Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Within the home of Giovanni Potage, Giovanni is making sure all of his Banzai Blaster merchandise and fan equipment is shoved into his closet, under his bed, and in his dresser. Soon, he hears a knock on his door. 

“Uh- c-come in!” he says nervously as he forces the closet door closed, leaning against it as nonchalantly as he can.

The door opens, and in walks the well-kept form of Doctor Sylvester Ashling, who carries with him two glasses of lemonade, clearly prepared by Giovanni’s Mother. He sets one on the dresser, next to where Giovanni stands.

“Thank you for taking the time to speak with me, Mr. Potage.” Sylvester says politely.

“Oh, er, it’s no problem!” Giovanni says. “You’re one of those heroes , after all! It’d be stupid not to let you come in!” he bears a grin. “And uh, Giovanni is fine.”

“Well, so long as we’re being formal, you can call me ‘Sylvie’.” Sylvester says and takes a sip of the lemonade.

“Like what Ma- er, that Banzai Blaster called you?” the boy asks.

Sylvester gets a look on his face like he just bit into a lemon. Which isn’t surprising, considering the number of lemons that go into a single pitcher of Mrs. Potage’s lemonade. “You could say that.” He sighs, fixing his glasses. “I was actually hoping I might ask you some questions about that night.”

“Oh! Er…you know, it’s kinda blurry, but I’ll do what I can!” Giovanni says, continuing to lean.

“Shall we sit?” Sylvie asks. “It may be more comfortable in the living room…” Sylvester says, beginning to turn and almost seeing a Banzai Poster sticking out from under Giovanni’s bed.

“NO!” Giovanni cries, and Sylvie turns to look at him. “I mean…I think I read somewhere that it’s much more professional to stand, right?” he says, lying through his teeth.

“I…suppose.” Sylvie answers, then takes a file from his labcoat and flips through it. “Let me bring you up to speed. Currently, seven Banzai Blasters from the Museum are still at large, as well as the amulet they stole. Their Captain has always been my responsibility, but now I’ve been given the sole responsibility of hunting down that amulet, no matter what it takes. You could call it a promotion if it didn’t include so much extra work…” he mumbles that last part. “The Banzai Blaster’s general disorganization makes them…difficult to track. Especially when this one can dumb down the pressure feet make to prevent footprints.”

“They sound like real professionals!” Giovanni says.

“Unfortunately, yes. I’ve dealt with blasters on occasion before, but the fact that she joined them…I would have expected her to aim higher. Maybe Bliss Ocean.” Sylvie says absentmindedly.

“Those Mundie terrorist guys? They’re scary…” Giovanni says, suddenly worried.

“Oh! Er…it’s no issue! I’m sure they’re not involved.” Sylvie says reassuringly, then clears his throat. “I was just wondering if you caught the names of any of her minions, any sign of a base, or anything they were planning on doing?”

“Er…I think one of them said something about celebratory pizza?” Giovanni shrugs.

“Is that all?” Sylvester asks.

“Er, yeah! Nothing else really comes to mind!” Giovanni smiles innocently.

“A shame…” Sylvester sighs and closes the file. “Thank you, Giovanni. If it comes down to it, your testimony could prove vital. I cannot emphasize enough how dangerous that woman is.” he turns, turning up his glasses to make them shine (consequently temporarily blinding him to certain areas of the room), and he walks out the door. “Who knows what she’s doing, even now?” he closes the door, and Giovanni sighs in relief, the closet door opening and causing piles of merchandise to fall on top of him.

---

Molly is lifting weights, dumbing down the resistance of her muscles to allow her to feel less pain and lift heavier weights, bulking her up in far more time than a normal person. While she lifts, her phone is dialing a number as she has the Arsene Amulet hanging on a bust.

“Yeah?” the phone answers, and Molly’s eyes dart to the phone on speaker. “If you’re another scammer, don’t waste yet time!”

“I’m not a scammer, I’m a Banzai Blaster.” Molly answers.

“There’s a difference now?” the woman responds with an audible grin.

“Is this Zora Salazar or not?” Molly asks.

“I’um.” the woman answers.

“I need someone who can tell me the worth of an artifact. I’m supposed to call you.” Molly explains.

“Sure, I know a thing of two about antiques .” the woman chuckles knowingly.

“Haha, yes, very clever.” Molly rolls her eyes.

“Aight, what are we lookin’ at here?” Zora asks.

“Well, it’s the-” Molly begins, but within her dark training hall, the door bursts open, and a woman with long, flowing blonde hair comes in with a tray of cookies.

“Mama Bear, I made cookies~!” Phoenicia declares.

“Pheenie, not now!” Molly scolds. “I’m on a call!”

“Agh, sorry!” Phoenicia says. “I’ll just…I’ll just be outside.” she says and closes the door, and Molly sighs.

“Sorry about that.” Molly says. “I’ve got the Arsene Amulet.”

“Wait, you serious? Now that’s a hell of a find! How’d you manage that?” Zora asks.

“I…stole it? It was in the news?” Molly arches an eyebrow.

“Ah, I don’t get out much. Or I guess I might get out too much .” Zora chuckles, and Molly can hear the rustling of trees. “Alright, you’ve got my attention. Let’s-” suddenly, Molly hears a cracking noise, like snapping wood. “Aw, dingbats.” she mutters. “Listen, kid, I can’t talk now!”

“What’s happening?” Molly asks, dropping the weights. “Are you okay?”

“I’ll be fine!” Zora answers. “Listen. I got a little hideaway in a town up north called Redwood Run. Ever heard of it?”

“The Banzai Blaster town?” Molly asks.

“Exactly!” Zora smiles. “Smart kid. Meet me there in two day’s time. I’ll be in the house with a metal roof . Got it?”

“Redwood Run, Metal Roof. Got it.” Molly answers.

“Good gal!” Zora says and hangs up.

Molly sighs a bit and wipes her sweat. “Alright…game time.” she heads out the doors, seeing Trixie devouring all of Phoenica’s cookies, to the latter’s dismay.

“Hey, girls.” she smiles, and they both stare at her. “How do we feel about a road trip?” she asks with a malicious grin.

---

In two days, an expensive car is being driven by Phoenica to Redwood Run, while Trixie eats snacks in the passenger seat, and Molly lays in the back, looking at the Arsene Amulet in her hands.

“This little trinket is the answer to all of our problems.” Molly smiles.

“With the things that’ll do for us, we’ll get everything we’ve ever wanted!” Trixie grins.

“All because of our Mama Bear!” Phoenica declares.

“Pheenie, you two aren’t on duty right now. You can just call me ‘Molly’.” Molly insists.

“I just hope we aren’t out too late! You know how worried my parents get with our little ‘excursions’!” Phoenica says.

“Relax, Pheenie, we’re not doing anything illegal except driving .” Trixie says. “Hey, Molly, take this!” she says, handing Molly a small belt of potions.

“What do these do?” Molly asks.

“I wrote what they do on them! They’re some of my best work.” Trixie says adamantly.

“We’re heeeeere~!” Phoenica declares as she parks, and Molly steps out and stretches.

“Alright, I’ll see you two in a couple of hours. If I’m not back by sunset…” she gets a serious look on her face. “Burn Redwood Run to the ground.” she says and walks into town.

“Okay, Molly!” Trixie smiles, waving her off.

“Bye, Molly dear~!” Phoenica calls.

Molly struts into Redwood Run, seeing the many blasters around her as she looks about the town. “It’s a lot… different in person.” Molly shrugs. “Alright, metal roof, metal roof, metal roof…aha!” her eyes land on the Sheriff’s Office. “There it is!” She starts to walk forward, then freezes. “Hang on…what?” she narrows her eyes. “This is…weird.” She holds a hand behind her back, extending her bear claws as she enters the abode gently.

Behind the desk, a man with gray skin wearing a sheriff’s hat sits behind the desk, his feet up on the table and a straw of wheat sticking out of his mouth. He looks up, seeing Molly as she enters.

“Can I help you?” he asks curtly.

“I’m…here to meet someone about an appraisal?” Molly asks.

“Of course…” the man sighs. “Ev’rybody here got a job to do ‘cept me. She’s in the back.” he juts a thumb backward, and Molly walks past him towards the single cell in this establishment.

“Are you…Zora Salazar?” Molly asks as she approaches, and stepping out is a woman in a poncho and rather western-themed clothes, save for her feet, which are bare. Her hair is messy, and she looks like she’s been living in the woods. Which she has been.

“I’um!” she grins.

“Well…you’re certainly a sight .” Molly notes.

“Yeah, alright, I appraise you to be a judgemental cu-” Zora says, but Molly shakes her head.

“Right, sorry, it’s just…the Blasters built you up to be a bit more .” Molly explains.

“Alright, I guess that’s fair enough.” Zora sighs. “You the kid who called about the amulet?”

“Yeah, what happened?” Molly asks, concern in her voice. “Did you get caught? Need help?”

“Well, yer a sweet one!” Zora sighs. “Don’t you worry, sugar cube. I turned myself in!” she leans back in a lawn chair and holds out a pinecone with a straw sticking out of it.

“...oh. Is the sheriff a blaster or something?” Molly asks.

