[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/houzIW1.png[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/7oItpMX.png[/img][/center]

With the local G.E.M.I.N.I. branch’s rather alarming lack of agents at the forefront of her mind, Ashley had resolved to talk with Dr. Moller about an idea that could potentially aid with recruitment. While G.E.M.I.N.I.’s numbers in Pax Septimus were few, the city also boasted a sizable pool of freelance espers, and since Finn had started his Esper “career” as a Freelancer before joining up with G.E.M.I.N.I., this was obviously a vast resource just waiting to be tapped. As such, Ashley had proposed a public relations program in which missions would be posted on Shimmer that would pair a freelancer with a G.E.M.I.N.I. agent, who would both promote G.E.M.I.N.I.’s benefits and gauge the freelancer’s receptiveness to the possibility of joining the organization. 

Having received the doctor’s approval, Ashley had wasted no time in putting her plan into action. For this initial trial run, she decided to focus on a seemingly omnipresent issue- the goblin swarms that continued to infest the city’s sewers. Although she had expunged one nest of the creatures alongside Agent Silhouette a little over a month ago, it had readily become apparent that this had merely been the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Still, the goblins were a fairly low-level threat, and so would serve as suitable adversaries for this test case. 

Upon posting the details on Shimmer, Ashley was pleasantly surprised to find an interested party almost immediately. After confirming the date, time, and location of their meetup, Ashley had prepared a few items she knew from experience would serve them well, namely, a pair of nose plugs for both herself and “Noble Spark”, and a clip light for the freelancer, in the event he didn’t have one of his own. Now, as she waited near the manhole cover, Ashley couldn’t help but wonder what kind of person this “Noble Spark” was. She was in her esper form, although in such a secluded and mostly abandoned part of town, it was unlikely many would take notice. Still, it should allow her partner to be able to spot her more readily, or so she hoped.

For at least one Freelancer, the posting on Shimmr was quite appealing. A chance to work with a G.E.M.I.N.I agent and take out the proverbial trash cluttering the sewers of the city? Count Noble Spark in. It was impossible for him not to know of them, but up until now he hadn't really had any direct exposure with them, mainly due to him not liking the idea of red tape or restrictions getting in the way of enacting justice and also a bias against governmental agencies brought upon by many years of unchecked comic abuse. 

[color=dodgerblue][i]Perhaps I will imagine the Suicide Squad less when thinking about G.E.M.I.N.I after this?[/i][/color]

Or so was his hope approaching their rendezvous location in a less lively part of Pax Septimus.

Fortunately for Ashley, Noble Spark had not forgotten his phone this trip, learning from his last job, and so she didn't have to wait very long until she noticed some blonde guy wearing a goofy jacket and shades beelining towards her with a big, confident grin and an eager spring to his step.

He stopped shortly before reaching her, giving her a once over. He had to admit she appeared much closer to a comic book hero than he did. But it only caused his grin to widen in appreciation rather than jealousy. [color=dodgerblue]"A noble form befitting a classic superheroine! Surely you must be the GEMINI agent Orion,"[/color] he prompted, letting her confirm before continuing. [color=dodgerblue]"I am Noble Spark, a wandering champion for justice and, today, a slayer of goblins! I look forward to fighting these despicable creatures together with you!"[/color] he extended a friendly hand for her to shake.

Catching sight of a rather dashing-looking figure that almost certainly had to be Noble Spark, Ashley was quickly taken aback by the young man’s compliment on her appearance. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“O-Oh, um, thank you,”[/color] she stammered, a hint of crimson coloring her cheeks. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Y-You present quite the heroic appearance yourself,”[/color] she added after regaining her composure. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“And yes, I am Agent Orion, the Knight of Tomorrow,”[/color] she confirmed with a nod, taking the offered hand. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Noble Spark. Thank you for agreeing to accompany me on this mission.”[/color]

Well, one thing was sure, he definitely had a positive attitude. However, Ashley couldn’t help but wonder if his bravado was simply masking a notable lack of experience. Yet, whatever the case, she’d find out soon enough.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“We’ll be entering the sewers through here,”[/color] Ashley explained, pointing to the nearby manhole cover. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“But first, I have some equipment for you that should prove useful,”[/color] she added, opening a pouch on her utility belt and retrieving a clip light and nose plugs. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I can generate an adequate amount of illumination myself, but it’s always a good idea to have a backup light source,”[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow noted. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Also, as you might have guessed, the smell can get pretty strong down there, so I’d definitely recommend making use of the nose plugs.”[/color]

