The sun has fallen and the night sky rises.
Trouble in Oldcar City was brewing.
A summon was given to Foreman, ordered by the Council of the Dozens.
In his office, Octavia assists him on his every needs.
"Octavia, i leave the office to you." the Old bull speaketh.
Octavia, on the otherside of the table, was worried and shocked at what he had to say.
" surely you jest Master Foreman."
" Octavia. I need you at your best right now... Everyone needs you at your best. Do you hear me?"
He gave a demanding tone.
Octavia would stand and salute her Master.
" the Depot will be at safe hands, Master."
" Good..."
He'd leave and close the door on his way out.
Octavia on the other hand, would sit back to her chair and fix the problem that was presented to them.
Abandonment of Duty of a high ranking Junkee, Balto. And a missing junior Junkee, Ming.
Mismanagement of distribution of workorders, Congo,Balto, and Ming.
" oh the troubles your selfish acts have cost us."
The night was still young and paperworks are still pilled up.
Now she wonders if the Master was just trying to avoid his responsibilities, and leaving all of this to her.
".....shit."
Her voice echoed alone in the office filled with work.
Slam! the door opened.
Octavia quickly stood up and saluted.
" SORRY SIR!" She gave out a solid shout.
The clerk would be shocked at her reply and ended up dropping the files she had.
" ahmm... What is it Petals?" She said in a sweet and calming voice.
" ummm yes. Ming has returned from her mission."
___________
"Grand Master Foreman, it has been a while since we last summoned you." An old woman atop of a tall bench, would speak to the one at the center of a large room.
And around that man, 11 more tall benches surrounds him. Each a person to judge him.
"Thats good, is it not?" He replied.
A snake like creature would slither out of the benches and look at him from below.
" it would have been perfect if we have NOT summoned you... But alas... Here you are."
The otherside of the bench would speak.
"Let us not waste my time. You know why you are here."
A demanding voice could be heard but her face,u she did not reveal.
" yes councilor." He bowed down.
" any objections on what we have written? If not then I'd like to move on to what punishment we should give you."
" no, and i have filed my resignation." Forman announced.
This has left the room shocked and silent.
" You dare pull that crap on us!" The demanding woman shouted.
The rest of the council would remain silent, but their gaze towards the demanding woman can be felt.
Even she had to back up a bit and re think her actions.
The old woman at the center would try and talk to Forman, to rethink his sudden resignation.
" please, think this through. You know that she's like that around you. And you shouldn't take her harsh words towards you so seriously."
He'd give a demanding presence and raised her hand, to grab everyones attention.
" i never cared what left that womans mouth. This decision was mine and was not influenced by any. It is just time to let someone else to take my sit. That is all. And do not worry. I have trained Octavia, she will not fail you."
The demanding woman would not take lightly the mockery he has given to her.
" who says that she will take your place? It is still our judgement and final say on who will take your place!"
"True!" He replied.
" then DON'T choose her." He challenged her.
Smash! The table of the demanding woman crumbles revealing half of her body from bellow.
She was humongous. She was 18 feet tall and was actually standing from the tall bench.
The dust would settle and Forman would clean himself off of the dust that scattered the room.
" if that is all then good night councilors."
" we did not say you could leave." The giant woman blocked his path.
And one of the councilor would agree and side with her.
" that is correct."
A red dragon answered.
" Everest may be new, unwise and quite hard to handle and be with... But she is a councilor none the less. Disrespect her and you disrespect all of us. So please. If you think of her as fullish then don't follow her actions."
Although the giant lady was mucked at the process of disciplining Forman, she would not dare challenge the dragon.
" of course." Forman agreed and bowed down to the dragon.
" Apologies." He bowed down to Everest.
She would just stare at him in return.
The Old Lady would then continue.
" Will you not retract your resignation?"
"No"
" then so be it. The position as head chief of the Depot is open. Anyone who has the right requirements to apply may file a bidding form and an interview would be commenced."
" you are making a grave mistake." Forman replied.
" that is what's written and that is what we follow." The serpent replied to his remark.
"Then so be it. I will be leaving the Depot anyway. do what you think is best."
" and we shall." Everest replied.
"Well, since the investigation of your minor misshap happened during your term, the responsibility still lies on you. You are not allowed to leave Oldcar City until all cases on your term are finished or has been properly turned over. Breaking such term will have consequences."
" i know." Forman replied.
Now since the recent case involved someone of a high rank. Someone higher ranked should investigate these cases. Sadly you are the only one of that rank and the one you'd be investigating is under you. Then the next in rank will take responsibility for the investigation. And that would be one of us.
