Diamond found herself in a swirling blue vortex as she was falling ever softly-well it felt like she was float falling then fast pace falling through the endless stream. Her breathing increased as she eyed the surroundings around her as she saw there was nothing around her that she can grab onto to, but that was the least at her worries for she was keeping her vision set on finding any sign of her mother or Hermes. Yet something caught the corner of her eye as she turned to see a bright light lying just behind her-the end of the vortex perhaps? What lied beyond the light was where she was going to end up for she remembered her mother told her that she'd set coordinates that would take them to different parts of Monworld-But where exactly in Monworld was she going to end up! She passed through the light before tumbling onto the grassy ground, rolling for a bit before coming to a halt as she found herself on her back staring up at a majestic forest that surrounded her from all sides with the blue sky just hanging over head of her.
Diamond: :Taking deep breaths slowly as she turned her head in both directions before returning her attention back to the sky.: Sighhh...I-I'm okay...I'm okay...:Slowly got up before she crossed her legs as she patted herself down including her backpack. She placed her hand on her heart before placing it on the side of her neck to check for a pulse-she was indeed alive.: Phewww...I'm alright, I'm okay...nothing is broken...nothing out of place...or WEIRD-LOOKING either...I'm still human...I think.:She extended her legs out to take a look of them before plopping them on the ground, next she checked her fingers and arms-Normal and last was checking her head when she took out a pocket mirror to check hair, ears, eyes and teeth-Everything was normal.: Phewwww~...:She laid down onto the ground as she felt the comfort of the grass relaxing her due to its softness.: I'm all here...now that I know I'm okay...the next question is...WHERE AM I?
At that moment she heard a familiar scream before she turned to see the same light that she came out of when a figure came rolling through it-It was Hermes! He rolled all the way to the nearest tree and BLAM! Hit head first onto the strong bark before falling onto his back just as the portal vanished behind them and out of sight.
Hermes: ~ Owwwwiieeeee...
Diamond: Hermes!:She scrambled to get herself up before dashing over to his side, helping his friend up with concern spread across her face, but sighed in relief to know that she wasn't alone in this new world.: Are you okay!? I mean that must of been quite the bumpy ride you had, but I'm so happy your here!:She wrapped her arms around her friend as she held him close.:
Hermes: Uhhh...trust me IT WAS NOT fun being thrown into a portal fearing I'd turn into spaghetti noodles or broken down into tiny particles passing through a vortex...0~0'
Diamond: I don't know, I'd thought it was quite a pleasant float through a spiraling dimensional vortex. Although I'd imagine it would of been much fast-paced and accelerating like a roller coaster, but it was almost like floating down a lazy river at a water park.:She released him before standing up as she took in her surroundings, a bright smile grew on her face as she approached one of the flora that towered before her-it looked like a type of Mayflower with little swirls on the side of its stems.: Then I came right out the other side like you and now it appears we find ourselves in a luscious and beautiful forest. I mean, just look at these Mayflowers-but these ones have little spiral stems with little petals on them than the ones I've seen on "Nature's Guide to Wild and Exotic Flora for Dummies".
Hermes: Yeah...It does look lovely, BUT this is Mon-World. MON-WORLD? Monster WORLD? A World full of Monsters!?:He was in chibi form as he raised his arms up and down in a panic before zipping to her.: We don't know what we might run into out here! We may stumble across an exotic flower that seems beautiful, but it's actually a DEADLY Venus Flytrap or a Pitcher Plant that might turn us into plant food! Or a gigantic snack that might eat us in one gulp! Or...OR...:Suddenly his face turned abit green as he covered his mouth, suddenly he wasn't feeling so good as his body began to shake.:
Diamond: Or...or what, Hermes?:She turned to him before she noticed he looked like he was falling ill-Can robots get sick? Maybe he got a strange bug after he exited the portal. She ran to his side, bending down on one knee and a hand on his shoulder.: Hermes? Hermes? Are you okay?
Hermes: I...I...Bllah!:He raised his head up as he spat out a few monster cards up into the air! He coughed abit as he pounded his chest softly.: Cough! Cough!...UGH~...Felt like I had butterflies in my tank or something...
Diamond: :Watching the cards float down before catching them with her hands, bugeyed after she saw Hermes spit them out of his mouth.: More like Monster cards than butterflies, Hermes...I didn't know you could make monster cards.
Hermes: I don't...:He leaned in closely to take a look at the cards in her hands.: Ha...That is very unusual...Wait! IT IS VERY UNUSUAL! Why did I spit out monster cards all of a sudden?! I thought I was gonna crash and reboot, not spew out trading cards! Is there a function in me that's going haywire!?
Diamond: Giant Praying Mantis...Marvel Beetle...Dragonfly...These are bug-type monsters...
Hermes: Great, so there are bugs in this forest? That's cute...So do I got some program that tells me what Insect life lives here or something?
Unknown to Diamond and Hermes, the sky began to darken around them as if storm clouds blocked the sun's light-in reality, three giant bugs approached them as they stared at them in curiousity while they were trying to figure out the presence of the cards.
Diamond: It's pretty useful I'd say. But is it just to insects or does it detect any other animal that lives here? Because you didn't spit out cards that tell what kind of birds, squirrels, chipmunks or even cute rabbits might be living here.:Her eyes sparkled as she imagined the cute forest critters in her mind in chibi form.: Maybe even a Jackalope!
Hermes: Well it's annoying is what it is! IT'S MAKING ME BUGGY!:He raised his hands down by his sides in fists as he stared at Diamond.: Also don't try to stroke my ears right now because it ain't gonna calm my circuits!
