Luna appears in Lunar District to a quiet road that's seemingly always at night. "Right. Lemme just make sure I everything good. I just need to clap my hands and she'll be here. Just gotta dodge the nat 1 d1000 roll..." Luna's hyperfocus engulfs her in a sparkly purple flame and she pushes all of her focus on finding Patrice. "Come onnnnnn.... I know I can find you. Riri wasn't too hard.. Gotcha!"
With a wide grin on her face, Luna claps her hands harder than ever and screams, "HYPERTELEPORT!"
"Hello, Luna," Patrice nods at her. She's about 5'5", wearing a bright red shirt and white pants. She has a white cap on, hiding most of her boyish, curly hair. Her teal eyes blink slowly, taking in the view.
Luna smiles towards Patrice though she seems tired, "oh hello, it's nice to finally meet you. Welcome to my world." Luna is wearing a thin black jacket and jeans with sneakers.
The Western district of Capital City seems to always be at night or at dusk, even when it's 12:30pm, but that's mostly due to magical generators causing the sky to look like it's at night. Large buildings surround the two with neon and electronic signs pointing every which way. A chill can be felt from the wintry air. On lots of the posts in the area, advertisements for a certain event on April 8, 2024 are posted, as well as propoganda for both the Many Gods Above and the Church of the Full Moon as if looking for more members to join their family.
"This is most interesting. Is it always night time here?" Patrice asks, pointing upwards at the sky.
"Nah, my creators are just really addicted to night time. If you look over at... that building," Luna points to a building with a black machine with the Full Moon Syndicate's logo on it. This machine has a hologram projector pointed to the sky, "you can see the Magical Sky Generators they created. I think they need a better hobby."
Patrice looks at where Luna pointed. "Huh," she mumbles. "That makes it less exciting. I thought it naturally occurred."
Luna shrugs. "Nah, my world still has the laws of nature. Though, look I don't want to think that my creators have the ability to force the entire world into night time, but... I don't trust them at all." Luna looks down after saying that.
"You got that right," Patrice mutters under her breath. "Though, that does bring us to the topic at hand, that of Elara."
Luna closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Interestingly enough about this District is no one seems to be out. Neither Luna nor Patrice has seen any cars out and about, no one walking. It seems oddly deserted. "Right, let's head to.." Luna shivers a bit, "the place I was created." Down at the end of the road they're on, they can see a massive chapel with a stained glass window depicting a yellow moon with a crescent of it shaded out. It's the current moon phase, a waning gibbous.
"Let's," Patrice nods. "Before anyone looks out the window and spots two people out and about."
Luna nods and leads the way to the church. When they reach the front door, Luna opens it up. Patrice follows quickly.
---
Luna steps inside of the waiting room and waits for Patrice to join her. Just like outside in Lunar District, it's completely quiet in here. A receptionist's desk is on the far side of the room, but it's currently empty. Patrice comes into the room, closing the door behind her. "Bit quiet, isn't it?"
"Extremely. What the heck happened to everyone?" Luna looks nervous by just how quiet everything is, "I doubt we'll find anything just standing around." There are maps on the receptionist desk.
Patrice walks over to the desk, picks up a map and looks at it. "I mean, on one hand, great, no witnesses if we are to commit something criminal. On the other hand, kinda offputting."
The map has directions to different locations within the larger Full Moon Syndicate with some descriptions for each.
-The "Chapel of the Full Moon" is where many of the sermons take place.
-The "Library of the Full Moon" is a seemingly large reading room with 'books from all eras of the Magical Earth'.
-The "LEADER'S Office" has a red X in it.
There are red Xs in a few rooms as well, as well as what seems like someone crossing out the term "Laboratory of the Full Moon" in red ink. The spires also seem to be marked off as well, perhaps denying entry.
"Alright, this is gonna be fun. I think we should stick together, 'cause right now, god knows what's inside." She hands the map over to Luna. "Any places catch your fancy?"
