**WARNING: References to drug use and cannabis processing in this chapter.**
"Today has been the best!"
Melody swung her feet gently in her chair. After all of the shopping, food, and walking around, the young woman was more than tired. Her toes felt like they were being stabbed with pins and needles, as did her fingers and joints. It'd been a long time since she'd been out for this length of time. The young woman brought her walker along for a situation just like this.
However, she didn't bring any medication.
"I had an amazing time as well." Remi grinned. The two were sitting on a bench in the art district. Once the Celestial Mage met her friend early this afternoon, the fun activities began. They walked through the art district, taking a look at all of the cool shops. They stopped in several artisan food and craft shops, buying more than enough goodies for the both of them. As Remi was going through the shops, many of the things reminded her of her friends back in Magnolia.
After a couple hours of shopping, the two ladies found a great place to have lunch. They began to talk about work, a topic they'd all but avoided over their time together.
"So.. How are you liking it so far, at Royal Tree?" Melody questioned, moving some of her food around on her plate.
"It's definitely been an experience." Remi chuckled, unsure of how to answer the question. "Until I got this job, I had no idea the plant existed. It's like I've found a whole new world."
"What do you think of this world?" The frail woman asked curiously.
"If I'm being honest, I'm not sure." Remi smiled. "The people who work in the facility really seem to care about every product they're putting out. I've even seen firsthand how it's helped you come to work every day. However, I can't overlook the fact that the plant is essentially illegal in many parts of Fiore." Remi took a sip of her drink. "I just find it hard to believe I haven't heard a word about this plant until now."
The frail woman looked at her friend, a slightly confused look on her face. "How old are you, Remi? I find it hard to believe you've never come into contact with it as well."
"I've always been a sheltered girl." Remi tried her best to play it off. "My parents hardly let me out of their sight while I was living with them. Once I was on my own, I was never around anyone that partook in it. Many of my friends were able to find ailments though magic, they didn't need to find an alternative method."
Melody nodded in understanding. "It's just, when you've been using the plant as long as I have, you find it hard to think that no one's heard of it. People are constantly asking me if I've got any on me."
"I thought you used it for medical reasons?" The young woman questioned. "I've heard it's illegal to possess unless you have the right paperwork. Wouldn't it be dangerous for others to take it?"
Shaking her head, the frail woman leaned back in her seat. "Since it's just a plant, many people don't have adverse effects. However, the psychoactive effects can be overwhelming to some individuals. That's why people tell stories of 'feeling like they're dying'. Since the reactions to this plant are so different, it puts a bad taste in many people's mouths. That's why the plant is outlawed in so many countries."
"So… What does it feel like to you?" Remi asked curiously.
"Would you like to find out?" Melody smirked at her new friend.
Immediately, the Celestial Mage felt ice run through her veins. Her facial expression must have changed as well, because Melody quickly started to retract her statement.
"I understand if you don't want to though! You don't have to, and I'm not forcing anything on you. It's just…. If you want to try the plant, I'll be a safe person to have your first experience with. We'll be at my place, in a chill environment."
"I've just… never thought about doing anything like that." Remi shrugged. The Celestial mage retold the story of her 'grandfather' to Melody. The only other people to know this were Dico and Jestine. "You're the second person that I know to use this product. What is it even like?
The frail woman tried her best to come up with the right words. "I can understand why people wouldn't want to do this every day. It's almost like a warm, numbing blanket. For me, it allows me to think of other things besides the pain running through my body. You begin to feel tingly, and start to think of things in a different way. However, once the initial effects wear off, you're left feeling sleepy and hungry."
Remi looked at her plate of food, unsure of what to say. She didn't want to tell her friend no. In all honesty, the Celestial Mage wanted to try it. However, she wasn't sure if it was a good idea. Remi didn't want to become attached to this plant after this job was done. "Do people become addicted to this plant easily?"
"I'm not going to lie to you, Remi." The frail woman admitted. "People tend to overdo it when they're taking this plant. They like the feeling so much that they want it every day. That's when it becomes dangerous. I think the plant is a great way to relax every once in a while. The only people who need to take it every day are the ones like me, who truly can't live an effective life without it."