DIamond: :Her eyes widen when she raised her head after she got confused to what he said about stroking his ears. Her face suddenly turned pale with blue lines under her eyes, teeth starting to chatter a little fast before raising her finger to point straight.: Ehhhhh~...H-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-h-hermes...I-I'm not the one stroking your ears...'HE' is...
Hermes: He?:He tilted his head before he saw a stick-like claw stroking his right ear right now as he slowly raised his head up to see the Marvel Beetle was the one petting him on the ears. Sweatdrops began to form all around him and began to go down his body as a sign of fear before he gaze around them slowly to see giant insects almost have them cornered!: ...AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH~!:He placed his hands on his face before hovering fast toward Diamond before grabbing her hand.: Runnnnn~!
Diamond: Ahhhhhh~!:She grasped his hand before dashing off like a bullet, dragging Hermes along her mad run as he floated in mid-air due to her holding onto his hand tightly.:
Hermes: Those ain't no cutsey little bugs, that's Battra and his Kaiju buddies IS WHAT THEY ARE!
Diamond: Actually it's more like Megalon, Kamacuras, and MUTO than Battra! Battra's an evil moth-like kaiju who's Mothra's rival!:Tears of fear were flying off her eyes as she was running, yet it was a mix of excitment and fear as she had a nervous smile on her face.: I know right now I'm scared out of my mind to see giant insects, but its so amazing! Our first Monster encounter! It's like in this one anime I saw online when the protagonist arrived in a new world a-:She began to ramble on about the episode.:
Hermes: :Looking back as he saw the giant insects giving chase (for a couple-taking flight) after them as his eyes went buggy.: I hate to interrupt one of your Anime trope theories, but these guys are hot on our tail!
Diamond: I'm going as fast as I can! I've never imagined myself to be outrunning giant bugs!:She looked back at him before at the corner of her eye she saw something ahead that made her come to a screeching halt! Right before her was a giant formation of rocks that surrounded both sides of the clearing she got themselves in.: Uhh...Hermes...I think were trapped...0_0"
Hermes: ~ I...I can see that now that the scenary isn't blurry anymore from the running...:He shook off his dizziness before he looked around before he turned around to see the giant insects starting to close in on them.: And here they come-Ready for the kill!:He struggled free of Diamond's grip as he put on his best brave face, he remembered the promise he made to Hinata and though he was terrified right now-HE Had to do his best to protect her.: Alright, you overgrown house pests! If you want a piece of her, you gotta get through me~!:He raised his right hand up as it shifted into a blow torch-like conptraption before pointing it at the insects.: One more inch and its BBQ for you Buggies!
The bugs looked at one another as they looked at his arm-Was he being serious? Would one little blow torch really scare off such kaiju-sized bugs of their calibur? Hermes kept steady as he kept his pose, he didn't know if this would scare them off or not, but he had to try in order to protect Diamond. Things were looking pretty hairy for them as the giant insects decide to call his bluff before taking another inch closer as Hermes floated back, shaking in fear as he tried to keep his arm steady to initiate the Flame Thrower, but just then a voice called out to them that surprised both parties.:
Gemma's voice: Source of all power, crimson fire burning bright! Gather together in my hand and become an INFERNO! BURST FLARE!
Suddenly a ball of fire flew toward the clearing as it was very close to the giant insects, blinking in confusion at the sudden appearance of the sizzling ball of heat. The GIant Praying Mantis approached it in curiousity before raising a claw up as he poked it...BOOOM! THe ball bursts as a great blue flame exploded from the next explosion that struck the insects as they got sizzled by the attack, letting out a painful cry before flying/running off as they were frightened by the attack! Hermes and Diamond stood there, dumbfounded and confused as to what just transpired before their very eyes.
Diamond: O_O Woahhhhh~...Hermes, that was incredible...I didn't know you could do that!
Hermes: B-b-b-ut I didn't even pull the trigger...and I don't think I'd be capable of making an orb of flames float in midair and explode like that!:He turned to her as he was more confused than she was at the moment.:
Diamond: THen if that wasn't you...then what was th-:Suddenly she was interrupted by a new voice that called out to them.:
Gemma's voice: That would be my Burst Flare that you both just witnessed.
Diamond and Hermes turned to the location of the voice that spoke to them before they saw a silhouette stepping out of the forest before she revealed herself to them. Her blonde hair was tied in a straight high ponytail to keep it out of her face, yet revealed her pointy ears that indicated that she was no mere human-but an Elf. The color on her outfit almost had a certain Tinkerbell feel to it-it even went well with the gauntlets and necklace that she wore to complete the ensemble, and her eyes glistened with mystery and curiousity as she stared at the rescuees that she saved from the clutches of the giant insects.
Gemma: Are you both alright?:She walked carefully toward the riggedy rocks that laid around, she nearly tripped over a few that were crooked and almost lost her composure before regaining her balance. Coughing into her fist to recollect herself while she climbed down carefully to get down onto the ground as she slowly approached them, brushing off the dirt from the rocks from her clothes.:
Diamond: W-w-w-were fine...thank you.:She blushed softly as she began to smile ear to ear, eyes twinkling in wonder as even twinkles surrounded her.: Yo-y-you saved us from being bug food back there.
Hermes: Heh! Ya know, I HAD IT under control before you came to finish the job.:He had a tiny anime vein on his head with arms crossed for he felt his heroic moment was stolen by her.:
Gemma: Ohhh~Was that BEFORE the bugs began to feast on you and your friend if you tried to fire off a tiny flame to drive them off? To them, your little..."thingamob" you were waving wouldn't even startle a Mirror Bug, he'd only find your magic flame to be delectable to drain.
Hermes: Magic flame? IT'S A FLAME thrower! THere's no magic in flame throwers, Lady!:He raised his arms up in protect.:
Diamond: GASPPPPp~!:She placed her hands together as she slided to her.: SO that BALL OF flame that exploded and scared the bugs off was your doing!? Y-y-y-your a magic user! I mean...YOu can use magic!? THAT IS soooo coool~!
