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<03/12/1972 – 07:59 | Manhattan, New York, United States>

Cathryn, facility manager Sanchez, and area director Alex all sat on the same side of the wide office table, judging their current candidate for hire. Though the young lady seemed to be terribly young, her posture and mundane confidence contradicted the negative possibilities. Jane Venn. That is the name of the applicant being interviewed today. Though she seems to be calm, unlike many other nervous candidates.

Cathryn, the co-manager of Le'Flanc jostled her pen in one hand while hearing Jane's story, collectively weighting the pressure of all the other applicants that came earlier this week. Le'Flanc needs one more bartender that can take over for Mark since he can't do it all alone, but all of the people who have come in so far have either been nervous women who don't seem to have any confidence in their knowledge of wine beverages, or troublesome adults with minor criminal records. Come to think of it, there hasn't been a single male applicant since the end of February. And such luck; Jane doesn't sound like she understands what this job is asking her to do.

Cathryn cleared her throat slightly, silencing Jane and the others to allow her to speak up. "Jane? Do you have any form of identification on you, right now that we can cross-check?"

"Of course." Jane went for the pockets in her jeans that Nyar chose for her this morning. Luckily, he also knew that Jane would be needing her identification card too. After pulling out the inactive Leray license, Jane promptly handed it to them, and then the three of them all huddled closely to study the front of the card, their expressions twisting to confusion.

Sanchez glared at the details along with the other two in between him. This card is certainly a curious type of license. Though the facial ID section appeared to be normal, the legal zone the card is attached to appears to be all the way from Sprawn Valley, and a facility called Lennith Academy. Siding with Alex in expression, the defined age on the card is the deciding factor. Jane is only sixteen years old. How did her application session bypass that detail? "You see it too?"

Alex was already aware of the problem, but the license itself didn't seem to make a lot of sense. "Well this doesn't appear to be your typical driver's license..."

Jane explained to them what the card is for, since it was obvious enough that they must not even know much about Sprawn Valley or Leray magic. "That's my Leray license. I'm actually a resident of Sprawn Valley. That's where everyone does magic."

"So I've heard," Cathryn replied. What a curious girl. "Sprawn Valley; the only country that practices special lee-ray magic." Cathryn stressed the last two syllables to ensure she could properly pronounce the name of the custom, but this unfortunately changes nothing. If Jane is here temporarily from out of the country, that means any job she gets will also be just a temporary or seasonal job. On top of that, she has yet to provide the necessary legal paperwork or passport defining she is allowed to be here legally.

"Yes," Alex agreed. "I'm afraid that based on the current information we have, you aren't eligible for hire here at Le'Flanc. I'm sorry."

"Wha—" Jane couldn't understand how they so quickly came to this conclusion. They haven't even spoken to her for more than ten minutes. "Why?" Is it because of the magic thing? How hate filled can a country be?

"Because," Alex answered while handing Jane back her license. "In the United States of America, all citizens under the legal age of eighteen are not allowed to work tending alcoholic beverages, regardless of which company they apply to. You also don't contain any needed knowledge or experience on handling such beverages either. Even if your position title were different, most bars prefer workers over the age of twenty before they would consider any position. You're simply too young to work here legally Jane."

"Oh." Jane couldn't prevent herself from looking and feeling a bit depressed. All of that wasted time and effort!

"As the area director of Le'Flanc, I must trust that the application process is clear enough for people to get through without lying about their age, because on paper it says you are eighteen."

"I must have went too fast filling it out," Jane excused.

"Well, we have yet to meet a fitting candidate for either of our open positions. Jane, I'm afraid I'll have to deny your request to join us."

Jane exhaled, wondering what else could be done today aside from these horrible applications. They aren't fun at all. Everyone judges you and claims what you aren't capable of. "I understand."

Cathryn held her hands together in her seat with the after-thought of the interview that is now over. Jane really is only sixteen years old. Actually, her seventeenth birthday is close if that card is more accurate than the printed paper application. But still, she behaves much more maturely than anyone she's ever seen so far of the same age. It's impressive. Are all people from Sprawn Valley this way?

Alex made sure of one more thing before dismissing Jane. "I trust you have a ride waiting for you outside, ready to take you home?"

"Of course. I guess I'll go now."

After Jane collected herself and left the building, the three of them were silent for a long moment, having been reminded about the existence of Leray magic in Sprawn Valley. The dark fame centered on the country has long since died down, yet people don't ever say anything different about the position of magic. Jane sure didn't look any different than any other person.

Cathryn broke the silence with her thoughts away from the interviewing process. "Oh well. Would have been nice to have a bartender entertain everyone with magic tricks. I'm going to get more coffee."

