It was Christmas.

A time of merriment and cheer. 

A time of gifts being given and received. 

The Wise Scientist had hoped to contribute to these festivities by bestowing upon a particularly [i]special[/i] individual a particularly [i]special[/i] gift. And so, the Wise Scientist had created a most festive apparatus, an apparatus which promised to bring great joy and delight to one [i]very[/i] lucky person. [i]A Christmas Miracle Machine.[/i] Alas, that device, which had taken the form of the most sublimely perfect of Christmas Trees, was now nothing more than a pathetic pile of ash and soot, and as she gazed down at what remained of her invention, reduced to this wretched state after having bestowed its miraculous power upon a certain someone who had proven herself [i]manifestly unworthy[/i] of receiving such a blessing, the Wise Scientist could not help but be filled with the deepest despair. Much like her poor creation, the Wise Scientist’s hopes for a merry Christmas also lay in ruins. It had once held such great promise, and yet, now all that remained was…

Wait…

What was [i]this?[/i]

There, amidst the charred remnants of her once glorious creation, a faint glow could be seen, where none should have existed, as if it were the last, flickering embers of the final star, mere moments before the heat death of the universe snuffed out its radiance forever. Kneeling down to take a closer look, the Wise Scientist saw that the pale emerald incandescence was emanating from a small spheroid, about the size of a marble. It was one of the tree’s many ornaments, simply a humble power accumulator. It should have been utterly destroyed, just like every other aspect of the once magnificent machine, but it [i]hadn’t…[/i] Upon carefully retrieving the sphere from where it lay, the Wise Scientist began a detailed examination, one which, to her great surprise, ultimately revealed that the glowing orb had become infused with a staggering amount of transcendent energy. The innocuous device was now a [i]Vessel[/i], one filled with unimaginable [i]possibilities…[/i]

Yes, the Wise Scientist reflected, this remarkable artifact would serve as a most suitable instrument with which to make [i]right[/i] all that had gone so very [i]wrong.[/i] But first, the Wise Scientist realized that if the Vessel was to succeed in its new task, it would need to be carefully modified. Most importantly, much of its vast power would need to be sealed away, lest the very, [i]very[/i] lucky individual chosen to be its bearer be reduced to the same pitiful state as the pile of ash it had been plucked from. Of course, full access to all its myriad abilities would be granted in due time, but it would be a gradual process, proceeding in several stages as the very [i]very[/i] special individual acclimated to its power. Slowly, but inexorably, each new aspect would be unlocked, until, at long last, complete mastery would be attained, and the Vessel’s very [i]very[/i] lucky barer would reach the very [i]APEX[/i] of poly-plenumic power…

Today may have been completely ruined. Today, the Wise Scientist may have utterly failed to display her full super-scientific prowess. But [i]tomorrow…[/i]

Tomorrow, she would [i]show[/i] them what supreme success [i]truly[/i] looked like…

Tomorrow, she would show them [i]all…[/i]    

[hr]

[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/9SqqbXK.png[/img][/center]

Ashley Avenir awoke with a yawn and a stretch, the last vestiges of her dimly-recalled dream vanishing one by one as the sound of each new note of her alarm’s pleasant melody reached her ears. Slowly opening her eyes, the young woman was greeted with the sight of a vibrant blue sky, while warm rays of sunlight poured through her window to bathe her blanket-covered body with their comforting radiance. She couldn’t help but smile at the beauty of such a sight, one which kept her from noticing just how much more brilliantly her grimoire was glowing as it rested upon her nightstand. Indeed, it was almost enough to forget the horrors of the past few weeks, the Diver’s cataclysmic descent having ravaged her own heart just as comprehensively as it had the city of Pax Septimus. Some of her comrades were still missing, as was her mentor, Binky, and another, Su Fang, was dead. Yet, just as the city was slowly getting back on its proverbial feet, so too was Ashley herself.

Her apartment had been spared the brunt of the Diver’s wrath, and the minimal repairs it [i]had[/i] needed were completed mere days after the behemoth’s defeat. Others had not been so fortunate, and Ashley had spent many long hours assisting with volunteer relief efforts, at least when she wasn’t training, patrolling, or visiting Finn at the local hospital. Although she hadn’t been swift enough to keep up with Oros, the Depraved Esper had apparently had a change of heart regarding the young agent, as when she finally arrived at Finn’s hospital room, Ashley had found the boy alone and unharmed. It was a minor blessing, in the grand scheme of things, but one she was still immensely thankful for.  

