Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

------------------------------------------------------------

[Tram Station of Elsen: West - Zone 1]

------------------------------------------------------------

Ah, another day of work. And you know what that means, yup, another day of splitting cows in two... Delightful. 

As the Elsen hopped in, they were welcomed by the jumbled whispers in the crowded trolly.

"Hhh... No Ed, I won't go to the tea party in Shachihata just to drink the 'tea' that you made in the Fucking microwave-" 

"Hhh... Why are the documents covered in plastic?" 

"Uh, I laminated them!"

Yup, the similar and tired faces I see in the train on the way to work. I'm sure nothing will-

------------------------------------------------------------

[Farmsteads of Pentel: East - Zone 1]

------------------------------------------------------------

"AAAAAHHH"

"No! Stop! Get away-"

"Help! Oh god please help me!"

Our Elsen was greeted by the familiar screams of his co-workers. 

... Ah yes the specters. They have been there for quite a bit because our requests haven't been accepted yet.

The place was chaotic, but some were trying their best to put things in order. 

A fellow colleague walked up to him. "D-don't worry- er... Interim Manager! We got this under control! I th-think..."

"Right... I'll leave you to it?" Our Elsen backed away, a safe distance from the scene and heads towards his office. He sat spinning in his chair with a sigh.

I'm starting to feel like every request in Zone 1 is ignored... And the infestation of the specters have been getting worse, if this continues then- No, I shouldn't be thinking like that... Stay calm Elliott.

He stares lazily out the window. Trying to block the thought while listening to the stomping and mooing of the cow pen, along with the sounds of blades clashing on one another. 

Harvesting metallic ores from cows isn't the most pleasant job. But its more preferable than the mines. I now work under the barn manager, which is unfortunately absent due to a certain mishap...

The Elsen recalls His manager being mauled by cows.

Well... Objectively safe. And due to that I've become the interim manager for the time being. Which is... 

"I'm not even cut out for this... Evan you piece of shit." The Elsen groaned and put his hands on his head. 

...Although it's safer working here, it's far from ghost proof. There must be something that we can do.

The Elsen continues to stare blankly out the window. Leaning back on his office chair while trying to think of a way to somehow, slow down the phantoms until help arrives.

"...Wonder where Ed got the tea fr-" RING!!! Sudden ringing interrupts him.

"AH-" The sudden sound made the Elsen jump. With a thud, Elliot startles off his chair to kiss the cold floor.

Grunting, he groggily got up to answer the phone. Dusting his slacks, he stuttered an answer. "Uh, H-hello?"

A meek voice spoke from the other line that was not his own. "...Hhh, y-you're request has been accepted. P-please wait for the inspector. He will be arriving in an hour."

With a click, the Elsen froze. "Accepted..?"

--------------------------------------------

He got out to inform his co-workers about the news in the cow pen. "H-hey guys! Dedan will arrive here in about an hour, so please don't let the cows out of their pen."

All heads turn to him. 

"Y-yeah, w-we definitely didn't let some..." one of his co-workers answered not making eye contact. One of which gives him a thumbs up, sweating profusely.

Eyeing his colleagues suspiciously, he dismissed them. "...Right, just make sure you guys take care of it." 

He started to return to his station while overhearing the chatter among his colleagues.

"Finally some help." 

"Y-yeah I don't know what he's been busy with but I think spectres in the barns are a priority."

"Well the mines are also a problem to be dealt with soon, but I agree that clearing the barns first is the smartest move to make, it's the first element after all."

Elliot glanced at his co-workers as they chatter amongst themselves.

He scoffed.

First element huh?

-----------------------------------------

(An hour later)

-----------------------------------------

"...Sigh" He sighed, sitting at his desk. But a voice appeared to cure his boredom.

"Salutations temporary Manager." 

Elliot looked up to see the voice's owner. "Huh, Oh hey Erwin..."

His co-worker Erwin waved at him. "Wow... You look like shit."

"Thanks. How's Evan's condition?" Elliot stretched in his chair. 

"Eh... I'd say he'd be back in a month."

Elliot looked at Erwin like he just sentenced him to death. "...Yeah, I'm not doing that. Just find someone else, I'm at my limit."

"Hhh... By the way, you wanna join us on lunch?"

"I'm good, I still need to work on a lotta things." 

"You sure you don't want to eat?" Erwin raised an eyebrow. 

"I'll get something in the vending machine later." 

"Suit yourself... Actually, is there any sign of Dedan yet?"

"No, not that I know of." Elliot pulled up his sleeve to check the time. 

"I see, when do you think he'll arrive? Cus' the Spectres are kinda..." 

"Hhh... I don't know, but I think he'll be here fashionably late."

"I guess we'll have to hang on a little longer. I'll leave it to you interim manager."

"Yeah, See you... Hey, actually could you get me some coffee? Iced coffee." 

"Hhh... Sure, where... was that again?" Erwin muttered. 

Elliot sighed. "It's-"

"Nope. Don't tell me, I absolutely know where it is. I've worked here for 10 months and I never got lost. Not even once!"

And with that, Elliott is alone again.

----------------------------------------

Quite some time has passed and our Elsen decided to go out and lean on one of the buildings near the mines to clear his head. 

Still no report about the station. "I should go to make sur-"

"Hey! Got you your iced coffee! Here." Erwin rushed to Elliot, drink in hand. 

"...Is it still cold even?" Elliot eyed the drink quizzicaly. 

"Well gotta get back to work." Ignoring Elliot's inquiry, Erwin turns his back to him. 

"The cow pens are that way." Elliott readily points at the other direction, he seems to be used to this directionally challenged co-worker.

"Right! Yes I knew that just... wanna check things out here, Spectres ya know? Haha, alright bye." The other Elsen quickly spins on his heel and dashed away.

Waving goodbye to Erwin, he took a quick sip of the iced coffee that was handed to him. His brows furrow. "Bland..."

kachaa... 

A faint noise from the trapdoor to the mines grabs Elliot's attention. 

What? That section of mines are closed off, there shouldn't be anyone making their way here unless they got on the trolley.

 Wary, he faced the direction of the sound to find the trapdoor to the mines open. A tall man begins to rise from it. They scanned their surroundings, shielding his face from the light with his cap.

The Elsen's gaze almost immediately locked on to the bat in the tall man's grip. "Wh...What? D-did you come from the smoke mines?"

He begins to doubt his eyes and mind.

I'm either dreaming, hallucinating from my lack of sleep or there was something in that coffee Erwin got me.

The tall figure seemed to have just noticed him, and answered. "Yes."

He sounds too real... 

The Elsen pinched his cheek. "...Oww." 

Ok not a dream... 

The Elsen looked back up at him, blinking and rubbing his eyes. 

He doesn't seem to be a hallucination either, at least I don't think. 

The man tilted his head, confused by the Elsen's actions.  

Assuming he's not either of those things then... He must think I'm a weirdo. 

"But...-" The Elsen glanced at the mine's entrance.- "But there are loads of specters down there." 

"Yes." 

"...Are y-you a spectre?" The Elsen's expression became more serious.

The man shook his head. "No."

"Th-then who are you?! Have you been sent by the queen? O-or by Dedan?

"No."

What the fuck is going on?! Who is this guy?!

The Elsen continued to ask him more questions but the answers just lead to even more questions. It confused the poor Elsen. 

"Then-"

"Temporary Manager!" Before He could question him further, a colleague cried out to Elliott panting. "Pant... Pant... Temporary manager!"

"Huh? W-what's wrong?" Elliot turned to his colleague. 

"Th-The... Pant, the spectres! They m-managed to take out four workers near the cow pen-" His colleague gasped for air- "A-And it seems that they're planning to spread the infestation further!

"D-Did everyone near the barn evacuate?"

"Y-Yes sir." The other Elsen nodded. 

Elliot sighed "Right, Good, that's good..."

"Um, Ellio- I mean sir..."

Elliott is fine honestly, I'm not even qualified for this position. "Yes? Is there anything else to report?"

"N-No, Um-" He leaned in closer to whisper- "Wh-who is that?"

"Huh?" Elliott looked towards where his colleague pointed. The suspicious man stared blankly at them. 

Shit! I almost forgot that he was here!

"Ah! Uh, n-nevermind him. Y-you should go with the others I'll take care of things here."

"Ok... g-goodluck." He whispered and hastly walked away. 

Our Elsen sighed and turned to the taller man. "Alright, s-so what's your business here?"

"I want to purify this zone."

"Purify? A-and who sent you?"

"My puppeteer."

"Puppeteer? Who?" Elliott raised an eyebrow. 

"They cannot speak, although they can hear and see everything..." There was a moment of silence, "Odd, I can no longer feel their presence as of now."

Ok this guy's just mentally ill. They aren't sent by the queen or Dedan. Maybe the other guardians? No, He said that he was sent by his Puppeteer or something. So an outsider? From where? And they somehow got here through the mines. Maybe he could... no, Dedan will be here soon... 

I think... 

It seems that they're planning to spread the infestation further!

The words echoed in the Elsen's head repeatedly like a broken record. Furrowing his brows, he looks up at him again.

I mean he seems promising enough, and I would probably be doing Dedan a favor... but... 

The Elsen hesitantly spoke. "You know how to fight the spectres? Y-you could destroy them, right...?"

"Yes."

The Elsen went silent for a bit. "Oh... Y-yes that... That would be great! We h-have some spectres in our big barns."

"Barns?"

"Y-yes!"

The taller man thought for a moment. "I must purify the mines first."

Wait he was purifying the mines as well?

"A-ah, Yes but the barns aren't that big... And uh, It'd be nice if you take care of them fast, because the queen's inspector is going to arrive at any moment s-so, could you please take care of the barns first?"

Well more like any day now.

The man was silent for a few seconds but he eventually agreed. "...Alright."

"Ah! G-great! Thanks, thanks a lot! The barns are directly to your right. T-they aren't that big at all you'll see! It's going to be done quickly."

The tall figure made his way towards the barns, not minding the murmurs from the other Elsens.

Can he really do it or am I just desperate? 

The same co-worker came back and whispered to Elliott with a concerned look. "Hey is he sent by Dedan?"

"...Uh, y-yeah."

"I see, well he is still busy with Alma's infestation I guess. See you." The other Elsen waved goodbye. 

Elliott sighed "Hhh, of course..."

"Interim manager! Dedan is waiting for you at the station." Another one of his co-workers called out to him.

"Oh he's here?" Elliott stared at the direction on where he sent the odd individual until he realized, "...he's HERE?! LIKE RIGHT NOW?!"

"Uh, y-yes sir." 

"Uh... y-yeah, Yes! b-better get going." Elliot quickly spun on his heel to make his way to the station. 

--------------------------------------------

Shit! Shit! Shit! Really? Now?! It's been well over a week of request for an extermination so why now?! Do I go back and hide that guy?! What do I do-

Kachaa...

The sound of the trolly stopping cuts off the Elsen's thoughts. A tall figure proceeds to stomp out of the seemingly larger than usual trolly.

"A-ah... ma-master Dedan."

The man opened his toothy maw to speak. "Where are the cows that have been reported on?"

"W-what?"

"The cows that have not been producing any metal and as the report said, they also seem to float and some of them going missing or something like that," Dedan huffed, "Don't fuckin know what that stupid request said but cows not making any metal is a matter not to be overlooked."

"The-"

!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

END OF CHAPTER 1

Chapter Text

Kachaa...

The sound of the trolly stopping cuts off the Elsen's thoughts. A tall figure proceeds to stomp out of the seemingly larger than usual trolly.

"A-ah, ma-master Dedan."

The man opened his toothy maw to speak. "Where are the cows that have been reported on?"

"W-what?"

"The cows that have not been producing any metal and as the report said, they also seem to float and some of them going missing or something like that," Dedan huffed, "Don't fuckin know what that stupid request said but cows not making any metal is a matter not to be overlooked."

"The-"

!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

-----------------------------------------------------

F LASHBACK

[6 Weeks Ago: The Barn's Office]

-----------------------------------------------------

"Ugh, why is he not accepting any requests?! It's been a week of continuous request for a ghost extermination and still, Dedan seems to have 'other' priorities to take care of!!"

"Manager, got you coffee." Elliott handed him the drink. 

The manager took a deep breath and put a hand on his forehead. "Sigh... Thanks... I guess the spectres have been getting to me huh?"

Elliott shrugged. "Too bad I'm out of cigarettes."

"Don't smoke in the work place Elliott." The manager took a sip of his coffee. 

Another voice makes themselves known along with the strong scent of coffee. "I heard that we aren't the only one's that have a ghost problem. Maybe that's why Dedan is so busy all the time. " 

The manager spoke to the voice. "Enwik... Status report on the barns."

The Elsen known as Enwik pulls a pair of glasses out of nowhere and pretends to read something. "Well to put it simply Manager, not good."

The manager sighed. "Details please."

"I forgot." Enwik deadpanned. 

The manager turned to Enwik with annoyance and slight disappointment. "..."

The Manager then turns to Elliott sighing. "Any ideas?"

Both of them turned their attention to Elliott, causing him to shift uncomfortably with the sudden attention. "Why are you asking me?"

"I just don't want to think anymore. Just help me damnit." The manager said with a tired expression. 

Elliott ponders a bit, and eventually cleared his throat to speak. "Uh... Well, If ghosts won't work then maybe something other than ghost..?"

The manager took a sip of his coffee. "We don't really have any other problems besides phantoms, well that and some rogue cows here and there."

"Well..." Elliott went silent.

Enwik shrugged and decided to finish Elliott's sentence for him. "Well it doesn't have to be a real problem. We just need him here right? And..." Enwik whispered to the manager.

Elliott raised and eyebrow at that and rethinks his idea. "I guess lying is a bad-"

The manager clasps his hands together. "Great idea!"

Elliott turns to his superior. "Wait really?"

"Yup! And since you suggested it,-" The manager puts a hand on Elliott's shoulder- "You will be writing the 'urgent problem' in Zone 1," The Manager grumbled, "As if spectres aren't urgent enough."

Elliott blinked. "Wha- No, wait! Evan!"

Before Elliott can protest, his manager is already waving goodbye. "See you and that urgent report soon! That's an order."

"Evan! Ugh... Damnit!" Elliott let's out a groan and his head falls on his desk.

Enwik also getting ready to leave turns to Elliott. "Count this as revenge of that one time you ate my coffee brownies."

"Screw you! You bribed Evan didn't you?!"

"Good luck Ellie."

--------------------------------------------

Tomorrow came and Elliott let his manager read the multiple requests he created. Along with Enwik and Erwin. 

"BAHAHAHA-" Erwin burst into laughter. 

"Very... Creative." While Evan tried to put on his best poker face.

Elliott spun in his chair glaring at the three. "Well, catching his attention and making it sound believable is easier said than done."

Evan cleared his throat pulling himself together, still trying not to let a laugh slip. "W-well, cows not being able to produce any metal would be concerning." The manager selected one of the request Elliott made.

Enwik chimed in. "Honestly you should've just only written that part."

Erwin still giggling in his chair leaned over to Elliott. "Hehe. No, no, no, this is perfect. Honesty I want a movie with this concept."