After they finished their handshake, Noble Spark accepted the nose plugs, but didn't take the clip light, instead tapping the one attached to his shoulder with a finger to draw attention to it. [color=dodgerblue]"I have my own source of light, but these noseplugs are very much appreciated, Knight of Tomorrow! Rest assured these will not be forgotten!"[/color] he expressed his gratitude. [color=dodgerblue]"I must admit in my haste I had forgotten to consider the stench that would be prevalent within these dark depths."[/color]

He approached the sewer grate Orion had pointed out, stopping when a particularly strong whiff of what was below hit him. He avoided wincing in disgust, and took a step back, looking back at Orion as though his nose wasn't crying out in despair. [color=dodgerblue]"So these goblins I have not encountered yet in my time as a Freelancer, but if they're anything like they are in comics and games, I can only expect success with such a prepared ally at my side! In any case, I am ready to dispense of these pests whenever. Is there anything else to consider before we begin?"[/color] Noble Spark asked, poised to remove the grate.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Well, I believe it would be prudent to at least briefly go over our capabilities,”[/color] Ashley replied. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“For example, I am most proficient at mid-range combat, with mystical abilities focused on direct damage, protection, and healing,”[/color] she explained. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Also, from what I have learned from my last encounter with them, while goblins are fairly weak on their own, they are quite adept at ambush tactics, along with employing traps to weaken stronger opponents. Therefore, we should proceed with caution.”[/color]

[color=dodgerblue]"Ah, then we will make quite the dynamic duo! My speciality happens to be close-range, and my powers facilitate me being there. I can move around the battlefield as quick as a bolt of lightning, and keep the pressure up!"[/color] he informed, making quick gestures with his arms as if to sell his swiftness to the GEMINI agent. He listened to her explain goblin tactics and nodded in understanding. [color=dodgerblue]"I see! Yes, they skulk about in dark places so such cowardice makes sense! In that case, I shall have to watch my step, but I'm sure with an experienced goblin slayer in our midst, that should still prove simple enough!"[/color]

Once more, Ashley did her best to keep from blushing at Noble Spark’s overly-embellished compliment, but despite her valiant efforts, her cheeks continued to redden. She also couldn’t keep a small giggle from escaping at her partner’s flamboyant speech and mannerisms. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“It sounds as though we’ll synergize quite well,”[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow noted with a smile upon regaining her composure once more. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“If you don’t have any further questions, I suppose we can head down now,”[/color] she added, moving over to the manhole cover.

Descending into the depths, the pair activated their clip lights and cautiously proceeded forward. So as not to make themselves too obvious a target for any goblins potentially lying in wait, Ashley ensured that her light’s beam was canted downwards and advised her partner to do the same. As expected, the sewer tunnel was filled with rotted refuse of various sorts, but although the [i]sight[/i] was less than pleasant, their nose plugs thankfully kept the worst of the malodorous [i]smell[/i] at bay. It wasn’t long before the sounds of rapid movement reached their ears, along with a high-pitched screeching. However, it sounded less like a war cry, and more like a scream of panic. Soon enough, a terrified runt of a goblin rounded the corner ahead of them, its reedy arms raised high. Screaming its head off, it ran past the pair of espers as if they weren’t even present, obviously terrified out of its feeble mind by whatever had prompted its flight.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“W-What the…?”[/color] Ashley stammered in response to the unexpected sight, her energy shield and techno wand raised in preparation for an attack that apparently wouldn't be coming. Eyes wide behind her green visor, the Knight of Tomorrow watched as the goblin continued to flee down the tunnel. 

