It was startling to see Vex speak in a voice that wasn't hers. Right off the bat, he knew it was the goddess she was infused with. As the goddess' words rung true, Sycom gave a reluctant sigh. Things could have been worse for him. Sure, he felt silly in his olden day getup of a navy coat atop a cream cotton button-up shirt with beige pants. A top hat donned his head and a cane was tucked neatly between his fingers. The cravat around his neck choked him some, but Sycom found it easy to adjust when he loosen the button of the jacket. With a sigh, his green gaze fell back on his woman, Vex.

She seemed confused. Shocked and a tad worried, too. With a reassuring smile, he dropped a hand on her shoulder. "I don't believe the goddess within you approves of me as much as you do. We'll just have to show her I'm more than worthy of your love, right?" Leaning in, a peck was placed on her cheek.

The moment was fleeting though for Vlad up and ruined the moment by causing a mess for Shadow to clean. Artemis, quick to enthuse about the whole idea of being back in the days of the past, didn't seem to really address Vlad as he expected. Weren't Vlad and Artemis a thing? They sure appeared that way in the future they came from. Of course, who was to say all the memories from the future drifted backwards into the past. The thought of not losing memories was enough to make Sycom's head spin. Something had to give and the memory was pretty weak.

With a shrug, he let his eyes fall on what unfolded next. Sai finally appeared, which was a relief. At least another agent was in the mix -- not that the criminals couldn't be trusted. Still, once a criminal, always a criminal, right? At least with another agent in the room, Sycom could breathe easy. Well, easier.

The exchange between Hime and Reino was cute enough to make Sycom smile. If only Reino wasn't interested in another woman, he could almost ship the taller man and the short woman. It was funny and the way they reacted to each other was equally enjoyable.

"Oof," he doubled over due to the pain just above his goods. Glancing at Hime, he let out a light hiss. She didn't have to be so mean, he was merely joking. Perhaps, in time, he would break her from her stern mold. Until then, he would just have to deal with the pain that came with toying with Hime.

With Hime speaking on behalf of Discord, Reino looked over at the other criminal. Just what was he going to have them do? Sycom and Vex were his aids, but Discord was the one calling all the shots in the end. Funny how things turned out, Reino mused before his eyes caught a glimpse of Volkov. Of course, he wanted to make a move, but the maid uniform on Shadow was equally attractive. Not to mention, Hime was rather nice looking in her own uniform. Breasts popping from her chest, what man wouldn't try to pursue the tiny-framed yet big-boobed woman?

Discord finally spoke up and offered direction. They were to explore. It seemed easy enough, right?

Can't talk about power or electricity. Sycom nearly died. No electricity? His eyes started to shift around the room. Sure enough, there were no switching. There weren't computers. Why, even his cell phone... wait, how did he have a cell phone? Reaching into his pocket, Sycom pulled out a litter of small, nude-colored earpieces. Oh yeah, he was the communication guy. The voice in their ears -- as usual. Clearly, to succeed in this world some level of technology was needed. Thank goodness the goddess was kind enough to leave him his toys. Not being allowed outside the house was worth the price of having electrical gadgets that magically worked. Well, at least Sycom thought so.

With Sycom trapped in his own world, Reino figured he might as well tag along with the group. He was silent in his movements, keeping to the back as he watched Volkov snag the key and gave it to Artemis. What did that key hide? He was itching to know! With how Volkov looked in her cat form, Reino found himself dying inside some. She was perfection all rolled up into a cute little kitten. And then there was Artemis. Even though the two didn't spend much time together, the raven did enjoy her company. She was beautiful, but in a hearty kind of way. She was strong, capable, and wise. She was a survivor and reminded him of Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Game series he read when he was younger. His lips pulled into a smile as he watched the two women go at it. They were so excitable and downright adorable.

"Whatever it is," he finally spoke. Clearly the two weren't aware of his presence, as noted by their desire to keep secrets. Reino stepped in and moved closer to Artemis, "it must be worth the hassle of hiding." Volkov moved to where Reino was going to suggest. With it being a dud, his gold orbs moved around the room more. Perhaps the walls hid the secrets?

Sure enough, Volkov found the spot and Artemis was already moving to investigate. Was it really wise to send the women down first? Too slow, he cursed himself and tagged along behind the two.

Thankfully, what the chamber hid wasn't a monster or a man. It was a observatory. It was magical and full of a lot of nifty items. Clearly the goddess had more in store for them than he originally believed.

"Salem?" Reino scoffed at the irony. "Of course we go back to the place where I nearly died. But it makes sense. There's where the monster sighting occurred. I'm sure it's where it needs to end, too."

Meanwhile, Ashes was getting tugged into the group with Vex and Shadow. Having not spent much time with either, he welcomed the opportunity to spend time with them. Vex was graceful beyond belief and he fully understood Sycom's passion toward her. Shadow, who he still believed was Reino's woman, was equally as graceful and just as lovely. They were so alike yet so different. Vex choose her high school sweetheart and Shadow was moved by the bitter bad boy. Funny how love works, he told himself.

"I wonder," Ashes whispered as he looked over the grand piano. Without another word, he slipped onto the ivory seat. Hands sprawled out, he let them stroke each of the white keys. With a calm exhale, he began to play.

Finally escaping from the depths of his mind, Sycom began to explore. At first, he followed Discord, but stopped the moment he stumbled into his office. It was so weird to see a painting of himself on the wall. In fact, he grimaced. Had he put on weight? Or had the artist failed in catching his slender pique? With a quick glare, he slid into his chair and pulled open the drawers. Sure enough, electronic gadgets were tucked away. "Oh thank god."

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