Tap tap tap tap

The only sound that could be heard echoing across the Library's hall was the solemn sound of footsteps. Each noise was quickly followed by a second one, only for the cycle to repeat.

Standing side by side, both of Angela's assistants could be seen walking in complete silence. No one else except them could be seen as far as the eyes could see and this fact remained until they reached the stairs leading further up into the building.

A quick glance was exchanged briefly before the duo went upward.

...This was a process they were slowly getting used to, this wasn't their first time doing this after all.

What brought the both of them here was a rather simple reason: a new floor was soon going to be opened. Angela calmly warned them as she finished what was possibly be her 200th... or 300th, hell, maybe more, Y/N didn't want to bother focusing his energy on what she was doing for obvious reasons.

As for Roland, he had much more important decisions to ponder on than to think about the numbers of books the director had read until now.

After what felt like at the very least a dozen of minutes cursing the amount of stairs needed to climb in order to reach the newest "top" floor, the AI's helpers arrived at the end, immediately greeted with a sight filled with gold.

The main room on the other side was completely yellow, rows of books were placed inside the walls from top to bottom and the entirety of it was illuminated by a singular, massive window that allowed a blinding light to enter.

Its source was completely unknown. However, with the many seats and desks placed nearby, it would give anyone who sat down the impression that the sun itself was beaming down on them. If they could ignore the constant annoyance, it could make for a good reading place.

The Grade 9 Fixer observed his surroundings alongside the former captain and let out his thoughts.

Roland: Floor of Natural Sciences, huh. That's the fifth floor we're opening. Its Patron Librarian is Tiphereth... What's up with all these weird names?

His questions flew into the air, soon met with a look from the ex-employee that quietly told him "get used to it, it doesn't get better".

A bead of sweat formed on his face as he cleared his throat. He then raised his voice and called for said Patron Librarian, ignoring the gaze of the second assistant lowering to what was in front of him.

Roland: Hello! Tiphereth~! Are you there~!!

Tiphereth: Shut it!

His smile immediately collapsed as a fist was sent into his face. The sudden strike left him without a breath for a second and as he leaned forward, he finally noticed the presence of the small girl with blond hair standing in front of him.

She glared at him.

Tiphereth: I'm standing right in front of you. Where do you think you're looking?

She crossed her arms right as Y/N let out a faint laugh. He then took a step closer as he continued the conversation.

Y/N: Haha, glad to see that you still remain the same. Though, please go easy on Roland, at least for now.

His request was met with a gaze coming from the small girl that did not hide her relief. She placed herself right in front of him and looked at his face. She then wrapped her arms around his body, leaving the agent to pat her shoulder in response.

Tiphereth: It's nice to see you again Y/N...

Y/N: Me too Tiphereth. It's nice to see you again.

Compared to the days they spent within the Lobotomy Corporation facility, the height difference between the both of them was something completely new and also unfamiliar. However, as the former captain of the Central Command team, the man was nonetheless happy to see the Sephirah he worked for.

...And as his boss, she was also happy to see him fine, mostly fine. She couldn't ignore the small glimpses she saw between both him and Angela, both the physical and the mental side of the spite & the wounds mutually inflicted.

This exchange was witnessed by the completely bewildered Roland, who couldn't believe what he was seeing.

Roland: What, you're totally a kid?

Her expression swiftly became sour upon hearing his words. She turned to face him and released the agent, who gave her a pat on the head. She perfectly copied the demeanor of the man in a black suit and hid her hands in her pockets.

Tiphereth: I'm actually a lot taller than I used to be, you know?

Roland: Oh, compared to your past self in Lobotomy Corporation?

Tiphereth: No, I mean compared to my first life. I was an actual kid back then, but it looks like I woke up with an older body this time.

Tiphereth glanced at her feet, still thinking in the back of her head that it didn't feel real. However, her grasp around her ex-employee was enough to make her accept that this was reality.

