Onibus Town
A town famous for its rich theatrical culture, home to some of the most well known theaters in Fiore Kingdom. This town is considered to be the cultural hub of current Fiore.
It was already edging toward night when Astro and Loke finally arrived at their destination—Loke's ex-girlfriend's mansion. And yes, mansion. The place wasn't just big; it looked like it was competing with half the noble houses in Fiore.
Astro tilted his head back, taking in the sheer size of the place. Then he side-eyed Loke, who was standing there with a smug little smile, chest puffed out like he owned the entire estate.
"Why do I feel like you're just showing off? Didn't you say she's your ex?"
Before Loke could answer, the mansion gates creaked open, and a beautiful girl with striking pink hair rushed out. Her smile lit up the night as she spotted them.
"I knew it! I wasn't seeing things from the window. It's really you, Loke!" She practically flew into his arms, hugging him tight. "Did you miss me?"
"Of course," Loke replied smoothly, one arm curling around her waist like it belonged there. "There hasn't been a single day where you weren't on my mind, Poppy."
Astro stood there, deadpan. I've known this guy for exactly one day, and I've watched him flirt with at least a dozen women. I'm pretty sure that's not what missing someone means.
Not wanting this dramatic reunion to spiral into an all-night soap opera, Astro coughed loudly. The sound was pointed enough to remind them that, yes, someone else existed.
"Oh!" Poppy finally noticed him. Her eyes sparkled, and before Astro could brace himself, she had abandoned Loke and was practically circling him like a cat spotting a new toy.
"And who's this handsome stranger? What's your name?"
"Uh, Astro Blackmist," he said politely, holding his ground. "I'm a friend of Loke's. I was hoping to ask you a few questions, Miss Poppy—if you're free, of course."
Poppy leaned closer, lips quirking into a flirtatious smile. "Free for a handsome man like you? Absolutely. I could spend the entire night answering your questions if you'd like." She winked.
"Wait, what about me?" Loke piped up from the side, suddenly sounding betrayed.
"Of course you're still my number one, Loke," Poppy replied sweetly, without missing a beat. "But maybe you get the first half of the night, and he can have the sec—"
"Okay, We are actually very busy today, Miss Poppy," Astro cut in quickly, waving his hands. The last thing he needed was two Lokes in his life, and this girl was giving him major "female Loke" energy. One playboy was exhausting enough.
He reached into his cloak and pulled out the small, cleaned lacrimas they'd recovered from the village. Their faint shimmer reflected in Poppy's eyes.
"These," Astro said firmly. "Loke said these are communication lacrimas. Do you know anyone who makes or sells this type?"
Poppy pouted slightly at being redirected, but leaned in to inspect them. "Hmm… yeah, these do look like communication lacrimas, but a bit larger than the ones I use. I usually buy mine from Stardust Arcana—the shop near the clock tower. You can see it from here. They should still be open."
Astro followed her gesture, spotting the tower glowing faintly against the twilight.
"Thanks. That helps a lot."
Before Loke could get any ideas about staying, Astro snagged him by the collar and started dragging him down the street. Poppy just waved them off cheerfully like an innocent girl, as if she hadn't just offered to split the night between the two of them.
Twenty minutes later, they were standing in front of Stardust Arcana, a medium sized but elegant shop tucked between taller buildings. Its windows glowed warmly, the glass reflecting shelves stacked with shining lacrimas.
"So, what's the plan? Are we going in?" Loke asked, glancing at the sign.
"Not yet." Astro slipped into a nearby alley and returned a moment later carrying two disguises: simple masks and wigs. He shoved the pink wig at Loke.
"If we're going to investigate, we can't show our faces. Here, put this on."
Loke stared at the wig like it had personally insulted him. "Why do I get the feeling you planned this ahead of time? And why pink, out of all colors?"
"Because it matches your personality," Astro deadpanned, already tugging his own white-haired wig over his head. "And no, they never saw my face when I bought these. I just left the money on the counter and walked out."
Loke groaned but pulled the wig on anyway. "Fine, but if anyone sees me like this, I'm blaming you for the rest of my life."
Inside, the shop smelled faintly of incense and polished wood. Lacrimas in every size and color sparkled under soft lamplight, displayed on shelves and velvet stands. A middle-aged man stepped forward, straightening his spectacles as the two walked in.
"Welcome! How can I help you tonight?"
Astro nudged Loke sharply with his elbow.
"We're looking for communication lacrimas," Loke said smoothly, leaning against the counter like he had all the time in the world. "My girlfriend told me this is the best place to buy them."
"Ah, of course!" the shopkeeper said eagerly, rubbing his hands together. "Are you interested in the couple's line? We have smaller lacrimas you can fit into earrings—very popular with young lovers." He gestured proudly at a display case filled with glittering jewelry.
Loke bent down to inspect them, humming thoughtfully. "Those are nice, but do you have larger ones? Something I could put into a pendant, maybe. I want to give it as a gift, and I'd rather it stay close to her heart." His voice softened into the tone of a lovesick teen, selling the act perfectly.
The shopkeeper hesitated for a moment, then gave a practiced smile. "We don't keep those in stock, but we could craft one if you'd like. It would cost a little extra, of course." His eyes gleamed with calculation, already seeing Loke as an easy mark.
That was Astro's moment. He pulled one of the recovered lacrimas from his cloak and set it gently on the counter.
"Something like this size, maybe?"
The shopkeeper leaned in—and for a split second, his face drained of color. His eyes widened in recognition, maybe even fear. Then he quickly forced a smile, shaking his head.
"No, no, not possible. These are far too big. But we could make a smaller pendant instead—"
But the damage was done. Both Astro and Loke had seen his reaction. They shared a look, silent understanding passing between them.
Without a word, Loke strolled over to the door, flipped the sign to Closed, and locked it. Meanwhile, Astro stepped forward and placed his hand gently against the shopkeeper's confused face. His palm glowed faintly, and before the man could cry out, he slumped unconscious to the floor.
Loke came back, brushing imaginary dust from his jacket. "There's no one else here. No assistants, no guards, no surveillance lacrimas either. That's unusual for a shop this size, especially this late at night."
"Yeah, I also thought that it was weird." Astro was already moving behind the counter, rifling through ledgers and sales records stacked neatly in piles. "Check the storage in the back. If these lacrimas came from here, there should be some kind of record."
"On it," Loke said with a sharp nod, disappearing through the back door.
The once-warm shop now felt heavy and tense, like the moment right before a storm breaks.
Two cloaked figures lingered just outside the town, their eyes fixed on the clock tower glinting in the distance.
"Brother, do we really have to make these trips every time we need more of those lacrimas?" the bulkier one grumbled, shoulders hunched under his cloak. "Why not just grab that shopkeeper and force him to make them at our base?"
The leaner man with a scar on his face beside him sighed, irritation flickering in his sharp eyes. "You really don't get it, do you? That fool is too well-known. If he disappears—or gets kidnapped—people will notice. We'd draw attention we don't need. It's smarter to make him comply willingly… or as close to willingly as possible."
The burly man scowled, muttering under his breath.
"I swear, I hope those orders are ready this time," the leaner man continued, his voice low but cutting, laced with menace. "I am in no mood for any more delays, and if they aren't prepared… Well, let's just say I don't mind showing how twisted my voice can be to that fool.."
The sound of his voice was warped, almost unnatural, as if some dark magic twisted it, giving every word a chilling resonance. The burly figure flinched, shivering slightly despite the cold night air, knowing exactly what kind of storm might be coming if the orders weren't fulfilled.