The successful liberation of both Betty and Pac-A-Fist from Justin’s vile clutches was also an achievement to be celebrated, a fact that hearing the sound of the latter’s voice as she listened to her podcast, The Arcade, gave Ashley ample proof of. Today, Pac was interviewing Dana Noel, the official spokesperson for (and unofficial leader of) Argentum Civitatem’s flagship freelance esper team, The Seven Nation Army. As Ashley listened while conducting her morning hygienic routine, she couldn’t help but reflect on the profound contrast between Argentum Civitatem’s reputation as America’s “Shining City”, and the cursed conurbation that was Pax Septimus. It was her fervent hope that, one day, her new home would shine with the [i]same[/i] radiant splendor. A formidable challenge, to be sure, but Ashley found that focusing upon this ultimate goal bestowed renewed conviction upon her efforts to attain it. Indeed, just a few days earlier, news had been received detailing Binky’s possible whereabouts, and tonight would see the commencement of an operation to retrieve the captive agent. To that end, Ashley had determined to spend the day in preparation for the upcoming mission, a course of action she felt sure her missing mentor would approve of. However, before she could head out, there was one [i]very[/i] important obligation she needed to attend to…  

Before coming to Pax Septimus, Ashley and her little brother, Adam, had spent every Saturday morning watching the latest episode of Knights of the Cosmos. It was her brother’s favorite comic, and he held its animated adaptation in equal reverence. As such, the pair had made it a tradition to sit side by side and enjoy each new episode while having their breakfast. Of course, it wasn’t exactly possible to continue this cherished tradition in its usual form, now that she had moved to another city, but Ashley had promised her brother that she would continue to watch Knights of the Cosmos every Saturday, at 9 a.m. sharp. That way, they would still be viewing it together in spirit, if not in person.

Pac and Dana were in the midst of discussing how cool it was that they both wielded energy pistols as their instruments when Ashley muted the volume on her phone and switched on the tv, just in time to hear the first swelling notes of a majestic opening theme…

[hr]

[center][img] https://images2.imgbox.com/27/22/JVEhed6q_o.png[/img][/center]

The epic opening sequence of Knights of the Cosmos gave each of the titular Knights an opportunity to display both their prowess in battle, as well as their unique personalities. It began with [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/82/9c/dZ80aYjf_o.png]Vyk Vega[/url], a cocky and brash member of an avian race possessed of powerful pyrokinetic abilities, flying rings around a three-headed, crocodilian, cyber-ogre space pirate, before finishing off his massive foe with a pyro lance and, upon landing atop its prone form, blowing smoke off his finger as if it were the barrel of a pistol. Next, [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/d3/72/lFwBlSkO_o.png]Quinthonis Quasar[/url], a super genius among even the other super geniuses of his frog-like amphibian race who commanded mighty mental powers, was engaged in a duel of intellectual enigmas with Singularion, the hyper-intelligent omnimind of Synthanis VII. After that, the orange-skinned, crimson mohawked [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/e3/6b/SNx8lwHf_o.png]Pallara Pulsar[/url], greatest champion of a proud and noble warrior race, took center stage, slicing apart the tendrils of an eldritch void fiend with her gleaming, two-handed energy blade as she leapt from asteroid to asteroid, her toothy grin giving ample evidence of her delight at facing such a challenging foe. Things then shifted to a more tranquil scene, as the blue skinned, teal-haired [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/5e/78/tEdiGvR4_o.png]Stella Starlight[/url], the kind and gentle emissary of a pacifistic race with powerful healing abilities, freed a pair of star dragons from the clutches of a malignant corruption, restoring both their bodies and minds with a serene smile and a wave of her glowing hand. Even young [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/80/66/EbUYJoZW_o.png]Timmy Tellus[/url], junior space navigator in training and official sidekick of the Knights, got a brief moment in the spotlight. And last, but by no means least, was the Knights’ gallant leader, [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/e6/6e/pdrCkT8P_o.png]Captain Conway Cosmic[/url], a true paragon of heroism and justice! Once all five (and a half) Knights were assembled, the thrilling theme swelled to a climactic crescendo, before fading away like wisps of stardust as the episode proper began… 

