#1 Fires and Happles Simp

What dreadful luck she had, that both of the people she would usually consult with in matters like this were unavailable. Professor Marilyn was out at zee once more, and Professor Arrow was deeply engrossed in a project of his own, one that nothing short of utter disaster would pull him away from it. It was under these circumstances, of course, that she would find herself undertaking an investigation in which an unusual Correspondence sigil was, seemingly, a key factor.

Thankfully, not all was lost, for after inquiring a bit around the University, she was pointed in the direction of someone else that might be able to help her - one Correspondent Nightlocke, who was apparently one of the foremost experts on the Correspondence. They had a natural gift for the language, so she was told, a prodigy so talented that they could even reportedly speak some words. How their tongue was still intact was a mystery, but if Peculiar wanted to know something about the Correspondence, they were the one to go to.

When the detective first stepped inside the laboratory, she thought she had made a mistake, had taken a wrong turn somewhere and had ended up in the University’s library. But, no, while the walls were lined with an extensive collection of books, it was far too small, far too cozy. More akin to a study one might find in a large manor, with its dark wood and the long rug covering most of the floor. Taking a glance at the nearest shelf, Peculiar found the closest book was one titled Studies on Attar as Both an Intoxicant and a Stimulant. Hmm. Interesting.

“Um, excuse me? Can I help you?” Peculiar was pulled from her ponderings by a voice, quickly turning towards its source. She found a young man peering at her from around another one of the bookshelves, honey-gold hair messy in a way that some might consider tastefully, and his suit in disarray, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows and splatterings of what looked to mostly be paint on his pants.

“Yes, you might. Is this the laboratory of Correspondent Nightlocke?”

“Ah, yes, yes it is! Did the dean send you for a tour? I didn’t see anything listed on the schedule for today…”

“No, I’m only here in the hopes that I might consult with the Correspondent on a matter concerning one of my cases. I’m a detective.”

The man seemed to tense up at that. “Oh… Are you with the Constables, then?”

“Have no worry, I’m a private investigator.”

He looked visibly relieved at that, shoulders slouching and letting out a breathless little laugh. “Good, that’s good… We don’t usually get any Constables here thankfully, but you never know, and- Ah, but that’s besides the point. The Correspondent is currently working on something sensitive, but they should be done so-”

The man was cut off by the muffled sound of an explosion coming from behind him, and he glanced over his shoulder. “Well, would you look at that! Perfect timing. They should be able to see you now, if you don’t mind a bit of smoke, but that should clear out in just a minute or two, and it’s nothing poisonous. Do be careful not to touch anything though, there’s a lot of sensitive equipment and the like in there.”

He gestured for her to approach, and once the detective was closer she was able to see that there was a second door that had been just out of view. Before she stepped inside, she gave the man a nod of appreciation. “Thank you. I’ll try not to take up too much of the Correspondent’s time.”

The laboratory proper was much more what she had been expecting - cleanly tiled and filled with various workbenches, mirrors, and various supplies for a wide range of experiments. In a large tank, a singular goldfish swam peacefully, though its head was large and there was a certain intelligent gleam in its eyes. In an aviary was what, at first glance, appeared to be an albatross, but where its body ought to be was a headache-inducing distortion of reality. It was good, then, that Peculiar’s main focus was towards the large device at one end of the laboratory, which was currently smoking and surrounded by who could only be the researchers native to the lab.

Correspondent Nightlocke was easy to pick out for the small group, towering over the others as they did. She had been told they were taller than average, but looking at them now, they were at least seven feet tall. Currently they were cleaning their soot-covered gloves onto their well-worn labcoat while speaking to their companions. “-at least we’ve eliminated another possibility! The repairs shouldn’t take too long either, the rattus know the device well with how finicky the thing is. Let me-”

They turned, and their eyes landed upon Peculiar. “Oh! It appears we have a guest. I was sure the schedule was clear today…”

“Worry not, I’m not here for a tour, I’m merely here to ask for your consultation on the recommendation of Professor Marilyn. It shouldn’t take up too much of your time.”

They seemed relieved at that, though it was a bit hard to be sure with how their face was fully shadowed by the hood they wore. “In that case, I would be more than happy to assist! Everyone else, go get cleaned up.”

The researchers went off, pulling off gloves, labcoats, and goggles as they did so, while the Correspondent approached. “So, am I safe in assuming that this is a matter relating to the Correspondence?”

“Correct. Tell me, do you recognize this sigil?” Reaching into her jacket, Peculiar carefully took out a piece of flame-resilliant paper and showed it to the other. They leaned down to peer at it, and were silent for a few moments, considering.

“Hmm… This certainly isn’t your every day sigil. And this was the exact angle it was originally written in?”

“Yes. I had to go through a good few pieces of paper to get it correct.”

“Understandable, the Correspondence is a very finicky and fiery language. Translations can never be truly exact, but this one approximately means ‘An exchange of burdens. A weight that can only be passed on, never abandoned. One problem swapped for another.’”

Just like that, the disparate pieces of the puzzle that was the case snapped together into a full, crystal clear picture. And it meant she had to act quickly.

“Thank you, Correspondent, you have been extremely helpful. Unfortunately, I must make haste - what you have told me has made me realize that this case is much more time sensitive than previously thought.”

There was a sudden gleam of sharp teeth from the shadows of the Correspondent’s hood, but based on their friendly tone, the detective could only assume they were smiling. “Worry not, I understand. Good luck, and godspeed to you.”