Warning: Mild CW For Vomiting due to Illness! — You can hide marked sensitive content or with the toggle in the formatting menu. If provided, alternative content will be displayed instead.
Warning Notes
Mild CW for Vomiting due to illness
~ CHAPTER 18 ~
<< A Rapid Week in Review >>
[BEGIN]
Place: City of Arceliaze
Region: Central Arceali Valley
Day: Shiroffkove
Date: Zshima 52nd
Year: 5th Turn, 12
Time would wait for no one, least of all myself.
First would come work. To the den of Mistress Julnii to while away the hours for a pittance. I would run carts to and fro to different clients. Heavy loads would weigh my cart, burn my arms, bring an ache to my legs previously unknown to me but that had now become routine.
I did not falter nor cry.
My day would come.
And at last, the bell rang and the day’s work ended.
My body ached but my soul soared – this wretched work could not break me, even after a third day suffering through it.
There was no time to pity my pain, nor celebrate my survival. Work was not finished.
I found my way back to the Illaminian District, taking the briefest moments to converse with Julminae, before I reunited with Siranae – and we thrust ourselves into the odd jobs decorating the bulletin board near our house. A second spent away from our tasks would be a second wasted…even if my muscles cursed me for it.
No work towards the business. No, first it was time to build rapport with the neighborhood.
From one work to another, Siranae and I set upon the tasks. A stack of them sat in my satchel.
Deliver a parcel here. And try to not get it dirty, despite the snow. Done. Pull out another request.
Restaurant bodyguards. Siranae proved herself capable as we both stood watch over a fire grill, the heat blasting from the kitchen. Done.
Nighttime. Take one more from the satchel even as effects spill out. Don’t lose momentum now.
Escort. From home to grocery story in New District. Sweet old lady that sung our praises. My body ached, intensified from the work under Julnii.
The clock struck midnight. Time for bed.
Place: City of Arceliaze
Region: Central Arceali Valley
Day: Kontinuwavatch
Date: Zshima 53rd
Year: 5th Turn, 12
Rise again. The routine began once more. Siranae off the ironworking company. Me, to Mistress Julnii’s house of horror.
The strain of yesterday had not worn off. No, each minute working under Mistress Julnii’s crushing grip was brutal twofold- and I suffered it in silence, all the same.
Catering carts pulled up to Kura M’Zan, furnishing the very art showcase I sought to attend in but a few days. The village on the west side of the valley was gilded and well-decorated, but I kept my eyes from wandering lest I did not meet Mistress Julnii’s standards.
The glimpse at the showcase was worth a day’s struggle. Renewed thoughts of showing up that event, in shining glory and in prospects of better work…
Heavy boxes weighed me down as I struggled up the hill.
Lungs on fire. Legs turned to jelly.
I did not cry. I did not call out.
End of the day. 80 coins pathetically jingled in my pocket.
There was more work to be done.
I almost stumbled out of the warehouse, barely thinking beyond the steps I took forward.
‘We can’t show up bare at the showcase, can we?’ I thought. ‘Even the lesser nobles in this blasted city have some fashion of garments.’
It would have to be another day. I needed Siranae to be with me- I needed Kalae’s or Zerazani’s insight.
I had work to do.
Another dazed trek to Julminae’s shop. I needed nourishment, and a moment of silence. I struggled not to fall asleep in the interim.
I faintly remember the conversation, the way the Timburr opened with an “Eyy, you okay? Need chesto?”
The Chesto Berry drink tasted like bitter coffee. Two lumps of sugar, splash of milk. It woke me up at once. I would need the energy.
Especially for what came next.
For this day came a guest to my home. As I nestled down in my home with my coffee, Siranae cooking in the kitchen I heard a loud BANGING on the door. The wood slab shuddered and creaked.
“Make haste!” A voice outside demanded. “Your friend is here, after all!!”
I knew of only one woman who could speak with such venom, aside from Julnii –
– Zerazani.
I felt my body tense at the thought of interacting with her again, especially after another horrid day of work. I would not relent, regardless.
I strolled to the door at a gentle pace, opening it and giving a calm, indifferent smile. There she was, that Smeargle stood at our doorstep, puffs of breath rolling from her as she stood straight as an arrow and adorned in a rather tacky purple scarf and a wood lockbox tucked under her arm.
I had to earn respect, as she said. But I still didn’t want to risk losing whatever support she could offer, fickle beast that she was.
“Good evening.” I greeted politely. “I ask that you don’t strike the door off its hinges… will you come in?”
“Oh I certainly will.” Zerazani said at once, stepping in…though making a pained face at the dirty floor…then looking about the bare walls.
The Smeargle cocked an eyebrow and looked back at me.
“Well well well, Adelaide. All your noble demeanor and meanwhile you’re as salt-of-the-earth as they come. Is dear Siranae in as well? I smell something cooking…or else your house is on fire.” Zerazani quipped before scanning for somewhere to sit…and finding nothing.
I only laughed kindly, moving to grab one of the wooden boxes, and offering it to Zerazani as if a proper seat. If she would judge, I would force her to participate.
“She might be working something together after her shift, unless you smell the restaurant nearby…” I replied.
I stepped back, walking about the woman in a circle.
“I do apologize for the state of my abode. I was, in some aspect, tricked into this purchase- and I’ve had neither the time nor the extra funds to redecorate.” I turned to Zerazani again, hands clasped together. “Well. That shouldn’t matter- once I have a proper workplace for a business, I’ll have guests and clients meet there.”
“Oh no, don’t apologize, Adelaide.” Zerazani said, dropping herself onto the crate and crossing her legs. The box creaked under her weight as she nestled her wood lockbox on her lap. “I confess I’d have been disappointed if you lived in a mansion or even a well-to-do farm house. No, if I’m going to work to infiltrate a woman into the ranks of nobility of course I’d want them to be golden-hearted workers scraping by in a musty ramshackle hut in a forgotten corner of Arceliaze’s Illaminian District. It’d only be better if it were an Old District apartment with a floor coated in piss.”
Zerazani laughed to herself, loud and grating, and I kept my smile, more of a tired grin from Zerazani’s odd commentary on my living situation. Of course, for someone like her, living in squalor or in glory was a choice. The Smeargle’s noisy laugh continued such that Siranae poked her head out from the Kitchen to see what all the fuss was about. The Smeargle noticed the girl and waved her over.
“Siranae! Dear girl, do come here! It’s quite nice seeing you again!”
“A-Ah! Miss Zerazani!” The Audino said, snuffing the fire on the stove before walking in. “How…very surprising!!”
“Oh yes, am I ever a surprising woman. I do pride myself on it. Surprising, shocking, sometimes offensive to the senses. Ah, but you’re well-aware, are you not, Adelaide~?” Zerazani grinned smugly at me, taking a moment to brush her floppy ears back.
“I should say that I’m very aware. I don’t have any other friends that have struck me dead in the stomach, after all.” Another laugh. Perhaps I was the joke.
“Indeed~.” The Smeargle smirked again, leaning back. “Ah, but, perhaps I shouldn’t delay too long as I still have much to get to this day. Tell me, Adelaide, on the subject of business, have you made any moves towards starting yours? The Art Showcase is next week, after all.”
“I had hoped to tend to that tonight,” I said, seating myself onto another crate nearby. “Yesterday was a shift and then a round of odd jobs in the district, to establish ourselves a mite more. Barring any advice from my banker that would halt me, I wish to have the paperwork in motion this evening.”
“Oh well by all means don’t allow me to hold you up.” Zerazani snickered to herself. “I’ll say that you need to make haste to one of the Offices of Commerce the Conduicy has set up around the city. I think one of the ones in the New District should suit you nicely. Large and busy, that Office of Commerce – but what with everyone trying to get their business registered these days the places are overstuffed with employees – you could likely get your paperwork back in three days. Maybe by tomorrow if you catch them in a good mood~!”
“Would we simply just…fill out a sheet…?” Siranae asked.
“More than that, you set your business bank account. Which, I assume, will be your personal account, Adelaide? Many Poke’mon do that, but it does, of course, give the Conduiy a direct line to your money for tax, audit and liability purposes.” Zerazani said, twirling her ear. “If this little project goes under, they need somewhere to pluck money from to repay loans and investors, if you have any. That’s why I set up a new account specifically for business.”
“That sounds smart!” Siranae said, nodding.
“Of course it’s smart; that way I can simply vanish into the night if anything goes awry.” Zerazani smirked. “Let the lenders pluck at the corpse to their heart’s content – I’ll have mine.”
“Oh…”
The Audino didn’t seem to understand fully…only that it was dishonest, whatever the Smeargle was saying. Zerazani continued.
“Once you get a Tax ID then get ready for your yearly expenses to go up up up. Especially if your headquarters is set somewhere rather pricey. If you wanna be a little sneak you could say your headquarters is anywhere, so long as nobody on the property objects and the property’s owned by members of the company.” Zerazani snickered to herself. “I have my home in Laesi and a home in the North Farming District I’d be willing to lend as the ‘Headquarters’, even we do all our business here. If you know the tax rates of different zones then you can see which one won’t leave a dent in your wallet – I’ll give you the address of both.”
Siranae scratched her head in confusion, but Zerazani continued on.
“And naturally, you must then declare yourselves dealing in either goods or services.” The Smeargle finished. “Have you decided that? How to describe this business of undermining guild work to a business registrar~?”
I tilted my head up- we had only discussed the matter briefly, but I supposed our business would need some structured description.
“Well… we are a provider of service workers,” I said. “We are… a company of contractors, providing connections between capable workers and clients in need. Single-day, single-purpose work, that we may negotiate as intermediaries~. Would that suffice?”
“Ah, yes. A contracting company based on single-day, single-purpose work contracts should do. You could spin that as a service quite easily, selling the labor of your employees.” Zerazani smirked, drumming her fingers on her cheek. “Yes…yes, I do like this plan. I think it’ll be evident to any noble what you’re emulating but not quite so tied specifically to ‘guild work’ to be considered vigilantism – it’s just business~!”
The Smeargle stood at once, the excitement radiating off the woman’s body.
“I, of course, also extend an offer to work under this model, naturally. As you’ve surmised, I’m no stranger to the art of physical violence.” The Smeargle said.
“Your offered efforts are appreciated.” I huffed lightly. “While it’s just the three of us, any amount of assistance means quite a lot. But back to the matter of headquarters…”
I dug down into my bag, pulling out some of the old periodicals and documents I’d scavenged in Arceliaze. There was some manner of tax documentation, wasn’t there?
I skimmed across a map, checking each detail on the districts of the city and beyond.
