“Bethany! She’s doing it again!”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKweGKh15H
Bethany didn’t even bother turning around. She didn’t need to; peacekeeping only works if both concerned parties actually want peace.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfCVX2v4OK
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZtwKRzOBl
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVSS8ygRQn
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡHud1hIdjFp
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUHNlUfJFg
“Quit it!” Cristlyn said, taking a swat at her sister.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡa9qz0OoxoI
Sighing, Bethany said, “Cristlyn, Samantha, could you please just behave?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkNpbUqoin
“But she started-“copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡsMvJoYencp
“I don’t care!” Rubbing her forehead, Bethany said, “Look, there’s no sugar-coating it. We’re lost.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡoB6cv5Toko
“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?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡnt1uqwEwvM
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡcTg4Igkixb
“Unfortunately,” Bethany said, putting her hands on her hips, “Someone just had to go on foot. To enjoy the ambiance of the streets.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdwSdPWTaP
“Yeah,” Bethany said defensively. “Didn’t hear you complaining when we were eating that fried ice-cream about an hour ago.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxhqkws4XV
Blushing, Bethany said, “It’s been ages since we’ve seen a node, and I have no idea where we are now.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ0jqhubAe
The three of them glanced around for a few moments. Bethany presumed her sisters were trying to find some sign of where they were.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oeVP0R4Y2
Samantha raised her wand and pointed down an adjoining street. “There!”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvWGsXVlXg
“Did you spot something?” Cristlyn asked, squinting.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡnyvoNRhSix
“No, but I’m a wizard.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡrj3zDH5Aar
Cristlyn slowly turned to look at Sammy. “You do realize that’s not a valid reasoning, right, Sammy?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkgmVtRIGn
“If I’m a wizard, maybe I can see into the future!”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡqecRFOSI9J
“Yes,” Cristlyn said, “And maybe I can shoot peppermint humbugs from my eye sockets.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpy3TGGYRH
“Cristlyn.” Bethany said,.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuU8fSDXcf
“What? She’s a wizard, not a fortune teller. It’s not even a legitamite form of magic!”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgyBiy9hHZ
“Is so!” Sammy said, already sulking.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfE1nniH4F
“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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUYutCddUR
“One out of five predictions are incorrect.” Bethany said. “Those aren’t terrible odds.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJNVJbYHXV
Cristlyn snorted. “You aren’t helping, Beth.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ6SnoFCmO
Now in full-on sulk mode, Sammy stomped her foot. “That’s the right way!”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkTWKe1oUK
“You have no idea if that’s-“copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMbxYvmIua
Bethany stepped between them. Putting her hands on Cristlyn’s shoulders, she said, “Look, it’s as good a direction as any.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡrsZ9dBSTEm
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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡpi0neHWOIs
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).copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1BzAwQTpY
“Fine.” Bethany said, motioning to the alleyway. “Sammy, would you like to take the lead?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMlmNmg3vj
“I’m the leader? Yay!” With that, she started skipping down the alleyway.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaKIGZae6o
Cristlyn rolled her eyes and followed, Bethany following behind.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6VEmP2o4c
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡpZYxrQ2a0b
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoEpRWOCUo
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXZEFRs1Cx
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrXarfpJxg
“… 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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡkI6FSDWUOh
“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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TPXRAtVii
The demon-woman bowed her head, a surprising kindness in her eyes. “I love your dress. It’s a kimono, isn’t it?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWguMNGWkC
“Yes, actually.” Bethany said, blushing as the demon-woman walked around her. “It was a gift from Jimmy and Terra.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgNCjHp4gI
“Indeed? Well, it suits you quite well.” Glancing at the man, she said, “What do you think, Alan?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡEeGPZrcw7r
“You know I’m not going to answer that question, Mel.” Alan said, smiling at his wife.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmADchx4mk
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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSOKtgh6ix
Bethany’s face was quite gold now. “T-thanks.” She stammered, The woman in the coveralls nodded as well.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y8q98SfFa
“It’s beautiful.” Bethany said, nodding at the tree. “Amazing construction. Tell me, have they found a way to replicate the technique?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡkA6fXUQMts
“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?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡiy9WNWvWc0
“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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3q3na7oXOK
“The Saybaro?” The man asked, sounding a little surprised. “So you’re from Wenapaj?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡiK2Mk1Wra0
“Yes.” Bethany bowed politely. “Bethany Sakamota, of the Saybaro.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlFO9LPWnk
“Bethany? The CIC’s name is Bethany, isn’t it?” The man said, shaking her hand.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHmbnsZaZc
“Er, yes. These are my sisters …” She turned to Cristlyn and Samantha, only to find them gone.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡqLRV1x0kds
“The blonde and the red-head?” The demon-woman asked, glancing down the road. “They were with you? They didn’t bother stopping.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkHpLJ0GWZ
“Of course not.’ Bethany said, rubbing her temple.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡoHVkEMS6fW
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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2H1Rv2JIYQ
“Thank you.” Bethany said, her cheeks again golden.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSlylYRamw
“Will you be okay? Without your sisters, I mean.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc0Q8rHVTA
“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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyY0dy3uHo
“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?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxx9sTCCnC
“In a manner of speaking.” Bethany said. “A … member of our family has gone missing. We’re trying to find her.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡyd44yhCq6y
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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZZUmodMjd
“Indeed.” Alan said. “Do you need help finding the Guildmaster’s workshop?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡsyI1RoI0nk
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!”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLLnZtJ5bS
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡaRC3xOOZD8
“Uncle Ann!” Bethany said, hurrying toward Jimmy’s former guardian. “Thank the Creator, am I glad to see you!”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6KXiVDLmCS
“And I am being delighted to be seeing you, CIC Bethany … or perhaps, just Bethany now?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡDey99p9GCb
“Pardon me?” The man said, sounding a little alarmed. “You’re CIC Bethany?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7qii839V8
“I was.” Bethany admitted. “But we found a workaround.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡaui8H1rKS7
“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?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoT60lQsVE
“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-“copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMLdAvmO6Z
“I understand completely.” Alan said. “Can I assume that Cristlyn and Samantha are also their respective CICs?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31hiTe73aR
“Yes.” Bethany said.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64SXmZsGAA
“And this missing family member; she’s also likely in a core unit frame?”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLUjB9dLbj
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.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bLId2qUzS
“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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXD4DhiYWj
“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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MllWdmpuf
“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.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡeo3Gr8F0c0
“Wise words.” Alan said. “Good luck, Miss Sakamota. Annabelle.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSoO5nhRW3
“And you as well, Alan. Come along, Bethany; you have had a long trip, and are no doubt being exhausted.”copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVBSNbKtKo
Nodding, Bethany waved goodbye to the demon-woman and the worker in the coveralls and cap before allowing Uncle Ann to lead her away.copyright protection461ＰＥＮＡＮＡ94tYQiB2Pk
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