Sanchez nodded and stood up for a stretch. "Now you want a magician for hire? I guess we'll look into it."

Despite only having a few minutes to wait, Nyar soon saw Jane heading back to the car from the entrance. Her head is still facing down though. She must have missed her mark this time, but anything could have happened in there. Nyar unlocked the passenger doors to figure it out while Jane climbed inside. "Well how did it go?"

Jane took her time to answer, getting comfortable in the seat of the Ford Escort. She felt like she was finally used to this car already, all of the surprise of it washed away. "Failed."

"What?"

"They didn't want someone my age working there. And I guess it's illegal to work underage behind the bar."

"Behind the—?" Wait a minute. "Jane? Did you apply to work as a waitress at Le'Flanc? Or did you apply to be their bartender?"

"I just picked one of the two online."

"You what?! What's wrong with you?! Of course they're not going to hire you as a bartender Jane. What were you thinking?"

Clenching her fists, Jane snapped her answer back at him, feeling no guilt. "How was I supposed to know that bartending requires eighteen years of living? The rules here suck Nyar!"

After her short-lived fit, Jane crossed her arms and ducked her head towards the view of the side window. She at least calmed down, but Nyar quickly felt sorry for that part of the plan. He hasn't been closely monitoring the applications everyone has been putting in ever since Danny landed one job, since it seemed like everyone got the hang of it by then. This defiantly is his own fault after all. "You're right. I should have informed you about that from the moment I heard the word Le'Flanc. Screw that place then. We can just try another."

With Jane's attention back on him, she unloaded everything she felt furthermore again. "And for what? No place wants to hire a sixteen year old." Her tone nearly became sarcastic, mimicking Alex poorly. "I don't know how you're supposed to get us jobs here when the market doesn't seem to want me or Taylor. Back in Sprawn Valley, you get to choose between some things—"

"Don't!"

"But why not—"

"I said don't!" Nyar wasn't having that conversation again. Sprawn Valley is no good example of how to live life under any circumstances. Jane needs to forget all about magic while she is here. "We have to try something though. I'll help you out next time."

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Nyar!" Jane begged. "Do I really have to work in this city?"

Almost slamming his fist into his own seat firmly, Nyar restated what he had earlier. "I need help from all of you! We've already used up most of the vacation funds that I wanted to on this visit of yours, and we've very little to show for it. If things don't turn around soon, I won't be able to afford your stay for but a single month."

Jane wanted to argue, but she couldn't. More strangely, Nyar actually seemed to be upset about something, something else on his mind, though it could have still been her failed interview. Why is he so afraid of not having enough money? Can Nyar really defend how things work here if it won't work even for himself?

"And I don't want that to happen. Danny might be my immediate family, but you and Taylor are both good friends to him. That's the only reason why I agreed to care for you when you decided to leave Sprawn Valley. Jane? I need your help raising money so that it can continue."

He's obviously forgotten about something. "Nyar? My license card has so much money already on it. Why can't you just convert the funds over?"

"It isn't that simple," he argued. Jane can be so stubborn! She doesn't understand—

"And why not?"

"Because it's dangerous!" His slight shout had Jane wincing backwards slightly. "Converting credits to cash in America is not legal. Because of this, the people who are still willing to make it happen are most often criminals. If I meet the wrong guy, or offer to the wrong candidate, I could easily be ripped off, or mugged, or even killed."

Killed? Jane nearly forgot about that last detail. Outside of Sprawn Valley, the world is a dangerous one. New York hasn't been all that impressive itself, has it? This whole time, Nyar has to properly judge which person can convert his credits, because they can easily be criminals and killers.

"I just keep setting up my laptop to the necessary links, but the result is always too much the same. That's why this method is going to take time." With Nyar's words, Jane sat back in her seat again normally, though holding her head in shame. "Let's just get you something good to eat? Heh? We'll still need some time before I head off to pick up Taylor. And after that, I might have another night in the office."

"Sure." Nothing works anymore. Jane could feel how useless she is now. Outside of Sprawn Valley, the world without magic doesn't feel all that great. As beautiful as it looks, it's just as deadly. Leray magic is so amazing for what it can do. And yet, people in Sprawn Valley, the same people who use magic themselves now want a piece of her, a piece of this magical curse in her body. Meanwhile, Taylor is out there having fun. She must have made the right call today going to the outlet mall.

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Chapter Theme Shift: MoppySound ~ Nagi (凪)

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Given only a small budget of fifty dollars, Taylor continued her trip to the outlet mall alongside Sereina. Most of her viewing was designated for window-shopping, but a few promising looking places caught her attention several times. Among finding wonderful outfits to try on, Taylor also got to see all of the other products and toys that American companies made. During some portion of the day, she and Sereina split up to cover more ground searching for other interesting places within the plaza. The split was only to last for twenty minutes however, and Taylor still couldn't find Sereina after half an hour slipped away.

