Genesis Locorum

Emily and the group have arrived at the city of Noir. They are surrounded by monolithic skyscrapers and bustling streets. The scent of steam fills the air as black cars drive through the streets. The buildings, outlined with reflective chrome and glass, radiate with glamour at every turn.

“Welcome to the city Noir,” Heathcliff says.

Emily needs to be more disoriented by the sheer amount of people around her. The crowd of people carrying luggage as they walk from one building to the next, and the noise of the engines from nearby automobiles roars around her as she tries to walk. She stumbles a bit and nearly falls. Tim catches her hand and prevents her avatara from collapsing.

“Thanks,” Emily says.

Charlotte and Nina are taken aback by the sheer number of people here. Centaurs, Alraunes, Dwarves, Lamias, and humans all move around the streets and sidewalks.

“Now then, chers,” Heathcliff says. “Noir is a fine and dandy city, but she holds some nasty secrets.”

“Indeed,” Minerva says. “Many a tale tells of dangers abound here.”

“Some even went as far as to claim the city itself is just a giant dungeon,” Sarah says.

Richard looks at the various high-rise buildings, and their gilded decorations, angular and geometric, he takes several notes on them. “Hmm, yes,” he says as he writes down the details. “Hmm, I wonder if that can be used for a hemline?” he says as he observes the shapes of a car.

Sarah sighs as she puts her hammer down and leans over it. “You’re gonna be left behind and lost if you keep dawdling here y’know?”

Richard realizes that the others have already begun to move towards somewhere and tries to catch up.

“I heard Noir has three types of people here, The [Elegere], the [Emperyians], and the [Exsecratii]?” Elizabeth asks Heathcliff.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Heathcliff says.

Elizabeth’s brow raises quizzically.

“You’ll understand when we meet up with my pal.” He looks around several alleyways. He finds one with an unusual shimmer. “Come see!”

Richard catches up with the group. “What exactly are we doing in an alleyway Heathcliff?”

“I plan on meeting with the Rouges,” Heathcliff says bolster.

“The Rouges Guild?” Richard says confusingly. “Wouldn’t it be best to have Emily registered with the Ebony Guard first?”

“We’ll get to that later, cher,” Heathcliff says. “Gots to talk with an old friend first.”

Elizabeth is even more confused. “Aren’t the Rouges Guild an unofficial one? Aren’t they dangerous?”

“They are certainly a dirty lot at least,” Richard says.

Sarah signs. She then turns to Elizabeth. “You mentioned the three Es of Noir right, Lizzie?”

“Yes,” Elizabeth says. “Not you too Sarah,” she thinks. Her dismayed expression is not unnoticed by Sarah.

“And her I thought she knew everything,” Sarah says.

“Found it!” Heathcliff knocks at a hollow part of the wall. A compartment opens and Alraune answers. “Tramps doze on the window ledges…” he says.

“Let’s see,” Heathcliff thinks, scratching his crimson locks for the answer. “Got it.” He turns to the Alraune. “Night-walkers pass along the sidewalks, the city is squalid and sinister.”

The alraune looks at the answerer and sees him familiar. “Esteban’s friend right? Come in and be quick about it!” The secret door opens and Heathcliff ushers the group inside before anyone could see.

✦✦✦

The group finds themselves in a dank tunnel leading below. “One of their guildhalls should be nearby, cher,” the red-headed knight says.

Richard is less than amused upon seeing the dilapidated walls as the group descends into the underground. “They never bother to clean up the place,” he mutters.

“It not like they have the resources to,” Tim says. His expression stern and alert.

The blond dwarf sighs.

Both Emily and Elizabeth are concerned as they witness various signs of neglect around them. Water leaks from the rusted pipes and drips into a puddle below. A rat scurries past them, to the fairy’s disgust. The air is thick with the scent of dirt and sewage. The passage is lined with torches on each of the walls. If not for the presence of plumbing, it would be mistaken for a cave.

Sarah approaches them. “Not as glamorous as the surface huh?”

Emily looks around the near-dilapidated tunnel. Being careful with her footsteps as she avoids unknown material on the ground. She nods at Sarah. Elizabeth meanwhile uses her wings to keep her aloft instead of walking on the ground.

“Though so,” Sarah says. “The open secret to Noir is that there are three kinds of people living here.”

Elizabeth is curious, the fairy flutters closer to the silver-haired dwarf. “Can you explain more?”

Sarah looks at the curious fairy. “The three Es of Noir are simple. Empyrean, Exsecratii, Eligere.”

“I am aware of those terms yes,” Elizabeth says. Feigning her knowledge.

Sarah gazes at Elizabeth.

“I am aware…that they exist at least,” the fairy says.

The younger Arahcne and Alraune approach them. “What are you guys talking about?” Nina says.

“The three Es of Noir: Empyrean, Exsecratii, Eligere. These words are the terms used for their three classes,” Sarah says. “Determined by where they live, or rather where they can afford to live.”

Emily is confused. “Where they can afford to live?”

“The Empyreans are the bigwigs. The influencers of the city,” Sarah says. “Politicians, executives, celebrities, and the like. They make their home at the peaks of the skyscrapers here, hence the name. If you can rent a room in the fancier buildings, you’re in. Beneath them are the Elegere, the city’s everymen, or so they claim. Living in suburbs or the lower floors of the towers.”

The group further descends the tunnel, Heathcliff finds a dim light in the distance and smiles.

“And the Exsecratii?” Elizabeth says.

“The vast majority of people living in the city,” Sarah says. “The ones that live in the underground.”

