Dragonfire: Celestia

Chapter 5: The Forbidden Section

The day after Albedo visited Chichi-Chichi’s school, she had just entered the library. She wanted to speak with Ai, but she was busy talking to some other people. So she walked around a few moments, and was surprised to see Kei standing on the romance aisle! She was looking over the cover of a book. Albedo approached, and Kei swiftly took notice. “Well, fancy running into you here.” She said, “Yeah, I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.” Albedo replied, “I would ask what brings you here, but I’m pretty sure it's obvious.” Kei said, “Yeah…I actually wanted to ask Ai about something, but it looks like she’s pretty busy today.” Albedo replied, “I see. I did notice it was quite crowded. I suppose it is the day of that dragon show, though.” Kei said, “Oh yeah…I wanted to go see it with my sister and cousin.” Albedo replied, “Right, you were looking for your cousin yesterday. Did you find him?” Kei asked, “No…he wasn’t there. It’s strange…he asked me to be there, but he wasn’t there. I’m sure it's just some elaborate prank.” Albedo answered, “Huh, weird.” Kei said. Kei grabbed a book off one of the many shelves, and looked over the cover. Out of curiosity, Albedo looked to see what it was. The cover depicted two scantily dressed lasses holding each other quite close. “Do they have bags here to store books in, or do you just have to carry them around and hope you don’t drop them?” Kei asked. Albedo’s cheeks were red after looking at the cover of Kei’s newfound diamond in the rough. She swiftly looked away.

“U-Um…you should just be able to ask Ai and she’ll give you one.” Albedo answered, “I see. Thank you.” Kei said. She continued looking over the many books, trying to decide on one to grab next. “So, you must really like romance, huh?” Albedo asked, “Sort of? I mostly read action but I fall back on romance when I’ve read all the latest and greatest action novels. Besides, sometimes you find a romance novel filled with action.” Kei answered. As she said this, she grabbed a novel from one of the shelves. Its cover depicted a woman who could scarcely be called “dressed.” Kei smiled, and said “like so” as she casually transferred it to her growing stack of novels. “What kind of action are you talking about, exactly…?” Albedo asked. Kei let out a laugh. “Well, I usually like intense action. You know, huge swords and saving the princess and stuff.” She answered, “I see! I like action too, but typically I go for romance.” Albedo said, “I suppose you already get enough action being a soldier, eh?” Kei asked, “Yeah…something like that…” Albedo answered. Suddenly, someone jumped on Albedo from behind! It was Ai. She hugged her tightly.

“Hello!” She exclaimed, “Ai! Aren’t you working?!” Albedo asked, “Uh…so? These guys are too stupid to use the self checkout?” Ai asked, “You sure procrastinate a lot…” Albedo answered, “Of course I do! I’m biased and I just wanna help my friends out!” Ai exclaimed, “You’re shameless too…” Albedo responded. Ai laughed, also shamelessly. “So, how much of The Tales of Midnight did you read?!” She asked, “Um…two pages. It’s…kind of erotic…” Albedo answered, “Well, there’s only six sex scenes in that one so it is pretty tame.” Ai said, “‘Only?!’” Albedo asked, “Yeah, the other ones usually get to around fourteen or so.” Ai answered, “Isn’t there like six chapters?!” Albedo asked, “Split into a bunch of parts, but yeah.” Ai answered. Albedo looked at Kei, who just shrugged at this information. “Uh…anyway. I actually wanted to talk to you, Ai.” Albedo said, “Oh? Have you finally come to take my dating advice?” Ai asked, “Aren’t you single?” Albedo asked, “Eh?! Why do you have to do that to me?!” Ai asked, “Oh, no, no! I’m sure your advice is killer! Well…maybe a relationship killer…but still!” Albedo answered. Ai playfully punched Albedo in the shoulder. “So, uh…can we go somewhere a bit more private to talk?” Albedo asked, “Sure.” Ai answered. She led her out of the aisle…and to the front desk!

“Won’t…won’t people come here to check out their books and stuff?” Albedo asked, “Pfft…so? There is a self checkout for a reason. I’ve got better things to do.” Ai answered, “How did you become the Grand Librarian again…?” Albedo asked, “I dunno…they kinda just gave it to me. Anyway, what’s up?” Ai asked, “So, I know this is kind of asking for a lot. But…can you help me…get into the forbidden section?” Albedo asked, “Sure! Here you go!” Ai answered, tossing her a key! Albedo was shocked. “Wait…what? You aren’t gonna shake me down? Throat punch me? Defriend me for even asking?” She asked, “No…? I mean, you ARE my best friend, so I’m biased.” Ai answered, “Wow…uh…thanks.” Albedo said, “No problemo, friendo!” Ai replied! Albedo wasted no time, entering the forbidden section as fast as she could blink. It was a long hall, filled with countless bookcases. These bookcases held the most sensitive information in all of Celestia. The hall maintained the look of the rest of Celestia. One wouldn’t even think the area was different from any other part of the castle. But it was very different. After all, it was the most restricted area in the entire Kingdom, aside from the Dragon Emperor’s Domain.