“Noooot exactly.” Zora answers. “See, a gal like me’s got a lot of enemies. Right now, I’ve got a bushel of bounty hunter’s after me for the cons I pull. Including one rat of a man…” she shudders. “But! He can’t turn me over to the authorities if I’m already in jail!” she grins. “Pretty smart, right?” she winks. “Besides, it’s great here! Watch this. Oy, Howie!” she calls out. “Do me a solid and top me off, would ya?”

The Sheriff sighs. “Might as well…” he stands up. “Got nothin’ else to do.”

“See?” Zora smiles. “It’s like a vacation!” She leans in to talk to Molly closer. “Look, the guy’s a bit of a sad sack. He’s lived here since before the Blasters occupied it, and he’s a pretty strong Mundie, and a pretty crack sheriff. Issue is, with him being the only law enforcement, he can catch all the blasters he wants, but the big guys with Epithets just bust ‘em out. He’s the only one left now, and he’s a workaholic, so as long as I give him something to do, he keeps me safe.” Zora explains. “But, that’s politics! We’re here for business . You got the amulet?”

“I do.” Molly holds the amulet up, and Zora grins.

“Yeah, that’s the gen-u-ine article, alright. Hand it over.” she orders, and Molly holds it back.

“That wasn’t the deal…” she growls protectively, covering the amulet like it’s a bear cub as she eyes the hobo-woman.

“Oh, c’mon, kid, are you kidding? Do you not know who I am?” Zora asks.

“I don’t need you using your little epithet to make it less valuable.” Molly retorts.

“...alright, so you do know who I am.” Zora shrugs. “Color me surprised. Guess it had to happen sooner or later.” she leans back. “Listen, girlie, look at this.” she focuses her power on the pinecone, and a glow surrounds it, resembling the orange glow of a sunset. Slowly, the pinecone begins to change, sprouting a bud. Just as quickly, she reverses the process, returning it to pinecone form. “I can do this with any old piece of crud I find on the side of the road. I don’t need yer crummy amulet, I can make my fortune some other way.”

“...fine.” Molly hands her the amulet.

“Thank ya kindly.” Zora says with an innocent smile, taking it and looking it over, and the tattoos around her eyes glow as she analyzes the arsene amulet closely. “Hm…it’s the real deal, alright. You’re full of surprises, girlie.”

“How much?” Molly asks.

“Hmm…it’s 65 years old- 66 in a few months- worth at least a few thousand dollars.” Zora explains.

“It sounds weird when you say ‘dollars’ with your accent.” Molly notes.

“ But when you throw in the fact that you can steal any Epithet you want with this baby? Well…I can think of more than a few people who’d want a taste of that power.” Zora chuckles, tossing it back to Molly, who catches it. “You find the right mundie businessman who wants a superpower? That there necklace is worth millions.”

“Millions?!” Molly exclaims, then grins. “Yes…this is just what I needed.” She clenches the amulet tighter. “I’ll arrange a meeting and get a promotion. They might even make me a Valedictorian, the third highest rank!”

“Yer system is confusing.” Zora says. “But, er…you sure you wanna hand that over to the Banzai Blasters? Yer bosses don’t really pay well. I mean, come on, Bliss Ocean would probably give you at least twice as much for it!”

“I’m not working with Bliss Ocean.” Molly scowls.

“Listen, I ain’t saying they’re good guys, but it’s good pay!” Zora insists.

“You’re a smart girl, Zora.” Molly smirks. “Sure you can imagine what I could do with this kinda power in a…’meeting’ with those in charge.”

Zora whistles. “I underestimated you, girl. You got a dark side. I likes it!” Zora laughs as Molly walks away. “Good kid…she’s gonna screw them all over. Oh, well!” She leans back in her chair. “Not my problem!”

---

Sylvester is in a squad car, driving through the forest on the edge of town.

“ATTENTION ALL UNITS, ATTENTION!” a voice screams through the transmitter, and Sylvie nearly swerves off the road as he hits the brakes. “LOOKIN’ FOR PATROL IN THE VICINITY OF REDWOOD RUN, OVER!”

“Unit 375, reporting in.” Sylvie says with a sigh.

“SYLVIE!” the man shouts. “We just got a call from the Fleecity Family! Their daughter is missing! AGAIN!”

“She’s probably just out with her friends again…” he sighed. “Excluding one, obviously.”

“Listen, we got word that she was seen drivin’ towards Redwood Run! Things HAPPEN out there!” The man exclaims.

“Alright, alright, I’ll check it out!” Sylvie sighs.

“ROGER THAT!” the man declares, and Sylvie shuts off the radio.

“Here we go…” he starts to drive.

---

Sylvie soon arrives at the edge of Redwood Run. He sees the familiar (and expensive) car of the Fleecity family, definitely not stolen, with two figures eating snacks on the rooftop. Trixie Roughouse and Phoenica Fleecity XV are sharing snacks while they sit on the roof of the car. Trixie is flicking a lighter in her hand while watching the sky.

“Hey, you two.” Sylvester calls to them as he approaches.

“GAH, SHEEP BOY!” Trixie exclaims.

“Sheep boy!” Phoenica exclaims with pleasure and leaps down, hugging him. “How is it that you always manage to find me when I’m up to no good~?” she soons into his arms, and he sighs.

“I would drop you, but your Father would sue me.” He says plainly.

“Yes, he would~” Phoenica taps him on the nose.

“I was sent here because you two snuck off without telling anyone. Again .” Sylvie says.

“We’re adults, we can do what we want! So back off, cop .” Trixie spits on the ground.

“Listen, you two, I know the last time we met, things didn’t end… positively , but I’m not the bad guy here!” Sylvie insists. “I’m just trying to…to…” he looks past them and sees a flash of yellow. He then steps in front of them defensively. “Don’t panic, I think I just saw a Banzai Blaster.”

“A blaster? In the woods? Ooooh, how…odd!” Phoenica states, clearly lying.

“Both of you, stay here while I investigate.” Sylvie says, snapping his fingers to occupy Phoenica’s hands with a sheep, which she instantly starts hugging.

“Ugh…” Trixie facepalms. “Gotta warn her.” Trixie quickly texts while Sylvie walks into town, then she hears ominous humming as someone passes by. “Who was that…?”

---

Molly walks through town, holding the amulet tight in her hand. Soon, she pulls out her phone and scowls. “Oh, just great…” she says, and then bumps into someone. “Sorry…” she says.

“Well, well, well…” a snooty voice says. “What have we here, Bugsy?” a tall man with barcode hair states with a sneering grin.

“Hard to tell, Arnold.” a stout and obese man responds. “But if I had to guess, I’d say she looks like a little old Banzai Captain!” he chuckles, causing his stomach to wiggle.

“A Captain, huh?” Arnold grins. “That can’t be right. What would a lowly Captain be doing with something like that ?” He gestures to her amulet, and she holds it protectively.

“I dunno, Arnold! But that necklace is WAY out of her league. We’d better do her a favor…” Bugsy grins. “And take it off her hands. Just to be safe…” the two chortle with laughter as Bugsy approaches, and Molly takes his arm and twists it around, and he screams in pain.

“Maybe it’s not clear who I am. I’m a Banzai Captain , so back off and you won’t get hurt.” Molly threatens.

“How dare you!” Arnold declares, pulling Bugsy away. “Don’t go acting like you’re some Banzai Associate Justice! We’re Banzai Vice Principals !”

“A couple jokers like you? What, you pay your way to the top?” she jokes.

“That’s how it works!” Bugsy retorts.

“Ugh, this system is stupid anyway.” she rolls her eyes.

“We’re your superior officers!” Arnold says.

“Which means you gotta do as we say!” Bugsy states. “And I say you give us that necklace!”

“Yeah…no.” Molly starts to walk away. “I’m not letting a couple jokers like you strike down my hard work.”

“Hey!” Bugsy growls. “Your ‘hard work’ is all for us! You’re just another minion, another tool !”

Molly stops walking. “... what did you just say?” she looks back, a ferocious look in her eye.

“You heard us.” Arnold smirks.

“Villainy is a dog-eat-dog world, little girl. You gotta be cutthroat to survive!” Bugsy declares. “That’s why every peon stays a minion, and the people with any real value move up!”

“That’s how it is all the way to the very peak of the pyramid scheme.” Arnold smirks, snapping his fingers as minions begin to surround Molly. “Get her!” he orders, and a flash of power passes Molly’s eyes.

The Minions start beating heartlessly, each of their fists meant to do a damage or two each.

“What are you all doing?” Bugsy frowns. “Why isn’t she down yet?”

The minions back up in fear, revealing that Molly…is gone.

“What?!” Arnold exclaims. “Where did she go?!”

---

“Ugh…” Molly sighs as she enters the tavern. “Banzai Blasters…who needs ‘em?” She tucks the amulet in a pocket. “Forget it. I’ll use the payment for something else. Maybe we can pool our money into something better…and then I’m gonna burn down wherever those Barons base.” she snarls to herself. “At least those fools ended up doing no damage to me. Let’s do this on my terms.”

---

“What happened here?” Sylvie asks himself as he walks through Redwood Run. “Criminals on every stoop, the people here are terrified and hiding in their homes while Banzai Blasters walk free!” He growls as he sees a trio of female blasters. 