Tiphereth: I'm not sure if it was the Library's powers or Angela's thoughtfulness, but this body should be better suited for librarian work, so I'm cool with it either way. Although, if it actually took all the years I've lived into account, I'd have to look a bit older.

She was quickly followed by Angela's unwilling helper.

Y/N: I think all of us would look a bit older if that was the case. The last thing we need is for everyone to fight with canes.

Tiphereth: As long as we could carry our duties, Angela definitely wouldn't care.

Y/N: You're not wrong... That would also make Roland our youngest librarian.

He turned to look at the Grade 9 Fixer, only to see him rub the place he was punched by the small girl. He noticed their gazes locked on him and let out a sigh.

Roland: ...Putting that aside, isn't it a little rude to punch someone you just met in the face. This is giving me flashbacks.

Tiphereth: It's because you were being such a clumsy dork!

The former Sephirah seemed adamant about not apologizing for what she did, even ignoring Y/N's attempts at smoothing things between both of them.

However, with enough insistence, he was able to force out a "later" from her, a small victory in his eyes.

Tiphereth: So, your name is Roland?

Roland: Correct, previously a Fixer at the bottom of the barrel, now currently working for Angela.

Tiphereth: And I suppose you've already met the ones of the upper layer?

Roland: Upper layer? I thought we were going up, not down.

Y/N: It's complicated... let's just say that the order is reserved. It's easier like that.

Roland: I feel like I'm missing an important information.

Y/N: ...And now's probably not the greatest time to explain everything. Let's just leave it at that.

The former captain could already feel time slow to a crawl as he imagined himself explaining everything he knew to Roland. In order to change the topic, he stepped between both Tiphereth and the man in a suit.

Y/N: This is Tiphereth, she may look rough but she's nice once you know her better.

Tiphereth: I can perfectly introduce myself, Y/N. Anyway, I'm in charge of the Floor of Natural Sciences.

Roland: Huh, I thought doing science required actual thinking?

Y/N: Oh no-

It was now his turn to let out a sigh right as he watched his previous boss charge at the Patron Librarian of the Floor of General Work. Right as her fist was about to make contact, she was met with air. The Fixer stepped aside and watched her desperately catching herself in order to not fall.

Roland: Oh no you don't, you silly thing. You're pretty brisk with throwing punches, but it's not quite as quick as someone I used to know, eh?

Tiphereth: Grr...

The girl with blond hair was gritting her teeth, practically fuming upon hearing his word.

Tiphereth: Stop looking down on me, will you? I heard a lot of stuff about science in my past workplace, you know?! I'm probably a lot older than you in actual age, too! 

It was clear for both assistants present that she was holding herself back and keeping her voice down. One of them knew her short temper from experience while the latter simply wanted to throw salt into the wound.

Roland: What's the point of being older if it doesn't reflect your words and actions, little miss~?

Tiphereth: Hmph.

She crossed her arms and let out a huff of air in annoyance. Her eyes met her former employee, who looked back at her.

Tiphereth: So, how is Angela?

Immediately, the eyes of the worker shifted to the side, his awkward smile breaking apart alongside that.

Y/N: She's... still her usual self I guess.

Roland: She reminds me of a child.

Y/N: That's being kind.

Tiphereth: She did live her entire life inside a basement, after all.

The words of the small girl forced the ex-captain to follow her movements and cross his arms, clearly ruminating on some thoughts, leaving Roland to pick up the pace.

Roland: She said she never got to see the world outside. I suppose you're not holding some deep-rooted grudge against her like the other librarians?

As he asked, he glanced at the clear example of what he was talking about: the third member of their conversation.

Tiphereth: I roughly know what she went through. I thought she was just cruel, but... I could see some events of the past while I was asleep, so I can understand Angela somewhat.

Y/N: ...It doesn't make what she did forgivable.

The Sephirah looked at the man standing on the side, giving him a long look that was ignored.

Roland: So, you agree with her choice?