[center][h2][b]S1 EP13: “Showdown with the Space Emperor!”[/b][/h2][/center]

 A dark and foreboding theme accompanied a slow pan across a craggy, volcanic vista, until ultimately coming to rest upon the sinister spires of [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/24/ec/uTIvUqU1_o.png]an imposing fortress[/url]. Inside the throne room of this shadowy citadel, surrounded by its gothic opulence, [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/ed/4b/leUifIVF_o.png]a tall, ostentatiously attired figure[/url], whose every aspect evoked menace, stood upon a raised dais, admiring [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/95/e4/mE5n4rYv_o.png]a gargantuan machine[/url], which completely dominated the vaulted chamber.  

[color=DarkRed]“At last, the time has come…”[/color] the figure began with a wicked smile. [color=DarkRed]“Now that my Nega-Nuclonic Superluminal Sublimator is complete, I shall employ its tachyonic tubular spacial warping capabilities to eliminate all my hated foes in one magnificent stroke! Yes, I, Space Emperor Nefario, Speaker for Khen’Bronne, SHALL DESTROY [i]ALL[/i] THE CIVILIZED PLANETS!!! Thus, with the end of the wretched Cosmic League, democracy and civilization shall CEASE FOREVER!!! HAAAAHAHAHAHA!!!”[/color] tossing his head back and spreading his arms wide, Nefario gave voice to a peal of deranged laughter, before composing himself once more. [color=DarkRed]“And with nearly all the vaunted Knights of the Cosmos imprisoned in my chronolock capsules,”[/color] he added, gesturing to a row of glowing crimson cylinders. [color=DarkRed]“Only [i]one[/i] being remains who can stop me now…”[/color]

The next instant, a massive explosion herald the arrival of said being, who dropped down through the gaping hole in the ceiling to land between Nefario and the line of chronolock capsules, his fall being cushioned by a pair of counter-gravity boots.

[color=DarkRed]“Captain Cosmic!”[/color] Nefario exclaimed, his eyes going wide.

[color=Gold]“None other!”[/color] the paragon of interplanetary heroism replied with a confident grin, his lantern jaw, slick, black hair, and crisp pencil mustache presenting a visage most valiant. [color=Gold]“Your wretched scheme has failed, Nefario!”[/color] he declared, pointing a gloved finger at the sinister sovereign. [color=Gold]“Surrender, and you have my word as a Knight of the Cosmos that you’ll be given a fair trial.”[/color] 

[color=DarkRed]“Surrender?!”[/color] Nefario scoffed. [color=DarkRed]“I think not! Like your compatriots, you have fallen into my trap! Now you shall share their fate!”[/color] Raising a clawed hand, Nefario fired a crackling crimson beam at Captan Cosmic, who barely dodged in time, causing the ruinous ray to shatter the chronolock capsule behind him. [color=DarkRed]“Even your Beta Wave Personal Energy Barrier cannot hope to withstand the unrivaled destructive power of my Superion-class Nefario Beams!”[/color] the vile villain taunted. [color=DarkRed]“Nor can your Alpha-class Proton Pistol possibly penetrate my Super Superlative Negation Screen!”[/color] he added when Cosmic snapped off a proton bolt, which harmlessly dissipated against the field of force surrounding Nefario.

[color=Gold]“That my be, Nefario,”[/color] the courageous captain conceded, even as he dodged each of the emperor’s consecutive blasts in quick succession. [color=Gold]“But raw power isn’t everything. It’s how you [i]use[/i] it that counts, both your own, and your opponent’s!”[/color]

It was only as Cosmic dived out of the path of his latest beam that Nefario realized the courageous captain’s true plan. Each time a shot was fired, it shattered one of the chronolock capsules containing a captured Knight, and now all of them had been liberated from their chronometric confinement…

[color=Gold]“Perhaps I alone am no match for you and your sinister science, but with my fellow Knights beside me, I know the day shall surely be ours!”[/color] Cosmic declared, his heroic voice filled with unshakable determination.

