Twinkling stars shone upon a sleepy idyllic neighborhood. Late into the night the suburbs were quiet.

“I had a feeling you would be here.” A voice at the entrance of the park. Horatio looked up, his eyes coming to Sylvia, and her car behind her. She flashed him a smile as she approached and quietly took a seat at his side.

“Nora told me what happened.” She said. Horatio was quiet, unable to look at Sylvia.

“How much of it?” He asked cautiously.

“Just that you two had some sort of disagreement and now you’re sulking.” She replied. “Why do you ask? Is there more to the story?” Horatio shook his head.

“That’s about it.” He said then let the conversation hang, his eyes roaming about unfocused.

“Want to talk about it?” Sylvia offered. He shook his head again.

“I just need time to think.” He said.

Sylvia eyed him sceptically. “Haven’t you thought enough? It’s nearly ten.” She said. Horatio looked up, noticing the dark sky for the first time. He looked back to her.

“I’m meeting someone.” He said, waiting a while before supplying the answer to her next question, “It’s Margulis.”

Horatio did not see it but Sylvia smiled. “You and that girl have become quite close.” her voice hung and he waited. “Is this about her?”

“No.” He answered, silence fell once more. Sylvia looked up, her eyes searching the stars.

“Alright then. If it’s Margulis you're meeting then I don’t have to worry. Just don’t stay out too long.” She said finally and stood.

Horatio watched her, surprised. “You’re not going to stop me?” he asked.

“I couldn't even if i wanted to, plus Margulis will better your mood. She’s a good girl.” She said.

Sylvia walked off and Horatio returned to his muses. Thanks to his induction his family and the Toldaaps had grown closer. Sylvia had found company in the Toldaaps, going so far as to becoming friends with Margulis’ mother and Margulis herself. He was happy for her, and himself as well, their family finally had a home away from home.

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

Sylvia pulled out of sight just as a black car pulled into the lot with Margulis at the wheel. She stepped out and made straight for Horatio.

He waved to her, eyeing her expression in the dim park light. He was uncertain what she would say yet he had already concluded he was in for punishment. Margulis was not one to let such a mistake slide, especially right after a warning.

“Good job Horatio,” Margulis started speaking once she was in earshot. Her voice dripped with sarcasm. Horatio gulped as his eyes met hers and saw the furious fire behind them. “You’ve bought yourself a one-way ticket to becoming a Voidworker.” she said. She came before him and he looked up to her, he offered her a sheepish smile and she frowned. He quickly dropped the smile.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He asked cautiously.

“It means your actions caught the attention of the most important person in the Toldaap Voidwalker hierarchy, my mother Hetlia Remshall Toldaap.” Margulis said. “As the person who inducted you I had to defend you before her, and that was not easy to say the least.”

“I’m sorry.” Horatio said.

“Don’t be. I managed to steer your punishment away from exile, that means you can continue living your life here in Hhurondinhner and not be shipped away to some lightless corner of the Umbra realm.” Margulis said, “Consider yourself lucky.”

“I guess I should find some way to thank you.” Horatio offered.

“Nah I’m kist kidding.” Margulis said dryly, “Your punishment, Horatio Peppingar, effective immediately, is induction into the Toldaap Voidworker corps.” She noticed just as she spoke that Horatio’s face held yet another interruption. She continued notwithstanding “What that means is that you’re now obligated to go out of your way to close rifts, and because I’m your partner, I’m expected to support you in doing that. Congratulations, you’ve got your wish.” She said.

It took a moment for the words to settle. Horatio begun to smile, “All according to plan?” He asked.

Margulis sighed. “Basically, but remember, from here on out, your life and that of the people around you will be in constant danger.”

“What of Nora? Does she have to do the same?” He asked.

“Nora? Who’s that?” She asked. Horatio sat puzzled for a second then sighed in relief.

“Never mind.” He said

“Now Horatio,” Margulis continued, leaning in and lining Horatio’s gaze with hers. “Mind explaining to me why you used the power I gave you so recklessly?” She asked.

“Oh and do know before you answer Horatio, that if I don’t like your answer...well, lets just say the rifts won’t be the worst of your problem.” Margulis threatened.

Horatio took in a breath. He looked at Margulis, her frustration brutally clear. “You might want to take a seat for this.” He said apologetically.