Gemma: Uhh...:She placed her left arm across her neck before taking a step back due to Diamond's excitment over her magic.: Well yeah...I'm a mage to be exact...A RED Mage to be specific.:She placed her hands on her hips before puffing up her chest.: And a rarity at that because red mages are very rare amongst mages.
Diamond: A Red Mage...A caster who can use BLACK and White Magic...and that was Black Magic you demonstrated on those bugs...
Gemma: Wowww~That...that is correct...:She looked at her amazed that she knew what a red mage was, it intrigued her.: You know about mages?
Diamond: Of course! Red Mages are only one of three types of Mages in the Final Fantasy Series! Their one of my favorite classes in the franchise!:She placed her fists together near her chest as she wiggled her body abit.: I even got a sticker on one of my notebooks-I think it was either on my poetry notebook or my "Research and Fun Facts Notebook"...its either one...Ah!:She leaned in close to Gemma as she stared closely at her eyes.: Your eyes...their a different color.
Gemma: Ohhh...:She placed a hand on one of her cheeks as she blushed a tiny bit.: Yeah, I was born with two different eye colors. It's a weird condition that happens sometimes.
Hermes: It's known as Heterochromia. It can happen sometimes due to a defect in one of the genes that effects the retina of the eyes upo-:He got caught off when Diamond squealed in delight before he saw her beginning to touch Gemma's ears.:
Diamond: Are these your ears!? Their so...pointy and...and so cute! I'm sorry for touching them, but their just so...so cute!
Gemma: Hahaha...c-c-c-careful, my left ear is very ticklish.:She took another step back, but not too much so she doesn't cause her to fall.:
Diamond: Their real...They're not latexy or sticky due to the flaps to place over the ears...I don't even feel any openings...:Her eyes widen before releasing her ears before placing her hands over her mouth.: Please forgive me! THat probably sounded super weird!
Gemma: Umm...maybe a little, but these are my ears-no counterfeits, no fakes, no nada.:She rubbed her ears softly after she released them.:
Diamond: THen that makes you...an elf...A real honest-to-goodness-ELF! Forgive my manners, I had no idea I was in the presence of one of mythology's greatest and most magical beings!:She bowed a few times to her in the manner of the japanese custom way of bowing.: Please forgive me!
Gemma: No, no, no!:She waved her hand as she had a sweatdrop beside her head as she felt a little embarassed for her bowing for no reason.: You don't have to do that! I accept your apology, you don't have to treat it like I was royalty!...Well I am Noble, but either way-there is no need to bow.
Diamond: Phew...:She straightened back into standing position before she put on her brightest smile as she held out her right hand to her.: ANyway! Time for introductions! I'm Diamond Akimoto! Dia-Mond AKI-MOTO.:She spoke softly and slowy so Gemma can catch her name.:
Gemma:...:She looked at her hand before returning a soft smile to her, reaching out her other hand before grasping it slowly and shaking it in the most friendliest of hand shakes.: I'm Gemma Everhart, but you can call me Gemma.
Diamond: And the sour puss behind us is Hermes, he's a Companbot-A Comanion Robot. RO-BOT...Mecha-Man...Automaton.
Hermes: In other words, I am a robotic being made of steel with chips, wires and all sorts of functions and I happen to be Diamond's best friend AND at the moment her body guard.
Gemma: :She placed a fist by the side of her mouth as she snickered at him abit, her smile changed to match a sly fox's grin.: HER BODY GUARD, HUH? Well you sure did quite a GOOD JOB guarding her from those bugs.
Hermes: Errrr~!:He gripped his hands into fists as his body turned red with anger, he was about to blow a circuit for the insult she was dished out of nowhere.:
Gemma: Although, that "doo-dad"...do you have more in your "magical mecha body" of yours?:She approached him after releasing Diamond's hand, poking his chest softly in curiousity.: Maybe you could be of some help to me.
Hermes: :He placed his hands on his chest as he backed away abit.: AND WHAT IF I said that I DID have more than just one doo-dad, huh!?
Gemma: Do you have one that's like a net or perhaps a rope?
Hermes: I think so...:He stared at her as he raised his right eyebrow (A mechanical very thin eyebrow), but was suspicious as to why she would ask what kind of "doo-dads" he had.: Why do you need em?
Gemma: To catch a thief who stole something very precious from me.
Diamond: Oh dear...:She walked over to her as she felt sad to hear that Gemma got robbed by a thief.: Was it something very special to you?
Gemma: Indeed...IT was my family's most treasured possession..."The Mage's Blessing"-a magical staff that was passed down to each Everhart generation to the next. It was given to me after I passed my greatest trial-it symbolizes my accomplishments and how far I've grown to be where I am today...:She sat down with her legs crossed, hands on her shins as she let out a sad sigh.:
Diamond: When did you get the staff, Gemma?:She sat down next to her as she wanted to hear more about her story.:
Gemma: Yesterday.
Hermes: YESTERDAY!? So you got the staff as an accomplishment gift and in one day you lost it to a thief!?:He stared at her in disbelief. He thought, "Did she seriously lose a powerful staff to a charleton in just one day!? Whoever it was must of been stronger than her...that or she got tricked to get magic beans that would grow an even more powerful staff...":
Diamond: How'd you lose the staff to the thief?
Gemma: Well...This morning I headed off to do some traveling-ya know do some traveling to the big cities, see one of the wonders of Monworld-especially the Hot Springs in the Water Realm to unwind-there's one that's highy reccomended by King Penzo the Penguin.
Diamond: Oh! I think I have his card! He wears a crown on his head right?