“The underground?” Emily says.

“Where we’re headed, cher,” Heathcliff says, interrupting the conversation. “A series of subterranean tunnel networks and bunkers that was constructed all the way back.”

They approach the end of the tunnel and find themselves standing high above a large and cavernous city beneath the city, bordered by four large slabs of concrete. Pillars line the cavern, keeping the city from collapsing on the one below. The cavern is filled with several small buildings and towers, a crude parody of the gleaming skyscrapers erected above. Some were built from the city, jutting downward like stalactites, others were constructed from the cavern’s depths and resemble stalagmites.

They see an elevator ascent to their position. A flat sheet of metal with no walls or doors. They step onto the platform as it descends.

“This is…the underground?” Emily says.

“In all its unglory,” Richard says with disdain.

“Brother.” Sarah shakes her head.

“But why does it exist,” Charlotte says. Her indigo eyes show curiosity about the unusual place.

“No one knows,” Minerva says. “The origins of the underground were lost to time.”

“Some claim that it was created as part of an utopian project, modeled on a legend called Argatha by Messengers.”

“Others claim that it was in response to a potential disaster of apocalyptic proportions,” Minerva says. “A haven for if the world ends.

“I heard some claim that it was created at the same time as the rest of Noir,” Tim says. “The accounts vary with some claiming it was to hold prisoners and others saying it was meant to be a haven for dungeons.”

“And haven for dungeons it is!” Heathcliff says. “More than half of the dungeons found in Noir are in the underground.”

“Regardless of how it was originally intended,” Sarah says. “The underground now serves as a home for the homeless.”

“Um, Sarah,” Emily says. “How do you know about this?

“My brother adores the city,” Sarah says as she gestures to Richard. “Claiming it to be the pinnacle of civilization itself.”

“It is!” Richard says. “It’s not my fault that scoundrels and thieves had made this blight on the land their home.”

“Anyway,” Sarah says. “With him gushing over Noir, I took some time to read up on it. You’d be surprised what you can learn from dungeons and customers.”

Richard humphs. “Rather biased dungeons and customers.”

“Maybe this can wait until later?” Emily says, feeling the air grow tense between the dwarven siblings.

Richard looks at Emily. “My apologies, Emily,” Richard says. “Perhaps it would be better if you witness this blighted undercity yourself.”

The platform descends on the lowest layer of the caverns. The concrete on the ground is devoid of warmth as very little of Stella’s light pierces the small openings on the surface. Around them lies people huddled up in ragged blankets and looking from cracked windows.

“The Rouges were formed in response to these conditions,” Heathcliff says. “Their goal, besides assisting local adventurers is to help them as many Exsecratii become Elegere.”

Richard looks at Heathcliff. “How did you wind up mingling with these— these scoundrels?”

“Hah,” Heathcliff says. “You’re still a little green I see, cher. There are gonna be many seedy types you encounter as an adventurer.”

“How come they aren’t registered as an official guild?” Elizabeth asks Heathcliff.

“Believe me, cher. Attempts were made,” Heathcliff says. “But none of the Empyreans are having any of it.”

“For good reason,” Richard mutters.

“If it makes you feel any better, Richard,” the knight says. “My friend here’s on the up-and-up. Made a real name for himself for bringing succor to the downtrodden even before setting up shop in Noir.”

The two Arachne with them look at the dwarven siblings.

“Mommy,” Nina says. “Why are they fighting?”

Minerva sighs. “It’s nothing that concerns you, sweetie. These two have divided opinions on the city.” She looks at the two dark-skinned dwarves in the group. One beveling that Noir is a flawless shining city atop the hill, the other sees it as a place where the have-nots are separated from the others.

Nina looks at Charlotte, whose face bores an intimidated look. “This place, it is, safe?”

“Doesn't look like it,” Nina says.

Minerva looks at the Alraune child. “You are right to be fearful,” Minerva says to Charlotte in a comforting voice. “If only my daughter has your sense of danger.”

“Hey!” Nina says. “I have a keen sense of danger!”

Minerva chuckles.

The group finds the nearest guildhall and enters it. Richard is aghast with how clean the wooden interior is. In stark contrast to the squalor of the outside slums. Torches light the room as the warm scent of food fills the air. Sitting at the table is a dark-skinned man wearing a blue-colored ensemble. Richard is further surprised by the presence of such a stylish man inside the underground.

Heathcliff looks at the man. “Esteban my man! How’s the dagger I sent your way?”

The man turns to his friend. “We had gotten it to the client, she’s able to participate in the upcoming Festival of Rains now.” He removes his hat, revealing a clear look at his short azure locks.

“Glad to hear it, cher,” Heathcliff says.

✦✦✦

Esteban looks at the purple-haired girl from his visit to Rosenkreuz. “Never did get a name from you.”

“Oh,” Emily says. “Sorry. My name’s Emily. This is Elizabeth.” She gestures to the fairy who waves at the handsome blue-clad man.

“My name’s Nina!” the alien girl says.

“C-charlotte.” The alraune girl stumbles with her words, surprised by having to introduce herself to someone outside Hamlin for the first time.

“This is Mommy,” Nina points to Minerva.

Esteban makes a confused expression.

“Minerva,” Nina’s mommy responds.

“Ah,” Esteban says. “And these two?” he looks at the dwarves.

“My name is Richard,” the blond and tanned dwarven brother says. “Aspiring tailor and goldsmith. My sister is—“

“Capable of introducing herself, brother,” the silver-haired tanned dwarf sister says. “Sarah, a blacksmith with an eye toward engineering.”