“Hmm.” I tapped my fingers on the document. “Souljreini Regional has one of the lowest property tax rates, but the general tariff is rather high, if that would matter… Mal Regional in suitable in property and in tariffs, but with a high sales tax that could deter clients… but, shall we only consider sales tax, if we are placing a supposed headquarters? I suppose we must, if the property is taxed as it should…”
I tapped one spot on my partial map of Arceliaze.
“Would Maesan Regional suffice?” I asked. “Its sales tax matches the New District, and without a need to have supposedly invested in such an expensive location. If not… then the North Farming District seems useful enough.”
“Hm hm, how chilly. Cold water ports do tend to have lower business costs, I suppose.” Zerazani nodded thoughtfully. “Perhaps if ever you’re in Maesan’s neighborhood you can scout an appropriate new ‘headquarters’. Perhaps some empty shack in the middle of nowhere, that would do well enough for the pencil-pushers, hmhm?”
Zerazani’s smile was quite devious as she thought it over.
“Alas, I only have the North Farming District house to immediately offer. A cozy little home-away-from home…though with my present ’employment’ under you, Adelaide, I do suppose it shall now be just ‘home’.” Zerazani chuckled to herself. “And, even more fortunately, it’s a much more agreeable location for a business in the eyes of Arcean nobility than one in the Illaminian District.”
“A home in the North Farming District…oh! Is…that an invitation to visit you, Miss Zerazani?” Siranae asked.
“Oh absolutely you may, dear Siranae.” Zerazani laughed, reaching over to pinch the Audino’s cheek, which made Siranae squirm a bit uncomfortably but smile nonetheless. “My but your innocence is intoxicating.”
“Is that bad?”
Zerazani couldn’t reply with anything other than an adoring laugh. The Smeargle had to turn her attention back to me simply to hold herself together. I offered Siranae a pat on her shoulder, some consolation that her innocence wasn’t to be shamed. I looked back to the manic Smeargle.
“Perhaps for the time being, we make use of your house in the North Farming District.” I said. “The fewer properties we attempt to manage, the more we can focus our work. Expansion comes later.”
In truth, it was a relief to think some of this ‘liability’ would still be falling on Zerazani’s shoulders, with one of her houses involved. But that didn’t need saying.
“Excellent, excellent indeed. Then I would say you’re ready! But…” The Smeargle smiled wide and lifted up her lockbox up to me. “Before you leave to take care of your oh-so-exciting adventures in bureaucracy and paperwork, here: A gift from your lovely, smart and beautiful friend: Zerazani~!”
I leaned forward on the crate, head tilted to one side.
“Ah…And what would my…quite descriptive friend Zerazani have brought? Is it something for the business?”
“In a manner of speaking, yes indeed~!” The Smeargle cooed, unlatching the box and creaking it open to reveal the contents.
~ THE HOUSE OF TISKUS UNDER THE ARCHITECTURE GUILD ~
Adelaide Imperator Di Milan of Kollovan and Siranae of Arceliaze,
It is with great pleasure I extend this invitation to you that you and your business partner Siranae might attend the 551st Kura M’Zan Banquet For Culture and The Arts at the Nors Aloch as the personal guests of honor from Miss Zerazani of Laesi. Esteemed Zerazani has spoken highly of your breeding and of what she claims to be an exciting new enterprise.
I hope you will enjoy all that will be on offer from our participating artists at the showcase and I look forward to shaking the hands of friends of Zerazani.
Regards,
Zu’Conveytion Wera of Arceliaze
The invitation, hand-written, sealed in wax and stamped with golden paint shimmered on a velvet cushion inside the box.
“Oh ho ho, where would you be without me~?” Zerazani cooed smugly whilst Siranae only looked inside in amazement.
“This…” I muttered softly, “…this would be our formal invitation to the Art Showcase, wouldn’t it?”
I reached forward, taking the box rather than the delicate paper itself.
It had all the makings of an overly elaborate gathering, and its overly stuffy manners of involving others. It was not enough for us to simply be invited, we must have purpose. But that was not what gave me pause.
“Adelaide Imperator Di Milan of Kollovan.”
That was supposed to be my name, wasn’t it?
Of course. Adelaide Imperator could not be of Milan in this world. Milan did not matter here, barely more than a childish fantasy. Kollovan was the substitute. No matter how necessary the change was, it left salt in the wound.
I sighed, closing the lid to protect our valued invitation, and gave Zerazani a smile.
“I do admit- you are quite a boon to Team Coronatus.” I said, though my voice lacked energy due to my souring thoughts. “I only hope this… Zu’Conveytion Wera, will not be too questioning about our affairs. I feel as though every noble in Arceliaze has some penchant to dig through my personas.”
Zerazani gave a small ‘tsk’.
“Gracious, Adelaide. Still so glum even when receiving a present. You’ll no doubt be the life of the Banquet, I’m sure.” The Smeargle huffed, though it seemed something of a joke. She set the box into my hands and tightened the scarf around her neck. “Never fear, Adelaide. So long as you possess poise and an air of good breeding you won’t make any of the noble attendees uncomfortable with the thought that there might be a commoner in their midst. Thusly, conversation should be more on your business than your background.”
The Smeargle’s eyes traced over to the Audino. Siranae perked up as she was addressed.
“Siranae, however, might get a few questions as to her background. And given how much she detests lying I would suggest coming up with a good way to explain why you’re working with a commoner as your business partner.” Zerazani said.
The Audino squirmed a little, looking a bit guilty.
“I’d…hope I’m not such a detriment as that.” Siranae said. “I could avoid the food and drink if it were to expose my mannerisms. Would that suffice to not draw attention to myself?”
“Siranae, not drawing attention to yourself is exactly what would mark you as a commoner, hence the word ‘commoner’.” Zerazani explained. “Noblity wishes to be seen and known, to flaunt positions and clout. They must all follow a strict and uniform code of behavior but must also endeavor to follow that code better and more obviously than everyone else.”
“That sounds very confusing.”
“Naturally, for a commoner.” Zerazani smiled, patting the Audino on the shoulder. Siranae slumped a little, but the Smeargle paid no mind, turning back to me at once. “Now then, Adelaide, I trust you’ll have your business set up by the date of the party? I’d hate for you to embarrass yourself. There’s a good girl, go on, away to the Office of Commerce.”
Zerazani gave a little ‘shooing’ motion.
“I’ve more work to tend to at my Arceliaze studio – my own preparations for the Art Showcase.”
I turned up my nose, keeping back a scoff.
“You are in my home, I should note… wouldn’t you be the one shooed along to your burdensome tasks?” I purred, mimicking the shooing gesture, mostly as a joke. “But of course, I don’t intend to delay. I’ll have our enterprise settled before the night of the Showcase.”
Still, something had to be done before I ran off to set up that business. My gaze fell back to Siranae- the poor girl, this whole evening had been a set of strikes at her personality. I took up one of her hardened hands.
“You need not worry about the event.” I whispered to her. “You are who you are- a talented, unstoppable force of goodness. And I, a noble in one manner or another, could tell how capable you were. Our business came naturally from that.”
I patted upon her knuckles reassuringly. Siranae jolted a little, feeling my hands on hers. Her rough thumbs were so delicate with my soft paws as they gently traced through my fur.
“No lies are needed.” I assured. “Perhaps, you should simply… demonstrate your truth, yes? Show pride in your strength, and your skill, and your goodness. Nobility cannot call your bluff on something that is so true, so you.”
The Audino blushed warmly, her smiling returning at once at my words.
“I shall only do my best.” Siranae said at last, keeping her confidence up. “And I shall see to it, through words and actions, that your goal is met. I promise, friend Adelaide.”
“Gracious, perhaps I should see myself out to let you both snog in private.” Zerazani trilled cheekily, though Siranae seemed to take no notice, only focusing on me, holding my hands protectively. I barely grinned at Zerazani’s odd taunt. My work with Siranae mattered much more than the squabbles of a third party.
With that, the Smeargle exited the house swiftly with a wistful little ‘ta-ta’, the door banging shut on her way out, leaving Siranae and I to the day.
Though her presence was somewhat odious, Zerazani was right: There was work to be done.
So it was. Eventually, I broke away from Siranae’s grasp to follow my next task.
The sun was still up. I needed to be sure nothing closed before my work was finished.
After the good-bye to Siranae I walked quickly through the bustling streets of the Illaminian District. Across the colorful streets, weaving between bright buildings and towards the den of the troublesome banker- ‘Fast Coin’.
I didn’t wish to fling myself into the depths of running a business, without consultation from someone that knew it best.
This side of the district was much louder that my cozy dead-end street, what with the music and shouting coming from the casinos that proudly displayed their games to any from the street. I was doing my best to ignore the calls of one tramp that tried to invite me over for a few games of ‘Arbok’s Eye’, whatever that was.
At last I found the ‘Fast Coin’ building, stepping up to the door. I rapped gently but quickly, not wishing to waste any time.
“Miss Kalae? May I come in…?” I called softly.
There was a pause. I could hear muffled footsteps within…not at all in a hurry as they approached.
At last, the door in front of me creaked open. Out stepped that Maractus woman, her wide-brim hat hanging to one side on her head, white bead necklace bouncing on her chest…and her yellow eyes giving me a kindly gaze.
“Well, this is quite the pleasant surprise – Company at this hour?” Kalae smiled warmly. “Just in time, too. The children are away to their studies and I have the store to myself.”
She stepped aside, inviting me within.
“Come, come, Adelaide. You do not want to catch a cold out in that winter’s chill. I already have a kettle warm for we two.”
I tilted up my snout, giving a gentle smile as I strode into the woman’s abode.
“Thank you dearly, Kalae.”
Some part of me felt uneasy that she still treated our relationship as so…familial. She certainly did not act like family when trying to maximize the profit she made from me.
I let out a soft breath.
‘Some other day, Adelaide.’
“I must admit, I am not here on a casual matter. I needed some advice from you, be it difficult or simple,” I said, moving to sit on her couch. I looked to her, calm and focused. “I’m soon to be off setting up a business for Siranae and I.”
“Well I should hope so.” Kalae cooed softly with a smile as she moved from the kitchen with steaming kettle in hand, nestling down on the coach opposite me from the table and pouring us cups of tea. She lifted the metal cover from a set of sugar cubes and milk, as well as stirring spoons. “From the way you had talked of your, shall we say, stop-gap job I would assume you would like to move to your own business as soon as possible.”
She leaned forward, taking a few sugar cubes for her own cup and dropping them in.
“I would love to impart advice for this, of course. Though I should first also ask after your little mission with Siranae – how did you fare there?”
I only stared at she spoke- nothing more than taking two sugar cubes for my own tea- until the last question. I’d already struggled to answer it when Julminae had asked.
“The guard work at Laesi…” I muttered, dipping my spoon into my cup and stirring. “It was a success, if nothing else. Our little ‘team’ even courted a new member. But…”
I sighed lowly, sipping away my drink as if it could ease the memories.
