Project Mage

Becky and Sybil had been at Alden's cabin for some time with the others. They remained quiet but assisted with the recovery efforts and offered their support to Kintovar and the others. However, one evening…

Becky turned to Sybil and said, "Hey, Syb, we've gotta find a place to crash for the night. This cabin is getting a bit too cozy for comfort."

Sybil glanced around the cabin, considering Becky's concern. "Well, there's the guest room where we always crash," she suggested, gesturing towards the familiar space.

Becky shook her head. "Yeah, but what about when Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle are back on their feet? They'll need that room, won't they?"

Sybil chuckled nervously. "I'm…sure we can figure something out…. There are some nice cozy couch--"

Before Sybil could finish, Becky grabbed her by the arm and started pulling her towards the door. "Come on, Syb, let's go. I've got an idea."

Kintovar, noticing their sudden departure, called out from where she was working, "Where are you two going?"

Becky turned around quickly and placed one hand behind her head."Uh, we were just... going to check the perimeter! Yeah, make sure everything's secure."

Sybil nodded quickly in agreement. "Right, perimeter check…. We'll be back soon!"

With that, Becky dragged Sybil out of the cabin, leaving Kintovar slightly bemused but focused back on her work.

Sybil glanced nervously at Becky while walking away from Alden's cabin. "Becky, where are we really going?"

"To Lina and Bob's place," Becky declared boldly.

Sybil's brow furrowed with worry. "Are you sure that's a good idea? They might not want us crashing at their place."

Becky waved off Sybil's concern with a dismissive gesture. "You're thinking too small, Syb. We gotta think big!" She emphasized her point by stretching her arms out wide with a grin on her face.

Sybil sighed with a sense of dread creeping over her. "Becky, you said you had an idea, but this doesn't sound like a good one..."

Becky's grin widened into an almost evil smirk. "Trust me, Syb. It's gonna be epic."

Sybil's unease grew, but she followed Becky nonetheless.

Becky and Sybil arrived at Lina and Bob's cabin. They knocked on the door, and after a moment, Bob opened it with concern. "Becky, Sybil, what's going on?"

Becky wasted no time and blurted out, "Good news and bad news, Bob. We found Kintovar."

Bob's eyes widened in shock. "Kintovar? You mean the scientist who created those androids? Is she here? Is she safe?"

Lina, who had been listening from inside the cabin, walked over to join them calmly. "Let's hear the full story, Becky, Sybil."

Becky continued, "Kintovar is here, and she's working on repairing Risebelle and Runebelle. They were badly injured in a battle with Dark Whirlwind."

Bob's shock deepened at the mention of Dark Whirlwind, and he stammered, "Dark Whirlwind? Here? In North Jancito?"

Sybil nodded gravely. "Yes, and she wreaked havoc in the southern part of North Jancito. Roselle, Risebelle and Runebelle tried to stop her and got seriously hurt in the process."

Lina remained remarkably composed. She turned to Becky and Sybil. "Thank you for letting us know. We'll need to meet Kintovar tomorrow to discuss matters further.”

Bob was shaken by the news, but he nodded in agreement with Lina.

Becky shifted nervously, sensing Bob's hesitation. "Um, so yeah, since Alden's place is full and all, we were wondering if we could crash here tonight?" she asked tentatively.

Bob started to shake his head, ready to refuse, but Lina intervened, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. With a smile, she turned to Becky and Sybil. "Of course you can stay here tonight. It's not a problem."

Bob sighed reluctantly. "Okay, fine," he conceded, "But Lina and I like to keep things moving around here. We’re going to be leaving North Jancito in the Morning, so you’ll have to find another place to stay. Also, you’re going to have to pull your weight tonight."

Becky flashed a quick wink and a thumbs-up to Sybil. "Sure thing, Bob. We'll be super helpful!”

Lina chuckled softly. "I'm sure you will be," she said warmly. "Come on in, and let’s have a nice meal."