Esteban turns towards Heathcliff and Tim. “Is that all?” he says with a smirk.

“Yep,” Heathcliff says. “Now that introductions are out of the way…”

Esteban leads the group towards a table. Richard is further shocked by the wooden table. “I-is that rich mahogany?”

“The richest,” Esteban says. “Well, the richest we can get from the Subterranean Forests.”

The decor of the guild hall evokes that of Noir itself. To Richard’s shock and awe. “How are you able to get such fine materials like this?”

“The rouges have their ways,” Esteban says.

Richard’s awe fades as he remembers the unofficial guild’s reputation for thieves. His brow furrows into a glare.

Esteban lets out a sardonic chuckle. “I can assure you they weren’t stolen, at least no more than the usual dungeon materials.”

Richard sighs.

“Ignore him,” Sarah says.

“Anyway,” Esteban says. “First things first.”

A ghostly grey squirrel enters the room and climbs onto the mahogany table. The rodent is barely visible to all who see it. “Hello there,”

“A [Familiar]?” A sense of concern grows over Elizabeth.

Heathcliff places his palm on his head. “Esteban, is this what I think it is?”

The blue-dressed man nods.

“Something wrong?” Emily says.

“You want to tell her, Lizzie?” Heathcliff says.

Elizabeth sighs at Heathcliff using that nickname for her. “Emily, are you aware of the presence of [Witches]?”

Emily thinks about the term. “Do they ride broomsticks?”

“[Witches],” Elizabeth says. “Also known as Magical Girls, are a…bizarre entity. They are a type of Adventurer that contracts with [Familiars] like our little friend here in exchange for getting their deepish wish granted.”

“Oh?” Emily says. “That sounds wonderful.”

“Before you get your hopes up,” the squirrel says. “Know that dungeon cores are unable to contract.”

“Drat!” Emily says.

Nina looks at the familiar. “Wanna contact with me?” she says with an eager and wide-eyed grin.

“Nina,” Minerva says. “No.”

“I am unable to contract with any more children,” the squirrel says. “Sorry.”

“Phooey,” Nina says.

Elizabeth sighs. “A Witch is granted great power from the contract, and the familiar is compelled to fulfill the terms no matter the cost, but in exchange, they lose mana at a faster rate than other people, passively and with great danger to themselves.”

“That is correct,” the squirrel says. “Which brings us to the reason I’m here.”

“And here we go,” Heathcliff thinks.

“Ahem,” the squirrel says. “I have under my care eight lovely young girls that I think would be well suited for operating in your dungeon.”

“Eight!” Heathcliff begins screaming internally.

“Um,” Emily says. “Why are you asking me?”

Elizabeth turns to Emily. “I knew I forgot something. Emily, dear, do you know about how [Sentinels] are connected to you?”

“I think so?” Emily says.

“Just in case,” Elizabeth says. “A Sentinel draws power and mana from their patron dungeon. Most of that is used to empower them, and they do not leak mana while bound to the Dungeon. A Witch that becomes a sentinel would drain mana, but it would be surprised from the dungeon itself rather than their internal reserves.”

Emily turns to Heathcliff. “I ain’t gonna say no, cher,” he says. “But I’m not saying yes either. This is a large burden this nutcracker is offering here.”

“My apologies,” the squirrel says. “Under other circumstances, I’d not ask this of you, but these are dire straits.”

“Huh?” Emily says.

“The girls in question,” Esteban says. “They’re known as the Coloraturas, all eight had lost their parents to various circumstances.”

“We have our hands filled with other kids, Esteban,” Heathcliff says. Charlotte shies away at hearing that. “Someone had the ‘wonderful’ idea to bring an entire village’s worth there and entangle them with the core, and we’re in the middle of trying to untangle them.”

Emily recalls the aftermath of the encounter with Pruflas. And all the children that are now bound to her because of the demonic piper.

Elizabeth looks at the familiar. “Orphans are common contractees, but it is for that reason that I want to press you on why that specific case is dire.”

The familiar makes a solemn expression. “Before I tell you this, please understand that this is something I have not told the children yet. While I had tried to fulfill their wishes and find people better suited than I to care for them, I have failed. None of the Eligere are interested in taking in eight young girls.”

“I’ll bet,” Heathcliff says. “Three is the limit for most families.”

“Can’t you get them adopted individually?” Emily says.

“We tried,” Esteban says. “But the Eligere are unwilling to adopt Exsecratii kids.”

Richard is a little surprised. “That can’t be true!” he says. “They’re kids!”

“The average Elegio sees the average Exsecratus as little better than waste, not even the children are spared from their disdain. The Empyreans are even less willing as they prefer those with the potential and malleability to be molded into their heirs.”

“Why do you think they even have that name, brother,” Sarah says.

“All of this but pretext,” the squirrel says. “The reason why this they are in dire straights is because of me.”

Elizabeth looks at the phantasmal squirrel and realizes something. “How long do you have left?”

“A week, at most.”

The fairy grimaces.

“Lizzie?” Emily says.

“Is there a place we can stay the night?” Heathcliff says. “I feel like the place hear had grown heavy.”

“We can come to my place,” Esteban says. “I can introduce you all to my wife.”

“Thanks ch—“ Heathcliff realizes something. “You got hitched? Esteban, why didn’t you tell me!”

“I had tried,” Esteban says. “But you had gotten rather busy lately.” He gives a cheeky smile.

“How long has it been?” the knight says.