“We were thrashed quite thoroughly… trapped, berated, and overall demeaned. I should think my heart would shatter if all of our work to come is of that caliber.”
The Maractus woman looked up at me, a deep sigh of sympathy released.
“Would you say it was better or worse than work under this ‘Mistress Julnii’ at the catering business?” Kalae asked, sipping her tea in thought. “Poor dear – some part of me had hoped guard duty would be less strenuous than pulling carts and being screeched at by a rancid woman. And all for better pay.”
She paused, looking up at me with a serious expression.
“But I suppose that guard work is also the trapping, berating, demeaning worrk that silver-spoon noble children of the Arceali Guild are wont to avoid, from what I understand.” The Maractus said. “I suppose…the question to you is whether all that extra pay is worth the trouble. I might suspect what your ‘business’ will entail…so I imagine this is quite the pertinent question to ask, is it not?”
I swished my spoon gently in the tea. My answer was readily apparent, even if it felt impossible.
“I think the abuse in Laesi was less crushing to my soul than the hours spent with Mistress Julnii,” I laughed, dryly. “And the pay far outweighs the damage.”
My paws fidgeted with the spoon again.
“I mostly worry for Siranae’s sake, in truth… the cold nature of our employer was much more cutting to Siranae’s ideals than I had hoped. And… if that should persist, I do not know how she will feel.” I sipped my tea once more, near to draining the cup from my eagerness. “I trust her resolve. And her physical strength is unquestionable. But… I am a worrier, I suppose. We are to attend an Art Showcase soon, and our business will be on full display, along with our otherness. I do not wish for the girl to be tried and tested so much.”
Kalae was quiet, nodding with a gentle smile on her face.
“You do care for that sweet girl so, do you not?” The Maractus asked warmly, her eyes lifting up to the ceiling. Kalae, for a moment, looked lost in thought. “…gracious, it’s a wonderful thing to see.”
She was quiet for another moment before lifting the tea cup to her mouth once more.
“In that case, dear Adelaide, I can help on both counts – first by directing you to an associate of mine, a fashionista and dress-maker from Ushuhmou who’s made a name for herself in the northern New District. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind parting with some stock at a discount if it’s for a friend of a friend. And another for that friend’s friend, hm?” Kalae giggled softly, swirling her teacup. “As for Siranae, from what I saw…her mannerisms are charming but, indeed, stand out amongst sycophantic and cutthroat nobility. Therefore, you could send her to me. Though I’m not entirely familiar with every piece of the minutia of Arcean Nobilty practices…I have regularly interacted with them. A few lessons and she’ll at least not stick out so. At the very least for one night.”
I raised an eyebrow at Kalae’s odd contemplation- but said nothing else. I only hoped she respected my friendship with Siranae, odd as it might have been.
“I appreciate both ends of help. In truth, I am used to quite a deal of apparel on my body, for social events… I feel exposed with just my fur. Anything would be an improvement.” I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. Not simply from my nudity, but from Kalae’s insistence on another connection.
Something more to bring her a profit, no doubt.
“And Siranae… I only hope these lessons you suggest will not demean her for who she is.” I added. “Her mannerisms are not very noble, but her spirit shines with nobility- I would hate to see it dampened.”
“Dampen? Hardly.” Kalae waved away the idea. “In truth, Adelaide, some part of me imagines you underestimate that girl’s spirit. It is soft and kindly but seems to be unbreakable…and I believe I may have heard something to the effect of her hating to lie?”
She laughed a little laugh, sipping her tea.
“No, were I to try and make her put on an insincere performance it would hardly take root and would be disastrous. Better for me to, rather, teach her how to express her true self in a different manner. Different words, different actions, but still communicating herself. Of course, you’ll need to be there to ward off the…shall we say…meat eaters, hm?”
That was certainly a way to put it. At the least, I had enough experience to assume those nobles were not a literal sort of meat eater. But after Zerazani’s feral behavior, I could hardly be certain. It was my turn, now, to glance contemplatively at the ceiling.
“Fine, then I shall leave it to you. But that is not all, as I’ve said. I wish to know the pitfalls and pains of operating a business- a seller of contracted employers, so to speak. In short… what must I worry about? What shall I not see coming until it is too late? And… how at all do I share such a business, especially when its role as an opponent to the Arceali Guild cannot be spoken?”
The Maractus raised an eyebrow, slowly setting the cup down.
“Sharing a business? Why my girl, you’ve answered your own question – don’t speak of your role as an opponent to the Arceali Guild but only as a friend to those with unsolved matters.” Kalae answered. “The Arceali Guild’s role in society has always been somewhat ill-defined it seems – selling the labor of contracted employees is and has always been perfectly legal…of course, unlike the Guild a contracted employee can’t kill indiscriminately without repercussions nor can contracted employees perform arrests or conduct investigations without overhead.”
The Maractus shrugged.
“Of course, who can even say if that’s true for the Guild? They’re a respected and esteemed establishment for the rich as far as I see but otherwise…yes, you see what I mean with the Arceali Guild’s role being very ill-defined.” Kalae continued. “Either way, if you do end up in a job requiring arrest you’ll have to work with peace-keeping forces or even the guild itself to officiate the arrest – the most you could ever be allowed is to subdue, and only when under a specific contract to do so. Otherwise it’s vigilantism.”
She leaned forward, resting her head on her hands.
“But, then, how is anyone to know of you and your business? Certainly can’t much put up fliers and murals to show you exist – not only might it rub nobles the wrong way, making them think you’re a service for commoners, but…” Kalae smiled and gave a light laugh. “…you certainly don’t have that kind of money.”
Kalae smiled, closing her eyes and shrugging again dismissively.
“Then there’s naught to do than stay the course – talk and mingle with nobility and, when you get a job, be exceptional such that you are talked of well and, thusly, get more work. Word of mouth is your one and only recourse.”
“Of course, I did not mean that we would be advertising ourselves as that. Nor that we would be killing,” I said with a grimace. “But… yes, you have spoken to what I expected. There is no good advertisement except good service, and I will see to it that we provide nothing but.”
Kalae nodded then reached for a pen and paper, starting to write.
“Now then, you wish to know of business pitfalls and the like?” She asked. “Well, the largest one you’re likely to come across is liability. That is to say, in short, if you run out of money who will be forced to cover the costs of your company’s debts? And how?”
I reclined in my seat, eying up whatever Kalae would put to paper.
“Thus far, I’m the only one that could be liable for the business defaulting…” I told her. “Well, myself or Miss Zerazani. But her finances seem dubious, at best.”
I let my eyes drift away.
‘Never mind that, should someone come calling about a debt, it would be you. Better that you snare Zerazani than myself.’
“Miss…Zerazani?” Kalae tapped the side of her cheek thoughtfully. “I’m unfamiliar with that name…ah, but – if that’s the case then so be it. You both could likely enter into a partnership and share liability in that case. I suppose it’d be up to the both of you to fight out who pays how much…or if a decision is not reached then it’d be up to your debtors.”
Kalae gave…
…the most polite of smiles.
“Now then, you know where to start for your business, yes? What office to go to, Headquarters, all the like?” The Maractus asked, tearing off the slip of paper and hand it to me:
Raitve i Adelaini, enode noe. Qis gewusi, fevimi ap qoddumu tdupvu e puni nou — Kalini
“There, for your dressmaker. Just mention my name and she’ll recognize the handwriting.”
I took up the slip with a renewed smile, staring calmly into the abyss that was this thorny woman.
“I thank you dearly for this. You are quite generous, all things considered, dear Kalae.”
I was well aware of the power she held over my finances- I was aware of the rock bottom she could fling me to. And I would not let it come to pass.
She had no power over me.
I took up the pen and paper for myself, scrawling something for her in return.
Moch Road, Building No.145. TZ 04, “North Farming District”.
“I’ll be having my headquarters and operations for my business based here… the place is already owned by my friend, so why not make the most of it?” I chirped out, proud to not be crawling to Kalae for more property to be indebted over.
“Oooh, gracious. Moch Road, that’s quite the cozy little slice of the North Farming District.” Kalae perked up with a smile, swirling her tea. “That’s where many managers and executives of the North Farming District factories call home. It has a lovely park between it and the industrial portion, with tall trees that block the view of the smoke stacks. Oh to see those trees in the spring…! I must say Adelaide…”
The Maractus smiled softly, sipping her tea.
“A home like that makes for excellent collateral, in the event of assets being garnished.” Kalae hummed. “A very wise choice. I should think any office shall find it satisfactory to host your business.”
I laughed, gently, before sipping away the last of my tea.
“Isn’t that so.”
‘Collateral’. Just to be certain that I knew my place.
“I’ll gladly send Siranae your way tomorrow,” I said, placing the teacup down. “I do apologize for the short notice, with the Showcase coming in just a few days… but I trust your talent with this.”
‘You’re quite adjusted to pretending to have class. You even make yourself look respectable, and that takes quite an effort.’
I kept those venomous words to myself, as I rose to my feet.
“Thank you dearly for your aid, Kalae. I don’t know where I’d be without you.”
“Always my pleasure to help, Dearest Adelaide Imperator.” Kalae replied, finishing her tea as well, setting the cup down and standing with me. “Would there be anything else you need today? I do trust to see you tomorrow bright and early, yes~?”
“It’s the end of the week… yes, you’re owed some repayment.” Another soft laugh, as I tilted my head to one side. “Bright and early. Before I trot along to my gleeful little job, even.”
‘You’ll have your payment, usurer. Make sure to lick the blood and sweat off of every coin.’
I hiked my bag up on my shoulder, turning with a flick of my tails to the door. This house felt more unclean by the second.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, dear friend~.”
“See you then, Adelaide~!”
Kalae gave a wave as she followed along, holding the door for me as I returned to the streets. The Maractus stood at her front door, watching me depart down the road and I went on to my business obligations.
The noise of the district that hit me like a train may was almost comforting, if only for it meaning that I was now outside of Fast Coin.
The evening was slowly approaching, and I could tell it was very late afternoon. Another fluttering snowfall was coming down from grey clouds above, trees rustling and flags rattling against their poles in the rushing wind that battered against me. Even the bricks felt cold under my feet.
The utter chill of Arceliaze did not bother me anymore. I detested the bitter sting upon my fur, but I had known far worse now. This wasn’t the time to dawdle. I could warm myself on the way. For now…my work awaited.
From the chatter and cluster of the Illaminian District, to the well-worn paths of the Old District- and soon, I hurried upon the gleaming splendor of the New District. I referenced the few maps and documents I had, but I could only wander the elegant streets, until I came across my goal of this tiresome day.
An Office of Commerce. Another den to proffer myself financially and physically- but for once, there was a sign of hope to it. The start of a business, and the start of a proper life with it.