Elliot pleaded. "Manager, please make this quick." 

Evan, also known as the manager is now snorting while looking at the letter. "S-so... Hehe. So you ready to send this 'urgent request'?"

-----------------------------------------

END OF FLASHBACK

-----------------------------------------

Wait, wait, wait, no.

No, no, no. Are... Are you fucking kidding me right now?! That fake report that I just made up is the one that got through to him?! That ridiculous report about fucking SPACE MONKEYS?! Oh my queen please have mercy on my soul.

The voice of authority spoke. "Well, are you going to get a move on or do I throw you there myself."

"Ah! N-no! W-well the thing is..." The Elsen starts to sweat and fidget frantically.

"I'm getting tired of waiting get on with it!" The taller man was getting impatient.

The Elsen stuttered an answer with shifty eyes. "Well, about the report. I-it was a-actually... Uh, a-a mistake! Yes! Haha, Someone must have been doped up with too much caffeine or something haha! Ha..."

"What?" Dedan narrowed his eyes. 

"The issue w-was actually spectres- ahem. An infestation of spectres i-in the barns."

"And who made the fake report?"

The Elsen gulped. "I... I d-don't know master Deda-"

"It was you isn't it?" Venom seeped from his words while staring the Elsen down. 

Cold sweat drips from the Elsen's back.

Dedan stomps closer to the Elsen. "How dare you, you fucking low-life imbecile lie to me. Lie to your guardian! Don't you know that I'm also busy with ghost infestations in Alma!?" 

"I-"

"The damned spectres were already a handful but now I've got to deal with liars?!" The Guardian shouted.

"I-I'm sorry master Dedan, b-but someone is already taking care of them! S-so-"

"And who might that be?! Did you send one of those Space Monkeys after them?! Don't make me laugh."

"N-No. H-he's in the b-barns-"

"Shut up! Take me to him!"

"O-ok!" The Elsen forced his body to move, leading both of them to the barns.

The taller man grumbles and shouts. "Lying to your superior, Lying to me, will not go unpunished! My beloved zone doesn't have a place for shitty liars like you!"

"..."

--------------------------------------------

The guardian's cursing and shouting continued even when they finally arrived at the barn.

"I'm really sorry, I r-really am."

"Not to mention letting someone other than me to take care of the spectres. Unforgivable!"

"Sor-"

"Shut your trap you poor moron!"

"..."

"Has he been in there for long?"

"I... I don't know."

"Of course, you know nothing. I could've guessed."

"H-he said he can eliminate the spectres."

"And why does he think he's capable of destroying those stupid phantoms? He thinks he's better than you! Better than the queen!"

"N-no! No, I don't think that."

"Shut it, I haven't asked you anything. You all think you're smarter than everyone else. But you're all the same," Dedan clicked his tongue, "Tsk, at any case that's hardly important. The ghosts will erase that prig."

"You... You think he won't succeed?"

"Of course not. Nobody here's capable of fighting the phantoms other than the queen's officers." 

Dedan leaned down to the Elsen towering over him. "If you'd only listen to me more often, you wouldn't be in so much shit."

"..." The Elsen looked down. 

He's right... No one other than them can. Did I just really sent a stranger to a highly dangerous ghost infested barn? Of course I did I'm so fucking stupid. Stupid, stupid, stupid Elliott.

A thought popped into the Elsen's mind. A thought that filled his mind with dread. "But... Then w-who's going to destroy the phantoms?"

"I could have done it. But you don't deserve it. Too bad for you, you'll just have to take care of your problems yourselves." Every word that came out was bitter. 

"I... N-no please-"

"I'll be heading back to Alma. At least the people there are polite, they aren't constantly cutting you off."

"P-please... Don't-"

"Goodbye."

"No!" Without thinking the Elsen blocked Dedan from leaving. He was desperate. Who knows what will happen if this continues.

The infestation will grow and grow until it gets us.

"Piss off!" Dedan spat at the Elsen. 

"Don't! I-"

"I command you. Get the fuck out of my way this instant, if you want to keep your job."

"..." He hesitantly stepped away, not daring to make eye contact. Knowing full well that his job might not be the only thing he will lose if he keeps this up. 

The taller man stomped away. Leaving the Elsen alone with the mooing cows and his thoughts.

No... 

He puts his hands on his head.

What do I do?

I'm... Going to... We're Going to die. 

No, no, no. God what do I-

"Who was that person." A familiar baritone voice appeared beside the Elsen.

"AAAHH!- Ah! Y-you're alive?"

The tall figure stood still for a bit then answered. "...Yes."

Did my scream startled him or is he wondering what's wrong with me? That's embarrassing. No, the spectres are more important right now.

"And... And the spectres?"

"Eradicated. The barn is pure now."

"R-really?!" He quickly but cautiously took a peek at the barn. No signs of a Spectre can be found, just some ectoplasm. Everywhere.

"That... You... You must be very lucky."

He did it? So no one is in danger anymore? This must be a dream. No way, right? Did I pass out after Dedan left? 

"Who was that person?" The taller man questioned. 

So he really doesn't know Dedan? I guess that confirms he's an outsider? 

"That... That was Dedan. H-he's the queen's inspector."

"You mean inspectre."

The Elsen blinked and turned to him for a doubletake. "What?"

"You mean Spectre."

"N-no the queen doesn't employ spectres, he can't be one..." The Elsen blinked, he could've sworn he heard something else.

Sleep deprivation must be getting to me.

"But he's hostile. I must destroy him."

The Elsens eyes widened "What? No! Don't do that! He's an envoy of the queen!" 

What is he thinking?! Killing Dedan?! Killing the Guardian of Zone 1?! Is he really out of his mind?! 

"I... Hhh... Y-you should complete your work at the smoke mines... Please."

"..." The taller man remained silent, the Elsen found it hard to read him. Maybe because half of his face is veiled by shadow.

The Elsen tried to persuade him again. "B-besides he's in Alma. No one can get there without proper authorization. So please, return to the smoke mines."

After a few moments the man eventually spoke. "Alright." He then turned and started walking to the trapdoor to the smoke mines.

Wait... The mines? 

The Elsen seemed to have realized something. "...Actually I'll come with-"

"That is unnecessary." The taller man immediately rejected him.

A bit taken aback from being shut down so quickly, he stuttered. "Um, I-I can guide you there so you won't get lost, I've been in the smoke mines before s-so I know the ins and outs of it."

He remained silent. "..."

"D-don't worry I-I won't get in your way. I may not have a weapon right now but... Um... I won't get in your way!" Giving up on coming up of anything else to say he just gave the taller man a thumbs up. 

Sure, the barns aren't infested with spectres anymore but there's no telling if the spectres in the mines would prefer the barns over the mines sometime in the future. I won't have peace if they still roam in Zone 1. 

"...Do as you wish." The taller man turned away and continued to walk to the trapdoor.

"Ah, yes. Th-thank you..."

END OF CHAPTER 2

Chapter Text

The Elsen seemed to have realized something. "...Actually I'll come with-"

"That is unnecessary." The taller man immediately rejected him.

A bit taken aback from being shut down so quickly, he stuttered. "Um, I-I can guide you there so you won't get lost, I've been in the smoke mines before s-so I know the ins and outs of it."

He remained silent. "..."

"D-don't worry I-I won't get in your way. I may not have a weapon right now but... Um... I won't get in your way!" Giving up on coming up of anything else to say he just gave the taller man a thumbs up. 

 Sure, the barns aren't infested with spectres anymore but there's no telling if the spectres in the mines would prefer the barns over the mines sometime in the future. I won't have peace if they still roam in Zone 1. 

"...Do as you wish." The taller man turned away and continued to walk to the trapdoor.

"Ah, yes."

---------------------------

The faint sound of clanging takes me back, the thick scent of smoke is almost nostalgic in a way. 

Suspicious glances from the smoke miners were expected, most of them didn't bother asking. It's probably for the best. And I did bump into some old faces every now and then, but we merely just greet each other with a nod or just outright ignore each other most of the time. 

"...Elliott?" Another Elsen's voice called out to him. 

Most of the time... 

"I-it is you, aren't you... supposed to be in the Barns?" The miner questioned. 

Elliott turns to the other Elsen. "Hhh... I..."

"Did you switch to h-here? Bad choice... I'd rather be in Pentel or Alma rather than-" The other Elsen glanced up at Elliott's companion- "this..."

"Haha... Y-yeah. N-no I didn't switch, I'm Just... You know, guiding," Elliott points to the taller man. "him..."

"O-ok..."

There was an awkward pause until Elliott spoke again. "A-actually do you have an extra flashlight we could use?"

"Hhh... S-sure... It's on a helmet though. H-here." The other Elsen handed Elliott a hard helm.

"Perfect." Elliott took the helmet and proceeded to walk away with his odd companion, "C-catch you later old friend... um... Ethan?"

"Eugene."

"Right. I knew that. Bye." The two left, leaving the other Elsen with a lot of questions. 

Eugene sighed. "Hhh... But why is a cow harvester guiding someone in the mines? Whatever, I'll just get back to wor..." He scanned the area searching for something. "...Where's my pickaxe?"

--------------------------------------------

I also 'borrowed' a pickaxe. Surely He won't mind.

Elliott rested the pickaxe on his shoulder as the pair continued onward in silence. 

"..." Even though the Elsen couldn't see his companion's face he felt like he was giving him the side eye.

"Hhh... H-he can probably get more back in Damien anyway." The Elsen averted his gaze trying to shut his somewhat guilty conscience. 

"..." There was a long stretch of silence. 

"...S-so how did you defeat the Spectres back in the Barns?" Elliot tried changing the subject. 

"I swung at them, with my bat."

...That's it? 

"Ah... I see-"

"Along with Alpha's assistance." The taller man added. 

The Elsen perked up. "Who?" It seems that piqued his interest. 

"Alpha. They are a companion of mine."

So he's not alone. An accomplice. I see. 

"I-I see... That's nice..."

The Elsen paused for a moment as he realized something. "A-actually... I haven't introduced myself haven't I? The name's Elliott. Wh-what's yours?"

"I'm the-"

A large, lanky figure with hollow eyes appeared behind our Elsen's companion. 

"AAAAAHH-"

[PURIFICATION IN PROGRESS]

The creature tried to grab the baseball capped man, but he ducked and rolled a safe distance away from the large ghoul.

Our Elsen took a step back. 

Shit! We already ran into a spectre?! 

"F-fuck, we should... We should ru-" Suddenly the mines were illuminated by a white glow. 

Huh? I don't remember turning on my flashlig- 

The Elsen turned to his taller companion to a-

A floating hula-hoop?! 

His taller companion raised his bat to the enemy, "I am the Batter... This is the last name you will hear creature of darkness. I will make sure of it." He spoke with conviction and promise. 

The lanky ghoul let out a breath of dust as it fixed it's gaze at them. 

Elliott shuddered as he stared at it's hollow eyes. An unwanted memory appeared in the Elsen's mind. 

--------------------------------------------

He recalled the screams of terror and agony caused by this kind of spectre in his early days of working in the mines. 

He stood there petrified, the rest of the Elsens running past him as he stood. Until a co-worker cried out to him. Our Elsen's eyes go wide at the sight of the stranger as they weakly crawled to him with both of their legs bloodied and mangled in different directions.

Their trembling hand reached out to him.

"H-help me..."

Elliott's eyes shook, a low growl made him snap his attention away from the injured stranger to meet the empty gaze of the dusty breathed ghoul. 

"Please... Please help me. I-I don't wanna die, please!" They pleaded.

Elliott's eyes shifted between his co-worker on the ground and the ghoul advancing towards them. 

 And like the others he turned his back to the stranger, and ran. 

--------------------------------------------

The Batter rushed at the ghoul along with the glowing object. 

Snapping out of the memory Elliot called out to him "W-wait! You can't! It's dangerous!" But his companion didn't look back.

When the Batter got close, this time the ghoul tried to capture him with both of it's hands. But the Batter slid between it's legs to get behind it and then hit the spectre on the back of it's knees causing it to tumble. 

As it fell, it balled up it's fist to crush the Batter on it's way down, however in a blink of an eye the floating object sliced the ghoul's arm off as it crashed onto the ground wailing. 

The Batter raised his bat to make the finishing blow however something grabbed on his leg and yanked him upwards suspending him in the air. 

"Hhh! The tail!" Elliott pointed out the appendage that has grabbed a hold of the Batter. 

The circular object came to the rescue and chopped the ghoul's tail off. The ghoul wailed as it focuses on the floating object instead and with its good hand, the ghoul hurled the circular object to the ground. 

When the tail lost it's grip on the Batter, he managed to land safely next to the Elsen, "Give that to me." The Batter gestured to the pickaxe in the Elliott's hand. 

"W-what, why-"

Before Elliott could even question him, he had already snatched the pickaxe and threw it at the spectre. It shrieked louder as the metallic object strikes the ghoul's chest. 

The ghoul's cries of agony was cut short when the Batter swung his bat into the ghoul's jaw with a crack. 

The Elsen winces, watching the graphic display. And just like that, the spectre was defeated lying down on it's back, as it then fades into a white light and vanishes. 

"..." Elliot stood still with wide eyes looking at where the Spectre was previously lying down. The pickaxe was all that remained. 

It's dead..?

The Batter picked up the pickaxe and tossed it at the Elsen. 

The Ekse fumbled a bit but he caught his weapon. "Ah- th-thanks..."

"Elliot was it? Let's keep moving."

"Hhh... Y-yes."

Maybe it wasn't just luck that happened back in the Barns... 

--------------------------------------------

"AAAAAH-"

[PURIFICATION IN PROGRESS]

--------------------------------------------

"AAAAH-"

[PURIFICATION IN PROGRESS]

--------------------------------------------

"Ah-"

[PURIFICATION IN PROGRESS]

--------------------------------------------

"Hhh..."

[PURIFICATION IN PROGRESS]

--------------------------------------------

[Adversaries Purified...]

"H-hey... pant. Guh, d-do you want to take a break?"

"No, there are still spectres here. It's better to keep moving."

"I-I know a safe place. pant... It's not too far from here, w-we can rest there. P-please..?"

The Batter thought for a moment. "...Ok."

Thank Goodness, I'm literally dying here. 

The Elsen sighed. "G-give me a minute..."

After the Elsen catched his breath he lead the both of them to a certain section in the mines. He then reached for the unlit lamp in the wall as the taller man curiously watched.

Elliot pulled on the lamp.

rumble...

The wall opened up before them with a low rumble. 

Elliot turned to his taller companion to see his mouth slightly open in amazement. 

"..." The Elsen stared at the Batter, it's the first time he's seen him show any visible emotion. Even if it's a little.

"Let's go." The Batter walked past our Elsen. 

"Ah! R-right."

I stared a bit to long there! I need to stop spacing out. It's a good thing he didn't notice. Damn you sleep deprivation! 

Upon entering, they were greeted by shouting from two Elsens.

"Why have you opened the door?! The spectres are going to attack us! Leave! Leave us right now!"

