[center][img]https://images2.imgbox.com/1f/d2/SeIIMvDg_o.png[/img][/center]
[center][h1]Starring[/h1][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/Vjbkt6H.png[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/9SqqbXK.png[/img][/center]
[center][h1]And a [i]PLETHORA[/i] of Special Guests![/h1][/center]
[center][color=LightSkyBlue]Oh, wow! I finally get to have my own banner![/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]I’m not so sure that’s a good thing…[/color]

[color=888888]-Olivia Bell and Ashely Avenir[/color][/center]

It was with great relief that, when Ashley returned to her apartment after another grueling all-night patrol, she found the hallway leading to her door pleasingly empty of anyone who might delay her eagerly awaited appointment with sleep for even a few seconds, and especially, her excessively chatty neighbor from across the hall. With the drastically reduced numbers of the city’s G.E.M.I.N.I. branch, it was only logical that the few remaining agents would be required to work for even longer spans of time, but that still didn’t make it any less tiring. But now, the Knight of Tomorrow would finally be able to take a long-awaited and well-deserved rest. Or so she’d thought…

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh! Hi, Ashley!”[/color] an all-too-familiar voice called out just as she was about to open her door, causing the exhausted young woman to wince as if she’d been punched in the gut.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“H-Hello, Olivia,”[/color] she replied with a tired smile as she slowly turned around to face her bespectacled and ever-energetic neighbor. She really didn’t want to have yet another long-winded conversation with the girl, but politeness, and more importantly, her compassion for others demanded that she at least put forth the effort. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“How’s it going?”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Pretty good, all things considered,”[/color] Olivia replied. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I [i]am[/i] a little worried though,”[/color] she added with a small frown. [color=LightSkyBlue]“You remember Finn? That tour guide I told you about?”[/color] she inquired. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Well, I’ve been trying to contact him for the past few days, but he hasn’t responded yet, and I’m starting to get concerned about him. I mean, I know he’s an esper and can probably take care of himself, but that kinda makes it even more likely that he could be in trouble, you know? Like, maybe he’s been captured by a monster, or impregnated by one, or maybe he’s just badly hurt somewhere? I… I just want to know if he’s all right…”[/color]

As Ashley listened to Olivia’s nasally-voiced ramblings, her sense of trepidation grew more pronounced with each word spoken. While she had no idea of Finn’s current whereabouts, she knew full well what had precipitated his disappearance and complete disconnect from everyone he knew and interacted with. Of course, she couldn’t exactly tell Olivia that. At least, not without revealing that she, too, was an esper. Instead, she resolved to offer as much reassurance and support as she could without crossing that boundary.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“I-I’m sure he’s fine,”[/color] Ashley said in the most reassuring tone she could manage, even as she desperately tried to get the image of a pregnant Finn out of her head. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“You said he’s an esper, right? So, maybe he’s on a top secret mission and has to keep a low profile?”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“I guess so…”[/color] Olivia replied, although she didn’t sound entirely convinced. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I still want to try and look for him, though,”[/color] she added. [color=LightSkyBlue]“And while I’m searching, I might even finally run into a monster!”[/color] By this point, the bespectacled girl’s typically cheerful disposition had fully returned and a gleam of eager anticipation glistened in her blue eyes.

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Great…[/i][/color] Ashley groaned mentally. This was [i]exactly[/i] what she’d been trying to avoid. Finn’s disappearance/desertion was already bad enough, but now it had led to a naive and impressionable girl like Olivia wanting to place herself in extreme danger on his behalf. [color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Blast it, Finn… When am I going to finally stop having to clean up your messes?[/i][/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“I wouldn’t be so eager to encounter a monster if I were you, Olivia,”[/color] Ashley cautioned. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“From what little I’ve heard, they’re [i]extremely[/i] dangerous.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“It’s okay!”[/color] Olivia reassured her with a smile. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’ll have darling Xolys with me!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Right. [b]Xolys…[/b][/i][/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Plus, I was told that my field trip will be ending soon,”[/color] the bespectacled girl continued, her bright smile fading into a disappointed frown. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Something about how, if I stay much longer, then the Caustic Bovines will show up! I said that they sounded really fascinating, but my counselor said it would be much too dangerous to be around them, even with Xolys protecting me! Anyway,”[/color] she continued. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Since I’ve yet to see a monster or other supernatural being up close in all my time here, I thought it would be best to give it one last shot before I have to go!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Caustic… [b]Bovines[/b]…?[/i][/color]

Ashley sighed. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Well, if there’s no talking you out of it, then will you at least promise to be as careful as you can?”[/color] she requested. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Especially if you’re planning to go into some of the city’s more dangerous areas?”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Of course!”[/color] Olivia replied with an emphatic nod.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“All right, then,”[/color] Ashley conceded, giving the irrepressible girl a tired smile. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I guess all I can do now is wish you good luck on your search.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Thanks, Ashley!”[/color] Olivia said with a cheerful wave as she set off. [color=LightSkyBlue]“See you later!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen][i]I should probably keep an eye on her just in case…[/i][/color] Ashley reflected with weary resignation as she watched Olivia head down the stairs. [color=MediumSpringGreen][i]Guess I won’t be taking that nap after all…[/i][/color]

[hr]   

During her last expedition with Finn, Olivia had asked him all sorts of questions about espers, and among the many interesting pieces of information she’d learned was an item of particular usefulness to her current search. According to Finn, a diner called the Great Escape was a popular hangout for espers, and as such, it sounded like the perfect place to find out if anyone had any knowledge of her missing tour guide’s current whereabouts. Upon entering the establishment, the bespectacled girl noticed that it had a very charming retro style, and even this early, there were a few oddly garbed individuals present, who were almost certainly espers. Although she wasn’t exactly an esper herself, Olivia figured a magical girl was close enough to pass for one, and so she decided to introduce herself in what she was sure was the best way to put the diner’s mystical patrons at ease.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Greetings, fellow espers!”[/color] she announced with a big smile as she moved over to the largest group of uniquely attired individuals. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’m looking for a missing friend of mine, named Finn,”[/color] she added, holding up her phone to show a picture she’d taken of the young esper. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Might any of you have seen him lately?”[/color]  

[b]”Finn?”[/b] A cowboy-looking esper took a good hard look at the photo. [b]”Oh! Timekeeper! The kid that did all that stuff to rescue his violinist girlfriend! Yea, I remember him.”[/b] He chuckled. [b]”But haven’t you heard? He works for Gemini now, has been for a month or longer. You won’t see him around these parts.”[/b]

A doll-like woman gave the picture a glance. [b]”I feel like I’ve seen him around here more recently than that. Didn’t he square off against Oros the Mad near that water truck? I also recall him trying to defend that Vanhorn girl from those tractor supply nutjobs.”[/b]

[b]”Now that you mention it, I did see that violinist back here with a young lad. Maybe that was him?”[/b] He placed a hand on top of his hat. [b]”I sure hope not. It felt like a really bad soap opera. Those three girls arguing over who was his, and then that outburst. Yeesh!”[/b] He shook his head. [b]”If that was him, he hasn’t been here for a week or longer.”[/b]

Olivia’s azure eyes seemed to grow ever wider as she listened to each new piece of information about Finn’s recent exploits, or rather, [i]Timekeeper’s[/i], as he was apparently known amongst his esper peers. It was all extremely fascinating, and the bespectacled brunette couldn’t help but wonder why her tour guide had never told her about any of those adventures (or the fact that he was a member of G.E.M.I.N.I.) despite her clear interest in such things. Still, if relationship drama was involved, maybe he was just feeling self conscious, but they couldn’t [i]all[/i] have dealt with his romantic troubles, could they? In any event, as intriguing as the information was, it still did nothing to point her towards Finn’s current whereabouts.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Gosh! It sounds like he’s incredibly well known!”[/color] Olivia replied. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But no one’s seen him in over a week?”[/color] she added with a frown. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Isn’t that a little concerning? I mean, isn’t anyone worried something might have happened to him?”[/color]

The woman shrugged her shoulders. [b]”Maybe? He’s definitely been around here less ever since he went corporate. He was a big celebrity a few months back, but that kind of dried up once Justin bit the dust and he rescued his girlfriend.”[/b]

[b]”That is to say, he’s a hasbeen.”[/b] The cowboy sipped his orange juice. [b]”Nobody really talks about him that much anymore. I kind of lost interest in him after he decided to work for the government. It all felt like a big publicity stunt. But he made it big. If he’s smart, he’ll retire on whatever the government paid him or start working a cushy office job. The streets are no place for a child.”[/b]

[b]”What about that teenage pirate you keep teaming up with?”[/b] The Doll asked with a grin.

[b]”That’s different! Besides, I’m sure she’s not really a teenager.”[/b] The conversation shifted away from Finn as the espers spoke of other matters. 

As Olivia continued to listen, an idea began to form in her overactive brain. It seemed that, much like magical girls, espers often had a particular theme. For example, Finn was a clockwork doll, and now she was standing in front of a cowboy and hearing about a pirate. If that was the case, then perhaps…

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Um, excuse me?”[/color] Olivia’s nasally voice spoke up. [color=LightSkyBlue]“If you don’t know where he is, do you maybe know of someone who can help me look? Like a detective esper? Or maybe a shopkeeper esper who knows all the local gossip?”[/color]

This got a chuckle out of the cowboy. [b]”Can’t say I’ve seen any detectives. Brittany is a shop owner, but she doesn’t open until later.”[/b] He looked around before casting his glance at an empty table. [b]”If ya want gossip, try sitting over there. That’s where I sit when I want to hear rumors.”[/b]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh…”[/color] Olivia replied, her voice and visage conveying her disappointment at the realization that things wouldn’t be quite as easy as she’d hoped. [color=LightSkyBlue]“O-Okay, then... Thanks for all the help,”[/color] the bespectacled girl told the pair of espers with a small smile before making her way over to the table in question.

[color=LightSkyBlue][i]I wonder how long this is going to take…[/i][/color] Olivia thought to herself as she took a seat. [color=LightSkyBlue][i]I know it’s still early, but I don’t want to waste the whole day just sitting here…[/i][/color]

Once Olivia was far enough away from the table, the cowboy said under his breath.  [b]”That should keep her busy for a moment.”[/b] The woman suppressed her chuckle before continuing to converse.