She stood still, tapping her feet in patience while waiting on Sereina to show up at the primary fountain built just for decoration. Since this was the first spot they both stopped at, Taylor decided to wait here in hopes that Sereina will return here to find her. Despite having a cellphone to call Nyar for pickup, Taylor forgot to save Sereina's cell number earlier. If there were any unplanned places to meet up, this is the place. Taylor would just have to wait for a long time until Sereina can figure it out, provided she does.

During her wait, Taylor reflected on all of the places she was able to visit. Walking around with Sereina was a lot of fun, but she also tried to imagine what a difference this would all make if Danny were here as well. Instead, he's off somewhere working to wash and dry clothes. Taylor never felt guilty about not having a job, since not one place decided to accept an application so far, but this is still supposed to be a vacation for all three of them. Meanwhile, only she is capable of having fun this afternoon.

"Taylor!" Sereina waved when she finally spotted Taylor hanging out at the fountain, relived that she finally found her after that long separation. Her father would have probably had a fit if this went on unsolved.

Taylor returned the call down to Sereina as she pedaled her feet over towards the fountain. "Hey! Sereina!" Looks like the plan worked out all right.

"Sorry to scare you like that," Sereina apologized.

Taylor nodded in denial, since nothing was really wrong. "I wasn't scared. I knew you'd find me here of all places."

"I guess that makes sense." Sereina knew she misjudged Taylor entirely. She's only fifteen years old, but she's so brave and smart beyond her initial estimate. Most people lost in a crowd would have panicked or felt scared. She even thought of what most likely place to meet up if she did get totally separated. "I was worried for nothing then."

"Yep." Taylor held her hands to her hips while the relief sank in. Sereina is a nice person, but Taylor still didn't know too much about her. Luckily, she was right to trust that she would be a great friend. "I still didn't get anything though. I think I'm going to save the money if it's okay with you."

"If that's really what you want."

What's that look supposed to be for? "Don't go thinking that I'm saving money because I'm poor, cause that couldn't be further from the truth."

Sereina wiggled her wrists left and right to deny the claim. "No, no! I wasn't thinking that."

Yeah right. Taylor let her arms relax more, and decided to give Sereina the details. "We're simply thinking about using that money for a better vacation to somewhere else." Allowing herself to become entranced in the thoughts of the possibilities, Taylor sat down again at the edge of the fountain, right where the stone was kept dry.

Sereina studied Taylor's wild expressions. Even though she just met her, Taylor seems to be easily rattled by anything. Who knows what she could be thinking about right now? Walking around here all day to shop must not have been enough fun for her. Taylor is probably thinking back to Sprawn Valley. "Missing something?"

"Huh?" Realizing how distracted she was, Taylor tried to snap out of it again, but Sereina's random question didn't have much context. "No..." Taylor exhaled briefly before putting her feelings into words, but just thinking about them still made her more alert. "I'm just wondering what he's up to. Danny should be allowed to have a good time too, but I don't think he is."

"Oh." If it's not a place or a thing, it's must be some handsome guy. Come to think of it, Taylor seemed to be well associated with that boy at the beach. Is that the one she's talking about now? Danny was his name, right? "You and Danny sound close. You dating?"

Taylor felt less surprised hearing that by now, but Sereina's inflection in the way she insinuated her question gave her chilling tingles everywhere, like the first time Danny asked her out. "W-well, yes!" Finding her own voice to be slightly shaken, Taylor tried to explain better while changing the subject. "I mean, we're both trying to... We're both from..."

Holding back a chuckle, Sereina failed to lock away a few seconds of laughter. It's pretty obvious now how Taylor feels about her boyfriend. Must be a brand new couple. "That's so cute! You two must make a great couple. I've never seen you get all embarrassed and lose your tongue before."

Great! Now she thinks I'm a weirdo. "It isn't cute!" Taylor stamped. Though it didn't stop Sereina from smiling the same way she has been for the past few seconds. As the noise of the water flow behind her sank in with the ambience of the customers walking all around, Taylor knew it was hopeless, trying to change the subject and all. Danny is the only thought on her mind ever since this morning. "Still. I wish he could be here having fun instead."

"Yeah." Guess she isn't so young after all if she can attract that much. "But I guess it goes to show you can never run out of people to fall for."

Taylor squinted her eyes to better contemplate Sereina's demeanor. What is she saying?

"If he's too busy all the time, there's always someone else."