Luna squints a bit at the map, though the term Laboratory of the Full Moon catches her eye. "Maybe we should start there? It not only seems suspicious, but uh.. I wonder if that's where I was made." Her voice had become hoarse just by talking about that. Luna clears her throat.
Patrice nods, "As good a place to start as any." She notices Luna's momentary hoarse voice, and files it away. There will be a time to talk, but now is not said time.
They walk down a couple hallways and down a set of stairs. "Ugh, thanks for coming along with me Patrice. I don't think I could've handled this solo." Luna's tone seems tense and shivers seem to constantly shoot through her spine. They eventually arrive at two large metal doors with a sign that says "The Laboratory." A standard door knob is on this door.
Patrice nods sympathetically. "Think nothing of it. I feel like I have to take responsibility, since it is my suggestion that lead to Elara being unconscious somewhere in here." She takes out a handkerchief from her pocket, and tries to turn the knob.
It's locked. A standard sized keyhole accompanies the lock.
"Hm. I mean I could try and pick it?" Luna tilts her head.
Patrice steps aside. "Please. It's been a hot minute since I have to pick one."
Luna pulls out her lucky hairpin, one she used to pick a lock almost two years ago. "Right, let's do this."
It takes Luna a few minutes but the lock is successfully unlocked, "there we go."
Patrice nods, impressed. "Not gonna lie, I probably would have taken longer. After you, Luna."
Luna nods. They enter the Laboratory of the Full Moon. Despite its foreboding name, The Laboratory is a shadow of its former self. Many rows of lengthy black topped tables with equipment line like test tubes, beakers, some still with multiple colors of liquids of unknown materials line the lab. Computers are set up at the end of the room. Most are still on but require passwords to access. What isn't here are any lab techs or scientists. An odd scent can be smelled in this room, it's vaguely sweet like an artificial cotton candy. No signs of Elara can be seen, though cameras are on. It's quiet here as well, much like the rest of the church.
Luna looks around at the lab confused, "wait what? This isn't where I was created?"
Patrice walks in. "This looks more like a chem lab than robotics, I must say. Smells nice, though."
"Indeed. It's uhh.." Luna yawns, "definitely a good scent." Patrice will notice Luna getting more and more tired. Patrice won't feel the same effect.
Patrice snaps her fingers in front of Luna, "Luna, focus."
Luna seems to snap out of whatever that was, "Huh? Wha? Oh.. yeah. Sorry. I'm okay!"
"You sure? You seem a touch tired for a sec there," asks Patrice, a hint of concern in her voice.
The scent continues to waft into her nose and begins to overpower her senses, "yeah... uhh.." she yawns once more, "uhhh i think i'm going to leave. before i.." She collapses.
Patrice facepalms. "Should have told her to get out first." She walks over to the test tubes and beakers, and wafts the smell towards her.
The vague sweet scent is coming from these beakers, though it's a lot stronger from the source. A document is next to the beakers, someone's notes?
Patrice reads over the notes. The document reads:
January 20, 2024:
Our first test of a sedative that only affects certain beings is a success, though Tsukuyomi despises the scent being used. We believed using a pleasant scent would allow our allies to know when Project Eclipse goes down. We shall continue to monitor and test our creations on those within the church.
Patrice's eyes widen a little. "Very interesting. Very very interesting." She looks around for a trash can and finds a few scattered about. She takes the beakers over to the one nearest to her, and starts pouring them into the trash can. An odd exothermic warmth can be felt in these beakers. On pouring the contents out, a light blue fog begins to erupt from the trash cans. The scent is even stronger now and the fog collects near the ceiling and out of the room through a ventilation duct.
Luna is still passed out and snoring gently.
Patrice stares at the trash cans. "OK, that's enough chemistry for today." She walks over to Luna and tries to lift her up, which is easy considering she's rather light, only around 70lbs. Patrice hears a commotion from one of the closets in the room. Sounds like someone yelling. Patrice carries Luna over to the door, and gently puts her down. She then takes out her switchblade, and listens to the sound.
It sounds like someone yelling for help. The scent of cotton candy is strong in this room.
