I, the slave boy, awaken with the most potent seed!!

Chapter 257: To Area 52 and beyond

The early morning sun had barely begun to warm the ornate halls of the imperial palace when a sharp knock echoed through Steele's chambers. Mazikeen stood outside, her posture rigid and alert despite the early hour. When no answer came, she tried the handle, finding it unlocked.

She wasn't surprised. Steele didn't strike her as the type to fear intruders. If anything, she mused, he'd probably welcome the challenge.

Stepping inside, Mazikeen's eyes swept the opulent room. The bed, still rumpled probably from the previous night's activities, was conspicuously empty. "Steele?" she called out, her voice cutting through the silence. No response.

Just as she was about to turn and search elsewhere, movement caught her eye. Steele sauntered into view from an adjoining room, adjusting his ever-present hat. He cut an imposing figure in his all-black ensemble, the dark overcoat adding to his air of mystery. A cigar smoldered between his fingers, its amber glow contrasting with his monochromatic attire.

"Good morning," Mazikeen offered, her tone professional despite the previous day's tension.

Steele didn't deign to respond. He brushed past her without a word, heading for the door with long, purposeful strides.

Mazikeen smirked inwardly. She'd half expected this frosty reception after the verbal sparring match of the previous day. But she wasn't here to make friends. Justice was her goal, and she'd pursue it with or without Steele's cooperation.

She followed him out, easily matching his pace despite her shorter stature. "The gatekeepers are waiting in the grand hall," she began, her voice crisp and businesslike. "The emperor is there as well. Carts and escorts have been arranged to transport us to the drop-off zone in Area 52."

As they walked, Mazikeen's eyes gleamed with barely contained excitement. "I must admit, I'm rather looking forward to this," she murmured, more to herself than to Steele. Then, louder, "Are you excited as well, Officer Steele?"

Steele took a long, deliberate drag on his cigar, the smoke curling around his hat brim. He remained stubbornly silent, not even glancing in her direction.

Ordinarily, anyone would be terrified to have earned the ire of the great Detective Steele. But Mazikeen wasn't just anyone. If anything, his cold shoulder only fueled her determination. She'd always been a bit of a troublemaker, and she couldn't resist the urge to prod at Steele's defenses.

"Is this how you always are?" she asked, her tone deceptively casual. "Being the youngest of two brothers, I wonder if you still carry a chip on your shoulder."

At that, Steele stopped abruptly. He whirled to face her, his movement so sudden that Mazikeen nearly collided with him. In one fluid motion, he grabbed her by the collar of her crisp uniform and lifted her off her feet, pressing her against the ornate wall of the palace corridor.

Mazikeen chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the display of aggression. "Easy now, Steele," she said, her voice tinged with amusement. "There's no need to act out in public. After all, mommy isn't here to see her little boy throw a tantrum."

Her words had an immediate effect. Steele's grip tightened, pressing her harder against the wall. His entire body was visibly shaking, his breath coming in short, angry pants.

Mazikeen looked directly into his eyes, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Then, to Steele's evident surprise, she began to laugh. It wasn't a nervous laugh, or even a mocking one. She genuinely found his anger amusing.

In that moment, Mazikeen realized she'd struck a nerve far deeper than she'd intended. But backing down wasn't in her nature. If Steele wanted to play rough, she was more than ready.

Steele held her gaze for a long moment, his eyes searching hers for any sign of fear or submission. Finding none, he shook his head and abruptly released her. Without a word, he turned and continued down the corridor, straightening his clothes as if nothing had happened.

Mazikeen landed lightly on her feet, quickly catching up to Steele. "You might want to watch that temper," she said, her smile never wavering. "It could get you into trouble one of these days."

For the first time since their encounter began, Steele spoke. His eyes flashed green for just a second, but it was enough. When he opened his mouth, his words carried the weight of hidden knowledge.

"Of course," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "The rich, spoiled brat... of the empire's war general, who decided to run away from home... at sixteen, is giving me behavioral advice. How... quaint."

Mazikeen's eyes widened fractionally, the only indication that his words had caught her off guard. How did he know that? Her past wasn't exactly common knowledge. But then again, this was Steele. His ability to uncover secrets was legendary.

"At least I had the courage to forge my own path," she retorted, recovering quickly. "Unlike some who ride on the coattails of an ill gotten name"

Steele's lip curled in a sneer. "Forge your own path? Is that what you call it? Running away from responsibility and playing at being a hero?"

"Better than being a glory hound who cares more about closure rates than actual justice," Mazikeen shot back.

They continued down the corridor, their verbal sparring intensifying with each step. Palace staff and courtiers scurried out of their way, sensing the tension between the two formidable figures.

"Tell me, Steele," Mazikeen said, her voice deceptively sweet, "does it bother you that people whisper about your methods? That they wonder how many innocents have suffered for the sake of your perfect record?"