Hence forth, tomorrow, Madam Fang would be holding the investigation and the Depot's outmost cooperation is in order. She will begin the investigation at noon so you can have time for a meeting in the morning. If no further issues then you are dismissed.
Forman would then bow to the old woman and then to madam Fang, the serpent councilor.
" Madam Fang, a pleasure working with you again."
" yes, yes, but this is not the kind of work i wanted to do with you. I expected more from you Forman."
He'd give a rare smile towards her and apologize, " ... Sorry."
She'd wave her hands to shoo him away.
" then i will take my leave."
____________
From a distance, a lone Basurian trudges towards the walls of Oldcar city. It was Ming.
The doors outside the wall would open, and two guards would come out, to greet her.
" welcome home." They'd salute her and assist her in the walls.
She was worned out and tired, her eyes was red and heavy. The guards would assist her to the locker room so she could deposite or store her wears, but as soon as she sat down the bench, she collapsed and fall. her eyes grew heavy and went to sleep once more.
She was immediately dragged to the clinic area where she was taken care off.
And there, on the otherside of the window, Octavia watches her recover.
A nurse would soon approach her and give the findings.
" Signs of Bleaching... thats not good. Is it still curable?"
" the doctor said that she stopped bleaching, but the damaged done to her is irreversible."
"And her shadow organs?"
" at 20% ma'am."
" she shouldn't be alive then.... Put all the records to the office. We need every detail filed and prepared. Petal, collect her belongings and place them to my office. After that, summon the guards who escorted her."
She'd then left the clinic and into her office. A long night was ahead of her.
The next day, Ming would wake up to a familiar room.
She was inside the Depot's Clinic.
As she sat at her bed, to stand up, her clothes were changed into a white medical gown.
At least this time she wasnt naked waking up.
But her body felt heavy and her mind adaze.
She felt empty inside her chest. All this makes it hard to smile about.
A knock on the door would catch her attention. As it opens, the nurse would greet her.
" Good morning miss Ming."
"... good morning miss Petals." She'd reply.
Miss Petals was taken aback from miss Ming's reply. Usually She'd be more energetic and lively.
"Huh... Are you feeling alright miss Ming?"
She would stare blankly at first and snap out of it.
" i feel... Different somehow."
Miss Petal was a bit worried and checked her eyes, skin and temperature.
" hmm you are too warm, and it doesnt look like you're bleaching out again. Can you stand?" Ming would cautiously stand up from the bed and tried to stretch. This made her light headed and tipsy. She'd involuntarily try to retain her balance and Grab petal by the shoulders.
In return she'd try to Catch Ming from her wobbly state.
" woops! You almost fell... Don't force yourself miss Ming."
" no... No im fine... It's just... I'm good..." she'd then pick herself up and began flexing to prove her point.
"See?"
"Ohh? then you don't mind heading to the office then miss Ming? Since you're fine and fit and all."
This gloomed Ming as she knew she was gonna get scolded by the old man.
" you know what miss Petals. I don't feel so good after all..."
Petals would just smile at her.
" anyway your change of clothes are ready. Once you're done, you're expected at the office, good day miss Ming." She'd point at the closet where her knew clothes are and left the room.
" okay let's get things over with." She grumbled.
Inside the closet,
It was her usual attire, but new.
She'd quickly change and felt the clothes flexibility and stretch on her body.
" this is a bit too tight for me..." she questioned.
But she checked the sizes of the clothes and it was right.
Strange, she thought. Perhaps she grew and left a bit of a grin on her face.
Usually the thought of her growing is enough for her to cause a celebration, but now... Something felt wrong.
She'd quickly try to shove that feeling away. And headed up to the office.
And now she face the door of no return. She knocks and enters the room. She quickly bowed down and began apologizing.
" good morning grand master Forman!
Please forgive your student for her careless behavior! I wished to prove myself and everyone around me the potential and freatness i can achieve for the city!"
But an unexpected voice would reply back to her.
It was Octavia on the sit.
" Master, for sure. But grandmaster? Thats too much of an honorific Ming."
" Octavia!? Since when?"
Octavia would slam her fist on the table.
" since you!" She coldly replied.
This would dampen Mings mood and humble her.
"Four serious charges where given to the depot and many got involved because of you. Congo, and Balto had it rough.
Congo was now detained and is locked up while Balto has fled and is being searched as we speak.
This has dampered the investigation.
All this mess is because.... Because of your superior's negligence." She heavily sighed.
Hearing about Balto, Ming reacted.