[color=LightSkyBlue][i]Hmmm…[/i][/color] Olivia mused after a few minutes had elapsed. [color=LightSkyBlue][i]Maybe the reason none of the other espers are coming over to chat with me is because I look like a normal person. In that case, all I need to do is transform, and I’ll have plenty of people to talk with! Still, I suppose I can’t really do that out here…[/i][/color] she reflected, before her eyes lit up after noticing the restrooms. [color=LightSkyBlue][i]That’s perfect![/i][/color]

Getting up, she hurried into the (thankfully unoccupied) women’s bathroom. However, the young woman who emerged a minute later was the complete antithesis of the vertically challenged bespectacled brunette that had entered. She was [url=https://i.imgur.com/15GzQpi.png]a tall, graceful beauty with long, flowing blonde hair and bedecked in an elaborate azure ball gown fit for a fairytale princess.[/url] Gliding over to the table she’d previously occupied, the transformed Olivia took a seat once more, a pleased smile adorning her lovely visage. [color=LightSkyBlue][i]There! Now I’m just as impractically attired as all the [b]other[/b] espers![/i][/color] Unfortunately, it soon became apparent that this new tactic wouldn’t be nearly as successful as she’d initially hoped.

Time passed. Olivia could hear other espers from other tables talking about other things, but never about Finn. There was a point where an esper mentioned a “time keeper,” but she was referring to her watch and not the esper Olivia sought. 

[color=LightSkyBlue][i]Goodness! I hope darling Xolys isn’t getting too uncomfortable hiding in that handicapped stall…[/i][/color] Olivia fretted. [color=LightSkyBlue][i]I never would have imagined it would take this long! Oh well, at least I found that mop for him to use as a disguise! As long as he keeps that on, I’m sure no one will ever suspect he’s not a lady![/i][/color]

As time marched on, it seemed like news about the clockwork esper wasn’t going to present itself. But it would be a shame if Olivia left [i]now[/i]. What if she just had to wait five more minutes? What if it would never happen?

Then, a soft voice spoke up from behind her head.

[b]”Beautiful woman, fetching dress. Mild look of distress on her face. Her hands are folded in her lap. Appears to be alone. Hmmm…”[/b] The voice came closer. [b]”While attractive, the dress is much too flamboyant for a hookup. The time of day is also wrong, and she’s wearing a ring on her ring finger. She’s married, and loyal. She’s not distressed enough to not know where her spouse is. Hmmmm…”[/b] A [i]detective-looking esper[/i] appeared to her right. [b]”She’s not eating either. If she wanted to participate in idle gossip, she’d at least order an orange juice, but what she wants is hardly idle. Hmmm…”[/b] The same detective appeared on her left. She swiped her finger along her cheek and examined it. She then licked her gloved finger. [b]”Sweat. Yet it’s far too cool in here to be sweating, and it’s still chilly out. She wasn’t running around in that outfit. Is she looking looking for someone? HMMM…”[/b] The detective dashed to the other end of the table and looked straight across at Olivia. [b]”According to my deductions…According…To my…Deductions… You have a problem that only Sammy the Supah Sleuth can solve!”[/b] Two cats appeared on either side of the detective and tossed pawfulls of confetti into the air before ducking under the table. Some of the colored ribbons fell on the detective’s hat and hair, and a few in a nearby table’s drink. She dragged out the table and sat down in it. Her short legs came off the ground. [b]”Sup?”[/b]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh my goodness!”[/color] Olivia gasped, her voice sounding far more sweet and melodious than the nasally tone of her mundane form. [color=LightSkyBlue]“That was amazing!”[/color] the blonde beauty declared with a dazzling smile as she clasped her hands together. [color=LightSkyBlue]“That thing you just did was like something right out of Sherlock Holmes! Well, this is actually just an engagement ring,”[/color] she clarified. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But everything else is correct! I’m worried because I’m looking for a friend of mine,”[/color] she explained, holding up the picture on her phone once more. [color=LightSkyBlue]“His name’s Finn, aka The Time Keeper. He’s an esper who was serving as my tour guide and he’s been missing for roughly a week. Oh, and I’m terribly sorry! I never introduced myself! I’m Olivia Bell,”[/color] she informed the detective, holding out an elegant hand. [color=LightSkyBlue]“The Ethereal Rose!”[/color] 

Sammy reached her tiny hand across the table, but when it didn’t quite reach she gave the beauty a thumbs up. [b]”It’ll be a wedding band in time, I’m sure.”[/b] She folded her hands together on top of the table.  [b]”Yes, I have seen much of the Time Keeper in the news. He doesn’t drop by here much anymore. Anyway, if you have something that belongs to him, you could hand it to me and I should be able to locate him without much effort. Otherwise, you can tell me where you last saw him and we can work from there.”[/b] 

Olivia frowned slightly upon noticing that Sammy couldn’t quite reach across the table to shake her hand, before giving the diminutive detective a thumbs up of her own. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Well, I don’t actually have anything that belongs to him,”[/color] she told the super sleuth. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But the last time we were together was when we explored the catacombs under the historic library. We were looking for ghosts,”[/color] she explained.

[b]”Oh.”[/b] Sammy’s skin turned pale. [b]”The catacombs are uh, well, they can be quite dangerous. And ghosts too, huh?”[/b] She used her napkin to wipe down her forehead. [b]”I don’t think we can go back there to look for clues. And if you left there with him, there probably isn’t anything there to find.”[/b]

One of the chairs near the lonely table slid back, and a witch plopped herself in the seat before leaning in. [color=f03aa1]“Looking for clues, detective? Or perhaps you need wards for those ghosts that spook you so?”[/color]

[b]”Brittany…”[/b] Sammy squinted her eyes. [b]”What has you acting so chummy?”[/b]

[color=f03aa1]“It’s like that Marrie girl insisted. We have a lot more to gain from working together than butting heads.”[/color]

[b]”Well, this case is pro bono. So I don’t have funds to spend on ghost repelling charms.”[/b]

[color=f03aa1]“Not all payment comes in coin, dear sleuth.”[/color]

[b]”Ah.”[/b] Sammy grinned. [b]”It took me a moment to deduce, but it seems like you’re willing to help out for the publicity!”[/b]

[color=f03aa1]“You had the same idea, I trust?”[/color]

[b]”Now.”[/b] Sammy conveniently avoided answering Brittany’s question. [b]”Do you know anything [i]about[/i] Time Keeper? He’s something of a myth, and knowing what he’s really like could help a lot.”[/b]

Olivia, who had been following the back-and-forth banter between the detective and the recent witchy arrival with some interest, perked up at Sammy’s question. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Why yes, I do!”[/color] she confirmed with a nod. [color=LightSkyBlue]“He’s very sweet, kind, and helpful, a real gentleman! Plus, he’s incredibly knowledgeable about the city, which, as I’m sure you can imagine, is a very good thing for a tour guide. And he likes to read, which is actually how we first met! You see,”[/color] she continued. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I was on my way to check out some books at Mister Torvald’s shop, when I tripped, and he was kind enough to gather them up for me and help me carry them as well! Like I mentioned before, he’s always willing to help someone in need! That said, I suppose he [i]does[/i] seem to have something of a self-esteem problem,”[/color] she noted with a frown. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I kind of got the feeling that he didn’t really enjoy being an esper, and that he thought he was bad luck. But nothing bad ever happened when I was with him, so I don’t know what might have caused him to think that,”[/color] she hastened to add.

Sammy had a notepad out and was jotting down notes the entire time Olivia spoke. Occasionally, she would look up and nod. [b]”I think I’m seeing a connection here.”[/b] She tapped her notepad. [b]”We have a book loving, paranormal loving esper. He even went exploring under a library to find ghosts. Perhaps the ghosts he spots in his esper life pale compared to the ones he reads about. He wishes to transport himself to other worlds with even more fantastical specters!”[/b]

Brittany smirked. [color=f03aa1]“And have you deduced where he might be now?”[/color]

[b]”Torvald’s.”[/b] Sammy replied with all the intensity she had been maintaining. But this only caused Brittany to chuckle. 

[color=f03aa1]“That was just where Olivia and Time Keeper first met. Or do you think…”[/color]

[b]”Yes.”[/b] She held up her phone to show everyone a video. [b]”This news story just showed up this morning. Bookman, a popular lifestyle influencer, is showing up at Torvalds to sign his new book. If Time Keeper is unhappy with his life, he will meet with Bookman to get a signed copy to change his luck around while also visiting his favorite bookstore.”[/b] She stashed her phone. [b]”If we’re quick, we can stake out Torvald’s and wait for his arrival. Otherwise, we can ask Bookman if he’s seen Time Keeper and confirm he’s still alive.”[/b] 

[color=f03aa1]“An incredible deduction!”[/color] Brittany stood up. [color=f03aa1]“I have a car we can all use, but the double XXL broom might be more fun. Are you ready to go, Olivia?”[/color] 

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, yes!”[/color] the blonde beauty agreed with an eager smile. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Let’s be off! Oh… But I should probably change back first,”[/color] she added, sobering slightly. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I don’t think darling Xolys will fit on your broom…”[/color]

[color=f03aa1]“I trust your intuition!”[/color] Brittany got up. 

[b]”That’s my line!”[/b] Before standing up, Sammy hesitated. [b]”Darling Xolys? Sounds foreign...”[/b] 

…

…

…

The giant broom was the length of a small limo, but was far easier to park due to its ability to fly. Despite how unwieldy and uncomfortable riding on a wooden dowel might sound, it was not an unpleasant experience for anyone. Brittany dismounted with a carefully choreographed cartwheel, while Sammy swung under the thing and lowered herself to the ground. Then she rolled clear of the contraption before standing up. 

[b]”That was swift!”[/b] The detective adjusted her hat before looking across the street. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Olivia’s dismount wasn’t nearly as graceful, the bespectacled brunette’s scrawny frame dangling from the broom for a few awkward moments before dropping to the ground in a pinwheeling of limbs as she tried to keep her balance. Still, such difficulties did nothing to diminish her enthusiasm.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Gosh! That was so exciting!”[/color] she exclaimed even as she struggled to maintain her footing. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’ve always wanted to give broom riding a try, but Charlotte and Nessie were always too busy,”[/color] the chatty girl explained. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Thanks so much for giving me the chance!”[/color] she told Brittany with a big smile.