“You there!” he declares, cocking his yoyo. “By the order of the SJPD, you are all under arrest! Turn yourselves in, or I’ll be forced to use force!”

“Hah, what kinda cop are you? Listen up, kid-” one of them says.

“I’m 22.” Sylvie says stoically.

“What, seriously?!” she exclaims. “You’re kidding, you look 16!”

“I’m aware.” Sylvie sighs. “You were saying?”

“Whatever, listen buddy, you’re way outnumbered here!” she declares, and they all pull their guns. In response, Sylvie swings his yoyo, and orange powder emerges from it, knocking all three Blasters out in a single swing.

“Fools.” he sighs and ties them up with his yoyo. “Now, to find the prison…”

---

Zora lays back in her lawn chair and tries to take a sip from her pine cone. “Come on, how’s the brick do it?” she frowns and hears an ominous tune being hummed. “No…” a look of horror crosses her face.

“Oh, yeah.” a man’s voice says, and she turns to see a man in what appears to be a red pinstripe suit and a trilby, a toothpick sticking out of his mouth. “Hey, Zora. Howya doin’?”

“Ramsey?!” Zora exclaims. “How’d you find me so fast?!”

“C’mon, Zora, you stink like a junkyard and look like bigfoot.” Ramsey taunts.

“Well, too bad for you!” Zora smiles triumphantly. “As you can see, I’ve already been caught! That bounty of yers is gone!”

“Oh, Zora…” Ramsey grins, pulling out something from his coat. “You and I both know this ain’t no real prison.” he says as he throws a golden dart, and it tears through the lock on the door!

As Ramsey pulls out another dart, Zora instinctively turns into a little girl. “You wouldn’t hit a little girl, would ya Ramsey?” the little Zora asks innocently, doing her best to look adorable.

“You know I would.” Ramsey grins maliciously, then stows the darts. “Ah, but relax, Zora. It’s your lucky day!” he grins. “I just got a call from my boss! I gots a new job, which means you’re off the hook! For now.” he rests his arms on the prison window. “I’m here on friendly terms, so help a pal out and tell me all about that girl with the necklace, eh?”

“You just missed her!” Zora says, still a little girl out of fear and instinct. “I don’t know anything else other than she’s planning to use it on the Banzai Barons!”

“Wait, seriously?” Ramsey laughs. “Damn, that’s good. I almost wanna see where that goes… almost .” he stands up straight. “Well, this is fine. The hunt ain’t fun unless there’s a chase involved. So I’ll tell ya what. I’m gonna do you a favor!”

Ramsey raises his hand, and the bars turn to gold and melt away, allowing him to hop into the room.

“ You get a nice head start and go and hide somewhere, anywhere! Door’s open, ya see. You’re a free woman! But the moment I find that necklace…” he leans in close to the little girl. “I’m coming for ya.” He backs up as she falls back, returning to normal. “Of course, you can always stay here! If you think this prison cell will keep ya safe.” he rips off another prison bar and it turns to gold, and then crumbles to dust in his hand. “Maybe the sheriff can protect ya?”

“I don’t tussle with no Epithets.” Howie says stalwartly from his sitting place.

“Seeya soon, Zora.” Ramsey grins. “Bye!” he leaps out, and Zora begins to breathe heavily.

“I…I gotta get outta here!” she exclaims.

---

“Excuse me!” a voice comes from the Sheriff department’s entrance, where Sylvie comes in dragging three unconscious Banzai Blasters. “I have three Banzai Blasters to put in custody.”

“Cell’s in the back.” Howie says, looking Sylvie over. “You took ‘em out yerself?”

“Yes.” Sylvie flashes his badge and credentials. “Doctor Sylvester Ashling, Sweet Jazz Sanitarium, University, and Police Department.” he explains. “Who’s in charge here?”

“That’d be me.” Howie says, standing up straight. “The name’s Howie Honeyglow. I’m the sheriff ‘round here.” 

“And are you aware of the population of criminals in your town?” Sylvie asks.

“It’s not easy being the Sheriff of a town like this.” Howie says. “I don’t got powers like some people. I catch almost every minion, and then their bosses bust them out with their Epithets. It keeps happening.”

“I see…how awful!” Sylvie frowns. “Do you have any prisoners at all?”

“Just the one.” he juts his finger back, and Sylvie sees…a little girl in a cell.

“Hai.” the little cowgirl says, blinking innocently.

“Though she doesn’t really count.” Howie declares.

“I can…see that.” Sylvie mutters. “Is there any chance I could use your phone to call for reinforcements?”

“Redwood Run don’t have a phone line.” Howie answers.

“That…complicates things.” Sylvie sighs. “I'd hoped to call for backup to deal with the large number of criminals on our hands...granted, I didn’t loose too much stamina from dealing with these three, but it’ll all add up if I’m not careful.” he turns to Howie. “Tell you what- you said you caught almost every basic minion in town right? If I promise to take care of the epithet-wielding leaders, could you do that again?”

Howie gives a silent nod. “That I can.” He clenches his fists and cracks his knuckles. “Their little peashooters ain’t gonna get through me an inch.”

“Perfect!” Sylvie smiles. “Though, I will need more backup…”

“Hey, Mister!” the little girl calls. “You said you dealt with all those bad guys outside, right?”

“Yes, I did.” Sylvie walks up to her. “Why exactly are you in there?”

“Just some…general rapscallyhood!” she grins. “Hey, I know everything about everyone in town! Besides, I gots a criminal mind! You want backup, I’m your gal!”

“I’m…not certain that I’m comfortable getting a little girl to help me, criminal mind or not.” Sylvie says. “Despite the opportunity to study a youth’s mind in criminal affairs is almost too good to pass up…”

“Listen, all ya gotta do is protect a little girl, and I’ll help ya catch anyone ya want!” Zora grins. “Not so hard, right?” she grins, and Sylvie sighs.

“You are very lucky that you remind me of someone…” he mumbles. “Very well. Come, young lady.” he opens the door. “...Howie, this lock needs replacing.”

“On it.” he says and walks over as Sylvie and Zora start walking towards the entrance.

“So…you not gonna cuff me?” Zora asks.

“Do you have an Epithet?” Sylvie asks.

“Er…nah!” Zora smiles innocently. “Just a rapscallion mundie, just like everyone else in town!”

“Then there’s no need.” Sylvie says.

“Gee, thanks…” Zora rolls her eyes, following the oblivious man out of the building.

---

“Mornin’.” the curt bartender greets Molly. “What ya’ drinkin’?”

“Cider. Hard.” Molly orders.

“S’r th’n.” the man mumbles and gets the drink, giving her a pinecone.

“...I hate this town.” Molly mumbles.

Behind her, the doors open, and a man enters with a little girl. “Ah, a saloon. A classic brooding place for those wallowing in their own self-pity and mental discord.”

“Yeah, sure.” Zora rolls her eyes. “Oy, Barkeep! Apple Cider!” she orders as she runs up.

“This place is crawling with scoundrels…” Sylvie’s eyes widen as he sees the familiar poofy and star-ridden hair of Molly. “There! Good work, partner!”

“Eh? What’d I do?” Zora asks obliviously.

“Molly Blyndeff!” Sylvie declares, pointing at Molly. “Sweet Jazz Police! You’re under arrest!”

“Wha- Sylvester?!” Molly exclaims.

“You’re under arrest for the theft of the Arsene Amulet!” Sylvester aims his yoyo at her, and the whole bar begins to murmur as the Banzai Blasters draw their weapons at the notion that he’s a policeman.

“...I appear to have made an error.” Sylvie says, and both Molly and Zora facepalm.

Chapter Text

As the guns cock, Sylvie looks around. “I suspect I’ve made an error…” he says as the guns are cocked, the bartender lazily pulls out a shotgun, and the door flies open as Arnold and Bugsy bust in!

“Ah, SON OF A-.” Molly groans.

---

“Well, well, well…” Arnold steps forward. “It’s the little man who thought he could mess our men. And that little traitor! Two for one!”

“Traitor?” Sylvie looks at Molly, who stands up, and she takes off her Banzai Badge and crushes it in her hand, dropping it on the counter. Sylvester’s eyes light up. “Molly, you’ve finally seen reason!”

“Yeah, yeah, sure.” Molly rolls her eyes. “Listen, I let you jokers off easy last time, so don’t make me get serious!”

“Yeah!” Sylvie says, aiming his yoyo at them. “Back off!”

“What the hell’s goin’ on…?” Zora trails off.

“You hear that, boys?” Arnold smirks. “Those two think they can give us orders!” he laughs. “...come on, laugh with me!” he orders, and the minions laugh insincerely.

“Look around you!” Bugsy smirks. “In case you haven’t noticed, you’re completely surrounded!”

Molly and Sylvie look at each other. “Sewn Nightmare?” Molly asks.

“Sewn Nightmare.” Sylvie nods.

The two stand side by side, fueling the power of Molly’s dumbing effects into Sylvester’s dust, spreading a cloud of orange and green dust around them! Zora ducks under the bar, as does the bartender, and the mundies, and it doesn’t quite reach the doorway where the VPs are, but the Banzai Blasters all cough and begin to get a bit woozy.