However, it didn’t take long to realize that something wasn’t right, as the eerily emotionless and dead-eyed Knights began to surround their leader in a distinctly threatening manner…

[color=Gold]“You fiend!”[/color] Cosmic bellowed in indignation. [color=Gold]“What have you [i]done[/i] to them?!”[/color]

[color=DarkRed]“Why, nothing more than implanting them with my nanoscopic mental manipulators and turned them into mindless puppets who heed my every command! Haaaahahahaha!”[/color]Nefario revealed with a gleeful cackle as the mind controlled Knights closed in on Cosmic. [color=DarkRed]“Unless you strike down your own comrades, you will surely fall by their hands!”[/color]

[color=Gold]“Never!”[/color] the courageous captain shot back. [color=Gold]“The will of a Knight is not so easily broken!”[/color] 

Closing his eyes and furrowing his brows in concentration, Cosmic focused upon the transcendent mental bond he shared with his fellow Knights, even as a multifaceted crystal on his right gauntlet glowed with ever increasing power…

[color=Gold][i]Even now, I am certain they are fighting Nefario’s control from within, and so I shall use the Prism of Ari’Esia, which was bestowed upon me by the enigmatic Ari’Esians, the wisest, oldest, and most powerful race in the universe, to go en rapport with their innermost beings and grant them the power to resist Nefario’s commands with their whole selves![/i][/color]

One by one, each of the Knights began to break free of Nefario’s mental control, and the evil emperor’s eyes began to widen in ever-growing disbelief.

[color=DarkRed]“No! I-It cannot [i]be![/i]”[/color] Nefario cried in horror as the mental shackles he had placed upon his captives were throughly shattered.

[color=PaleTurquoise]“It [i]can[/i],”[/color] Stella replied in a calm, yet icy tone.

[color=MediumSeaGreen]“It [i]is[/i],”[/color] Quinthonis croaked, his eyes narrowing as he gathered his prodigious mental powers.

[color=DarkOrange]“And by the Pillars of Pycrath,”[/color] Pallara swore, while activating her energy blade.

[color=OrangeRed]“We’re gonna make you [i]pay![/i]”[/color] Vyk declared, his avian body igniting in pyrokinetic fury, like the legendary phoenix.

[color=DarkRed]“Nefarioids!”[/color] Nefario cried, at which point a dozen [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/c3/47/WPe5nRKO_o.png]imposing war machines[/url] emerged from the chamber’s shadowy alcoves. [color=DarkRed]“Eliminate them!”[/color]

[color=Gold]“Knights!”[/color] Cosmic called, raising a clenched fist high. [color=Gold]“To the challenge!”[/color]

With that, an epic battle began. Although the Superion-class Nefarioids were mighty indeed, even they were no match for The Knights of the Cosmos in all their heroic glory. While Vyk and Pallara battered their robotic foes to bits with pyro blasts and sword slashes, Quinthonis and Stella subdued their opponents with technopathic neural cortex rearrangement and empathic persuasions to pacifism. And, as always, Captain Cosmic was at the very forefront of their efforts, leading the fight and rallying them to new heights of heroism. Mere minutes later, and it was all over…

[color=Gold]“It’s over, Nefario!”[/color] Cosmic announced once the last of the Nefarioids had crashed to the floor in a smoldering, sparking heap.

[color=DarkRed]“Indeed, Cosmic,”[/color] Nefario agreed with a wicked sneer. [color=DarkRed]“Over for [i]YOU!!![/i] Now that my Nega-Nuclonic Superluminal Sublimator is fully charged, I will ensure that your cherished Cosmic League is utterly wiped from existence! HAAAHAHAHAHA!!!”[/color]

[color=MediumSeaGreen]“How will that happen if I inverted the hyper quantum null harmonic polarities of the nega spacial inverter?”[/color] Quinthonis inquired as the massive weapon began to shudder violently, phantasmal after images of it rippling out like waves to the left and right. 

[color=DarkOrange]“Or if I rend this neutrino compressor asunder?”[/color] Pallara added, even as she brought her crackling power blade down upon the component in question, slicing through it like a hot knife through butter.

[color=PaleTurquoise]“Or if [i]I[/i] entreat the Luminarian pupae imprisoned within this device’s power accumulators to fully metamorphose into astral butterflies, and thus transcend this plane of existence and the cages you sought to confine them in?”[/color] Stella noted, as the various crimson spheres protruding from the towering technological terror began to darken, one after another.

