That half hour was gone in a blink of an eye, and the group soon arrived at the train station. The train that would bring them closer to their destination was already there, so they got on. Silver was always kind of grumpy, but right now he was grouchy because he didn't find any flaws in their preparations. He hated people who weren't equipped for missions, and he deemed them inferior, but then again, he considered that way most of the humanity.

He also hardly paid any attention to a newbie conductor who was nervous when talking to them. Usually, he would pronounce one or two sarcastic notes, but he was quiet, deep in his gloomy thoughts. He crossed his legs, slid a bit in his seat and connected his fingers above his chest. His eyes pierced Amy who was giving her partner a bagel she had bought on the station.

In all honesty, he didn't hate her. He hated her friendly attitude toward demons. And yes, he didn't forget about Shadow, but Eclipse was a different case. He was harboring a certain suspicion about him for the past years, but he wasn't able to find a decisive proof.

First, he didn't like how Eclipse's small pets disappeared, and he was vague about the explanation. Secondly, he saw him a few times checking his left hand like he was checking on it. Thirdly, Eclipse was fully responsible for the previous mission failure.

The grumpy psychic was sure he would mess this mission too. He discussed it with Nigel, but he didn't convince him to give him a different partner. However, both were of the opinion there might be a clue to whereabouts of a certain man that was behind hideous crimes.

He rolled his eyes, seeing Amy adjusting Eclipse's scarf. He felt like puking. Why couldn't he go with Gold? Why was she called to teach some idiot to keep their telepathy under control? Wasn't there anybody else? She was gone for three months now! Since they became partners, she was never away for such long time. It was making him nervous and insecure, resulting in his over grumpy attitude. And to make it worse, his own research was progressing so slowly he was seconds from erupting!

He snorted in his mind, trying to recall the report to clear his mind. Their final destination was Las Casino City, a place full of colors, sounds, expensive alcohol from the whole world, and never-ending gambling games. In other words, it was a place he utterly hated, and only a complete fool would put money into any of that machines.

But that wasn't the purpose of the mission, so he didn't care if anyone would ruin their lives over this. They would be investigating missing people and sightings of Black Arms. That was a code name for the black and red creatures which started to appear about four to five years ago.

Those creatures weren't that strong he personally crushed a number of them. He was already enough for this mission, but no, Nigel had to assign him this annoying duo! He had a long list of arguments, but Nigel didn't listen to them. His ears twitched as Eclipse was in high spirits, seeing some wild animals running along the rails.

'Laughable!' thought Silver sarcastically. He rather closed his eyes, trying to get some sleep since they would arrive in the city sometime before midnight. He had no problem to fall asleep after waking up or staying vigilant for more then twenty hours if his mission required it. He calmed his mind and let it wander into a dreamland. To his surprise, the mission Eclipse screwed resurfaced and unfold in front of him like a movie.

It all started about a year ago when Silver had his first mission with Amy and Eclipse. He was so happy to have two newbies by his side his face surely wasn't crumpled by annoyance. However, Gold wasn't in condition to provide him any back-up, and Nigel ensured him they would be a great asset. Since it was the order from his boss, he couldn't refuse it.

The investigation led them to a ghost village. It was a gloomy sight, seeing all the houses abandoned.

"This is..." Amy slowly spoke unable to continue.
He checked on her, seeing her pupils trembled a bit. She was definitely feeling the dark aura that crept into this place, making her uneasy. That was sure something he needed; holding a hand of trembling rookie. He sighed in his mind, concentrating on the houses, entering the closest one.

Nothing inside was destroyed only the food was rotten, and the fireplace was full of ash. He touched it, confirming this place was empty for days. He searched the other rooms as well, finding some tools were laying on the ground like somebody dropped them in the middle of work. Since anything seemed interesting, he headed outside. His amber eyes glanced Amy exiting one house too, and she was heading his way.

"Wish to hear my report?" she asked him. 

He fought the urge to lift an eyebrow instead he nodded.

"No external force was used to move the villagers, so we can conclude there was some spell behind this. That brings us to a question of how it was executed. All known spells require deep concentration and something from the body of the victim.

Even if we consider the second option is the most possible, controlling a huge group of people isn't something a single person can do. From this, I can conclude a bigger group of rouge spellcasters had to be involved."

Despite his opinion about her, Silver had to admit this was some excellent observation. The S-ranked agent was pleasantly surprised she collected her thoughts and composure, but he refused to show it on his face, so he just said, "Not bad, given the lack of any real clues, let's go with your theory." He pondered a bit, reminding both of them what was in the report regarding this mission.

"This village had been abandoned for about two weeks by now. The report was made by a group of merchants on their annual visit. There are only two paths leading in and out." He looked behind himself, eyeing the tall mountains. "One we used to get here, and the other leads toward the settlement at the foot of those mountains."

Amy provided her input, "Nothing has been stolen or moved, so we can also scratch the possibility of anyone visiting this place after the accident."