"The regulations prohibit outside visitors in the main galleries. Get out!"

Elliott winced, right he should've expected this. "Hhh... N-no, we aren't outsiders! W-we are the newbies! Yes. "

The two Elsens furrowed their brows in thought

"Newbies? Haven't heard about anyone new in Damien."

"Even so, how did you know about this place!"

Elliott tried to put on his best innocent little newbie act. "A-a fellow miner told me."

"B-but your friend over there is suspicious." They gestured to the Batter. 

"Uh, because... He- um... Hhh..."

"Break it up you two," A third Elsen called out to them, "Letting them stay for a few minutes won't hurt."

The two Elsens knitted their eyebrows together but they have fallen silent and kept their distance. Well, fallen to quiet whispers. As the third Elsen shuts the door. 

Sighing, Elliott then went ahead and pulled out a key card and shoved it in the wall. 

Two Vending Machines appeared in front of him. 

The taller man seemed surprised at the machines and glanced at Elliott with a questioning manner. 

To which the Elsen answered, still facing the vending machines. "Some food and drinks are scarce due to the many tragedies in the past eras. And due to the scarcity, inflation occured. And due to that many people started stealing, so hidden vending machines are just the norm."

Wait, should I really be telling these things to an outsider? 

The taller man nodded, taking in the information.

Elliott glanced at the options within the vending machines. 

There isn't much in stock huh... I guess these three have been here for a while. 

"Here." The Elsen shrugs off the thought and handed a soda can to the Batter.

"What is this?" The taller man inspects the can curiously and placed his bat down to lean on the wall. 

"Hhh... soda, s-sorry it's the only thing available."

"..." The man stares at it blankly not sure what to do. 

"Ah, you open it like this at the top." The Elsen took the can from the him and opened it with a click, "Here."

The Batter took a tentative sip and surprise once again finds him as he subconsciously puts a hand on his mouth. "...Its fizzy? Tastes good."

"Hhh... G-glad you like it." Elliott opened a plastic container of meat to snack on. 

The Batter hummed and took another sip. He turned his head to where the vending machines are. "Elliot, What are those?"

"H-huh? Haven't I already told you?"

"You told me why they are hidden. But not much on what they are exactly."

"Hhh... R-right, sorry." 

He doesn't know what a Vending Machine is? Guess it is expected from an outsider. 

"Vending Machines, a-are machines where you can buy food or drinks..."

"How?"

"Hhh... Y-you just put the credits in and pick whichever one you like..."

He's awfully curious... Didn't expect that. 

The Batter rummaged through his pocket, "Here." And held out a few credits to Elliott.

"Wha- oh. N-no the soda is my treat to you for doing all the work."

"What do you mean? You are doing your part in guiding me through the mines."

"S-still, just take it. It makes me feel better."

He went silent for a bit, but he eventually spoke, "...That's stupid." The Batter pocketed the credits and continued to enjoy his drink. 

"You're... welcome?" Elliott turned his attention back to his meal while thoughts creeped in his mind. 

My doubts about his abilities have been proven wrong, I don't know if I should be glad about it or not. 

The Elsen proceeded to chow down on the chunks of cow meat using a plastic fork with a furrowed expression. "..." The Elsen shook his head. 

It will be fine. So far he hasn't caused any harm to anyone other than the spectres... Though Dedan might be an exception, if he can even manage to bruise the Guardian.

I mean, he isn't weak by any means. Speaking from a viewer's perspective while watching him 'purify' the spectres. He has a nice build, Tall, strong arms, fast legs, and a nice..... 

AHHH! THAT'S SO INAPPROPRIATE OF ME! No! Wait! I wasn't being inappropriate. I was just admiring... His strength. Yeah.

He has a nice body but I'm- no. He's an attractive- no! Damnit brain! He's- He's just... Just... He's... Staring... at me. 

"..." 

"Cough, cough! Um, s-say what was that circular floating object that has been appearing when you are in combat? Is it a weapon of yours?" The Elsen awkwardly puts a hand behind his neck.

"That was Alpha."

"I see- Wait who?"

"Alpha."

"T-that floating hula hoop?" The Elsen questioned exasperated. 

"..."

"That was your acomplic- Ahem! right. Th-thanks for informing me." Elliot opened a soda can he got for himself. 

"..."

"..."

Both of them stood in an awkward stretch of silence. until.

"Pfft-"

Elliott's head perked up, and turned to see the Batter tilting his cap to cover his face. 

"H-huh?"

"Nothing." As soon as the Batter stated that, the circular object, or rather Alpha, appeared beside him. 

All the Elsens in the room were alerted by it's presence. 

Alpha was facing Elliott. The Elsen didn't know why but he felt like he's angered it. Alpha glowed a raging radiance of hostility as it slowly advanced towards him. 

Elliott took a step back. 

The Batter raised a hand at the circular object and it halted in the air, after a few seconds Alpha's raging glow dimmed. Elliot was no expert in hula hoop body language but he could've sworn that Alpha huffed in annoyance. 

The Batter turned to Elliott. "Have you finished your drink yet?"

"H-huh? Hhh... y-yeah I have."

"Then let's proceed."

Walking towards the door, the third Elsen opened it for them while Elliott thanked and apologized for the disturbance. 

------------------------------------------

Venturing deeper into the mines means venturing deeper into danger. And for these two, it was no exception. 

"Show yourselves children of-!"

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

7 spectres circled them, leaving no room for escape.

[ PURIFICATION IN PROGRESS ]

"Hhh! Why did you have to call out to them?!" The Elsen readied his pickaxe and Alpha appeared behind the Batter. 

"They were already aware of our presence." Alpha's glow illuminated most of the area giving away the spectres' location. 

The Sprectres screeched at them, it sent shivers down the Elsen's spine." 5 Magnolias and 2 Januaries? This is insane."

Alpha was the first to strike, taking out two of the floating heads as the Batter followed by striking one of the lanky ghouls.

The spectres growled and shrieked like an unholy choir. The Batter used Alpha to launch himself up at the lanky ghoul and bashed the bat into its head with a force enough to topple it over.

While the Batter pinned his target to the ground three remaining heads swarmed the Batter and each took a limb to sink their teeth in, restraining the Batter's movements. 

"B-Batter! A-are you ok?!"

"Yes." He said as calm as ever. He then swung his bat on one of the spectres that locked itself onto his left arm. It loosened it's grip and falters. The other two let go of the Batter as well. 

While the Batter was still recovering from the attack, the ghoul that he was pinning down has already begun to come to its senses. 

"Batter!" The Elsen rushed to his companion only to be grabbed by the other ghoul.

"AHH-" Alpha dismembered the hand that had grabbed a hold of the Elsen. 

Elliott then fell to the ground knocking the air out of him as he watched Alpha struggling in the ghoul's grasp instead. 

"Hhh... A-Alph-" The Elsen slowly got up. 

The struggling object glowed in anger and protest. It does not want help. 

"B-But!-"

Alpha's radiance screamed in more protest. 

"I don't understand-"

Loud screeching from behind brought back his attention to the Batter, his clothes are soiled with blood and dust from the fight. 

He swung at the three heads that surrounds him, though it is not like his usual precise movements. Missing every sigle one of them by a hair.

The lanky ghoul used this to his advantage and tried to grab the Batter. 

"Batter!" The Elsen rushed towards them and swung his pickaxe on the back of the ghoul. 

The ghoul let out a shriek of agony as Elliott yanked his pickaxe out and ran to the Batter while both of the large ones are occupied. 

I see, metal is effective... 

The Elsen thought to himself as he made his way to his taller companion. 

"Batter- Woah!" The Batter swung at the Elsen's direction but missed, "What was that for-"

When the Elsen looked at the Batter's face his eyes widen in shock when he saw a thick layer of smoke covering his eyes with a large X symbol. 

"Elliott?"

"W-what... What happened?!"

"I was blinded by the Magnolias." The Batter said calmly, as a floating head got close the Batter swung at its direction only to miss. 

Blinded? Right, there were cases of temporary blindness before. I have actually fallen victim to this effect before but I never got to see what it looked like. 

"Hhh! Shit! W-what do we do?!"

"...Can you switch Weapons with me?" The Batter held out his bat to Elliot. 

"Hhh... A-are you sure you can take them?"

The taller man nodded and the Elsen gingerly took his bat and gave the Batter his pickaxe in return. 

"Hinder their advances for a bit." The Batter dashed at the ghoul that has a hold of Alpha. Leaving the Elsen with the three floating heads. 

"W-wait! What?!" 

The Magnolias flew closer to the Elsen. They are more than happy to have easier prey. 

"F-fuck, seriously..." The Elsen's voice trembled as he clutched the bat in his hand, feeling a sense of reassurance for some reason. 

One hurled itself towards the Elsen, "AH!" He ducked to dodge the spectre. The second one tried to get a taste of his arm, he dodged that one as well, all while yelping.

However the third one did not give him the time to dodge this time, leaving Elliott with the only option to block it. After a few turns of dodging and blocking the Elsen finally decides to strike one of them. 

"Aaah!" With a cry the Elsen swung at one of the floating heads, making it collapse to the ground. The Elsen smiled, there was a sense of triumph in the Elsen when the head on the ground faded into white light. But the feeling didn't last long as he realized that there are two more glaring at him with rage. 

"W-we can talk about thi-"

Both of them lunge at him as the Elsen quickly dodged the attack, barely. He then tried to swing at one of them, Although his attack nailed the spectre's head, there was a crack. No, not from the skull of the spectre.

It was from the bat. Splintered and severed in two. 

He stared at the weapon. "Shit... He's gonna kill me."

The two remaining spectres lunged at him again, as he tried to dodge he realized that he was backed up into a corner. The spectre's unhinged their jaws. 

"AAAHHHHH!" The Elsen screamed and closed his eyes shut to brace himself for the attack. Pain of teeth gnawing at his skin.

 But there was nothing. 

He slowing opened one eye to see the two floating heads replaced with Alpha and Batter without the thick layered smoke around his face.

Elliott let out a loud sigh of relief and leaned on the wall. Clutching his chest to feel his heart beat. "it's... Pant. It's over..."

"Are you alright?" The Batter asked, breathing labored but not as much as the Elsen.

"I-I think I should be asking you that."

"I'm fine."

Elliott eyed him up and down, his clothes were a bit tattered, soiled with ectoplasm, blood and dust. "Doesn't seem like it..."

The Batter went silent for a while. But he eventually spoke hesitantly. "...I broke it."

"H-huh?"

The Batter carefully held out the damaged pickaxe for him to see. 

The Elsen blinked, "Oh..." And he then carefully showed the Batter the bat that has been reduced to splinters.

"..."

"..."

There was a long pause. 

"S-sorry, shit w-we don't have weapons... H-how are we going to-"

Alpha nudged at the Elsen. 

"Ah! What? O-oh, right. B-but..."

"Are we almost at at the end of the mines?" The Batter asked. 

"Um, y-yes. But-"

"Let's go."

"Wait! I-it could be even more dangerous you know?! I know we have Alpha but..."

"You would rather go backwards?"

"I... N-no..."

Awkward silence once again finds them. 

"...I suggest you should return after we reach the exit of the mines. We will part ways then."

"..."

------------------------------------------

As they head deeper into the mines the Elsen is plagued by his own thoughts.

Why am I doing this? I really didn't have to go this far. Is it for the spectres or is it because of pity for the man? Why do I care if he foolishly confronts Dedan? Why does he even want to? I mean he's not the best guardian but... Whatever, It's none of my business anymore. I'm going to the station after we exit the mines as he suggested... Right, why do I care-

"Hahahaha." An amused laugh caught Both Elliott's and the Batter's attention. "The characters are starting to pile up, aren't they?"

END OF CHAPTER 3

Chapter Text

As they venture deeper into the mines the Elsen is plagued by his own thoughts.

Right... Why am I doing this? Why do I care if he foolishly confronts Dedan? Why does he even want to?

I mean he's not the best guardian but... He takes pride in his zone. Whatever, It's none of my business. I'm going to the station after we exit the mines as he suggested... Right, why do I care-

"Hahaha." An amused laugh caught Both Elliott's and the Batter's attention. "The characters are starting to pile up, aren't they?"

--------------------------------------------

The Elsen looks up to see a man next to a yellow floating box. 

He... seems familiar, have I seen him somewhere before? 

"..." The masked man glanced at the Elsen mumbling something under his breath. 

The Batter questioned the man. "Pardon?"

"What I'm saying is that the average player, or reader. Doesn't need all these complicated and tedious dialogues."

Huh? Who?

"There should be more action... Wink, wink. And fewer questions."

"..." 

He verbally said 'wink' twice... 

"Who are you?" The Batter asked the masked man. 

"Like I said more action and few-"

"Who are you." Batter demanded rather than questioned this time.

Batter is wary, can't blame him... Even though we have Alpha, it still feels uneasy venturing a ghost infested mine without a weapon. And now that I think about it, this guy is pretty suspicious.

The masked man raised both of his hands. "Ok, ok. I'm Zacharie, the traditional items merchant that's necessary in every video game, or in this case every fanfiction. I'll always find myself in places you're going to visit before you arrive."

The Elsen raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "What? But how's tha-"

"But enough blether. I'm not one of those protagonists you need to listen to for hours. So, lemme see the color of your credits." 

Out of nowhere, he pulled out a huge bag back and laid some stuff on the ground. It's impressive how he sets up a shop so quickly. "Well, need anything in particular?" 

The Batter steps forward, he seemed a bit calmer now. Peeking beside the Batter, the Elsen took note of the items laid out before them.

Meat, baseball uniforms, eyes... Baseball bats and aura of justice? And other strange items with weird names... 

Elliott glanced at the Merchant's bag questioningly. 

How did all that fit in there..? Nevertheless, this guy seems to have a target customer.

"Ah, the stuff for you are right over here amigo." The merchant gestured him to look at a few more items he laid out. This time they consist of pickaxes, helmets, button ups, trousers, and a few ties with different but simple designs.

"O-oh..."

"These quality items will be great aid on your travels."

"Hhh, I see... I-I'm sorry, but I'm not buying anything. I'm actually gonna head back to the cowsheds after this."

The Merchant paused. "...I see. Well that's alright, I still have another customer here." Zacharie turned to the Batter, "So, anything caught your interest Mr. Batter?"

Wait, how did he know his 'name'? Lucky guess? Or... Are they accomplices? 

"How much for this? And this... And this... And some of those."

Zacharie took a moment to calculate. "That will be-"

"And some of these as well."

"Ok, that will-"

"And more of those."

"...That-"

"Actually I don't need this one."

"..."

"..."

Silence, both the Batter and Zacharie waits for the other to speak. 

"That will be 800 Credits."

"...500."

The Merchant shook his head. "No can do dear Batter."

"600."

"Make it 799, and I might consider-"

"300 Credits"

"...You are supposed to increase-"

"599." The Batter bargained.

"Hhh... I'll wait until you guys are done." Elliott puts his back against the wall, watching the ridiculous sight of the Batter and the Merchant bargaining for the price."

