Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Current Location: New Eridu -- Random Play

System Time: Year 20XX, Wednesday, 5:03 PM

In this world, cities are plagued by a mysterious phenomenon known as "Hollows", forces of calamity that devour anything through spatial distortion, warping and corrupting those who find themselves unfortunate to be in it. At the forefront of the battlefield, New Eridu often dispatches soldiers and officers to fend off these enemies, known as Ethereals, forcing them back to whence they came.

Now that the dust has settled, there have been many factions that arose to study, procure resources, and adapt to these changes. On a spectrum from 0 to 100, specifically for the level of extremity these factions are willing to endure, some venture through the Hollows for personal gain, while others seek to gather intel about exactly when it all started. But without any form of navigation, it'll be incredibly easy to get lost in the distorted terrain, which twists and turns with no way of finding the exit.

"And that's where we Proxies come in, taking on commissions from Inter-Knot to assist those in need," a cool-headed boy said, nodding in front of the monitor. "As long as the deal is mutually beneficial to both parties, we'll do our best to fulfill the commission as agreed upon."

"Just let us know what you want us to do, and we'll get to it, Mr. Kaleido," his sister reassured, grinning all the same.

"You'll really? That's such delightful news to hear, kind Proxies," another voice answered from the intercom, as the screen intermittently flashed, "Sound Only".

"I've already sent the coordinates of our meeting location to your Inter-Knot account, so please let me know if you've yet to receive it,"

A ding came from Wise's phone as he fished it from his pocket, examining the coordinates of the map. "Looks like this is the place for the New Eridu City Library. You're going to meet us there?"

"That's right--This commission isn't particularly top-secret, but you'll find the necessary information through the library's private archives. I'll be there to personally guide you once you arrive at the designated location, Proxies. Till then, I shall bid you farewell," the voice said before hanging up. Meanwhile, a familiar eye replaced the TV's screen, blinking as it stated, "Master, I have pinpointed the location of the meeting place as well as the client in question. Mr. Franceso Kaleido, a Cat Thiren of the Beast subclass, who works as the library's archivist and Public Relations specialist. I think it should also be important to note that Mr. Kaleido has a calico pattern, wears gold spectacles, and is often dressed in a well-fitted jacket and trousers--"

"Okay, no need to go into all the bizarre specifics, Fairy. Let's head over there after we get an early night's rest. Looks like the library's quite a way from here, so we'll have to take the van with us," Wise interjected, putting away his phone.

"Still, a library? I already know that's way up your alley, Wise. You don't think they're completely decked out with documentaries and other stuff, right?" Belle asked, leaning on the sofa with a knowing smirk. Behind her, Eous leaped up and down, its retinas blinking curiously.

"Only one way to find out. Who knows, maybe we'll make a detour after this commission is over to fully check out the place. Now come on, it's time to tuck in for the night," her brother quipped back, his face set in a placid expression, as he swung his bag over his shoulder.

"Fine, fine, whatever you say, Mr. Morning Riser." Unfolding her arms, she followed him up the stairs, while their Bangboo tagged along in bouncy strides.

Current Location: New Eridu -- New Eridu City Library

System Time: Year 20XX, Thursday, 8:09 AM

"Woah, when they said library, I didn't think it'd be this big," Belle mused as she pressed her nose against the van's windows. Outside, a building that towered above the rest stood in the middle of the city block, where its pillars stretched from the ground up. Curved, gigantic windows decorated each stone wall of the library, reflecting the sun as it witnessed its solemn grandeur. Outside, a marble fountain poured from the courtyard, inviting visitors from all walks of life to enter its borders.

"That's a city library for you. Let's go, Belle," Wise ushered, opening the door for her.

Tucking her hands behind her back, the girl's eyes observed the scenery, which appeared so different from the deteriorating buildings she was so used to seeing. Graffiti, stamps, run-down complexes--they were the reality that managed to scrape by from the Hollows' reaches, but at the same time, it also gave a timeless, homey feeling to them. As they opened the doors to the library, they were greeted with a new sight: a towering hall that extended to the farthest back wall, while every aisle and corner was filled with antique, mahogany bookshelves. Tall archways beckoned guests to explore within them, while there were also remnants of colorful frescoes and murals drawn on the walls and ceiling. Of ancient history that was long lost to the contemporary civilizations of New Eridu, while others depicted Bangboos playing with children in a more hopeful land.

