Aggem State became its own independent nation from its originator as only the single populated area was the Aggem Town. That is where Search Team B will do their investigation, asking people around, looking for anything strange and out of the blue that might lead them a step closer. When Alice had parked the van at a nearby parking lot and got out of the vehicle, they—mostly Alics as she was still a tourist— were surprised to see that the town was decorated with a different stripes of ribbons and with occasional flowers put on display on pots, or shaped and attached to house doors.
"What's happening here?" Questioned Alice as she was perpetuated by the scenes of ongoing town folks miggling about in the streets.
Ben looked and said, "It's the town's festival called the guardian Aggem festival."
"What's it about?" Asked Alice a little curious.
Ben recalled his memory when he had lectures with the Director. "The festival celebrate the victory won by the warrior or guardian long ago that protected this land from the monsters who threatened the very destruction of the innocent. It is also celebrated for when the monsters return and she too will come again to save those in need, or so as the legend goes..."
As Alice heard this from Ben, she could see the liveliness the town's people were showing. It was brimming with joy and laughter. Although, the thought of legends and myths didn't seem to bother as she grew out of that habit of believing fairytales. She has much bigger fish to catch. As she continued to watch, her eyes led her to a certain scene that reverberated through her feelings. She saw a small girl and an old lay (her grandma, probably). The old lady bent down slightly as the girl gave her flowers which in return the old lady smiled back to her granddaughter.
In that very instant, the scene of those two, reminded of her own memories. It was the memory of when her grandmother (was still alive) and they would play. Old, and seemingly unamused, she thought of these memories forgotten...but still her heart ached in light of this hidden feelings. She stood still, unable to move.
It's Ben first time in and around the Aggem state. His heard alot from it, whispers and rumors from ordinary people, and sometimes on the news. Since becoming independent, it shut itself from outside influence. Those that weren't part of the Aggem state told mockingly of how their society proved futile and pathetic, but seeing up close, with his own eyes, he could prove those truths he believed to be wrong. Lovely day and a brimming array of locals, where was the harm in that? "We should start asking around, maybe these people may know what we are looking for," facing towards Alice.
"Yeah," she said, "....yeah, we should." What Ben didn't realize was that Alice's speech was flawed. Like an old record player. Momentarily for a split second she was going to go off track with that slight gap, but ultimately found the courage to rebound. She was back to her old self, stuffing those old memories back in the closet. Her memory vault. Pointed out by the clear signs of her rubbing her eyes as if they were about to shed tears.
So, as things got back to normal, they plan from the get-go that they would start off simple and ask the people around during this festival. Their investigation lasted three hours and they stopped for cool refreshments. From there they went off again.
In there investigation, they came across all kinds of people. From small. Teen. Young adult. Adult. And middle aged. The older people was a bit trickier for them to come to a conclusion. Maybe it was because they were old, had some impairment, or just pissed off that someone is asking a question that doesn't even have an answer to.
Alice, who took charge, was holding her anger within in her. She didn't want to blow up or else the people around them might get the wrong idea. Such as: "Why is that young lady berating an old lady/man?" or "She has no respect for the elders! Shane on her?" Once the talks were over, finally she could have time to herself.
"Shit!" She exclaimed softly. "That old hag was driving me insanely! It's like I'll never hear the end of it."
As if it hasn't gotten much troubling for her, she checked her phone to tel, the time. And immediately she was flabbergasted. 'Five hours! It's been five hours!' Her yelling didn't stop in her mind. She was outraged. They keep on looking for their man, but it seems they have no single clue to get them anywhere. Useless!
She then saw Ben coming close to her. Before he could speak, Alice bombard him with her agonising blabbering mouth. She was frustrated, tied, and weak. She didn't want to walk any longer. Her legs are nearing her limit. And her ears ached to not hear another talk again, especially if that one is an old and good-for-nothing fart.
"I've got a lead," Ben said, injecting right in her gibberish.
It didn't get to her.
But as she was in a state of distress, her mind was made up in three seconds; she stopped and tilted her head at Ben. "Wait—What did you say?" She spoke.
Repeated Ben, "I said I've got a lead."
"What! WHERE!"
He stepped back, did a 90-degree spin, and looked straight ahead. Alice noticed he's movement and so, she joined him.
"The girl earlier we met before," Ben spoke. He started off with their first interviewee. She was a young girl (not to be confused with the girl that Alice saw) that had brownish hair. It was then that Ben went in to explain his reasoning. "Although you didn't think she was too young and unworthy, it took time, only then that she told me something interesting after waiting patiently."
He signaled with a nod. 'Up there. A Man in white and black will tell you.' "Was what she said."
Alice walked out of the shadowy alley. "WHERE EXACTLY?!" She was in a frantic rush.
"I think if you follow this road straight ahead—"
And without a second to lose, Alice ran for it.
Ben was left speechless. Not mad, just speechless. He didn't know what to say. A minute ago, she was frustrated over this investigation and the next thing when he mentions that he found a clue it was something new for her. She was like the gears of a vehicle.