“Nightmare Fuel!” Sylvester declares, and as the dust clears, shadows begins to flow through the bar. “Usually, this power brings a person’s nightmares to life…”

“But with my hypnosis stacked on top,” Molly grins. “I can control what you dream about!” She clenches her fist, and around the room, the shadows coalesce into prison bars surrounding every exit, and a horde of green skinned and orange-wooled sheep with ferocious bear heads and fangs appear!

“Agh! Bear-Sheep!” One of the Banzai Blasters shout.

“Take them down!” Molly and Sylvie declare in sync.

“Wha- SHOOT THEM, you fools!” Arnold orders as the Blasters cower from the ferocious summons.

“Ah, just like old times, eh Molly?...Molly?” Sylvie looks around.

Behind the bar, behind a Silence Bubble, Molly has pinned Zora down. “I know it’s you, Salazar!” she scowls. “You sold me out to Sylvester ?!”

“Hey, hey hey hey!” Zora tries to defend herself. “You wouldn’t hit a kid, would ya?”

Molly snaps her fingers, dumbing down Zora’s epithet, returning her to her normal age.

“... WHY are you with the Blasters?!” Zora exclaims and sighs. “Look, I didn’t know he was after you specifically!”

“You’re lucky I still have the necklace.” Molly growls.

Zora returns to her child form. “Phew! I was worried those goons might have taken it.” she chuckles.

“Zora, it’s been 10 minutes. Give me some credit.” Molly rolls her eyes. She lowers the silence bubble. “Barkeep, is there a back door?”

“Ain’t got the money for a back door.” he says, polishing his shotgun like it was a glass, despite crouching behind the bar.

“Look, kid, I like ya.” Zora says. “I’ll do my best to draw their attention, you get outta here!”

“Wait, Zora, I can’t just leave-” Molly says.

“Do it!” Zora says and hops out from behind the bar, still a child. “Oy, Doctor! You’re lookin’ for that amulet thingamabob, right? I think the lanky guy has it!”

“Indeed…Banzai Vice Principals.” Sylvie pushes up his glasses. “They must have taken it from her, causing Molly to turncoat.”

“Close enough.” Molly mutters.

“It’s a good thing I found this place when I did. Once this whole town is snoozing in dreamland, I’ll reclaim the amulet, and regain my friend!” Sylvie declares dramatically.

“Sylvie…” Molly mutters a bit wistfully, a look of guilt crossing her face for a second…but only for a second.

“Have at you!” Sylvie lifts his amulet. “Counting Sheep!” he declares, conjuring a horde of orange sheep to join the horde of Bear-Sheep. The sheep launch themselves at the Banzai Blasters, and as they disperse upon impact with the lesser Banzai Blasters, they each fall unconscious.

Arnold gasps as a sheep goes right for him. “OUT OF THE WAY!” Bugsy declares, leaping up and consuming the sheep, swallowing it whole.

“WHAT?!” Sylvie exclaims. “No, you should be out cold!”

“Ah…” Bugsy mutters, and the sound ‘BIG’ echoes out as his stomach protrudes outward. “It's time to show you fools the power of a Banzai Vice Principal!” Bugsy hovers a finger over his bellybutton, chortling as he presses it, and he launches a shockwave from his mouth, pushing the sheep and bear-sheep back, destroying them as they impact the back wall! He laughs and burps!

“What in the Sam Hill?!” Zora exclaims.

“Some kind of shockwave?” Sylvie surmises.

Bugsy pats his oversized stomach like a hippo. “Hrmph…not bad! My power is fueled by the things I eat! When I press this button-” he says, gesturing to his bellybutton, “it launches an attack! What comes out is randomized, so normally I have to eat quite a few things before I get something good! But with Arnold here…”

Arnold grins and pulls out a number of coupons, holding them like a hand of playing cards. “We get two… for one .” He tosses a coupon onto Bugsy’s belly, and as it shines and chimes, the noise ‘BIG’ echoes out again, and Bugsy lets out another shockwave that throws Sylvester against the bar, and he grunts as he takes damage!

“Oh…dear.” he says softly.

“Now that’s what I call a bargain.” Arnold smirks. “Never underestimate the power of a smart shopper.”

“These inscribed are crazy!” A Townie declares.

“Let’s get outta here!” another shouts, and the mundies flee from the establishment.

“Damn Epithet users, ruinin’ our bar!” one more shouts as they leave.

“Wanna take them out, too?” Bugsy asks Arnold.

“Let them run.” Arnold huffs. “I’m just interested in the cop and the turncoat.”

“What are you doing?! Put ‘em to sleep before they get any closer!” Zora shouts at Sylvie.

“I would, but my stamina is low… really low.” Sylvie declares. “If I use my Epithet much more, I’ll pass out, and then, well…let’s just say I save that for emergencies.”

“What?” Zora asks, confused. “Agh…whatever!” Zora takes a real-ass goddamn revolver out of her poncho. She climbs up onto the bar, and shoots into the sky several times to get attention. “OY! Back the hell up, or I’ll shoot!”

“ Why do you have a gun?!” Sylvester exclaims.

“What are you gonna do? Bullets only do minor impact damage!” Arnold laughs.

“Maybe peashooters do.” Zora turns around so Sylvie can’t see and imbues her Epithet into her revolver’s chamber, amplifying the power of the bullets. “Take this !” she shoots Arnold in the head, and as it does 15 damage and he screams in pain, he suddenly can’t move!

“Wh…y…c…an’t I…” Arnold says sparingly.

“What kind of gun is that ?!” Sylvie exclaims.

“This is er, a gun for some general rapscallyhood!” Zora says with a nervous smile. “It’s a…magic gun! From some shamans in the ol’ west!”

“That doesn’t seem historically accurate-” Sylvie says, but Zora interrupts him by shooting more!

“Oh, no, can’t hear you over the gunshots!” Zora says dismissively. As she focuses her Epithet, Arnold can still move sparingly so long as he doesn’t leave his current point, and he slaps a coupon on himself to heal himself!

“Bugsy!” Arnold declares.

“Right!” Bugsy huffs and as Zora shoots, he starts eating bullets out of midair!

“Seriously?!” Zora exclaims.

Bugsy pushes his bellybutton, but a bunch of bouncy balls shoot out of his mouth!

“Am I outside of time or something, what the hell is happenin’?!” Zora exclaims. “ What is your power, are you some kinda eating contest dropout that’s tryin’ to cough up the weird shit he ate as a kid?!”

“It only failed ‘cause your bullets were low quality!” Bugsy retorts.

“Oh, you did not just blame my gun!” Zora says with a scowl on her face.

“Old man, get me some real food!” Bugsy orders as he finishes pulling the bullets from Arnold, who coughs.

“Sure thing.” the Bartender starts cooking.

“No, don’t give him food!” Sylvie declares as the Bartender throws Bugsy a plate, and he starts eating, while Arnold prepares his coupons.

“Yes, I…I…wait…why isn’t anything happening?” Bugsy asks, unaware of the red aura around him, fleeting, and leaving under a table, which bursts upward, revealing Molly Blyndeff, now wearing the Arsene Amulet as the gem flashes red.

“Molly, what are you-?!” Sylvie exclaims in terror.

Molly lifts Bugsy and throws him against a wall, and he groans in pain.

“What’s wrong?” Molly asks with a smirk. “Is your diabetes catching up to you now that you don’t have an epithet to fall back on?” she taunts.

“What did you do to him?!” Arnold exclaims, and he starts looking through his coupons desperately. Zora waves her hand, turning the coupons to rotted paper. “What?!” Arnold exclaims, and Molly grips him by the neck.

“What I’m about to do to you.” Molly smirks, and a black aura surrounds Arnold, flowing up her arm as his Epithet enters the Arsene Amulet.

“Molly, stop it!” Sylvie pleads. “You can’t do this!”

“Oh, please.” Molly drops Arnold to the ground, a maddened glint in her eye. “These jokers didn’t deserve their powers! No Banzai Blaster does! I’m gonna be big, bigger than any of them! Thanks for your help, Sylvie, but we’re done here.” she says and starts to leave.

“Molly…Molly, stop!” Sylvie tries to chase her, but stumbles as she walks out of the bar with a smirk.

“Later, old friend.” Molly chuckles.

“What’s the big deal? She just made ‘em harmless!” Zora declares.

“The big deal is that no one deserves their Epithet stolen. And with power like that, who knows what Molly will do?” Sylvie asks, astonished.

As Molly leaves, Howie enters. “I’ve taken down every other Banzai in town. You take care of these two?” he asks.

“That woman that just walked past you stole their Epithets!” Sylvie declares.

“Huh.” Howie thinks for a few moments. “Good for her.” he says and lifts both Vice Principals by their collars. “Now you’re both goin’ to the cell.” he drags them out, and Sylvie groans.

“What’s wrong with this town?” he exclaims.

“Oh, so much.” Zora reloads her gun.

“We need to find out where she went…I’ll interrogate those two at the prison. Come on!” Sylvester says, and Zora follows.

---

“Get the car ready!” Trixie orders. “If Molly gets back and finds out that we aren’t ready to go, especially if Sylvie’s chasing her, it’s gonna be our heads!”