As I followed the directions I’d been told to get to the Office of Commerce, I noticed that the streets got wider on this end of the New District. Yet despite the extra space, the crowd only got thicker and harder to weave through.
The sides of the buildings here were a bit more plain than the gold trimmed roads nearer the castle, and it was all for one purpose:
Advertisements.
Companies, large and small, proudly displayed their signs, row after row after row, leading up to where I knew the Office of Commerce was.
Yet as I walked, I slowly began to realize: These advertisements were not for the companies…they were for the Office of Commerce, proudly displaying all the companies that had gotten their start right here where I now walked.
Well, I and everyone that surrounded me.
I hadn’t even realized I reached it at first…for it was like nothing else in Arceliaze.
The Office of Commerce swallowed an entire Block of the city by itself. A single, traditional Arceliaze building stood before the road I walked down, its entrance marked by a wide set of marble steps. Yet beside the building were haphazard, squarish extensions that bled into adjacent buildings. Those neighboring buildings had their signs stripped and stands closed and bricked over, as if the Office of Commerce had subsumed them like a tumor growing.
I felt the oddness in the air. I had seen advertisements in papers, but nothing before had been so… overwhelming in its presence. Even the structure itself seemed to spew out and infest all that it touched- and, I supposed, I was to be part of that.
These signs and markers were not even shows of wealth. They were fixtures designed to allure me- demands to submit my money and myself as part of the business. It disturbed me, to walk in the wake of it.
I shook my head, stowing those feelings for another day.
Multiple entrances of various sizes dotted the enormous building. Even with all the desperate extensions it seemed like it could barely hold the sheer volume of Poke’mon entering and exiting, all trying to jump into the booming Arcean economy.
And the noise. What fantastic noise! A roar and shout of hundreds of thousands of Poke’mon as everyone shoved towards a massive, scattered collection of desks and clerks that did their best to offer the paperwork needed, with apprentices rushing and scrambling to make more and more.
Shoulder to shoulder with the crowd it was a huge task to get myself to the front to get the paperwork to sign up as a business.
In the moment, I was much more bothered by the still-swarming crowds, now of business folk rather than neighbors. If this place was so important, so stuffed with participants- why could they not afford more space for it??
I had learned, much to my chagrin, that I must shove and slide my way against horrid new shapes of Poke’mon to get anywhere in this city. And, as wretched as it felt, my business mattered more than my feelings.
I peered over the heads of busied Poke’mon, trying to find some way to a desk, some way to get out of this horrid place before the end of the week.
Passing through the massive archways of the building, pushing and shoving I realized:
The building was enormous. Multiple floors stacked inside tall buildings all smashed together haphazardly to eke out as much floor space as possible.
And it still wasn’t enough.
“TID 990097-ARC?!” A voice shouted. “OFFICE F&T BACK WITH APPRAISAL!”
A shove to my side.
Several Poke’mon traveled in groups, in uniform. The noise pounded my head. Poke’mon servants bearing noble crests in place of their masters ferried stacks of boxes filled with nothing but documents.
There – Near a thick marble pillar was a wood stand and a paper holder. A sign above read ‘New Business? Please Take One:’
Inside the holder was…nothing. It was empty.
Another shove from behind, someone getting to the front of a line. Armored Poke’mon lined the building, watching the crowd carefully for any misconduct as clerks tried to keep queues straight as to who was next.
I winced, as I pried myself away from the scraping hides of Poke’mon. If those armored beasts were here to keep the peace in some manner, they were failing.
There, another sign: ‘New Business? Please Take One:’.
It was…also empty.
Another one. Empty. I ducked under a swinging arm only to find another container of forms completely empty. It had to have been five minutes of searching, scrambling, and squeezing between beasts before I could finally find a ‘Business Application Form 11-44NB’…
…crumpled and torn slightly on the ground, trampled by hundreds of Poke’mon. But it was, at the least, usable.
That stained, nearly ruined application was an oasis in this desert of hopeless creatures. I clutched the page to my chest, protecting it from this chaotic storm, while looking for some respite to begin writing.
Shoving my way to a chair off to the side so I could write on the blasted thing with a pencil nearby I saw a simple questionnaire:
FORM 11-44NB – TAX ID APPLICATION FOR NEW BUSINESS SIMPLIFIED
RETURN TO A CLERK AND RETURN IN 1 TO 3 DAYS FOR PROCESSING.
SIGNATURE:
____________________________________________________________________________
———————————————————–
[[THIS SECTION TO BE FILLED BY CONDUICY OOC CLERK]]
This simplified sheet has been approved for usage and is compliant with the ‘Quick Commerce’ Act of 4T99
– Last Updated: 5T09 –
I plopped down into the chair, taking only a moment to mull over my answers. Some part of me still feared that the application would slip out of my grasp if I didn’t utilize it fast enough.
NAME OF SIGNING BUSINESS AUTHORITY: Adelaide Imperator of Kollovan
I grimaced, and kept writing.
HOME ADDRESS OF SIGNING BUSINESS AUTHORITY: Hipisemi Street, House #2, Illaminian District
REGISTERING BUSINESS NAME: Helping Hands of Coronatus
A suitable name. I loathed not asking Siranae her opinion on it, but having Coronatus in its title would be enough.
REGISTERING BUSINESS ADDRESS: Moch Road, Building #145, North Farming District
NATURE OF BUSINESS: Service
ASSOCIATED BANK ACCOUNT: 41470-B, One Truth Bank, Central Arceliaze Branch
DATE: Z53, 5T12
SIGNATURE:
I struck at the final query with my pencil, scrawling in my signature as quickly as I could. I’d had enough of this place in mere minutes.
With a flick of my tails, I scurried back into the crowd of Poke’mon – I had to turn in this blasted document, and, come hell or high water, some clerk would take it for me.
Back into the sea of Poke’mon, forcing my way betwixt them. The shoves and pushes were trifling compared to the damage Zerazani inflicted. Asserting my position and burrowing through towards a clerk’s desk was easier now than it’d have been before.
Disgusting. Brutish. Loud. I felt the sickness and dirtiness that these cretins left on my fur- I would thoroughly wash it off when I had the chance. But I wouldn’t falter. I was accustomed to all as a matter of routine.
“NEXT!” A voice shouted, grabbing my attention.
A clerk, a bird of some description, like a pigeon or dove. She squawked as another Poke’mon forced himself in front.
“Here. When’s it due?” He grumbled.
“Wait time’s 1 and a half days. NEXT” The Poke’mon in front had vanished into the crowd already, but two more were coming in to take his place.
I couldn’t just stand, I had to act!
I rushed forward, paws leaving the ground for seconds at a time- even a small Aqua Jet, just to force myself forward a moment faster.
“Oi-HEY!”
A bump. A weave and dodge betwixt the crowd! The duo stumbled just behind as I outpaced them.
“Hello, that would be me-!” I spat out, practically skidding to a halt with my crumpled application stowed against my chest, droplets of water spilling across the ground where I landed. The Pigeon clerk flinched as a small mist of water cascaded from where I ground to a halt. She flung her wings over the documents on her desk as water scattered everywhere. “Here, this document-“
With due haste she snatched the Document while the snubbed Poke’mon behind me roared, slipping on the small puddle left behind.
“Huh-Helping Hands of Co…Coro…Coro-nah-tuss?” The Pigeon shook her head, stamping the document. “300 coins for the registration. Will that be cash or bank no-“
“OI I was next!!”
“Wha-?! No it was ME!”
I smiled with a faint terror, tails lashing at whatever fiend might approach from behind- as I dug into my bag with a fury.
“Cash, yes yes!” I laughed weakly – I didn’t wish to dig into the bag Zerazani had given me so soon, but I feared the time spent writing a note would allow one of these beasts to bludgeon me.
I thumped the stack of coins onto the table, spilling a few extra into that payment in my panic. Even as I slid the money to the pigeon creature, I was already starting to step away from her desk for my own safety.
“Will that be all, ma’am??” I asked hastily.
I heard a slip and a thump. One of the brutes behind me slipped on the puddle again.
“Let me just get you your return slip-!!” The Pigeon was just as urgent as I, though her wings hardly gave her the needed dexterity to hurry. She took my bank note, dropping it in a box behind the desk, stamping a blue sheet, scribbling on it as fast as she could.
“OI, HURRY UP, I GOT A MEETING IN 30”
The Pigeon cursed under her breath, messing up and having to throw away the sheet and start over.
The footsteps roared around me.
“Did you see what that girl did?! Used Aqua Jet in public! The nerve!”
“Oh that’s dangerous, where’s the guard?”
The Clerk’s table jolted as it was bumped, the Pigeon’s pencil jerking to the side. She whined, having to start again.
I stayed in my spot, arms trembling, body bouncing with every shake of the desk that I was now clutching furiously. My smile felt more manic than cheerful.
My tails swung out, snapping at one of the mongrels that threatened to encroach on my business. I had fought through demons of ink and sludge to reach this point, and I wasn’t going to give up now-
“HELLOOOO!? CAN I GET SOME SERVICE HERE?!” A voice roared from behind.
“Sorry sorry sorry sorry-“ The Pigeon huffed and panted, stamping, writing, face strained. Just as all the other clerks at the table as the shouting increased.
Closer.
Closer–!!
“There! Come back tomorrow!!” The Pigeon desperately shouted, shoving the Blue sheet in my arms. “Same time! Visit the desk number on the sheet to get your Tax ID. You need the Tax ID to apply at the Municipal Off-“
“FINALLY” The voice behind me shouted as I was shoved aside, the Pigeon yelping helplessly.
“Thank you dearly~!!” I snatched the blue page from the bird as fast as possible, stowing it into my bag, even as I was tossed aside by another participant. I could strike the nuisance down for such an uncouth gesture, but I simply didn’t care.
With steps haggard and dizzied, I fled from the scene with my tails almost literally tucked between my legs. I loathed the thought of returning to this den of chaos, but at least I could leave for the day.
Clutching the paper tightly to my chest as my heart pounded against it, I thundered by the writhing mass of bodies that passed me, swarming the Clerk I left.
‘Hold the paper tight, don’t lose it, lest it be lost under the stampede.’
My ears were ringing. Chaos and noise seemed to be the natural state of these Poke’mon. Manners were dead. Politeness nonexistent. Selfishness prevailed over all as I was nothing but an obstacle to these hundreds of Poke’mon that, themselves, weaved around me to enter the building.
Tomorrow. I’d return tomorrow. Then to the Municipal Office. Then the guild–
‘…which Guild would I even go to for permits? Which does my business fall under?’
Perhaps these anxieties were just a distraction from the very real anxiety of making it out of this crush without being bowled over. The sun on my face was a relief, every step further from the Office of Commerce leading me to thinner and thinner crowds.