There were many other creatures that could have taken residence in these sewers that were far higher than mere goblins on the food chain, but a closer look at the fleeing greenskin’s tiny, malnourished form revealed that its hunter was likely something quite a bit different. Seemingly unnoticed by the goblin, a stick of dynamite protruded from the waistband of its loincloth, and in the tunnel’s darkness, a flickering spark could easily be seen making its swift passage towards the end of its fuse…

An instant later, a loud detonation reverberated down the tunnel, coupled with an angry burst of flame as the goblin was violently blown apart. Although the explosion generated by a single stick of dynamite wouldn’t normally be very large, the fact that the sewer was filled with flammable gasses meant that the ensuing firestorm was a considerably greater threat to the two espers observing the goblin’s demise than would otherwise be the case.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Get behind me!”[/color] Ashley instructed as she raised her shield to block the brunt of the incoming torrent of flame, before conjuring a larger green energy bubble to completely cover the pair. The next few seconds were harrowing, to say the least, but when things had settled down enough for Ashley to take stock of the situation, she was pleased to see that neither she, nor Noble Spark, had even been slightly singed. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Well, [i]that[/i] was certainly unexpected,”[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow noted with a relieved exhale. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Are you all right?”[/color] she asked her partner.

Noble Spark stood up as he tried to make sense of what they had just seen. After a moment of simply staring at the site of the explosion, he spoke up, [color=dodgerblue]"I was not expecting the goblins to be THAT different!"[/color] he exclaimed, stepping out from behind her. He scrutinized himself to be sure he wasn't injured and then smiled at her. [color=dodgerblue]"I remain unharmed thanks to your protection. Thank you. Now..."[/color] he turned his attention from where the goblin exploded to the direction of the corner the goblin had rounded, his confident demeanor a little less intense. [color=dodgerblue]"...all jokes aside, what sewer-dwelling beings make use of dynamite? Perhaps someone else took it upon them to exterminate them?"[/color] he wondered, punching his palm shortly after. [color=dodgerblue]"Well, suppose we'll just have to see."[/color]

Hoping he wouldn’t have to hunker down behind her shield again, he took point once more, stepping past Ashley, moving quieter than he had before. It seemed he intended to take this a bit more seriously now that explosives were a potential issue. 

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“My thoughts exactly,”[/color] Ashley agreed in a low voice when Noble Spark brought up the possibility of another party hunting the goblins as well. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Based on what we just saw, I think it’s very likely that another esper, or group of them, got down here before us, with the same idea we had. With that in mind,”[/color] she added as she resumed her slow advance. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“We should still be on our guard for any additional unexpected surprises, especially since there’s a non-zero chance that whoever planted that dynamite stick might also be hostile to [i]us[/i] as well…”[/color]

Since she was sure no other G.E.M.I.N.I. agents were at this location, whatever other espers might possibly be in the sewers would either be Freelancers, or members of Maverick Alternative. Needless to say, encountering the later would be far more problematic than the former. As such, Ashley was thankful that Noble Spark had chosen to take the lead, the freelancer hopefully providing a less threatening first impression than an obvious G.E.M.I.N.I. agent like herself.

Proceeding around the corner from which the goblin had first appeared, the pair were greeted with the sight of a sizable hole that had been blown through the tunnel wall. A goblin’s scrawny, blood-spattered body was draped limply atop the pile of rubble at its base, a combat knife protruding from the back of its head. It appeared that, like the first goblin they’d encountered, this one was in the midst of an attempted escape, but he clearly hadn’t made it as far as his companion. What they had been trying to escape [i]from[/i] was now finally visible beyond the gaping hole. At the center of a torch-lit chamber, and surrounded by dozens of charred and mangled goblin corpses, was a female goblin, savagely smirking as she drove her sword through the back of the last remaining goblin, even as the pitiful, emaciated creature feebly attempted to crawl away.

A closer look at the still-grinning goblin girl revealed that she was markedly different in appearance to the other goblins that littered the chamber, seeming to denote that she was perhaps a member of a different breed or tribe. That would certainly provide an explanation for the brutal, single-handed slaughter she had just concluded, Ashley reflected. Regardless, she was obviously a powerful fighter, and so the Knight of Tomorrow assumed a combat stance, ready to respond to any attack at a moment’s notice. However, the next few seconds saw the potential for impending combat swiftly diminish…