She walks over to the shouting closet, and knocks on the door three times. It's a feminine voice though deep, they yell out, "IS SOMEONE THERE? LUNA???" This yelling causes Luna to stir.
Patrice throws open the door and finds Elara bound up in duct tape, a blindfold, and rope. She is unable to move. Within this closet, lab coats of all kinds are found and the persistent scent of cotton candy invades their senses. They're struggling to stay awake much less move. On hearing the triple knock, Elara shouts, "IS SOMEONE THERE? LUNA???"
"That smell is everywhere, jesus." Patrice walks into the room and looks down at Elara. "Hello there." On removing the blindfold, Elara opens her eyes in confusion. She feels some strength return to her, though she still seems tired, "heh...oh..uh... who are you?"
Patrice pockets the switchblade. "Introductions for later." She tries to pick Elara up after removing her binds. Elara is a lot heavier than Luna, weighing about 150lbs, but with the sedatives out of the room, Elara is finding she can get up pretty much on her own. "Noted, I'll introduce myself when we leave." They all leave the room as Luna finally wakes up and is watching Patrice and Elara leave.
Elara is out here, "okay, let's get the hell out of here before they wake up."
"For sure." Luna nods.
Patrice comes out of the storage room, "Alright, let's skedaddle outta here, then we'll do the introductions." She goes to open the door.
Luna and Elara leave. After a few hallways and stairs, they arrive back in the main lobby of the church before exiting. While running out, Luna asks, “So what the fuck happened?” as Elara responds, “Don’t worry about it.”
Luna quickly catches up with Elara, "What do you mean don't worry about it?? Elara??"
Elara looks back at Luna, "It's ... it's complicated okay?"
Patrice asks, "How is it complicated, Elara?"
Elara sighs quietly. "I mean I knew about the sedatives. Living at the Church and having ways to spy on various people is pretty cool, but I didn't realize what they were for. And considering they worked on me..."
Patrice mentions, "They also worked on Luna, which is... mildly concerning, to say the least."
Luna hugs her sister Elara, "I won't let anything bad happen to you Ella. You're literally my only family."
Elara looks down at Luna, "and that's my job as well. I refuse to let mom hurt us. No matter what. Right, I should probably introduce myself. I'm Elara Nightshade,” she pauses for a moment, seemingly for dramatic effect, “biological daughter of Tsukuyomi and Sol. I live at Church of the Full Moon, but I'm trying to escape. It's nice to meet you... uh.. Are you Patrice Kolt?"
Patrice tips her hat. "Pleasure to meet you, Elara. I'm Patrice Kolt, PI. Luna enlisted my help after you disconnected from the network."
Elara stands around 5'6" and tanned. She's rather fit and sports electric blue long hair and piercings. Notably her ears are long and pointy like a stereotypical elf's ears. Currently she's wearing a light green hoodie and jeans, "Private Investigator? That's really cool."
Luna smiles, "yeah I've been acquaintanced with Patrice for nearly a year now. It's cool to finally meet her."
"No, no, pleasure's all mine, Luna," Patrice smiles. "Pleasure's all mine. As for Elara..." she turns pensive. "I reckon I have a cool job, if we're going by the TV representation. Most of the time, though, it's a bit boring."
Elara notices and her tone goes silent and respectful, "ah.. I see. I had no idea. My apologies."
Luna yawns a little bit, "i should probably start heading back home. I spent a lot of mana on the teleport, and I feel like I'm gonna pass out any moment. Patrice, do you need a teleport back before i head home?"
Patrice smiles tiredly, "It's fine, Elara. I'm not Sherlock Holmes, but by Jove, he's an inspiration. Though I suppose I'm more like Miss Marple, in a sense. As for you, Luna, I would say no worries. I think I can teleport home, even though it's a bit of a ways away. Hope you sleep well!"
"Thank you. I'll see you later Patrice." Luna smiles as she disappears.
"As for me, I'm headed back to my room. Take care." Elara returns inside.
Patrice waves her goodbye, before she disappears in a flash of electric blue light, the only indicator of her presence there a small black spot on the sidewalk.