First Contact

Yamamoto was silent as Shagswell came closer. He was tall and broad-shouldered; his whole body could have been chiseled in marble. Or rather, that he was probably a model for all those male marble statues, even the dark purple robes he wore could not disguise the quiet power his body exuded. His salt-and-pepper hair was slicked back, and Yamamoto could tell that his locks were way past his shoulders. His beard was close-cropped and neatly trimmed, framing a smile that did not quite reach up to his ears as he approached them.

"Orion! Finally you're here," Miterhause sighed in relief. She gestured to Yamamoto, who stood up. "She will be your bodyguard, Orion. Now, don't you start arguing with me again."

Yamamoto bowed towards him. "Irika Yamamoto," she introduced herself. "I am pleased to meet you, Lord Shagswell." But before she could finish her sentence and even stand straight again, she felt her hand gently taken. She saw him kissing the back of her hand.

"Oh, but the pleasure is all mine, Miss Irika," he purred. But as soon as he pulled his lips away from her skin, she quickly withdrew her hand. It was a curious surprise to see her face impassive just as before. Such a challenge, he thought. He then grinned at her.

"Now, I guess I should change a bit in the logistics," Miterhause said in a business-like voice, but she was giving dagger looks at the man. He is making this difficult, she thought in exasperation. She didn't need him trying to seduce another woman again. And Irika being a Hit Wizard and so young too! "I'd have to book an extra room for you, Irika. I'll have it done in the afternoon."

"Don't trouble yourself Samara." Shagswell grinned at his editor. "Miss Yamamoto can stay in the rooms I'll be getting. It'll be at no extra cost for the magazine, and no extra work for you!" He could almost laugh, amused by her reaction. From the way she was glaring at him, he could tell she was beginning to get wound up. He can read her well. And why not? They've been working together for quite a long time already.

"I insist. It's the least I can do for her services right now," Miterhause replied, smiling at Shagswell through clenched teeth. "I'm happy to do this for her."

Yamamoto looked at the two and thought that they were at the verge of openly arguing at each other. Shagswell looked amused, while Miterhause' cheeks were flushed with irritation. "It's all right," she suddenly said. "I will be content in my own room, but perhaps with a connecting door so that I may be of aide to Lord Shagswell when needed." There, she made a compromise. She just hoped they'd accept it.

Shagswell sighed with a grin, and shrugged. He was beaten for now. "Of course, Irika," Miterhause said in relief. "Well, I guess the two of you should get to know each other better. Orion, if you will show her to your office?" As Yamamoto stood up and turned slightly, Miterhause quickly leaned over and pinched Shagswell's arm.

You better watch it, she mouthed.

Shagswell took on a look of total innocence. Me? he seemed to say. He winked at her and followed Yamamoto. He opened the door for Yamamoto, and with a final smile at Miterhause, left the office.

"So, Miss Yamamoto. May I just call you Irika?" Shagswell said as they walked to his office. "You are a Hit Wizard, yes? I admit I know little of your group."

"There are still some people who do," she agreed. "We are slightly different from the Aurors. They specifically go after Dark Wizards, but we chase those who are actually wanted by the law, Dark Wizard or not. And yes, you may call me that."

He regarded her with a look of respect. "Dear me, then how did a young lass like you manage to get into such a line of work? Wouldn't keeping a guard over me be a bit boring for you?" She looked up at him, and idly realized she was almost a head shorter than he was. "From hard work and skills, sir," she answered modestly. "And I believe that you yourself did not want anyone looking over your shoulder during the tour."

He gave a rueful grin. "Didn't I, though? It was Samara's idea, not mine. She's sometimes too much of the mother hen. Of course, I would do anything to make her happy. Although, I do enjoy tweaking her nerves now and then." He opened the door to his office and ushered her in.

And more I believe, Yamamoto thought when she entered his office. She looked around, a little surprised at what she saw. It was definitely not your usual office. His furniture had simple lines, but they were of a dark, heavy oak, and clearly had a masculine touch. One wall had a bookcase filled with thick hardbound books, while the corner across it had a small bar. Its black marble countertop had around three bottles of red wine, charmed to be always chilled and ready to serve.