[color=Green]“Dere!”[/color] the goblin girl declared with obvious satisfaction. [color=Green]“Dat should be da last of ‘em!”[/color] Then, oversized ears twitching as she registered the approach of the two espers, she snapped her head towards her visitors, her grin shifting into a look of surprise. [color=Green]“Oi!”[/color] she yelped, before relaxing considerably. [color=Green]“Oh, crap… Ah ‘spose yer ere ta deal wit dees shiteadz, too, huh?”[/color] she asked, pointing a thumb at the piles of corpses surrounding her. [color=Green]“Welp, az ya can see, ah’ve already taken care o’ dis lot,”[/color] she added with a toothy smirk. [color=Green]“But if ya like, ah’ll split em’ wit ya, a third fer each o’ uz,”[/color] she offered, taking [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/73/09/G4Mnyr93_o.png]a more relaxed pose[/url] as she rested one hand on her sword’s hilt and the other on her hip. [color=Green]“Whadaya say?”[/color]

Noble Spark clenched and unclenched his fist in anticipation of the upcoming fight as he rounded the corner, spotting the remains of another goblin and a giant hole presumably made by dynamite. Then, of course, came the bodies of the goblins deeper in that had seemingly been caught in the blast. But standing in their midst was a single female goblin, delivering a coup de grâce to what appeared to be the last goblin of the bunch. 

[color=dodgerblue]"That's... not how this was supposed to go,"[/color] Noble Spark muttered in obvious disappointment. His grin faltered as the wind seemed to be taken out of his sails, and glanced at his GEMINI partner with a look that said, [color=dodgerblue]"What should we do now?"[/color] But if that wasn't enough he also spoke those exact words to her. 

As he stepped forward to get a better angle into the hole to see if maybe they had missed something, he accidentally alerted the goblin girl to their presence. Instead of instant aggression like Noble Spark was expecting, the goblin instead seemed to understand why they were there and even offered an even share. That was the most surprising part, honestly. 

He stepped forward, though there was still decent space between him and the goblin. [color=dodgerblue]"A-a generous offer. But I'll pass..."[/color] Noble Spark declined with a strained smile. He motioned to the carnage she had created. [color=dodgerblue]"You're clearly much 'more powerful'-"[/color] he emphasized that particular observation. [color=dodgerblue]"-than the rest of these guys. I wouldn't dare deprive you of the reward, miss...?"[/color] he prompted her for a name. 

[color=Green]“Ya can call meh Elzy,”[/color] the goblin girl replied. [color=Green]“An’ it’z cool if ya don’t want any o’ deez guyz,”[/color] she added as she began to pluck serrated combat knives from several of the goblin corpses and place them in her belt. [color=Green]“Dat juz meanz dere’z more fer meh!”[/color] she declared, licking her lips.

For her part, Ashley simply stared at the small creature with a look of complete bewilderment. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Are… Are you going to [i]eat[/i] them…?”[/color] she asked, not even trying to hide her disgust.

[color=Green]“Dat’z right!”[/color] Elzy confirmed with a big grin. [color=Green]“Dey may not look like much, but if ya know ‘ow ta cook ‘em, dere fuckin’ deliciouz! Oh, ya mind tossin’ dat over?”[/color] she asked, pointing to the knife embedded in the goblin sprawled across the hole in the wall.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“O-Oh, um, sure…”[/color] Ashley replied, squatting down to yank the blade free. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I, um, don’t usually assist monsters,”[/color] she added, although for whose benefit, Nobel Spark’s, Elzy’s, or her own, it wasn’t entirely clear. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“But you don’t seem hostile, and you [i]did[/i] wipe out these other goblins, so…”[/color] With that, she threw the knife at Elzy, who skillfully caught it between her thumb and two fingers.

[color=Green]“Monster?!”[/color] Elzy chuckled as she stowed the blade. [color=Green]“Ah ain’t no monster! Ah’m [i]human![/i] Dis ‘ere’z juz mah esper form!”[/color] she added, spreading a clawed hand and gesturing to her green-skinned, goblinoid body.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Oh! So does that mean you’re a freelancer?”[/color] Ashley inquired. Elzy could have also been a Maverick, of course, but since [i]they[/i] didn’t like harming monsters, and [i]she[/i] had just finished slaughtering a goblin nest, the Knight of Tomorrow didn’t think that was particularly likely. At least, she [i]hoped[/i] it wasn’t…

[color=Green]“Yup!”[/color] Elzy confirmed, eliciting a mental sigh of relief from Ashley. [color=Green]“An’ Ah’m guessin’ yer both wit GEMINI, huh?”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Just me, actually,”[/color] Ashley corrected. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Agent Orion, Knight of Tomorrow, at your service,”[/color] she introduced herself with what she hoped was a friendly smile.