Steele's eyes narrowed dangerously. "And does it bother you, Mazikeen, that daddy's influence is the only reason you haven't been drummed out of the force? Your reckless stunts are legendary in their own right."

"At least my 'stunts' don't involve trampling on people's rights," she countered. "How many laws have you broken in pursuit of your precious closed cases?"

"Laws?" Steele scoffed. "You see...sometimes the law is a hindrance to... true justice. But I wouldn't expect someone who's never had to make the hard choices ...to understand that."

Their banter continued as they descended the grand staircase leading to the main hall. The opulent surroundings seemed at odds with the intensity of their exchange.

"You know, Steele," Mazikeen said, her tone thoughtful, "for someone so renowned for his observational skills, you're remarkably blind to your own flaws."

"And you," Steele retorted, "for... someone so dedicated to 'justice,' seem awfully comfortable passing judgment ... on others."

As they approached the grand hall, the sounds of activity grew louder. The gatekeepers and their entourage were clearly waiting just beyond the massive doors.

Mazikeen paused, turning to face Steele fully. "Listen," she said, her voice low and serious for the first time. "We may not like each other, but we're stuck together on this mission. Can we at least agree to work together professionally?"

Steele regarded her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he gave a curt nod. "Professionally," he agreed, his tone making it clear that was all she could expect.

With that tenuous truce established, they pushed open the doors to the grand hall. The sight that greeted them was impressive - a group of robed figures, the mysterious gatekeepers, stood in a semicircle. The emperor, resplendent in his formal attire, stood at the center, flanked by advisors and guards.

As Steele and Mazikeen entered the grand hall, they were greeted by an awe-inspiring sight. Six figures stood in a semicircle, their presence radiating an almost tangible aura of power. These were the gatekeepers, some of the most formidable magic wielders in the empire.

Each gatekeeper wore flowing robes of deep, midnight blue, adorned with special silver runes that seemed to shimmer and move of their own accord. But what truly set them apart were their masks - ornate creations that covered their entire faces, crafted from what appeared to be a mix of precious metals and crystalline structures.

The masks were eerily blank, with only narrow slits for eyes, yet they somehow conveyed a sense of ancient wisdom and barely restrained power.

The air around the gatekeepers was weirdly filled with energy, causing the hairs on the back of Mazikeen's neck to stand on end. Even Steele, usually unflappable, seemed to regard them with a mix of respect and wariness.

The emperor stepped forward, his voice solemn. "Steele, Officer Martial, these are the gatekeepers who will accompany you to the edge of Area 52. They will ensure your safe passage to the drop-off point, but beyond that, you're on your own."

At a gesture from the emperor, a set of large doors at the far end of the hall swung open, revealing a courtyard where three flying carts awaited. These weren't the usual, mundane carts used for everyday transportation. These were sleek, aerodynamic vehicles, clearly designed for speed and maneuverability. Their frames gleamed with a metallic sheen that suggested magical reinforcement.

Each cart had a driver's seat at the front and space for three passengers in the back. The drivers, dressed in the empire's colors, sat ready at the controls, their expressions a mix of excitement and trepidation.

"You'll be taking separate carts," the emperor explained. "Steele and Officer Martial in one, the gatekeepers in the other two. The journey to the drop-off point is not without its dangers, so stay alert."

Mazikeen nodded, her earlier excitement now tinged with a healthy dose of apprehension. She glanced at Steele, trying to gauge his reaction, but his face remained impassive beneath the brim of his hat.

"After you," Steele drawled, gesturing for Mazikeen to board first. Whether it was a gesture of chivalry or a tactical decision to keep her in his sights, she couldn't be sure.

Mazikeen climbed in, settling herself on the plush seat. Steele followed, his tall frame filling much of the remaining space. The driver glanced back at them nervously, clearly aware of who his passengers were.

In the next two carts, the six gatekeepers arranged themselves with an eerie synchronicity. Despite the close quarters, they managed to maintain an aura of mystique and power.

The emperor raised his hand. "May the gods watch over you all. Return safely with your quarry."

With a lurch, both carts began to rise into the air. Mazikeen gripped the side of the cart, her stomach doing a small flip as they ascended. Steele, naturally, looked completely unperturbed.

As they cleared the palace walls and the sprawling cityscape came into view, Mazikeen allowed herself a small smile. Despite the dangers ahead, despite her contentious relationship with Steele, she couldn't deny the thrill of the mission.

They were heading into the unknown, into a place of legend and nightmare. Area 52 awaited, and with it, the promise of danger, mystery, and perhaps even justice.

The carts picked up speed, the wind whipping past them as they soared towards their destination. Mazikeen snuck another glance at Steele. His eyes were fixed ahead, his expression unreadable. Whatever lay ahead, she knew one thing for certain - it was going to be one hell of a ride.