“Bethany! She’s doing it again!”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIUWQQrSB9 維尼
Bethany didn’t even bother turning around. She didn’t need to; peacekeeping only works if both concerned parties actually want peace.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJzyWfzHcS 維尼
It started innocently enough; Cristlyn would occasional stumble or get caught in a slight gust. Sometimes, some small object (usually a piece of litter) would bounce off the back of her head. Bethany thought these occurrences strange, as she had no similar impedement. Then, as their walk was punctuated by increasingly loud and frequent swears from Cristlyn, Bethany gradually put the pieces together. Samantha, ever playful and probably still a bit resentful of the sister who barged into her inner sanctum and messed with her things, was a wizard (or a witch, Bethany supposed; she wasn’t sure how titles worked in the wizarding world). Sure enough, she soon caught Sammy surreptiously flicking her wand at Cristlyn moments before a burst of wind nearly knocked her off her feet.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡlrJ7RWuNiZ 維尼
She’d scolded her youngest sister for the prank, of course; their bodies were hardy, but that was no reason to risk damaging it for the sake of a laugh. Samantha apologized immediately; after a few more minutes, however, it started again. Strangely, nothing ever came her way; perhaps her display of agility made Sammy think it a waste of time better used to wind up Cristlyn.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡWM1wfNPli4 維尼
It wasn’t entirely Sammy’s fault, though Bethany was loate to admit it. They’d been lost for about an hour, and although Bethany was certain they weren’t going in circles. They were in Rimstak, though exactly where was a bit of a mystery. Rimstak has about eighty-separate districts in shadeside alone, over a hundred including Shineside. Wherever they were must’ve been fairly unpopulated, at least during the day; they’d only seen a few Rimstakkens since they entered Rimstak, and that was at the border.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40OmK08GnY 維尼
They were on Shineside, Bethany knew that much (given that there wasn’t a massive floating continent above them, this was fairly obvious), but beyond that, she had no idea. Her maps of Ronisgald were over two-thousand years old; while she had a vague sense of where the Guildmaster’s workshop was located (based on the old position of Jocelyn’s facility), the maze-like streets made taking a straight-line path impossible.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkaP4x2P8p 維尼
“Quit it!” Cristlyn said, taking a swat at her sister.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XM93SCtBK 維尼
Sighing, Bethany said, “Cristlyn, Samantha, could you please just behave?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNFQCNhn0m 維尼
“But she started-“8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9feMFsNCUz 維尼
“I don’t care!” Rubbing her forehead, Bethany said, “Look, there’s no sugar-coating it. We’re lost.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxyeOqivLQ 維尼
“We are not lost.” Cristlyn said, “We just need to get to a node, that’s all. They’re supposed to be all over the place, right?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡfLKeVddchc 維尼
In fact, they had passed three nodes moments after entering the city. Bethany wanted to take the node, as it would’ve deposited them right at the Guildmaster’s Workshop.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQk6i4wRu0 維尼
“Unfortunately,” Bethany said, putting her hands on her hips, “Someone just had to go on foot. To enjoy the ambiance of the streets.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡljxnFeudKn 維尼
“Yeah,” Bethany said defensively. “Didn’t hear you complaining when we were eating that fried ice-cream about an hour ago.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcfgmAumjZ 維尼
Blushing, Bethany said, “It’s been ages since we’ve seen a node, and I have no idea where we are now.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20hCQVH1HM 維尼
The three of them glanced around for a few moments. Bethany presumed her sisters were trying to find some sign of where they were.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlSzb8UaBj 維尼
Samantha raised her wand and pointed down an adjoining street. “There!”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡDld91P4gEX 維尼
“Did you spot something?” Cristlyn asked, squinting.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡXA5b52q75L 維尼
“No, but I’m a wizard.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡb2ztF11hCA 維尼
Cristlyn slowly turned to look at Sammy. “You do realize that’s not a valid reasoning, right, Sammy?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35s1D3UAcW 維尼
“If I’m a wizard, maybe I can see into the future!”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqBk4t1B4j 維尼
“Yes,” Cristlyn said, “And maybe I can shoot peppermint humbugs from my eye sockets.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWIxOVPH3d 維尼
“Cristlyn.” Bethany said,.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMlKwvOeiN 維尼
“What? She’s a wizard, not a fortune teller. It’s not even a legitamite form of magic!”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoMLbN7adb 維尼
“Is so!” Sammy said, already sulking.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuu5T73Wue 維尼
“It is not!” Cristlyn said, “Studies show that even those proven to have a high chance of foretelling future events are wrong at least twenty-percent of the time.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIcuU1wWd8 維尼
“One out of five predictions are incorrect.” Bethany said. “Those aren’t terrible odds.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0iI8nBlnIF 維尼
Cristlyn snorted. “You aren’t helping, Beth.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡmozD3gUeLK 維尼
Now in full-on sulk mode, Sammy stomped her foot. “That’s the right way!”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡK3rQ5muNrN 維尼
“You have no idea if that’s-“8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAI1p24Cmj 維尼
