Mono stepped carefully over a pile of fallen plushies as he followed his friends deeper into the toy store. They had searched many buildings so far, and had found no signs of any other runaways. Mono knew that he should find this relieving, but in reality all it did was make him nervous. What if there had been kids here at one point, but they had missed them and now... now...
"This is pointless," Triple grumbled, shoving aside a large moldy cardboard box. "There's no one here."
"I think it's interesting there's a toy store here," Six spoke up, talking for the first time in a while. "That means that kids were treated good before."
"Course they were." The shadow girl said absentmindedly, floating upwards to get a bird's eye view of the store. Even though she had made her disapproval very known, she was still doing her best to help, much to the gratitude of both Six and Mono. "The world wasn't always this way. And I'm hoping, with The Tower gone, things'll start getting better again."
"Why?" Six replied moodily. "It's not like it was the source of The Corruption or anything. It'll probably be a while before we find it."
At this, Triple began to look quite uncomfortable. Was there something she wasn't telling them? What exactly happened while they were separated? These questions buzzed insistently inside of Mono's mind, refusing to leave. But now wasn't the right time to ask her, this he was sure. For now they needed to complete the search.
As they continued through the generously sized shop, Mono couldn't help but notice how tidy and well kept it was. Sure it wasn't in ship shape exactly, but there was only a layer of dust coating everything instead of the pure filth and disarray seen in The School for example. Maybe that means someone's been here! Mono concluded. It wasn't only that, but the shelves were kid sized too. They could reach everything on them without a problem. The building itself was quite small, actually. It was a lot shorter than all the other buildings, making it difficult to spot, and it was a lot less crooked and distorted too. Hopefully that meant they had a bit more time before it fell.
The boy was interrupted from his musings by a gasp from Six. "What is it?" He asked worriedly as he jogged over to her, fearing the worst, because of course he would in a place like this. six didn't look to be in trouble, though. Quite the opposite. She was sitting on the dirty tile floor, smiling in surprised wonder at a small, golden orange object placed before her. "Another music box!" She breathed, reaching out and beginning to turn the crank. It didn't play the same haunting but beautiful tune the one she had in The Hunter's cabin did. Instead, it was a hopeful melody that sounded similar to a waltz. "It plays the song. Like the ones on The—"
six stopped speaking and turning the crank abruptly with a gasp. Standing up, she pulls the music box close to herself, hugging it as though it were a plushie or doll. It can't be very cuddly, but it seems to calm her somewhat.
Mono doesn't know what to do. He's not the most perceptive person in the world, he'll be the first to admit it, but even he could tell that Six had barely stopped herself from divulging something. And as curious as he was about it, Mono used all his willpower to stop himself from pressing since it was obvious Six didn't want to tell him. She'll tell me when she's ready. He reasons.
"That's really cool," Mono says, attempting to put his friend at ease. "I know you've really missed the one you had while at The Hunter's so it's great you've found another one. And it's small; you can take it with you."
The girl smiles in a seemingly grateful manner. "Yeah. I like this one a lot better. The last one was wonderful don't get me wrong, but the song it played... well... it brings back bad memories."
Mono nods. "Yeah, i could see that. Anyway, we should probably get back to—"
A loud sound, like someone rummaging and shoving things around, brought both children to full alertness instantly. Six shoved the music box into her pocket, it caused a good sized bulge but it fit, and stood with her back against Mono's who began to feel now sort of familiar tremors coursing through his body. His powers had sensed his mood and had answered the call. This made him feel quite a bit braver; he just might be able to deal with whatever was threatening them on his own should he need to.
"It's coming from the stockroom." Triple, who had appeared beside the others, informed.
the three of them slowly creeped towards the back of the store where the entrance to the stockroom was, just in time to witness the door slamming open and the monster tumbling out!
But it wasn't a monster at all! It was a girl! And she appeared to be a runaway. Her filthy turquoise hoodie and dirty blond bangs covered the top half of her face, but what they could see of it appeared to be of a light but sort of peachy complexion. She was about a head taller than any of them, meaning that she was either a couple years older or just big for her age. What also set her apart from the typical runaway was her hands and feet. They were bare and grimy, but the nails were coated in glittery purple nail polish without a single flaw or blemish in it.
"Oh, jeez!" Says the newcomer. Her voice is high-pitched and perky, but not unpleasant. "I didn't realize anybody else was in here. Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you guys. I'm Le, nice to meet you all!" She steps forward with a warm smile, revealing that she has a gap between her two front teeth. Mono's just about to shake the hand she offers, when it's suddenly yanked back as Le gasps. oh no! Did I shock her?
But that doesn't appear to be the reason for Le's sudden change in mood. She seems to be staring at Six, who squirms under her intense scrutiny. "that yellow raincoat... I would recognize it anywhere! But it's not possible. You can't actually be Six, can you?"