[b]”I suppose all we need to do now is-”[/b] 

But before Sammy could even finish, someone very familiar came waltzing out of the store. 

[b]”Great Scott! It’s him!”[/b]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh wow! You’re right!”[/color] Olivia gasped. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Hey! Finn!”[/color] she called out to the boy, while rapidly waving her hand. 

[color=f03aa1]“Did you forget to write her back?”[/color] Brittany pointed at Olivia with both hands. [color=f03aa1]“This isn’t a fairy tale. You can’t just save a girl from falling on her face and expect her to forget about you.”[/color]

Sammy took a step forward. [b]”My mental prowess is unnecessary to deduce that you are a stand up gentleman. Come see your friend.”[/b]

[color=7F2A3C][i][sub]Shit.[/sub][/i][/color]  The boy visibly flinched at sudden voices calling out to him, his widened eyes snapping towards the direction they- …O-Oh. It was Olivia, and two other girls apparently? With everything that happened, he didn’t even think anyone would come looking for him [s]without ill intent[/s] much less manage to spot and recognize him.

Well one of the girls [i]was[/i] dressed like a detective, so that answered for him. But Finn seemed concerningly stunned, like a deer caught in headlights. Should he run? Should he stay to talk? He didn’t know.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Gosh, are you okay, Finn?!”[/color] Olivia inquired when she saw that the young esper seemed to be petrified. [color=LightSkyBlue]“You look like you just saw a ghost! Oh my goodness! Did you actually just see one?! What did they look like?!”[/color]

[b]”Ghosts!?”[/b] Sammy went pale again. [b]”If there’s one around here, please vanquish it!”[/b]

[color=f03aa1]“Don’t worry everyone, I brought plenty of seals!”[/color] Brittany pulled one out to show everyone. [color=f03aa1]“This one kind of looks like Time Keeper, but I don’t have the rights to his likeness, so I would have to get them approved by our favorite clockwork hero!”[/color]

[color=7F2A3C]”Guys…”[/color] Finn groaned, raising a hand to wave it off. With a sigh, he hesitantly walked over. [color=7F2A3C]”There’s no ghosts here, [i]please[/i] do not cause a scene.”[/color] He reassured and asked of them, then looked at Olivia with a remorseful frown. [color=7F2A3C]”’M sorry, with everything that’s happened I-I forgot about you. I didn’t mean to make you worry.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“That’s okay!”[/color] Olivia reassured him. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’m just glad you’re safe!”[/color] she added with a smile. [color=LightSkyBlue]“You know, I was really surprised to find out that you were so famous!”[/color] the chatterbox continued. [color=LightSkyBlue]“And I’d love to hear about all your exciting adventures, if you have the time! Oh, and maybe we could also explore the catacombs some more, too, since my field trip will be ending soon, and I really wanted to see some ghosts and/or monsters before I go!”[/color]

And again, Finn was stuck like a deer in the headlights. The longer he lingered in this place, the greater the chance was that someone would notice him. Brittany was already texting someone, and Sammy looked like they were about to snap a picture. If only something could save him from this situation.

Suddenly, a massive mech fell out of the sky. One that looked like it had been made with tractor parts, burned within an inch of its life, and then reconstructed with all the tech available at Gemini HQ. 


[color=e3bbc6]”More adoring fans, timekeeper?”[/color] Was blurted out of the speakers before it picked up Timekeeper and charged off again. 

[color=f03aa1]“Hey!”[/color] Brittany called out before giving chase. 

[b]”A chase!”[/b] Sammy was hot on their trail.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Finn!”[/color] Olivia gasped, her azure eyes going wide.

As the unlikely duo ran after the other unlikely duo, an unlikely individual started walking down the street. 

[b]”Sharr?”[/b] She called out. Her big eyes blinking as she walked in the direction the mech had stormed off in. Though she stopped as soon as she caught up to Olivia. [b]”They’ll be back.”[/b] The large eyed girl turned her gaze to Olivia. [b]”Oh! Oh are you waiting for them too? We can wait together.”[/b] She extended a hand. [b]”I’m Faith. Nice to meet you.”[/b]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“I-I’m Olivia,”[/color] the bespectacled girl replied, tentatively taking the offered hand. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I-It’s nice to meet you as well. Oh, and I wasn’t waiting for them,”[/color] she explained. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Brittany and Sammy were just helping me find Finn. D-Do you know why that, um.. that mech took him?”[/color] 

[b]”You mean Sharr? She said she had to find him, but was a little hazy on the details.”[/b] Then, like it was the most normal thing to do, started to circle around Olivia. [b]”That looks a little bit like a school uniform. But I don’t think any of the schools around here require them. And…”[/b] She examined the insignia on the back of Olivia’s uniform.  [b]”Oh wow! That looks really cool! It reminds me a little bit of the Hogwarts insignia. You wouldn’t happen to be a wizard from some different wizarding school, would you?”[/b]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“U-Um, actually, I attend Marrywell Academy,”[/color] Olivia replied. [color=LightSkyBlue]“It’s in London, but apparently there’s one here in Pax Septimus as well?”[/color] she added with a puzzled tilt of her head. [color=LightSkyBlue]“At least, Finn mentioned something about some students from there possibly being abducted by fairies, but he didn’t seem to know much about it, so I don’t know if it has any relation to [i]my[/i] Marrywell, or if your London even [i]has[/i] a Marrywell to begin with. You know, learning about all these similarities and differences has really been quite fascinating,”[/color] the babbling brunette went on. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But please tell me more about this Sharr person!”[/color] Olivia requested, leaning in even closer to Faith while clenching her trembling fists. [color=LightSkyBlue]“She’s not going to harm Finn, is she?! Her mech is very cool, by the way! It reminds me of the kinds of mechanical creations Miss Valeria likes to build with her magic! She’s one of my teachers,”[/color] the bespectacled girl explained. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, and my school teaches [i]magical girls[/i], not wizards,”[/color] she clarified, carefully adjusting her glasses and lowering her nasally voice to a conspiratorial tone. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But that’s kind of a secret. And since magic using people here are called espers, that’s what I’ve been saying I am so as to blend in better and avoid confusing anyone.”[/color]

Faith batted her eyes adorkably at the student. But if one were to listen, she was breathing quite heavily. Her jaw swung open like some primordial beast preparing to devour its next meal. Then she cupped her lips. 

[b]”Woooooooooooooow! Marrywell Academy is a magical girl school? In another universe? And [i]you[/i] were tutored there?”[/b] She began to hop on her heels like a child on a sugar rush. [b]”That kind of reminds me of Little Witch Academia! You have all of these teenage girls learning how to use magic at Luna Nova academy! Oh, I bet that’s so cool to be surrounded by a bunch of magical girls and cast spells all day! Thinking about what the teachers must be like gets me really excited. You even kind of give me Lotte vibes with the glasses and everything! But Sucy has to be my favorite character. Though Lotte is probably the one I’d rather be in a conversation with, since she wouldn’t poison me. But trying to picture all those witches replaced by magical girls has me on the verge of fainting!”[/b] Her excitement was making her voice crack. She inhaled. [b]”Oh I wonder what sort of magic you use. Lotte communicates with fairies and spirits which is really interesting, and I feel like you probably have a powerful spirit by your side for some reason.”[/b] She sighed. [b]”It’s too bad that you come from a different world. Maybe Sharr could take me someday, since she said she could do that. But nobody else really knows how to visit other worlds.”[/b] Another innocent blink. [b]”Oh, yea, you were talking about Sharr’s mech. Sorry. It’s not really hers. She and Finn just upgraded it, though she told me that we could make another one from scratch just for me. I’m partial to Evas, but Gundams have some slick designs too. The Evas just have that organic look I really like, and I hope we can pull it off. Sharr kind of looks like a magical girl, so I guess I’ll be getting an education similar to what Miss Valeria did for you. I hear they call espers magical boys and girls in Japan, but I don’t know. I don’t think it’s really the same.”[/b] Her hopping stopped. [b]”Oh, and no, I don’t think she’s going to hurt Finn.”[/b] Faith rubbed one of her eyes. [b]”Finn’s okay. He doesn’t make a lot of time for other people, so he’s unavailable a lot.”[/b]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“O-Oh, I see!”[/color] Olivia replied, finding Faith’s enthusiasm extremely endearing. [color=LightSkyBlue]“That’s quite a relief! I was worried he might be in trouble! I don’t know very much about Gundams,”[/color] she went on. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But did you know that the Evas’ biomechanical appearance was inspired by the giant/god warriors from Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind? I always found the giant warriors fascinating, because humans actually created them by growing them, rather than constructing them, and in the manga, they’re even shown to be sentient! Plus, there’s a single scene where it looks like humans might have been able to ride inside them! That might be where the idea for the fusion between an Eva and its pilot came from! Isn’t that cool?! Also, I love how the giant warriors can form weapons out of solid light, and can fly by twisting space, just like the Evas! Oh, and their skeletal faces are just so adorable, too! As for my school, it’s really great!”[/color] Olivia continued, her azure eyes sparkling with delight. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’m fan of LWA myself, and now that you mention it, Marrywell kinda [i]is[/i] a lot like Luna Nova! In fact, one of my friends, Charlotte, kinda looks a bit like Shiny Chariot!”[/color] she added with a giggle/snort. [color=LightSkyBlue]“She has a flying broom and a witch’s hat and everything! And another friend, Nessie, sort of resembles Amanda, even though she’s Scottish and not Irish-American. Oh, and the way magic works where I come from is that there are these mystic storybooks called Grimoires, and when they bond with a magical girl, they grant her magical powers based on the story they contain! For example, mine is Beauty and the Beast, but it’s what’s called an Alter, because it’s a variation of the original story,”[/color] she explained. [color=LightSkyBlue]“It’s absolutely wonderful, though, since it allowed me to meet my soulmate, Thyerg’Xolys! He’s the Master of Xhar’doth and is so strong and powerful and handsome and kind and I just love him so much! In fact, I don’t really have any magical abilities at all, aside from allowing him to exist in whatever universe I happen to be in. And he’s more of an eldritch horror than a spirit, but my friend Helmi is able to summon all kinds of ghostly sailors to fight for her! Isn’t that really cool?! Oh, and speaking of spirits and giant robots, what did you think of the one that Akko and Constanze built to fight in the wild hunt?! Apparently it’s based on the mecha from Gurren Lagann, which I haven’t gotten around to seeing yet, but looks very exciting! Anyway, I really loved how Akko and Constanze’s robot could also turn into a flying ship, especially since Helmi told me that she’s hoping to get strong enough to eventually be able to summon an actual flying ghost ship of her own!”[/color]