I felt something in my chest. A tightness. A cough. I spat out the wheeze of air and spit, covering my muzzle in terror a moment after.
I hadn’t gotten sick from one of those beasts already, had I-??
I shook my head. The strain of that place was dragging my body down. I needed to be at peace, if I wanted to get anything done. I marched and stormed through the crowds, not letting their current drag me away from my path.
Guilds, guilds… Merchant Guild. I was selling to others, securing contracts… that would fall under the realm of merchants, wouldn’t it? But did they limit themselves to only goods?
The Banking and Finance Guilds, maybe… lenders and borrowers were a fine platform for my business. But I had little to do with banking at all.
I wandered in a haze towards my house. One paw was pressed into my bag at all times, fearful of some force that would steal away the ticket into my future. My chest ached.
I could… get some minutes of bed rest, and then be out for tasks in the Illaminian District. I had work to do.
My ears were still ringing a little, even as I was blocks and blocks away from that horrid place. I felt the Illaminian District before I heard it, it thumped against my skull with all its noise – I could feel how it thumped.
So much walking had left my legs drained of energy. But there was no time to rest.
I came to the edge of the colorful district, the music returning all at once. The bright lanterns were turned on, showing their flashy colors over the street. Goodness, were they using a new oil? Why did the lanterns seem so bright now?
Past the gate, down the ‘WISU ENUSI’ road down which I found Hipisemi Street…all the bright, backlit posters and signs with winking Poke’mon, smiling, it was all so dizzying. Though it was at least familiar, it-
Another cough.
A sniff. The back of my head felt congested. My throat…scratchy. I assumed I must have been thirsty.
But as I moved through the crowd, my paws crunching in the light layer of snow yet to be shoveled, I saw something surprising down the road that gave me pause.
Towering over the crowd ahead was a stack of boxes, shifting side-to-side as whoever carried them precariously walked down the street in a bit of a hurry. As the stack approached and circled around Poke’mon in the crowd, I could see a pink body at the bottom of the stack.
There was Siranae, gingerly carrying the heavy-looking stack. Yet her face was serene as ever without even a hint of strain to it. She didn’t seem to have noticed me yet.
One paw on my bag, another pressed to my temple, hoping to silence the aches and echoes that now filled it. Still, my face lit up at the sight of that girl. I quickened my steps.
“Siranae-” I coughed out, my yell turning into more of a whine.
I stumbled through the crowd, paws digging at the snow that made my steps unsteady, as I came up to her side. My labored breaths left billowing steam in my wake, rolling off my lips as my body felt so chilled in the wintery wind.
The Audino’s ears flicked as she turned her head to look at me, a wide smile appearing on her face like magic the moment she saw me.
“Adelaide! Good evening!” She said cheerfully, not faltering at all to the stack of boxes she held. “I hope you do not mind – while you were out I took a few jobs on the billboard, all in Team Coronatus’s name, of course!”
“Of course I wouldn’t mind, your diligence is a blessing.” I laughed softly, the sound rasping from my throat.
My steps trailed along after hers- I almost felt slower than the laboring girl, in this dreadful snow.
“Goodness… I knew you were strong,” I said, looking up the stacked boxes, “But I hadn’t expected manual labor like this. I hope you’re pacing yourself, dear.”
Siranae glanced up at the boxes she carried, each one labeled with a stamp with a picture of what was inside – tomatoes, berries and the like.
“Oh, thank you for the worry but it is okay!” The Audino assured. “This is hardly a strain at all and I’m happy to apply what strength I have to helping around the district.”
She hobbled forward, footsteps crunching in the snow as she continued to walk.
My digits drumming anxiously on the bag. I wanted to show her that blue sheet, that meaningless set of bureaucracy as proof of our progress, even if my head was pounding with thoughts of how to present it. Thankfully, she brought it up first.
“May I ask? Did everything work out with your matters of business?” Siranae asked politely. “I hope everything went well for you!”
“Aha, yes…” I dug my paw into the bag, digits stroking along page after page, until I pried out the blue paper that I’d almost crumpled in my haste. “The fee is paid- and I will be back tomorrow, in that maelstrom of customers, to get my tax identification. I confess, it was a horrid place…”
My throat itched at every word. I tried only to ignore it, and maintain my pristine voice.
I stumbled from snow onto stone, righting myself a moment after. These pesky roads were too poorly kept for safe travel.
“But, it is no worry. In a matter of days, the Helping Hands of Coronatus will be officially in business~” I said with pride.
Siranae’s ears flicked once more, her smile falling away a bit as she glanced at me. She bit her lip a little as she moved forward, only staring.
“Adelaide, might you permit me to say something that…um…I hope will not be a bad?” The Audino asked, her voice slowly becoming softer and more timid.
My expression faltered slightly-
Hadn’t I brought good news? She looked more cheerful when she was with Zerazani.
“You are free to say anything, of course, dear.” I kept at her side, meekly lowering the document back into my bag.
“Your breathing is very labored – I hear a wheeze.” Siranae said worriedly. “Your heart beat has increased…and…”
Her ears folded back.
“Your voice…do you feel well, Adelaide…?”
“I’m-“
I whimpered, just slightly. I was tired, of course, but my affairs were simply tiring. It wasn’t…
“I just… would like some water, is all. I had meant to rest at the house for a while, before I start my jobs for the evening.” I looked away, feeling ashamed.
One of my paws pressed at my chest, trying to feel my heartbeat through the tangle of fur. My body twitched, while I kept down a cough.
Siranae…shrunk a little but ultimately nodded.
“If you say so, Adelaide. I will trust you.” The Audino said softly. “And, I apologize for not saying earlier – I couldn’t be more pleased to hear everything at the office went well…!”
She smiled, giving a bounce, even if it was just for the subject changed.
“Helping Hands of Coronatus…that’s a lovely name…!” Siranae giggled excitedly. “It feels so…official! So very official! And so very real!”
She looked up at the stack of boxes, then back down to me.
“I will continue with the jobs, Adelalide. Please do rest at the house before trying to take jobs of your own today – you do sound so exhausted…”
I forced out a delicate laugh, holding back every urge my scraping throat gave me to do otherwise. I could at least sound refined, no matter how horrid I felt.
“You are a worrier, Dear Siranae. I admit to some exhaustion, but it has simply been a hectic day…”
“Worrying does feel like something I’m quite good at, and I’ve spent much of my time taking pride in so little-” Siranae smiled softly.
“Oh, and that reminds me-” I began.
I clasped my paws together.
“Miss Kalae will see you tomorrow, to prepare you for the Art Showcase.” I told her. “She promises not to stifle who you are, only instruct you on the best ways to demonstrate yourself. Would you be able to do so, perhaps after your work…?”
‘That flowery fiend. Perhaps she stuck something in my tea, and caused these wretched chills in my body-‘
I quelled the frustrated thoughts. She had no reason to do something so absurd. I was only aching, for lack of something finite to lash out against.
Siranae’s smile only widened when she heard the news.
“Oh gracious, Miss Kalae, the kindly Maractus woman?” She asked. “I did so enjoy her company, I should think I’d love to learn from her.”
The Audino walked with a noticeable sway, a wistful and imaginative look on her face.
“I’ll be sure to visit her promptly after work, yes! And I’ll do my best to learn all I can before the art showcase.” She promised. “For now, shall I see you at the house?”
“I’ll see you soon, my dear,” I said softly. Her swaying steps were a delight to see, even if I felt too dizzy to match them. Even being in the wintry air was draining my endurance.
With a wave and a flourish, I broke from her side – mustering what speed I could, jogging down Hipisemi Street and avoiding the snow that plagued my trip.
Arceliaze felt hostile to my presence, at this rate.
I hurried to the front door, fiddling with the lock and forcing my way in. Nothing ran through my mind but the hope of rest. And, with exhaustion coursing through me, I fell upon my bed.
The surface of the sheets slammed into me as though a horse and carriage had struck my front. Knocked out at once, gone in an instant.
It was fine. I was just tired.
I was fine.
Place: City of Arceliaze
Region: Central Arceali Valley
Day: Konsova
Date: Zshima 54th
Year: 5th Turn, 12
I was most certainly not fine.
A chill ran up and down my body that even the covers could not banish. I could not breathe through my nose and my chest had seized and left me with constant wracking coughs. My hands shook and my muscles were weak.
I felt…something wet and disgusting in the back of my throat. I needed to spit water into a bucket again. The water I spewed was not like the clear jets I used as an attack – this water was thick and murky and smelled foul.
Siranae, with rags in each hand, helpfully took the bucket to dump it out into the sewer channel.
The sun had already risen…and it was clear I was going to get nothing done today.
But…no…I had a loan to pay off. And I had to get my Tax ID and start the Municipal registration! A delay simply couldn’t do…but if I was bed-ridden what else was there to do???
I shivered and shook in the bed, barely able to keep one thought straight in my hazed mind. The loan, the ID, my job… even the errands in this one district- none of it was possible, yet all of it was necessary.
My bag sat at my bedside – every few minutes, I found myself digging through it helplessly, looking over the documents and coins that were going to waste. It didn’t improve my mood at all, but I couldn’t stop fretting over each one.
“Siranae-“ I called with a rasping voice, “I need you to do some things for me-“
I couldn’t even tell if she was still here, or if she had left for her job. I felt helpless in my wretched little bed, miles away from my tasks.
thump thump thump thump
Siranae’s footsteps were quick and immediate at the sound of my voice as she came to my side at once. Her face was one of deep sympathy as she lay another cold, wet rag on my forehead for my fever.
“Don’t worry, Adelaide…Miss Julminae will be by with some medicine…” Siranae cooed, taking away the old, dry rag. “What is it you need…?”
I looked up at Siranae, reluctantly reclining into the bed with the press of that rag. It felt awful, to be relying on this girl so soon into our work… but, if nothing else, her presence was soothing in such tiresome times.
My paw dug into my bag again, slowly producing two items: the blue sheet of tax information, and the pouch of coins that Zerazani had rewarded us with.
“I need you to… to handle my affairs for the day,” I said weakly. “Paying off some of my loan with Kalae, and finishing the setup of our business. They’re both required today… the former for the morning, the latter the evening-“
I coughed, holding back bile and illness from so much speaking.
The Audino tilted her head, getting the bucket ready again as I coughed. I timidly took up the bucket, spitting out the refuse that had infested me. I felt horrid. With a final spit I continued, the poor girl squirming as she listened.
“I’m so sorry to push this on you.” I told her. “I will make up for my weakness in due time.”
“Oh, Adelaide…I do feel rather remiss leaving you here all alone…” Siranae sighed, taking the blue sheet and the pouch of coins. “But I will, of course, do these things for you. Or do my best, I suppose…I do admit, matters of business are not my forte. What all needs to be done there…?”