Six gapes, not seeming to know how to deal with the current situation. Mono doesn't need a mirror to know he's probably doing the same. "H-how... how did you—"
"Yeeeeeeee!" Le begins jumping up and down, dancing around like a maniac. "No way! No way! I can't believe it! I'm in the presence of a celebrity! Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh! This is the best day ever!" You could hear the extra exclamation points in her ecstatic squealing.
Six is even more taken aback then before, and seems to be attempting to disappear into her coat. Whether it's out of shyness, disbelief, embarrassment, or all of the above Mono can't tell. "Wha? I... uh..."
Le, thankfully, stops her fangirling and sighs. "Yeah, I know, i know. You're just a kid, same as all the rest of us, blah, blah, blah."
"No! I mean i... celebrity!?"
Now it's Le's turn to look taken aback. "Wait, you mean you don't know? LIke, you really had no idea that you were famous?"
Six just shakes her head, the overwhelming situation rendering her mute for the time being.
"Oh, well then this is awkward, isn't it? Well basically The Maw was a huge spot for The Corruption, like a Corruption breeding ground. It seemed to be one of the main things that perpetuated the messed up situation the world was in. Good innocent beings would go in, turning into awful tainted things and never seen again. So when you managed to do what we used to think was imposssible, and destroy that terrible place, it gave everybody hope that this crap wouldn't last forever. We not only became more determined to survive, but fought a hundred times harder for a better world because of you. So yeah, you're basically a legendary heroine. That's why I was so stoked to meet you. Meeting The Girl In The Yellow Raincoat, The Conqueror Of The Conqueror is every kid's dream. Though it's really weird that I'm the first person to mention it. Hey, you wouldn't by any chance mind if i asked you a couple questions, would you? Everyone's been making up tall tales about what could have been in The Maw, and how exactly you pulled it off; it'd be great to know the real story at last!"
Mono was starting to feel uncomfortable too. Apparently Six, the timid girl he'd met not long ago, was famous for destroying The Maw? What? Mono didn't know much about it, not really. Only that it was a large boat that children and adults alike got onto, and never got off. And Six had taken it down? What? Why hadn't she mentioned it before? What roll did Triple play in these events, if any? Of course there was a chance that Le was lying about the whole situation, but Six's reactions said otherwise. She was looking more uncomfortable and afraid by the minute, and why wouldn't she? This girl came practically out of nowhere and knew exactly who she was and wouldn't stop gushing about it.
Still, Mono didn't think Le had any ill intent behind her prying. She was simply like any other runaway in the sense that she didn't have very good social skills. Kids like them spent their time running and hiding, and not sitting down for a chat. So when the need for conversation between them did arise, it was only natural that both parties would be like a fish out of water.
Mono decided now would be a good Time to intervene. Maybe put some more attention on him and take some off of Six. It's not that he was jealous or anything, no, not at all. He was simply trying to be a good friend.
He stepped in between the two girls. "Hey uh, I don't think we've been introduced yet."
Le stopped in her tracks. "wha? Oh, right! Sorry, didn't mean to leave you out like that. I just got so excited,y'know? i didn't expect Six of all people to be right outside my door. Well it's not my door, Ive only been staying here for about a day when the Tower got all wobbly and i needed some shel-you know what? Just tell me your name or I'll be rambling all day. It's a bad habit of mine."
Mono laughed, holding out his hand for the runaway to shake. "I'm Mono. I'm Six's friend."
He tried to keep the welling pride out of his voice, he really did. But a little of it must have seeped in there for Le cocked her head in confusion.
"Really? The stories didn't say anything about..."
"We met after The Maw thing."
"Oooooh yeah, that makes sense."
Triple had made herself scarce as soon as she'd seen that it wasn't a monster coming out of the stockroom, but a runaway. She was surprised that Mono had been right about there still being kids around, but also relieved since it meant their search wasn't for naught. She'd hidden herself, remembering full well that most kids wouldn't react well to seeing her. But this Le kid? There was something about her, or multiple somethings, that rubbed the shadow girl the wrong way.
though she looked exactly like the typical runaway, she didn't act like one at all. There was no caution to her movements as she introduced herself to Six and Mono: she spoke loudly as if the thought of something not so friendly overhearing was a completely foreign concept to her. And of course there was the fact that she knew.
She knew about Six's journey in The Maw, and said others knew too. How could they know? Unless other runaways who had escaped after the ship went down told? That could be possible, but then why was this kid the first to recognize her? Things just didn't add up.
Triple decided. She would reveal herself now, either to hurry along proceedings and get this weirdo to safety so they didn't need to bother with her anymore, or protect them from a threat they obviously didn't see.
"Ahem." she cleared her throat sharply as she appeared near the others. Six and Mono didn't bat an eye as they were used to this, but Le gasped and whirled towards her, like she knew she would. Triple decided to ignore her for now though, and make her case.