--------------------------------------------

"Phew, That was a sale," Zacharie sighs, wiping his forehead while the Batter made his way towards the floating cube. "We ended up agreeing with the price of 720 credits."

"Hhh... I see..."

The Merchant then turned to the Elsen. "Say amigo, do you happen to know anything about that floating cube right there?"

"Huh? O-oh, well those things are scattered fairly everywhere. We use it to heal sometimes, especially in the mines. So we often use it as a checkpoint of sorts? "

"Hm, figured." Zacharie nodded. 

"No one really knew who made them. Though some believe the Queen did."

"Hahahah, is she really that capable?" Chuckling, Zacharie proceeds to dig into his pocket, "But wouldn't she have told her people that she did? And how to use it?"

The Elsen opened his mouth to answer, but there wasn't any he could give to that. 

"Seems like you figured out the uses of it yourselves." Zacharie then pulled out some cigarettes. "So it seems that only a few have access to that feature."

The Elsen ignored the last part, distracted by the pack of cigarettes in the merchant's hand. "Hhh... Where did you get those?"

"Hm? Oh these? That's a secret I'm afraid I can't tell amigo," The Merchant held out the pack to Elliott, "Though, I don't mind sharing, want some?"

"...Sure," The Elsen took a cigarette from the pack, "Y-you got a lighter?"

Zacharie lighted his and tossed it to Elliott. "Here."

"Ah- uh- got it," Barely, "Th-thanks, haven't had a smoke in a while...

The Elsen lit his cigarette and rested it in his mouth. "Hhh... You really can't find these anywhere..."

Zacharie hummed in response. "...May I ask why you decided to accompany The Batter on his journey?"

"H-huh? Oh, um..."

I don't think I can tell him about the Dedan situation. Quick make something up! 

"W-well, I didn't really have much to do so... I... just kinda wanted to go for a stroll?"

WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT BRAIN?! 

Zacharie quirked an eyebrow. "In the smoke mines? Full of spectres?"

"..."

"With a guy you just met?"

"...Yesss?" The Elsen smiled sheepishly.

The merchant chuckled. "Sounds delightful." 

"W-well there is another reason. But..." The Elsen fell silent. 

The Merchant took another hit of his cigarette. "Well, whatever the reason, I won't pry. You're going to leave him soon anyway."

"Hhh... Y-yeah..."

A moment of silence befalls them. 

"...Though, I kinda want you to consider staying with him a little while longer."

"Huh?"

"I mean he did do you a favor, right..?"

"Ah, y-yes the infestation in the barns... Wait... How di-"

"I think it's fair you return the favor. You see-" He leans in to whisper- "He's kinda lonely right now, his only companion right now is his add on, and you're knowledgeable about Zone 1 right?"

"Y-yeah? Kind of? But I'm o-only confident about Pentel and Damie-"

"Why don't you help the lost puppy a little?"

"But... Hhh..." 

"Lost with no where to go. He might get caught by Dedan and get crushed like a little bug."

"Hhh... Stop that. I know that he's more than capable in combat. Though... Dedan is way too much."

The Elsen took a long drag of his cigarette and exhaled the smoke. Furrowing his brows as he collected his thoughts. "...Sigh, Fine. I owe him a favor and a bat anyway."

The Merchant chuckled, "Thanks amigo," and walked a few steps away to rummage through his bag. 

"Batter probably told you didn't he?"

"Told me what?" Zacharie grabbed a pickaxe and tossed it to the Elsen. 

The Elsen catched it no problem. "Hhh... The Barns. Probably my name too."

"Hahaha, Maybe," The Merchant gestured to the pickaxe, "On the house." 

The Elsen rested the pickaxe on his shoulder. "...So that floating hula hoop is called an add on?"

"Yes, but more specifically. The Alpha add on. It helps the Batter in fights, mainly in the offensive side of combat."

"Specifically..? S-so you're saying there are more of those?"

"Yup."

"Where can you find them?"

The Merchant held his hand out. "Credits first."

"Nevermind..." As the Elsen took another puff of his cigarette again, he turned to look at the Batter taking his shirt off.

"..." 

WAIT-

The Elsen's eyes widen and choked when he accidentally inhaled his cigarette. "COUGH! COUGH! WHEEZE!"

"Woah, are you alright amig-"

Elliott spat out the cigarette and faced the wall. 

"..."

The Merchant shifted his gazed between the Batter and the Elsen letting out a chuckle. "Oh, I see."

"W-what?" Elliott seems to find the wall more interesting to look at than anything else. 

The Merchant snickers. "You know he still has his turtleneck on right?"

"..." The Elsen puts a hand to his face and sighed. 

"I must say that was an interesting reaction Ellie."

"Hhh... I-it's a perfectly reasonable reaction..." The Elsen finally turned to face Zacharie trying to wash away his embarrassment. 

The Merchant chuckled. "Whatever you say amigo."

The Batter approached the two looking less roughed up than he was before. He turned to the Elsen. "Should we proceed?"

"Huh? Ah! Y-yeah."

As the pair walked onward a call halted their steps. "Hey Elliott!"

Both heads turn to Zacharie, "Catch," He then tossed the pack of cigarettes towards the Elsen.

The Elsen caught the item with one hand and stared at it for a moment. "...It's free right?" 

"It's was a pleasure chatting with you amigo. Goodluck."

"It's free right?!"

"Next time it isn't."

END OF CHAPTER 4

Chapter Text

As the Batter and the Elsen walked in they were immediately greeted with a-

"Hhh!" From another Elsen. "What... H-how... Where did you come from?"

Alright gotta think of a more believable lie this ti-

"From the smoke mines." The Batter spoke first.

"But... H-how... But that's impossible! N-not a single lamp works there... Y-you can't have..."

"Elliott guides my steps." The Batter answered. 

"W-who?" The other Elsen questioned. 

"Ahem! Hhh... h-hello..." Elliott waved sheepishly at the other Elsen and glanced at the Batter. 

I guess he's got this? 

"My mission is to purify the mines. But it seems that the phantoms here are particularly numerous."

"Wh-What..?" The other Elsen tilted his head appalled. 

He does not got this.

Elliott cuts in, "W-what he meant was that he's capable of ridding the spectres! Yes! He is here for an extermination," Elliott tried to be as confident as possible. Trying to deceive the other Elsen.

"The... The spectres..." The other Elsen seems to be processing this information.

The Batter turned to Elliott, while the other Elsen collected his thoughts."We are near the exit right?" 

Elliott opened his mouth to speak but was cut off. 

"Y-you both are at the plastic administration of Shachihata, the northern part of zone 1. Our work consist of filling up forms. Afterwards, we wrap them up with string and send them to the courier service-"

Elliott cuts off the other Elsen in return. "Oh I've heard of that. And... I think it goes along the lines of. Because without plastic, the world would have no boundaries?"

The other Elsen fell silent for a moment, "C-correct." He seemed disappointed that he didn't get to finish the introduction. 

I feel a bit bad.

"...Um," The other Elsen turned his attention to the batter, "S-so... You really hunt spectres? Really?"

The Batter nodded. "Yes, I'm purifying this zone."

"The spectres... I... I know where they come from..."

The pair both perked up at that,  carefully listening to what the Elsen in front of them had to say. 

"They all come from the postal service."

"The postal service?" The Batter parroted. 

The nameless Elsen nods. "That's where we send out the package forms. The problem is that... Uh... Nobody can remember which floor it's found on."

Elliott narrowed his eyes, glancing at their surroundings. "Hhh... Speaking of floors... Why are you here?"

"O-oh, my workplace is in this basement."

"Here?!" Elliott squawked, "Near the mines?!"

The Batter turned to the ceiling. "So we are right under the building." 

The other Elsen nodded. "Correct."

The Batter stepped towards the Elevator. "Let's go." 

Elliott hummed in response and followed the Batter in the Elevator, bidding farewell to the other Elsen as the metal doors slid shut. 

Poor guy, must suck working down here alone. 

Ding!

--------------------------------------------

Floor 00001 Ground floor - Reception 

--------------------------------------------

The elevator doors open. 

"...H-hey, B-Batter..." Elliott stuttered out as the Batter turned to him.

The Elsen continued. "Re-remember when you um... took care of the spectres in the barns?"

"Yes."

The Batter stepped out of the elevator. Elliott following closely behind. 

"I don't think I have thanked you for that yet, s-so I just wanted to say thank you for that. I-I'm very grateful..."

"You already did."

"W-well I don't think one thank you is enough for that honestly."

The Batter glanced over his shoulder. "..." There was an uncomfortably long pause. As if the Batter knew there was something else the Elsen had to say.

"And... I... I want to return the favor... I will accompany you in your travels j-just a little while longer. "

"..."

"I-I can still help you, I m-may not have much knowledge about this place as much as the smoke mines and metal meat farms but I can still aid you in combat! I-I'll carry my own weight, I can assure you." The Elsen added. 

The Batter held his gaze at the Elsen for a moment, and hides the rest of his face with his cap, "...Make sure you do."

He then proceeds to explore the area. 

"..." 

Remember, convince him to not get killed by Dedan while clearing some spectres here and there to assure my spectre free life. And not feel guilty afterwards. 

Yes, that's my goal. It will be ok, just don't get caught. And don't get killed!

Ha! Haha!

...I think I'm going insane.

Elliott sighed and followed the Batter. "Hhh... S-so, how are we going to find the floor..?"

"..." The Batter approached the nearest Elsen, to maybe ask where the mystery floor is. 

But before the Batter could say anything they begin blurt out series of numbers. "Hhh... Form 53140, stamp 97101..."

"..."

"..."

The Batter and the preoccupied Elsen stood in silence. 

Elliott tried to get the other Elsen's attention by putting a hand on their shoulder. "Excuse us but-" 

"Form 53140, stamp 97101..." 

"Hhh... c-could you please tell us where-"

The preoccupied Elsen brushed off Elliott's hand. "Form 53140, stamp 97101." 

"Hhh..." Elliott furrowed his eyebrows and sighed, "Busy fella huh?"

"It seems all of them are." The Batter added.

"Huh..?" Elliott scanned the area. Our Elsen hasn't noticed it before, but everyone in the reception is muttering all different kinds of numbers. 

It's a bit unsettling. They seem more akin to a machine than anything. 

The two stood out among the rest. Clearly they don't belong here. 

The Batter spoke again. "Should we try the second floor?"

"Y-yeah..."

Ding!

--------------------------------------------

Floor 00002 

--------------------------------------------

As the Elevator doors opened they look up to lay their eyes upon the bustling room of Elsens. Still muttering series of numbers. 

"Hhh... Guess we have no choice. Let's g-" 

An Elsen glanced at the two. "Elliott?"

Elliott locks eyes with a familiar Elsen with a teacup in hand. 

Oh no. 

"What a surprise! Didn't know you'd get promoted so soon, well I guess you are one of the few that fair better than the others at the cowsheds," The other Elsen took a few steps forward. "We should celebrate this reunion."

He took a sip of his tea. "Oh, I've got an idea. Would you and your tall friend there wanna join my tea party?"

The other Elsen continued to march forward. "Mr. Pablo will be there-"

Before the other Elsen could reach them Elliott has already pressed multiple buttons in the elevator, making the metal doors shut. 

Elliott sighed. "Phew, looks like there wasn't anything interesting in there."

"..."

"..."

"Elliott."

Elliott took a deep breath. "Th-that was Ed, former co-worker of mine. The reason why I avoided him was because they were a bit... Talkative and eccentric- Not that there's anything wrong with that but I personally find it draining... And their tea is a bit... Horrendous. I mean I can't blam-"

The Batter cuts in. "He might have given us information about the postal service."

The Elsen winced at that. "Hhh... Right... Sorry."

The Batter shifts his gaze towards the screen of the elevator panel. "...Looks like we are going to have to wait."

The Elsen followed his gaze. 

8... 7... 6...

"87666?! That's where we are headed!?"

The Batter nods. 

"I-is there anyway to cancel this?! Or maybe switch our destination???" The Elsen frantically pressed the buttons on the elevator. 

"Not that I'm aware of."

"C-crap. Sorry..." The Elsen whined apologetically.

The Batter sighed putting his bat down and crossing his arms. "Just be more careful next time."

"R-right..."

--------------------------------------------

(An hour passed)

--------------------------------------------

"..." 

"..."

We've been riding the elevator for who knows how long, I didn't realize how many floors there actually were! It's feels like an eternity in here!!! 

"Why..?"

"Huh?" The Elsen turned to the Batter.

"Why did you change your mind? You know that this journey isn't going to be a light one."

"Hhh... D-didn't I already tell you that? I wanted to return the favor. You really helped me... no everyone back there."

"But you did? The soda..."

The Elsen turned to the Batter like he just slapped him across the face. "...Are you serious?" 

"...Yes."

"Pfft- C'mon if I was assigned to exterminate spectres, risking my life in the process and all I got was a soda for it, I'd probably just quit right then and there."

"That's not all..."

The Elsen glanced at the taller man. "...L-look. Guiding you through the mines was me technically returning you the favor but you were still the one protecting me."

"If you're dead you would not be able to guide me."

"S-still doesn't change the fact that you protected me."

"Whatever your reason is, I still advice you to leave."

"I j-just don't want to feel guilty of-"

"Don't be. I won't die."

"..."

This guy is gonna be the death of me I swear. Do I really have the ability to change his mind? 

The Elsen gripped his pickaxe. "I... Want to get rid of the spectres too."

"..."

Elliott tentively glanced at the Batter. "...And two of us will get the job done faster right?"

The Batter remained silent. 

Ding!

--------------------------------------------

Floor 87666 - Secret Service

--------------------------------------------

"Secret what?" The Elsen's gaze snapped at the screen of the elevator panel while the doors slid open. 

A fimiliar chuckle, caught both their attention. "Hahahah, looks like you've found this building's dark secret."

There lies Zacharie in a rather cramped room, oddly small for this building. He seems to be holding something in his mouth.

I swear I'm cursed to stumble upon the strangest people ever... 

"See? I'm always ahead of you. Don't you find that strange?"

The pair stepped out of the elevator. 

"Hhh, are you stalking us or something..?" The Elsen quirked an eyebrow.

The Merchant ignored the Elsen's inquiry. "Hahahah. Well, look, take this thing I have in my mouth and go do something more interesting." 

"The readers are looking for some-" Zacharie wiggles his eyebrows- "Action."

"Hhh..." 

The Batter snatched the small marble out of Zacharie's mouth and stared at it a bit.

"Oh, and I've got something for you as well." Zacharie turned to Elliott and handed him a pink lighter. "I usually don't give these for free, but I'll make this an exception."

"Hhh... did as you asked, so I'll take it as payment..." The Elsen examined the lighter and a pocketed it. "Actually... Zacharie do you perhaps know where the phantom infested floor is?"

"Hm..." The merchant held out his hand. "800,000 credits."

"Ei-Eight?! Hundred... THOUSAND?!"

While Elliott was conversing with the merchant, the Batter had already made his way back to the elevator. "Let's go."

The Elsen followed after him, sighing with dread for another long ride. "Let me guess, ground floor?"