Gemma: Yep! He ain't called a King for nothing to summon monsters to aid him.:She pointed at her with a grin on her face.: Anyway...back to the story, I was passing through the western section of the forest which wasn't far from the Flower Garden when I came upon a strange fellow who was dressed like he was of royal blood. He looked famished and hungry like he hadn't eaten in awhile, so as the kind person that I am-I decided to share my food with him. BUT do you want to know what HE DID WHEN I was getting out a loaf of bread and some fine Honey Berry Jam!? HE SWIPED the staff and ran off just when I asked him if he wanted Jam or peanut butter on his bread!:She gripped her fists in annoyance and anger.: Sure, if he'd taken the food I'd be less ticked off-BUT TO STEAL A family heirloom is an unforgivable crime!
Hermes: Man~Don't you got some lock-down spell or even a charm that'd keep thieves from taking your stuff? I mean if it was me, I'd install a Taser Zapper that recognizes my finger prints...if I had finger prints...and if it didn't recognize the prints-It'd zap em like a bug to a bug zapper.
Gemma: OhhhH~! A taser Zapper spell...that would be fascinating to make a spell like that.:She took out a tiny notepad as she wrote it down and quickly pocketed it away.: ANYWAY~! I was hot on his trail before I heard cries for help...it was between catching the thief or helping those in need...I followed my heart and chose to save you even if that meant losing sight of the thief.
Diamond: Were sorry, Gemma...If it wasn't for us getting into trouble, you would of caught the thief by now.:She lowered her head in disappointment for having her abandon her quest to get the staff back to save them.:
Gemma: Hey, it wasn't your fault. BUT YOU have to be more careful, I mean didn't anyone tell you that these neck of the woods aren't the best place for a picnic or even to hang around in?:She placed a hand on her shoulder as she watched Diamond lift her head up to look at her.:
Diamond: Well...not until right now that you told us about it. We'll be sure to be more careful next time.
Hermes: Not like we had a choice, when your thrown into a portal while psycho creeps break through the lab and flying across endless space and tumbling right out the other end and into a tree AND NEARLY EATEN by bugs isn't my idea of fun or being careful!
DIamond: What Hermes means is were not from around here...Were from Earth. EARTH-EARTH, Not Earth Realm.
Gemma: EARTH? Wait...so that means your from another world!:Her eyes widen in surprise at this newfound information that she was being told.: Just like the legendary Mon Colle Knights who saved Monworld from Ouroboros!
Diamond: Mon Colle Knights?...
Hermes: Legendary? Wait so there are others like us here?
Gemma: I'll explain more about that later, right now we need to track down that thief. He seems to like shiny things or things that seem "magical and powerful". If we could lure him out with something that LOOKS magical and powerful, he wouldn't resist trying to swipe it.
Diamond: Magical and Powerful...:She thought for a moment before she snapped her fingers as she had a brain storm.: I know! We can make a decoy to lure the thief out! Hermes! 3D Print a crown that would make even the King of England jealous!
Hermes: Sighhh~Okay, okay...just let me get it set up...:He let out an annoyed sigh before he tapped his chest as a small panel came out with buttons on it as he pressed a few before his chest opened up to reveal a 3D printer inside as it was warming up.: This may take a little bit...
Gemma: Um...question: WHAT IS A 3-D Printer?:She looked over at Diamond who was fiddling with her smartphone which made her even more curious of the strange contraptions and "magical artifacts" they possess.: AND WHAT Is that glossy stone tablet your twiddling on?
Diamond: It's my smartphone.:She held it up that showed pictures of various crowns as she was looking over which one would be suitable for their plan.: You can say its a universal magical device at your command to look up anything you want even funny Youtube videos. Right now I'm cross referencing some of the crowns to see which one would be good to print up to use for our plan to catch the "Staff Thief".
Gemma: Fascinating...:She came over as she leaned over her shoulder to look at her smartphone in wonder.:
Diamond: It's amazing how strong the signal here is in this world...Maybe it has the same physics like "In Another World with My Smartphone"-which is awesome since I can browse without getting a buffer or loading icon.
Hermes: Hey! If your phone works here, that means your mom's does too!:His eyes widen in realization as he looked over at Diamond.: Try to call her once!
Diamond: First the thief, then mom! Gemma's staff is important right now, Hermes and once we retrieve it from the thief, I'll call her to see if she's okay...I hope she's alright where she is right now.
Gemma looked over at her new friend seeing the sad gaze upon her face-she was separated from her mother when they arrived in Monworld. It must of been heart-breaking to have to be separated from a loved one and not knowing where they are. Gemma placed a hand on her shoulder as she used her hand to turn her head softly to look into her two-colored eyes.
Gemma: I'm sure your mother is safe wherever she is right now...Tell you what, you help me catch the thief and I'll help you and Hermes find her.
Diamond: Really? YOu'd...do that for us?:She was touched by her generous offer to lend her assistance in finding her mother.:
Gemma: YOur helping me catch the thief WHO took something precious and I'm gonna help you find your something precious...And that's a promise. And when an Everhart makes a promise-THEY NEVER back down from it.:She gave her a thumbs up with a sly smile on her face.: So you can count on Gemma the Red Mage WOnder to help you reunite with your mother.
Diamond: :She chuckled when she noticed her sentenced rhymed.: Hahaha...hey, that rhymed...Red mage wonder, Reunite with your mother.
Gemma: Hhahahaha...yeah, it kinda did. I'm amazed you picked up on the way it sounded.
Diamond: I'm a poetess...I like to write free style poems sometimes and often I kinda end up rhyming on a few lines in the poem, but it ain't like a Dr. Seuss kinda rhyming, but kinda my style rhyming.
Gemma: You gotta show me some of your poems sometime, I bet they're pretty neat.