[b]”Oh my [i]gawad[/i]! Your class sounds super special awesome!”[/b] Faith had resumed bouncing up and down as Olivia went on. Her pace and height had increased to the point where the only reasonable explanation was that she was defying gravity. [b]”I wish I got to have a Shining Chariot look-alike as a friend, but I’m really happy you get to experience something like that! We also use grimoires to transform in this world, which is an interesting naming convention. Because most of the time they aren’t books. I’m told it has to do with way back in the day when almost all of them were in tomes of song. Sheet music and poems. But I’m guessing you guys probably use actual books. And did you say The Shining Chariot look-alike wasn’t the only person who looked like they were from the show? Oh-man-oh-man-oh-man!”[/b] It was hard enough for Faith to keep up with everything the unusual girl was saying. She touched on so many topics and didn’t wait for a response to a single one of them, which wasn’t too unlike herself. [b]”I gotta see Marrywell with my own eyes. I’m probably a little old to go but I could pretend to be Sharr’s legal guardian. She looks like a magical girl when she transforms so that could be my way in. Then I could see your Theyerig’Xorlis and a bunch of ghost sailors! Maybe she can make a flying dutchman for them that would be the coooooolest!”[/b] She stopped jumping. [b]”Gurren Lagann is okay. The first part of the series is a lot more interesting than the second half, and the ending is kind of sad.”[/b] She resumed jumping. [b]”But I love the mechs! They’re kind of pointy and the obsession with drills is weird but also interesting! I don’t know if my mech is going to have a drill on it, but it’s a fun idea for a show!”[/b] She folded her hands behind her back. [b]”Did you want to transform now? I kind of want to meet your special someone.”[/b] 

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Well, darling Xolys told me I should only transform during emergencies,”[/color] Olivia explained. [color=LightSkyBlue]“And people often seem to get really scared of him for some reason, so he usually has to disguise himself or hide out of sight, but I guess it wouldn’t hurt just this once,”[/color] she added with a smile. [color=LightSkyBlue]“After all, you already know about espers and magic and monsters, so you’ll hopefully be able to appreciate all of his eldritch charm! Oh, and while I’d love to give you a tour of Marrywell, my student counselor said that it’s really tricky to travel to this universe, and that goes [i]double[/i] for traveling [i]from[/i] here,”[/color] the babbling brunette noted with a slight frown as she adjusted her glasses. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But I’ll still be sure to make a request when I get back!”[/color]

[b]”Oh my [i]gawad[/i]! That would be-”[/b]

A purple and white blur snatched up Faith and carried her around the corner and out of sight. Before Olivia could even wonder what had happened. She could see Brittany flying overhead on a normal sized broom. She floated down to her side before hopping off. [color=f03aa1]“Wow, she’s fast.”[/color] She rubbed her head with her sleeve. [color=f03aa1]“The pilot of that mech bailed out, so Sammy and I split up. I took to the skies on my broom to follow the pilot and Sammy should be tracking down Time Keeper. “[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Goodness! So that blur was that Sharr person?!”[/color] Olivia inquired. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Gosh, her esper form’s superhuman speed is quite extraordinary! But, if she’s so incredibly fast, and she wanted to capture Finn, then why did she let him go?”[/color] the bespectacled brunette wondered with a puzzled frown.

[color=f03aa1]“That’s the strange part.“[/color] Brittany narrowed her eyes. [color=f03aa1]“She took Timekeeper inside the mech, and then she bailed out. Is it on some kind of autopilot, or perhaps there was a co-pilot that’s keeping it moving?“[/color] She shrugged her shoulders. [color=f03aa1]“We might be dealing with a kidnapping. But if that were the case, I don’t see why Timekeeper would avoid contacting anyone for so long.“[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Do [i]you[/i] know anything about this Sharr person?”[/color] Olivia asked. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Or where she might be taking Finn? Faith didn’t think she would hurt him, but I’m still kind of worried…”[/color]

[color=f03aa1]“I didn’t even know her name, and who’s Faith?“[/color] 

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, um, Faith is the lady who was chasing after the mech,”[/color] Olivia replied, although Brittany was only half listening. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I think she’s the apprentice of Sharr, who was piloting the mech, although Faith didn’t really say much about her, other than that she’s really powerful and talented, and also kinda looks like a magical girl,”[/color] she added.

While Olivia was still speaking, Brittany approached her XXL broom and hopped onto it. [color=f03aa1]“There’s a non-zero possibility that Timekeeper and this Sharr person are working together. You thought he would be in the catacombs under the library, right? Maybe that’s where he’s headed.“[/color] The broom rose into the air. [color=f03aa1]“I’m going to see if I can help Sammy catch the mech, but if we fail, you might be able to catch him there.“[/color] And in a flurry of rainbow sparkles, the massive broom took off.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“O-Okay!”[/color] Olivia acknowledged. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Good luck!”[/color] she called with a wave as she watched the giant broom race off.

[color=LightSkyBlue][i]Hmmm… The library’s pretty close by, so I should probably enter the catacombs via the basement again…[/i][/color] Olivia reflected as she set into motion. [color=LightSkyBlue][i]Still, it might be tricky for me to find my way around down there without a guide…[/i][/color] she noted with a frown. [color=LightSkyBlue][i]Then again, I’ve already met so many friendly and helpful people today, so maybe I’ll run into someone [b]else[/b] who’ll be kind enough to assist me![/i][/color]

With that hopeful thought at the forefront of her mind, Olivia made her way to the library with renewed enthusiasm, eager to see just what manner of intriguing individual she might run into next…

[hr]

[color=Wheat]“I see. Thank you for informing me, Brittany,”[/color] Head Librarian Eleanora Everly told the witchy shopkeeper, before hanging up the library’s antique candlestick telephone and fixing her gaze upon the young woman who had just entered the historic edifice. [color=Wheat][i]Why does this turn of events not surprise me?[/i][/color] Eleanora thought to herself as she watched the library’s latest visitor hurriedly move past the front desk. [color=Wheat]“Good morning, Olivia,”[/color] she greeted the bespectacled girl. [color=Wheat]“Is there anything I can help you to locate today?”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“O-Oh, um, n-no thank you, Miss Everly,”[/color] Olivia stammered as she came to a stumbling halt at the sound of Eleanora’s voice. Giving the head librarian an unconvincingly innocent smile, she added, [color=LightSkyBlue]“I-I’ll just be browsing…”[/color]

[color=Wheat]“Will you now?”[/color] Eleanora inquired with a raised eyebrow. [color=Wheat]“Are you certain you will not, in fact, be attempting to access the catacombs via our basement archives as you did on your previous visit?”[/color]

Olivia gasped, her eyes going wide. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Y-You… [i]knew[/i] about that?”[/color] she asked meekly as she cowered before the head librarian’s stern visage.

[color=Wheat]“I did,”[/color] Eleanora confirmed with a nod, before allowing her expression to soften. [color=Wheat]“Olivia, the reason access to the catacombs is forbidden is for your own safety,”[/color] she explained. [color=Wheat]“They are highly dangerous, and even if you managed to emerge from your last trip down there unscathed, there is no guarantee that shall remain the case if you attempt to venture there again, [i]especially[/i] if you plan to do so alone.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“I-I know,”[/color] Olivia replied. [color=LightSkyBlue]“B-But that’s why I have to go! You remember Finn, the nice boy who’s been helping me? W-Well, there’s a good chance he might be trapped down there, and I really want to make sure he’s okay! Please,”[/color] she pleaded. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I promise I’ll be careful, and even if he can’t fight well in such cramped spaces, darling Xolys should still be able protect me from any monsters, although I’ve yet to see a single one during my stay in the city, which is kind of disappointing, since I’ve been really curious as to what the monsters here look like, which is why I got Finn to give me tours of Pax Septimus’s most paranormally active locations, but now he may be in trouble and I want to help him like he helped me!”[/color]

As she listened to Olivia’s distraught ramblings, Eleanora felt her initially firm refusal to accede to the bespectacled chatterbox’s request crumble before the onslaught of words like a wobbly tower of books, despite her best efforts to maintain its integrity. [color=Wheat][i]I know she means well, but she cannot possibly understand the magnitude of the danger she’s placing herself in by going down there unaccompanied, aside from whoever this ‘darling Xolys’ is. Still, I suppose she doesn’t have to [b]remain[/b] unaccompanied…[/i][/color] The head librarian gave voice to a weary sigh of defeat. [color=Wheat]“Very well,”[/color] she conceded, while carefully adjusting her glasses. [color=Wheat]“Against my better judgement, I shall allow you access to the archives’ entrance to the catacombs. However,”[/color] she added, raising a finger for emphasis. [color=Wheat]“You must promise me that you will be as cautious as possible and not take any undue risks, is that understood?”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Yes, of course!”[/color] Olivia replied, while giving a vigorous nod. [color=LightSkyBlue]“And thank you so much!”[/color] she added with a giggle/snort as she hugged a wide eyed Eleanora. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I promise to be extra careful, and if I see a monster, I’ll be sure to observe it from a safe distance!”[/color]

Eleanora, whose usual composure had been briefly shattered by Olivia’s surprise embrace, slowly returned it as professionally and with as much decorum as she could. [color=Wheat]“N-Now then,”[/color] the librarian spoke up, while attempting to extricate herself from the bespectacled girl’s tight grip. [color=Wheat]“Allow me to escort you to the passage entrance. I took the liberty of installing new locks after your last excursion,”[/color] she explained. [color=Wheat]“So even if you [i]had[/i] snuck past me, I imagine you would have had a rather difficult time gaining access. Thankfully, I always keep the library’s various keys on my person, so this shall be our little secret,”[/color] she added with a wink as the corner of her mouth tugged upwards in the slightest hint of a smirk.