"Adios!" The merchant waved goodbye as the elevator doors slid shut. 

--------------------------------

The Batter reached for the panel. "No. The top floor." 

"Hhh... I guess that won't take too long..."

Ding!

--------------------------------------------

Floor 99999 - Roof

--------------------------------------------

"Wait, I thought we were going to the top floor?"

"Yes." The Batter stepped out. 

The Elsen followed suit. "B-but this is the roof-" 

"Zounds! You again? You are decidedly everywhere. One could believe that you are following me." The Elsen was cut off by an unfamiliar and posh voice.

The Elsen searched the area and saw the Batter looking down. He followed his gaze and was surprised to find a cat.

"Nonetheless, your steps have not decieved you, for you are here in a lieu that can certainly use sacred blows from your holy bat."

"H-huh? A talking cat?"

"Oh? And I see you brought a talking Elsen? Didn't take you as the social type dear Batter." The cat quirked an eyebrow at the Elsen. 

Did the cat just mock me?

The cat turned his attention back to the Batter. "Perhaps you are already aware of this, dear Batter, but it appears that the storey housing the postal service is overrun by ectoplasm. It would probably be wise to find the storey with the intangible creatures post-haste in order to dispatch them."

"Do you know where it is?" The Batter doesn't seem phased by the cat's ability to speak. 

"Could it be that the task is too difficult for your narrow mind? In that case, I may be able to provide you with some advice..."

The Batter nodded. "Some help will be welcome."

"Hhh... Can't you just tell us where it is instead-" The Elsen asked just to be interrupted again.

"Open widely your ears and listen, for I will not repeat this twice, not even in the midst of the most pathetic supplication." 

The Elsen decided to step away from the conversation. 

Clearly I'm not apart of it.

The Batter nodded as he listened carefully to the talking feline. 

He then proceeds to go in the elevator once the cat finished talking, the Elsen reluctantly followed and asked. "Where are we going?"

"To the ground floor."

"I knew you would say that but I was really hoping it wasn't."

--------------------------------------------

(A minute passed)

--------------------------------------------

"Say... Batter." The Batter turned to Elliott. "T-that cat, do you two know each other?"

"I met the Judge in the beginning of my journey in Zone 0."

"You came from Zone 0?"

"Yes."

"I see..."

There hasn't been any reports of any citizens there, all I know that Zone 0 is just an island with a building in the middle of the vast yellow plastic. Has he been hiding there all this time? Well very little is known about that Zone and no one really bothered to learn more about it I guess. What else could be hiding in there-

"Sorry."

"H-huh?"

"The pickaxe..."

"Oh, n-no it's alright. I broke your bat so we're even. It's wasn't mine to begin with anyway." Elliott chuckled. 

The Batter hummed, "And... thank you... For helping me and Alpha..."

"O-oh, right How's Alpha?"

As if on que the circular object? Creature? Appeared in front of Elliott. 

"AAH! Jeez, that scared me."

The Circular object glowed a soft light while emitting a faint humming sound as it twirls around the Elsen. 

The Batter scoffed. 

"Hhh... So what exactly is Alpha?"

"An add-on."

"Well yeah..." The Elsen scanned the circular being. 

Is it just me or is it smaller than before?

"I know that," Elliott pointed at the add-on. "but you seem to be able to control or command this thing. OW!"

Alpha hit the Elsen across his face. Not enough to injure him, but it definitely hurt. Almost like a slap.

"Pfft- Ahem. Alpha does not appreciate being called a thing." The Batter explained clearing his throat. 

"S-sorry? Wait, You can understand this thing? OW!" 

The Add-on struck the Elsen on the back of his head. 

"Yes." The Batter nodded. "Though it seems Alpha lacks the ability to communicate to people other than me."

"I-I see... V-very intriguing. Haha." The Elsen avoided glancing at the Add-on as it radiates a raging glow on his peripherals. 

"..." 

Alpha hits him again.

"OUCH! I didn't even say anything!?"

The Batter gestured to Alpha, beckoning it to return to him. "Alpha also didn't appreciate you calling them a hula-hoop back in the mines." 

The Add-on spun around the Batter as it began to shrink, wrapping itself around the Batter's finger. 

Well at least the awkward silence is gone for now. 

"Would calling it an onion ring instead suffice? AH-"

Ding!

--------------------------------------------

Floor 00001 Ground floor - Reception 

--------------------------------------------

They continued their search on the ground floor. They were asking the last of the workers that they haven't questioned yet.

"Ugh..." Elliott leaned against a wall grumbling, while the Batter continued to approach the staff.

"Hhh... Form 2584, stamp 10258..."

He then approached another.

"Hhh... Form 2584, stamp 10258."

"...H-hey Batter, do you think that maybe the cat may or may have not lied to us?"

"..." The Batter remained silent, he seems to be in deep thought.

"Batter..?"

Then something clicked in the Batter's mind. Without a word he left the room, leaving Elliott confused. 

But the Batter quickly got back to Elliott. "...I think I got it."

"What?" The Elsen was now stunned and even more confused.

The Batter rushed to the elevator.

"Wait!"

END OF CHAPTER 5

Chapter Text

Ding!

------------------------------------------------------------------

Floor 10258: - Postal Service 

------------------------------------------------------------------

When the elevator doors opened they were greeted by a dark and dusty room. It was abundantly filled with crates and cluttered documents. 

"...No one?" The Batter said under his breath, the room indeed seemed deserted.

"S-so you think this is it?" The Elsen put on his hard helm. 

"I believe so." The Batter stepped forward, the Elsen following him closely behind. 

"I see..." The Elsen thought for a moment, and braced himself. "H-hey... Batter, why do you want to fight Dedan in the first place?"

"I don't want to fight him, I want to eliminate him." There was conviction in the Batter's voice.

"Why? I-I mean, he isn't really the best but surely you can't just kill him?"

"It needs to be done, I'm sure you are hesitant because you have been serving under that guardian for years. Hence the reason why you are following me is because you don't want me to hurt your Guardian, yes?" 

"K-kind of the other way arou-"

The Batter glared at the Elsen. "So... If you're going to get in my way, I assure you I won't hesitate to eliminate you as well. My only piece of advice for you is to stop. Now. "

"..." The Elsen gulped as they cautiously progressed through the cavernous room in an awkward stretch of silence.

Damn, he needs to let this go. If he continues down this path... Well, he'll get a few broken bones if he's lucky

They explored the floor in silence until a familiar sound broke it. "Hhh..." It was an Elsen. 

The Batter stepped forward. "I'm the Batter. Where are the phantoms?"

Straight to business as always aren't you? Elliott thought to himself.

The other Elsen was silent for a while, but they eventually spoke. "I'm... I'm very afraid..." It took a step forward as his voice trembled.

A part of Elliott was relieved it wasn't a spectre, but for some reason.

Why... Does he unsettle me..? 

The room was filled with the scent of something burning as the other Elsen took a step forward, black smoke was escaping from his mouth. 

Elliott put a hand of the Batter's shoulder alerting him. "B-Batter, something's wrong..." 

"..." The Batter seems to be aware of that, his grip on his bat grew firm.

The other Elsen took another step forward. "...Help me." The smell became stronger.

Another step. The batter widened his stance and readied his bat. "Please..." The strange Elsen continued to cry for help as he took another unsteady step forward.

It's now Elliott's turn to clench his weapon. The burnt smell became overwhelming... 

                                                                              ȟ̸̨̯̲̝̳͓͎̭͖͖͖͖͖͖͖͖͖͖͖͖͖͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚͜

                                                               Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̼͍̳̼͍̳̼͍̳̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝            

                                                                            ȟ̸̨̯̲̝̳͓͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚

ȟ̸̨̯̲̝̳͓͎̭͖͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚͜

     Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̼̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝ 

            ḣ̖̻͛̓

Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̼̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝

                                "Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̼̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝ E L̴̢̥̞͚̫̠̰̳͍̹͎̠̲̺̳͛̾͌̆́̂̒͗̓͝ͅ P̴̘̤̯͙͐̔̍͊̑̏́̌̇̎̓̀͘  M̴̨̦͓̰̌͆̉̃̄͆͜ͅĚ̵̢̧̛̦̼̜̲͕͕͍̤̙͉͓́̅͒̽̍̐͋͜͝!!"        

                                                                          ȟ̸̨̯̲̝̳͓͎̭͖͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚͜

It screeched as it's face exploded into a black viscous liquid. Smoke covered his frame for a second, but he soon ran pass it charging at them with great speed.

[PURIFICATION IN PROGRESS]

The add-on materialized behind the Batter.

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!" The Elsen took a trembling step backwards and turned to the Batter.

The add-on seemed to be taking the offence as usual, and Batter was... 

Finger framing?

"Batter, what are you doing..?"

"..." The Batter muttered something under his breath.

"W-what..?"

The Batter gestured his add-on to attack, followed by him swiftly putting the other Elsen on the ground with his bat. 

It screeched and clawed at him, while the Batter did his best to keep this thing pinned. 

Elliott stared at the violent display as he realized. 

No, it was no Elsen. 

Elliott's eyes are wide open, his breathing was erratic but he couldn't bring himself to look away.

The slicing of flesh and the cracking of bones was way too audible. The burnt smell was Nauseating. 

And with a final strike from the batter, That thing has collapsed. 

"..." It was quiet. 

The silence was deafening. 

"Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝hȟ̸̨̯̲̝͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚..." 

Elliott quickly shifted his gaze to the sound. It was the face of the previously headless Elsen. 

The Batter crouched down to the battered up Elsen. The Elsen on the floor cried. "I'm scared..." Elliott backed away, even more bewildered at the sight.

It spoke once again. "Maybe... Maybe this suit has taken over his brain..." 

"..." The Batter put his hand over the lying Elsen's forehead and said something under his breath to him, as to which the dying Elsen closed his eyes to sleep. 

Forever. 

The Elsen began to glow, and with a bright flash of light, he was no where to be seen.

"Strange." The Batter muttered.

Elliott pulled himself together and mustered up the courage to speak. Though his voice still trembled. "W-what... What was that?"

The Batter stood up and answered. "A Burnt."

"Hhh... A Burnt?"

"...I sense more nearby."

"More?!" The Elsen shouted.

"..." The Batter glared at him and the Elsen flinched realizing his mistake.

"Hhh... S-sorry."

The Batter sighed. "It's fine, we have already caused a ruckus anyway. Let's-" And the Batter was right. 

Two Burnts tackled him to the ground. 

[PURIFICATION IN PROGRESS]

"Batter!" Elliott rushed to the Batter only to trip on something. "Wh-" 

As the Elsen met the cold floor he looked behind him to see a creature beneath his feet,

it hissed at him. 

"AAAHH!!" Elliott shrieked and scrambled to stand up. 

He then swung at the creature with his pickaxe only for it to vault up in the air, flying up to the crates to knock them over in an attempt to crush the Elsen.

"Oh you mother-" Elliott sprinted out of the way to evade the falling crates. He started to look for the pesky creature but he halted when he smelled the familiar burning scent.

"Batter!" He whipped his head to see one Burnt remaining stumbling towards the Batter. But before it can even land a hit on him, Alpha has already sliced it's body in-two.

"Batter! A-are you alright?" The Elsen scanned the Batter. 

Doesn't seem to be any major injuries. That's a relief. 

The Batter turned to the Elsen and put his hands together to finger frame. 

"Batter?" The Elsen questioned. 

The Batter charged towards the Elsen winding up his bat to strike- "Batter?!-" the creature behind Elliott.

There was a small gust of wind from the force. 

The Elsen stared petrified at the demolished creature, but not for long as it also vanished in a flash. 

His knees gave out as he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Elliott slowly looked up to the Batter. "Y-yeah, I'll keep my mouth shut next time."

The Batter scoffed, "Turning your back to an opponent is the last thing you should do," He held out a hand to help the Elsen get off the floor. "Let's make haste."

The Elsen nodded as he got up. "You don't rest do you?"

"I do."

"I don't believe you."

--------------------------------------------

The pair soon discovered a series of staircases upwards, they decided to climb up to the next part of the Postal Service. 

While they were ascending, Elliott's mind was elsewhere. He recalled the adversaries that they had fought. Specifically one in particular that has burned itself into his memory.

Burnts... I heard of them before, but that was the first time I've ever witnessed such a thing.

The Elsen recalled the smell, the smell was Nauseatingly sweet but bitter at the same time. It made him sick to his stomach just thinking about it.

While they made their way up, the Batter Halted and turned to the Elsen. Which made the Elsen snap back to reality.

"S-something wrong?" The Elsen tilted his head.

"...Nothing. Just stop clenching your fist."

"H-huh" He glanced down at his hands and was surprised to find that he was balling his fist so tightly that they were trembling. He took a deep breath and loosened his grip. "Th-thanks." 

"..." The Batter turned to silently continue climbing up the stairs.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Floor 10285: Area 3/4 - Postal Service

------------------------------------------------------------------------

After they have climbed up the stairs, they were greeted by even more crates. They planned to be more stealthy this time, proceeding cautiously. 

"Hhh..."

Elliott snapped his attention to the Elsen standing near the door. 

"Uh... Uh.... The access to the secret lift is uh... Forbidden."

The pair blinked at the Elsen. 

"Did... D-did I say secret?"

The Batter walked up to the Elsen guarding the metal doors. "I must pass."

"Ah? Uh... Really? No, uh... I think that's Impossible. Unless... You have the code?"

Elliott sighed "Well, I guess we have to cut our losses. I don't think the code would just be lying around somewhe-"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Floor 10258: Area 2/3 - Postal Service 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Batter held up a few papers in hand. "I found some papers that include numbers on them."

"Ok? Well it could just be random documents. I don't really see where you're going with thi-"

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Floor 10285: Area 3/4 - Postal Service

------------------------------------------------------------------------

"The code... It... It is exactly correct." The Elsen guarding the Elevator was surprised. 

"HOW?!" Elliott exclaimed in astonishment.

"H-how̦̺̐̐͟...?"

"I know right? How?! He just found scattered papers-"

"You... You ḿ̬̏ͤͅư̡͕̭̇s̠҉͍͊ͅt̲̂̓ͩ̑ ṇ̤͛̒̍o̯̱̊͊͢t̲̲̂̓ͩ̑̂̓ͩ̑... P̴̘̤̯͙͐̔̍͊̑̏́̌̇̎̓̀͘â̸̙͐͑̌̿͛̽ ️ş̵̛̳̍̃̏͆̏̂̎͌͘͝͝͝͝ s̠҉͍͊ͅ"

"H-huh?" Elliott turned to the other Elsen, their mouth dripping with that dark liquid. Shaking and breathing heavily.

The Batter pulled Elliott by the back of his collar away from the other Elsen. "..."

