Chapter Text
Wednesday nights are typically quiet in Chicago. Well, let’s rephrase that shall we? For Chicago, Wednesdays are a great deal more relaxed than other days of the week. It has been nearly eight months since the Battle of Chicago and rebuilding is slow going.
This is not to say that the people of the city have not been working overtime. However so much of Chicago was devastated when the Titan Ethnui tried her best to destroy all mortal life in the city. She failed. What stood in her way was an alliance composed of Accorded Nations. The Winter and Summer Fae were joined by the White Council of Wizards, White Court of Vampires, the Norse God Odin, The Knights of the Cross and an honest to goodness Dragon.
Granted, the Dragon was in human guise - But still.
Before the battle, mortals were basically oblivious to the supernatural forces living among them. And the very few that possessed the ability to sense more than most just told themselves that the Fae and magical beings that moved among them were various shadows or tricks of the light. But now, with thousands dead and the city nearly cracked in two, there was little that could be done to explain away the presence of beings that for most, only existed in fairytales. But trust humans to still doubt what they saw with their own eyes. Some called it a terrorist attack. Others scream that it could have been a military accident that the government is trying to cover up. But for a very select few, they knew the truth.
Loud knocking echoed through the lower rooms of the castle. Harry exited his office and walked to the front door. Professionally known as a private detective, he was nearly certain that whomever was trying to get his attention wasn’t a client. Speaking into the air he asked “Bob, who’s at the door please?”
Bob was a spirit of intellect that resided in a human skull in Harry’s basement laboratory. Through the connection of arcane spells woven into the stones of the castle by the original Merlin long ago, Bob was connected to the fortress and could see and hear what happens inside and around the exterior walls and entrances. Think of him as an arcane version of Jarvis from the Iron Man movies. “Boss, it looks like a pizza delivery. A very large delivery. I count at least twelve boxes being carried by two people.”
Harry opened the door and was greeted by an older couple. Both smiled in a friendly fashion. “Good afternoon Wizard Dresden. My name is Giovanni and this is Julia. We own the Olympic Pizzeria across town.”
Harry smiled in a friendly fashion but then his brows knit together in confusion. “It’s nice to meet you both. But I’m afraid that you might be the victim of a teenage prank. I didn’t order any pizza today.”
Giovanni nodded in understanding as Julia, standing beside her husband, spoke in a kindly voice. “There is no mistake, I assure you. This order is for the Wizard of Chicago and his vassals. And not to worry, there is no charge.”
Harry was still confused. “No charge? Who paid for them?”
Most people would hear no charge and probably accept the boon without question. But Harry was a wizard. Dealing with various magical and supernatural beings, one did not enter bargains or accept gifts lightly. They could place the recipient in the debt of another. And that could in itself be a very dangerous situation.
Giovanni and Julia spoke together “We did.”
Giovanni looked at his wife for a moment and continued. ”Please consider it a small token or tribute for defending our homes, businesses and lives. We have also been donating food to the emergency services and construction workers in the city. There is no debt or repayment required. May we come in and complete the delivery?”
Harry stepped back with a sweeping motion of his hand and spoke formally “Be welcome in my home as guests.” The husband and wife entered and waited a moment until Harry directed them to the kitchen.
After depositing the pizza boxes on one of the long counters, all three walked back towards the front door. Harry thanked them again before they crossed the castle threshold to exit. Giovanni clasped Harry’s hand in a warm handshake. “If it’s alright with you, Julia and I would like your permission to send you pizza monthly.” Julia nodded, “It is the least we can do.”
Harry was about to protest when Giovanni put his hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Mr. Dresden, my Julia has a touch of the Sight. It’s not very reliable, but at times she can see things that most can’t. During the Battle of Chicago, poor Julia saw a great deal more.” Harry nodded with a look of sympathy. The presence of the Titan and all the magical forces that stood against her had supercharged the area with magical energy. Practitioners of Harry’s caliber and those from the White Council of Wizards experienced a boost in power during the battle. Even those with only minor talents were affected.
Giovanni smiled and stepped outside of the castle “As we said, it’s the least we can do.” Harry thanked them again and waited until they walked a half a block away before closing the door. Heading towards the empty kitchen, he spoke aloud “Toot-toot Minimus, I require your presence please. It involves pizza.”