After they were settled into their temporary lodging, thoughts of the day's events and the mysteries surrounding Kintovar and Dark Whirlwind swirled in their minds.

Becky and Sybil sat on the same bed with the events Dark Whirlwind heavy in their minds. Becky flopped back onto the bed with a fake smile. "Well, that was a roller coaster of a day with that Dark whirlwind girl, huh? Almost like a bad action flick, but without the popcorn."

Sybil sat beside her wearing concern. "Becky, I can tell you're frustrated about how things went down with Dark Whirlwind."

Becky sighed with her smile fading away. "Yeah, I guess it's pretty obvious, huh? I mean, we were supposed to stop her, but instead, we barely made a dent. And now Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle are in rough shape because of it."

Becky ran her fingers through her hair. “This freaken sucks! I hate feeling powerless. We've been through so much together, and we've grown stronger, but when we face someone like Dark Whirlwind, it's like we're back to square one."

Sybil nodded. "I get it, Becky. I hate feeling powerless too. We can't rely on our physical abilities alone, not against someone like her. We need to figure out a way to overcome our magical limitations."

Becky's eyes narrowed “You’re right, Syb. We can't keep runnin into situations where we're helpless. We've gotta do something about it."

"Let's make a plan, Becky. Let's find a way to increase our magical power and become stronger mages."

Becky grinned. "You're damn right, Sybil. We're going to become the strongest mages out there, and then no one will catch us off guard again!"

Becky carefully took out a picture of Dj from her pocket. Her eyes f were ixed on the image. Her encounter with him underground had left a lasting impression.

Sybil noticed Becky's contemplative expression and asked, "What's on your mind, Becky?"

Becky bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before sharing her idea. "You know, Sybil, I've been thinking…. Bob and Lina are hunting Dj, and they'll be leaving North Jancito eventually. What if we joined them in their hunt?"

Sybil raised an eyebrow. "Join them in hunting Dj? Are you sure about that? It sounds risky."

Becky nodded. "Yeah, but so what? It’s a chance to get stronger. Dj is a powerful guy, and if we do, we can learn and improve our abilities from him or even just watching him fight again. Plus…I wanna see him again."

Sybil considered the idea, weighing the risks and rewards. After a moment, she nodded in agreement. "You're right, Becky. It's a risky move, but if it helps us become stronger mages and brings us closer to our goals, then it's worth considering. Let's talk to Bob and Lina about it and see if they're open to the idea."

Becky threw herself on top of Sybil, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Syb, I'm so glad we've been through all this together. You're like the sister I never had."

Sybil blushed furiously from Becky’s sudden display of affection. "B-Becky, come on! You're embarrassing me," she protested while turning her head slightly.

Becky chuckled, “Whaddya mean? It’s only us here!” She released Sybil while they both lay there. She remained sincere. "Seriously, Syb. I dunno know where I'd be without ya. You've always had my back, even when the goings got rough."

Sybil relaxed a bit. "And you've always been the adventurous one, dragging me into all sorts of crazy situations," she teased lightly.

Becky grinned mischievously. "Hey, cmon, you love it and you know it!"

The two friends shared a moment of laughter before dozing off.

The next morning, Becky and Sybil joined Bob and Lina for breakfast before heading over to Alden's cabin. Becky dug into her food with enthusiasm, her appetite on full display. She devoured her meal quickly.

Lina remarked with a cheeky tone, "Becky, do you have a black hole in your stomach or something? You eat like you're in a race."

Becky paused mid-bite and retorted, "Well, Lina, if I didn't eat quickly, I might miss out on all the good stuff."

The exchange brought a smile to everyone's faces.

Afterwards, however, Becky and Sybil exchanged glances before staring seriously at Lina and Bob.

Bob and Lina noticed the change in their demeanor and asked, "What's on your minds, girls?"