[color=dodgerblue]"I must commend your adamantine stomach, Elzy. I do not think I would have even dared to try!"[/color] Noble Spark chuckled. [color=dodgerblue]"As for introductions,"[/color] he puffed his chest out proudly. [color=dodgerblue]"I am Noble Spark, Voltaic Knight of Justice, and also an aspiring goblin slayer. I can shelve that dream for the time being for a fellow Freelancer though,"[/color] he smiled, though it was clear he was still a bit disappointed at the missed opportunity. 

[color=Green]“Deemz some fancy namez ya got dere,”[/color] Elzy noted with an amused chuckle. [color=Green]“Maybe ah should start callin’ m’self ‘Ellraizin’ Elzy da Goblin Slayer’?”[/color] she reflected. [color=Green]“Den again, I dink dat last bit’z already taken…”[/color]

[color=dodgerblue]"I don't suppose you happen to know of any other nests?”[/color] Noble Spark inquired.

[color=Green]“Not at da moment,”[/color] Elzy replied. [color=Green]“Dis wuz prob’ly da only one ‘round ere,”[/color] she added. [color=Green]“Dhough ya might ‘ave better luck on da uver side o’ da city.”[/color]

[color=dodgerblue]"Quite unfortunate. But not surprising,"[/color] Noble Spark replied with a resigned smile. 

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Well, thanks for taking care of this one,”[/color] Ashley told the goblinoid esper. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“It really goes a long way towards keeping the city safe.”[/color]

[color=Green]“Tell meh about it,”[/color] Elzy replied. [color=Green]“Deez gitz’ve been fuckin’ ‘round wit all sortza placez up top,”[/color] she added, pointing a finger towards the ceiling. [color=Green]“Dat’z why ah come down ere’ ta git rid o’ ‘em from time ta time,”[/color] she explained. [color=Green]“So no need fer da danks, even if dey [i]are[/i] kinda nice ta ‘ere,”[/color] she told Ashley with a wink.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“U-Um, y-you’re quite welcome,”[/color] Ashley stammered in response, somewhat taken aback by Elzy’s playful teasing. At least, she [i]hoped[/i] that was all it was… [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I, uh, guess we should probably get going,”[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow added, turning to Noble Spark. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I’m sorry we didn’t really get a chance to work together all that much,”[/color] she apologized, although if she was being honest, she much preferred an uneventful patrol to encountering an unexpected threat of significant power level. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“That said, I wouldn’t be averse to teaming up again, if the opportunity presents itself,”[/color] she added with a smile.

Noble Spark shook his head. [color=dodgerblue]"No need to apologize for something beyond your control. As a Freelancer, such a possibility was something I dismissed as unlikely, so if anyone is to blame it would be me for not encouraging us to be earlier birds, so to speak,"[/color] he shrugged, pretending that wasn't exactly how he saw this situation. Of course, Ashley's hope for another chance to work together was immediately reciprocated, with Noble Spark grinning widely. [color=dodgerblue]"Neither would I, Knight of Tomorrow! In fact, I almost expect it! Rare is such an anticlimactic teamup not eventually followed by a more fulfilling one in a later issue!"[/color] he laughed. [color=dodgerblue]"If not for that reason, then also because I owe you for the quick thinking earlier. I admit my ability to no-sell explosions isn't my strong suit."[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“It was my pleasure,”[/color] Ashley replied. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“After all, what kind of defender of the imperiled would I be if I didn’t protect my own teammate?”[/color]

With all his talk of comic book heroes, Noble Spark greatly reminded the Knight of Tomorrow of her younger brother. Indeed, with how greatly the esper state could change one’s appearance, there was a not insignificant chance that the freelancer beside her was actually someone around Adam’s age. If so, then Ashley supposed going along with his comically heroic banter was far better than to reveal her desperate need to keep what had happened to Su from happening to anyone else who had been placed in her care.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“And I agree,”[/color] she added with a confident grin. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“When next we unite, the evildoers of Pax Septimus will rue the day they chose to make this city their home!”[/color] 

As she watched the two espers depart, Elzy smirked and shook her head.

[color=Green]“What a pair ‘o dorkz…”[/color]