“You bring the return slip to the Municipal Office this evening…” I instructed. “The desk number is listed on it. Tell them you’re there on my behalf, and follow their instructions.”
I shivered, trying to run a calculation in my mind. How much did I owe on my loan…?
“As for Kalae- she is owed 330 P a week. Make sure she’s given as such, and return any of her comments to me…it should not take long. And your presence is still needed for her lessons, as well.”
My throat ground into itself, barely enduring the words. My face twitched.
“I am sorry, Siranae.” I whined. “This is a troublesome beginning to our business… you do not deserve further burdening.”
“Adelaide…” Siranae sighed, letting a smile cross her face. “We share the burden together…I think that is the nature of being a guild team. Even without the guild at present. And I shall also bring word of your illness to your place of work.”
The Audino nodded, securing the documents in her bag. Just as she did, there was a knock at the door, making her perk up.
“Ah, the must be Julminae! One moment, Friend Adelaide.”
The Audino hurried off, vanishing through the door. In the next room, I could hear a bit of shuffling, the front door unlatching and opening, then voices. I couldn’t make out their words and the thumping in my skull muffled most of the noises anyway.
The footsteps approached quickly, and in the door re-entered Siranae, who was ushering someone to follow. Behind her was Julminae holding a crate with bottles clacking inside.
“Heeeey, Adelaide…” Julminae whispered softly. Following behind her was…another creature, looking like a walking sunflower with narrowed eyes and a permanent smile. I could only frown, at seeing a stranger Poke’mon enter my home. I wasn’t ready to court the favor of some new creature, not like this.
“I raitvu om qeboipvi?” Whispered the flower with a masculine voice. Julminae nodded as she lightly set the crate onto the floor by my bed.
“To, i mio.” Julminae whispered back before turning her attention to me. “Adelaide this – Cholozio. Health guy. Health guy?”
Julminae turned to Siranae questioningly.
“Oh…! A doctor, you mean?”
“To! Dok-torr. He frrom: Dsitdove! Arrrive last month.” Julminae said, introducing the plant man. “He tell me: you help escorrt his motherr.”
“Ah…! The one going to the grocer’s the other day?” Siranae asked.
“To! To! Bulkio frrom the rrestaurrant you guarrd – he even send frree meal forr you.” Julminae smiled. “You become popularr girrl, no, Adelaide?”
“Ah…” My expression softened with Julminae’s words. “I am thankful to see a doctor… I had no idea where to even find one in this city. And… I hope your mother is well.”
I forced myself to rise, sniffling my tired snout, stroking down some of my fur as if to look more presentable.
“I’ve had the most wretched fever since yesterday… is there some remedy for this plague?”
“Vo djoifi ti vae nefsi tve cipi.” Julminae turned to the doctor, likely relaying what I said. The flower man smiled warmly, giving a little nod. “Tve djoifipfu duni dasesi me tae nemevvoe.”
“Iccipi, qis qsone dute fuccoenu eddisvesi raem i me nemevvoe.” The Doctor sighed, approaching me and clambering up to sit on the edge of the bed. He lifted a long cloth from his bag, wet it, and wrapped it around his mouth and tied it behind his head before taking a hand and resting it on my forehead…and nodding. “Je tqavevu edrae vuscofe?”
“He ask – Adelaide thrrow up dirrty waterr?”
“Yes, since this morning.” Siranae sighed. She was squirming a bit, seemingly unsure if she should tend to the tasks I told her or stay and comfort me. “Ah…To. To.”
The Doctor nodded with a sigh, now taking what looked to be a brass horn. He put his hands on the edge of the bed sheets laying over me, but paused and looked up at me.
“Quttu?” The Flower man asked, seemingly for permission.
I grimaced at the odd request, but…I would gain nothing from defiance. Anything to get rid of this disease faster.
“Yes… or, To.” I nodded, paws placed in my lap- ready for him to pull or place the bed sheets, or use that horn however he needed.
The Flower man nodded softly, drawing back the sheets. He took the horn, gently placing the wide end on my chest. The metal was freezing, a harsh contrast to the warmth of my blankets. I gripped the bedding with a quiet hiss. Recovery was never easy, but I wished he had conveyed the chill beforehand.
The Flower tilted his head, listening to the narrow end of the horn.
“Sitqosu qsugupfu.” The Doctor said, mimicking a deep breath. I complied and he listened to my breath through the horn, nodding to himself and gesturing to Julminae, muttering something to her.
The Timburr nodded, taking a tiny paper box from the crate she brought in which the doctor took. Opening the box revealed green powder which the Flower Man mixed into water. I kept my breaths as steady as I could. It failed to hide the grinding, crunching discomfort that I felt with every inhale.
During this, Julminae looked back at Siranae, concerned.
“Ehhh…ok? Doing ok?” The Timburr asked Siranae.
“Um…yes, I just…must away to errands Adelaide urgently needs.”
Julminae made a quiet, confused noise.
“Well…no need stay, Doctor has everything…” Julminae tilted her head.
Siranae fidgeted.
“I was…waiting to be dismissed.” The Audino admitted.
At that gentle comment from Siranae, I gave the girl a smile, almost pleading, almost sorrowful.
“I will be fine, Dear Siranae… you do not need to be ‘dismissed’. You are free to go as you please.”
Had she been waiting for my approval the entire time? I felt almost… ashamed, at the thought of it.
Siranae gave a soft sigh and a smile, giving a tiny half bow to me and the doctor.
“Ah…thank you, Adelaide. I will not let you down.” The Audino promised, turning on her heel at once and rushing out the room.
In another moment, I heard the front door creak open then shut just as quickly, and outside a blur of pink rushed past my window.
Julminae laughed softly, watching the girl. The Doctor, not paying attention, handed me the green elixir to drink with a 2nd, beige drink in hand.
“Sirranae – she is a verry sweet, To…?” Julminae sighed, looking back to me. The Timburr stood at the edge of the bed, hands resting on it as she talked gently. “Lucky having frriend like herr, Adelaide.”
I tipped my snout down, half-smiling.
“It feels as if I don’t deserve her. She has been nothing but kind and capable since I met her.”
‘And yet, still so fearful… Mama’s stranglehold persists, even now.’
I took up the first drink, meeting the Doctor’s gaze. If this was somehow poisonous, I was putting my faith in him to stop me before a lethal dose. And… reluctantly, I began to drink down the powdered substance. The taste was…certainly bitter, leaving an unpleasant aftertaste on the back of my tongue. I felt a tickle in my throat as the powdered drink certainly seemed to do…something.
The doctor nodded, a leafy appendage lifting up to my cheek. He made an ‘ahhh’ sound, prompting me to open my mouth so he could take a small…glowing berry to peer within.
“Strrong, also!” Julminae exclaimed. “Luzonio say – imprressed how much she carrry boxes! I see herr pass by storre! Strrong as two-leg Taurros!”
The Doctor nodded, taking a small sheet of wax paper with a bit of red powder on it, bringing it close to my face. The Flower man made an exaggerated sniff sound, prompting me to inhale the powder through the nose.
I kept down a groan of discomfort, as the unpleasant stimuli built upon each other. Concoctions, glowing berries, inhalation… was a hacksaw to come next? I took a deep inhale of the odd substance, despite my congestion. No matter how odd the remedies were, I would take them all if it could fix this.
The moment I sniffed the powder I could feel a pop in the back of my nose, clearing up the congestion at once. The doctor handed me a wax tissue to let me blow my nose to clear it. Immediately it was much easier to breathe, satisfying the Doctor.
I blinked, confused but delighted by the odd powder’s effect. I snatched the tissue, blowing into it as quickly as I could.
“Thank you,” I muttered quietly to the Doctor, whether or not he could understand. The other medicine burned my throat ever so slightly and my head still pounded. Julminae continued to talk which was something of a welcome distraction.
“I say – Sirranae rremind me of someone I know back in old country. She was farrm girrl – Pawmot. Herr name: Rrukae.” Julminae’s voice took a wistful tone. “Verry sweet. We werre togetherr until she move farrm up to Duphimevu…and I to Arrcea.”
She sighed, slumping a little, her cheek on the bed’s surface.
“Making new friends – verry scarry in new countrry.” Julminae huffed. “I – not popular in Dsitdove. Am betterr herre, so farr.”
“I understand, Julminae…” I spoke softly, voice aching still. “If she was a friend of Siranae’s caliber, it is no surprise that you miss her. Or any company, in a place such as Arceliaze.”
I rubbed at the fur on my arm.
‘Friends’ were not easy to come by, here. Siranae and Julminae were the rare light of kindness in a sea of cruelty.
“But, I should say…your good nature and diligence shine through.” I said. “The friends that you have made here, they can see what a worthy friend you are. And I am sure that goodness may shine anywhere, be it Arceliaze, Dsitdove, or beyond.”
I leaned over, meekly patting along the fluff of her head.
“You have nothing to fear, dear.”
“Ehe, yes. Alrready more herre than Dsitdove. Wish to sharre with Rrukae but…” Julminae sighed with a small frown. “But – no Adelaide in Dsitdove. So – betterr herre.”
I smiled weakly at Julminae’s comment. Even as merchant and customer, I was more comfortable in her presence than with most Arceans on the streets. The Timburr gave a nod, resolute. The Flower doctor slipped off the bed to check the crate once more.
“Ah! But, I rreturrn soon -” Julminae pushed herself from the bed. “Bulkio was making lunch for sick Adelaide – I go get!”
The Timburr bent down to grab her satchel as the Doctor stood with another vial of peach-colored juice. Just as Julminae was preparing to leave…there was another knock at the door, making the Timburr perk up in confusion.
“Eh…? Sirranae back? Surrely no…”
I looked up to the door, frowning. If Kalae was arriving herself to collect on the loan, I would be glad to lay into her for such overzealous business…
“Come in,” I called out, stifling the hoarseness in my voice as much as possible. The doctor pressed a leaf-hand on my chest, as if urging me to conserve my voice.
The Flower man turned back to Julminae, motioning for her to get the door to which the Timburr complied, hurrying out of the bedroom towards the front door.
I heard the door creak open…and while Julminae’s voice was soft and muffled, the one at the door…a new voice…was very much audible, for the voice spoke loud…and rudely.
“Uh…good morning. And who exactly are…you?”
I heard Julminae say something in reply but could not make it out. The new voice responded:
“Did Adelaide move out already? And without telling her favorite and most best friend in all of Arcea?”
Julminae replied to the voice…the Timburr’s voice sounded confused.
“Oh for shame to have spoken so little of me! Adelaaaaide~? Yoo-hooo~! I know you’re in theeere~!”
I knew the voice well.
It was perhaps the last Smeargle in the world I wanted to see right now.
