span> she said, clearly constructing the analogy to appeal directly to Annie’s sensibilities.
Anastasia nodded. <span class="mu-g">“That makes sense. You aren’t hunting for personal pleasure, but you see it as a service.”</span> she concluded.
Louise gave her an almost reverential bow. <span class="mu-r">“Just as well. The Nightguard do not seek to gain anything from the extermination of vampires, other than the safety of the common people.”</span>
You weren’t sure how much of that was true, but Louise seemed genuine enough on the surface. You had no immediate reasons to distrust her words.
<span class="mu-r">“What about the other hunter? What’s he like?”</span> you asked. <span class="mu-r">“And what’s he want with Cindy?”</span>
Your question seemed to catch Louise off-guard, as she paused to stare at you pointedly. She thought for a long moment before responding. <span class="mu-r">“He is…hard to describe. Monsieur Knight is a colorful individual, but he is also one facet of a whole man.”</span> she offered.
(Cont.)
