Intermission 4 : The Citadel Head
(Intermission 3)
Xern stood up to reach for another book at a nearby shelf. Unbeknownst to him, Mosley approached from behind and emitted a sudden beeping sound.
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This made Mosley panic and for Xern to turn around. He eyed Xern curiously and examined them.
"I-I apologize … I-I d-d-did not m-meant to startle you …" Mosley said, trembling in worry.
"Apology accepted. I didn't know there was someone of your species here. Are you with the hybrid? or just one of the soulless automatons?" Xern reached for another book.
"Y-yes … I-I am with Krantz … I-I was just r-registering you …" They responded, still trembling in their voice.
"Interesting … are you an apprentice of sorts? a personal slave?"
"A … c-colleague … "
"Yes, very interesting I'd say. So tell me, do you have a head librarian? Or is that hybrid the highest of authority?"
"W-we… actually d-do… Sh-she's m-my c-creator …"
"Can I perhaps meet her in person?"
"I'm afraid you need have a valid reason…" Another voice chimed in, it was Krantz who was raising an eyebrow. "... and would you kindly state your reason immediately?"
"I have concerns that are to be discussed privately. You wouldn't want to lose your reputation by being a breach of someone's privacy now would you?" He asked calmly.
Krantz gritted his teeth and sighed. "Fine, I can perhaps assist you towards her office. Mosley, guard the library … I will just be away for a moment."
"R-request accepted …"
"As for you, come with me." He says as he turns towards Xern and starts walking towards the office.
"Gladly." Xern followed him close behind.
~~~
Xern was completely quiet throughout the short walk towards the office, he never uttered a single word. His face was fixated on what was in front of him and nothing else.
"I have to say this architecture is really unique compared to the barren abode I called home."
"I appreciate the compliment." Krantz answered coldly. "We maintain this place with the best of our ability."
"I wouldn't have thought someone like you would say that…" Krantz added, still in his cold demeanor.
"I am inherently curious … I could say that it runs in the family but that would be … what's the word you outsiders use? … 'sugar coating'." Xern answered back, his footsteps still fleeting with the hallway.
This made Krantz stop in his tracks and he was inclined to ask him.
" Pardon?" He asked with his back turned to him.
"My family is dead, I saw it with my own eyes or at least that was I told after witnessing a murder."
The calm demeanor Xern had as he said that surprisingly made Krantz a little bit concerned and intrigued.
"And you, sir, aren't at all triggered by such an event?"
"Time can surprisingly numb a salty wound, for me at least."
"I will ask no further. Let's continue onwards." Krantz sighed.
They kept walking until they stopped at the door of an office.
Ionix Memento
Head of the Citadel
Kranz immediately knocked at the door three times before cautiously opening it.
"Krantz? Do you need something?" A female voice called out.
"Greetings, Miss. Memento I am here with … one of the Turnback Dwellers. They want to discuss matters with you." Krantz enters the door and addresses the woman inside.
“Turnback Dweller … is that how you refer to us?” Xern echoed from behind him. "I half expected 'troglodyte' …"
Krantz just grunts and motions him to go inside of the office. “Just a disambiguation if you are concerned.”
~~~
A Gardevoir sat on the desk inside the office, patiently waiting for the two to enter. Her pink hair vividly emphasized her appearance and contrasted her grey corporate outfit.
She removed the glasses from her face to get a clearer view of her guest, examining him thoroughly.
"Well, Hello Masked one … you may take a seat."
She says, motioning towards one of the chairs in front of her office, her words having a trace of concern.
"I'll gladly take a seat, Thank you." Xern immediately sat down with Krantz looking closely behind him making sure he would not take any action against his superior.
...
featuring the Gardevoir design I got from @askthe-editor
<Ionix the Gardevoir is available for asks.>
