“Hey, you’re Pherebos, right? General Akifumi said you could help us ID some people from Vagantu.”
“How do you know I’m Pherebos?” I ask, suddenly uneasy. “Are images of me circulating in Confederation bases now? Labeledundercover agent, maybe?”
The man hesitates. “Uh… well, Akifumi told me, ‘Ask for Pherebos—you can’t miss him. He’s Asgarnian, violet eyes.”
He looks a little unsettled by my question.
“His aura is clean!”Wingo chimes in.
“So, for once you agree. Let’s go with it…”
“What’s your name?” I ask.
“Rob. We’ve got a young woman who already sorted through most of the people we need to identify. But Akifumi said you could help too—since you’ve spent time on Vagantu.”
“Ileana’s been put to work on this task,”Wingo confirms.
“Then I’m with you… Rob.”
“Onorio’s in charge of this file. Ileana couldn’t finish sorting all the cards, so he sent me to find you.”
“Take me to them. Ileana is my companion.”
“Your compa—ah, okay!” he stammers, clearly flustered.
“Another one under the spell of our dear Ileana!”Wingo chuckles.
By the time we reach Onorio’s office, Ileana’s already gone.
I’m tempted to follow her, but two men corner me with a long list of faces to identify. I can’t back out now.
‘’Wingo, could you go with Ileana, please? I’d like you to keep an eye on her. Reassure her. Being in a base like this must be stressing her out a bit.’’
“I’ll be right with her. Honestly, I’m not thrilled about spending an hour or two staring at all their villains.”
‘’You’re making it sound like a huge deal. There are other people too. Victims, even.’’
“Okay, you don’t need me for this. I’m joining our Human.”
‘’She’s not your Human. Ileana is MY Dedicated Soul!’’
“You can be so grumpy and possessive!”
I glare at him, but Wingo doesn’t care.
“Gnuffgnuff!”he says, lifting his little trunk with mock dignity.
Onorio and Rob stare at him, wide-eyed.
“Wingo wants to stretch his legs,” I explain.
“But… does he have the right?” Rob asks, uncertain.
“Why wouldn’t he?”
“Well… he’s an animal. Just hope he doesn’t do anything stupid.”
“You hear that, Wingo? Don’t be silly,” I say, giving him a look.