Diamond: I bet its in my bag-course at the moment I Have no clue what's inside my backpack since mom didn't tell me what was all in there, but I think there should be food, fresh clothes and other widgets and digits she threw in there.
Gemma: I bet she put your notebook in there as well.
Diamond: I bet...she always knows what to pack...ha...
It didn't take long until Diamond found the perfect crown image to use for the trap-She uploaded the image onto Hermes Cloud as he began to download the image toward the 3D Printer and it took only thirty minutes to create a 3D Crown. The next part was decorating the crown to make it look legit as Gemma took it upon herself to give the crown a makeover with a little spell.
Gemma: Copy-cat Duplicate that rests in my eyes, make this fraud look like a solid, make the eyes see what they want to see. Let it shine just like the sun, let its gems glisten to reflect the deflected. Cloak the imposter in gems and beauty that would make the beholder gawk and awe. Illusion VEIL!:Her hands began to glow as its magic began to cloak the 3d crown, making it start to glow and sparkle with magical energy as color began to form on the surface with the gems beginning to glisten in the sun's rays as gold plastered over every part of the white of the material. In a matter of seconds a mere 3D print crown became an actual crown that would make auctioners think it was the real deal!:
DIamond/Hermes: WOahhhhh~!
Diamond: It looks just LIKE a REAL Royal crown!:She carefully took it from Gemma as she inspected it even tapping a gem softly.: Gemma, your magic is incredible!
Gemma: Hmph!:She placed her hands by her sides in fists before puffing up her chest, letting out a steam of air from her nose.: WELL I ain't a Red Mage for nothing ya know! I am a prodigy wonder is what I am!
Hermes: Okkaayy...so NOW THAT we have the crown...where do we set it up?
Gemma: I know a perfect spot in the woods that's perfect to catch the thief's attention.
Awhile later in another part of the forest, Hermes was fixing up the net trap as Gemma and DIamond places dirt and leaves on top of the netting-being careful not to step onto the netting to activate the trap. After they got enough camoflauge over it, Gemma carefully placed the crown right in the middle of it in just the right angle so the sun shined directly upon it while Hermes placed up a sign that read "Magical Crown Up for Grabs! Limited Time Offer-Act Fast!".
Hermes: The cherry on top. Nobody can resist a feisty deal as this: Free Crown for the picking, but there's a CATCH to snatching up this counterfeit.:He snickered a tad bit at his handy work before zooming toward the nearby bushes that Diamond and Gemma hid themselves in.:
Diamond: Now we stake out the thief and wait for him to fall right into our trap.
Gemma: And get back my staff and DELIVER sweet justice to the creep who would dare defile my family staff with his greasy, sweaty palms.:She wiggled her fingers abit before clenching them into a strangling with, eyes glistening red with wickedness as she let our a devilish laugh.:
Hermes: Right~...REMEMBER we don't want to KILL him, just deliver a swift punishment so he learns a valuable life lesson.
Diamond: It can go both ways: Repenting his actions, ignoring the lesson and continuing his crimes OR Karma comes in to deliver the "goes around comes around".:She counted each action with a finger to keep count of how the scenario would go.:
Gemma: I WANT Swift Justice and punishment for the criminal so HE GETS THE LESSON engraved to that skull of his...:She gripped his fist tightly as it had a tiny anime vein on it.:
Hermes: Looks like Gemma's created a scenario #4 in your little Alternate endings there, Di.:He had a nervous sweatdrop by the side of his head.:
Diamond: That is a likely possibly...Usually the victim gets vengeance on her thief or captor.:She had a few sweatdrops beside her head before keeping her gaze on the trap.: Alright...now all we gotta do is wait.
They kept their eyes on the trap through the bushel of bushes they were hiding in, yet as a few hours passed they began to get bored and were soon finding themselves taking a small nap with cute little sleep bubbles coming out of their noses. Suddenly-Snapp...SPRING! A shrill scream rang through the air that popped their bubbles and woke them from their Dreamlands upon hearing the startling sound of an unknown voice and the sound of a heavy object falling onto the ground.
Gemma: Ah! The thief!:She jumped out as she peeked out of the bushes along with Diamond and Hermes.: Judgment time!:She ran out as she let out a small battle cry.:
Diamond: Hold on, Gemma!:She peeked out of the bushes as she ran out with Hermes following behind her.:
Prince Eccentro: Ahhh~! Who in their right mind would put this net in the middle of the forest under my precious crown!?:He was clutching the forgery crown in his hands as he kicked his legs in a struggle as he tried to escape his ensnarement.: This is no way to treat a prince!
Gemma's voice: But it's a good way to treat a Thief, THIEF!
Prince Eccentro stared down and for a moment was confused before panic filled his face when he spotted Gemma glaring up at him as flames of anger surrounded her for she was finally caught the thief who stole her staff...staff! She searched the ground before spotting the staff right below where the net was before making a mad dash, scooping it up as she held it close to her even nuzzling it affectionately.
Gemma: My precious Mage's Blessing!:She stroked it softly as she leaned against the flowery top.: It's okay now...your safe and sound back in my hands away from the bad man who took you...he didn't use you as a back scratcher now did he?
Diamond: :She slowed her pace as she gazed at the strange man in a royal ensemble who was dangling from the suspended net. She squinted her eyes for abit before they enlarged like saucers upon recognizing him right on the spot!: Gaspppp~...No way...Uncle Ludwig is that you!?:She had nervous sweatdrops around her as she couldn't believe it was her uncle who was the thief.:
Gemma: HUH!?:She paused her tender moment with her staff before turning toward Diamond in shock.: Wait...Did you just call him Uncle!?