“Six months.” The blue-clad man says.

“Emily,” Elizabeth calls to her.

“Yes?” Emily says.

“We need to discuss the witches later, there is one last thing you need to know about them.”

“If it helps,” the squirrel says. “I can arrange for them to arrive at Esteban’s abode as well.”

“Please do,” Emily says. “I’d love to meet them?”

“This is gonna be a long night,” Heathcliff says.

The group leaves the guildhall. Esteban begins to lead them to his home.

✦✦✦

Esteban leads Emily and her entourage towards one of the spires in the cavernous underground. There they find an apartment complex with a more cozy atmosphere. Marred by the peeling paint of the walls and creaky floorboards. Richard finds it more closer to his expectations.

“So,” Emily says. “How did you two meet each other?”

“We go way back,” Esteban says. “Even before the ol’ Hound went to Charlie.”

“Those were the days,” Heathcliff says. “Me, Esteban, Chiron, we were a force to be reckoned with back then.” He waxes nostalgically.

They walk towards another platform, operated by an automated pully system that is visible behind the platform. The group steps on the platform.

“Watch your step,” Esteban says. As the platform ascends closer to the surface. As they ascent, they catch glimpses of several people going about their lives. Richard looks at these glimpses with interest and confusion.

“We’re here,” Esteban says as the platform slows. It soon stops upon reaching a hallway lined with several doors. The green carpeting and thick wood walls contrast with the simple wooden walls.

“It feels like a hotel,” Emily says.

“Allegedly, It was a hotel,” Esteban says. “The owners got bankrupt and it was supposedly moved here.”

Tim is incredulous. “How were they able to move a thirty-story building underground?”

“Legend claims that one of the Empyreans went to great expense to move the building,” Esteban says. “I do not know for what purpose, maybe they wanted to taunt us, maybe they wanted to teach the owners something.”

They walk down the hallway until they reach a specific door. Esteban knocks on it. “Honey, I’m home!”

The door opens, and on the other side lies a woman with hair in a blue-violet hue. “Esteban?” She says with a look of mild surprise. “Back so soon?”

The group enters the retrofitted apartment, which had a surprising amount of space for an alleged hotel room. Enough to fit the guests and then some.

“This is Julia,” Esteban says.

“It’s nice to meet you,” Julia says. Emily senses something behind Julia’s calm expression but is unable to describe what it is. One moment, her caring gaze feels like a warm fire, the next it feels like a steel dagger pointed at her.

“Are we expecting any more guests?” Julia says with a stern expression. “Have to see how much I have to make for dinner tonight,”

“We are expecting the children from the dinner later,” Esteban says.

Julia looks around. “Let’s see, two arachne, an alraune…” she thinks. Her gaze turns towards the red-headed man. “If this that knight friend you mentioned, Esteban?”

“Indeed it is,” the blue-coated man says.

“Pleasure to meet you, cher,” Heathcliff says with a polite gesture. “Name’s Heathcliff Ford.”

Julia is taken aback by the knight’s rugged looks before regaining composure and continuing her tally. “A fairy, two dwarves, three humans,” she thinks. “With the kids from the diner, that adds eight more…”

“Excuse me,” Elizabeth says. “Is there a place where two girls can talk in private?”

“Guest room’s over there,” Esteban says.

“Thank you,” Elizabeth says, “Emily, can you come with me for a second?”

“Oh, right,” Emily follows the fairy to the empty guest room.

✦✦✦

The two girls find the guest room in well-kept condition. The two beds inside it are perfectly made with uncreased betting and pillows on them. The walls are bereft of blemishes like cracks and chipped paint. The wooden furniture is varnished to such a degree that Emily could’ve sworn she saw her own reflection on the nightstand’s top. Above all else the guest room is remarkably clean.

“Is it about the witches?” Emily says.

Elizabeth nods. Her expression is more serious than usual. “There is one other aspect of Witches that I must explain. You’re already aware of them losing mana rapidly, yes?”

Emily nods. “What about that?”

“Well it is rather important for a Witch to maintain their mana at all times. A witch’s mana correspond to their emotional state and fortitude. A familiar’s duty, in addition to granting the wish that forged the contract, is to stabilize the mana of all the witches in their care. The squirrel mentioned having eight girls in tow, that means he has eight witches.”

“Okay?” Emily says. She sits down on one of the beds, as her behind rests on the mattress, she notices how soft it feels.

“This means that their destiny is bound to that of their patron, in this case the familiar. If the patron were to perish before granting the wish to transferring the contracts, then their mana would grow unstable and the witches would become [Strega].”

“Strega?” Emily says.

“A peculiar type of Natural Dungeon. While they share common qualities and traits, their natures are mostly unknown. Even to the familiars and to the [Administrators] themselves. All that is known about them is twofold, that they were once Witches, and that they are dangerous monsters.”

Emily is surprised by the information. “How dangerous are we talking here?”

“I don’t know,” Elizabeth says. “The reports vary, some claim that a single Strega can level entire villages, other claim that they are no more stronger than the average pest. Yet is what the squirrel says is true, a [Strega] [Coven] would be inevitable if the contracts aren’t transfered or fulfilled in time.”

Emily remember the cicada girl that visited her last week. “Wasn’t one of our recent visitors a Witch?”

“She is,” Elizabeth says. “That she had two familiars with her is unusual, but she seemed stable.”

“So If I take these eight on,” Emily says. “I could prevent them from being Strega?”