                                                                               Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̼̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝

                                                                ȟ̸̨̯̲̝̳͓͎̭͖͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚͜

ȟ̸̨̯̲̝̳͓͎̭͖͖͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚͜

      Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̼̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝    

                             I̍̅̀̎̊ D̸̢̮̫̰̥̗̘̱͉͙͙̺̫̏͒̅̌ O̸̙͙̺̰͚͎̙͔̦͇͗̒̋͛̄͐̓̽̄͛́͂̀̑̕ͅͅͅ ️N̴̟̬̠̣͍̹̜̠̘̮͎̥̜̳̖̋͋͛̆́̂̀̅̓̕ͅͅ T̨͈͗̌ͥ 

                                                 W̯ͤ̾ͣ͝ Ą̵̘̥͉̘͖̱̥̺̿̀̈̒̂̅̀̅̈́̓̏͊͘͝ ️N̴̟̬̠̣͍̹̜̠̘̮͎̥̜̳̖̋͋͛̆́̂̀̅̓̕ͅͅ T̶̢̧̨̝̺̺̿̑͆̀͋̎̅̓͘̕͝

                                                                                Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̼͍̳̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝

                                            T̨͈͗̌ͥ O̖̼ͩ͌͐ 

                                                                               ȟ̸̨̯̲̝̳͓͎̭͖͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚͜

                                         D̸̢̮̫̰̥̗̘̱͉͙͙̺̫̫̏͒̅̌   I̸̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̡̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̛̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳̳͌̉͋͐͒̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍̍   Ě̵̢̛̦̼̜̲͕͕͍̤̙͉͓́̅͒̽̍̐͋͜͝!!! 

ȟ̸̨̯̲̝̳͓͎̭͖͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚͜

     Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̼̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝ 

            ḣ̖̻͛̓

                                                                     Ḩ̶̳̣̮̻̪̜͍̹̭͓͍̳̼̈́̅́̄̍̀͐́̊̽͌̊̂͂͠͝͝

                                                                ȟ̸̨̯̲̝̳͓͎̭͖͊̄̔̽̓̂̋̇̋̀̕̚͜

END OF CHAPTER 6

Chapter Text

-------------------------------------------------------------

[Tram Station of Elsen: West - Zone 1]

-------------------------------------------------------------

"Hhh... Hey Emmet do you think Dedan will do an extermination in the mines today?" Elliott mumbled looking bored at the window. 

Another Elsen sighed and looked up from his book for a moment to think. "Heard he would be in a few weeks."

There was a brief pause until Emmet spoke again, face still in his book. "Hey Elliott, do you think we'll ever have the chance to see the other Zones?"

Elliott glanced over at them and answered. "Hhh... No way Dedan would let any of us go, I-I mean some have tried escaping through the plastic. Though they're most likely dead."

The other Elsen closed his book. "W-well I mean yeah we probably won't but... Ok which place do you wanna visit if you ever get the chance to?"

Elliott turned to him. "Hhh... Zone 2? I've heard it's pretty safe there."

"Hhh... Fair, almost everyone here has dreamt of being a citizen in Zone 2. Or just visiting the other Zones really." Emmet shrugged. 

"Would crossing the vast spectre infested plastic worth all that though? Who can even manage to do all that?" 

Emmet scoffed, "Not you." 

"..." Elliott frowned a bit.

"What? I'm just saying that you'd have to cross large bodies of plastic to get to each Zone."

"I can hitch a ride on a pedalo in or something." 

"That is if you ever get promoted to Alma anyway, and... To be honest your work performance is a bit lacking."

"Hhh... When we arrive to Damien I'm gonna leave you in the mines I swea-"

"You did."

"...Huh?"

                                       "Y o u.  D i d."

"El..."

 "iott..."

"El... iott..."

"Elliott!"

The Elsen blinked, the Batter was shaking him lightly as he returned to reality. "Huh?"

"...The Burnt has been purified." The Batter let's go of the Elsen. 

"O-oh... A-alright, let's go-"

The Batter held an arm out blocking the Elsen from advancing to the Elevator. "...Are you sure that you intend to accompany me?"

"U-um... Well if there's loads of spectres there it won't be too much of a problem for you y-yeah?"

"You are at potential risk if you step through that elevator with me. I sense a strong presence nearby."

The Elsen shrugged. "Nothing you can't handle though right?"

"..." The Batter looked at him in...

I think it's surprise? 

The Batter was silent for a moment. "...Yes."

The Elsen smiled. "Then there's nothing to be worried about."

"...Still." The Batter shoved Elliott away and went into the Elevator. 

"Ah- Hey! Hey! Wait!" The Metal doors shut. 

"..." The Elsen sat there for a moment. 

Do I really have to save him? I barely even knew that guy. 

The Elsen started to pace in front on the Elevator. 

...

I can just leave. He wants me to anyway. 

... 

... 

Being with him will probably cost me my career and my life actually. Am I really willing to give it all up for that moron? 

... 

...

... 

"Screw it!"

The Elsen brought the pickaxe to his shoulder and opened the metals doors with a press of a button. Taking a deep breath, he hurriedly entered the Elevator. 

And up he goes. 

"..." He sighed, "What the fuck am I doing?"

Ding! 

--------------------------------------------------------

Floor ???: Area 3/3 - Postal Service 

--------------------------------------------------------

"How dare you respo-"

The Elevator doors open to reveal a rather shocking sight for the Elsen. It seems he has interrupted a confrontation between the Batter and the Guardian of Zone 1.

Oh shit. 

Both tall figures turn to the intruder. The Elsen shudder under their intense gaze. 

Dedan was the first to speak, "You! Weren't you supposed to keep people like him out?!" 

"H-huh?! N-no! You are mistaken master Dedan!"

The guardian slammed his fist on the desk. "Then who the fuck are you?!" 

"E-Elliott! I-I'm a harvester of the farmsteads in Pentel sir!" The Elsen tried his best answering while making eye contact. 

Dedan takes a good look at the Elsen, he seems to remember their interaction back at the farmstead and clicked his tongue. 

But then he looked at the Batter. "...Oh I get it, YOU and HIM are in fucking cahoots aren't you?! You two are trying to destroy my beloved Zone, aren't you?!"

"Wh-what?! No! No! I was just-"

"SHUT UP!" The Guardian turned to the Batter, "Listen good. I'll make this simple." 

"Get outta here and take your goddamn spectres with you," The Guardian glares at him, "Or else I'm gonna fucking  K I L L   Y O U."

The Batter glared back. "..."

Dedan's eye twitched. "I hope that's clear enough for you. If I see you again... You're dead."

The Guardian then snapped his head to the Elsen, making them jolt in place. "And you..."

"I-I'm sorry sir, b-but you truly are mistaken. I- we-"

"Shut it. You liar. You fucking traitor. Usually I would've ripped that empty head of yours by now." The Guardian stomped closer to the Elsen.

The Elsen gulped, but his throat still felt dry.

Once the Guardian reached a close enough distance the Batter put himself between them. "..."

Dedan scowled at that. "...But just like your friend over here. I'll give you a chance."

"Th-thank you so much sir!" The Elsen sighed in relief. 

The Guardian pulls out a odd and rectangular object. "What is your name?"

"E-Elliott sir-"

"Real fucking name you dumbass!"

"...E7710-T2, sir."

Without warning the Guardian used the object emitting a flash of light at the Elsen, blinding them. 

"Ah!" Elliott covered his eyes. The Batter glared at the Guardian. 

"And again. If I see either of you one last time. I'll make sure to wipe the two of you off the face of my Zone." 

And with that, the Guardian disappeared from their sights. 

"..." 

Only the sound of flowing plastic can be heard. "Ugh..." And Elliott's grunting. 

The Batter turned to him. "He's right. You are a Moron."

"Hhh... I-I didn't think he was here!"

"I did tell you not to follow me."

"You should've said my literal Boss was there! I-I would've... Listened..." The Elsen finished his sentence with an unsure tone. 

The Batter let out a breath. "...I did sense a strong presence, but I didn't think it was him. I thought you said he was in Alma."

"W-well I thought so t-too..." The Elsen scanned the Batter, "D-did he hurt you?"

"No."

"I see..." The Elsen showed a furrowed expression as he spoke. "Y-you really need to give this up Batter. Whatever reason you're fighting for isn't worth your life."

"No. It is."

"Why!? What could possibly be the reason that you would risk you're life for it?! You're the fucking moron here!"

"..." The Batter stayed silent at the Elsen's outburst. 

"Hhh... Sorry, I... I just... don't want to die, ok?! I..." The Elsen trailed off. 

The Batter silently stepped inside the Elevator. "The tram station is nearby right? Hop in."

"..." 

--------------------------------------------------------------

Floor 10285: Area 3/4 - Postal Service

--------------------------------------------------------------

Upon exiting the Elevator the atmosphere between the two was cold. Neither of them spoke. 

Both of them continued onward in silence for quite some time. 

The Batter stopped in his tracks. "..."

In a bit of a daze the Elsen bumped into him and whispered. "Ugh, What-" A faint rustling noise can be heard.

"...Tiburce." The Batter grabbed the Elsen by the collar and bolted. "Guh?!" The crates began to topple over while the Batter ran as fast as he can, dragging the Elsen behind him.

Numerous crates started to hurl towards them, "Hhh!!!" fortunately Alpha appeared to deflect as much crates as they can. 

But of course, there's only so much the Add-on could take. The Elsen watched as a toppling crate casts a shadow above them.

And with an unceremonious crash. They narrowly escaped the heavy crates.

"..." The Elsen's mouth was agape.

The Batter let's go of the Elsen and turned towards the fallen crates. Readying his bat. "Show yourselves, creatures of malice." He shouted. 

The Elsen turned off his flashlight, like it would do anything to somehow hide their now blown cover. And he whisper-shouted to the Batter. "Would you just shut up?!"

For a moment there was silence, then there was that faint rustling again. 

It became louder. closer.... and closer... 

Then it stops.

A pair of eyes stared back at them, then another... and another... and another. They pierce through the darkness like stars, but not quite. 

There's no sparkle of life in them.

"W-We aren't going to fight them r-right?" The Elsen looked at the Batter nervously.

"I am." The Batter sent Alpha in, and all hell breaks loose. Although Alpha managed to hit some of them, They used the wreckage of the crates to their advantage.

Some tried to sneak up on the Batter to ambush him, only to be met by a hard hit to each of their skulls. A few more left. Or so they thought. More spectres keep appearing one by one. 

"Are you out of your mind?! I-It's a whole hoard of... F-Flying lizards!" The Elsen protested while swinging his pickaxe at one of the spectres. 

"Tiburce." The Batter corrected. 

"Whatever, let's go!" The Elsen grabbed the Batter's arm to drag him downstairs. 

However, more crates come crashing down blocking their path. "AH!"

The Elsen groaned. "Hhh... I'm getting sick of these pests."

The Batter broke free of the Elsen's grip and swung at the flying spectres. "Are you able to move the crates?"

"Y-you'll cover me right?"

While the Batter was still facing the Elsen, a Burnt appeared. But it left as soon as it arrived when the Batter and Alpha eradicated the spectre with ease, and he answered. "Yes." 

The Elsen quickly started to move the heavy crates in an attempt to shove them down the stairs, which have proven to be quite the difficult task. 

Elliott tried to ignore the growling, hissing, and scratching from the violent scuffle happening around him, picking up his pickaxe as he hurriedly destroyed the crates into smaller pieces.

The cracking of bones and primal cries of agony were almost just muffled white noise, he continued hacking away at the crates. It's contents spill out everywhere.

smoke... metal... plastic... meat... 

--------------------------------------------

He recalled the screams of terror and agony from the miners in his early days of working in the mines. 

He stood there petrified, the rest of the Elsens running past him as he stood. Until a co-worker cried out to him. Our Elsen's eyes go wide at the sight of the stranger as they weakly crawled to him with both of their legs bloodied and mangled in different directions.

Their trembling hand reached out to him.

"H-help me..."

Elliott's eyes shook, a low growl made him snap his attention away from the injured stanger to meet the empty gaze of the dusty breathed ghoul. 

"Please... Please help me. I-I don't wanna die, please!" They pleaded.

Elliott's eyes shifted between his co-worker on the ground and the ghoul advancing towards them. 

"Elliott... Please... I want... I want to escape this hell hole!" They cried, "I want to see what's it like in the other Zones! I want to feel what's it like to not wake up exhausted!" 

The poor Elsen's voice cracked as tears pour endlessly down their face. "I... Want to finish reading that book at least."

"E-Emmet..." Elliott hesitated. 

Ah... So he wasn't a stranger.

But still, after a few painful seconds. Like the others he turned his back to his friend, and ran.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Floor 10258: Area 1/3 - Postal Service 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Every stairway the spectres used the same trick. Crates fall. The Batter and Alpha cover for the Elsen. Hacking away at the crates. 

smoke...   metal...   plastic...   meat. 

--------------------------------------------

Elliott and Emmet swung their pickaxes repeatedly. Clanging of the pickaxe and the ground was comforting in a way. 

Emmet stopped and took a breath. "...Elliott. Do you think maybe that... The ones that escaped... Found what they were looking for?"

"Retirement?" Elliott continued to mine away.

"Hhh... S-sure, but... Maybe, you know their dreams?"

"Like..?" Elliott paused momentarily.

"M-meeting their favorite author?"

Elliott turned to him. "...Are you p-planning on leaving?"

"W-well not right now! M-maybe in the future?"

"Hhh... No shit, you need to get to Alma first if you want a chance to escape." Elliott began to swing his pickaxe again. 

There was a long bridge of silence and clanging before Emmet opened his mouth again. 

"Fuck it. W-will you go with me?" Emmet turned to Elliott nervously. But his eyes are determined. 

Elliott halts. "..."

--------------------------------------------

Elliott proceeds to do the same swing motion almost on auto pilot. His eyes were unfocussed. He felt like the world was warping all around him. 

Cries, crash, crack, clang, and any other noise was so loud in his mind. But he persisted. He wants to get out. 

Get out. Get out. Get out. Get out. 

Finally, the Elevator was in front of him. He breathed heavily. 

The Batter has eradicated all the spectres that was in sight and turned to Elliott that was now slowly advancing to the Elevator. "..." He followed the Elsen. 

The two of them stepped inside. It was dead silent besides for the Elsen's laboured breathing. 

"..." The Batter entered their destination to the ground floor on the panel and glanced at the Elsen. He looked... Dazed. Lost? The Batter opened his mouth. "Ellio-"

Then our Elsen collapsed. 

END OF CHAPTER 7

Chapter Text

The two of them stepped inside. It was dead silent besides for the Elsen's labored breathing. 

"..." The Batter entered their destination to the ground floor on the panel and glanced at the Elsen. He looked... Dazed. Lost? 

The Batter opened his mouth. "Ellio-" The Elsen collapsed. 

--------------------------------------------

His pickaxe fell beside him. 

But he was still conscious. The Elsen puts his hands on his head, gasping for air while shaking on the floor. "I-I... left..."

The Batter was stunned in surprise for a moment, Alpha appeared behind him alerted. The Batter then crouched down to meet Elliott's level. "..."

Black smoke began to escape from the mouth of the Elsen. "I don't want to..." Black liquid drips down, "No. No. No. I-I don't want to die!"

The Elsen's gaze fell on the bat that was still in the Batter's hand. "Please... Don't, I don't... H-help me..."