Tiphereth: It depends on the one final choice she'll take at the end of this. I'm willing to help her out for now, at least. Our primary goal is the same, all things considered.

Roland: To complete the Library?

Tiphereth: Yep. The light is only truly meaningful if it shines for seven days straight.

Y/N: Which was what was supposed to happen...

A groan slipped between his lips as he rolled his eyes, deciding to make his way towards the rows of books in the walls.

Using this as an opportunity to end this conversation, Roland clapped his hands together and gave the Patron Librarian a wide smile.

Roland: Alright, I'll make sure to bring some picture books next time as a bonus.

Tiphereth: Urrrgh...

Just as predicted, Tiphereth's rage immediately resurfaced upon hearing him treat her like a child. However, her anger was soon pointed at no one as she saw him retreat down the stairs.

Her tightened fists slowly loosened just in time to see the former captain take out a book to inspect its cover.

Y/N: I know it's not really the best of times... but how are you planning to reach the top shelves?

Unlike the Grade 9 Fixer, the employee asked her with a look that showed no mockery in it. She took a deep breath to collect her thoughts and walked closer.

Tiphereth: I'll have to ask my assistants for help I suppose.

Y/N: Assistants? You already have some?

Tiphereth: They woke at the same time as I have. I told them to come out so they should-

Click

Y/N: ?

Tiphereth: Oh, there they are.

A door on the left suddenly opened and from inside emerged a figure wearing the uniform of the Central Command department. The first person to step out stretched their arms and swiftly began to complain.

"I swear if I get forced to put her in some clothes again, I'm going to commit a murder."

The assistant then noticed the Patron Librarian standing right next to him, causing their face to turn pale as they stuttered.

"I-I mean nice to see you Tiphereth! I just got done with taking care of-"

Their excuse was abruptly shut by a hand shoving them in the back, sending them against the floor. Said hand belonged to the second assistant who entered the room before freezing in place. 'She' then turned her head and locked eyes with Angela's helper.

His eyes widened before his entire vision was obscured, followed by his body landing loudly against the floor below.

Something was pressing against him, something heavy enough that no air could enter through his nose.

His eyes soon locked onto the figure sitting on his chest, causing him to remain completely silent.

There, a pair of unblinking eyes were going through him like he was nothing. Right behind them, long blue hair were falling on his face. Their grip was like iron, unmoving. Finally, they held no emotions, only a cold expression.

...All of these little things quickly stuck together like pieces of a puzzle with the help of a singular word.

"BongBong."

Y/N: ...BongBong.

He could barely let out her name as he struggled for air. Thankfully, his saviours soon pried her off of him long enough for him to to take a deep breath... only to be latched on by the girl. However, this time, he only had to sacrifice one of his arms instead of his lungs.

BongBong: BongBong.

Y/N: I know, I know but please let me go, I can't feel my arm.

"Damn it, and I just got her to calm down!"

The assistant librarian voiced out their complaint and pulled the girl with long blue hair away from the former captain, helped by Tiphereth.

At first, no matter what they did, the girl named BongBong was completely still but after a few pushes from the one she was clinging to, she finally allowed herself to be pulled away, deciding to sit right next to him.

Y/N: ...

Tiphereth: ...

BongBong: Bong.

Y/N: I know, I'm happy to see you too but please try not to kill me... not that you really can in here.

A bead of sweat dropped from his face as he looked into BongBong's soulless eyes, completely still with no intentions of blinking. It was a sight he hadn't seen in quite a while and one that he didn't quite know whether he felt happy about that or not.

He clearly remembered the unnerved looks of his colleagues as they watched her coldly massacre both Abnormalities and Ordeals.

"...Ahem."

Sitting across from him, the unknown assistant librarian cleared their throat as they watched the both of them sitting next to each other, trying to steer them back towards a conversation.

However, their attempt was met with a failure as they soon realized that the director's assistant was still busy in his own thoughts. BongBong wasn't even looking at them.

