“Um, miss Librarian, ma’am, not all of us are loop-aware yet. Andrew hasn’t had time to make enough inoculations. Does that mean they are stuck here?” Bug asked sheepishly.
Oh no, Andy hadn’t realized that potential problem. With what the Librarian had said about the time flow regulation issues, this was likely a giant issue for Twonger, Alfred, and Gretel.
“I’m sorry, I just assumed all the steward’s friends were. This will be a problem as you will not be allowed past the front desk. I’m not sure how the systems will detect you, but trust me that they will prevent you from returning to the hub and back to your world.” Libby answered, and a hint of sadness bled into their usual calm voice.
“I will have enough for one dose that I can retrieve in the ten-year meet-up, but there is just no way I will be able to synthesize enough for all three of you before the loop ends. I’m sorry.” To Andrew’s credit, the man had a look of shame on his face after giving this news.
“Give it to Twonger. He’s proven to be much more important than we have.” Gretel nodded her head in agreement with Alfred’s statement.
“DOGS, DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE!” A loud voice boomed from Bug’s pack.
“The hell was that?” Twonger asked as he looked around the room.
“Bug, have you made contact with one of the imprints?” Libby asked.
“I don’t know what that means, so maybe.” Bug answered as she worked the book loose from her pack. “This book called to me and then appeared in my pack. It wanted to help us go on our quest to find ways to defend our friends and family better.”
“Now, this is a marvel to behold. I didn’t believe it was possible for the imprints to communicate still. Some of the books contained in the archive were direct imprints of souls left by beings who wished to give more to the multiverse. In this case, I believe this was the last member of the Pedigree Paladins, a group of dogs that defended the innocent across the cosmos.” The Librarian picked up the book and opened the cover as they spoke.
“Yes, I am, and it is finally time to pass on my skills to a new generation. Assuming you three are willing. It will be dangerous, and we must set out alone without our current companions. We shall seek the Abyssal tears and fight our way to their heart. Together, we will seal this wing, and if I read the fortune right, we may just find a solution to your current plight. So what say you? Is it time for my final adventure?” The voice emanated from the book.
“Will you guys be okay if we go on this quest? I think we need to, though. I can’t leave Alfred and Gretel stuck here. It would make Ethel sad.” Bug looked at Andy as she spoke.
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“Hey, Cal always says it’s important we treat you as your own person, Bug. If this is what you want to do, then that’s what you should do. Just try to come back to us in one piece. We don’t need Cal’s rage unleashed across this place.” Andy said.
“Thanks, Andy. Then, I guess when you guys head out to your place, we will attempt to go to ours.” Bug said.
“It will be a difficult journey as the chaos of the Abyssal bleeds won’t allow you to travel any normal path. You will need to stay attuned to the patterns of the Library around you as well as heed the advice of your guide. I also believe you will need to avoid the reading rooms as any attempt to anchor yourself will be a detriment to finding the true path.” Libby advised the dogs.
“Alright, let’s all try to return to this Reading Room before we make our way back to the hub. Bart, what do you want to do?” Andy asked the monstrous man.
“It’s probably a bad idea to keep me with either of your groups. I honestly doubt I’d be able to maintain control of myself the second that mirror isn’t on me. The tea is surprisingly soothing, so that might help, but I doubt it. The thing inside me very much wants to eat most of you and see if it can spread to the Librarian.” Bart sipped his tea as he spoke.
“I’m sorry, Bart. I wish I knew a way to help you. You were once a crucial worker and even a friend.” Libby put their hand on his shoulder.
“Swear yourself to me.” The book spoke again, breaking the sad tension of the previous moments.
“What. Why?” Bart asked.
“I will hold your infection at bay. Swear by your honor to uphold our quest and become a squire in service of Pedigree Paladins. Over time, your oath may even begin to reverse the infection and heal your tortured soul.” The book continued.
“Interesting, sure, why not? I swear by my honor to join your quest as a squire.” A beam of light shot from the book into Barts's chest directly over where his heart would be if he were human. He coughed loudly and dropped his tea to the ground.
“Quickly, Bug, put your paws on his forehead and repeat after me.” The book ordered.
Bug complied and placed two of her paws on Bart’s forehead.
“By strength of will, I bind this demon within its host. I free the host's mind to act of their own accord for as long as I live.” Bug repeated the words, and Bart began to shake.
“Don’t let him go, Bug. Feel the alien presence in your own mind and crush it. This is your first lesson. We do not allow parasites to destroy innocents as long as we draw breath.” The voice cheered Bug on as she looked to be wrestling with an invisible force.
Finally, after several tense moments, Bug spoke. “I’ve got it. Bart, you should be in complete control of yourself again.” Bug panted loudly as she spoke. The exhaustion she felt was evident.
“The hunger, it’s gone. Thank you, Bug. Thank you so much. I suppose this means I will now be joining the dogs in their quest.” Bart had tears in his eyes.