[color=OrangeRed]“Or if [i]I[/i] fry your control console!”[/color] Vyk concluded, reducing the console in question to a mangled cinder with a star-hot pyro lance.

[color=DarkRed]“No! You fools!”[/color] Nefario cried in alarm. [color=DarkRed]“What have you done?! Your meddling has completely destabilized the Negaversal Syphon! In mere moments, it will rupture, and then…!”[/color] 

The next instant, the sinister sovereign’s hysterical shrieking was suddenly drowned out by a deafening detonation, the war machine not so much exploding as twisting into itself, until all that remained was a crackling, pitch-black vortex, from which emerged a truly nightmarish figure…

[color=DarkOrange]“By Follarion’s Ferro Fibrous Fangs!”[/color] Pallara exclaimed. [color=DarkOrange]“What in space is [i]that?![/i]”[/color]

[color=MediumSeaGreen]“An Abominable Ascender…”[/color] Quinthonis murmured in a mixture of terror and awe. [color=MediumSeaGreen]“A being composed of [i]purest[/i] evil. The destruction of Nefario’s transdimensional weapon must have torn open a hole in the very fabric of reality, allowing this twisted creature to rise from the darkest depths of the Negaverse and pass though it into [i]this[/i] plenum!”[/color]

[color=PaleTurquoise]“Yet, I sense that its malice is directed towards a singular point,”[/color] Stella revealed, her eyes closed in deepest concentration. [color=PaleTurquoise]“One linked to it on a trans-etheric level, such that if one of them ceases to be, so, too, shall the other.”[/color] 

[color=OrangeRed]“What point are ya talkin’ about?!”[/color] Vyk asked urgently.

[color=PaleTurquoise]“The individual responsible for the means of its arrival here,”[/color] Stella responded. [color=PaleTurquoise]“Emperor Nefario!”[/color]

[color=DarkOrange]“Then, by Terronnoh’s Tarbonic Talons, let him perish at the hands of his own evil creation!”[/color] Pallara declared.

[color=Gold]“No, Pallara,”[/color] Cosmic admonished. [color=Gold]“No one dies today, not even Nefario. He shall stand trial and receive a just sentence for his heinous crimes, but to take the life of a sentient being, no matter how contemptible they may be, would make us no better than them. Yet [i]this[/i] being,”[/color] he added, gesturing to the menacing form of the Ascender as it loomed over them. [color=Gold]“Is entirely bereft of conscious thought. It seeks only to act on its evil impulses. Thus, all we can do is ensure its removal from our universe. Junior Space Navigator Timmy!”[/color] the courageous captain called over his comlink. [color=Gold]“Ready the [i]Paladin[/i]’s Trans-Etheric Tachyon Shears!”[/color]

[color=BurlyWood]“Oh-Kay, Cap’n!”[/color] a chipper voice replied. [color=BurlyWood]“Shears ready an’ rarin’ to go!”[/color]

[color=Gold]“Well done!”[/color] Cosmic commended. [color=Gold]“Locking in omni-spacial coordinates now! And… Sever!”[/color]

With that, a pair of enormous, glowing energy scissors materialized between the Ascender and Nefario, before promptly snipping the invisible thread linking the pair’s life forces together.

[color=Gold]“And as for you…”[/color] Cosmic added, turning his attention to the Ascender. [color=Gold]“I think a time out is a good start!”[/color]

Holding out his clenched fist, the courageous captain sent a glittering silver beam lancing towards the extradimensional monstrosity, one which, upon striking the creature, encased it in a shimmering field of force.

[color=Gold]“Okay, Timmy, I’ve got the Ascender in a Zone of Confinement, but it won’t hold for long!”[/color] Cosmic called out as he tapped several digits into his gauntlet’s keypad. [color=Gold]“Lock on to these coordinates and hit it with a Neutralizer Ray on maximum blast!”[/color]

[color=BurlyWood]“Roger that!”[/color] Timmy acknowledged, his youthful voice filled with eagerness.