Becky took a deep breath and began to explain, "Well, Bob, Lina, there's something we've been thinking about. When you two leave North Jancito, we want to go with you."

Sybil nodded in agreement, "We've learned a lot during our time here, and we want to continue growing as mages. Traveling with you and facing challenges head-on seems like the best way to do that."

Lina's eyes twinkled with mischief as she glanced at Becky, remembering their encounter with Dj underground. "Oh, Becky, is this because you want to see Dj again? You've got a little crush on him, don't you?"

Becky's face turned bright red, and she stammered in embarrassment. "N-No! It's not only about that. We just want to get stronger, that's all!"

Bob chuckled at the exchange and then turned his attention to Becky and Sybil. "Well, it's a big decision. We'll talk it over and see if it's a viable option. But remember, it won't be easy to catch. Dj is a powerful opponent, and if you’re not careful, he could easily turn you both to ash.”

Sybil nodded. "We understand the risks. We just want the chance to become stronger and prove ourselves as mages."

Lina, still wearing a mischievous grin, leaned in and whispered to Becky, "Don't worry, Becky. We'll make sure you get to see your crush again."

Becky's blush deepened. Her face tried to force back a smile.

The group made their way to Alden's cabin, and upon arrival, Alden warmly greeted Bob with a hug. "Good to see you again, Bob. That's twice now, so you owe me two sodas," Alden said with a grin.

Bob chuckled and playfully retorted, "You've got a good memory, Alden. Alright, sodas on me next time."

Alden then called out to his wife, "Honey, look who's here!"

Bob and Lina entered the cabin, and Bob's eyes lit up with a warm smile when he spotted Alden's 7-year-old daughter, Sally. He knelt down to her level and greeted her. "Hi there, Sally! Remember me? I'm Bob."

Sally smiled back and nodded, recognizing Bob from their previous encounter. "Hi, Bob! You're the one with the funny jokes!"

Bob chuckled. "That's right, Sally. I'm the jokester."

Becky and Sybil greeted Alden, Sally, and Kintovar again before everyone settled in. They saw Kintovar hard at work, focused on her intricate task.

Lina laid her eyes on Kintovar for the first time since Silver’s transformation into Kintovar. Kintovar was unlike anyone she had ever met before. Her whole presence was different than what she came to see from the way Silver put her on and she seemed to have a confidence and demeanor that alone moved her.

Kintovar was deeply engrossed in her work. Her lab coat was impeccably red, and her orange hair cascaded down her back. Kintovar looked up and noticed Lina's presence. She was momentarily surprised. Her sunglasses provided her with a unique perspective, allowing her to detect magical energy in those she encountered; however, after observing Lina, she realized that there was no magical energy to detect.

Kintovar's eyebrows raised slightly in surprise. With a friendly smile, Lina extended her hand toward Kintovar. "Hi there," she greeted warmly. "I'm Lina, Bob's girlfriend. I have to say, those sunglasses of yours are quite impressive. I've never seen anything like them."

Kintovar, still processing the absence of magical energy in Lina, reciprocated the handshake with a friendly demeanor. "Nice to meet you, Lina," she replied. "And thank you. These sunglasses serve a unique purpose. They help me with my work."

Lina nodded. "I'm quite familiar with this type of technology, but these seem to be of a different make-up than what is normally used. Mind sharing some information about them?"

Kintovar considered Lina's question for a moment before deciding to offer a brief explanation. "These sunglasses are equipment which allows me to detect and analyze magical energy. It helps me in my research and development work."

Lina's eyes widened with interest. "That's fascinating," she remarked. "I've always been intrigued by the fusion of magic and technology. It's not a common sight in the North."

"It's a field I'm passionate about," Kintovar admitted. "I believe that technology has the potential to enhance and complement the capabilities of magic."

Lina's gaze shifted to the tanks that held Roselle, Risebelle, and Runebelle. She soon saw something unusual and looked on with curiosity.

To be continued…