Missing

Staring. The file featured a prominent headshot, eyes wide conveying an inexplicable sense of fear. The portrait almost gleamed into the soul. Lore scanned the document before standing. The individual photographed was a noted thief and was believed to be the perpetrator of a series of recent robberies. Lore went to hand back the file but could not separate their eyes from the picture’s.
“Loren, come on.” Undulia held out her hand impatiently. Lore dragged themselves back to reality and handed back the file. They made sure Char and Destiny were following as they departed the Guildhall.
“You still fly as well as you used to?”
“Yep.” Lore tried not to blow their cover but was obviously nervous.
“Let’s go then, two to a bike.” She gestured at Destiny.
“I can fly if you want me to.” Char whispered at Lore who was already mounting the speeder.
“Can’t learn if I never try.” Lore smiled. Char took their hand in reassurance.
The two set off, shaky at first but rapidly improving. Lore supposed that, like the old adage suggested, one never truly forgets how to ride a bike. They sped alongside Undulia, inches above the pristine grass and matched her manoeuvres and soon the grass became chiselled  stone. Once they reached the city centre, Lore took their first breath of the journey; Char had gripped them the entire trip, evacuating their lungs of oxygen. Destiny made her way to Lore’s speeder.
“Just in case you need to look official.” She handed them a black metal card which lit up the moment it touched Lore’s hand.
They regrouped with Undulia who was already sifting through the broken glass for any semblance of evidence the thief may have left. The market was abuzz with trade as usual but the central museum had seen increased admittance since the incident. Lore passed through the holotape marking the boundaries of the crime scene and approached the first of the broken cases. The remaining sign served as a reminder of the lost treasure. The next case was not at all damaged but it’s contents were nonetheless missing. The perfect yet empty glass case stood out in the chaos of its surroundings. Lore leant in, trying to focus on the tape affixed to the now vacant lectern. ‘A comprehensive history of the inexplicable: The Angel of Time’. Lore looked up to the signage above the cases then back at the lectern before stepping back to discuss with Char and Destiny.
“I think I was here.” Lore spoke in a hushed tone, glancing over their shoulder. “One of the missing relics is the book I found with my armour.” Char and Destiny both stared at Lore.
“As long as she doesn’t know about it then we’re fine.” Char whispered back. “I mean really, why do we care about a museum robbery?”
“This whole exhibit was about the legend of the Reapers Wings. The thing we’re meant to find.”
“Ah…”
Undulia joined the huddle. “What are we thinking then? Seems like quite a mess to cover for a professional hit.”
“Sounds about right.” Lore nodded. “Why do you think it was…” Lore tried to remember the name from the file.
“Blue? Because he’s the only nutter who takes this seriously. Plus he’s one of those Nulls. Freaks can’t be trusted.” Undulia looked as though she was about to spit at the floor.
“Nulls?” Lore raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, Nulls. The amount of those creeps I have to process paperwork for is insane. I don’t understand why we humour them. You’re either male OR female. Not neither, not both, not anything else. Freaks.” Lore twitched repeatedly. “You good Loren?”
“Just realised what you meant. Hate those people.” Lore’s words burnt their mouth as they escaped. Despite them being lies, they still hurt.
“Well, we can stand around here all day or we can go and round ourselves up a freak show?” Undulia turned to leave as Char nudged Lore.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a shot at this. I think subtle approach would be more appropriate. Get our guy no collateral .”
Undulia stared through Lore. “A more subtle approach? You? I know it’s been a while but… Fine, you outrank me, do what you thinks best but if you’ve not made progress by tomorrow, I’m going in and getting our guy.” There was a warmth in her eyes; it burnt not out of love or compassion but hatred and perverse desire. Undulia led Lore out of the bank and pointed to one of the markets side streets. “The Null warrens are that way. That’s where I’d start but it’s up to you. Remember, twenty six hours then I’m going in.” She sped off as she finished her sentence leaving Lore and their group alone in the market.
Finally without an escort, Lore dropped the act. They relaxed their entire body from it’s tensed state and began wandering towards the ‘warren’ Undulia had highlighted. The market square was difficult to travel through but eventually they reached the edge. Before the alleyway there was a small stall set up on the floor. Above the tattered carpet that served as a protector for the merchandise hung a sign; it was made from what appeared to be an old wooden door. Roughly painted across it was the stalls name ‘The Boundary’. Lore neared the carpet and knelt to examine the relics available for purchase. A small child snatched a blue crystal cup from Lore’s grasp.
“Not for you.” They yelled. “Daddy says no police.” They couldn’t have been older than seven yet they were tiny.
“I’m not with the police.” Lore softened their voice. “See.” They produced their actual identification card and handed it to the child.
“You’re like us?” they swiped their hair from in front of their eyes to double check.
“Shush.” Lore pressed their finger to their lips. “I’m undercover. I’m looking for someone and I think you might be able to help me.”
The child’s face lit up. “I bet my dad will know who you’re looking for. We live in the undercity. I can take you.” They returned Lore’s ID and took their hand. Char and Destiny soon followed and Lore was propelled into the alleyway by the small child. While the buildings around them were identical to those in the city centre, they looked older and of lower quality. At the end of the street was an opening. Underground.