In short order, Eleanora guided Olivia to the otherwise unoccupied archives, uncovered the hidden door, and released all of its myriad new locks. [color=Wheat]“That should do it,”[/color] she announced, opening the passage to the darkened depths below. [color=Wheat]“I trust you brought some form of illumination?”[/color] the librarian inquired of her young visitor.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, yes!”[/color] Olivia confirmed with a smile. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I always bring my flashlight with me whenever I explore the city! After all, most of the places where paranormal activity are said to occur are exceptionally dark! But I don’t mind, since I find that kind of ambiance to be incredibly charming!”[/color] she added with a giggle/snort.

[color=Wheat]“I see…”[/color] Eleanora replied, not for the first time wondering if she was making the right decision. [color=Wheat]“Well, if your young friend really [i]is[/i] down there, then we shouldn’t waste another moment.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Right!”[/color] Olivia agreed with a firm nod before setting off down the steps. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Thanks again for all your help, Miss Everly!”[/color] she called over her shoulder. [color=LightSkyBlue]“You know, I’ve met a lot of helpful people today,”[/color] the bespectacled girl continued. [color=LightSkyBlue]“So maybe there’s another friendly person waiting for me below!”[/color]

[color=Wheat]“Perhaps there is,”[/color] Eleanora reflected as she watched the girl disappear into the darkness. [color=Wheat]“Perhaps there is…”[/color]    

[hr]

In all honesty, Olivia had absolutely zero idea of exactly [i]where[/i] in the labyrinthian catacombs Finn might have been taken, if he was even down there to begin with. Furthermore, without the aid of a guide, the bespectacled chatterbox had zero way of knowing where she even was herself. Yes, getting lost was a very real possibility, but one that didn’t particularly trouble Olivia. She was on a mission, and, so far, whenever she’d needed help, someone had always been there to provide it. Thus, even as she peered into empty alcoves and called Finn’s name into the darkness only to be met with nothing more than an echo, Olivia was still fully convinced that this would continue to be the case.

After a time, the cramped catacombs opened into the slightly more spacious sewers, her flashlight’s beam glistening on the putrid waters. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Gosh, I hope I didn’t take a wrong turn…”[/color] Olivia murmured as she examined her new surroundings. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Well, at least darling Xolys will have more room now if he needs to protect me,”[/color] she added with a pleased smile, before it all-too-quickly drooped into a glum frown. [color=LightSkyBlue]“That is, if I even get to [i]see[/i] any ghosts or other monsters…”[/color]

[color=Green]“Dat ain’t somethin’ ya should be ‘opin’ fer,”[/color] a voice noted.

Whirling around, Olivia found herself (nearly) face to face with what looked for all the world like…

[color=LightSkyBlue]“A goblin!”[/color] Olivia squealed in delight, her wide eyes gleaming with excitement. [color=LightSkyBlue]“You’re a goblin girl, right?! Or, are you a goblin woman?! I’m so sorry if I offended you, it’s just that it’s really hard for me to tell your age because of how small you are, and oh my gosh, I’m just so glad I finally got to meet an actual monster!”[/color]

[color=Green]“Yeah… ‘bout dat…”[/color] the goblin girl replied with an awkward frown once Olivia’s babbling had finally quieted. [color=Green]“Ah’m not [i]actually[/i] a monster. Ah’m a human, an diz ere’z mah esper form. Ah just look like a goblin so’z ah can hunt ‘em better,”[/color] she explained with a grin. [color=Green]“Name’z Elzy,”[/color] she added, holding out a clawed hand.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh wow, so you’re an esper, too?!”[/color] Olivia asked. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Gosh! I knew that they could have all sorts of different forms, but I never expected one could look like a monster! Oh! And I’m Olivia!”[/color] she added, taking the offered hand with a bit too much enthusiasm. [color=LightSkyBlue]“It’s very nice to meet you, Elzy!”[/color]

[color=Green]“Uh, same ere…”[/color] Elzy replied as she tried (and failed) to extricate her hand from Olivia’s surprisingly vice-like grip. [color=Green]“An’ we esperz come in all shapez an’ sizez,”[/color] she confirmed. [color=Green]“Dere’z diz one dat looked like a giant suit o’ armor, wit nothin’ inside, but dey ain’t been seen ‘round much lately.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Goodness! That sounds absolutely [i]fascinating![/i] I would have loved to meet them! In fact, with the way their esper form is just a suit of animated armor, they almost sound like a [i]ghost![/i]”[/color] she added with a happy giggle/snort.

[color=Green]“Speakin’ o’ ghostz, dey ain’t nothin’ ta mess ‘round wit,”[/color] Elzy advised. [color=Green]“An’ neither’re goblinz. Dey may be tiny little shitz, but dey’re really fuckin’ clever, an’ if dey catch ya, well… if ah told ya, it’d probably give ya nightmarez fer a month. So, anyway,”[/color] the goblinoid esper continued. [color=Green]“Yer lucky ya ran inta [i]meh[/i] an’ not one ‘o [i]dem.[/i]”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“I really am!”[/color] Olivia agreed, while rapidly nodding her head. [color=LightSkyBlue]“In fact, I’ve been really lucky all day! Every time I’ve needed help, I’ve met just the right person to provide it!”[/color]

[color=Green]“Ya don’t say?”[/color] Elzy inquired with a raised eyebrow.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Yes!”[/color] Olivia confirmed, having never met a rhetorical question she didn’t answer. [color=LightSkyBlue]“You see, I’ve been searching for my friend, Finn. I’m visiting Pax Septimus on a single-student field trip and he’s been serving as my tour guide! Since I heard this city was filled with monsters of all kinds, I wanted to try and see a few by visiting locations with the highest paranormal activity! I know it can be somewhat dangerous, but like I’ve been telling everyone else, there’s no need to worry, because I have my darling Xolys to protect me! He’s so big and strong and handsome and charming and not only can his tentacles crush the life out of any monster, they also give the most comfy hugs! But, for some reason, a lot of people seem to be terrified of him! Like, this one time, when we were having a Halloween party…”[/color] 

…

…

…

[color=LightSkyBlue]“…and then he mentioned that Helmi might be scared of ghosts, which is just silly because she summons ghost sailors to fight for her all the time, but anyways, when we got to the haunted music room…”[/color]

…

[color=Green]“Wonder ‘ow much longer diz iz gonna go on fer…”[/color] Elzy mused as she rolled her eyes and gave voice to a tired sigh.

…

[color=LightSkyBlue]“…and he had the cutest top hat and monocle, but he said he wasn’t really a ghost, and the reason things could pass through him was actually because he was out of phase with…”[/color] 

…

Meanwhile, Elzy had been digging a clawed finger ever-deeper into one of her oversized ears, before finally pulling it free to reveal a massive clump of wax. [color=Green]“Huh. Dat wuz biggah den ah dought…”[/color] she noted idly as she examined the wax ball, before discarding it with a dismissive flick of her finger. [color=Green]“Oh fuck. She’z still goin’…”[/color]

…

[color=LightSkyBlue]“…and then he helped me pick up my books and after that we introduced ourselves and…”[/color]

…

[color=Green]“Reeeeally ‘ope she’z gonna wrap diz up sometime soon…”[/color] Elzy muttered as she stared at a completely oblivious Olivia with the most blank visage imaginable.

…

[color=LightSkyBlue]“…and [i]that’s[/i] why I came down here!”[/color] Olivia finally concluded. [color=LightSkyBlue]“So, do you think you can help me search for him?!”[/color]

[color=Green]“Lemme git diz straight,”[/color] Elzy began, her voice filled with exhaustion as she slowly raised one hand, while using the other to pinch the bridge of her nose. [color=Green]“Yer a magical girl, which iz like an esper, from anover ooniverse, ‘an yer tour guide, an’ esper named Finn, aka da Time Keeper, got kidnapped, an’ now ya dink ‘e’z somewhere down ere?”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Yes, that’s correct!”[/color] Olivia confirmed.

[color=Green]“Welp, it’z not like ah can just leave ya down ere all by yerself,”[/color] Elzy replied. [color=Green]“So ah guezz ah’ll ‘elp ya find diz friend ‘o yerz.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh! Thank you so much!”[/color] Olivia gushed as she knelt down and wrapped the goblin girl up in a big hug. 

[color=Green]“Urk! D-Damn… Y-Yer stronger den ya look…”[/color] Elzy wheezed upon finally being let go.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Although,”[/color] Olivia continued, her new friend’s pained words having gone blissfully unnoticed. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’m not exactly down here alone, since I always have darling Xolys with me!”[/color]

[color=Green]“Riiiiight…”[/color] Elzy sighed. [color=Green]“Juz stay behind meh, an’ ah’ll keep uz clear ‘o any nasty surprisez. An’ keep yer voice down, too,”[/color] she advised. [color=Green]“Ya may wanna see monsterz, but trust meh, ya [i]really[/i] don’t wanna draw da attention ‘o some ‘o da stuff down ere.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Okay!”[/color] Olivia acknowledged. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I’ll make sure to use a whisper from now on!”[/color]

[color=Green]“Great…”[/color]

[hr]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“So, are you biologically a goblin in your esper form, or do you just look like one visually?”[/color] Olivia inquired as they made their way through the twisting sewer passages.

[color=Green]“Ah’m a total goblin inside an’ out when ah’m like diz,”[/color] Elzy replied. [color=Green]“Ow [i]else[/i] ya dink ah’d be able ta put up wiv stayin’ down ere so long?”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“What’s wrong with staying down here?”[/color] Olivia inquired innocently.

[color=Green]“Ya fuckin’ kiddin’ meh?!”[/color] Elzy asked, turning around to give the bespectacled chatterbox an incredulous stare. [color=Green]“Diz place iz a fuckin’ shithole!”[/color] she added, gesturing to the fetid, detritus-filled sewer way. 