"No," Taylor denied. "There isn't." Sensing Sereina's sudden surprise to her answer, Taylor finally felt it was necessary to truly define how she felt for him. He isn't here right now, but what difference would it make either way? "Danny isn't like any other person that I've ever met. The person he is..." Taylor held both of her hands together, fiddling her fingers to help her think. "On the surface, he's arrogant, a bit reckless, and he's always acting out like some big shot in front of other people." And then falling down a cliff changed him... Or maybe he's been like that all along. "But deep down... Danny is; he's incredibly intelligent and analytical. He actually puts others before himself as long as he knows them. Danny is always looking out for other people, making sure they don't feel down and out if it." He's had a hard life just by growing up in Kalamo, and even though it wasn't as bad as her own childhood, Danny must have known deep down how messed up home really is. Maybe that's why he always acted like an idiot before, just to protect his emotional identity. "He's more than just some guy. Danny means everything to me, and I love him."

Sereina was speechless in place. Taylor was holding her hands to her heart while openly confessing her own feelings about Danny to her. She wasn't expected to have to go that far. But still, how can someone like her already have found someone like that? To think, Taylor's already found her soul mate? It must be; she seems so sure and composed right now, after having the time to process it.

Taylor couldn't be sure if Sereina would understand. Sereina is two years older than her, but that doesn't mean she has had all of the same experiences.

Sereina finally broke her stunned composure with her left hand on her forehead. "Boy. You sure managed to get into the complicated stuff quickly. And to think, I thought you were going to tell me you would rather be spending time in Sprawn Valley, shooting magic and all. But romantic relationships are special too."

Taylor almost forgot that she already told Sereina about her stay in Sprawn Valley, minus the extra dangerous crisis that occurred there. Still, magic was the last thing on her mind today. "Leray magic is cool and all, but the people that make it fun are what's more important." Just like Jane, who loves magic more than anything. "There are people there who know what magic is all about, and they have so much fun performing and battling, it inspires other people to try the same things."

"I get that you don't live for magic like some people do. But then, what if your boyfriend does?"

Taylor wondered about the consideration. "I don't think he's into it either." Danny said as much while in Eldora city. He too isn't as into the magic stuff as Jane is, but he does care about making sure Jane is happy with her own situation. She and Danny both worked together to help Jane out because of her symbol messing things up, and furthermore because of the threat from Alpha Zero. But now, if Jane has some sort of problem and has to return home, who knows what Danny might try to do? He doesn't love Jane like that, but Jane is still such an amazing friend, Danny would easily step away from his own personal life just to help her. Taylor couldn't blame him for that either, because she would probably do the same thing. "But I think we still sort of miss it."

"You're so lucky."

"Hm? Why is that?"

"Because!" Sereina explained. "You've got a great boyfriend who cares about you, and you've been to Sprawn Valley before! Everyone talks about it all the time in such a negative way, but I'm friends with you, and you don't look like some evil grubbing person to me. So magic really can't be all that bad. I think I might visit Sprawn Valley one day, go on a whole journey of my own."

Sereina... So there are people in this world who view Leray magic as a good thing from the outside. Not everybody hates magic. It's more common that they just don't understand what it is. Still... "I think it's a great idea. Though, you might want to give it one more year or two." As it stands right now, Sprawn Valley isn't really the best place to be in, not according to all of the negative attention it's getting lately. Who knows what might happen to someone who isn't strong enough to defend themself these days?

Before Taylor could say anything else, her cellphone started ringing in her pocket. Taylor was forced to pick up the flip phone and answer the call. "Hello?"

"I'm in the parking lot. And yes, I know it's early. But I must pick up Danny in time should I make it to the office tonight. Also, I'm bringing home pizza."

"Yes," Taylor replied. "I'll be right there soon... Okay, bye Nyar." Taylor closed the flip phone shut, automatically ending the call. It's time to part ways already. "I guess they're ready to pick me up right now. Sorry Sereina."

"No need for that. I had a great time today." Sereina realized something and approached Taylor before she left. "Hey Tay? Let me put in my cell number to your phone, okay?"

"Okay." Taylor wanted to do that herself, and nearly walked off to forget about it. Other than cellphone communication, Taylor only has an online chat from Nyar's personal laptop, a site which she actually wasn't supposed to be using. But this way, there wouldn't be any complaints. "I'll be sure to call you some time. Are your folks coming to pick you up too?"

"You bet. There." Just as Sereina finished saving her contact to Taylor's phone, Sereina handed it back and checked her belongings to make sure she had everything. "Don't be shy if you want to talk some more about stuff."

"Yeah. I'm sure you'll want to know more about Sprawn Valley too, so you should return the favor as well."

"This is goodbye then."

"Bye Sereina." Taylor headed for the parking lot after parting ways from her new friend. That whole trip actually was more fun today than she thought it would be, and soon she will be able to see Danny again. Who knows if Jane actually landed her new job or not?