Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

"I feel like I read a story about that before."

 

The figure walks into the shop, black hood covering their face. Vexa nervously heads to the front of the shop.

"Hello, how can I help you?" Vexa says, trying to keep calm.

The figure pulls down their hood, revealing brown hair and eyes, and the fact they're just an earth guardian.

"My sword's become a bit damaged with use. You're the finest smith around here, so I was wondering what it would cost for you to repair it." The earth guardian asks, taking out a well-used and rather chipped sword.

Vexa sighs in relief, taking the sword from the earth guardian.

"Hm...two hundred gold. You've kept this in fairly good condition, I should be able to have it repaired in no time." Vexa says.

"Ah excellent, that's perfect." The earth guardian says, taking out four gold coins, totaling a value of two hundred.

Vexa takes the coins, "I'll have it done in two days time." She says with a smile.

"Thanks!" The earth guardian says, taking his leave.


"What a delightful gift! I'm sure the queen will be very happy with it." The guard says cheerily.

The door to Leilia's chambers cracks open a little, Leilia calling for Amethyst to enter.

 

"Yeah, one of the primary problems is the god of magic, O'rogal. He's got a glacial barrier that gets stronger every time someone tries to break it with more magic... and he's letting anyone in Ihra's group take a few free shots. Which is exactly where you come in."

________________________________

You did? Did I read it too?

Ruby chuckles a bit.


Amethyst enters, a bit nervous.

 

“What do you want me to do, then?”

 

Vexa takes the sword and puts it to the side under her desk.

"Let's get back to that Orichalcum before anything else creepy happens." Vexa says, smiling in relief.


Leilia stands just inside wearing the clothing Amethyst provided.

"So, how do I look?" Leilia asks with a smile.

 

"You're going to take a few free shots. He thinks you're still augmented with magic, and as long as I leave some trace of that in you, he'll think you stand no chance. Except, of course, I'll make you bust it wide open."

Ruby nods.
"I'll keep an eye on the shop."


It looks somewhat messy, Amethyst flying around a bit and adjusting a few parts of the dress before it looks similar to Leilia's royal clothing and landing back near the door.
"There we go, that's the starting point. Now... you know how some people do quick-changing acts in talent shows? There should be a band in the left sleeve and another in the right sleeve, and that's the part I need to make sure works. Would you mind pulling on one of those real quick?"

 

"Maybe. It may have been a story that I've been read as a kid."

 

"Anything I shouldn't say?"

 

Where did you used to live, anyways?

"Never speak of me, and he'll suspect nothing."

 

"Thanks." Vexa says, heading out and up the volcano again.


Leilia does as told, pulling on the bands.

 

"Good to know. You should probably rip the fire crystals out of my feet, by the way."
I mention, pointing down.

 

Ruby continues to monitor Vexa (remotely) and anyone passing by the shop.


Once she pulls on the band in the left sleeve, parts of the dress unfold into frills as the dress seems to change from pearly white fabric to various blues, the dress now depicting the ocean with nigh countless details. When she pulls on the band in the right sleeve, the blue folds up to reveal a field of green, depicting an equally detailed portrait of forests, fields, flora, and fauna. Regardless of whatever look it takes, it feels fairly light and comfortable.

"It's meant to be a costume resembling Lady Gaia, I call it Dewfall. What do you think?"

"I'm keeping them so he thinks you still have magic-based components. They'll be purely vestigial by the time I'm done with you."

 

"Alright."
I nod.
"I'm following you, then."

 

"In the ruins that once were a city."

 

Vexa continues working away at the Orichalcum, and fire guardian enters the shop after a while.

"Excuse me, do you sell claws here? I've been looking to get a new pair since my old ones broke." The fire guardian asks.


"Oh my goodness! This is quite extraordinary! I love it!" Leilia says happily, surprised by the dress's functions.

 

"Yes, but I don't know what we have left in stock. Can you give me a moment, please?" Ruby asks, scanning the guardian's soul.


"I'm glad it works, I was worried something'd go wrong." Amethyst says happily. "Again, if you think you can keep this a secret from everyone else, I hope to surprise them come the holiday."

 

She lands and starts walking towards one of the right-side gates, the crowd parting as she goes.

Oh right, those. Do you even remember where in the ruins you lived?

 

I follow her, matching her pace.

 

"Hard to remember. All of them look the same these days, so I can't really find back my home."

 

They're just a normal fire guardian, it seems.

"Oh, of course." The fire guardian says.


"Certainly. I'll see you receive an adequate reward for all of your work." Leilia says.