"Woah, this place...It's even cooler than I'd expected," his younger sister remarked, her eyes astonished by what she was seeing. "There's like...lots and lots of books than all of our movie tapes combined."

"Well, that's to be expected of a library. It's full of information dating back hundreds of years, perhaps even to civilizations that existed before the Hollows. Although most of them happen to be preserved manuscripts and adaptations--the ones you'll find showcased in a museum." Walking through the grand halls, they spotted tables where visitors were perusing the books or using the desktops, while others were seated on the ottomans above. Above them, golden sunlight filtered through the windows, illuminating the floor tiles in its welcoming light.

Where it also caught flecks of light on someone's wagging tail.

"Hm, what's that?" Belle wondered, stopping as Wise continued ahead, mesmerized by all the nonfiction titles he was seeing. "Hey, Wise--" she called out for him, only to see him disappear into another aisle. When she looked back, she saw that the strange tail disappeared, making her tilt her head. "I know I just saw it..." Tiptoeing into the aisle, she saw that there was nobody there, save for an empty book cart.

"Huh, that's weird. Where'd they go?" Perching her chin, her eyes scrutinized the odd occurrence--until someone tapped them with the worn cover of a book.

"Are you looking for something in particular, Miss?" they asked in a gentle, boyish voice.

Whipping her face around, she saw someone whose wolfish ears twitched upon her immediate gasp, belonging to a boy not much taller than her. His eyes shone a fiery red, contrasting with his ginger-brown hair that carried splotches of charcoal grey and ashy white. Tufts of dark crimson fur perked from atop his ears, and when his silky tail swished, it revealed similarly intricate patterns. His rough, tawny bangs were swept to the side, revealing a small, pale scar that delineated across the side of his head. And yet, he appeared to be half-Thiren, as indicated by his human appearance. Fitted with a button-up shirt, a vintage corduroy vest, and striped trousers, he gazed at her with curious eyes, matching the agate brooch he wore.

"Whoops, didn't mean to stare at you that long," Belle awkwardly laughed, her wide eyes blinking.

"Pfft, it's fine. I get that sometimes," the mysterious boy softly chuckled before maneuvering around her. "After all..." As he opened his mouth with a smile, it revealed two sharp canines. "...I'm a bit of a special case around these parts."

"Oh, I see..." Scratching the back of her neck, Belle wondered, "But that's strange. He sort of reminds me of someone familiar..."

"But is there something you've been trying to find? I can help you if you require my assistance," he asked after sliding a book in.

"Ah, we're not looking to check out anything. My brother and I were looking for someone called Mr. Kaleido. Have you heard of them before?"

"Oh, Mr. Kaleido? Yes, I've worked with him for a long while now. He's become somewhat of a grandfather to me, so to speak," the boy laughed, his voice a charismatic one. "He knows a lot about Eridu's history that he's always telling me stories about what the old capital is like, as well as Hollow incidents from the past."

"Whoa, really? He's the one who sent us a commission. Do you know where he could be?"

"Oh, so you two must be the Proxies he told me about." His ears twitched upon hearing the word, "commission", as he turned to face her with a bow. "Apologies for misjudging you as just ordinary library patrons. My name is Augustus Le Roi, a part-time library assistant and the one who's in charge of archiving historical and scientific records. If there's anything you desire to research, whether it be different Ethereals or historic texts on civilizations long past, then you'll know where to find me," he introduced himself with a warm smile. "You may treat this library as your very own database of sorts. I'm well aware that Proxies often assist those venturing into the Hollows, bringing back all sorts of Hollow investigative data and new biological studies of how they work--so you may call this a mutual exchange for both the library and their professional endeavors."

"Wow, he pretty much nailed us all down. He wasn't kidding when he said that Mr. Kaleido tells all sorts of stories to him," Belle nervously thought with a sweatdrop running down her face. "And I'm sure he's even heard of the legendary Phaethon too."