Prince Eccentro: :He paused his struggle to look down as he noticed Diamond before he too had to squint, at first he didn't seem to recognize her before noticing the pink of her hair that almost reminded him of a certain woman he knew long ago.: That cotton candy hair of yours...wait...it can't be? Diamond? What are you doing here?:Question marks surrounded his head in confusion as to why Hinata's daughter was in Monworld and with this wretched elf who was almost ready to get ready to fire a spell at him.:
Diamond: I could ask the same for you, Uncle Ludwig. Hold on! I'll get you down!:She ran to the support beam in the distance as she began to untie it.:
Gemma: What!? No, no, no! DON'T let him down! I got him right where I want the coward for taking the Everhart family's most prized possession!:She steadied her staff as she began to focus her energy into it.: Now which spell should I use? I polymorph spell to change you into a gecko!? Or maybe send you flying in a cyclone? Maybe even a Fire Cyclone to give ya a goofy burnt hair style!
Prince Eccentro: I prefer neither you crazed elf sorceress! And don't you dare try to cinder my precious do! Do you have any idea how long it takes to tame my majestic and beautiful mane!? Even getting it into a holding tube to keep the hair from covering my face!:He yelled out to her as he was starting to panic, using his legs to try to stretch the net. Yet he felt the net starting to descend downward as he looked toward his right to see Diamond starting to lower the net down.:
Diamond: I'd say...An hour and 25 minutes or 40 minutes if you add the brushing and pulling back.:She watched carefully until her "Uncle" was safely on the ground, releasing the rope as she ran toward his side as he stood up brushing the dirt from his clothes.:
Gemma: I can't believe you let him go! You promised to help me catch the thief, not throw him back!
Diamond: I'm not throwing him back...I mean he isn't a fish to throw back in the water and second, he isn't a thief...I think.:She looked at Eccentro in confusion before turning her attention back to Gemma.: He's my Uncle...
Hermes: Prince Ludwig Von Monsterstein Eccentro to be exact. HE'S An old friend of her mom's that went to the same school together after he got kicked out of the school he and Professor Hiragi attended after he was caught cheating.
Prince Eccentro: And how would a Tin Can like you know all that, hmmm?:He glared over as he had an annoyed look on his face.:
Hermes: I ain't no TIN CAN! I happen to be a highly advanced robot designed and crafted by Hinata AKimoto! Hermes!:He pounded his chest with his hand.: I got a 100 Terabytes built in me to make Servers and Data modules out there look prehistoric! She stored all sorts of data in my files and unfortunately about you and your rival Professor Hiragi!
Diamond: :She smiled at Hermes before looking at Eccentro.: Hermes is an Artificial Intelligence Companion Robot. A.I Companbot for short. As I recall, she got the idea for designing animal-like robots after you showed her a cute doodle of Teddy when you came to visit as a kid.
Prince Eccentro: And as I seem to recall-you were the one that came up with the name Teddyornaut. I was about to call it Tan-Tan...or was it Tanuki Bear.:He had a few question marks above his head as he tried to remember the prototype names for Teddy.:
Diamond: Because it looked like a giant teddy bear.:She had tiny hearts around her head as she had a fantasy bubble showing a chibi Diamond piggy backing on Teddyornaut's back.: And it looked so big that you can ride on its back. Gasp! Speaking of Teddy-did you ever created it!? I'd love to see what the final version is like!
As Eccentro and Diamond had a long overdo conversation which involved Teddyornaut's development stages, Gemma's patience was wearing thin as the thieving of her staff had been completely ignored and now she was seeing her new friend chatting it up with her "enemy" just as anime veins surrounded her head as she was about to burst with anger.
Gemma: I don't know what a Terabyte, Teddyornaut or development stage is, but right now I wanna TEAR a new one in his "ROYAL HIGHNESS"!:She raised her staff up as she pointed at him.: I don't care if he's a friend of your mother's or what, he nearly got away with a family heirloom and I'm gonna make him pay!
Diamond: Stop!:She ran in front of Eccentro as she was between him and Gemma.: Gemma, you got your staff back-is it really gonna make you feel much better to turn my Uncle into a Frog or mess with his do with your magic!? I'm sure he didn't mean it.
Gemma: Ohhhh~HE MEANT IT probably and he was gonna sell it off to make an even bigger fortune out of it! I mean it's a magical staff that changes form upon which Everhart it is given to and mine has taken the shape of a flower!:She had steam coming out of her head with mini anime veins on top.: He could probably get about four bags of gold or even a King's ransom for all I care!
Diamond: Well maybe instead of wanting to go..."Magic GUn-ho", we could ask him WHY he took it in the first place. There's always two sides to a story. You told me yours, Gemma-so it's only fair that Uncle tells his side of the story and that should provide some idea as to why he took your staff in the first place to when you went after him after taking thus staff.
Gemma:...:She stared at Diamond before returning her gaze at Eccentro, daggers pointing right at him in suspicion before finally lowering her staff down and held it firmly in her right hand.: Alright, I GUESS he deserves a chance to EXPLAIN himself...
Hermes: If I'd be so bold, I'll initiate the Lie Detector program so to ensure HE doesn't try to weasel himself out by making some elaborate story.:His eyes shine abit as if the lie detector program was taking effect.:
Diamond: Are you sure a Lie Detector program is necessary, Hermes?:She tilted her head as she stared at him dumbfounded.:
Hermes: Diamond, it's been 10 years since you last saw your Uncle and we don't know what kind of man he is today...I mean from how he dresses he could be just a cosplay celebrity than an actual prince.
Diamond: But Uncle is a prince! He told me that himself that he was a real Prince from Germany and he got into Dimensional studies with Mama and Professor Hiragi!:She gripped her fists as she was getting a little steam before having an idea.: Oh-I know! To make sure the Lie detector works...Uncle, are you really a true blue royal blood of a great legacy?