“Not entirely, no,” Elizabeth says. “While a new patron means they cannot simultaneously turn, the process can occur in other ways. If a Witch falls into deep despair, if they are on the brink of death or if they are absorbed by another Strega, all of these could trigger the transformation.”

Emily think about Heathcliff and Elizabeth’s expression of dread when the phantom squirrel explained his purpose. “Is there any reason why you two…”

Elizabeth understands what Emily was trying to ask. “I already mentioned that having Witches as Sentinels means that mana would be passively expunged to maintain them. One is easy, three is manageable, but eight is difficult for all but the most mana dense dungeons. There would be a significant risk that you would be rendered sick try to take care of them, and this time the mana infusion of an avatara would not be able to save you.”

Emily sighs. “Is there any way to mitigate the costs.”

“We have managed to gather a higher than usual amount of [Elementalist’s Spheres],” Elizabeth says. “Those not only grant access to the elements for you, but also multiply our capacity. You were born with the [Photosphere] and I the [Electropshere] as your fairy I am bound to you and thus you have two to begin with. Then we have managed to get the [Aerosphere] and [Geospehre] while helping Richard and Sarah. And the [Pyrosphere] from…”

“Save it,” Emily says. Expressing a desire to not think about the Piper.

“I mean to say is that we have a better shot of maintaining these girls should you choose to take them on, but it would also mean the amount of available mana we would need to free the other children, those that the [Demon] had entangled within you, would be more arduous to gather. It is possible that if you take them on...”

Emily’s head lowers. Elizabeth stops her explanation. The room grows silent for a few moments.

“If you want to adopt them,” Elizabeth says. “I won’t stop you, but I want you to at least consider the ramifications of that choice.”

“I understand,” Emily says. “Thank you, Lizzie.”

“My pleasure,” Elizabeth says. “I’d make a poor guide if I didn’t tell you what you needed to know.”

The two exit the guest room.

✦✦✦

Meanwhile, Whisper is already at the diner. The squirrel greets Jacquelyn and the Coloraturas.

“What’s up, Whisper?” Lily says. Her cheerful smile shines as she adjusts her horned diadem.

“Did you meet up with the Dungeon?” Rose says while eating a large slice of cake.

“It’s rude to talk with your mouth full, Rose,” Raine says.

Azalea practices a stand-up routine. To the patron’s lack of amusement. The clionid mermaid talks about sea and fish puns.

Clover walks down, having just finished looking over clues she had pinned to a corkboard in her room. “Whisper! you came back, already?”

“Girls,” the familiar says, “please get ready, I have arranged for you to meet the dungeon and their entourage tonight at Esteban’s apartment.”

Strelitzia looks at the familiar and notices something off. “Hey, why are you so transparent lately?”

“What are you talking about, Strelitzia?” Whisper says.

“Whisper,” the minotaur says. “I can see right through you now. What gives?”

“I can assure you that it is nothing to be concerned about,” the familiar says. “I hope,” they think.

Jacquelyn glares at the squirrel. “You haven’t told them yet?” she thinks.

Azalea looks at the squirrel. A sense of dread washes over her as she observes their nigh invisibility. She ends her practice routine and swims to the familiar. Her expression carries an unusual fear of shock and fear.

“Azalea,” Strelitzia says. “You wouldn't happen to know anything about this, would you?”

The mermaid turns to the minotaur and beams a feigned smile. “Of course I do silly,” the familiar begins to panic, fearing that she might say something dangerous. “The poor thing is tired. You’ve been running all the way here to tell us, aren’t you., no wonder you’re so pale.”

The familiar internally sighs with relief. “That is exactly the case, thank you, Azalea.”

“My pleasure!” she winks at the familiar. “Now come on girls, our new dungeon awaits!” She swims away to prepare for the visit, taking Whisper with you.

“Is it just me,” Rose says, “or is she less punny than usual today?”

“Hope this meant she means she took the hint,” Strelitzia says.

“Sterltizia!” Lily says. “You know that Azalea cares about her puns.”

The minotaur and centaur girls begin to argue about the mermaid’s attempts at comedy.

Meanwhile, Azalea places Whisper down on her nightstand as she gathers some items for tonight.

“Thank you, Azalea,” Whisper says.

“No problemo, compadre,” Azalea says. “Can’t have them knowing what could befall us just yet,”

The mermaid’s mind flashes back to one fateful night. An amphibious monster was prowling the sewers, coating a section of the waterways in sludge. Rose, Raine, and Hydrangea were fighting this beast. Her elongated body swam in the inky waters of the sewers. The sludge turned it into a nightmarish ocean. The monster, with plumes and tendrils lining its long iridescent body, attacks the girls. Her translucent head was bleached white with two crimson circles surrounding the maw.

“You’re not funny! You never were!”

“I’ve seen bluenoses that were more funny than you!”

“That you think you’re jokes are good? Now that’s a real laugh!”

Jeers and hisses were hears throughout as the trio fought the Strega.

Azalea returns to the present. Her once cheerful face is frozen in shock and stress, before she resumes her usual chipper smile. “I don’t know how they managed to save me without…”

The familiar grimaces. “We do not have much time, Azalea.”

“Don’t worry,” Azalea says. “Things have worked out before, right?” The mermaid finishes her preparations and swims back to the diner. There she finds that her seven friends were also already prepared. Hydrangea holding the Cryosphere in her hands.

“Took you long enough,” Rose says. “Ready to go?”

“Sure am!” Azalea says. The Coloraturas set off for the Hermandez’s apartment, with Azalea telling several jokes along the way.