"As for where Mr. Kaleido should be...I presume he's still working at the back. I can take you there if you'll allow me to," Augustus asked, gesturing with a nod of his head.

"Oh, that'd be great! Just gotta wait for my brother though--Who knows where he ran off to?" Belle's shoulders deflated with subtle amusement, until they shivered when they heard the sound of clinking heels behind them. Looking over her shoulder, her eyes widened when she saw someone walking in their direction--followed by a giddy Devilboo. Her face was overcast by the brim of her sunhat, and her hair was elegantly swept over their shoulder. A dark trenchcoat was tied around their waist with a loose bow knot, accentuating the matching shawl that was draped over her shoulders. Beneath it, there was a fancy, crimson blouse with a fitted, long skirt.

Her dilated eyes, hidden behind polarized shades, paid them a furtive glance.

"Hm, may I help you, young lady?" She stopped within mere feet of the stunned Proxy, facing them with an indiscernible look.

"O-Oh, I...Uh...Don't have anything I need in particular. I was just asking Augustus here if he'd be willing to help me find Mr. Kaleido," Belle nervously laughed, despite her consciousness kicking her in the stomach.

"Is that right...?" the mysterious woman mused before nodding at Augustus' surprised face.

"Augustus, please be sure to treat our guests well. We'll be working with them for more future arrangements, should this initial operation be deemed a success," the woman calmly said before walking past the aisle, her hands tucked in her pockets. Meanwhile, her Devilboo followed after blowing a raspberry at the two, cackling all the same.

"Hehe, Master will only reward good children, you know! So no disturbances in the library, got that?" it said before immediately flitting away.

"Yes, Mo--I mean, Lady Rouge," Augustus muttered, quickly correcting himself as he bit his tongue.

"Hm? Wait a minute, you were about to say something else, weren't you?" Belle, paying the boy behind her with a knowing grin, spoke to him in a mischievous tone. "You know who she is?"

"Yes...She's actually the head librarian of this place as well as..." Breathing in a low sigh, Augustus admitted, "..My boss ever since I started working here. Though, since she rarely leaves the workshop, I find myself blurting out the word without knowing."

"Ah, I see..." Belle nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Is she, by any chance--"

"Yeah, that person did exude those stern motherly vibes, so I get where you're coming from. Not all too different from mistakenly addressing your teacher as mom or dad," Wise intervened, carrying an armload of books. "So I heard you'll be helping us find Mr. Kaleido?"

. . .

"Erm, Wise, maybe you shouldn't have said that when the person's standing right there," Belle awkwardly thought.

For a quick second, Augustus' face scrunched up for a bit as his brows furrowed, almost resembling that of a growling dog, before he coughed to the side. "Ahem, I suppose that's true. Seeing that the two of you are already here, I shall escort you to the library's archives. Follow me, please." Walking ahead of them, Belle nudged Wise by the shoulder before gesturing forward.

"Look at how much the fur on his tail is raised. Maybe you rubbed him the wrong way with that sudden remark of yours," the younger twin whispered as they followed behind said person.

"Well, I can't have been the only person who could have done that. Calling their teacher a parent, I mean. And besides, that face that he did a second earlier, it sorta reminded me of..." Visualizing the cute yet angry face of a fluffy dog, he immediately snapped his fingers. "...Right, a pomeranian."

"...Let's hope those keen ears of his didn't hear that," Belle muttered until their phones started buzzing.

"Master, I regret to inform you that wolf Thirens are not so dissimilar from actual dogs, whose hearing can pinpoint sounds from a mile away. It is important to note that Mr. Augustus Le Roi also shares the same last name as the head librarian, which is to say that they may share a common ancestry of sorts. If it piques your curiosity, then your humble assistant, Fairy, shall pull up a database of all hospital records dating back to his approximate year--"

"Okay, okay, we don't need to see all of that, Fairy! Let's just move along and finish our commission, alright?" Belle chastised, covering up her phone.

"Very well, Master. I also imported Agent Logs to both of your phones, should you recruit them for later missions. According to the commission, both of them have been registered as qualified trial agents. Uploading data entry log now...10%...47%...89%...100%. Please check below for their corresponding details, Master."