I felt my stomach churn in dismay. In my condition, I had neither the strength nor the patience to manage the woman, and especially not in the presence of company.
“Come in, Zerazani…” I spat in a low, gravelly tone. I nestled myself back into the bedding, as if it could protect me.
I heard the creak of the door as the woman entered, Julminae waddling behind, looking utterly befuddled…and suspicious of the Smeargle.
Zerazani, for her part, sauntered into the bedroom, cocking an eyebrow the moment she saw me. Tucked under her arm was a something rather large and wrapped in thick canvas sheet. She set the long, cylindrical object against the corner of the room and stepped right up to the bed with her hands on her hips.
“Goodness gracious me whatever happened to you? You look so green I could have taken you for a grass-type.” The Smeargle huffed. “Having a day-off so soon, hm? And where’s that sweet Siranae gone off to? I see the floor’s been swept, that’s good – the walk here is much less crunchy than when last I visited.”
Julminae furrowed her brow, folding her arms.
“You Zerazani?” The Timburr asked. The Smeargle waved her away.
“Yes, but I request you save your amazement and awe for another time – I’ve my friend to tend to if it’s all the same to you.” The Smeargle dismissed Julminae. Of course, the Timburr stubbornly stayed, only looking to me.
“This the woman who fight you? Blob monsters?” Julminae spat. Zerazani’s gaze snapped to the Timburr, an aggravated look on her face.
“They are to be referred to as ‘The Goddess’s Minions’, thank you.” Zerazani retorted. “And it was performance art, not a fight, and mind you remember such.”
“Sound like fight.” Julminae frowned. “Two meat heads punch each other stupid at a bar – is art?”
Zerazani’s own frown deepened before she turned back to me.
“Do tell, Adelaide, who’s this creature that infests your home? Shall I send it on its way?” The Smeargle huffed.
I held a paw to my temple, hoping to let the conflict simmer down- and, in Zerazani’s typical fashion, it only escalated as I waited. How pleasant.
“Please, if you would keep your voices down…” I groaned, kneading the side of my head with two digits. “The ‘performance art’ is over and done with, we need not fixate on the matter…”
I focused a glare on Zerazani.
“She is my friend, Julminae, and she is helping with my recovery.” I shook my head, tired and drained. I had no chance of fixing Zerazani’s manners today, so I only reclined in my bed. “I can dismiss her myself when need be, so please be polite…”
“Oh, well that certainly changes things – I was under the impression Siranae was your only other friend.” Zerazani laughed, turning and taking Julminae’s hand at once, shaking it much to the Timburr’s confusion. The doctor glared at them both. “Any friend of Adelaide’s is a friend of mine, naturally~!”
“Huwah…?” Julminae blushed as the Smeargle’s attitude shifted dramatically, leaving the Timburr bewildered. “Is…pleasurre?”
Zerazani pulled her hand away, letting it rest on Julminae’s head as the Smeargle turned to me once more.
“My my, Adelaide, you manage to attract the sweetest company with that dour countenance of yours – what a surprising gift you have, I must say.” The Smeargle tittered lightly, ruffling Julminae’s hair, to which the Timburr…blushed brighter.
I huffed lightly- was Julminae bothered, or happy from Zerazani’s odd bullying? I couldn’t make heads or tails of her.
“Now then, to the matter at hand -” Zerazani continued without missing a beat. “I came bearing a gift. And while I did not expect to find you ill I hope it might lift your spirits somewhat.”
I heard a rumbling, just outside my window. A large wood carriage pulled up in front of my house. The doctor and Julminae both were surprised as it parked at the front.
Meanwhile, Zerazani merrily moved to the corner to the large object she brought in, undoing the rope lacings and removing the canvas wrap to reveal…
“There we are~! See here, Adelaide – a gift!”
A bright red carpet was now before me in the corner, rolled up. Even with how little of it I could see it was easy to make out the gold-colored spiral and floral patterns that reminded me vividly of the decor of the New District.
“When last I came by…well, while I found the barren, rustic look charming it won’t do for our purposes should someone wish to visit. So I took it upon myself to purchase a few furnishings. A nice, long rug for the front room for a start.”
The Smeargle gestured to the carriage outside.
“Three drawing room chairs with a table – a must for any meetings over tea.”
The Smeargle frowned, looking back at me…and eying my bed up and down.
“Though…seeing those deplorable sheets you’re under tells me I might need to make another run to the linens shop – you’ll never get well from illness whilst wrapped in thin, ratty things like that.”
My thoughts halted, while looking at the carriage and the ornate carpet. My paw fell away from my head, and my eyes slowly widened.
“Well, this, it…”
This wasn’t the artist blustering about her own greatness, but an actual, genuine gift- and something my little house desperately needed, to be befitting nobility. Some furnishings and wealth on display could cover all the unseemly bits of this hovel.
“…it means quite a lot to me,” I said softly. My paws kneaded and tugged at my blanket, almost timid. “This place could use some decor, in truth. Even my old dorm room had more furniture…”
I sighed gently, rising from my bedding and onto my feet, slowly walking and coming to the side of the rolled carpet. Its edges were clean, no frays from previous use. I would have preferred a less decorated rug, something modest and comfortable, like home… but the gesture was not lost on me.
I gripped the carpet’s end softly, looking to the Smeargle with a shameful smile.
“Thank you, Zerazani. And I hope that I may repay this gesture twofold, in due time.”
“Ohhh, nevermind that, you silly girl. Gifts are meant to be enjoyed, not repaid.” Zerazani laughed, patting me on the head next. “And besides, is this little game we play with high society not repayment enough? The future plans I’ve in mind make me positively giddy!”
She paused a moment, her wide smile…getting a little smaller as she sighed.
“And, well…I also know it’s a gift you would appreciate.” Zerazani said after a pause. “For most other ‘acquaintances’ anything given to them is either investment or just more trash for their pile of treasures.”
The Smeargle looked me in the face, drinking in my smile with a smirk of her own.
“You did, I suppose, ask if my art could inspire more than anger. Call this an experiment, yes~?”
Her words rang too true. For all the frustration she brought, she still understood the value of genuine gifts, for genuine enjoyment. To even have my enjoyment considered was a rare delight, before Arceliaze.
My cheeks were tinged pink from her comments. The experiment, I supposed, was a success.
With that Zerazani clapped her hands together, that impish grin returning to her.
“Now then, I must ask – where has Siranae gotten to, that sweet girl? I’d love to see her reaction as well~!”
“Ah, she is gone.” Julminae replied, making the Smeargle look to her…in shock. The Timburr was quick to clarify. “Ah! I mean – she leave! Go to do worrk forr Adelaide.”
“Yes, I apologize for sending her off…” I chimed in, as I carried myself back to my bedding. “A payment on my loan was due, and an appointment was needed to finish establishing our business. In this state, I could only ask her to see to those tasks- she should return in the evening.”
Zerazani seemed to chew on my words a bit whilst the doctor ushured me back to bed in order to rest.
“Oh dear, dear, dear, will she be alright out there?” The Smeargle asked with a frown. “The girl can punch like an iron ballista bolt but seems like wet tissue when it comes to social matters. Is she off to the screaming and fighting free-for-all at the Office of Commerce or to the dreary, passive-aggressive den of misery that is the Municipal Office? I fear for that simple girl in either case.”
Julminae squirmed, looking worried.
“Ehh…now I worrry…” Julminae huffed. “Gah-! I should go afterr! Find Sirranae and help-“
“Mm…this may perhaps instead be a lesson. A building of character for her?” Zerazani hummed thoughtfully. “I do adore her innocence but gracious she needs some toughening up if she’s going to have a remote chance of not being torn apart and eaten alive by the den of ferals that is Arcea’s upper crust.”
Julminae now looked sicker than I did.
“Sirranae too sweet forr that-! Should frriend not help??” The Timburr asked, taking Zerazani’s hand into her own, a pleading look on her face.
“Oh for goodness sake, don’t you try to manipulate me with those eyes.” Zerazani scoffed, looking down at Julminae.
But the Timburr only continued staring.
I could see Julminae’s eyes widening, her frown deepening…she looked near to crying.
Zerazani sucked her lips in, the artist looking as though she were under assault down to the very core of her heart.
“Blast this woman-!!” Zerazani grunted silently with an exasperated whine, looking up at the ceiling. “Adelaide, my better nature is being callously taken advantage of!”
I sputtered a laugh at Zerazani’s evident defeat. Even with Julminae’s dismay, it was a treat to see Zerazani drawn to her wit’s end by an innocent girl.
“Perhaps you should give in to the cruel demands of this merchant,” I said, swaying my hand jokingly to Julminae, “and assist dear Siranae with the appointment this evening? The Audino has quite a strong character already- we can help her build it another day.”
I reclined against my pillow, half-smirking.
“And, comedy aside, I would prefer every measure taken to have our business properly set up. If you could come with her or give any guidance, I would be most thankful.”
Zerazani stared at me rather blankly as her hand was so delicately and desperately held by the pleading Timburr. At last Zerazani huffed a deep sigh, her eyes rolling up.
“Ohhh, gracious, oh so persistant. That sweet Audino will be as spoiled as rotten fruit by us handling her so delicately.” The Smeargle shook her head. “Yet, alas, saintly woman that I am, I can answer your prayers. Just another way in which I surpass Arceus, is it not? Lazy deity that he is, I’ve never seen him bother to answer the prayers of anyone.”
Her wide smirk returned as she seemed to drink in the thought.
“Yes…that will do. I’ll find the sweet girl at once and see to it that she is properly guided.” The Smeargle agreed, taking her hand from Julminae’s grasp, the Timburr sighing in relief.
“Thank you. Much apprreciated, Miss Zerazani.” Julminae let out a relieved breath. The Smeargle glanced down at her.
“Oh, now, please, is thanks needed for something so trivial~?” Zerazani scoffed, turning to take her leave.
Though it was clear the thanks was still most appreciated.
“I’ll tell the delivery men to set the furniture inside and let you and Siranae decide how to arrange it.” Zerazani said as she exited. She paused, looking back at me. “And…do get well soon, Adelaide. I’d hate to see you waste too much precious time sniffling and vomiting dirty water with this case of murk you’ve come down with.”
“I don’t think hacking and retching would go over well at the Showcase,” I said dryly, still smiling. “I shall recover, while you’re away on your task.”
I gave a confident wave to Zerazani, almost ‘dismissing’ her- but it was more teasing than biting. With that, the Smeargle took her leave, seeing herself to the door. The flower doctor grunted, seemingly relieved that the disruptive woman was gone as he went about mixing a final elixir for me to take.
“Dji fuppe getvofoute i nemifadeve. Pup wifu duni to qutte vipisi ape vemi dunqehpoe.” The doctor huffed. Julminae frowned at that but said nothing. The Flower man uncorked the elixir and angled it towards my mouth. “Iddu, ciwo raitvu i fusno.”