“I’m working, I’m working!” Phoenica responds.

“Girls.” Molly says, walking forward. “Great news!”

“Perfect…” a man says from the trees above. “She’s wearin’ the necklace. All I gotta do is…”

“You okay, Molly?” Phoenica asks.

“Oh, I’m better than okay!” Molly declares, a red aura running up her left arm and a black one running up her right. “I brought presents .”

“...well. That changes things.” Ramsey says, suddenly concerned.

---

“Alright, those jokers said there’s a train station.” Zora mutters to herself, pacing as a woman behind the station while her Epithet recharges. “Eh, maybe I can hop on one of the cars, hilbilly it!” she says. “Eh, but then I’d be a sittin’ duck for Ramsey…but hey, so long as I got Doctor Shepherd, I should be safe.”

Sylvie then stumbles through the front door, panting as Zora rejoins him as a little girl.

“Er…you okay, Doc?” Zora asks, concerned.

“Sorry, kid, I just…haven’t fully recovered. My stamina pool is pretty low.” Sylvie answers. “Ugh, I should have picked up some food at the tavern…”

“Er…I got a pinecone if you want?” Zora offers.

“Oh, sure.” Sylvie says and takes the pinecone, drinking from it.

“Whuh…how are you doing that?” Zora asks.

“Oh, it’s a little trick my ward taught me. But she’s…not good at explaining it.” he proclaims.

“Eh…sure.” Zora rolls her eyes.

“It’s not much, but it helps. Thank you…” Sylvie blinks. “I’m sorry, I just realized I never asked your name.”

“Oh, it’s Zora.” Zora says nonchalantly.

“Zora. What an…oddly specific and familiar name…” Sylvie mutters.

“Urk!” Zora coughs. “Oh, er, really? It’s, eh, pretty common where I come from! Yep! Little ol’ Zora, the prankster of Redwood Run!” She says innocently.

“With a magic gun.” Sylvie arches an eyebrow.

“With a magic gun.” Zora nods.

“Well, my name is Doctor Sylvester Ashling.” Sylvie explains.

“So, Doc…” Zora says. “You put people to sleep, huh? And bring their nightmares to life? That’s pretty cool.”

“In accordance with the law, yes.” Sylvie nods. “Although, this whole place is quite derelict…I’m worried that bringing these folks’ dreams to life may create beings as dangerous as these people themselves.”

“So you can only control what the dreams are when that big gal helps?” Zora asks.

“Yes…dreams are like, er…” he thinks for a moment. “Okay, take that well.” Sylvie says, gesturing to a well not too far away. “It’s like the human mind, and the water is-”

“Hold it!” Zora interrupts. “There was a tavern and a well 20 feet away and Howie was servin’ me pinecones ?!” she shouts. “There better not be any water in this thing…” she growls.

Sylvie pats his pockets. “Well, I don’t have any change on me.”

Zora then takes out a very old (and probably antique) coin before flicking it into the well. It audibly hits the bottom of the well. “Bupkis.”

“Watch your language.” Sylvie frowns.

“‘Bupkis’ ain’t a swear!” Zora retorts.

“We ain’t had any water in that well for twenny-odd years!” the old man sitting nearby declares. He is wearing a living raccoon for a hat, and the raccoon is in a coma. “I oughta know! I’m the well listener!”

“Well listener ?” Sylvie arches an eyebrow.

“Used to be well watcher , but I ain’t been able to see, smell, or taste in twenny-odd years!” the man declares.

“Is that… related to the well water being dry?” Zora asks.

“Probably!” the man declares with no further context.

“...sooo, what were you sayin’ ‘bout them metaphors, Doc?” Zora asks Sylvie.

“Ugh, I lost my train of thought.” Sylvie admits, then shakes his head. “No matter. We have to get to the train station! We can’t let those criminals escape.”

“Sure thing, Doc!” Zora says. “By the by, you sure it’s a good idea to leave those Blasters with Howie? I know those VPs don’t got their epithets no more, but at least a few of those others probably have somethin’ .”

“Not to worry, Young Zora, I ensured they were all contained with Eraser Cuffs .” Sylvie says, and Zora flinches.

“Oh! You got Eraser Cuffs, huh? Thought those were… rare or somethin’!” Zora says nervously.

“Every self-respecting agent of the SJPD carries multiple pairs of Eraser Cuffs. I had an entire case of them in the car, and I still have a few cuffs for any other rapscallions we may come across.” Sylvie explains. “Of course, even I have to be careful with them! Anyone in contact with the cuffs forgets their own epithet entirely, myself included.”

“Oh, yeah, wouldn’t wanna lose your Epithet!” Zora walks ahead a bit. “Lemme just write down a little note for myself, totally unrelated!” she turns away and mutters to herself, “You can move things forward, move things backward, alter anything with a start and finish, don’t forget, don’t forget, don’t forget!” She then turns back to Sylvie with a cherub smile on her face.

“Yes, I’d be quite useless without my abilities.” Sylvie says.

“...ya know, if ya keep sayin’ stuff like that, you’re gonna keep underestimatin’ mundies.” Zora tells him.

“...I know.” Sylvie says.

“Huh?” Zora arches an eyebrow.

“I’ve become used to being able to handle folks with ease, epithet or not. For a long time, I sought to understand the issues of people with epithets, but non-epithet problems are just as constant.” he explains. “That woman from before once escaped custody despite being eraser cuffed. We didn’t find the cuffs until a week later. Apparently, she had tricked her Father into revealing what her Epithet was, and she used it to escape them.” He turns to Zora with a frown on his face. “Mundies can’t be underestimated, but the greatest threats I’ve found are those with Epithets. Molly included.”

“...what’s your history with her, anyway?” Zora asks. “There’s somethin’ there, am I right?” Zora elbows his leg with a smirk, and he blushes.

“Not in the way you’re implying!” he sighs. “She and I are old friends. She got me out of a tough situation when we were pretty young, and I offered her my counsel. Things went on, and…we became friends. She introduced me to her friends. One day, we were strangers, and the next we were best friends.” he explains as they walk through town. “But I was sloppy. I knew things were bad at her home, but I never realized how bad . Not until it was too late, and she snapped. Now she’s obsessed with revenge, and I can’t let her use that amulet. If she takes the wrong Epithet, she could become an extreme danger to herself and others.”

“I’ll…keep that in mind.” Zora says, suddenly a lot more worried about the potential of the girl she met earlier that very day.

As Sylvie talks, they walk into the train yard. A train is currently stopped here, but it is not making any noise or even steaming. It just…stopped.

“This ain’t the end of the line, is it?” Zora asks.

“Far from it. Why on earth would the train stop here like this?” Sylvie asks.

“Who cares? Let’s get on the train and head to the city! Then you can get more cops, right?” Zora asks. “We could go anywhere you want! Just…get as far away from the danger as possible, right?”

“Were you not listening to me just now?! I can’t let Molly escape!” Sylvie exclaims.

“Worth a shot…” Zora sighs to herself. “Aight, I don’t see her anywhere. How exactly we gonna handle this?”

“She doesn’t have another way out of town.” Sylvie snaps his fingers, conjuring a small herd of sheep in a chorus of ‘baaas’. “I’ll set up by Counting Sheep in a perimeter around the station. As soon as she gets close, I’ll know. We need to play this smart though, since my stamina is still low-”

“Is that Doctor Ashling?” a voice asks, and the duo turns to see a man emerge from the train station. The man is obese and wearing a train conductor’s uniform, and he has sprinkles in his beard. He also has a permanent smile on his face. “Doctor Ashling, fancy seeing you here!” he says jovially.

“Mr. Shimizaki?” Sylvie ponders. “What…are you doing here?”

“Why, I’m the conductor of this here train!” Gorou steps down. “Oooh, is this your ‘ward’?”

“What? No, this is…wait, wait, wait, what ?” Sylvie asks. “One thing at a time.”

“Maybe start with who this joker is?” Zora suggests.

“Oh, I’m Gorou!” the man says with a smile. 

“Mr. Shimizaki is a former patient of mine. Despite having an Epithet, he always found it hard to land a job due to its…limited usefulness, and his lack of proficiency.” Sylvie explains.

“That’s right! But thanks to the exercises Doctor Ashing prescribed me, I was able to find a job that I was actually pretty good at! Watch this!” the man takes out a toy train whistle, breathes in, and blows into it, producing a loud sound equivalent to a real train’s whistle. “Ya see that? I can blow really hard!”

“There’s a joke there somewhere…” Zora mumbles.

“Well, I’m glad to see you’re doing well for yourself!” Sylvie smiles. “But, er, why is your train stopped here?”

“Oh, those nice people in yellow told me to do that!” he explains. “They told me that they had a lot of people coming in, so I’d just need to wait! It may put me a tad behind schedule, but they seemed like nice boys!”

There is a beat of silence, and Sylvie sighs. “Mr. Shimizaki, those were Banzai Blasters .”

“Oh, were they? And who are those?” he asks.

“Criminals.” Sylvie answers. A beat passes. “Bad guys?” he suggests, and another beat passes. “The people I arrest!”

“Oh!” Gorou answers, then a brief frown crosses his face. “Wuh-oh.”