Prince Eccentro: Uhh...:He had a sweatdrop beside his head for a moment before he crossed his arms, puffing his chest abit as he felt his honor and identity was on the fine.: Of course I'm a real prince! One would be blind to see royalty standing right before him!
Diamond: And that outfit...It strikes the ensemble a true prince would wear! I really love the color scheme, it reminds me of the color scheme of a Minion!:She had sparkles around her as her eyes glittered as she was awestruck by his outfit.: And two of my favorite colors!
Prince Eccentro: Yes, I tired of wearing such drabby clothes back when I was attending school and didn't want to be mixed in with the mediocre scientists wearing shabby lab coats so I decided to go with my Royal Look, but not many of my colleagues got the gist of my fashion statement.
Hermes: :Eyes flashing green as it detected the truth.: Ha...he's speaking the truth on all accounts. Okay, good to see that the program works...AND see the Prince takes pride in his appearance than looking like a stereotypical Frankenstein scientist wannabe.
Gemma: Okaayyy, now that we know this "LIE DETECTOR" works-START talking as to why you took my staff.:She scowled at Eccentro as kept a gaze that would make Medusa's petrification gaze look like puppy dog eyes.:
Prince Eccentro: RIght, right...:He waved a finger in the air before placing it under his chin.: Let's see...As I seem to recall, me and my team got into a scuffle with the MoN Colle Brats when there was a monster signal coming from the Earth Realm and as usual-WE got defeated YET again...When we crashed our ship like we do in every defeat, I was sent flying and landed in this dreadful forest where I was nearly attacked by those disgusting bugs...AND I thought being covered in them due to my MANLY musk #6 cologne was bad enough and tied upside down being dragged around by my ship, thanks to Batch's stupid idea on how to lure out the Thunder Bug, nearly pinched and gnawed at and then get splat with gooey maple mud!
Diamond: O.O That must of been quite a horrible experience...like a worm on a hook with an army of fish trying to take a bite out of it.
Prince Eccentro: Yes...I guess that's one way to sum up one of the worst moments of my life. Anyway I managed to get away, yet I faced another dilemma-Food. With only a pack of Spearmint gum in my pocket, I thought I was going to starve to death before I came across the Elf Witch of the West.
Gemma: Whom you begged to for food WHICH I offered to give you, but it was probably a distraction to swipe my staff.
Prince Eccentro: It wasn't a distraction, I was really hungry and it wasn't my fault that your staff caught my eye and thought it was a monster item.
Gemma: AND WOULD A MONSTER ITEM take on the appearance of a Floral scepter of magnificence?:She gritted her teeth as the vein on her head glow.:
Diamond:...The both of you said Monster Item. My mom told me before we got separated that there are objects called monster items in this world, but she didn't give me a straight answer as to what they are.
Gemma: Monster Items are powerful and magical objects that represent the six realms of Monworld. When they come together, they can open up a portal to another world or another universe altogether from what I've been told.
Diamond: :She thought for a moment in her mind, "Able to open a gate to another world...":
A flashback played as Hinata was telling Diamond about the monster items and what the strange men might want them for.
Hinata: Anyway from what I picked up from the audio feedback-they're looking to use the gate as part of some ritual to bring both our worlds together...OR to unlock another realm...but in order to do that...they need the mystical monster items to complete their project...I believe if they use an artificial gate like mine with the items it would stabalize and create a portal to step into the other realm. BUT I won't let them have it...
The flashback ended as Diamond looked over at Gemma as dread filled her face.
Diamond: My mom brough up monster items-She told me the masked men were searching for them to use with the Mon Gate to complete some project...I wonder if it has anything to do with when all six items are brought together and using the Mon Gate could be a stabalizer to keep the gate between the worlds open...
Prince Eccentro: Wait...your mother completed the Mon Gate?:He looked over at Diamond in confusion, yet his face softened when he saw the sadness spread across Diamond's face as tears were forming in her eyes.:
Diamond: Yeah...she was going to do one last test phase on it until our home was attacked by men in red masks...She opened the gate and thrusted us inside, but to two different coordinates...the last thing she told me was to meet her at Solaria's Temple between the borders of the Earth and Light (Holy) realms...I just hope...s-sshe's okay...That she wasn't followed by those monsters...:She placed her hands over her face before falling down to her knees, letting out a soft cry-the truth of the situation rising yet again when she thought about her mother's whereabouts.:
Gemma: :She stared at her sadly before walking over, bending down as she placed her staff on the ground and put her hands on her shoulders.: Hey, hey...it's going to be alright...From what you told me your mom's a pretty smart cookie.
Prince Eccentro: Smart cookie?! She's practically a Box of Chocolate Chip cookies! She has a higher IQ than me and Hiragi combined! If anyone can outsmart a bunch of goons without getting a scratch on her, it's Hinata. Why even when we played Go Fish, she'd win every time by strategizing what numbers came next in the deck!
Gemma: :She looked at Eccentro with an annoyed expression before returning her attention to Diamond.: Listen, wherever your mom is right now, her first thought upon arriving in a strange, new world is finding shelter, food and strategizing how to get to Solaria's Temple to catch up with you. And whoever these masked men are who are after you guys, I'm sure she has some nifty doo-dads to keep them at bay.
Prince Eccentro: And toss em' into next week, she doesn't have a black belt in Martial Arts for nothing when she took that extracurricular back in college...I should know because she tossed me right into the towel basket..:He had a blue line under his right eye in disgust just thinking about the sweaty towels he was covered in.: I think she did that on purpose after I thought she couldn't lift a "delicate flower" such as myself.