✦✦✦

Emily and Elizabeth return to the living room of the vacuous apartment. There they find Heathcliff helping Julia prepare food. Richard works on his designs, using an assortment of pictures he has brought with him and his notes.

“I feel like this is missing something,” the dwarf says as he looks at his designs, trying to focus despite being well aware he is within the underground. His sister looked over some of his reference images.

Nina and Charlotte are playing with some toys that Julia has provided. While Minerva keeps a close eye on the young Arachne and Alraune. Tim meanwhile simply meditates on the couch, once more trying to learn about replicating Chiron’s wind shield.

A while later, they hear a knock on the door. Esteban answers and finds the rest of the guests have arrived, all eight young girls. Heathcliff’s jovial mood slightly sours as he sees the children enter the apartment.

“We’re here,” The squirrel says.

“It’s nice to meet you!” the lamia child says. Her pink pigtails frizzle as she slithers into the room.

“So,” Elizabeth says. “These are the girls you mentioned?”

“Correct,” the squirrel says.

A young lady with red hair walks inside, the girls notice her hair is tied in a ponytail to the size, as well as the wings and feathers beneath her waist. She is followed by a horned girl with orange hair and hooves and an antlered one with green pigtails and wings on her hooves.

Emily looks at the doorway and sees a blond centaur girl canter in and find Nina and Charlotte. She then sees a mermaid swim after her, with blue hair, a translucent tail with an orange orb, and a sphere of water encasing her head.

“Hello, ladies and germs,” the mermaid says. “Hope you’re ready to get your feet wet!”

“And here comes the puns,” the orange-haired girl grumbles, her tail swishes by Tim’s nose as she walks past him, causing him to break his meditative concentration and sneeze. He directs a glower at the young girl.

“Dinner’s almost ready anyway, cher,” Heathcliff says. He then observes the next visitor, a girl with a cyan bob, glasses, and a newsboy cap with snowflake patterns, his brow raises when he notices a cyan sphere in her hands. Following her is a girl with violet hair tied up in two ringlets, wearing a black dress with white lace and a pointed hat to match, her right eye is concealed by her bangs.

“So,” Heathcliff says. “These are your girls, cher.”

“Correct,” the familiar says. The phantasmal squirrel turns to them. The young girls see this as a sign to introduce themselves.

The pink lamia goes first. “I am Rose Rhapsodia!” she says with a hint of bombastic flair. “Blooming in the storm of darkness, an innocent maiden comes forth to fight the evils in the darkness!”

The red-headed phoenixian girl follows. “Raine. Raine Carnation Cadenza,” she says a hint of annoyance towards Rose.

“Raine,” Rose says. “You sure you don’t want to put a little more oomph into that intro?”

“I’m saving the theatrics for if we encounter some bad guys,” she says, her brow furrows. “We’re trying to get someone to adopt us, not putting on a show.”

“If anyone’s up for showmanship,” the blue-haired mermaid says as she swims towards the center of the room. “It’s me! Azalea Adagio at your service!” Her clionid tail gives off a small glow as she greets the others. “Now I know the underground is not in the best of conditions, but that is no reason to be so down in the dumps!”

The werewolf girl stands up, and uses her darkness spells to create small feats of prestidigitational illusions. “Anemone Aria, let me assure you that we are not witches,” she says despite her attire. “We’re magical girls!”

The centaur introduces herself next. “I’m Lily! Lily Borea Legato! Nice to meet you!” her chipper expression shines across the room.

“I’m Clover Capriccio!” the peryton girl with green pigtails says. “Say, you guys seem like such nice people. How long was your dungeon operating? Any good adventures lately? What kind of treasures did you get?” she goes into a small stream of consciousness as she talks about herself and her wind powers.

The horned girl sits up. “They call me Streltizia Sonata. Rest assured my axe will be put to good use protecting my friends.” She lets out a gentle smirk, framed by her long orange hair and bull-like horns.

The last to introduce herself is the girl with the cyan orb. She clears her throat as she checks her cyan hair and glasses for blemishes. “Hydrangea Harmony,” she says. “As you can see, we procured something that could be of use to you,”

Emily looks at the Cryosphere in Hydrangea’s arms. “A Cryosphere?” the fairy says. “Where did you find that?”

“We had braved the Cocytus Manor for it,” Hydrangea says, recalling her adventure there with her friends.

“It wasn’t easy,” Rose says. “We had faced the bitter cold, fought off Wassets and hounds, and even faced the very core themselves for that! But the Coloraturas never back down from a good challenge!”

“Well,” Heathcliff says, “You sure are feisty little brats, I’ll give you that,” Heathcliff says. “Friends call me Heathcliff,”

“I’m Emily,” Emily says to the girls. “And this here is Lizzie!” she gestures to Elizabeth.

“It’s Elizabeth!” the fairy says.

“My name’s Nina!” the Arachne child says to the slightly older girls. “And this here’s Charlotte,” she gestures to her Alraune friend.

“My name is Minerva,” Minerva says. “Nina’s mother.”

“Name’s Sarah,” the dwarf sister says. “My brother here is Richard,” she gestures towards the dwarf furiously scrawling on paper.

“Tim,” Tim bluntly says while glaring at Sterlitizia. The young minotaur girl’s face bears an intimidated look.

“Now that we’re all accounted—” Esteban says.

“Hold your horses,” Heathcliff says “Think we’ve missed someone!”

Everyone turns to the near-invisible familiar.

“Whisper,” Azalea says. “Did you forget to introduce yourself?