[color=Gold]“And make sure it’s dialed in nice and tight,”[/color] the courageous captain added. [color=Gold]“I don’t want to get my whiskers singed!”[/color]

No sooner had he finished speaking, then an almighty beam of incandescent annihilation fell upon the Ascender like the celestial hammer blow of a vengeful deity. When the glow of its terrifying radiance faded, the nightmarish abomination was no more. 

[color=Gold]“Nice work, old chum!”[/color] Cosmic congratulated the junior space navigator (in training).

[color=BurlyWood]“Aww, it was nothin’, Cap’n…”[/color] Timmy replied modestly.

[color=Gold]“And now Nefario,”[/color] Cosmic added. [color=Gold]“It’s time we took you to Cosmic Command HQ. I hear a stasis cell there is calling your name!”[/color] 

[color=DarkRed]“Curse you, Knights of the Cosmos!”[/color] Nefario spat, shaking his fist, before Pallara restrained him in a pair of stun cuffs. [color=DarkRed]“You may have thwarted [i]me[/i], but when the [i]Council of Khen’Bronne[/i] learns of my defeat, they shall utterly destroy you [i]all![/i]”[/color]

[color=OrangeRed]“Let ‘em come!”[/color] Vyk shot back. [color=OrangeRed]“We’ll kick their tails, too!”[/color]

[color=Gold]“Indeed,”[/color] Captain Cosmic concurred with a sage nod. [color=Gold]“As you know, when our worlds joined together with bonds of friendship and formed the Cosmic League, they did so with the promise that peace and justice would reign throughout the cosmos, and as [i]Knights[/i] of the Cosmos, it is our great honor and privilege to ensure that promise is kept, for eternity and beyond!”[/color]

[color=MediumSeaGreen]“For[/color] [color=PaleTurquoise]eternity[/color] [color=OrangeRed]and[/color] [color=DarkOrange]beyond!”[/color] his fellow knights echoed.

[color=Gold]“No matter what challenge the forces of evil may send against us, know that The Knights of the Cosmos will triumph against it! For the power of goodness shall [i]always[/i] prevail!”[/color]

With that, the episode, and the season, came to an end.

[hr]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“The power of goodness shall always prevail…”[/color] Ashley whispered, before switching off the tv.

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]If only it could be so simple…[/i][/color] she reflected with a wistful sigh. [color=MediumSpringGreen][i]But the real world doesn’t work the same way as a Saturday morning cartoon show. Sometimes, not everyone can be saved… Sometimes… the villain [b]wins[/b]…[/i][/color]

Of course, she didn’t expect her brother to understand such things, and she refused to be the one to shatter his idealism. After all, it was that very idealism that she was fighting so hard to protect, so that he could grow up in a world where things really [i]did[/i] work out that way. As such, she had resolved to recast her initial few weeks in Pax Septimus in an equally idealized light when she visited him for Thanksgiving and regaled him with her tales of being “a real life superhero”. Her various harrowing experiences would become thrilling adventures, which would inspire Adam to never give up, and remain true to his convictions, even in the darkest of times. Yes, Ashley reflected as she prepared to head out, she would guard his dreams of the future even as she worked to make that future a reality.

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]It’s not going to be easy, but I [b]will[/b] make it happen. I just have to take it one step at a ti—[/i][/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Ah!”[/color] Ashley yelped as a body crumpled against her the moment she opened her door.

“An’ don’t speak ta me again, if ya know what’s good fer ya, ya little freak!” a burly man was saying as he stormed off down the hallway.

Ashley dimly recognized him as one of the other residents of her floor, but of more immediate concern was the young woman slumped against her. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Are you all right?”[/color] she asked the girl as she helped her regain her footing.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, yes!”[/color] the girl replied in an enthusiastic, if rather nasally, voice as her excited visage beamed up at Ashley. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’m perfectly fine! Thanks for asking though!”[/color]

As the young agent looked her over, she saw that [url=https://images2.imgbox.com/0a/59/KKjtRmzz_o.jpg]the girl[/url] appeared to be a few years younger than herself. Like her, she wore a pair of glasses, but instead of casual clothes, her attire was instead a uniform such as would be worn by the students of a prestigious private school.

