𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑟𝑢𝑛: 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ Fᴏᴜʀ: Sʜᴀᴋᴇ ᴀɴᴅ Bᴀᴋᴇ

After school, they made their way to the heart of the town. The street split into a round-a-bout, a huge building set right in the middle of it.

"Lanson Science Center."

Moon skipped into a nice diner, pulling Arcadias through the door. The golden bell rang above them, drawing some attention as they rushed to a booth.

The environment was homey, the main color being a warm, medium pink. Each worker had a unique uniform that matched the aesthetic. Everything seemed perfectly decorated and coordinated.

They sat down in a booth three seats away from the door. A girl was already there across from them, smiling and waving once she saw them.

Her hair went just an inch past her shoulders, red curls complimenting the rest of her pallette. She had a green outfit on, her face reflecting a brightness that was hard to recapture.

"So, what's so important?! My mom told me you guys came to the house. I'm so curious now," she smiled, leaning her elbows against the table.

Moon smiled back at her, seeming awfully happy that she was here. It was clear that they were close, and the atmosphere around them became radiant.

"Well—"

"Good afternoon! So, you decided to stalk me? I don't know why this is your favorite spot if you claim to hate me so much," The waitress approached their table, smirking at Moon as she spoke.

Moon sighed the minute she finished, her mood dimming insanely fast.

The waitress looked around their age, her blonde hair tucked up into a loose bun. She wore a pink button-up shirt, her grey skirt being hidden by the diner's apron. Tapping the pen against a notepad, she eyed the three of them slyly.

"Hi babe! How's work?" Arcadias exclaimed, smiling as he straightened up to speak to her.

"Slow day today, but my mom has been trying to cheer me up. I feel better seeing you," she admitted, kissing him on the forehead.

This was Yuri, Arcadias's girlfriend. No discernible personality assuming Arcadias got the most of it.

"If you wouldn't mind, we'd like to get on with our conversation." Moon butted in, glaring at Yuri.

She poked her tongue into her cheek, glaring right back at Moon as she rested her hand on one hip.

"Fine... two lemonades and one black coffee with snot in it." she scowled, walking away to the next table.

Moon sighed, trying to compose herself before continuing.

"Right! Well, our parents told us about something that you may be able to find out more about. Your mother took over the science center, right? What about her mother? Wasn't she a scientist?" she began, leaning forward in interest.

"She was. What is it? If it's interesting, I'll definitely let you guys talk to her." The girl across from them questioned, shrugging in agreement.

"Something about a serum. I believe your grandmother made it, and I may be interested in utilizing it." Moon smirked, batting her eyelashes a bit as she stared at her.

"Wait. Why do you wanna use it?" Arcadias raised an eyebrow, leaning back in his seat."

"Cause it's so fucking boring here, Arc! You don't want a little bit of fun?" she exclaimed, turning to look at him.

"But didn't our parents specifically warn us about this?" he questioned, worry filling him.

"I thought you were on board with me on this." she shot back, narrowing her eyebrows in confusion.

"I'm on board with you searching for answers. I never agreed to actually go to this world."

"Mom said it's fine! Why be worried when she specifically said that they have friends ruling perfectly? How bad could it really be?"

The girl seated across from them butted in, raising her hands to silence their debate.

"Let's... proceed with caution for now. I'll help because I'm just as curious as you guys, and I think it'd be a cool experience. However, we should also heed any warnings we get. You don't know much about it yet, Moon." she interjected, glancing between the two siblings.

Arcadias's eyes burned with protest, but he eventually nodded, hesitation following. It was clear that he had his doubts, but the curosity they all felt was too great.

Moon smiled, focusing her attention on the third before them.

"Thanks, Empress."