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, um, I guess I didn’t really notice,”[/color] Olivia replied. [color=LightSkyBlue]“As a matter of fact, I actually like it down here. Sewers have always fascinated me, especially the lifeforms that thrive in them, like insects, gastropods, and fungus!”[/color] 

[color=Green]“Wut iz [i]wiv[/i] diz kid?”[/color] Elzy muttered.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Um, if you’ve been down here so much, can you tell me about some of the creatures you’ve encountered?”[/color] Olivia asked. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Besides goblins, that is,”[/color] she clarified.

[color=Green]“Well, dere are lotz ‘o critterz romin’ ‘round down ere, includin’ a giant snake, but ah do mah best ta steer clear ‘o ‘em, since ah’m really only good at killin’ goblinz. Anyfing else’d eat meh alive. Literally.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Wow, really?!”[/color]

[color=Green]“Yup,”[/color] Elzy confirmed. [color=Green]“Dat’z why ah told ya it ain’t safe fer ya to be down ere. Da fingz ya could run inta are really fuckin’ dangerouz, even more den da onez topside, cuz at least most a da time, ya can see [i]dem[/i] comin’.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“B-But people still survive down here, right?”[/color] Olivia pressed. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I mean, you said the goblins managed to live here despite all the other dangers, so, um, do you know of anyone else that might be able to do the same thing? Maybe as a hiding place?”[/color]

[color=Green]“Well, dere were some rumerz o’ a few depraved esperz hiden’ out down ere,”[/color] Elzy replied. [color=Green]“But, dankefully, ah never came acrozz ‘em.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Depraved espers?”[/color] 

[color=Green]“Esperz dat do somefing so orrible dey git marked fer deff by all da ovver factionz,”[/color] Elzy explained. [color=Green]“Dere juz az bad az da worst monsterz, so ah ain’t gonna go anywhere [i]near[/i] ‘em.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Huh… I wonder if the espers chasing after Finn are depraved…”[/color] Olivia mused as the pair entered a roughly circular chamber with entrances to several branching paths. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I sure hope not. Faith was such a nice lady, just like Finn, and I couldn’t imagine either of them having done anything bad enough to be marked for death…”[/color]

[color=Green]“Y’know,”[/color] Elzy spoke up in an attempt to change the subject. [color=Green]“Dere’z a good chance dat friend o’ yerz might not even be down ere, an’ diz could all be just a big waste o’ time. Ya sure ya don’t wanna ‘ead back topside an’ look someplace else?”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Can we look just a little longer?”[/color] Olivia asked. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I don’t want to turn back until we’re positive he’s not here. Plus, I really wanted to see one of those monsters you mentioned, or at least a ghost… Do you think maybe you could…”[/color]

[color=Green]“Damn it, kid!”[/color] Elzy snapped, her patience long since eroded away. [color=Green]“Ah told ya, dey’d kill ya in a fuckin’ ‘artbeat!”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“B-But Xolys…”[/color]

[color=Green]“Shhh!”[/color] Elzy hissed, pulling Olivia down and clapping a hand over her mouth. [color=Green]“Ear dat?”[/color] she whispered into the bespectacled brunette’s ear as her own oversized ears began to twitch. [color=Green]“Somefing’z comin’…”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Whuf?”[/color] Olivia inquired through the goblin girl’s palm, sounding more intrigued than frightened.

[color=Green]“Ah don’t know,”[/color] Elzy whispered back. [color=Green]“An’ ah don’t plan on findin’ out!”[/color] she added, grabbing Olivia’s arm and pulling her back the way they’d come. [color=Green]“Let’z git outta ere!”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“B-But…!”[/color]

[color=Aquamarine]“AHHHHHH HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLS!”[/color] The catacombs themselves trembled as a deep, disembodied voice reached them. [color=Aquamarine]“You have walked directly into my lair, of which there is no escape! Prepare to spend the rest of eternity as nourishment for maggots and worms!”[/color] The sound of its approach was getting louder. Even Olivia could make out the heavy crashing in the distance. Though even nearby, the roof of the catacombs shook and dropped dirt on their heads. [color=Aquamarine]“Do not run from your destiny, for it will do you no good! Come…Closer…”[/color] 

[color=Green]“Shit shit [i]shit![/i]”[/color] Elzy swore as she pulled Olivia along, only for a massive chunk of stone to fall from the ceiling and block their escape route.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“G-Goodness!”[/color] Olivia gasped as she covered her head with her free hand. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I-It really doesn’t seem to be very safe here, so maybe we should go to where the voice is coming from?”[/color] she suggested. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I-I’m sure darling Xolys can protect us if they try to do anything mean, and I’m very curious to see what they look like, so…”[/color]

Before Elzy could reply, another giant piece of the ceiling broke off and plunged down directly on top of the pair. Yet, just before it could crush them, the chunk of rock shattered against a dome of glowing green energy. Such was Elzy and Olivia’s surprise at this unexpected turn of events that it took them a moment to realize that the source of the protective barrier was a young woman in a futuristic white bodysuit with neon green accents, who was now standing between the pair.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh wow!”[/color] Olivia cheered. [color=LightSkyBlue]“That was amazing! Thanks so much!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Happy to help,”[/color] the young woman replied with a strained smile. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I’m Agent Orion, Knight of Tomorrow.”[/color]

[color=Green]“Ah wuz wonderin’ when ya’d finally decide ta show yerself, Orion,”[/color] Elzy told the newcomer with a wry smirk. [color=Green]“Sure picked one ‘ell ‘o a time fer yer grand entrance!”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“You mean you knew she was here all along?”[/color] Olivia asked.

[color=Green]“Yup,”[/color] the goblin girl confirmed. [color=Green]“She’z been trailin’ uz fer awhile, but since she’z one ‘o dem goodie two shooez types, ah figured she probably wuzn’t plannin’ ta ‘arm uz.”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Yeah… It’s, uh, kind of a long story,”[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow replied sheepishly. That was, of course, quite an understatement. 

At first, it had been fairly easy to follow Olivia, but that all changed when the bespectacled chatterbox had left The Great Escape with Sammy and Brittany. While the high-tech heroine’s esper form may have boasted the speed of an olympic gold medalist, even Usain Bolt in his prime would have been unable to keep pace with a flying broomstick traveling at over 70 mph. Thus, Ashley had missed the run in with Finn outside Torvald’s, the boy’s abduction via mecha, and (perhaps thankfully) Olivia’s subsequent meeting with Faith. By the time she’d caught up, her eccentric neighbor had just entered the library. The exhausted agent had then begun trailing Olivia through the catacombs and sewers, keeping enough distance to at least avoid the chatterbox’s notice (if not Elzy’s), but remaining close enough to leap into action the moment her help was needed.   

[color=Green]“Somefin’ tellz meh dat’ll ‘ave ta wait,”[/color] Elzy remarked as she took up a combat stance and readied her sword.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Right,”[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow agreed, tightening her grip on her techno-wand and raising her energy shield. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“We’ve got more immediate problems to worry about… Stay behind us, Olivia,”[/color] she instructed. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Things are about to get [i]very[/i] dangerous, [i]very[/i] fast.”[/color]

[color=Green]“Welp, lookz like yer gonna git ta see dat monster ya were ‘opin’ fer after all…”[/color] Elzy muttered, her gaze fixed on the far tunnel opening as the rumbling continued to grow louder.

In fact, Olivia was [i]very[/i] excited, and her heart was pounding with eager anticipation, but at the same time, she was concerned for Elzy’s safety, and the strangely familiar Orion’s as well. [color=LightSkyBlue]“P-Please be careful!”[/color] she told the pair. Of course, if it came to it, she could always call upon Xolys’s aid, but she really didn’t want to risk scaring the approaching monster away before she got a chance to get a good look at it.

[color=Aquamarine]”You lot are aware that I can smell, hear, and even [i]taste[/i] your presence in my domain, are you not?”[/color] The monster’s tone was haughty and felt like it was coming out of the walls itself. [color=Aquamarine]”I do not stalk prey in my own domain. If you have come this far, you may come to me. You will find escape is impossible otherwise.”[/color] A low, rumbling chuckle filled the halls. [color=Aquamarine]”Ah, but perhaps the issue is that you do not yet know who I am. Hmmmmm, but to tell you outright would spoil the fun. Why don’t we play a little game then? Let’s see if three heads are greater than…me.”[/color] Even without seeing the creature, they could feel it smirking at them. [color=Aquamarine]”The Hand owns Pax Septimus, of which I’m sure most of you are aware. But relating to the hand, which part of the human body is most important do you think?”[/color] 

[color=Green]“Fuckin’ [i]riddlez?![/i]”[/color] Elzy asked incredulously. [color=Green]“What iz diz, da Hobbit?!”[/color]

[color=Aquamarine]”I find it quite humorous that someone who walks around cosplaying as a little green orc would accuse *me* of being in the hobbit.[/color] The voice shot back, smug as ever.

Elzy simply ground her teeth in annoyance.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Of [i]course[/i] it can’t just make things simple…”[/color] Ashley muttered before giving voice to a tired sigh. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I really don’t have time for this…”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Well, I don’t know anything about [i]The[/i] Hand, but [i]a[/i] hand can’t really be used unless it's attached to an arm,”[/color] Olivia spoke up. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Then again, an arm can’t move if a brain doesn’t tell it to do so, which I guess makes the brain the most important part!”[/color]

[color=Aquamarine]”FOOOOOOOOOOOLS! AHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA!”[/color] The voice boomed. [color=Aquamarine]”Humans put far too much emphasis on the head, or ‘brain’ as you put it. It may be important to humans but let’s be real here, not every humanoid needs a brain or head to run their body. An android needs no head, nor does a Dullahan or the goddess Chinnamasta. Your answer is wrong.”[/color] A pleased sigh filled the room. [color=Aquamarine]”But credit where credit is due. You are on the right track with the arm. It is attached to the hand, but it, too, is attached to the shoulder. And the shoulder is part of the torso. I’m sure a brilliant young woman like yourself must know where I’m going with this now, no?”[/color] Ashley and Elzy could feel the creature’s presence on them.

