The next morning, the girls were rather surprised to see Alice just sitting behind the front counter, on the ground, talking to... a kettle pot? They decided not to do anything about it, and approached Erinn instead, who was just silently standing at the counter, not acknowledging Alice's odd behavior at all.

"...What is she doing?" Marine hissed quietly, narrowing her eyes as Alice suddenly turned her attention away from the kettle to look at something in mid-air.

Erinn nonchalantly shrugged, "She's been like that since I found that pot. It's good for alchemy, y'know? Thought it'd attract guests, but I don't know if it really works. As for her behavior, that's just how she is. During the week that she was staying with me after I found her, she'd sometimes just stare at the sky, or other places, and not respond to anything for long periods of time."

Is Alice totally out of her mind? Iris raised an eyebrow at the sight, turning to Sheila, who looked really confused. "Do you see anything, Sheila?"

"Um... yeaaaah." Sheila stretched out her response, listening to the conversation Alice was having with the tall, dark, and beautiful angel lady who did not seem to like wearing clothes very much.

". . .This is surely the hand of fate at work," The angel lady spoke, "I am Pavo. I alone dare to cast open the sealed door of fate."

Alice decided that she really likes Pavo, "I am Alice, one half of a formidable duo. My 'partner' is... sleeping... somewhere."

Pavo nodded sagely, "I understand. I remember seeing your partner many years ago, before I was stationed here. Perhaps I may be able to assist you? I have the power to open the door to other dimensions that only fellow Celestrians may enter."

"I vaguely remember hearing about something like that."

"Would you like to hear more about the Rapportal?" Pavo smiled at Alice.

Alice made a quick glance at the small crowd standing at the front desk that was comprised of her pals. It really did sound inviting, and she could feel an inner urge in the bottom of her being to go through, but she had more important matters to attend to at the moment.

Reluctantly, she shook her head, switching from her serious tone to her childish one. "I'd love to, but I can't right now. Sorry Pavo, Krak Pot, but I have to go to Coffinwell now! I'll be back later though."

She jumped up onto the counter, and charged out the door, effectively dodging all questioning about her actions.

As Marine and her two friends finally got to the eastern checkpoint, they found Alice arguing with the guard.

"You can't go through here unattended, miss! The monsters up ahead are really tough!" The guard chastised her, not seeming to realize who Alice actually was.

Alice immaturely waved her sheath and shield around, "I have a sword AND a shield! I'm fine! I didn't even come by myself, sheesh! My companions are over there."

She pointed to where Marine and the others were idly standing around, watching. The guard seemed to at least be able to realize who THEY were, and quickly stood aside, waving the four on through without another word.

Alice let out a huff, and marched on through hurriedly, quickly leaving the sight of the group yet again.

"Sweet! I can't believe my luck that all these valuable materials are just lying around like this! Such a fortunate day." Alice sighed contentedly as she filled several small vials with slipweeds, crushed iron ores, shredded mushrooms, and serpent blood. Sure, the serpent blood wasn't as easy to... acquire as the other materials, but it was one of the key ingredients!

Now I just have to melt a metal slime into a concentrated liquid extract... If I remember correctly from the one and only time I ever read a book on the details of the Protectrate and the monsters that dwell in it, there should be a ruin somewhere nearby that they can be found in.

For a long while, Alice stumbled around, completely ignoring her subconscious telling her that she forgot something.

"FUCKING HELL! WHERE'D THAT LITTLE SHIT KID GO?!" Marine tugged on her hair in frustration as the three of them stood at the entrance to Coffinwell. They had split up and asked the villagers if they had seen her, but they either hadn't seen her, or warned the trio that they may never see her again.

When they asked why (Sheila's questions being more panicked), they were just simply told:

"The whole town is slowly dying from a disease. No one, especially a little girl, is safe."

Sorry this chapter's shorter than I'd like for it to be, but... remember that ACT/MME I talked about maybe once? It turns out I don't have another week to (not) prepare, like I had originally thought, but it's THIS WEEK. It starts TUESDAY. I'm fucked.

Wish me luck, subjects. ;n;

(OC submissions are still open, and all jobs are available.)