Working With Phantoms

The Eighth Letter of Warning

Madran went to her kitchen, where Elia was working on paperwork.

"Hi, mom!"

"Oh, Madran, how are ya?"

"Good."

Madran sat down next to Elia.

"So, we finally located the treasure."

"That's good. Do you need any letter stuff?"

"Yep! Is it still in the thing above the stove?"

"Yes. Good luck, Mad."

Elia then ruffled Madran's head before Madran grabbed an envelope, letter, and a pen and went back to the Velvet Room.

"Ok, I'm back!"

Madran looked around to see that everyone was looking at her. Then, she set the letter down on the table.

"Ok, Rosana, do you know how this works?"

"Uh, no...?"

"Allow me to explain."

Philemon took the pen.

"While, yes, we did see the treasure atop that altar, it is not in a corporeal form as of yet. Any attempt to take it would result in our hand passing through it. However, there is a way to make the treasure take form. If we let the shadow's real life counterpart know that we're stealing their treasure, then their shadow will also take notice, which causes the treasure to materialize and allows us to take it."

"What happens when we steal the treasure?"

"Since the treasure is the physical manifestation of one's distorted desires, when-"

"Oh, right, yeah, Margaret told me this already. Do you write the letter?"

"Yes, but someone from our group gets to dictate what to write to me. Normally, it just gets passed around, but when it relates directly to one of our team members, I let them dictate it."

"Ok!"

Rosana sat next to Philemon as he began to write.

"Ok. Dear Peter Fourete..."

Philemon nodded.

"We have observed your actions for several weeks, and have come to a conclusion. You have committed the deadly sin of Gluttony by extorting what people hold dear to them and using these stolen dreams to build an empire seated upon lies, fear, and greed. Because of this, we will steal your heart and make you reconsider these horrible actions. Sincerely, The Bodacious Babes."

Philemon finished writing and read the letter out. Then, Rosana nodded her head.

"Ok! That works well."

"Great. Well, you all can go back to your homes. Get plenty of sleep, and be prepared for anything. I'll deliver the letter."

The group then dispersed, awaiting the next day.

Later that night...

Philemon's POV

Philemon set off as a butterfly with the letter in tow to seek out Fourete.

"If I remember, Margaret said that he had just arrived at an airport near Inaba."

"Yes, quite so. Near is a relative term, however, due to the airport being 25 miles away from the quaint little town."

"I see."

After a rather long time spent flying, Philemon landed on a hotel roof.

"He's in this hotel."