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]But… It’s a Saturday…[/i][/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Um, what happened between you and that man?”[/color] Ashley inquired.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, I was just heading to my room when I saw him leaving his, and I thought I’d ask him about what it was like to live here,”[/color] the girl explained. [color=LightSkyBlue]“He said it was pretty terrible, what with the recent hurricane, and I told him that back in Geopolis, where I grew up, we would have these monster blizzards that would bury the whole city, but he said that was a stupid name and… Oh, gosh!”[/color] she exclaimed, her eyes widening as something occurred to her. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Maybe you don’t [i]have[/i] a Geopolis here! I didn’t think of that before… Oh, but anyways, then he started talking about the insects and frogs that showed up with the hurricane, and I said that sounded fascinating, and then I started to tell him about how amazing the incubation process of fly eggs was, not to mention the interesting properties of certain types of frog mucus, but before I could finish, he started yelling, and then he pushed me… I know I can get carried away sometimes,”[/color] she added with a frown as she adjusted her glasses. [color=LightSkyBlue]“So it’s not really anything out of the ordinary…”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“I see…”[/color] Ashley replied with a frown of her own. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Well, you might have gotten carried away, but that still doesn’t give him any right to physically attack you. That said, you might want to avoid him in the future,”[/color] she advised with a small smile.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, I’ll definitely be sure to,”[/color] the girl assured her with a giggle that sounded more like a snort. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’m Olivia, by the way,”[/color] she added, holding out her hand. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Olivia Bell.”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“It’s very nice to meet you, Olivia,”[/color] Ashley replied as she took the offered hand and gave it a shake. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I’m Ashley Avenir. So,”[/color] she added. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I take it you’re new here?”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Yes, that’s right!”[/color] Olivia confirmed with a nod. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’m here on a single-student field trip that my school’s counselor set up!”[/color] she added. [color=LightSkyBlue]“She arranged this apartment for me and everything!”[/color] the excitable girl continued with a big smile. [color=LightSkyBlue]“It’s been fascinating so far, and I haven’t even had a chance to explore the city yet!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Single-student field trip…?[/i][/color] Ashley wondered.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“W-Well, um, there are a lot of interesting places, especially in the historic district,”[/color] Ashley informed her. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Although things still haven’t fully gotten back to normal after the… hurricane,”[/color] she added with a slight frown. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Oh, and when you’re sight-seeing, please try to be careful and stay close to your chaperone,”[/color] she advised. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I don’t mean to alarm you, but certain parts of the city can be a bit dangerous.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, that shouldn’t be a problem,”[/color] Olivia replied with another giggle/snort. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I don’t actually [i]have[/i] a chaperone, but darling Xolys [i]always[/i] keeps me safe!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Darling… [b]Xolys[/b]…?[/i][/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Well, anyways, I’m gonna go check on my room, now,”[/color] Olivia told her as she headed off down the hall. [color=LightSkyBlue]“It was very nice meeting you, Ashley! See you later!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“S-See you later…”[/color] a still-dazed Ashley replied with a wave.

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Who sends someone on a single-student field trip to [b]Pax Septimus,[/b] of all places? Not to mention one who still believes in imaginary friends…[/i][/color]

Still, Ashley reflected as she made her way to the city’s GEMINI HQ, just as with Adam, it was people like Olivia, people who still maintained their sense of wonder and hope, that she was fighting for. Seeing their joy made all the sacrifices and pain she’d endured since becoming an esper pale in comparison. For them, she would endure it all over again. For them, she would endure [i]anything.[/i]  

[hr]

[i]Leader…[/i]

Ashley almost couldn’t believe what she was hearing. The word sounded just as shocking now as when Dr. Moller had spoken it at their pre-mission briefing. Even then, Ashley had questioned if she had heard the doctor correctly, if, perhaps there had been some sort of mix up. But no, [i]she[/i], Ashley Avenir, Agent Orion, The Knight of Tomorrow, had been chosen to [i]lead[/i] the upcoming operation. It had all the markings of a sick joke, and Ashley’s head had spun as she tried to ascertain some logical reason for receiving such an appointment, but try as she might, she could think of no sane reason for giving such a young and relatively inexperienced agent command of an entire field team. When she had privately questioned Dr. Moller about it after the briefing had concluded, the renowned researcher had told her that it was simply because she trusted her the most. As much as she had initially wanted to object, Ashley found that, for the first time, she actually understood where the doctor was coming from.

