Selk was not happy, sure he'd been baiting Count Xendrix but this seemed unfair, he tried to pull his wrist free only to lose his balance and fall backwards as Crank let go.

Turning to face him Crank gave an apologetic smile and offered a hand to help him up.

“Sorry for dragging you like that, but I thought it best to stop you digging any deeper.”

Ignoring the hand Selk clambered to his feet and gave him a glare.

“Thanks, but I don't need a “'Toothpick'” looking out for me.”

“And I don't need some “'Spare-part'” ruining the best thing to happen in years.”

With a shake of his head Crank turned and continued walking.

Following after him Selk pondered what was so special about Count Xendrix, sure he seemed smart, but some weird lessons in an abandoned Gizmo-Chamber really didn't seem that impressive, not like he was going to ask Crank about it though, so he continued walking in silence.

A few minutes later the pair turned a corner and Selk followed Crank as he beelined for a worn down doorway, as he sighed loudly Crank turned and gave a questioning look.

“What am I helping you with anyway?”

“Lunch delivery.”

Before Selk could ask anything else Crank had gone through the door. His annoyance rising he followed after.

Walking through the entrance hall Selk let his eyes run over the myriad of pictures on the walls till one caught his attention, a group of six individuals smiling happily as they stood in various heroic poses, without thinking Selk grabbed the picture from the wall and pushed past Crank and into the room ahead.

Before Mrs. Walton could react Selk placed the picture on the table his hands shaking.

“How did you know my father?”

After a quick glance Mrs. Walton sighed and placed a kettle on the stove before responding.

“Well then, I assume you're Tay's son?”

It was at that moment Crank entered the room an apologetic look on his face.

“I'm sorry Ma'am, Count Xendrix sent him with me, I should have kept him under control.”

Mrs. Walton gave a wry smile and shook her head.

“It's fine Crank, I understand why he's angry.”

As the kettle whistled Selk and Crank flinched, picking it up Mrs. Walton continued talking while she poured out three mugs of tea.

“I'll be happy to tell you what I know, but now isn't really the right time, the two of you need to finish your delivery and your classes for the day, so how about this, take these with you and bring the mugs back after you're finished and we can have a nice natter.”

Placing the mugs in front of them she gestured to a large pile of boxes.

“now Crank if you wouldn't mind storing those, just remember take them out one at a time that'll ensure everyone gets something they'll enjoy.”

Selk watched as Crank walked over to the pile, placed his hand against it, and with a flash of blue light the stack disappeared, Selk froze as an memory he'd pushed down bubbled to the surface of his mind, shaking his head he forced it back down, he sighed and followed as Crank headed out the door, just before it closed behind them Mrs. Walton called after them.

“Please bring Xander with you when you return the mugs.”