“So I did,” the squirrel says. “My apologies. My name is Whisper and as you can see, if am the familiar of these girls.”

“Well,” Julia says, we can talk about things at these tables there.” She gestures at the dining room table, as well as two more set up nearby. The Coloraturas take their seats at one of the tables, and most of Emily’s group follows suit.

✦✦✦

Julia, Heathcliff, and Esteban set the dinners on their tables—twenty platters with 10 plates and nine bowls. The bowls were filled with a gumbo stew, filled with shrimp, tomatoes, and a chocolate-like roux on top of the base of celery, peppers, and onions. Some of the platters have on them slices of fowl breast meat each, with yucca fries on the side. Others have an assortment of salads.

Richard is taken aback by the display of food.

“Dig in!” Heathcliff says.

“Where on Titnaia did you get these ingredients?” Richard says.

“I helped Esteban make some groceries in advance,” the knight says.

“He really wanted to make gumbo tonight,” Esteban says.

“What can I say?” Heathcliff says. “I had a few recipes I wanted to try my hand in while making.”

Sarah already digs into the meal, stuffing her face with the gumbo. “This stew is really good!” she says with her mouth full.

“Sister, manners,” Richard says. He turns to see some of the Coloraturas are already stuffing their faces and sighs.

Once enough of the food is eaten, Heathcliff gets to the point. “So you want us to take these eight kids on, right?”

“Correct,” Whisper says.

Emily notices Heathcliff’s expression carries hints of apprehension.

“I see,” the knight takes on a more business-like tone. “Do you understand how much mana it would take to sustain eight witches?”

“Of course,” the phantasmal squirrel says. “I do think it is my utmost imperative to find someone, anyone willing to adopt them.”

“Fair enough,” the knight says.

Hydrangea chimes in, presenting her Cryosphere again. “Do you need this?” she asks.

Elizabeth observes the Cyan sphere, cold to the touch, its light radiates an aura that chills those within an inch of it. “Doesn't look like we have that specific sphere.”

“Well…” Rose butts in. “We went through a great deal to snag that thing.”

“I bet you have,” Heathcliff says.

“Um, excuse me,” Emily says. “I want to ask if you had asked other dungeons beforehand?”

“We’ve tried, miss,” Whisper says. “But they were as unwilling as the families we asked.”

“They said they don’t have enough room for us,” Lily says.

Streltizia humps. “They just think they’re too good for us.”

“Strelitzia,” Clover says.

“She has a point,” Rose says.

Emily looks at Rose. “So, um tell us about yourself, Rose.”

The lamia answers with a grin. “I’m the leader of the Coloraturas, slayers of evil, heroines of justice!”

Raine blushes with embarrassment. “Rose, that’s when we’re picked for the neighborhood watch!”

“Ah come on, Raine,” Rose says. “Don’t you want to help fight crime?”

Heathcliff sighs. “You’re a rather naive girl aren’t you?”

“I’m not naive,” Rose says. “I’m a capable, mature young lady.”

“You do realize that a good chunk of your time will be spent protecting the dungeon from intruders if we make you sentinels right?”

“O-of course!” Rose says. “Who knows what kind of ne’er-do-wells would want to abscond with your treasures? What kind of scoundrels and dastards would try to steal from you, the innocent crew of an innocent dungeon?”

“She is somewhat quick-witted,” Strelitzia says.

Raine turns towards Emily. “Look, we’re just poor orphans trying to survive in a world that has all but cast us off, nothing more, nothing less.”

Elizabeth notices the Coloratuas’ more unusual features. Strelitzia’s horns, Lily’s equine body, Rose’s serpentine tail, Azalea’s clionid tail, Raine’s wings, Anemonie’s ears, and Clover’s antlers and wings. “It is not unusual to see demi-humans in a place like this, but still…” She notices something further unusual about them, but for some reason can’t understand why.

“There are other matters to discuss,” Richard says. He turns to Esteban. “I thank you for your services, Mister…”

“Hernandez,” Esteban says.

“Right,” Richard says. “Mr. Hermandez, but we still have to get our band registered with the local guild.”

“Already taken care of,” Esteban says.

“W-what?” Richard says.

“Called in a favor from an insider,” Esteban says. “Heathcliff will attend an anointment tomorrow to seal the deal and your group is already logged in with the Rouges. By this time tomorrow you’ll be free to explore the Dungeons in Noir, both above and underground.”

“But how?” the dwarf is baffled.

“Adoption issues aside,” Heathcliff says, “not all of the Elegere are thumbing their noses at the Exsecreatii.”

Emily looks at the dwarf’s conflicted expressions.

“I do have a matter of my own to raise,” Esteban says. “Heathcliff perhaps you can humor an old friend for an adventure.”

“Of course, mon ami,” Heathcliff says. “Just tell me—“

“He wants to infiltrate Gastby Tower,” Julia says.

The interruption stuns the knight for a few second. He lets out a hearty laugh. “Gatsby Tower? The Empyrean’s party dungeon? That Gastby Tower?”

“The one and the same,” Esteban says.

“Oh cher, you do know how to pick ‘em,” the knight says.

“Isn’t that place claimed to be heavily guarded?” Tim says.

“Gatsby Tower?” Richard says. “Are you insane? The core would kill you! N-not that I care — I mean.”

“Save it brother,” Sarah says, her meal has finished and her stomach bloats a little from the food. Nina had also finished her plate, not having eaten anything since the morning’s incident. “If you don’t want to come and meet with top-tier fashion designers…” Sarah says with a cheeky grin.