The Batter gripped his bat, and gently sat it down to the side. "..." The Elsen's panic did not subside, he was still staring at the weapon. 

The Batter slowly gets closer to the Elsen until Elliott's eyes shift to him rather than the bat. The Elsen scrambled to grab a hold of his pickaxe, raising it to him in an attempt of an attack but the Batter grabbed a hold of the metallic end of the weapon before he could strike. 

The Elsen didn't think of how he's managed to gain this sudden strength, all in his mind was survival. The both of them fought for a bit before the Batter spoke in the midst of their struggle. "...Name three things you can see." 

H-huh? 

The order confused the Elsen to a halt. He did as he was told anyway, but his guard was still up. It was harder to do than the Elsen would like to admit. He wanted to answer, but he couldn't. Everything is just warping and twisting around him. 

"Breathe. And answer my question." Even though his statement was rather commanding... 

 It's somehow... gentle... in a way. 

The Elsen did as instructed and tried to regulate his breathing. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, and blinked them open, scanning the small space of the Elevator. 

"Hhh... You, A-alpha... and Th-the Elevator panel..." The Elsen's breathing calmed a little. 

The Batter nodded. "Focus on three things you can hear." 

The Elsen was still dazed but he tried his best to answer. "The... Elevator... M-me... And you." The Elsen loosened his grip on his pickaxe, his breathing has returned to normal. 

"Find three things you can touch." The Batter loosened his grip on the pickaxe as well. 

The Elsen squeezed the pickaxe lightly. "My pickaxe..." And touched the cold floor. "The... Floor." His gaze went up to the other end of his weapon and moved his other hand to the Batter's. "You're hand..."

"..." The Batter nodded.

The Elsen's eyes became heavy, he let go of his weapon. Lack of sleep and exhaustion hitting him like a fist bump to the face by Dedan. 

He closed his eyes. 

Ding! 

------------------------------------------------------------

Floor 00001 Ground floor - Reception 

------------------------------------------------------------

Elliott stirred and grunted as he fluttered his eyes open. "Ugh..." He groggily looked around and found his pickaxe and helmet lying next to him. 

I... Don't remember taking off my helmet.

"Get up." The Batter went through the open metal doors. 

"Y-yeah, wait up!" The Elsen quickly gathered his belongings and followed the Batter. Once they got out of the building the Batter didn't take the time to stop and continued his advance to the tram station. "H-hey!" The Elsen tried to catch up. 

Upon arriving at the station they were greeted by another Elsen. "Hhh..."

Elliott ignored the Elsen by the tram station and sighed. "I-if you're still mad about the Dedan thing, I'm sorry. I-I didn't know he was there!" 

"I'm not mad. Get in the trolly." The Batter deadpanned. 

"Hhh..."

Overhearing this, the other Elsen spoke. "The Queen's general has an office here... But his true house is in Alma," The Elsen turned to the pair, "This is common knowledge in Shachihata. I'm assuming you both aren't from here?"

"Uh..." Elliott is a bit stunned and can't seem to find an excuse at the moment.

"We aren't." The Batter answered to Elliott's dismay. 

"I see... Are you two... Heading to Alma?" The curious Elsen asked hesitantly.

"Yes."

"No."

The pair answered at the same time, which confused the other Elsen. "O-ok? either way... you two are still hopping on right? I will join you, but can we... wait for one more person?" The Elsen checked his watch, "He won't take long... Promise."

Before either one of them could respond a shout can be heard. "Elias!" Another Elsen came running, dragging two luggage bags, a few tea bags drop from one of them. 

Elliott squinted at the running figure. 

Oh... 

Familiarity struck our Elsen as he realized that the running Elsen was none other than the microwaving tea addict. 

The Elsen near the tram station turned to the pair. "Oh right... I haven't introduced myself yet. My name's Elias," Elias pointed to the sprinting Elsen, "And that is ... Ed. Hhh... My friend." 

As soon Ed arrived at his destination he stopped to take a breather. "Sorry, pant I had a few more paperwork to do," He turned to Elliott, "Oh! Ellie, what a surprise! Are you and your friend taking the trolly as well?"

"Y-yeah..." 

"You know we can use this opportunity to catch up! You two seemed in a hurry in the Elevator last time so let's have some tea in the tro-"

"Ed, there's no microwave in the trolly." Elias cuts in.

"I brought one-"

"There are no sockets either."

Ed's shoulders slumped a bit. "W-well we can't just let our friends here go thirsty..."

"There's a portable stove in my luggage."

"Brilliant!" Ed cheered. 

Elliott and the Batter entered the trolly along with the other two and sat down. "..."

Elias pulled out the stove, placed a mug directly on said stove and turned it on. Elliott stared at the Elsen in bewilderment, Batter seemed to be confused as well. 

Elias turned to the pair. "It... takes a few minutes."

"So where are you two heading again?" Ed asked while dropping a teabag in the mug. 

"Alma." The Batter answered. 

Elliott pointed to the Batter. "Hhh... Only he is."

"O-oh really? Me and Elias are heading to Alma too. But..." Ed turned to Elliott, "Where are you heading to?"

"Back... B-back to Pentel." 

"Hmm..." Ed thought for a moment. "I-Is it alright with you if we go to Alma first?" Ed sat down beside our Elsen.

"Y-yeah... no problem. I'm already as late as can be anyway." Elliott sighed. 

"Hhh... That's good," Ed stood up and set their destination to the trolly. The machine comes to life as the passengers feel the slow movement of the start of the ride that gradually becomes unnoticed. "Me and Elias are on a tight schedule so we need to hurry..."

"Why..?" Elliott asked in curiosity. 

"Oh, we don't wanna get caught escaping to Zone-" Elias covered Ed's mouth, "Mmph!?" Elias turned to Elliott, he sheepishly smiled and reached out the mug to Elliott. "...T-tea's ready."

Elliott hesitantly took the mug from him. "Th-thanks..." He scanned the tea, it appeared to be... 

It... Looks fine... Except for the cracks on the mug... 

Elias sighed. "Hhh... Well it's no use hiding it now... isn't it? Please, I know... we just met but y-you know Ed right? Don't tell anyone. Please."

Elliott opened his mouth but was interrupted by the Batter. "I think it's better if you don't go back to Pentel."

Elliott whipped his head to the Batter. "H-huh? Why?" The Batter pointed at the window he's facing. There seemed to be a poster of some kind. 

Ed took a sip off of his own mug. "Is that a Missing person poster? That's unusual, most Elsens don't get this kind of treatment." 

Elias shrugged, "If you can't find somebody in a good while, everyone assumes they either left for good or have died by... various reasons," Elias then stood up to take a closer look at the poster. "This... Is..."

Ed took a peek at the poster as well. "That's uh... I-I don't mean to be rude but this is quite an unflattering picture..." 

Elliott tried looking over their shoulder, still sitting on his seat. "Who is it?"

Ed scanned for a name on the poster. "Let's see... E7710-T2... Wait, oh..."

"What?" The other two stepped aside while Elliott stood up and checked the poster for himself.

"W-WHAT THE HELL?!"

"Yeah... I'd also be upset if my wanted poster wound up looking like that." Ed puts a hand on Elliott's shoulder. 

"I'm wanted?! Wh-why, how, when?! Fuck!" Elliott banged his head on the poster.

"..." Silence filled the air. 

Elliott took a deep inhale, and took the pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, He then lit it with the lighter. "..." After an awkward pause Elliott sat back down, exhaling the smoke. 

Elias inches away from the others. “I'm… gonna pack up the stoves.” 

A few seconds passed and Ed finally tried to end the uncomfortable silence. “H-hey… um, i-if it makes you feel any better… you aren't alone. We'll soon be fugitives as well, so if you want… you could escape with us.”

Elliott took another hit of his cigarette. “I'll… think about it.” Ed nodded at that and walked away to sit next to Elias, further away from the other two. 

Our Elsen took a long drag and extinguished the cigarette butt by flicking it on the trolly's floor before exhaling. “...There's no going back to Pentel huh? Guess we figured out what that flash did other than blind me.”

The Batter glanced at the Elsen for a moment, then turned his attention back to the poster. “...That really is an ugly photo.”

Elliott's eye twitched and mumbled, “Hhh… I shouldn't have tried to save your ass,” he then proceeded to light another cigarette.

“...” Alpha appeared and hurtled itself towards the Elsen's head at high speeds but the Batter stopped the Add-on before they could do so. The Add-on radiated a bright light of anger as it hovered on Elliott's shook face, dropping the cigarette in hand. 

The Batter turned to Alpha. “Calm down.”

The other two passengers are also alarmed by the sudden appearance of the Add-on and their hostility towards Elliott.

The Batter continued to speak to the Add-on that is still radiating rage in Elliott's face. “I know, but you can't blame him.” 

Whatever the Batter was saying to the Add-on it doesn't seem to be getting through to them. Still not backing down from the Elsen, it seems like it wants something from Elliott. 

Elliott averted his gaze from Alpha, “Hhh… I-I'm sorry I…” He glanced at the Batter and his shoulders slumped. “I didn't mean it, sorry Batter.”

Alpha stayed facing Elliott for a while, as if the Add-on was weighing the sincerity of the Elsen. 

Elliott continued. “A-and, thank you for what you did… B-back at the Elevator.”

After a few long seconds the Add-on has made its judgment and flew back to the Batter. 

“...”

“…”

There was an uncomfortable and long pause. 

“HOLY SHIT!” Elias exclaimed while Ed stared in shock but he eventually spoke as well. “W-what was that? A spectre?” Ed asked in concern. 

Elliott turned to the two. “Uh… N-no it was just… a companion?”

“Th-that tried to attack you?” Ed raised an eyebrow. 

Elliott puts a hand on the back of his head. “Hhh… I m-might have offended them.”

“What did you say to them? It must've angered them greatly.”

“I-I…” Elliott trailed off. 

Elias interrupted, “I-is it dangerous?” He seemed wary. 

Elliott turned to him, “W-well not really? A-Alpha only targets spectres… most of the time,” Elliott whispered the second part. 

“Hhh… I-I see.” Elias glanced at the Add-on still present near the Batter as Ed fidget uncomfortably. 

“...” Another long pause.

Ed cleared his throat. “W-well if there isn't any trouble, um… m-make yourselves comfortable. Our trip is going to take a while.” Ed and Elias went back to their original seats. But a little bit further away this time, eyeing their floating companion. 

“...”

“...”

What should I do? Well… what else is there to do? I'm a fugitive! I can't go to anywhere with that wanted poster. If anyone recognizes me I'd be reported to Dedan. And if I get sent to Dedan I’m done for! 

Elliott buries his face into his hands. “...”

Either way I go about this, I will still have to say goodbye to that spectre free life I had originally envisioned... I need to get out-

Batter breaks the silence and the Elsen's train of thought. “How are you going to reach the other Zones?”

Our Elsen sighed, “Well I don't really know what the other two have in mind… But I usually hear that the ones who ran away either hide in the crates in hopes to get distributed to the other Zones or take a pedalo from Alma and cross the… vast sea of plastic,” Saying those last four words left a bitter taste in his mouth. 

The Batter seemed to be more… interested in the conversation for some reason, he turned to the Elsen. “Pedalo?”

“Hhh… y-yeah, pedalos are exclusive to Alma only.” Elliott spots the cigarette that he had dropped earlier and picked it up, pulling out his lighter to light it.

The Batter thought for a moment. “...There is another way.”

“Huh? What do you mean?” Elliott took a hit from his cigarette while glancing at the Batter. 

“There is a way to hop between Zones in a matter of seconds.”

“Oh yeah? How?” Elliott asked skeptically with a bored expression as he exhaled the smoke.

“You would need to enter the Nothingness, and there you will find every major location-” The Batter swatted the smoke that was coming his way- “However, you will need some kind of clearance card.”

Really, why do I even play along? But… he did manage to get here from Zone 0. Did he swim? No, that's ridiculous.

“Where can you find this… clearance card?” Elliott questioned. 

The Batter turned to the Elsen. “Most likely from your Guardian.”

Elliott went silent. “Hhh... Yeah I think I'll take the long route.”

“Ok.”

Silence envelopes them once more.

“Hey, uh… I-I am truly sorry about what I said earlier,” Elliott fidgets with his collar, “And thank you for saving me. Again. Jeez, why do I owe you so much now…”

“...” The Batter didn't say anything.

“L-look, I'm… very grateful for what you did back there. I was about to… turn…” Elliott stared at the smoke coming from the cigarette for a moment, “A-and I'm sorry that you had to deal with that as well…” 

"..." Elliott chuckled. “Seriously, how many sodas do I have to buy to make up for all that? Is ten enough?”

The Batter smirked and exhaled through his nose. “No thanks.”

“I'll treat you to some steak then.”

The Batter pulled on his cap. “I will consider it.”

The atmosphere seemed to have lightened up as they sat in comfortable silence.

END OF CHAPTER 8

Chapter Text

----------------------------------------

Half an hour has passed

----------------------------------------

“Wake up.” The Batter shook Elliott gently, although Elliott stirred he didn't open his eyes.

“Five more minutes.” He croaked.

"..."

Elias piped in. “Are you comfortable sleeping on that?”

“Beats my old desk back in Pentel…” Elliott mumbled. 

“Mhm… I bet it does. ”Ed crossed his arms with a smirk.

Sensing the smug smile in Ed’s words he cracked an eye open in curiosity. 

He then realized he was resting on the Batter's shoulder. 

“...” Elliott’s eyes are both wide open now. He sat up.

Ed raised an eyebrow. “Hhh… Why did you get up? Thought you wanted five more minutes.” 

“I changed my mind.” Elliott looked away to hide his embarrassment. Cursing himself internally. 

The Batter interrupts, sparing Elliott from their teasing. “We're in Alma. Let's go.”

Elias turned to the Batter. “O-oh yeah, we still have to meet up with someone. Can't keep them waiting…” Elias strode off with his luggage, following the Batter. 

Elliott stood up and raised an eyebrow glancing at the other Elsen that was still in the trolley with him. “How many of you guys are planning to escape exactly?”

Ed stepped out of the trolley catching up to the others, Elliott followed. “Three, well… f-five now that you and Mr. Batter are here.” 

There's another one? How many people are able to ride one pedalo comfortably anyway? 

Elliott sighed. “I see… so what's the plan?”

Ed thought for a moment. “We're gonna have to carry and pull a Pedalo out into the plastic with some rope to start our journey. W-well… maybe more than a pedalo…”

Elliott doesn't look all too pleased by the idea but he expected it. “And… How are we gonna do that? Even with five people…-” He turned to the other two leading the way- “It would still take quite a bit of time.” 

“Hhh… Our manager checked this place out before making plans… He said that there weren't as many workers patrolling in Alma as he expected.” 

“Our manager…?” Elliott questioned. 

Ed nods at him. “Yeah. Our manager.”

“Hhh… I see. I-If that's the case then it saves us the trouble…” 

Then who's replacing the manager in Shachihata? If it's an interim manager then I'm starting to sense a pattern here.

The group entered a small building, there was a faint scent of iron in the air as they were met by another Elsen blocking the doorway. 