​​As the only member of the incongruous trio to maintain her amiability, Olivia spoke up again. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Well, you said which part of the [i]human[/i] body, so I think bringing up other entities is a little disingenuous,”[/color] she told the creature, not sounding intimidated in the slightest. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But I suppose if you’re looking for something more specific than the arm, perhaps the elbow? Or if you mean important to the hand itself, then I guess it would have to be the opposable thumb!”[/color] she added with a smile, hoping she’d found the answer this creature was seeking. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, but since I’m answering [i]your[/i] question, can I ask one of my own? You see, I’m looking for a friend of mine named Finn. He’s an incredibly sweet and adorable boy who’s also an esper known as the Time Keeper, and I think he might be down here somewhere. So, um, would you happen to have seen him?”[/color]

The room was quiet for a time. [color=Aquamarine]”Did I say human?”[/color] The monster thought for a time. [color=Aquamarine]”No matter, I will not answer your question because you cannot answer mine. For you are a FOOOOOOOOOOOL! AHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA!”[/color] The catacombs trembled once more. [color=Aquamarine]”I grow tired of watching you struggle to answer something so simple, so allow me to blow your mind. The hand is merely the end of a massive crane. And while the business end of a crane is its most important feature, the arm that holds it is powerless without its body! Think about how useless a crane would be if it had no treads, tires, or other way to move about. Why, it  would surely tip over without some support from the floor!”[/color] The walls began to shake and move apart. [color=Aquamarine]”A hand is nothing without an arm, but the arm is directed by the shoulder, and the shoulder is directed by the torso, and the torso is held up by the legs, and below all of that is what holds the body steady! I am [url=https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/1ab9383e-8549-4f26-af6d-c90f9118ea71.png] The Foot[/url]!”[/color] As the catacombs opened up, it came into view. A giant, dirty foot with monstrous talons on every toe. On the front of the foot was a giant face with large pale eyes and teeth that stretched from ankle to ankle. [color=Aquamarine]”And while the hand does my bidding up above, I remain below, commanding our forces under the earth. And you have walked right into my lair! FOOOOOOOOOOOLS! AHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHA! YOU BLEW IT! YOU’RE ALL DEAD!”[/color]

​​[color=MediumSpringGreen]“[i]That[/i] went about as well as I expected…”[/color] Ashley grumbled, before charging up her techno-wand and firing off a pair of high-powered energy bolts in quick succession.

[color=Green]“Damn, dat fing’z ugly an’ [i]den[/i] some…”[/color] Elzy observed. [color=Green]“Now, juz’ keep dat big mouf o’ yerz open a bit longer,”[/color] she told the laughing creature as she removed a hand from her sword and used it to chuck a just-conjured bundle of dynamite sticks into its giant maw.

However, none of the projectiles would make it to their targets. The rapidly expanding room was also rapidly [i]crumbling[/i], and the monster was obscured from view behind some falling boulders. The ceiling continued to drop massive stones, starting further away and coming closer at an alarming rate. 

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Olivia had a slightly different reaction to the creature’s appearance…

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh my gosh! A giant foot! Ooooh! He looks so [i]adorable![/i]”[/color] the bespectacled chatterbox gushed, clasping her hands together as sparkles filled her eyes. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I really wish we didn’t have to fight him,”[/color] she added as she watched her new friends launch their attacks, only for them to be blocked by debris from the rapidly collapsing chamber, her cheerful voice taking on a significantly more sullen tone. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Killing us just because we couldn’t solve his riddle is a little extreme.”[/color] 

[color=Aquamarine]”I’m killing you because you entered my lair. [i]Big[/i] difference![/color] 

The catacombs shook more aggressively, and the falling debris got larger. It would take more than Ashley’s wand to blow apart the rocks, and the dynamite wouldn’t be much more useful once the ceiling caved in on their heads. 

[color=Green]“Shit!”[/color] Elzy swore in frustration as she was forced to employ her various conjured explosives simply to destroy the rain of boulders threatening to crush them. [color=Green]“Diz lazy fucker’z juz gonna wait fer da whole damn ceilin’ ta fall on uz!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“It certainly seems like it!”[/color] A panicked Ashley agreed, her eyes frantically searching for some path of escape even as she blasted apart another falling chunk of rock.  

Unfortunately, no such path seemed to exist, and even with their combined firepower, it wouldn’t be long before the debris began falling faster than they could destroy them. Yes, things were looking quite grim, at least, until the rain of rubble completely stopped, the roof of the chamber having been eclipsed by an enormous pair of… wings…?

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Don’t worry!”[/color] a sweetly melodic voice called from behind the pair. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Darling Xolys will keep us safe!”[/color]

Turning around, the two espers were greeted by the sight of a beguilingly beautiful blonde-haired woman bedecked in an elaborate blue ballgown that shimmered with the light of a hundred twinkling stars, and behind [i]her…[/i] 

[color=Green]“A-Ah don’t believe it…”[/color] Elzy murmured.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“H-He’s…”[/color]

[color=Green]“E-E’z…”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“[i]Re[/i][/color][color=Green][i]al?![/i]”[/color]

Towering up behind the transformed Olivia, wings spread wide, was [url=https://i.imgur.com/lDWVOVl.png]a nightmarish multi-limbed, many tentacled eldritch monstrosity,[/url] far more imposing than the giant foot opposing them. Yet, despite its terrifying visage, it indeed seemed to be protecting them, as not only were its wings serving as a shield against the falling rubble, several of the creature’s rapidly spinning tendrils had created a series of whirlwinds that were now collecting the boulders crashing down farther out, creating a mostly unobstructed path to the giant foot.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Of [i]course[/i] he’s real!”[/color] Olivia replied with an amused burst of laughter, one which sounded more like a cascade of melodic chimes, rather than the cacophony of loud snorts produced by her regular voice. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Thank you, darling!”[/color] she told her eldritch consort as she lovingly gazed up at the massive monstrosity.

[color=MediumBlue]“You are most welcome as always, my dearest Olivia,”[/color] Xolys replied, his voice disconcertingly refined and polite.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“T-That’s the voice I heard in her room the other day…”[/color] a still stunned Ashley murmured as she blankly watched the bizarre interaction unfolding before her with a wide eyed stare. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“U-Um, y-yes,”[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow finally spoke up after shaking off her initial shock. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“T-Thank you. W-We should be able to get a clear shot at him, now, r-right Elzy?”[/color]

[color=Green]“U-Uh, y-yeah…”[/color] the goblinoid esper replied in a dazed tone as she forced her trembling body to slowly turn away from “darling Xolys”.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh! Please don’t waste any more of your mana!”[/color] Olivia entreated. [color=LightSkyBlue]“You’ve done so much already! Leave [i]this[/i] to the Ethereal Rose and her darling Xolys!”[/color]

With that, the tentacled terror opened his lamprey-like maw wide and, giving voice to an otherworldly screech, disgorged a twisting torrent of unreality. It smashed through the few boulders still falling and then hit the foot with the force of a thousand bullet trains, the eldritch energies drilling into the strange creature’s skin like a churning blender of broken tesseract fragments and transdimensional spectrum shards.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“H-Holy…”[/color]

[color=Green]“Fuck…”[/color]

[color=Aquamarine]”GRAAAHHHHHHH!”[/color] The foot-shaped monster howled. [color=Aquamarine]”PAIN! MY ONLY WEAKNESS! WHO KNEWWWWWWWWWWwwwwwwwww…”[/color] And then with a satisfying [i]pop[/i], the creature vanished from sight. 

With The Foot vanquished, the chamber’s collapse came to an abrupt halt, giving Elzy and Ashley a chance to catch their breath and take stock of the bizarre battle’s aftermath.

[color=Green]“Dat’z it?”[/color] Elzy wondered aloud. [color=Green]“E’z dead after juz one shot? Damn… Either e wuz a fuckin’ pushover, or dat beam packed some bigazz fuckin’ power!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Or he was a coward and teleported away after realizing the attack could actually harm him,”[/color] Ashley noted.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, I truly hope so!”[/color] Olivia spoke up, her hands clasped over her more sizable chest. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I would very much like to be able to examine him in greater detail, and there are so many questions I want to ask him! For instance, was he always just a giant foot, or was he at one point attached to a larger creature? Also, all those books over there seem to indicate that he liked to read,”[/color] the Ethereal Rose continued, pointing an elegant finger at the piles of books heaped up inside The Foot’s lair. [color=LightSkyBlue]“And I would just [i]love[/i] to know what his favorite genres are!”[/color]

[color=Green]“‘Oly [i]shit…[/i]”[/color] Elzy murmured as she slowly made her way over to the mass of tomes. [color=Green]“Are dose…?”[/color] Opening the front cover of the top book of the first stack she came to, her yellow eyes went wide. [color=Green]“An’ ‘ere ah dought dese got nicked by goblinz… Den again, ah guezz da gobboz coulda been workin’ fer diz Foot fucker…”[/color] the goblinoid esper mused.

Meanwhile, Olivia was still babbling away, although at least her current form made her voice considerably more pleasant to listen to.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“And speaking of teleporting, if there’s any way to track where he teleported to, darling Xolys could teleport after him, thanks to that Grimoire tuning Miss Eins provided! I know you said it should probably only be used for emergencies, darling,”[/color] she added as she smiled up at her eldritch consort. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But I think this certainly qualifies, don’t you?!”[/color]

[color=MediumBlue]“To be perfectly honest, my sweet,”[/color] Xolys began tentatively. [color=MediumBlue]“I believe it might be more prudent to depart these darkened tunnels and continue your search for young master Finn elsewhere, as it does not seem likely that he might be found anywhere in these depths, and the same can almost certainly be said of that unpleasant fellow we just encountered having any knowledge of his whereabouts.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“You’re probably right, darling,”[/color] Olivia conceded. [color=LightSkyBlue]“You know how carried away I can get, and it wouldn’t do to get distracted from our real objective,”[/color] she added, before turning to the other two espers. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I know you’re both probably very busy with important esper matters, but would either of you like to continue helping me for a little while longer?”[/color] the azure-clad maiden inquired with a hopeful smile.

