Chapter 263: Bait Part 3

Meanwhile, at a private home hidden deep in the hills of Mazatlán, Mexico, Cheshire, Dr. June, and Poison Ivy could all be seen basking in the pool of a traditional hacienda just as the sun was rising. Cheshire, who leaned on a porch chair with sunglasses and a carefree expression, soon tilted the glasses upward when she saw Ivy come to stand in front of her. Cheshire then asked, "Can I help you?" 

Ivy just replied, "You know you're in my seat. I use it so I can bask properly in the sun."

Cheshire maintained her smirk and replied cheekily while shrugging, "I don't see your name on it. As far as I'm concerned, the boss didn't say anything about anyone owning anything. But if it hurts you so much, feel free to report it to the boss when he gets here."

Ivy put her hands on her hips and frowned. "Just because I think you're cute doesn't mean I'm not willing to hurt you and teach you some manners."

Cheshire's smirk grew wider as she removed her glasses before setting them down on a nearby table. She then tilted her head as if excited by the threat. "Oh, is that so? I'd like to see you try, Red. I've never been one to shy away from a good old catfight."

Ivy raised her hand and looked somewhat angry. "Oh, I'm going to enjoy making you regret—" Before she could finish her threat, however, a loud and bright flash of purple light caused everyone to instantly shield their eyes and shift from their positions into defensive stances. 

The flash of purple light only lasted for a moment, and upon fading, Cheshire could be seen crouched while holding two kunai in her hand, whereas Ivy looked even more irritated than before. As for Dr. June, she had simply fallen off her sunbathing chair and ducked near a table, frantically adjusting her glasses to see what just happened.

Looking over at the other side of the pool, the trio could clearly see three figures, two of which weren't hard to recognize as Arias and Raven. Cheshire immediately eased up and tucked her sai away on the sides of her bikini before waving over at Arias. "Nice of you to join us, boss. But I don't know if you've heard, there's a strict no-clothes rule by the pool," Cheshire added while showing a subtle grin.

Arias looked around in a casual manner while keeping his hands in his pockets before showing a smile. "I'm glad to see you're all enjoying your time off. Unfortunately, it's time to get back to work."

Cheshire feigned a sad expression at this news. "And here I was, getting my summer body all prepped. What do you think, boss?" Cheshire put her hands on her hips, spread her legs, and posed provocatively in a stance one might see in a magazine.

Ivy really didn't like this and made it known. "What a prick me girl." However, Cheshire wasn't someone who would easily, or at all, be offended by her words. "Aww~ Is someone upset, womp womp? You should really get out of the sun, Red, before you catch fire."

Ivy's frown grew deeper, but with Arias present, she simply clicked her tongue in irritation and didn't antagonize Cheshire any further. After all, in her mind, Cheshire was more in favor with Arias than her, so starting problems now wouldn't benefit her at all.

Meanwhile, Dr. June came up from the chair she had ducked behind and quickly adjusted her glasses and attire before saying, "It was nice, but what work exactly?" 

Dr. June seemed more nervous than anyone present as to what Arias was planning exactly. After all, her role in the plan usually involved giving up her own body to some ancient existence, which in turn would do numerous things she wasn't even fully aware of. It was understandable for her to be worried.

Arias turned to her and smiled, knowing her concerns. "I'll fill you in when your role is necessary. Same for you, Ivy. For now, you can enjoy a bit of a prolonged vacation. Cheshire, come with me. Tala, you follow me as well." 

As Arias said this, he began walking from the other side of the pool, with Cheshire moving from her seat and looking toward Ivy before saying smugly, "The seat is all yours, Red. I'm off to have some actual fun. Try not to miss me."

Ivy could be heard muttering curses under her breath but she simply wore her sunglasses and sat on the bathing chair with her arms crossed, trying her best not to let Cheshire get to her. 

Raven, unsure where to go, simply looked for the most peaceful spot and went to sit over there before entering a meditative pose. Dr. June, on the other hand, picked up the book she had dropped and sat on the bathing chair again, continuing to read what she was reading.

Meanwhile, as Arias, Cheshire, and Tala entered the house, Cheshire couldn't help but look at Tala with curiosity. "Who's the new broad? She looks a bit out of place. At this point, I'm going to start thinking you're out to collect unique-looking women, boss."

Hearing her name mentioned in the conversation, and in that context, Tala was quick to answer for herself. "I am zhe zorceress Tala, a humble zervant of zhe mazter. I zee nothing vwrong if zhe mazter wizhes to be collecting such. It would be an honor to be a part of thiz." Tala's ability to compliment her benefactors was almost second to none. Even Cheshire, often very bold with her words, was surprised by Tala's ability.

"Well, aren't you the kinky type?" Cheshire remarked, to which Tala simply responded, "If zhe master wizhes, then Tala will be zhe honored to please the master."

Cheshire was honestly quite taken aback by this level of dedication. "Where did you find her, boss? I'm starting to think you want to replace moi." 

Arias didn't even get the chance to answer before Tala once again answered herself, "Nonzense. It iz an honor to be cherished by zhe master. Vwe must work togezher to ensure he is pleazed by our efforts."

At this point, even Arias found Tala's insistence to be a bit much. 

"Alright, that's enough, Tala. I didn't ask you to come with me for the sake of pleasure. We have work to do." 

Cheshire simply smiled, "Always ready, boss," whereas Tala nodded, "But of course, anything for the mazter." 

Arias nodded, "Good. Now here's what's going to happen..."