" Miss Octavia! Balto has not fled!
He went outside to save me. He!!... he saved my life ... He .... He was a hero!" She cried.
Her eyes began to blur and liquid came out of her eyes.
This has both shocked them.
" wh? Whats going on!?" She asked with a trembling voice.
" you're leaking!? Quickly go back to the Clinic and dont spread your leak! Don't contaminate the area!"
She ordered Ming.
She in return would panic and rush back to the clinic, while Octavia tries to analyze this foreign liquid that came out of her eyes.
" Did she pee through her eyes!?" Octavia questioned.
Meanwhile at the Clinic, Ming remained panicked as her eyes leaked. Her heart continued to pound loudly and her breathing uncontrollable. Is she dying? This feels like dying, She thought to herself. Her mind runs wild and confusion starts to swell up on her mind. But as soon as it started, her leaking stopped, and her panick subsides.
"... oh. I feel great now." She felt relieved.
The door would slam open as Petals opens the door.
" what seems to be the emergenc- GAAHH!" She was shocked at Mings state.
Her eyes where red and liquid ooze drips down her eyes.
She quickly closed the door and hid on the otherside.
A few minutes later Petals would enter the room wearing a hazmat suit.
This would alarm Ming.
" HEY I'M NOT THAT DANGEROUS! A-am i?"
Ming's worry returned.
__________
Outside the Depot, Councilor Fang and Forman are heading inside to assist the Councilor in her investigation.
Forman would open the door for miss Fang. Forman expected Miss Octavia to be running the Depot without fail, but his expectations failed him.
The depot was a mess.
No lines, tables a mess,litter everywhere, and the hackling and chuckling is as loud as it gets.
Forman could only close his eyes in disbelief.
" not a day has passed by and shes handling the depot very well Forman... Truly, Octavia is quite... Promising hehehe."
Forman could not reply to her remarks.
He'd stomp his foot and quickly silenced the rabble makers.
"Where's Octavia." He calmly asked.
One clerk would point at the second floor office.
" thank you... You may continue your duties... With dignity this time."
Both of them would walk up the office. Leaving everyone silent.
" i see that everyone still respects you Forman. Do you really have to leave? Still bitter that Everest bested you for councilor?"
The snake hissed.
" please, if you are trying to make me laugh, her taking position in the councils of Dozen cannot be topped."
As they reached the Office, he would not even bother knocking the door. He'd slowly open the door to catch her by surprise and see what Octavia is up to. And his plan worked, it did cought her by surprise.
There Octavia was spraying and polishing the table she sat upon. The Chief's chair.
" i see you like the position that i gave you."
" !? Oh!... no, it's not what it looks like!" Octavia answered.
" i was interviewing Ming and something cameout of her eyes. I was just making sure that this isn't infectious or spread disease so i had to clean it. Anyway, welcome back Master Forman." Octavia bowed down to her master.
" oh? I see that the black cat has returned once more." Councilor Fang replied.
"Octavia, madam Fang is with us and will be conducting an investigation and inspection on our facilities. Kindly assist her in her every needs."
" of course Master Forman."
She'd also bow down to madam Fang.
" good morning Madam Fang."
Fang would just look at her curious. her gaze is quite piercing that Octavia could notice it. It was quite an uncomfortable feeling. It seems like she was jelous for some reason.
" um... May i help you madam Fang."
"... Hmm... Where is Ming?"
" at the Clinic, being quarantined."
" i see... Then she can wait. Then what information did you get from her then Octavia?"
She'd look at Forman before answering and Fang notices this.
"Octavia! Your Master has told you to kindly assist me on my every needs. Answer me."
She'd still look at Forman.
Forman would look at Octavia and give a nod of approval.
" Junkee Ming was rescued by Balto and is considered a hero by Ming."
" that's it?"
" yes, her sudden leakage has cut our conversation."
" oh..." she'd then write down her findings.
She'd then approach Octavia and lectured her.
" Forman has suggested you take his sit and replace him. I dont think you can, as you still look for his guidance." She stared coldly at both of them.
" anyway lets continue our investigation."
___________________
"Ouch!" Ming yelled as Petals administered a syringe to her arm.
"Hmm your shadow organs aren't responding to anything you eat anymore ... No growth, movement nor spread. It looks like you're dying."
" STOP THAT!" Those words gave Ming the goosebumps as she hiss towards petals.
" hey, I'm just tellin the truth... Maybe you turned into a Darkness?"
" then why am i so bleached?" She asked.
" you must be an albino..."
" what the heck is an Albino!?"