Bethany stepped between them. Putting her hands on Cristlyn’s shoulders, she said, “Look, it’s as good a direction as any.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxa1JpjBD6 維尼
Rolling her eyes, Cristlyn said, “Ugh, Fine. At least when we prove she’s wrong,” She paused to glare at Samantha), “She might shut up about this seer crap.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjsAmd19gX 維尼
Sammy stuck her tongue out at Cristlyn. There was something very off-putting (yet, Bethany couldn’t help but feel, rather endearing) about the way Sammy still acted like a little girl; it was fine when she was projecting a hologram of the same age, but her new body appeared to be the same twenty-something female form used by her sister’s cores; the only difference being the face and the hair. If anything, she was a little taller than the rest (limb length being easily adjustable until the fifth evolution).8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrXeO5dNOZ 維尼
“Fine.” Bethany said, motioning to the alleyway. “Sammy, would you like to take the lead?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JeSMsGEmQ 維尼
“I’m the leader? Yay!” With that, she started skipping down the alleyway.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQFasdMUPl 維尼
Cristlyn rolled her eyes and followed, Bethany following behind.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZtgxPow7U 維尼
They followed Samantha for the better part of an hour, randomly turning down tight alleyways, climbing through large residential areas, and even tromping through one of the freshener groves.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKOM3l9zqX 維尼
Bethany was intruiged by the carefully crafted ‘trees’ that were something of a mystery even to the local Rimstakkens; each leave, each acorn, every bit of natural-looking bark was carefully sculpted to look natural, while being one-hundred percent artificial. The sensors of her body, though not as in-depth as those she had access to as the Saybaro’s CIC, could detect that the air around the trees was significantly cleaner. The trees themselves converted standard airborne waist gases and materials into energy, which were then fed back into Rimstak’s power-grid.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡGi1HzJUNzC 維尼
The creator of the trees may have been a mystery, but their function was not; the Rimstakkens treated the trees like a national treasure, particularly in the denser areas of the country, and treated the appearance of new trees as a pleasant surprise. There was even an entire group devoted to caring for the trees. Not that the Skyway Repair Corps had much work; the trees were largely self-sufficent, so work usually consisted of cleaning up litter, repairing and replacing broken leaves and twigs, and general landscaping functions. In truth, the SRC were more the gardening type than the technical type. Still, the trees seemed to prosper with their aid, so the SRC was lauded as a helpful volunteer group and its members viewed as selfless and caring.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqbWXoRqh8 維尼
There were three members of the SRC working on one of the trees as Bethany and her sisters passed. A large panel of bark lay on the ground as the first, a tired-looking galden wearing mostly denim, carefully checked the inner circuitry of the tree. He was engaged in conversation with his two co-workers. The next SRC member was a woman; at least, Bethany thought she was a woman. She wore coveralls, and her hat blocked most of her face. The remaining member was a woman as well, her shorts and bikini top more suited to the warm day, but Bethany was surprised to recognize her as having demon heritage; in addition to the two short horns twisting through her curly silver hair, she had a long scaley tale poking out of the back of her blue-jean shorts, the tip looking both vaguely heart-shaped and sharp. Half of a heart pendant hung around her neck, polished ivory with a gold setting.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRNY4uBTLz 維尼
“… showing a twenty-percent decrease in illness.” The man said as he slid the panel back into place. It clicked into place without leaving so much as a seam. As he stood up, he noticed Bethany and her sisters passing. “Oh. Hello there.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTXnXuKIyY 維尼
“Good afternoon.” Bethany said, noting that he wore the other half of the heart-pendant, his half ebony with a silver setting. “To your wife and friend as well.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡxECl4BrbFM 維尼
The demon-woman bowed her head, a surprising kindness in her eyes. “I love your dress. It’s a kimono, isn’t it?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡOklXzmUgL8 維尼
“Yes, actually.” Bethany said, blushing as the demon-woman walked around her. “It was a gift from Jimmy and Terra.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡlKCYJntt7Q 維尼
“Indeed? Well, it suits you quite well.” Glancing at the man, she said, “What do you think, Alan?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gdVGqCWeY 維尼
“You know I’m not going to answer that question, Mel.” Alan said, smiling at his wife.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡCt3PeItrdH 維尼
She chuckled before wrapping her arms around him. “It’s just an aesthetic observation, honey. I think she’s quite lovely; just like a little china doll with really poofy hair.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡrF51cMDRvf 維尼
Bethany’s face was quite gold now. “T-thanks.” She stammered, The woman in the coveralls nodded as well.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaRK9fBgXI 維尼
“It’s beautiful.” Bethany said, nodding at the tree. “Amazing construction. Tell me, have they found a way to replicate the technique?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSfEJEQc7y 維尼
“Not as of yet.” The man said. It may have been Bethany’s imagination, but she thought his expression looked a little smug as he said this. “Air a little thick around your place?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vkDwQ80jZ 維尼
“No, but the tree in front of the Saybaro’s getting old; we’ve done what we can, but it’s simply nearing the end of its life. A tree like this would be a nice replacement when that happens.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGLX4E1L3w 維尼