With the reassignment of veteran agents Jacqueline and Samuel, the capture of Binky, the loss of Su, as well as Silmeria and Lilliah being MIA ever since the Diver incident, Ashley was now the sole remaining agent of Dr. Moller’s original Pax Septimus team. Looking at it that way, it was only natural for the branch’s head of operations to put her faith in someone she had firsthand knowledge of. After all, reports could only convey so much. There was truly no substitute for personal interaction and observation, something Ashley herself was keenly aware of as Mika drove them to their objective. The Knight of Tomorrow had gotten to know Su’s daughter fairly well over the last few weeks, but they weren’t exactly close, and they had yet to go on a mission in the field together. As such, Ashley could only wonder at how the new agent would perform on a real mission, let alone how much the trauma of her mother’s tragic death might still be affecting the feline esper. Ellie and Estelle, on the other hand, were virtual strangers to her. She had familiarized herself with their dossiers, of course, but she hadn’t had time to exchange more than the briefest of introductions before setting off on her first mission with them. Her first mission as team leader. It was unnerving, and [i]then[/i] some… 

While Jacqueline had always been a steadfast presence, Samuel’s absence was by far the most acutely felt. Indeed, the infiltration abilities of the renowned Silhouette would have been an invaluable asset for an operation such as this, to say nothing of his vast wisdom and experience. Even now, Ashley couldn’t help but recall how he had served as her invaluable guide on her first mission after arriving in Pax Septimus, when the two of them had eliminated a pack of goblins infesting the city’s sewers. Yet, now was not the time for looking backwards. The [i]future[/i] was what mattered most, not the past, and in order to create the bright one she had envisioned, Ashley knew she needed to focus on the [i]present[/i], and on the people who were now looking to [i]her[/i] for guidance. 

Upon hearing Ellie’s light-hearted quip, Ashley forced herself not to frown. A serious situation such as this was no time for that sort of levity, although, after reflecting on it further, she realized that this might just be the blonde’s way of relieving stress, something the feeling rather overwhelmed herself Ashley couldn’t really fault her for.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Well, to start with, I think it would be best if we split into two teams,”[/color] Ashley began as she adjusted her glasses. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“According to what we know of the casino’s layout, the elevator leading to the lower levels is located behind this teller booth, here,”[/color] she explained, pointing to the location on the map displayed on her phone. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Getting there while attracting the minimal amount of notice or opposition should be our first priority. Therefore, Estelle, you and Mika will make your way around the side of the building, avoiding security cameras where needed, until you reach this exterior vent. This leads to a corresponding vent right next to the hidden elevator. Assuming you are not being observed, you will then transform, remove the vent cover, and make your way through the air duct passage. Meanwhile, Ellie and I will approach the main entrance. Depending on whether or not they allow us in, we can either serve as a distraction, or make our way over to the teller booth via the main floor, which will also allow us to ascertain the locations of any potential adversaries. I had the techs make us these fake IDs to assist with that,”[/color] she added, handing Ellie one of the IDs in question. 

Ashley’s reasons for choosing the composition of these teams was twofold. For one thing, it would hopefully allow the two melee-oriented agents to get into position without attracting attention, and the possible hostile fire that went along with it, to say nothing of the fact that Mika was far too young to legally enter the casino in an overt manner. Secondly, since Ellie was the eldest member assigned to the operation, Ashley figured it would make a fairly convincing cover story for her to play the part of the boisterous veteran party girl who was helping her reserved and studious friend learn how to have some fun for a change. Only time would tell if those choices had been the right ones. 

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“I imagine, at some point, Mika and Estelle will trip an alarm,”[/color] Ashley continued. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Which is when we’ll transform as well, hopefully taking any hostiles by surprise. After that, we’ll all head to the lower levels, and since we have no idea what might be waiting for us there, we’ll just have to rely on our training to see us through. Oh, and while transformed, please make sure to use the code names Dr. Moller assigned you,”[/color] she concluded, casting her gaze over her three teammates. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I don’t need to tell you how bad it would be if these guys learned our real identities. Are there any questions?”[/color] she asked. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“If not, then let’s move out.”[/color]

They [i]would[/i] save Binky. They [i]had[/i] to…