He turned to them to speak. “I… I don't have the right to let anyone pass. Unless… Unless they answer some questions…”

Elliott turned to the group questioningly if they were prepared for this.

Elias steps towards the Elsen beside the doorway. “W-we would like to answer them,” He gestures to Ed to hand something over. 

Ed raised an eyebrow confused. “What…?”

Elias sighed and hissed at him, nudging him insistently. “Hhh… The cheat sheet Ed.”

The Elsen guarding the entrance tilted his head. “...Pardon?”

“A-ah. n-nothing. Just a-asking my friend here for something,” Elias said sheepishly to the entry guard, nudging Ed again with his elbow, “The sheet… Ed. The sheet.”

The Batter and Elliott watched their whispered conversation slowly turn into panicked bickering.

“Y-you left it?!” Elias exclaimed, putting his hands on his head.

“No! I-I thought you had it!”

Elias puts his hands on Ed's shoulders, shaking him. “I told you to get it earlier under the coffee maker!” 

“It was not there! I-I checked! I thought you took it already!”

Elliott had a tired expression on his face, sighing at the scene. 

End of the road already…? 

He thought to himself and glanced beside him to look at Batter, noticing that he had already moved. Currently scanning at three odd posters on the wall. 

Elliott took a few steps towards him. “Batter?”

“Watch him.” The Batter ordered not taking his eyes off of the posters. 

Our Elsen halts. “W-watch who…?”

The Batter tore his eyes away from the posters and pointed to the Elsen guarding the doorway. “Him.”

“W-why?” 

“...” The Batter puts his attention back to the posters instead. Not giving him an answer.

“Hhh…” Despite that Elliott watched the entry guard closely… He stared back. 

“...”

“...”

There was a faint sound of scratching. It sent a shiver down Elliott's spine, he wanted to search for the source but for some reason he couldn't tear his eyes away from the other Elsen. 

Why… does his eyes look… 

A hand dropped itself on Elliott's shoulder, startling him out of his thoughts. 

“S-sorry...” It was Ed, “Elliott… W-we need to head back to Shachihata unfortunately.” 

“Or… we could…” Elias glanced at the Elsen guarding the doorway. 

Ed glared at him. “Elias…” 

“...” Elias frowned, clearly not happy with the situation. 

They all fell into loud silence, all of them staring at one another. Until Elliott decided to break the tension between all of the Elsens in the room. “Wh-what are the questions about anyway?”

Ed sighed. “Hhh… questions that don't really make sense… Might be a code of some sort…”

“Code…?” Elliott muttered to himself recalling the codes and puzzles he and the Batter went through in Shachihata, briefly glancing at his companion who was still scanning the posters. 

Can he…?

Ed and Elias began to exit the building as Ed called out to him. “L-let's go… the sooner we get back the sooner we-”

“W-wait.” Elliott stood in place. The pair stopped, turning their heads to him. 

Elliott was still watching the Entry guard. “I think we should stay…”

Ed’s eyes widened in horror, He spoke to Elliott in a hushed shout. “...Elliott y-you can't be suggesting t-that too right?! I know we are desperate but you can't just k-kill…”

“...” Elias seemed surprised as well.

Elliott rested his pickaxe on his shoulder and looked at the other two is some kind of confidence and reassurance. “Hhh… n-no, we can answer the questions.”

Elias eyed our Elsen suspiciously. “How exactly…? Y-you… haven't been here before, right?”

He shook his head. “N-no I haven't.”

Elias's eyes narrow. “Then… how are you so confident…?”

“Just a hunch…” Elliott glanced at the Batter again to see that he was already walking towards the entry guard. 

Elliott shifts his gaze to the other two. “Me and Batter already solved-... W-well he has already solved a lot of puzzles and or codes in Shachihata through odd or unknown means so… I trust him with this…” 

"He did what?" Ed asked skeptically.

The Batter faced the entry guard. “I wish to answer your inquiries.”

“...” The Elsen by the doorway turned his attention to the Batter, “Alright… H-however… due to recent incidents we have been ordered to tighten the security measures… S-so you can only answer the required questions once.”

Ed squawked. “W-wait. Only once?”

The Elsen guarding the entry nodded. “Correct.”

“D-do we all get in if he gets all of the questions right?” Ed pointed at the Batter.

The guard pondered. “Hhh… There isn't a rule against it… You all may enter if one of you gets it right, h-however… um… that one chance will apply to all of you… and no one can l-leave or enter the building once the questioning starts…”

“I see…” Ed sighed. 

The three of them tried to process the information given to them as the entry guard turned his attention back to the Batter. “Shall we begin?”

Elias whispered to the others. “A-are we a hundred percent sure about this…? One chance… All up to him?”

“Taking the risk or heading back to Shachihata, which is also a risk considering our status…” Ed pondered.

The Batter nods at the entry guard. He's ready.

Taking that as the signal to start the Elsen asked. “The second came from de Jerusalem and…?”

“The third from Orta.” The Batter answered

The Elsen continued to question him. “The Holy Trinity La sainte trinite is made up of…?”

“Roses.”

“Notre-Dame first appeared on the…?”

The Batter thought for a moment. “...Sixth.”

The three watched the exchange, all of them varying in expressions, questioning if the answers were even correct. But they were all hopeful. 

Ed whispered to Elias and Elliott. “I-I do recognize the answers, though… how did he know the code? If that even is the code...” 

Elias glanced over at the posters. “Hhh… m-maybe the posters were some kind of clue? I did see him stare at them for a while…”

Our Elsen sighed. “Hhh… I swear he finds secrets through everything…” Elliott approached the posters examining it, he didn't really get the chance to get a good look at them the first time. They looked like they'd been scribbled and vandalized to some extent, but they were still holding on.

“...All your answers are correct.” The voice of the entry guard reached the trio's ears, snapping their attention back to the two.

The three of them sighed in relief, Elias and Ed were pleasantly surprised as they quietly cheered, they could continue without any more delays. Elliott in particular felt a little prideful for the Batter. 

Though the cheering between the trio fell short once the entry guard opened his mouth again. 

“But… Uh… There is one more question,” The Elsen looked up at the Batter again. 

The entry guard spoke. “If you turn the month March upside-down, what two digit number can you read?” 

The Batter opened his mouth to speak but no words came out. “...”

Everyone waited for the Batter. 

“...”

“...”

“...”

But after a moment of silence it became apparent that he doesn't have the answer. 

END OF CHAPTER 9

Chapter Text

Oh shit.

The silence was unbearably loud as the entry guard waited patiently. Staring. 

“...” Still no answer from the Batter.

Elliott and the other's expressions faltered, as the Batter struggled to answer the last question. 

Damnit…

The uncomfortable silence ate at all of them, the entry guard's stare wasn't making it any more pleasant. Elliott caught a glimpse of the entry guard's face. Although not out of the ordinary at first glance. There was… something strange about him. Something Off...

Elliott hears that faint scratching noise again. He looked at Ed and Elias if they heard it this time. 

“M-march? Upside down… Number…?” Elias chewed on his nails. 

"W-wait... I know that one... What was it?" Ed rubbed his temples. 

Looks like they were too preoccupied with the last question. The silence stretches for a long and uncomfortable while until a hushed voice broke it. 

Elliott shook off the voice in the back of his mind telling him to get out of here and instead tried to focus on the task at hand. Turning to the entry guard. 

Should I convince him to give us another chance? Though this is an Alma employee we're dealing with. There's a reason they've got this far... 

Our Elsen opened his mouth to speak. "H-hey... Do you-"

“...O-oh! E-eighty-seven!? Right…?” The entry guard head snapped towards Ed who was merely whispering to Elias, not batting an eye to Elliott. Such keen hearing. 

The entry guard stared at him with a wide eyed glare. Shocked… almost frightened as he uttered the next three words. “That is correct…” 

The group felt relief wash over them. The three Elsens sighed.

Elias scoffed at Ed. “Hhh… guess I can't be too mad at you…” 

Elliott put on his helmet with an unamused expression. “No. Be mad at him all you want.”

“H-hey… sorry alright? I swear I didn't see the sheet at all…” Ed pleads his innocence as he tilted his head downward apologetically, the air around them seemed to have warmed up as all of them laughed about the recent events. 

…Well most of them. 

While they were chuckling amongst themselves, the Batter was still watching the Elsen guarding the entrance. 

“Hhh...” They stared at each other. The entry guard's eyes were wide as his breathing became more erratic by the second. 

The Batter called out to the others not turning his back to the entry guard. “Everyone get out.”

All heads turned to the Batter, his serious tone stopped all laughter and chatter. Elliott glanced at the entry guard, a familiar scent of burning made his breath hitch. 

A shaky whisper from the Entry guard can only be heard by the Batter, “That is correct…” Faint smoke escapes from his mouth. The sickly scent of bitterness and sweetness overwhelms all of them.

“C͋o̯̱̯̱̯̱̯̱̯̱̯̱̯̱̯̱̊͊͊͊͊͢͢͢͢͢͢͢͢r̦ r̴̨̦͕̝ẹ̿̕c͕͗ͤ̕̕t̲̂̓.” He lunges at the Batter. 

The Batter shouts at the other three as he readies his weapon. “Get out!”

Thick black smoke engulfed the small building as the entry guard's head burst into a familiar black liquid spilling out in every direction, coating everything it touches with the ink like substance. 

It splattered on the floor… walls… and on Elliott's face. Reeking that foul stench of burning. Our Elsen's eyes widened. 

 It was hot. Too hot… It was boiling.

“AGH!” Elliott held his face in agony dropping his pickaxe. 

It… It Burns…

Elliott couldn't help but gag at the smell, his senses overwhelmed by pain and disgust. Almost dropping to his knees. 

Panicked voices and coughing can be heard amidst the black smoke. 

It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It Burns. It-

As the smoke slowly became less thick enough to see through, Ed spots Elliott grabbing him by the arm suppressing his coughing fit, “L-let's get out of here!” Making a run for the exit back to the tram station, Elias calling out to them, leading the way.

“W-wait… Batter!” Elliott turned to the opening of the small building. The Batter was currently fighting the Burnt along with Alpha. Our Elsen caught a glimpse of a few Tiburce as well. Scratching. 

Elias stopped running as he was far enough from the building. “Hhh! Is he out of his mind?!”

“H-how are we gonna get him out?” Ed breathed heavily, as he led Elliott and himself as far away from the building as possible. 

“F-forget it! He's dead!” Elias stepped onto the Trolley.

Dead…? No… he wouldn't just die like that. That guy… he won't die. I can't… leave… 

Elliott glanced at the building again, still in pain from the burning sensation on his face.

I can't leave… I don't want to abandon… him. 

Certain memories flash in his mind over and over. Again… That terrified gaze stared back at him. His friend looking at him with pleading eyes. Insignificant… helpless… Weak. Eyes like his own. It was all too familiar. 

Again… 

Smoke escapes our Elsen's mouth.

The Batter snapped his attention to Elliott while he was pinning his opponent down. He locked gazes with our Elsen. Despite the distance Elliott felt his eyes through the thick veil of shadow. 

His gaze pierced through the Elsen, he was terrified. He recognized that look. It's what the Batter gives to their phantom adversaries. Determined… Purposeful and fierce eyes stare back. Yet… 

It was oddly reassuring… It was comforting… Why…? 

Elliott's thoughts were cut short as he felt the burning sting on his face again, he groaned in pain. 

“H-hey Ellie are you alright? Your face is…” Ed guided Elliott to the Trolley. 

Our Elsen put his hand on the stinging sensation, “It… hurts…” He sat down.

Elias turned to the building. His panic subsided, but not at all calm. “Hhh… wh-what was that?”

Ed looked at his own hand and winced. Looks like the black substance got him too. “Hhh… I-I don't know…”

“Ugh...” Elias's eyes narrowed in concern trying to collect himself. “Are you two alright?”

“It's just my hand but… Elliott got hit on the face…”

Elias turned to Elliott as he crouched down to search for their luggage, “Burns?” 

Elliott nods. “Yeah…” 

“Do you think we'll need to wash this off?” Ed scanned his hand questioningly. 

“I'd assume so.” Elias shrugged as he walked up to Elliott, holding out a metallic flask that he got from their luggage, showing it to him gingerly, “Hey… um, I'm gonna pour some iced coffee on you yeah…? T-that… alright?”

Ed raised an eyebrow at Elias. “Iced coffee…?”

“Hhh… It's the only cold option in our luggage.” Elias gestured to the two open luggage bags. 

Elliott sighed. “Hhh… yeah I'm fine with it. Please pour some in my mouth while you're at it.”

Ed furrows. “Hey… don't be greedy, my hand needs it too you know?” 

Elias began to pour the cold liquid on the right side of Elliott's face. Our Elsen flinched at the tingling sensation as the black liquid got washed away, he sighed from the relief. 

“Your turn Eddie.” As Elias tended to Ed, Elliott opened his eyes to glance at the building again. 

Nothing… No one can be seen. Only a trail of that black liquid leading towards… 

The doors of the Trolley opened as the Batter entered. “All Adversaries have been-”

“AAH!” Ed yelped and knocked the flask off of Elias's hand. The ink-like substance on his hand had already been washed away thankfully, however the cold liquid stained both Ed's and Elias's shirts.

“...” Elias glared at him. 

Ed pulled out a handkerchief. “S-sorry…” And rubbed it on his own shirt first. 

“Hhh… are you kidding me…” Elias's eye twitched.

Elliott looked away from their antics to glance at the Batter and smiled sheepishly. “Adversaries defeated?”

The Batter nods. 

“Heh… yeah you wouldn't die that easily…” Elliott mumbled, scanning the Batter for injuries. He was covered in the same black liquid mixed with a red one, staining his white uniform and skin. Our Elsen knitted his brows together. 

Are you serious? How isn't it affecting him? It burns like molten metal…

Though… as expected, not as much injuries as it would have been if it was just your average Elsen.

Elliott sighed and slumped in his seat.

I knew he could do it but… still is a relief nonetheless… 

Raising a hand to feel the scorch marks on his face. He recalled the Batter's gaze and took a discreet glance at the Batter again. 

…Since when did I become so attached to him?

Sensing the eyes that were staring at him, the Batter turned to our Elsen. Elliott glanced somewhere else. 

“...” The Batter held out Elliott's pickaxe. “Here.”

Our Elsen turned to the Batter. “Huh? Oh. R-right, I dropped it didn't I…?”

Elliott took his weapon from the Batter's hand. The metallic parts are stained with the tar liquid. “...”

After a while, the Batter called out to the other two. “Let's go. The path to the entrance is clear.”

“Hhh… yeah wait for a sec…” Ed frantically rubs the handkerchief on Elias's stained shirt. 

Elias snatched the already soaked piece of cloth. “I can do it myself.”

END OF CHAPTER 10

Chapter Text

I'm very sorry for the slow updates. But I assure you I will not drop this story. Even if I'm in a middle of a burn out for personal reasons, I'm very happy that you read this. And to those who are still here.

>🍔 Have a Burger.

Thank you. Also, New art on Chapter 10!