Simon
Upon hearing the demon's question, Simon was also curious to know about Milton's son. He faced one of the pictures on the wall. It was a sepia-colored picture of three people: a man, a woman, and a small boy. The man, upon closer inspection, had very similar features to Milton: the same nose, the same smile, and the same blue eyes. Simon figured the woman next to him must have been someone whom he had a very close relationship with. And the boy between them, a bright smile on his face with two missing front teeth, had a mix of features from both of them. Were all three of these people part of what humans called a 'family'?
Simon had never asked about Milton's family. Not that he hadn't noticed the other people in the pictures, he just never bothered to ask. He didn't question the fact the elder man lived by himself in his cabin without even having a visitor. Milton never seemed to bring up the topic either, as if his family was something he'd prefer not to talk about.
Milton nodded. "Demon attack. He was around your age, maybe a year older," he said. He regarded the shirt in Nike's hands for a moment then added, "I've been holding onto them far longer than I should have but—" he pushed the box towards Nike. "—I'm sure he'd prefer I give them to you rather than have them gather dust." Milton chuckled, musing about what his son would be saying to him now.
He stood up. "Well, I hope this helps out. There should be enough clothes to last you a few weeks. By then I'm sure you'll either get your stuff back or your cousin will take you to the nearby town."
Upon hearing the word 'cousin' again, Simon frowned. Oh, how he loathed the idea being related to her by blood or being connected to her in some way. It left a bad tasted in his mouth. If it were Simon's way, this strange, dark-fire wielding demon should stay inside the basement, like she was supposed to, without meeting Milton and making her existence known.
Milton patted Simon on the shoulder. "Just stop by town for a few hours and then you're done. Think of it like running errands." Maybe if he could make it seem not as bad, then Simon would be more open to going into town. Unbeknownst to Milton, however, Simon was trying to imagine what an errand even looked like while it ran as if it had two feet. Milton glanced at Nike, sympathy reflected in his eyes. "Good luck with that one."
Diana
Diana followed Mr. Okuma out of his apartment and to the garage where his car was kept. She noticed the charms hanging from the doors in addition to the ones on his dashboard. They looked familiar, very much like the charms Xander used to make. Driving out of the apartment property, Zien explained what she should expect once they got to the station. She nodded in understanding, though Diana would rather stay in the bedroom and never wake up instead of answering more questions.
They drove back to the station, passing through the familiar gates of the local G.U.A.R.D.S. facility and finding a slot in the parking lot.
"'Morning Zien!" Someone called. A pretty woman was waving to Zien, a bright smile on her face. She raised an eyebrow when she noticed Diana, opening her mouth to ask when she was interrupted by the chime on her phone. She sighed, shaking her head. "Wish I could chat as we walk in but I'm in a hurry! My apprentice is looking for me and Rashn wants my report on my latest case." The woman fast walked toward the building, answering her phone and speaking in a language that sounded like Chinese.
"Apprentice?" Diana asked aloud. Aah, that's right. Apprentices. Back in her school there were a few times where G.U.A.R.D.S. agents would come by and set up information booths for recruiting. It was always a popular booth but only had a small line with kids who could see supernatural like her. All of them looked eager to join the force. Diana herself never paid much attention to it, nor did she have any desire to fight against a demon or angel. At least, she never did when she still had Xander and Nike.
Diana walked to the building and was immediately greeted by Olivia who had noticeable bags under her eyes.
"Hey Diana," Olivia greeted before turning to Zien. "Okuma glad I ran into you. You'll see this in my response to your email, but I managed to find a place for Diana to stay. I placed the paperwork on your desk. Also, Rashn hasn't found out you housed her for the night, but I suggest you get her in now since he's meeting with some clerics and awaiting Gray who'll be getting her official statement today. Also, Weber said he wanted to see you?"
Kims shrugged. It seemed like Mr. Okuma was already being handed his work. A lot of work by the sounds of it. All the agents here seemed to be very busy; Mr. Okuma, that woman from earlier, and Kims too. Diana was curious to hear what the agent Weber had to say to Mr. Okuma, especially if it relates to finding her sister, but with all the things Olivia mentioned as well as the busy station, maybe it was best to wait until later. Olivia volunteered to get Diana checked in and led her to another interrogation room. This one had that there was a couch, a coffee table, and a few flower paintings hanging from the walls. It had a softer feel than the previous one she was in last night.
"Sorry we keep on having to ask you questions but that's our protocol," Olivia apologized.
"I understand." Diana took a seat on one couch while Olivia sat adjacent to her. More questions. She'll have to repeat her story and relive everything once again. She had a feeling this wasn't going to be the last time either. It was part of their proceedings as Mr. Okuma called it. How G.U.A.R.D.S. operated, how they helped others and fight against the demons who brought them harm. How they will find her sister.
"I hope you were able to get some sleep last night," said Olivia interrupting her thoughts. She rubbed her tired eyes. "I didn't, but I had to finish some things. Not exactly policy to let a survivor stay at an agent's place, but it was very nice of Zien to do so." At that Diana nodded in agreement. "And his place is secure too. His wards and charms are top tier, so you can bet no supernatural being will be coming anywhere near there. In fact, I believe he was an apprentice to your father."
Mr. Okuma was an apprentice to Xander? That explains why he was nice to her, and why his charms looked like her father's. She remembered the wall where photos of various agents hung, with Xander's picture among them. Xander mentioned he used to work for G.U.A.R.D.S. before they were born. He never went into the details about it, but she remembered his picture was grouped with a bunch of past colonels. Considering his rank and the skill he showed whenever he warded off demons when she was little, Diana wouldn't be surprised if his student also proved to be just as powerful. Even with Xander dead, surely it took more than being knocked away like a ragdoll to have taken him down, and she was sure the same could be said of his former student Mr. Okuma as well.