“Hey!” a voice calls, and the group turns around to see two Banzai Blasters approaching- Bo Peep and Witch. Witch is the one talking. “Stop right there, Sheep bo- er, Doctor Ashling!”

“Two of Molly’s blasters!” Sylvie exclaims, and he aims his yoyo at them. “Where is your boss?!”

“Oh, she’ll be around!” Bo Peep giggles. “But we’re here to keep you busy while she works!”

“Oh dear!” Gorou backs up in fear as Zora hides behind Sylvie.

“No need to fear! My data says these two aren’t inscribed.” Sylvie says, and his sheep begin to surround them.

“Don’t trust everything you read.” Witch produces their knives, and then tosses one into the air and lets it slide down their throat as she eats it!

“What the-?!” Sylvie exclaims as Witch becomes a bit bigger, and the noise ‘BIG’ in their voice rings out.

“Oh crud…duck!” Zora pulls Sylvie down as Witch spins, pressing down on their stomach to produce a barrage of shrapnel that destroys the sheep!

“Ooh, but we’re not done!” Bo Peed produces a small coupon book and pulls one out, imbued with power as she presses it on Witch. “I can afford the best coupons! It’s three for one!”

Witch lets loose two more barrages of shrapnel, and Sylvie pulls Gorou and Zora behind a dumpster.

“She gave her minions the stolen Epithets?!” Sylvie exclaims.

“Dang, I didn’t know it could do that…” Zora says.

“Neither did I!” Sylvie exclaims.

“Run, run, as fast as you can!” Witch cackles.

“You can’t beat the Banzai Blasters!” Bo Peep giggles.

“We were only supposed to catch the doc, but maybe those other two have Epithets!” Witch says.

“Ooh! And then we’d have more than enough Epithets for Mama Bear’s revenge!” Bo Peep exclaims.

“Wha- she wants to take my Epithet ?” Sylvie exclaims. “Why?!”

“Don’t act so innocent!” Witch says. “We all know that you refused her when she offered her hand to you.”

“What are you…?” Sylvie’s eyes widened. “No…no, you can’t still be planning to do that !”

“Revenge is a dish best served sharp !” Witch consumes another knife, and with another coupon, lets loose three barrages of shrapnel!

Gorou fumbles his whistle in his hand and blows it, creating a loud force that pushes the shrapnel back, and the duo gasps as they barely dodge, taking quite a bit of damage!

“Rrrgh…you wanna play? Let’s play!” Witch produces a potion and downs it, grinning as her hands grow metal fingernails, and pressing down on her stomach, she belches out a wet ball of liquid mercury that impacts and sizzles against the dumpster!

“Play it smart, genius!” Zora declares.

“I’m trying!” Sylvie retorts.

“Mama Bear is gonna be so proud of us!” Bo Peep grins.

---

Molly is fiddling with the amulet while sitting on the well in the center of town. “...you can’t sneak up on a master of stealth, you know.” Molly says, and a man chuckles as he emerges from the shadows.

“Your reputation precedes you.” Ramsey chuckles.

“As does yours… Murdoch .” Molly turns to glare at him.

“Oooh, you know my name, real scary.” Ramsey taunts.

“Is this a recruitment or an assassination?” Molly asks.

“Depends on how compliant you are.” Ramsey grins. “Hand over the amulet, girlie, and this all ends.”

“Oh, I don’t think so.” She extends her claws. “It brings out my eyes.”

Ramsey sighs, but smiles as he produces a number of crayons, all turned to gold and molded to form super-sharp darts. “I was hopin’ you’d say that.”

The two fight, but even as Molly reduces the damage, she grunts as she soon begins to turn to gold. She attempts to focus her Epithet, but it continues to spread, no matter how slow. She tries throwing a vial at him, but he shatters it with his dart, and the liquid covers her, and begins to bubble on her gold body as he takes the amulet.

“Not bad, kid. But not good enough.” Ramsey says and starts to walk away.

The liquid continues to bubble and fester as he walks away…

Chapter Text

Witch and Bo Peep grunt as Sylvester is hardly able to keep them at bay.

“Alright. You should finally be tired enough for this.” Sylvie holds up his yoyo. “Nightmare Fu-”

“Smoke Bomb!” Witch slams a potion on the ground, creating a haze. “We’re outta here!” They exclaim, and the duo vanishes into the woods.

“No!” Sylvie growls. “Dammit…if only I wasn’t so low on stamina…” he falls to one knee.

“Hey, at least they’re gone!” Zora says. “That’s good, right?”

“I guess so…” Sylvie manages to stand up.

“So, big guy.” Zora turns to see Gorou, peeking his head out from behind the dumpster. “We’re lookin’ for a tall girl, stars in her hair? Has a scowl reminiscent of an angry bear?”

“I don’t recall someone like that…” Gorou says softly.

“Dangit, she’s not here.” Zora says.

“I’m glad you two are here, though!” Gorou says brightly. “I’ve been waiting on these people for some time now, but I just can’t seem to find any customers! You all don’t happen to need a ride somewhere, do you?”

“Not right now, but if you had something to eat…” Sylvie requests.

“Oh, sure I do!” Gorou pulls out a box of donuts. They glisten with unhealthy glazing.

“Well…better than nothing.” Sylvie eats one, restoring a small amount of stamina. “Thank you, Gorou. Now…” Sylvie puts out his arm dramatically. “Come, Zora! We need to track down those two, and they’ll lead us directly to their leader! Once there, we’ll work together to take Molly down, and reclaim the Arsene Amulet!”

“Well, looks like we got a little hero here.” a voice says from above, and everyone looks up to see a man in a suit atop the train station, grinning with a golden tooth and a golden eye with a scar running through it. “Hi.” he says with an innocent smile.

---

“Ramsey!” Zora exclaims in fear.

“Ramsey Murdoch.” Sylvie scowls.

“Aw, you recognize me?” he smirks. “What was the hint, the face?”

“Any self-respecting agent of the SJPD would recognize you .” Sylvie declares. “One of the four leading officers of the Mundie Terrorist Group, Bliss Ocean .”

“I’m flattered, though I prefer the term ‘businessman’ to ‘terrorist’.” Ramsey says matter-of-factly. “I work to tie up loose ends, after all.”

“Have you ever tied up an end looser than you?” Sylvie asks.

“...what?” Ramsey asks.

“It sounded better in my head.” Sylvie admits.

Ramsey rolls his good eye. “Whatever. The point is, kid, there’s only one loose end left that I need to tie up. Her .” he says, pointing at Zora, who squeaks in fear. Ramsey laughs. “Zora! I gave you an hour to hide behind any object you could find…and you picked some baby-faced cop ?”

“I’m not a cop…and why is Bliss Ocean’s cleaner pursuing you ?” Sylvie turns to Zora suspiciously. “You’re just a little girl!”

“Er, clearly he is crazy ! I ain’t done nothing wrong, ever .” Zora insists. “Doc, arrest that man.”

“Come on, Babyface!” Ramsey smirks. “You said you know who I am. You’re not seriously gonna stand in my way knowing what I can do, right?”

“A true officer stands by his principles.” Sylvie says, readying his yoyo. “No matter the circumstances!”

Ramsey whistles, almost impressed. “ Damn you’re dumb!” he laughs. “I like it. Alright, sure, if that’s the way you wanna play it!”

“Soo…” Zora leans in to talk to Sylvie. “Can you actually beat him?”

“Probably not.” Sylvie admits. “But with the stamina I’ve regained, and your assistance, and we believe in ourselves, we can do anything !”

“Can we, though?” Zora asks.

“Of course we can!” Sylvie sputters. “We’ll apprehend him, and then move on to our missing epithet thief.”

“Epithet Thief?” Ramsey arches an eyebrow. “Wait, do you mean Little Miss Hush? I already took care of her.” he says confidently. “...wait. Don’t tell me you’re after this ?” he holds up the Arsene Amulet between two fingers as though it were a playing card.

“The Amulet!” Sylvie exclaims.

Ramsey lets out a deep, bellowing laugh. “Oh, that is perfect ! I may be a gambling man, but even this is a ridiculous amount of luck! You want the Amulet, and I want Zora!” he grins maliciously. “How about we make a little ante? Winner. Take. All. I mean hey, you can both even fight me at once! Might even make it more even. I’ll even match whatever weapon you use.” He shrugs. “Keep it kosher, so to speak.”

“This is an awful idea…” Zora mutters.

“Oh! Excuse me, sir, but it’s rather dangerous to stand up there!” Gorou says. “You may wanna get down!”

“Hm, I am rather high up…but if you say so!” he leaps down, and those watching gasp as he is about to land on Gorou…but the impact is softened as Gorou gasps, and Ramsey slides to the ground. Behind him, Gorou had been turned to gold upon impact, and the golden and obese skin was shifted by his feet to form a slide that allowed him to the ground.

Gorou was now petrified, and shifted to be half-man half-slide.

“Goldbricker…” Sylvie mutters.

“Wow, you really have heard of me.” Ramsey smirks.

“Of course I have.” Sylvie scowls. “Your epithet allows you to turn anything you touch to gold and back again, as well as the ability to morph it like clay.”