Looking at her friend, she noticed she got silent on her once again. "Like I said, no pressure." Melody grinned. "I won't bring it up again. If you want the experience, just let me know."
What would it be like? The young woman thought about once again, the plant coming to her mind for the millionth time that day.
Looking at her friend, Remi could tell that she was feeling more than drained from their day of activities. "Are you doing okay? I've never seen you move around this much." Remi chuckled.
"I'm starting to feel all the walking I did." Melody winced. Normally, when she got to be in this much pain, Rhythm was there to help her out. However, this time he was at home. "We should head back to the car. You're more than welcome to stay at my place tonight!"
"Sounds good to me." Remi nodded as she smiled. "We'll just need to run by the hotel so I can grab a few things." The Celestial mage jumped at the opportunity. She was eager to see if she could find some more answers.
Suddenly, Melody's phone began to ring. She dug through her purse, seeing who was on the other end. "Hey!... I'm at the art walk with Remi, we're heading back to my place after we grab her overnight-" The young woman was cut off. "Do I have to? I mean, I wanted to hang out with-"
Once again, someone on the other end interrupted her. "If I'm coming over, she's going to come with me… Are you sure it's okay with him?"
Remi's brow arched, curious as to what was going on on the other end of the phone call. It sounded like Melody was talking to her boyfriend on the other end. However, the Celestial mage heard a distinct voice on the other end. Remi could've swore she heard the words 'quality control'.
This may be the opportunity I've been waiting for. The young woman thought to herself. It sounds like Rhythm and Dico are together somewhere. Could they be producing Drip with the stolen equipment?
"Yeah, I love you too." Melody said her goodbyes as she hung up the phone. "Sorry about that. Sounds like there's going to be a little change in plan. Are you okay with going to my boyfriends? We'll only be there for about an hour. Then we can go back to my place."
"I'm fine with tagging along." Remi gave the young woman a reassuring smile. "We're still gonna have a fun weekend, like we planned."
"I promise, only an hour and then we're out of here." Melody reassured, taking the key out of the ignition.
The frail woman parked her car outside of a worn down home. They were miles from town, not another house in sight. Several cars were scattered around the property. The Celestial mage couldn't be sure who they all belonged to. As the two got out, Remi noticed the distinct smell of the plant. A loud bass noise was shaking the walls of the home.
Remi felt her heart sink into her stomach. There were several people here. The Celestial mage was stepping into a world that she knew almost nothing about. Would the people inside see her as a nark if she didn't participate?
"If this makes you uncomfortable, I can tell him we're not staying." Melody looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry if I put you in a situation you weren't ready to be in."
"When was the last time you had your medication?" Remi questioned, noticing that her friend looked to be in a lot of pain.
"I took it before I left the house this morning." Melody admitted, rubbing the back of her head. "Normally, I would've dosed myself a couple of hours ago."
"Then we're gonna make this stop." The Celestial mage grinned at her friend. "I'm not going to let you be in pain any longer." Remi assisted Melody up to the house. The door opened as the two of them walked onto the porch. The music only amplified as the wooden door swung open. Rhythm waved them both inside with a smile.
"Hey guys!" The young man was at the stove, cooking up a large pot of fried rice. "Make yourselves at home. I'm sure there's room in the living room. Mel, Dico wants you in the back ASAP."
From the moment the two ladies stepped in, everyone had eyes on them. Remi noticed their faces looked similar to the boys they saw in Hosenka. There was a layer of smoke in the air. Remi could see a circle formed in the living room, where people were passing around a glass piece and a torch.
What are they all doing here anyway? The Celestial mage couldn't help but think as she continued to observe the people in Rhythm's home.
Melody looked at her friend, holding onto her shoulder tightly. "I'm not sure if I'll make it on my own. My feet are killing me Rem. Could you please help me out?"
"Of course." Remi smiled happily. The Celestial mage bent down and allowed the young woman to get on her back. "You just gotta tell me where I'm going." She heard laughter from above her, causing Remi to chuckle as well.
"You're going to go down the hall. It's the last door on the left."