“Ah – he say: this elixirr will help you rrecoverr and sleep.” Julminae translated for me. “Sleep make heal go fast, yes?”
The Doctor’s urging was unpleasant, I could drink well on my own, but I had no energy to continue defying him. I parted my snout, lips to the bottle, drinking at whatever pace he seemed to request of me.
Julminae stood by, getting her things again to depart for Bulkio’s for my lunch and taking her leave as well whilst the doctor tipped the elixir into my mouth. This one was very much sour, sending a shock over my tongue that made me want to suck in my lips but the doctor insisted it be all taken at once.
Already I had found the dull ache in my bones had subsided somewhat, leaving me just with the headache, exhaustion and tightness in my chest. I could feel my wheeze but could at least comfortably breathe through my nose.
“We cipi, i vavvu. Weo e fusnosi,” The Doctor paused, bringing his hands together and resting his cheek on them, making snoring noises. Likely telling me to sleep. “Tesu rao gopu e raepfu o vauo enodo pup vuspiseppu e dupvsummesvo.”
The Flower man pulled aside a crate for him to sit on as he remained to monitor me. In the other room, I could hear the door open as the furniture was dragged inside by workers.
A bit too much noise to sleep to, and the fact I was being watched by the doctor didn’t help…but that sour elixir did give me the strangest sensation of powerful drowsiness. The hard matress once again was feeling very cozy, the blanket oh-so-warm…
I let myself sink down into the bed, keeping my gaze away from the Doctor. His aid was appreciated, even if his social etiquette was lacking…
My mind still raced with worries.
Siranae and Zerazani, vying for control while signing paperwork…
Kalae, palm outstretched, smiling and waiting for coins to fill it…
The Guild itself, still so far on the horizon…
Anxious thoughts turned to mindless memories, as the blanket was drawn over my body. Even with the aches that plagued me, my mind found its way to slumber, desperate for a better rest than last night…
As I lied down to rest, my eyes closed. The comfort of the bed was so very welcome as the creaks and grunting of the furniture delivery crew seemed to fade off into a muffled nothing as I was brought into a void of sleep.
And all became…
…pure black…
…
…
…
[ PING ]
…
…
[[R.TIME……………………………………….7874.113 T-WR]]
…
…Adelaide…?
…Where are you?
I know you’re close. I just can’t see you…
The trackers are offline.
Adelaide….?
Adelaide??
“Adelaide?”
My eyes fluttered open at last and I was greeted with a dimly lit room. The window was dark and only the flame of a single lantern lit the inside.
The pounding headache was gone, now replaced only with a dull haziness and a light cough. No tightness in the chest. Rather, my head felt almost drunk with a strang post-sickness euphoria.
At the very least I certainly didn’t feel like expelling dirty water.
There, at the foot of the bed was Siranae, sitting on the crate. The doctor was nowhere in sight.
I shot awake. My mind flooded with chaotic flecks of ideas-
the business,
the Guild,
Siranae-
My body settled. Even in my brief panic, I could feel the pain and exhaustion leaving me. In such a short time, I’d been cleansed of those impurities… I breathed a sigh of relief.
‘Trackers…?’
The word hung on my mind. But I could not place who said it, or why.
“Siranae…” I spoke softly, no longer rasping for relief. “What time is it? And… did you handle the day’s affairs…?”
Siranae sighed with relief seeing me awaken, standing from the box at once to come to my side.
“The sun’s only just set, not too much later from when I left you.” Siranae answered. “Miss Zerazani was here briefly but she’s gone back to her home in the North Farming district. Ah, and…”
The Audino eyed a small white box sitting on another crate by my bed.
“Julminae left you that from the restaurant we guarded a few days ago. I can go reheat that for you.”
She perked, as though bringing herself back from her tangent.
“Ah, but..! Yes, I got everything done. Though it was something of an adventure, I admit…”
I gave a sigh of relief.
“Then… thank you, truly. Every ounce of effort on that adventure is appreciated.” I relaxed in the bed, eying the box of food with rapt interest.
But I knew better than to gorge myself while in bed.
“This has… been an odd day,” I muttered. “A few moments awake, feeling my worst, and now purity and clarity at sunset. I only hope never to be so ill again…”
I swirled a paw along the bedsheets. I felt… uneasy.
“Siranae… were you speaking at all, while I rested?”
The Audino tilted her head curiously.
“Speaking? No, I don’t believe so…” Siranae shook her head. “I busied myself mostly with talking to Julminae and straightening up the house – it wasn’t all that long a wait for you to wake up when I got home.”
The Audino fished in her satchel, extracting a few documents.
“Look here, Adelaide…! We got our business successfully registered! It’s real now…!” She said, merrily. “Zerazani and I were told to return to the Municipal office tomorrow…”
She squirmed a little, fiddling with her ear uncomfortably.
“The Municipal Office was…um…” She squeaked. “…unpleasant.”
The sheet she held up read:
TO RETURN – MTID CLAIM CHECK –
FOR -HELPING HANDS OF CORONATUS W.P – CTID 4141D0012-71UF
I huffed softly, thoroughly at ease with seeing the document itself. Physical proof that our future was proceeding as planned.
“Thank you very much, for obtaining this…” I said weakly, giving the girl a sorrowful smile. “But it seems to have been no easy feat. Were there any complications, my dear?”
Her voice was so soft, and pure… not the odd haze of a voice in my dream. I wondered only silently, as I watched my friend.
The girl sighed, wringing her hands a little bit.
“Well…it went a little something like this…
Siranae stumbled out of Kalae’s home, letting out a disgusting burp and a scratch of her arse, tossing the empty tea kettle aside and letting it clatter to the ground as the helpless Maractus woman desperately scrabbled for it.
“Thanks fer the tea y’ gullible SOD.” Siranae spat, now finished with the woman, having paid off the debt of kind, sweet, wonderful, Adelaide who, naturally, had the greatest patience.
The Audino sauntered away from the sobbing Kalae, blundering her way down the Illaminian district and towards the New District.
Fair, gentle, wonderful Adelaide told her to go to a ‘Munny Sippy’ office, which of course was too large a word for a dim-witted lout. But being that Adelaide was the sole person who had managed a conversation longer than five minutes with the girl, let alone several days of working and being friends, Siranae figured she may as well give it her best shot.
After a few rounds of shouting people down and threatening them with her intimidating posture, the brutish Audino finally found herself at a beautiful and immaculate building with very nicely kept floors and lovely statues and fountains. None of those details mattering, of course, they were just the shiny objects that distracted Siranae a bit too long as she stood blocking the way for all the good, honest Poke’mon just trying to make a living.
Once Siranae was bored of being in the way she decided to finally get on with whatever sweet, wonderful, perfect Adelaide had tasked her with. Somehow, Siranae had managed to not lose or crumple the paper she’d been given, and she was so impressed with herself that she forgot that she was confused by the words on the paper.
Immediately when the beastly and ugly girl stomped in did the clerks cower in fear, asking what it was she wanted. What brave clerks they were, seeing a horrible beast and still trying to help even as the oaf blathered and rudely spat out her demands.
The horrible Siranae was completely impossible to talk to, and all attempts to guide her was only met with more confusion and horrible language from the monsterous Audino who more and more wasted the time of these wonderful Clerks with her rude demeanor and wretched face.
It was only then that a sound from the front came. A radiant and wise woman – why it was Zerazani, come to tame the beast.
“Fear not, dear sweet girl.” The Smeargle cooed kindly despite the horrid beast that she talked to. “For I come bearing knowledge that will help you, from the kindness of my heart. You needn’t worry your very stupid brain with matters for adults. You may simply punch and let others think for you.”
Siranae drooled.
In so many words, many including shouting, did Zerazani kindly and succinctly guide the clerks to help with Siranae’s task whilst the Audino only watched like a lump for she was good for little else.
Though Siranae perhaps did not use those exact words, nor that exact tale…but I still detected that hint of…well, perspective from the way she told the story.
That iron grip of Mama holding onto Siranae’s heart, warping her self image.
Siranae sighed, as though relieved to finally have aired out her confession.
“Ah, and, Zerazani also wisely took me to the Guild Headquarters to…erm…‘submit sub-permit requests’.” Siranae added. “She chose the Merchant Guild, under House Chaila. Is that okay?”
I stared at the girl, quite surprised at her… ‘recollection of events’. I leaned forward in the bedding, patting along her shoulder.
“The Merchant Guild will do nicely. And thank you for the… ah, story,” I said, with an anxious laugh. “But… you are not so boorish, my dear. You have such a refined quality to all that you do… your story should not make you appear less than your true self.”
I rose from my bed, limbs still numb from a deep slumber, but gripping Siranae’s hands all the same.
“You are polite, gentle, yet strong… and a kindness wells from within you, the likes of which I’d never seen before. There is a word for girls like you-“
My tails were wagging against my whim. I felt so immature, but I could not care.
“Exceptional,” I said softly. “You are exceptional, Siranae- beyond whatever flaws or faults you insist are there. And, as co-founder of Team Coronatus… others deserve to know of your exceptional goodness.”
Siranae didn’t respond at first, simply staring down at my hands that so delicately held hers. She gave her usual small, polite smile…but her eyes twinkled as she listened to me.
“If you say it then it must be so.” Siranae said softly with a little sigh. “Who am I to contradict you?”
She was quiet a moment before she giggled, patting my hands.
“If I may, Adelaide? I find you exceptional as well. Strong of character, loving of heart…you have…what is the word you use? Grace, I do suppose. I was never sure what it meant but…you use it in a positive light so I must conclude it thusly applies to you as well.”
At last the Audino looked up, looking at me eye-to-eye, letting me see the deep cerulean blue in her gaze.
“…I am very happy to see you in better health, Friend Adelaide.”
I stared back, sky blue sparking in my own eyes. Despite my regained strength… I felt weakness and warmth flush across my face. Her compliments felt more earnest than any flattery I had known.
I smiled. I could not stop myself if I tried.
“I can only thank you for such kind words, Dear Siranae. And I hope I may deserve them- deserve to be strong, and loving, and graceful- in all that we do. I could only be anything of the sort with your help… in my recovery, and in every day I have been in Arcea.”
I clasped my paws together, holding her hands in one soft grip.
“I am honored to be in Team Coronatus, if it means I may work and live alongside you.”
Siranae smiled wider, holding her hands to her chest.
“I must admit…” Siranae began, slowly standing.
There was a pause. The simple girl did her best to find the right words.
“…this is my dream come true.”
~ CHAPTER 18 ~
<< F I N I S >>
woah someone commented finally
Lmao Adelaide got sick, what a skill issue