“Yeah, that’s right.” Ramsey smirks. “Since you’ve done your homework, I assume you know that I’ve learned to imbue my epithet into objects I turn to gold, like a virus. Like this crayon.” he says, showing off a crayon he’s turned to gold and sharpened into a dart. He throws it with perfect precision at a tree, and as it impacts, the gold begins to spread from the crayon, soon turning the entire tree to gold. “With my Epithet, gold is endless!”

His face turns serious. “And that’s just no fun, is it?” He sighs. “That’s why I joined Bliss Ocean, you know? The truth is…I hate epithets.” Ramsey scowls. “I guess I always liked the idea of business, you know? Building your way up from rags to riches! Stocks, deals, only the best of the best are in charge! But nowadays, all you gotta do is be born with money someone else earned or an epithet that’ll get you hired somewhere nice, and you’re set!” he sighs.

“Izzat why you’re dressed up like a mobster in the middle of the woods?” Zora taunts, and a gold dart hits her in the arm, not imbued with his epithet, and she shouts out in pain.

“I may be a gambler…” Ramsey says. “But I prefer skill and intellect rather than luck . Card counting’s a viable strategy, you know.” he smirks. “No matter what them casinos tell ya. So…” he turns to Sylvie with a grin. “Still think you can stand in my way?”

“Not like this…” Sylvie sighs. “It’s clear that epithet to epithet, I’m no match for you. But..perhaps if…I cAN OUTPACE YOU COUNTING SHEEP- ” he launches a sheep at Ramsey.

“Gold.” Ramsey turns the sheep into gold, and it falls harmlessly to the ground.

“...ah.” Sylvie says.

“Welp!” Zora chuckles. “You two seem busy, I’m just gonna…” she begins to frantically sprint away, leaping into the trees to swing between the branches.

“Welp, she’s dead.” Ramsey grins. “Later!”

“Wait, what’s happening?!” Sylvie exclaims as Ramsey dashes into the forest. “No!” he begins to chase after them. “Get back here!”

As he runs off, a silhouette approaches the station, a snarl following the figure…

---

Zora pants as she swings through the trees. “Okay! I think…I think I’m safe…for now.”

“Zoooraaa…” Ramsey calls. “Where aaare yoooou?” Ramsey announces, and Zora whimpers.

“Ah, fiddlesticks! Did he see me…?” she wonders aloud, nervously. “Of course he saw me, I’m a pipsqueak-sized hobo! Gotta find some sap, gotta smell like the woods…” She then hears some rustling nearby. “Gah! Back off!” She pulls out her revolver. “I have a gun!”

“Zora!” Sylvie emerges. “There you are!”

“Doc!” Zora exclaims.

“Are you alright?!” Sylvie asks, concerned.

“Oh, er, yeah!” she hops down to be next to Sylvie. “C’mon, let’s get outta here!” she tries to pull Sylvie along, but with the strength of a child, she is unable to pull him any further than a centimeter.

“Wait, Zora, I have a plan.” Sylvie smiles.

“Y’wanna share?” Zora asks, suspicious as she follows. “No? Just gonna walk right out into the open? Like a coupl’a sittin’ ducks? Sure, sure, why not?!”

“Ramsey! Show yourself!” Sylvie declares. “We can’t possibly beat you. Your epithet is too strong!”

“Yeah, great, I love bein’ turned into a statue!” Zora complains sarcastically.

“But!” Sylvie continues. “If we come together, mundane ne’er-do-well and inscribed hero alike…”

“You did not just call yourself a ‘hero’.” Zora frowns.

“And face you in a contest of skill,” Sylvie keeps talking, “then we can beat you at your own game!”

“Look Doc, thanks for yer help, but you ain’t involved in this anymore! This is a me problem!” Zora says, already trying to look around for how much of her epithet she can safely use without drawing too much attention.

“No…it is a we problem!” Sylvie says and locks the magnetic eraser cuffs to himself and Zora.

“What in the SAM HILL ?!” Zora exclaims, horrified.

“Any powers we may have are completely forgotten!” Sylvie declares.

Zora tries to rack her brain for what her epithet is, but can find nothing. It has to do with her being a little girl right now, right? She’s not actually a little girl…is she? Everything involving her Epithet is being lost, it’s hard to remember!

“You just screwed us. We’re gettin’ executed.” Zora says, falling to her tiny knees.

A laughter comes from the darkness of the woods, and Ramsey emerges. “Are you serious?!”

“Yes, I am.” Sylvie declares. “You said we’d match whatever weapons we used, right? You said you wanted to gamble? Then I propose a challenge! An epithet-free battle! Winner gets the Arsene Amulet and Zora!”

“Did you just bet me?!” Zora exclaims. “That’s gotta be illegal somewhere !”

Ramsey smirks. “Sure…why not? I like your gumption, kid. Put ‘er there!” Ramsey extends his hand, and Sylvie takes it.

“Do I not get a say in this?!” Zora exclaims.

“You have a gun, why are you so upset?” Sylvie asks.

“I. GUESS. NOTHING.” Zora says through gritted teeth.

“Alright, here’s the rules.” Ramsey says. “No epithets of any kind. Mundie weapons are fair game!” he says, pulling out a pair of brass knuckles, sliding them over his hands. “First one to break a rule or cry ‘uncle’ loses. Deal?”

“Deal.” Sylvie responds.

“NO!” Zora protests.

“Great!” Ramsey smirks. “I’ll give ya a head start…” he says and leaps into the shadows.

Sylvie and Zora begin to run together. “What weapons do you have on hand?” Sylvie asks.

“Mah gun!” Zora retorts.

“Perfect! Your enchanted weaponry should prove effective!” Sylvie says. “Let’s go!”

Zora whimpers as they run forward, and she hears something jingling on Sylvie’s waist. A small, clinking sound is heard from within one of his coat’s pockets! 

“The key!” Zora exclaims. “Gimme!” She orders, and she goes for it, managing to pull Sylvie down as Ramsey dashes through, trying to punch, but misses.

“Thanks for the save!” Sylvie says, while Zora scrambles to get the keys like a feral raccoon.

Ramsey groans. His fist impacted a tree, and he’s shaking his hand to stop the stinging.

“Now’s our chance!” Sylvie says and grabs Zora, starting to swing her around like a discus!

“What are you doing?!” Zora exclaims, and as Sylvie is about to release, a snarling roar of a yell is heard.

Bursting through the forest is the familiar form of Molly Blyndeff, and she punches Ramsey back, and he impacts a tree, taking heavy damage from her Breaker Claw!

“Bear Girl?!” Ramsey exclaims.

“Sugar Cube?!” Zora exclaims.

“Molly?!” Sylvie exclaims.

“Give. Me. My. Amulet !” Molly orders, lunging for the rat-faced businessman, and he struggles to dodge!

“How the hell did you escape? I froze you in gold!” Ramsey protests.

“That potion I threw at you dulls Epithets. Doesn’t dull the epithet of someone it’s splashed on, but…” Molly grins.

“But it dulls Epithets it touches!” Ramsey exclaims and smirks. “You wanted me to break it! Clever.” He leaps back. “But I’m afraid I’ve got a bit of a competition here, so I can’t play today. No epithet battle, you see.”

“What?” Molly questions.

“Oy! Girlie!” Zora shouts. “Help us out, and we’ll let ya keep the amulet!”

“What?! No we won’t!” Sylvie protests.

“I ain’t riskin’ dying without some actual backup!” Zora shouts at him.

Ramsey rushes to punch Zora, and Sylvie kicks up to hold him back!

“Dammit, Babyface, would you let me get a hit in?!” Ramsey exclaims.

There’s an audible cutting sound, and the three leap away wildly as a tree almost lands on them. Molly stands on the stump of the tree she just cut down with a single swing of her claws! As the three leaped back, three items fly away- Sylvie’s yoyo, the cuff’s keys, and the Arsene Amulet!

Zora and Sylvie each try to go for something different, while Molly and Ramsey both lurch for the amulet! Sylvie takes Zora’s gun and starts shooting at Ramsey! He’s hit a few times, allowing Molly to get the amulet and leap into the trees, and Ramsey chases her!

“Zora, reload this!” Sylvie says, and Zora takes it.

“Don’t touch my gun!” she declares, and starts reloading. “Yer missin’ an obvious solution here!”

“Well, while he’s distracted with Molly, we can grab my yoyo-” Sylvie says.

“Forget the stupid yoyo, let’s go!” Zora says, barely managing to pull him away.

Ramsey and Molly continue to fight, bear claws versus brass knuckles, and as Molly is thrown into some bushes, Ramsey chases her, and as she begins to flee, she drops something. Ramsey smiles as he sees the Arsene Amulet fall to the ground, and he smirks as he picks it up.

“Stupid girl.” he laughs and returns to the battle. “Now, where are those-” he hears a gun cock, and he sees Zora aiming it right at his head.

“Hai.” Zora smirks.

“Oh, please.” Ramsey scoffs. “You really think you can hit me when you look like that?”

“Maybe not…but I can hit yer hat.” She shoots his hat off his head, and a hole is now left in it.

“Hey! Don’t fuckin’ mess with my clothes! Just got this dry cleaned!” he scolds.

“Oh? So it’s only fun when you get to ruin other folks’ stuff?” Zora asks, and shoots again, this time scuffing one of his shoes in an irreparable way. “Nah, still fun!”

