The girls bundle into the car once again and set off straight into the city centre
"So, where are you taking us Vivian?" said Kat
"Well, I already said I'm taking you to visit a friend of mine. If he heard I didn't bring such interesting girls to visit he'd be really disappointed in me" said Vivian with a put
"Um, that sounds kind of suspicious Vivian" said Lily as she hid her face behind a book
"Oh, don't worry, Chekov is completely enthralled by wood work and I refuse to let Kat and Sylvie have a room without a desk. If he find's out I went somewhere else for that he'd be heartbroken" said Vivian
"Right… So what does he do?" said Kat trying to slightly redirect the conversation
"Chekov is a carpenter I suppose. He works with just about anything related to wood carving but for some reason he has a bizarre fascination with desks and will go above and beyond for an interesting client. I should have remembered to show you mine before we headed out. I had intended to, but you wanted to go for a short trip to the woods and threw of my schedule" said Vivian as she smiled into the review mirror
"Sorry" said Kat. Her full wingspan and tail collapsing downward. *I've just been adopted by Vivian and I've already made her go through such a traumatic event.*
"Don't look so down Kat, I enjoyed the scenery, the snow was lovely this time of year" said Vivian as she admired the bright sun.
The conversation drifted off somewhat awkwardly and they made their way past the city centre and towards the outskirts of the town opposite the way they'd originally entered. Finally right at the very edge of the city outskirts Vivian pulled up to an nondescript shed that took up a large plot of land by itself.
"Well we've arrived let's head inside" said Vivian as she opened the doors and picked up Sylvie. To the shock of Kat and Lily the little girl just curled up in Vivian's arms and let herself drift off.
*I guess it's been a bit of a big day for Sylvie huh. I'm surprised she didn't fall asleep on me in the car if she was that tired though?*
Walking towards the door they were surprised to see it kicked open and watch as a man came flying out. The man bounced a few times against the concrete before dusting himself off and walking away from the store.
"And stay out I tell ya, I'm not going back" said a voice from inside the shop
"Chekov! It's lovely to see you" said Vivian
"Ah, Vivian, it is good to see you. Why you back so soon? If I find out you've destroyed my desk already I might have to ban you from store" said Chekov with a laugh
"Oh I could never do that to you or your desks Chekov, I've bought more victims" Vivian coughed "Customers, I've brought you some more customers"
"Um, is that man you just threw away alright" said Lily
"Ya, he's fine. I throw him every other week" said Chekov
"Why does he keep coming back then?" asked Kat
"Well, that's long story. I'll tell you short version for Vivian's sake. I used to work for some unsavoury people before I moved here and they want me back. I tell them I'm not coming back, they say I am, I drop a few tonnes of lumber on their business and then suddenly they calm down a bit. Not sure why though, it was honest mistake" said Chekov
"Right…" said Kat as she looked towards Lily and tried to ask with her eyes if she was hearing this as well. Lily gave an almost imperceptible nod
"So, more desks for these three yes? Why do you think I'd take this job Vivian?" said Chekov.
"Well, I'm pretty sure you'll find them all interesting, plus I adopted two of them" said Vivian
"What that roommate wouldn't let you take the third? Too much responsibility?" said Chekov
"Nah, Lily leaves next door? Huh, well… hey Kat does it count as next door if we share a fence" said Vivian
"How should I know" said Kat
Vivian shrugged "Sylvie probably knows but I don't want to wake her up"
"Lily is still a neighbour even if it isn't directly next door. She is still adjacent to your property" said Sylvie without opening her eyes
Chekov burst out laughing "Well, that's at least one interesting lass you brought me. Come inside out of the cold" said Chekov as he walked back inside.
Walking into the warehouse it was stacks of wood as far as the eye could see. Stacked high to the left and right and even against the wall house the door it seemed like Chekov had enough wood to furnish a small town. Sitting in the middle of everything was a small desk and chair. The desk was well carved, if a little amateurish looking.
"Um, Mister Chekov, if you don't mind my asking. Why is your desk so simple. Considering what Vivian has told us shouldn't your work be a bit more elaborate" said Lily
Chekov nodded "If I'm a Mister anything it's Pushka, but I don't go by that name anyway. Just call my Chekov. This desk though" Chekov slammed his hand against it "Is the first desk I ever made, and I am not one to disrespect the passion that went into its creation.
*Huh, I wouldn't have thought Chekov would have been so sentimental about something like that.*
Chekov walked behind the desk and opened the drawers to take out a pair of glasses.
"Now, let me have a look at you all to determine your flame. I have to know what type of desk I'm making after all" said Chekov
*Wait flame? And hang on, he hasn't even mentioned my demonic traits either. What is going on? System is this guy a wizard or something?*
--
D.E.M.O.N.S finds the idea unlikely. Due to the composition of User Kat's Universe it is impossible for any type of higher energy to exist. Demonic Energy is able to just barely circumvent this restriction. Individual Chekov is certainly not a demon.
--
*Can you elaborate on the higher energy thing?*
--
User Kat requires rank 1 for that information
--
*Of course.* Chekov fixed his glasses and first tried to look at Sylvie
"Vivian, do you have to hold the little one. Your flame is still just as needlessly bright as last time and it hides the little one's" said Chekov
"Chekov, what exactly are you doing" asked Kat
"I see, things when I look at people. I know them, and what they are. It is family trait I believe" said Chekov
"So, what did you mean when you described Vivian's flame as needlessly bright" said Kat
"Ya, Vivian has bright flame. It is almost like staring at the sun. Endlessly bright, and forever burning" said Chekov
"Oh stop you flatter" said Vivian
"Just put the girl down for a moment" said Chekov.
Vivian pouted but placed Sylvie onto Chekov's chair at which point she sprung to full attention and looked him in the eye. After an intense staring contest Chekov broke eye contact first
"Little one… she is strange. I am already looking forward to this" said Chekov grinning "Little one's flame is strange, it feels ever-present, and yet even I can't quite see it. I know it is there, but it is not"
*What the hell does that mean? And wait what is he going to see when he looks at my flame? Will it actually be my Demonic Flame?*
Chekov turned next to Lily who instantly broke eye contact. Chekov lingered on her face a little more before speaking "Interesting flame again. You is like the last bit of fire in candle before you turn in for night. Flame looks weak, but it will not fail you, it has lasted you through the night and it will continue until the end"
"Um, I'm not sure I like being told I'm weak" said Lily
"Ya, but you is nearly smaller than Little one. Your desk have five hidden compartments ya?" said Chekov
"Wait I'm getting a desk, and hidden compartments… I mean" Lily was cut off by Chekov
"Not, it is more, thirteen? That is unlucky number for you though… Seems almost fitting though. I do fourteen" said Chekov
"Um, I'm not sure how I'm supposed to pay you back Mister Chekov" said Lily nervously
"Don't worry you will. You is loyal little flame, I do it free now, you pay later" said Chekov
"I can't, I mean, I don't even know when I will get the money" stammered Lily
"You pay me back within decade, I know it" said Chekov patting Lily on the shoulder before turning to Kat.
"Your flame is strange to me. It is boring, and yet it dislikes my disapproval.. Which is not boring. Your flame is strange" said Chekov