" something that turned white."
" but i didn't turn white, i got bleached!"
Both of them looked at each other even more confused.
A knock on the door would cause Petals to leave the room and leave Ming alone.
Ming would just stare at the mirror and look at Petals talking to the other clerk. This would bore her quite quick. She'd then lie down in bed and rest for a bit, thinking on what happened to Balto.
A few minutes would pass and she'd be called by Petals to come back to the office, and this time with the bags and equipment she carried.
As she enters the room she still thought that it's still Octavia interviewing her about this and casually went in and talk to her.
" hey Octavia, sorry about me leaking everywhere. I have no ide-" she quickly cut her sentence, when she noticed that they were not the only ones there.
" good morning grand master Forman!
Please forgive your student for her careless behavior! I wished to prove myself and everyone around me the potential and greatness i can achieve for the city!"
"careless as ever i see..."
Ming gasped as she heard the snakes voice.
She quickly hid behind petals back, which she too was scared of madam Fang.
" such childish actions.. is this the state of the depot Forman!?" She stared at Forman.
He would not entertain her question.
Fang would sigh in disapointment.
" lets get on with this farce."
"You!" She pointed at Ming.
" from the very beginning, tell me everything that happened."
Fang demanded from Ming
" the rest of you all, leave."
As per her demand, Ming and Fang were left alone in the office.
Ming would whimper like a baby towards Octavia and Petal to not leave her, but they could not disobey her words.
" owoo...."
" talk." Fang demanded.
Their conversation went on, from the moment when she woke up from that day, until she leaked from her eyes.
Fang would pester her and repeatedly ask her questions, to check if she would change what she'll say or not. Truly a hellish interogation.
" so you were able to collect a garbage flower?, escaped a golem.... But in the end you were killed by Darkness's.... Yet you leave.... And Balto was the one who saved you? This Balto...."
Fang pondered at Ming's story.
" you are dismissed. It seems i need to interogate Forman some more... bring him in alone when you exit." She demanded Ming, without even looking at her. She must've been to distracted to all the knowledge she had acquired from Ming. But to her, she's just plain rude and creepy, so Ming would rather quickly leave that room than ponder what the snake is up to.
As she quickly exits she'd greet the Chief.
" grand master Forman. She'd like to see you alone."
He'd give a big sigh. " i hope some miracle, that you've learned when and what to talk about and it's importance."
Ming would just stare at Forman's remarks which made him sigh with frustration some more. He'd massage his forehead. " I'm too old for this."
" Octavia, I want you on your best. I need you to take my place." He stared seriously at Octavia.
In response, she'd bow her head towards him.
Hed then enter the room where Madam Fang waits for him.
The door closes and his interview is on process.
" so should i wait here ooorrrr?" Ming asked Octavia.
Octavia would stare at Ming like a big sister would to her little sister to behave, and Ming got the picture and stayed put.
It would only took 5mins for Ming to doze off to sleep while waiting, and the interogation took another hour to finish.
The door would open and Forman would exit first. he'd look at Ming worried for a few second then leave.
This brief eye contact between them two felt long and worrisome to Ming. What could that mean?
Fang would snap her out of it though.
" Congratulations Ming! You are ranking up. You are the first to successfully retrieve a garbage flower solo within the garden of trash."
" also, you may not talk about anything that involves the investigation that is being conducted about you.
Hence forth you may not speak about Balto. The most heaviest punishment will be given to those who break it. That goes to you two too." She looked at Petals and Octavia.
" now go down there and celebrate child you finally achieved one of your goals! Of course.. with a cost though... Everything has a cost. And i guess that's what you have to pay for." This would weird out Ming as her words were vague mysterious and creepy. She could only look at her as Madam Fang went down the stairs and leave the Depot.
Octavia would nudge at her and join her downstairs as well.
And there a party was being brewed.
Rum and food was being served left and right. Everyone was cheering Ming for her accomplishments.
" congratulations Ming you ranked up!"
" i thought youd never leave your rank!"
" you finally did it!"
The cheering and merriment went on, even E-go would congratulate her.
" don't think you're special Ming, you just got lucky is all hahahaha, but never the less, you have proven me wrong! Keep it up brat."
This awkward feeling she had as she was being cheered. It made her happy. But why is she giving a fake smile and weird laughs. Why does it feel so heavy? She ponders this new feelings. It feels like, she doesn't deserve this. There are so many around her but it still felt empty and lonely.
The time would pass and the night would come. She'd find out that all the meriment is placed on her tab.
" Son of a bleach!"