“Of course I do!” Richard says. “It was a lifelong dream of mine to have any designs showcased there, on Noir’s grandest stage! And to learn from the maestros that created them.”

“Well, there’s your golden opportunity for the latter,” Sarah says with a excitable grin. “Are you ready to take it.”

“In the highs of his passion, Richard look at his sister, “Of course I’m i—!” He stops himself upon realizing what he just agreed to.

“Glad to hear it, cher!” Heathcliff says.

“No takebacks!” Sarah says.

Richard is left dismayed at what had just occurred.

✦✦✦

Meanwhile, Emily tries to learn more about the Coloraturas. “How about you, Raine, was it?”

The phoenixian girl looks at her. Her expression is somewhat haughty and aloof. She silently refuses to answer.

“Raine’s not one to handle talking to people well,” Rose says

“That’s so not true!” Raine says.

The two girls bicker for a bit while Rose turns to Hydrangea.

“My hobbies include reading, my talents include ice magic,” the bespectacled girl says matter-of-factly.

“Ice magic?” Elizabeth says.

Hydrangea nods.

Anemone turns to Emily. “My specialty is in the dark elements, not too dark arts to be clear. Rose and Raine handle lightning and fire, respectively.”

“Does that mean you each have a different elemental affinity?” Emily says.

“Sure do!” Azalea says. “Mine’s water!” she says as she uses the squirt flower on her blouse and manipulates the water into whimsical shapes. “As for my hobbies, I like to get my tail wet with comedy!” she says with a cheerful smile.

“Mine’s earth,” Strelitzia says. “Not that I use it that often, I prefer using it to support my labrys.”

“Light is mine!” Lily says.

“It sure befits her personality,” Strelitzia says.

Emily turns to Clover. “Does that mean you have—“

“Wind? Sure do,” the peryton says.

“Maybe you can teach me how to do those spells?” Nina says. Her eyes widen with amazement. Her mother sighs.

“I am surprised by how you managed to get a basic element each,” Charlotte says.

Elizabeth meanwhile examines the Coloraturas. “They have each of the basic elements?” she wonders if there is more to these children than meets the eye.

Dinner is soon over. Everyone regroups in the living room.

“I’ll see about getting us a place for us to stay over at the surface,” Heathcliff says. “Think Richard would have a fit if we lingered around the underground for the night,”

“I trust that you know your way around?” Esteban says.

“Of course, cher,” Heathcliff. “You’d think I’d forget this city after the last several times I’ve been here?”

“Heathcliff,” Emily says. “Can we bring them with us?” she points to the Coloraturas behind her.

“Cher, are you serious?” Heathcliff says. “Don’t they have their own place?”

“It wouldn’t hurt to learn more about these girls,” Minerva says.

“Minerva? Not you too!” Heathcliff says. He sighs. “Fine, Emily, they can come with us.”

“Thank you,” Emily says.

On the way to the surface, as they ascend the tunnel they used to enter the underground, Tim sees something in Emily’s eyes, a mix of confusion and conflict, but also interest.

“So,” Tim asks. “Why did you want these tagalongs?”

“Huh?” Emily says. “I think they needed some help is all.”

“Help? Tim says, “They seem capable enough.”

“Tim,” Emily says. “They’re still children.”

The two look at the younger girls following each talking to each other as Azalea tries to use the trip as an opportunity to tell everyone their jokes, with Whisper resting on the mermaid’s shoulder.

“Do you want to bring them back with us?” Tim says.

“I’m not sure,” Emily says. “But if I do would that bother you?”

“Heh,” he closes his eyes and gives a cocky smile. “I used to live with kids like that, that would be no issue, so long as my meditations are undisturbed.”

Emily giggles. “Glad to hear it.”

Meanwhile, Richard takes out his notes, writing as he walks. “Let’s see, we’ll need some Electrum, then an alkahest that can bind the mana…”

“Putting together a shopping list?” his sister says from beside him.

“Of course,” Richard says. “I’m gonna need the right materials for this project, especially in the event we return with more people than when we entered.”

“In—“ Sarah realizes something. “Richard, you think Emily is gonna adopt these kids?”

“It’s a possibility I have to account for, Sarah,” Richard says. “Nothing more.” He feigns aloofness, but deep down he knows he wants the Exsecratii children with them to find a better life away from the filth of the underground.

Elizabeth looks over the Coloraturas. Minerva beside her. “Mienrva, just in case, do you think Lydia and the others can handle non-Arachne children?”

“A broodmother must care for all children in her community, no matter who or in this case what they are.”

The group soon arrives at the surface. Near the entrance is a hotel, its gleaming brass pieces and stepped signs show opulence. The party of seventeen enters the lobby and finds it similarly luxurious, with tables made of varnished wood and chairs with cushions sewed with silk.

Heathcliff turns to the group. “Better get yourselves washed.” The knight approaches the counter. His wallet in hand. “Got room for a party of seventeen?” He takes something out of his wallet, a medal of sorts. Crimson in color and bearing a coat of arms for one of Charlemagne’s noble houses.

The attendant behind the counter notices the prestigious medal. “Of course, sir.” He then shows Heathcliff the rates.

The knight sighs as he takes out eighty-five pieces of gold. A hefty sum, but they have managed to make twice as much through deals made with the guild at Rosenkreuz. He exchanges the coins for the keys to their rooms. “Merci,” he says before leaving to regroup with the others.

With rooms secured for the week, they walk into a wooden elevator and are lifted to their floor, where they will rest for the night.