Silver nodded, approving her thinking. Amy was a novice, and this was her first big mission. He was surprised she was allowed to take field mission so soon, but apparently her master Tikal had a high opinion about her. Actually, he might not be so bitter about this if Amy's company didn't mean bringing a certain demon familiar with her.

He glanced at him, seeing Eclipse sniffed above the ground. At this moment he was wearing only shorts, and his wings were hidden otherwise all of his other demonic features were visible. Gold's masking seal was truly a wonder. Depending on how much power was poured into it, it could alter one's features. In Eclipse's case, it meant hiding his wings, horns, claws, and turning his black sclera white.

"Let's go, so we can find the culprit behind this," noted Silver, moving toward the crouching demon. He hated demons, they were disgusting, pathetic creatures hiding in shadows. And speaking of shadows, Shadow was probably the only demon he was able to tolerate. He was docile, timid, and level-headed. He sure wasn't getting bonus points for providing Silver perfect and long lasting punching bag.

However, the reason he might have disliked Eclipse so much was laying in a few small details that kept bugging him. Firstly, Silver didn't believe Eclipse left his small pets with his sister, whatever her name was. Something on his answer two years ago was fishy.

Not just that, when they were heading here, Silver for a moment noticed some foreign aura around the small demon. The psychic was sure it was originating from somebody third. It was there only for a split of a second, and he felt it only once. He made sure to keep an eye on Eclipse, but it seemed the night creature got wary about him, not giving him an opportunity to catch him red-handed.

Silver strongly sighed in his mind, the only reason he stayed with The Order was for massive archives it had. That way he could access any information he could possibly need. He would lie saying there wasn't more. Being able to use his powers and release his frustration on others, not getting into trouble was surely welcomed opportunity.

Silver snorted, remembering the fact The Order was established by a demon. He slowly looked around, pretending he was scanning the houses. In reality, he checked where Amy was and since she was far enough, he bent down, silently growling toward Eclipse, "Are you gonna pick up something already, or what?" He made sure to put enough disdain in his voice.

The small demon shivered, making the psychic happy since Silver loved being feared by all inferior creatures. Eclipse dug his claws into the ground, answering, "It's faint, but I can tell there is a strange smell mixed with the air." He made sure to say it loud enough to alert Amy.

Amy swiftly came closer. "I knew your nose was perfect for this!" She smiled, proud of her companion.

She checked on Silver, hoping to hear some praise from his side too, but the psychic merely snorted, stating, "Only if he can follow it." He shrugged his shoulders.

Amy pouted, puffing her cheeks. She knew Silver could be a jerk, and that he was more experienced and stronger. However, he could still show some appreciation towards others. The pink hedgehog averted her eyes, concentrating on sniffing demon. She knew he was doing his best, but Silver seemed to refuse to acknowledge it.

It was probably hard to impress him since the time he graduated he already had a high success rate. He was capable of taking even the hardest missions before reaching adulthood. Amy made sure to study his reports closely there was no denying it. 'However, some modesty wouldn't hurt him,' she thought, knowing Silver occasionally liked to boast about his powers.

Eclipse's nostrils widened as he picked up a bit stronger trail, he quickly followed it, heading to the forest with both teammates behind him. Once they entered, the demon had to stop for a few times as other smells were overlapping. All that time he felt Silver's eyes on his back, and that was making him even more nervous.

At one place he seriously thought he had lost the trail, but Amy joined his search, checking inside of the bushes. However, before she could do more, Silver lifted her in the air. "Don't go stepping on clues. Explore from the air," he grumpily said, lifting his body too.

Amy thanked him, giggling a bit. The young psychic had from time to time peculiar way how to show genuine concern. Silver was sure, she was seeing in his action more than there was. He merely did that to speed up their search and trampling the only clue they might have was out of his options.

Well, from his observations regarding Amy it was obvious she was somehow levelheaded like Gold and clever for her age. Those two points were making her more bearable.
As they continued to search the area, their chances of finding anything were getting smaller. Amy moved away some grass, seeing a strange shape in the dry mud. "Eclipse," she called him, "can you please inspect this section?"

Her demon quickly moved to her, sniffing the spot. Silver's left eyebrow twitched. Did she just politely ask him to do her bidding? Wasn't she supposed to order it? Wasn't the demon be kept on a chain? Her value in his eyes rapidly dropped. She wasn't any wiser, but the same naive girl believing in kind demons.

"I found it!" Eclipse shouted, quickly following a new trail.

Amy put her hands on her hips, looking with a big smile at Silver. There was no way he couldn't praise Eclipse this time. The psychic indeed smiled a bit, making a simple gesture with his hand, dropping Amy down. The girl screeched a bit, as it surprised her. The psychic walked around her, passing without saying a word. Amy frowned, dusting her shirt she followed him.

'How rude,' she thought. He could have let her down in a more courteous way. They ventured deeper into the forest, not noticing the birds stopped trilling.