“The Saybaro?” The man asked, sounding a little surprised. “So you’re from Wenapaj?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSIHIJM6OG 維尼
“Yes.” Bethany bowed politely. “Bethany Sakamota, of the Saybaro.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfza2ZApGX 維尼
“Bethany? The CIC’s name is Bethany, isn’t it?” The man said, shaking her hand.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMy9I73QNu 維尼
“Er, yes. These are my sisters …” She turned to Cristlyn and Samantha, only to find them gone.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nE2EuV3EH 維尼
“The blonde and the red-head?” The demon-woman asked, glancing down the road. “They were with you? They didn’t bother stopping.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡyU1ve3FYQR 維尼
“Of course not.’ Bethany said, rubbing her temple.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWfHlBDaqq 維尼
The touch of a hand against her hair made her look up suddenly. The woman in the coveralls pulled her gloved hand back quickly. “I’m sorry.” she said, her voice barely a whisper. “I … like what you’ve done with your hair.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡij7MMQTJSC 維尼
“Thank you.” Bethany said, her cheeks again golden.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡODaHwE9bPi 維尼
“Will you be okay? Without your sisters, I mean.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡeROo5nFlKk 維尼
“It’s okay.” Bethany said, feeling oddly comforted by the woman’s concern. “We’re all heading to the same place. I’m sure Cristlyn and Sammy will figure out their way.” Hopefully before murdering each other, she added to herself. “We’re here to see our sister, Jocelyn.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡn52r7zQeCE 維尼
“As in CIC Jocelyn, I take it?” Alan said, rubbing his chin. “You’re quite a ways from the Guildmaster’s Workshop. What brings you this far from home anyway? Did CIC Bethany send you?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnrnQiGcfy 維尼
“In a manner of speaking.” Bethany said. “A … member of our family has gone missing. We’re trying to find her.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZye3jLkPa 維尼
A look of sympathy fell over the demon woman’s face. “I’m sorry to hear that. Still, if she’s Glyche as well, I’m sure Jocelyn will be able to help you.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡKExbYFLJXf 維尼
“Indeed.” Alan said. “Do you need help finding the Guildmaster’s workshop?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡLf7BTEXccV 維尼
Before Bethany could answer, someone with a surprisingly loud voice called out, “Ah! There you are being! I am looking for you and your sisters for nearly an hour!”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1d8JlqKG3 維尼
Bethany turned to see a Rimstakken woman with curly red hair tied in an untidy pony-tail. Her face was instantly recognizable to any who lived in the Saybaro, particularly Bethany.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMp6LsOn1w 維尼
“Uncle Ann!” Bethany said, hurrying toward Jimmy’s former guardian. “Thank the Creator, am I glad to see you!”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlbifj0Pgv 維尼
“And I am being delighted to be seeing you, CIC Bethany … or perhaps, just Bethany now?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OeG9MfGkn 維尼
“Pardon me?” The man said, sounding a little alarmed. “You’re CIC Bethany?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5Iabg9TyE 維尼
“I was.” Bethany admitted. “But we found a workaround.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡwreWdWMFnJ 維尼
“To look for your missing family member.” The man said. “I must admit, that’s quite noble of you. Do you mind if I ask who has gone missing?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHLMgMCwbN 維尼
“My apologies.” Bethany said, “I don’t want to alarm anyone; a control matrix was left in her place, but should they know the CIC has gone missing-“8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡOYoDH8zHzu 維尼
“I understand completely.” Alan said. “Can I assume that Cristlyn and Samantha are also their respective CICs?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmptHcN7K9 維尼
“Yes.” Bethany said.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡGWK1FFsZfW 維尼
“And this missing family member; she’s also likely in a core unit frame?”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyGXOAVbiE 維尼
In truth, the idea had not occurred to her; they’d taken the core units to go search for Angela; perhaps someone had put Angela into a core unit to kidnap her as well. Perhaps someone else had come up with their own prototype core specifically for the intention of imprisoning the Ronisgald CIC. The idea was terrifying; it was one thing to kidnap mother; in a body, she could be tortured, or exposed to any number of unpleasant scenarios. The world of sensation, a blessing to Bethany, could become a curse in the right circumstances.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡCs4H8b4L1n 維尼
“It is likely.” Bethany said, making a note to mention it to her sisters. “If so, we need to recover her before any harm comes to her.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡlh8jVHmd0Q 維尼
“I agree completely.” Alan said, glancing at his companions. “Look, it isn’t much, but I’ll make sure the SRC keeps an eye out for her.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtK2QLXxsw 維尼
“Thank you, Mister Alan,” Bethany said. “I’m not sure if she’s anywhere near Rimstak, but as Jimmy says, never say no to a friendly hand.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbZaY9HUPF 維尼
“Wise words.” Alan said. “Good luck, Miss Sakamota. Annabelle.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKD18bPT1z 維尼
“And you as well, Alan. Come along, Bethany; you have had a long trip, and are no doubt being exhausted.”8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vfmFYe7hn 維尼
Nodding, Bethany waved goodbye to the demon-woman and the worker in the coveralls and cap before allowing Uncle Ann to lead her away.8964 copyright protection596ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlIg53hkiO 維尼
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