'in case you've forgotten, this city is coming down. And we need to leave now."
as if to prove her point the ground began to shake, and a few toys fell from their shelves. Le didn't seem to notice this though, too focused on staring at Triple. It didn't seem to be from fear though, like all the other times. Instead it seemed to be just shock, but with a generous mix of wonder. This brought up a not often visited memory for the shadow girl. When she had revealed herself to Six, hadn't she gotten a similar look about her?
"It can't be, i-it's not possible! No one has ever made an anchorless homunculus before. First Six, and now this? I have to be dreaming!"
Great, now she's speaking straight up gibberish. Triple thought exasperatedly as entire shelves began to crumble. And soon, it would be the ceiling and walls. "Come on!" She yelled, beginning to rush for the exit.
Six and mono needed no encouragement and began sprinting in the same direction, Le following behind. She probably could have moved a lot faster, yet she held back for one reason or another.
The floor of the shop began to rock and jerk, reminding Triple sickeningly of her experience in The Shadow Tower. But now was not the time to reflect on that. she grabbed up her companions to ensure they wouldn't fall and to make their escape even faster.
"she can use magic too?!" Le screeched over the din, reminding Triple of her existence and she decided, slightly reluctantly, to grab her as well. Their whole reason for coming here was to rescue runaways after all, and Triple wasn't so heartless as to leave a kid to die just because they were a bit eccentric. Maybe a while ago, in a different time, she would have. But not now.
The four of them made it out and away just in time to see the toy store crumble behind them. It was a shame really, but at least Six had found a new music box before it happened.
Triple found a place where they could be safe for a while, an empty street not too close to any buildings where they could talk and plan their next move to finally escape this hell.
Not too surprisingly, it was Le who spoke first. She ghosted her manicured hands over the spots on her oversized hoodie where Triple's shadows had touched. "That was quite the experience." She said in a shaky voice. "I don't know if I woulda gotten outa there if you guys didn't show up, so thanks. Have a lot of stuff to think about now, though." She turns to Six again. "Six. It's really cool that I found you here in The Pale City. Or what's left of it anyway, heh! Especially seeing the neat friends you've made."
she addresses Triple, who tenses up, ready for whatever was to come. "You're incredible, did you know that?" Everything except for that. After all the encounters she had had, that was the last thing she expected. Especially after what she had recently learned about herself.
Triple could only gape like an idiot, fangs on display as Le continued. "Homunculi need an anchor, like a physical object to hold themselves together. They also can't do spells themselves and, er how to put this-they're not very smart. But you? Well, you just ignore all of that don't you? It's super cool. Kudos to your creator, that's all I can say."
It was all Triple could do not to flinch. The Lady did not deserve kudos, and she didn't much appreciate being talked about like she was some kind of experiment. but she held her tongue. This girl seemed to know quite a bit about magic; she very well might be useful.
"Anyway," Le continues, still smiling in wonder. "that brings me back to my original I don't mean this to sound creepy or anything, so please try not to freak out, but Six, I've been looking for you for quite a while."
"What?" All the kids burst out in unison, Triple seeming the most outraged.
Le backed up, hands raised in surrender. "Whoa-hey, what did I say about not freaking out? I mean no harm, honestly, quite the opposite. But first I should probably clear something up. I wouldn't normally do this, but since you're Six, and friends of Six, then it's probably okay."
Then an extremely peculiar thing happened. Le's outline began to shimmer, then her whole body started to glow. When the glow faded, she had changed. So much so, that she practically looked like a completely different person.
Her hair was no longer dirty blond, it was an extremely loud shade of yellow that just couldn't be called blond. Her bangs were no longer shaggy, but smooth and neatly combed, and were greatly shorter revealing her large eyes that were a striking blue violet color. Her hoodie was no longer oversized; it fit her perfectly and was clean and almost new looking. Since it was shorter her jeans could now be seen, and though they had some large wholes throughout, the placing and shape of them looked deliberate. She pushes off her hood, revealing her hair to be styled in two flawless braids starting behind her ears, ending and being tied off with blue elastic bands on her mid back.
"Phew!" She sighs, wiping nonexistent dirt from her clothes. 'Man does it feel good to be back in my true form! In case you didn't guess already, I'm not really a runaway. And Le's not my real name; it's just a nickname/alias i use to fit in more and to keep my identity secret. My full name is Leora. Leora Valentine." she waves, and golden yellow sparks similar to the color of her hair flutter and swirl around her hand. "I'm a—"
"Light caster!" Triple was the first to recover, and she pulled Six and Mono behind her as she (unintentionally) shouted out her realization. No wonder she had a bad feeling about this girl; why hadn't she trusted her instincts and just grabbed the kids and left while she could? Now she would have to face the shadow casters' worst enemy. She didn't want to, she really didn't want to, but she would to protect her friend and sister.
A/N: I've been looking forward to introducing this character for such a long time now; I'm so glad I'm finally doing it. Please feel free to let me know what you think of her so far. I've been trying my hardest to make her a complex character, so if you have any questions about her that i can answer without spoiling things, I will. Thanks for reading!