Following the young woman's instructions, Remi walked down the hallway right past the kitchen. There were several pictures of Melody and Rhythm posted on both sides, along with someone's artwork. "These sketches and paintings are beautiful!"
"Thanks," Melody grinned. "They're mine. Before I was diagnosed, I did a lot of painting. Now, it seems like I never have the time; and when I do, I'm in too much pain." As the duo came up to the last door on the left, the frail woman noted that it was shut. More than likely it was going to be locked as well.
"Walk up to the door and let me knock." Melody whispered.
Nodding, Remi did as she was told, listening to the special knock. The Celestial mage heard someone shuffling on the other side. Eventually, Dico opened the door partially. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw the two girls there, having only expected one.
"Woah Mel, I don't want everyone at work knowing my side-hustle here." Dico gave Remi a distrusting look. "I don't know her very well, how do I know she's not a nark?"
"You can trust her, D." Melody assured the man on the other side of the door. "We've been working together for the last few weeks, she's cool."
"If you say so." The man opened the door, allowing the two girls into the dimly lit room. From the moment Remi stepped in, she noticed this place had a completely different smell than the rest of the home. It smelled like plants and heavy chemicals. As she continued to observe, the Celestial mage also noticed some very advanced equipment in the corner of the room. To the left was a shelving unit full of small ovens, each one filled with different pyrex dishes.
The right side of the room had a desk, filled with different papers and sticky notes. Next to the desk was a side table with a glass piece hooked to some kind of electrical equipment. Remi felt Melody slipping off of her back. The frail woman got her feet back on the floor and walked slowly to the chair next to the side table. Melody turned on a small silver machine that was attached to the glass through wires and a metal heating element.
"Alright Mel." Dico pulled one of the dishes out of the bottom left oven. He was still in full sterilization mode,wearing his white suit and gloves. The man brought the tray over to the table for her to examine.
Remi's eyes widened at the bright yellow crystals that formed at the bottom of the pan. "It looks like lemon rock candy."
"Thank you." Dico grinned. "This is my pride and joy. I was doing this stuff for Royal Tree, y'know, before they decided to cut the funding."
"How do you make it?" Remi questioned, noting the saltiness in his tone. "This comes from that plant we work with at work?"
Dico was a little skeptical answering all of these questions. However, if Melody trusted this girl, he was happy to oblige her curiosities. "Yes. I'll take that plant and put it in a tube, then blast a mixture of liquid gasses into the pressurized chamber. The propane mix will take off all the crystals from the plant, which is the main psychoactive component. After it's blasted into a tray of yellow goop, it will be cured and made into different products."
"That equipment looks expensive." Remi looked towards the back of the room, her eyes widening. "It must've taken years to save up the money for your hustle."
"I know people." Dico grinned. "Some of my friends helped me get a hold of this equipment for cheap. Everything that I use has been repurposed somehow."
"This stuff looks amazing." Melody was toying with the sugary mixture with a small metal spatula. "You've really outdone yourself this time!"
"Thanks Mel. You know I do this stuff for you." Dico smiled happily at her. "The nail is already on, go ahead and give it a try!"
Remi watched as her friend got a small piece of the sugary material on a small metal spoon. She moved it over to the glass piece, sticking it straight into the metal bowl. The Celestial mage heard a sizzling noise as she put a small cap on it, watching the glass fill up with smoke.
Melody inhaled the smoke from the glass as she took the cap off the nail. She held it in for a moment or two before exhaling a puff of white. The frail woman coughed like there was no tomorrow. Her eyes watered and her legs began to shake. Melody began salivating uncontrollably, all while it looked like she was trying to regain her breath.
Although she looked as though she were in great pain, Remi noticed her friend's face said the exact opposite.
"Oh wow!" Melody smiled happily. "This is perfect!"
"Awesome, I'll jar it up for you to take home." Dico mentioned before he began to take off his white cover up.
Remi glanced in that direction, noticing the young man was sporting several tattoos. He wore a black tank and cargo shorts underneath his work clothing. As Remi continued to look at his tattoos, her blood ran cold through her veins. She noticed a distinct marking on his shoulder blade. A red heart with two spikes on both sides, along with other intricate details.
Grimoire Heart.