Nix Terra

Fall - 15

Lavender folded the newspaper in her hands and scanned the article on the inside, "Hey, Finn." She announced. "They finally finished excavating Nix Terra. They're beginning reconstruction today."

Finnikin looked up from the racks of clothing he was sorting. "Really? Gosh, Dad's going to be so happy. Frankly, he's tired of selling clothes in Lux, the people's fashion choices are... Questionable."

"He's just upset that he's not making a killing off of thick coats in a town where they're a necessity," Lavender said, laughing. "I like your shop much better." She looked around the store and then out the window at Bellum square.

"I like my shop too, now if you could please, Miss Necros, get your feet off of my counter," Finnikin said, "We have a customer."

The bell at the shop door rang as Corey entered.

"Gesly! So good to see you!" Finnikin exclaimed. "How long has it been?"

"Two days. Finn." Corey responded tiredly, "It has only been two days since you forced me to help you carry your inventory into this shop. I am not keen on helping again for at least a week." Corey paused and apologized, "Sorry, I'm exhausted. Jr. was crying all night."

"It's okay, I understand." Finnikin said. He finished sorting through the clothing rack. "At least you have a few days off until you find a new case."

Lavender leapt out of her chair and slapped her hand over Finnikin's mouth. "Shhh. Finn. Don't. . Jinx. It. Saying we have a few days off is like saying Macbeth in a theater. Bad luck all around." Lavender slowly removed her hand from Finnikin's mouth and slid back over the counter to resume reading her paper.

"If I have to go work today because of you, I swear," Corey threatened lightheartedly.

Finnikin laughed and put his hands up in a motion of surrender. "Sorry, Corey.."

"Oh my God," Lavender exclaimed, jabbing a finger at the newspaper. "Remember that guy who took my shift the night the D.C.s attacked the vaults? The guy who lied to the police chief about me abandoning my post? I did not abandon my post. I just exchanged shifts with him and got pinned with the blame."

"I know what happened," Finnikin said, "but what about him?"

"Well he's been arrested for multiple accounts of theft," Lavender answered, holding up the paper and pointing to the man's picture. "That's what he gets for telling lies."

"Actually," Corey corrected, "that's what he gets for stealing."

"Whatever, that's-" Lavender was cut off by a buzzing sound. "Oh no."

"Is that your new phone?" Finnikin asked.

Corey nodded, "Yes, everyone in the unit has one now so the unit chief can reach us all faster... If we have a case. Finn..." Corey narrowed his eyes at Finnikin and watched Lavender reach for her brand new cell phone.

"Lavender Necros," she said. She locked her gaze with Corey and rolled her eyes. "Sure, we'll be right there."

"What is it this time?" Finnikin asked. "Is there another D.C. base popping up nearby? Or are they going to try to steal from Bellum's hall of records? What amazing new mission awaits."

"The chief wants us to bring him coffee," Lavender responded.

Finnikin sighed, "How mundane."

"Just kidding. We have two new cases. One's involving some ransom letters from the Agents of D.C. base in Erie county and the other is to investigate for possible moles in the UMR."

"That sounds like a lot more fun," Finnikin said with a smile.

"If you think less than four hours of sleep sounds fun, then you're right," Corey laughed, and waved Lavender with him toward the door. "Take care, Finnikin."

Finnikin bid them farewell, "You too, Corey. See you at eight, Lavender."

"Of course," Lavender responded, pushing the door open and stepping out onto Bellum square.

"What's at eight?" Corey asked.

"Nothing," Lavender snapped.

"I think it's something," Corey snickered.

"Sorry, Corey. One second, my phone's ringing." She held the silent phone up to her ear. "Duty calls. It says mind your own business."

Corey Gesly cackled and shoved Lavender gently. Lavender pushed him back and then looked over her shoulder at Finnikin in the window. She smiled at him. She was so fortunate.

And to think, after everything that happened, her role as member of the National Protection Unit was all thanks to the fall of Niagara, her job at the vaults, and a boy named Finnikin.

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