[color=Green]“Ah gotta git dese fingz back ta da library,”[/color] Elzy replied, patting one of the sizable stacks. [color=Green]“Dey went missin’ awhile ago, an’ ah’m sure da staff’ll be ‘appy ta see ‘em returned,”[/color] she added with a toothy grin. [color=Green]“Pluz, ah, uh, ain’t exactly cut out fer doin’ fingz topside…”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“I-I should probably assist Elzy with moving these books, since there seems to be an awful lot of them,”[/color] Ashley noted, while doing her best not to look directly at Olivia’s eldritch companion.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, but, um, weren’t you following me for some reason?”[/color] Olivia asked, her enchanting visage looking rather puzzled.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Well, uh, about that…”[/color] Ashley began with an awkward smile. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I was asked by an acquaintance of yours to look after you, since you were planning on venturing into some of the more dangerous parts of the city and they were worried about your safety,”[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow explained. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“H-However, after seeing how capably your, uh, darling Xolys here is able to deal with threats, I don’t think there’s any need for me to watch over you any longer.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, you must mean Ashley!”[/color] Olivia replied with a jubilant smile. [color=LightSkyBlue]“She worries about me a lot, but that’s only because of how incredibly nice she is! But, um, how do the two of you know each other?”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“I saved her from a monster, once,”[/color] the high-tech heroine replied as she began picking up some of the piled books.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Really?!”[/color] Olivia asked, her azure eyes gleaming with excitement. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I guess that explains why she’s been so worried about me running into any,”[/color] the blonde beauty observed. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But wait, you said you were an agent, correct? Does that mean you work for G.E.M.I.N.I.?”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Yes, that’s right,”[/color] the Knight of Tomorrow confirmed.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh wow!”[/color] Olivia exclaimed. [color=LightSkyBlue]“That means you probably know Finn! And probably even fought monsters together!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“H-He told you he worked for G.E.M.I.N.I.?”[/color] Ashley asked, her tone filled with shock and perhaps a hint of anger.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, no!”[/color] Olivia clarified. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I learned [i]that[/i] from some espers at the Great Escape!”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“I see…”[/color] Ashley murmured as she frowned in thought. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Well, to answer your question, we [i]did[/i] work together for a time, but he chose to leave the organization due to some… differences in opinion.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh… I’m very sorry to hear that…”[/color] Olivia replied, her lovely visage taking on a more sullen countenance.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“It was honestly for the best,”[/color] Ashley reassured her. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“The stresses associated with being an agent were starting to get to him, so I think a break from all that will do him a world of good.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Well, in that case, I hope he gets all the rest he needs!”[/color] Olivia replied, having returned to her usual upbeat exuberance.

[color=Green]“Speakin’ o’ rest,”[/color] Elzy spoke up. [color=Green]“Ah dink [i]we’re[/i] gonna need some after haulin’ all dese bookz back…”[/color]

[color=MediumBlue]“If I may, Miss Elzy,”[/color] Xolys offered, raising a single scythed talon of a wickedly clawed appendage. [color=MediumBlue]“I believe I can greatly expedite the books’ transferal, and would be more than happy to provide such assistance.”[/color]

[color=Green]“O-Oh, uh, d-dankz fer da offer,”[/color] the goblin girl replied in a shaky voice as she hesitantly glanced over her shoulder at the eldritch monstrosity she’d been trying to forget was still there. [color=Green]“B-But, uh, ah don’t dink ya’d be able ta fit through all dem narrow tunnelz…”[/color]

[color=MediumBlue]“As it transpires, I think this would be a most pertinent instance in which to employ my trans-etheric teleportation abilities,”[/color] the gentleman horror declared, even as he scooped up several piles of books with his myriad tendrils. [color=MediumBlue]“I merely need to know the location you would like for these tomes to be deposited at.”[/color]

[color=Green]“W-Well, uh, in dat case, a-ah dink da annex is probably da best place fer ‘em, ‘least fer da time bein’,”[/color] a cringing Elzy stammered, her small body shuddering at the closeness of Xolys’s tentacles.

[color=LightSkyBlue]“But darling, don’t you need to have some knowledge of the location you want to teleport to?”[/color] Olivia asked.

[color=MediumBlue]“That shall not pose a problem,”[/color] Xolys assured her, even as he reached a tendril out towards a visibly horrified Elzy. [color=MediumBlue]“Please do not be alarmed, Miss Elzy,”[/color] he bid the cowering goblin. [color=MediumBlue]“I promise that you shall experience no discomfort. All I ask is that you call a memory of the annex to the forefront of your mind.”[/color] 

[color=Green]“O-Okay…”[/color] Elzy confirmed, wincing and squeezing her eyes shut as Xolys prepared to place his tendril upon her forehead.

[color=MediumBlue]“There,”[/color] the gentleman horror announced as he retracted the appendage. [color=MediumBlue]“That should suffice. Thank you, Miss Elzy.”[/color]  

[color=Green]“Uh, sure fing…”[/color] the goblinoid esper replied with a mixture of relief and surprise. [color=Green]“Y’know, dat actually wuzn’t even [i]close[/i] ta bein’ az bad az ah dought’d be…”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Of [i]course[/i] it wasn’t!”[/color] Olivia replied with a sweetly harmonious giggle. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Darling Xolys is a perfect gentleman!”[/color]

[color=MediumBlue]“Thank you my dearest,”[/color] Xolys told the blonde beauty with a respectful bow. [color=MediumBlue]“Now then, if there are no objections, let us take our leave.”[/color]

Once everyone had given their assent, a swirling vortex of eldritch energy quickly enveloped the quartet, and after a bright flash, they found themselves in the library’s annex, along with all the stolen books.

[color=MediumBlue]“And here we are,”[/color] Xolys announced, his massive form having considerably reduced its size in order to fit in the smaller space. [color=MediumBlue]“I trust no one experienced any discomfort?”[/color]

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“No, not at all,”[/color] Ashley replied.

[color=Green]“Same ‘ere,”[/color] Elzy added.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“I’ve traveled through portals before, but this was my first time teleporting such a considerable distance,”[/color] Ashley noted. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“It’s a very impressive ability.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Isn’t it, though?!”[/color] Olivia agreed, her azure eyes gleaming with excitement. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Teleporting really tires darling out, so he has to rest for a while before he’s able to do it again,”[/color] she explained while affectionately caressing one of Xolys’s tendrils. [color=LightSkyBlue]“But with enough training, I’m sure he’ll be able to overcome that limitation completely!”[/color]

[color=MediumBlue]“As optimistic as ever, my sweet,”[/color] Xolys noted with a chuckle as he gently wrapped an eldritch appendage around her, causing the fair maiden to giggle with delight. [color=MediumBlue]“Though, while I have greatly enjoyed our time together, I believe it might be best if you returned to your mundane form,”[/color] he advised. [color=MediumBlue]“I fear it would cause quite a commotion if I were to enter the main library.”[/color]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“I suppose you’re right, darling,”[/color] Olivia conceded with a sigh, closing her eyes as she embraced and lovingly nuzzled one of her consort’s tentacles, while Ashley and Elzy watched the incongruous pair with no small amount of awkwardness. [color=LightSkyBlue]“See you when I get back home,”[/color] she told him, before a burst of azure energy saw the eldritch monstrosity vanish and the beguiling beauty return to her normal, nerdy appearance. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Well, um, I guess I’ll be heading off now,”[/color] Olivia told her new friends in her usual nasally voice. [color=LightSkyBlue]“It was really nice meeting you Elzy! And you, too, Orion!”[/color] she added with a wave. [color=LightSkyBlue]“Thanks again for all the help!”[/color]

With that, she headed up the stairs and disappeared from sight.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“So, um, do you need any help with organizing these?”[/color] Ashley inquired after a moment, gesturing to the books piled up on the floor.

[color=Green]“Nah,”[/color] Elzy replied with a dismissive wave of her clawed hand. [color=Green]“Da staff’ll ‘andle dat. ‘Sidez, ah’ll bet yer ready ta ‘ead ‘ome yerself,”[/color] she added with a knowing smirk. [color=Green]“Diz place haz all sortz ‘o secret tunnelz,”[/color] the goblinoid esper noted, pressing a hidden button that slid back part of the wall to reveal a small passage. [color=Green]“Ah’ll give ya some privacy if ya wanna change back,”[/color] she told Ashley. [color=Green]“We esperz gotta keep our secretz, right?”[/color] the goblin girl asked with a wink.

[color=MediumSpringGreen]“Uh, yes, that’s right,”[/color] Ashley confirmed, before giving the smaller esper an appreciative smile. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“Thanks.”[/color]

[color=Green]“Don’t mention it,”[/color] Elzy called as she began crawling into the tunnel. [color=Green]“Say,”[/color] the goblin girl added, pausing to look back at the high-tech heroine. [color=Green]“Ya dink she’ll stay outta trouble now?”[/color]

Ashley frowned as she looked towards the stairs. [color=MediumSpringGreen]“I certainly hope so…”[/color] 

[hr]

[color=LightSkyBlue]“Oh, what an exciting day this was, darling!”[/color] Olivia gushed as she cuddled with Xolys on her apartment’s bed. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I got to meet so many fascinating people and even saw a monster! I only wish I could have gotten a chance to say goodbye to Finn as well,”[/color] she added with a slight frown. [color=LightSkyBlue]“I know Faith said that Miss Sharr only wanted to talk with him, but I hope she doesn’t try to end his vacation prematurely…”[/color]

[color=MediumBlue]“There’s no way of knowing for certain, my sweet,”[/color] Xolys replied. [color=MediumBlue]“But perhaps Miss Sammy and Miss Brittany were able to locate them before that potentiality could be made manifest?”[/color] It might have been grasping at proverbial straws, but anything that might calm Olivia’s worries was worth a try. After all, it wasn’t as if there was very much chance of running into the detective and shopkeeper again before he and Olivia departed Pax Septimus.

Then, as if she could be conjured by merely saying her name, Sammy pushed open the door to the apartment. The teenage detective stood in the doorway. She looked like she had been dragged through an army obstacle course. Her outfit was caked with everything from mud to trash. Her eyes held a thousand yard stare, and her knees were buckled just from the effort it took to stand. Behind her were several cats that were better off, but not by much.

[b]”He got away.”[/b]

She promptly fell forward and went out like a light.