Shagswell noticed her taking in the room's décor and smiled. "I like my place to be a little comfortable," he explained to her. He stretched out his hand, and a couple of wineglasses and one of the bottles floated towards him. He poured one glass for himself and another for Yamamoto. "Do you like red?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, sir. I do not take alcohol while on duty," she said simply. Shagswell nodded, "Ever the police officer. Some sweets, then, perhaps?" A box appeared at their side, and it opened to reveal several rows of bite-sized chocolates. "Please, have one," he offered.

He saw her hesitate and chuckled. "Irika, I'm not trying to poison you, nor make you unconscious. I'd just like to get you comfortable."

"I am comfortable," she replied, her face as impassive as ever. She looked at the box again, and decided to pick one. She nibbled a small piece from it. "Please, sit down," he told her and offered her the couch. She sat down at the edge of it, while he sat beside her and leaned back. He saw how she sat, and sighed.

"Irika," he said patiently, "I know that my line of work, specifically my column, would certainly give me a special type of... reputation. I assure you that I would not do any untoward advances at you. Not unless you give me permission to." He gave a slight grin on that last comment.

He saw her blink in confusion, which was a feat since her face was still calm. He wanted to chuckle, but how could he when this young lady right beside him looked so uneasy being with him? "Relax, Irika," he said, laughter in his voice.

"I am relaxed," Yamamoto quipped. She looked around his room, trying to get a glimpse of who this man was through his décor. "I would like to get your opinion regarding this threat to your life." There, at least she changed the subject.

He sighed while he swirled the wine in his glass, and idly admired its color. "Frankly, I'm intrigued," he said. "This is actually the first time I've received a death threat because of my work in Playwitch. It was usually for... personal reasons that this happen."

Yamamoto stood up, and began to slowly pace the room as she thought aloud. "So, you do have enemies?"

"Yes, but, of course, I've dealt with them accordingly before," he said with a faint smile. "I don't believe I have someone to deal with currently."

"Any jealous rivals? Jilted lovers?"

"I am an honest man, Irika," Shagswell said. "I always aim to be as straightforward in business or otherwise. I don't give reason to anyone to go after me."

"Until now," she retorted lightly, one eyebrow slightly raised as she kept on deducing. "Very well, we would have to assume that this person is someone you do not personally know. Will this be the first time you'll be having a Europe-wide tour?"

Shagswell dutifully answered the questions poised to him. He was quite impressed with her. She was clearly quite young, too young in fact to be a Hit Wizard, but showed unusual maturity and professionalism needed for the job. She was very serious about this assignment of hers, and despite his personal misgivings about having a bodyguard, he admitted he was thankful that it was she to do the job and not someone else.

She wasn't bad to look at either. His eyes drank in her sight as she walked in tight circles in front of him. Despite the tough, masculine clothes she wore, she moved with unconscious grace. He could tell and appreciated very much, that she had a fit, slim body – toned through numerous physical and magical training. He wondered if he would be allowed to reach out, and gently rub with his thumb, the crinkle in her brow as she spoke out her thoughts thoroughly.

"What do you think, Lord Shagswell?" Irika said, breaking his reverie.

"Hm? Oh, yes. Absolutely," he quickly said, mentally berating himself. Damn it, he allowed his mind to wander. He sheepishly looked away when Yamamoto looked at him, a silent question in her eyes.

She then continued. "I guess I should ask the detailed itinerary of your tour from Miss Miterhause," she pondered. "It would give me a clearer picture on how to place myself without disturbing you much."

Shagswell watched her for a few more moments, then stood up. "Irika," he said smoothly, "I am at your disposal to whatever you need to keep me safe during the tour." He smiled at her gently, "But the tour won't start until two weeks after. Might I invite you for a light dinner tonight?" He smiled even more when he noticed her looking a bit suspicious. "Again, my dear. I don't do anything that would make my guests uncomfortable. This is just my way of thanking you. And I would hope that we would get to be friends after this."

Yamamoto thought fast. He seemed nice and considerate. And despite his flirtatious manner, she could tell that he was quite the gentleman. He was also a bit confusing for her, but a gentleman all the same. She bowed to him slightly.

"Yes, I would be honored to dine with you tonight, Lord Shagswell."