Chapter 2

Roxie walked to the door, unlocking it to reveal Ferdinand standing there. Her attention, however, swiftly shifted to the man behind him. A tall, slender figure came into view, draped in a scarlet trench coat that billowed in the nonexistent wind. A vibrant purple bow tie adorned a black button-down shirt, and a golden chain hung gracefully around his neck. His hair, a chaotic dance of strands, defied gravity as if each strand had a mind of its own.

A wide, charismatic grin spread across the man's face, revealing a set of teeth so perfect they could rival a smiling dragon. Ferdinand started to speak, but before he could utter a word, the tall figure enthusiastically declared, "The name's Percival! A pleasure to meet you!"

In a burst of exuberance, he grabbed Roxie's hand in a two-handed handshake that felt more like a joyful embrace. Roxie observed Percival from head to toe, noting the impeccable quality of his attire. His clothes spoke of refinement and a taste for luxury, an aesthetic that contrasted sharply with the rugged surroundings of the clockwork workshop.

"Percival here runs much of the magic that keeps the city in the sky," Ferdinand chimed in, then immediately, his eyes widened. He had clearly blurted that part out unintentionally.

As Roxie glanced at Percival, his wide grin remained plastered on his face, an infectious exuberance that almost seemed painful. Unconsciously, she rubbed her jaw, the sheer force of his perpetual smile almost radiated discomfort.

"I thought that the giant propellers are what keeps the place up. Don't you engineer people shun magic?" Roxie inquired, curiosity lacing her words with a hint of skepticism.

"Well, we mostly do," Ferdinand explained, scratching the back of his head. "You can't do it all wi—"

Percival abruptly cut in, stepping in front of Ferdinand with an animated flourish. "Did you really think just little propellers and party balloons hold this entire city up? Pshaw!" he stepped forward; invading Roxie's personal space. emphasizing his point. "You should know, magic is better than all of that. Roxie. I require something of you.”

Roxie, still grappling with the sudden twist of events, voiced her bewilderment, "What do you want with me? We just barely met.”

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Percival's grin, already seemingly stretched to its limits, widened further, creating a surreal image. His brow furrowed, and for a moment, it appeared as if his expression might transcend the bounds of possibility. “Just a little deal.” Then, just as abruptly as it had arrived, the expansive grin dissolved into a small smirk.

"Do you want some tea?" he nonchalantly suggested, the shift in tone catching Roxie off guard. "I can make an amazing chamomile."

The abrupt transition from an intense request to a casual invitation left Roxie momentarily stunned.

“We can go on a quick walk. and chat.” Percival said. emphasized the last word.

Roxie gave Ferdinand a pleading look. as if asking for help. Ferdinand just stared back blankly at the wall. His eyes unfocussed.

“hell. Whatever.” Roxie grumbled. “I thought I was done with stupid adventures and crap.”

“what was that dear” Percival called back. He had already made it most of the way down the hallway.

“Nothing.” Roxie grumbled. Percival was reminding her of her old mentor. He was remarkably similar. Except for the jovial tone in which he spoke. And that smile. Holy hell that smile was something.

They exited the workshop. She glanced at Percival, who had picked up the watch Ferdinand had been working on the day before. He swung it back and forth on its golden chain. Then tucked it into the chest pocket of his suit.

Roxie followed Percival out of the store and back into the still bustling street.

“Sheesh. Does it ever slow down here.” Roxie skipped out of the way of another passerby who paid her presence no heed.

Percival seemed to have no trouble stepping back and forth to avoid strangers, he kept a straight heading,

“Nope.” Percival said. Shaking his head. And Roxie now seeing him from the side, saw his glasses had no earpieces. They just floated there. Less than a centimeter from his nose. Always staying perfectly positioned.

“We are always going faster than yesterday.” Percival stated, with a singsong tone “Faster! Faster we go. Like clockwork we go.” Roxie only managed to catch every other word, between the loud sounds of the street, she could tell he was singing it like some sort of anthem.

She was out of breath trying to keep up with the long strides of Percival’s lively gait

It was not long before Roxie somehow found herself in a pristine living room. Holding a cup of tea that had quite literally been conjured out of thin air by Percival.

Roxie looked around the room while Percival busied himself looking for snacks in the pantry humming jovially to himself. It was well kept. No. immaculate. Everything was in its perfect place. A grandfather clock quietly ticking away in a corner. Lace chairs on either side of a perfect hearth with fresh firewood waiting to be set alight.

Percival came back into the room holding a tray of cookies and other assorted pastries.

He smiled kindly at Roxie.

“now. Roxie. Lets chat.”