No sense putting it off–you’re stuck on a train with someone who was able to beam instructions into your mind without being noticed by anyone… either the train’s full of morons or your new pal is good!

Though now that you think about it, those aren’t exactly mutually-exclusive… Steadying yourself with a deep breath, you rap your knuckles on the door twice… then pause.

If anyone’s on the other side of the door, they’re being awfully quiet… unless these things are soundproof!

Oops, right… three more knoc-

Your hand barely touches the door’s surface a third time before you feel that same uncanny feeling you felt when being teleported to your cabin–like being yanked out of your body by a magical lasso!

Rematerializing in the confines of a plush chair, you spring into action almost immediately!

DON’TKILLMEDON’TKILLMEDON’TKILLMEDON’TKILLM-

“Calm yourself,” purrs a deep, velvety voice as you remain curled up like a shrimp, “And compose yourself, please… my client merely wishes to speak with you.”

Wiping the thin layer of tears away from your eyes, you peek out from behind your fingers to find a pair of very green and very unimpressed eyes staring down at you impatiently. When it’s finally clear your life isn’t in danger, your brain finally catches up. Client?

“Mhm! That’s me!”

Your ears perk up as you turn to face the owner of the voice sitting across from you… it’s familiar, but…

That’s when it hits you. Lavender eyes. A flowery aroma. And a smile that could sink an armada… you’re, you mutter, L-

Before the name can leave your lips, you’re roughly RIPPED out of your seat by three burly claws!

“Ey! Show some respect to da’ lady!”
“Ey! Whod’ya think yer’ talkin’ to!?”
“Ey! Don’t even think of tryin’ no funny stuff!”

Glancing upwards, you find that the three claws are attached to three pairs of eyes… big, yellow, and bordered by neatly-polished tusks…

Skogs!


“Put him down, boys~” Commands the aforementioned client in a voice softer than a sponge cake! “He’s my guest, not a security risk!”

“My apologies, Miss Lutza!”
“My apologies, Miss Lutza!”
“My bad, Miss Lutza!”

Releasing their hold on your robe, the Skogs take positions flanking their mysterious mistress–the sultry Spinner watching you with wide, almost awe-struck eyes!

“It’s really you, isn’t it?” She gushes as she leans closer, prompting her security detail to tense up! “The guy from the Casino! Anton Peas!”

Errr, you stammer, running your hand through your shaggy hair as a nervous laugh leaves your lips, e-exsqueeze me? Now it’s her turn to laugh!

>CONTD.