Hermes: Yet she proved you wrong now didn't she?:He glared at him with slight annoyance on his face.:
Gemma:...:She thought for a moment before she has an idea.: I got an idea-Why don't I take you and your friend back to my town. I forgot to pack a few things when I was BEING KIND TO offer my FOOD to your Uncle.:She gritted her teeth before glancing back over at Eccentro and back to Diamond.: It isn't too far away from where we are and you can stay at my place for awhile until we start our journey to the temple. Did I also mention that we have THE BEST Honey cakes in all of Earth Realm?
Diamond: :She wiped her eyes as she looked up at Gemma.: Honey...cakes?
Gemma: Yeah-one of my town's most prized pastries.:She smiled softly as she was happy to see her starting to perk up a little.: And there are way more beautiful flowers and a stream-oh! And an incredible water fountain in the middle of town! Its one of my most favorite spots I used to practice some of my minor, non-damaging spells.
Diamond: Well...I love pastries...do they have crepes?
Gemma: Crepes?:She had a question mark above her head.: What's a Crepe.
Hermes: I'm gonna take that as a no...
Diamond: That's okay, Hermes. We can explain about crepes later to her-they aren't too hard to make. It's a very thin pancake with lots of creamy and fruity goodness.
Gemma: From how you described it-it must be a very delicious confection in your world.
Diamond: One of many to be exact.:A small smile spread across her face as she got up slowly with Gemma.: Sighhh~...
Gemma: Feeling a little better now?
Diamond: Yeah, thanks for the pick-me-up. I can't wait to see your hometown, I bet if it's anything like I've seen in video games for starter towns/cities-I bet its beautiful.:She placed her hands together as tiny sparkles filled her eyes.:
Gemma: That's not even the half of my town. Anyway come on if we leave now, we should be there by dinner time.:She waved her hand as if to signal her and Hermes to follow her.:
Diamond: Perfect! We can all enjoy a nice dinner at your home and I can't wait to meet your family!
Gemma: By the way when you said "We", you meant-you, me and Hermes, right?
Diamond: :She slided to Eccentro as she pointed her fingers at him with a big smile.: Annndddd Uncle of course!~ ^_^
Gemma: Uh-uh! HE CAN STAY here with the bugs. I don't want that Staff Thief anywhere near my staff or anything of high value...Towns are a perfect hunting ground for HIS KIND even if he is a Prince.
Prince Eccentro: Excuse me, but I'm highly offended you pointy-ear witch!
Gemma: :She marched over to him, gripping her fists by her side as she was getting furious for being called a "pointy ear witch".: Pointy-ear witch!? I dare you to call me that again, Your ROYAL FIEND-NESS...:She was very close to his face now.:
Prince Eccentro: Pointy-ear witch! Pointy-ear witch! Pointy-ear witch!:He got close to her face as he looked furious.:
Gemma/Prince Eccentro: ERRRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!~:Lightning bolts shot out of their eyes as they clashed against one another.:
Diamond: Guys, that's enough!:She came between them as she softly pushed them away before looking at one another.: There's no reason to fight or call each other names.
Hermes: Yeah, right now we gotta focus on getting to Gemma's hometown and getting some rest...and I could use a charge break...I feel like I'm on 40% right now...~_~
Diamond: Right...you need your Portable Charger to get you back to top performance.:She looked at Hermes before backing up abit to look at Gemma and Eccentro.: So should we get going?
Gemma: ONLY if I get a formal apology from Fancy-Princy here, then we can get going.:She pointed a thumb over at Eccentro.:
Prince Eccentro: A prince doesn't need to apologize for being right.:He turned his back on her before crossing his arms.: Hmph!
Diamond: Sighhh~...:She lowered her head for a moment before she thought of an idea before running toward her Uncle's side, hands together as she put on the cutest face that nobody can resist.: Then just for me...can you just apologize for stealing Gemma's staff when you mistook it for a Monster item...pleassseee Uncle?
Prince Eccentro looked at Diamond as a few sweatdrops appeared at the side of his head-if there's one of many things he couldn't resist was the cuteness of Diamond's "Kawaii Face" that she'd use to lower his defenses even if it was something she wanted or wanted to do-And it worked every time. He turned his head as he closed his eyes hoping to block the cuteness from his sight, but the glow from her was so bright that it caused him to flutter his eyes before catching sight of it! It was too strong and after a little bit he gritted his teeth before letting out a groan, turning around to face Gemma.
Prince Eccentro: Fine, fine! I'm...I'm Sss...ssssoorr...:He bit his lower lip as he tried to spell out the word he was trying to say.:
Gemma: Hmmmm?:She raised an eyebrow as she stared at him.: Your what now?
Prince Eccentro: I'm...sss.s...s...I'MSORRY! Okay! I'm sorry I stole your stupid staff thinking it was a monster item, now can we please get out of here so we don't become a banquet for bugs, Pointy-I mean GEMMA!:He was pointing at himself in a frenzy as he was being skeptical while he apologized to her.:
Gemma: Apology accepted and I'm surprised you used my name too.:She smirked before turning around as she waved her staff and pointed it straight.: Now with that settled, onward to Honey Meadow!:She began to march off as she hummed a cheerful song.:
Prince Eccentro: Ughhh...:He wiped his mouth as he felt disgusted upon what he just said.: Saying "I'm Sorry" left a horrible taste in my mouth.
Hermes: You can always chew a piece of gum to get it out, your HIGHNESS.:He snickered a tad bit as he began to march on with Diamond by his side.:
Diamond: :She giggled softly as she was happy that the ordeal was over and they had a destination that waited for them.:
The newly formed teamed headed off to Honey Meadow, Gemma's hometown to get some rest and recooperation before figure out a plan to get to Solaria's Temple that lied between the Earth and Light Realms. The sun started to set softly in the east, yet as the shadows were slowly rising from their hiding-a dark shadow was looming in the darkness as it watched them heading off down the clear path that led out of the woods.