“I’m gonna give you one last chance to stop what you’re doin’.” Ramsey threatens.

“Ah, shut up.” Zora rolls her eyes as she shoots again, shooting a hole in his coat, and Ramsey growls and leaps over to her, lifting her up by the scruff of her neck, and she kicks him.

“AGH, my face!” Ramsey exclaims.

Sylvie loops around Ramsey so that the cuff’s magnetic chain begins to pull on the back of Ramsey’s neck and chokes him! “The only amulet you’ll be wearing is the amulet of justice !”

“You suck at quips.” Zora tells him.

“GRAH!” Ramsey throws them both off. “Fine! FINE! You wanna mess with other people’s stuff? I can mess with other people’s stuff.” Ramsey picks up Sylvie’s yoyo, and it begins to glow with gold as it turns to gold.

“Hey…that’s an epithet glow!” Zora exclaims. “You're cheatin'! He's cheatin'! We win!”

“Not if you’re DEAD !” Ramsey proclaims, swinging the yoyo outward. The golden yoyo sprouts blades and spins like a sawblade, cutting through a tree and turning it to melting gold!

“Oh no.” Sylvie says.

“THAT WILL KILL US!” Zora exclaims.

“Yup!” Ramsey grins, and the chase begins!

“Urgh, what was my stupid Epithet?!” Zora mutters to herself. “It had to be useful…wait. I wrote that paper! Where is it, where is it?”

“Looking for this?” a voice asks, and Molly holds up a piece of paper, a green sphere surrounding them. “He won’t find us in here.” she says.

“Molly!” Sylvie says. “Molly, this is serious, you’re not tricking me again!”

“No tricks.” Molly says earnestly. “At this point, I hate the guy as much as you do. So how about this? One last alliance.” she leans in close. “You know what I want.”

“I can’t give that to you.” Sylvie says. “I won’t!”

“Maybe you won’t…but he might.” Molly grins.

“Wha…” Sylvie’s eyes widen as the effects of the eraser cuffs are dumbed down, and they fall off the hands of the two of them. “No. No, I can’t…”

“You have to.” Molly says.

“URGH!” Zora groans. “Listen, girlie, we don’t got time for this!” She pulls out her gun. “Girlie, if you wanna help, I’ll give you whatever you damn well want when this is all over!” she says and runs out of the silence bubble. Molly smirks and walks out while Sylvie growls…

Zora leaps through the trees, luring Ramsey away! “Come on, Ramsey, can’t you just fix your outfits with gold or somethin’?”

“No, I can’t!” Ramsey growls. “It’s hard enough to morph gold as it is, but I have to concentrate the whole time! Beyond that, as soon as I turn the gold back to normal, it goes back to the state it was in before I morphed it!”

Ramsey manages to catch up to Zora, swinging the yoyo and aiming for the neck! It wraps around the arm she puts in front of herself, and it slowly begins to turn her arm to gold!

“Not what I was aimin’ for, but…” Ramsey grins. “Nice knowin’ you, Zora.”

As the arms begins to turn to gold and melt, it suddenly begins to retract and crack, as Zora creates a paradoxical event of putting herself forward in time to her normal self and back in time to before she was hit, creating a sonic wave that echoes from her, throwing Ramsey back!

“No! It turned her into an adult…wait, what?” Sylvie asks, confused.

“You’re up, Doc.” Molly says as she goes to punch Ramsey away.

“Alright, here we go…Dream BIG!” Sylvie shouts…and then falls unconscious.

“WHAT?!” Zora exclaims. “That was your big plan?!”

“Not quite.” Molly smiles, and with a roar, Sylvie rises into the sky, gets into a fetal position, and the massive form of Doctor Beefton rises! “Ramsey, Zora. Say hello to Doctor Beefton, Sylvester’s biggest dream.” Molly says with a smirk. Beefton roars and charges for Ramsey!

“Aw, shi-” Ramsey is hit into a tree and punched through several more as his stamina depletes.

“Is…he gonna be okay?” Zora asks, pointing at Sylvie.

“He’ll be fine once he wakes up.” Molly says.

“Did it work?” Beefton asks, looking back towards everything.

“You…idiots.” Ramsey growls as he stands up. “You think this was me using my epithet? You haven’t seen a tenth of what I can do!” Ramsey declares, the landscape itself taking on a golden hue, particles of gold dust appearing in the air…before it all retracts. “But I lost.” he sighs. “I broke the rules. The ones I set myself…so, how about this? We’ll call it a draw. And I’ll even forget about your little problematic nature , little girl.” Ramsey says to Molly. “You keep Zora, I keep the Necklace. Capiche?” he grins, vanishing in a golden flash before anyone can protest.

---

“With so many Banzai Blasters wrangled up, it’s hard not to call this a victory.” Sylvie sighs, on the edge of the woods, where he stands with Zora and Molly, her two minions behind her, their staying in the forest. “But we can’t catch you tonight, can we?”

“You cannot.” Molly answers. “Now, our deal?”

“We didn’t win.” Sylvie says. “We don’t even have the…Arsene…” he begins, but Molly smirks as she reveals the familiar amulet around her neck.

“We had a fake made!” Bo Peep says enthusiastically.

“For when we double-crossed the blasters.” Witch affirms.

---

“Wait…this ain’t the right shade of green. And the age, it’s only…” Ramsey scowls. “Oh, SON OF A-”

---

“We had a deal, Ashling.” Molly says, holding out her hand.

Sylvie looks at her, and sighs. “...I’ll get it back?”

“Once I’m done with it.” she grins, and it grows wider as he takes her hand. The orange aura of his epithet surrounds him travels up the arm, and enters the Arsene Amulet. Only a fraction of the epithet remains in Sylvie.

“There you go. Left you just enough for a few sheep, a little bit of dust, and beefton. Maybe Nightmare Fuel if you’re lucky.” Molly announces, the amulet shining an orange glow. “Adults have more energy to work with.”

“Er…yer not gonna take mine, right?” Zora asks nervously.

“Nah. Yours isn’t useful to me…for now.” Molly says, and in a flash of orange and green dust, she and her minions vanish.

“Well… that was certainly somethin’ eh doc? Glad she’s on our side. You know, fer the most part.” Zora says.

“Yeah…that reminds me.” Sylvie handcuffs Zora.

“Eh?” Zora blanks.

“Zora Salazar, you’re under arrest.” Sylvie says.

“Oh, I…think yer confused! Sure, I lied about a few things, but I helped you win, even helped you make sure the amulet was in safe hands! For the most part…” Zora tries to reason.

“Today, you were good. But you’re also the woman who has swindled a half-dozen museums and collectors out of their savings…to the tune of about twenty-five million dollars?” Sylvie explains.

“I, eh…thought you didn’t recognize me.” Zora says meekly.

“I didn’t, until I saw you use your Epithet.” Sylvie explains. “I remember you from some research I did on epithets a few years back. A man came in to report that his antiques had recently reverted to normal kitchenware.” he explains.

“So that’s it?!” Zora exclaims. “I save yer life, and you put me away for life? Oh, you no good, hornswagglin-”

“Now, now.” Sylvie interrupts. “Don’t think I don't appreciate your help today. Your crimes are... quite serious. But!” he smiles. “None of this would've been possible without your help. And... if you'd be willing to put your skills to use on our side of the law, I'm sure we could negotiate a very comfortable cell for you.”

“...yeah, alright.” Zora smiles a bit. “That don’t sound too bad.” She turns to Sylvie. “By the day, what the hell did that gal want with yet Epithet?”

“Ah…” Sylvie’s expression darkens. “That’s…a long story.”

---

Molly Blyndeff’s epithet allows her to cancel and dispel just about any epithet that exists. It is by far a dangerous epithet, and nearly impossible to counter. 

A knight crests a hill, wearing a valiant helm. She draws her sword, aiming it towards a massive creature in the distance.

The only thing she’s ever found that makes an issue is an epithet that summons things that are too big. However…

As the deceased creature lays at the knight’s feat, a sarcastic slow clap emerges from behind her.

The target of Molly’s ire made her life a living hell when she was younger.

The masked assailant puts her hand forward, dark shadows emerge from behind her, as her demonic creations push the heroine back!

She can make the concepts of her mind into reality. Simply put, she can bring her own dreams into reality in bubbles.

The knight beats the demons back, but the assailant attacks with claws of infernal fury!

We discovered years ago that my Epithet can be used to alter these bubbles for our own safety. But in the wrong hands…

The assailant holds the knight by the neck. “Nightmare Fuel.” the woman utters with a sadistic grin.

Molly could ruin her life. We need to hurry back before it’s too late…

---

Ramsey enters an office, closing the door behind him. He looks up at the board room, and as the screen flickers, a crackling emerges as the woman behind the screen smiles a cheshire grin.

“So…” the voice says, ethereal and echoing. “How did ya do?”

---

“Is she dead?” one boy asks, looking down at the woman, clearly injured with poofy hair, face-down in the park.

“Poke ‘er with a stick!” another boy says, and Giovanni complies.

The woman suddenly gasps, and the young boys scream, the woman screaming as well!

TO BE CONTINUED…