“Bethany! She’s doing it again!”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkbR5GqFoh 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgI72MTIEB 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WPYuRQWoR 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQz8i0kXK4 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlaBLNYP0c 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡmq5aKj5cDs 維尼

“Quit it!” Cristlyn said, taking a swat at her sister.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡP6LTkghZf4 維尼

Sighing, Bethany said, “Cristlyn, Samantha, could you please just behave?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5f6PdjykJ 維尼

“But she started-“8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcdMHLu1yH 維尼

“I don’t care!” Rubbing her forehead, Bethany said, “Look, there’s no sugar-coating it. We’re lost.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6ZHncHFU8 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MktLT3A0q 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0p8Gf41Kj 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAK5QGgJUw 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡmO6Cwj6N3F 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0GfaDIuUl 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmf9FBYQnV 維尼

Samantha raised her wand and pointed down an adjoining street. “There!”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ76v9SVhnx 維尼

“Did you spot something?” Cristlyn asked, squinting.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡC69sRMeVAm 維尼

“No, but I’m a wizard.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6639dyeNU 維尼

Cristlyn slowly turned to look at Sammy. “You do realize that’s not a valid reasoning, right, Sammy?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡHGA3IoDz1Y 維尼

“If I’m a wizard, maybe I can see into the future!”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPPZqz8WsA 維尼

“Yes,” Cristlyn said, “And maybe I can shoot peppermint humbugs from my eye sockets.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtQJcLgAKn 維尼

“Cristlyn.” Bethany said,.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJTP6KZRDy 維尼

“What? She’s a wizard, not a fortune teller. It’s not even a legitamite form of magic!”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoDGvppNPt 維尼

“Is so!” Sammy said, already sulking.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡXx0FHcKL3Q 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T3ceUVGXE 維尼

“One out of five predictions are incorrect.” Bethany said. “Those aren’t terrible odds.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVoNSrLtw5 維尼

Cristlyn snorted. “You aren’t helping, Beth.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AR7pfTB6H 維尼

Now in full-on sulk mode, Sammy stomped her foot. “That’s the right way!”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH027TjKgy 維尼

“You have no idea if that’s-“8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3PJ0sgz8t 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡch1baJFPfQ 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWU5Ag2FQJ 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡANenDhslXa 維尼

“Fine.” Bethany said, motioning to the alleyway. “Sammy, would you like to take the lead?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Yqq5lmR6D 維尼

“I’m the leader? Yay!” With that, she started skipping down the alleyway.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2CKhFtc8zz 維尼

Cristlyn rolled her eyes and followed, Bethany following behind.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡeH1XZvCLWO 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFGTN5Zjmd 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqjUg5MiUu 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡYltkngF9CM 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8Q4opjJpk 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡTIMU7Eo2Rl 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5mZIDZFjR 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSzMzjMkZ7 維尼

“Yes, actually.” Bethany said, blushing as the demon-woman walked around her. “It was a gift from Jimmy and Terra.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡSFqka2weFI 維尼

“Indeed?  Well, it suits you quite well.” Glancing at the man, she said, “What do you think, Alan?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGgxpqVKrs 維尼

“You know I’m not going to answer that question, Mel.” Alan said, smiling at his wife.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡac58ENByJl 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡe6T95qOx9e 維尼

Bethany’s face was quite gold now. “T-thanks.” She stammered, The woman in the coveralls nodded as well.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KRBWWs3AF 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡyr49YGseaF 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡtHHqnPPaJJ 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnlxRqgrS0 維尼

“The Saybaro?” The man asked, sounding a little surprised. “So you’re from Wenapaj?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡktX20DQT3B 維尼

“Yes.” Bethany bowed politely. “Bethany Sakamota, of the Saybaro.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡg8r4ssxxHY 維尼

“Bethany?  The CIC’s name is Bethany, isn’t it?” The man said, shaking her hand.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbmOnqoLwo 維尼

“Er, yes. These are my sisters …” She turned to Cristlyn and Samantha, only to find them gone.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGW3fARuSH 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DsHf0VeN7 維尼

“Of course not.’ Bethany said, rubbing her temple.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡInY784PzgO 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjT9USVXZ0 維尼

“Thank you.” Bethany said, her cheeks again golden.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡMiFj8qjQf1 維尼

“Will you be okay?  Without your sisters, I mean.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡn7pu49u3do 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7gH2Q4RIj 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd4a8PxFn3 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡYB9WeYBo9f 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPQ2fJuQSk 維尼

“Indeed.” Alan said. “Do you need help finding the Guildmaster’s workshop?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpRhXlC7Vk 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3HN6RAzL6w 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡKiotb9949p 維尼

“Uncle Ann!” Bethany said, hurrying toward Jimmy’s former guardian. “Thank the Creator, am I glad to see you!”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7Y2SFvKMD 維尼

“And I am being delighted to be seeing you, CIC Bethany … or perhaps, just Bethany now?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSSZgeuBrG 維尼

“Pardon me?” The man said, sounding a little alarmed. “You’re CIC Bethany?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtFnuAvMXZ 維尼

“I was.” Bethany admitted. “But we found a workaround.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6JVe9BpQB 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0550tWNi36 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡt9knyksiPD 維尼

“I understand completely.” Alan said. “Can I assume that Cristlyn and Samantha are also their respective CICs?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRnpopiWDr 維尼

“Yes.” Bethany said.8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8WH1StklA 維尼

“And this missing family member; she’s also likely in a core unit frame?”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVOG2sRElN 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡa877edGgjS 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡH0xn8GpeBh 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBuuw0Ii4C 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMKL50EpcS 維尼

“Wise words.” Alan said. “Good luck, Miss Sakamota. Annabelle.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGIWon6imr 維尼

“And you as well, Alan. Come along, Bethany; you have had a long trip, and are no doubt being exhausted.”8964 copyright protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡks87CyIVpz 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 protection607ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZh468NWQ9 維尼

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