A sigh escaped their mouth, followed by them attempting for the second time to bring him back to reality in a much more direct manner.

With no hesitation, nor guilt, Tiphereth's underling grabbed a nearby book and sent it at a moderate strength into his face, sending his head backward.

Y/N: Ow...

"There you go, like nothing happened."

Proud of their victory, they sat back down where they were a moment ago and faced the librarian holding his head.

"So, the both of you know each other?"

Y/N: Uh... yea, we worked in the same department.

"Was she always this weird?"

A nod followed their question, making the interlocutor roll their eyes before pinching the bridge of their nose.

"Great, and I'm stuck working alongside her in here, talk about a perfect luck."

BongBong: ...?

The girl with long blue hair tilted her head to the side, pretending to not understand their discontentment... or maybe it was genuine? No one present in the room could tell with her.

Calling her a loose cannon would probably one of the kindest names you could give her.

Y/N: I'm sorry but... who are you?

The calm, albeit pained voice of the former captain, got the librarian to remember that they never introduced themselves.

An awkward air lingered around the small group as one of them gathered the willpower to break the ice.

...But to be honest, the ice was already broken the moment a book was thrown into Y/N's face.

Y/N: I'm Y/N and she's... well... BongBong. She doesn't say a lot, it's up to you to interpret what she speaks.

"You mean you don't understand her words?"

Y/N: I'd have to be as insane as her for that. The best I can do is guess.

Angela's unwilling worker shrugged in addition to his statement, earning a close gaze from BongBong herself. Silence followed until she grabbed his cheek and pulled it, threatening to tear off a part of her face with her immense strength.

Y/N: ...And you?

Faint traces of tears welled up in his eyes as he held the red spot on the side of his mouth.

"...Christopher."

Y/N: Nice to meet you. I know she might be much so please try your best and look for me if there's a problem.

Christopher: And watch your head get torn off by accident?

Y/N: Oh don't worry, she's just a bit more excited than usual, she'll calm down after a few hours. It's not everyday you wake up from death.

Christopher: Can't deny that.

The man dressed in a yellow outfit glanced at his coworkers, only to find her laying down on Y/N's lap with her head facing upward, acting perfectly like a corpse with her wide open eyes.

Christopher: ...But still, I'll need something to endure this.

Y/N: Hm... I guess you could go visit Netzach if you need a drink, just make sure to clean up after yourself, the last thing we need is for Yesod or Angela to crack down on this due to a lack of cleaning.

Christopher: I'll pass, I'm more of a coffee person.

Upon hearing Christopher's preference, the ex-captain fell completely silent before giving him an apologetic look.

His reaction was enough to tell him that he wouldn't find what he desired in here. His shoulders dropped in defeat as he leaned against the nearby wall.

Christopher: Fine, I'll just stick to throwing books around then.

Y/N: Yea, speaking of that, could you not? It hurts, a lot. I can still feel the impact.

Christopher: Get better at dodging then, you never know when we might get invaded.

Y/N: You mean the receptions?

Christopher: I doubt we'll get to throw book at people's faces, especially the guests but it never hurts to learn the ropes.

As he said that, he grabbed the massive book he tossed at Y/N's face and placed it back into the shelf, turning around just in time to see the man dusting off his outfit.

Y/N: Hm, as much as I'd like to keep this talk going, I have to go back, I prepared something alongside a few other assistant librarians and I don't want to be late.

Christopher: Uh... sure...

The man standing by the rows of books barely could let out his reply as he watched Y/N walk towards the stairs...

...

...Allowing him to see BongBong holding onto his legs and letting herself be dragged on the floor. He turned his head to look at his Patron Librarian and saw Tiphereth holding her face as she let out a sigh of exasperation.

She, too, had her fair share of experience dealing with BongBong's antics and knew that stepping in would help nothing. So, she sat down and looked at the stairs, counting the seconds.

7

8

9

10-

Y/N: Ah!

As soon as the tenth second was reached, a yell came from the stairs before a cacophony matching the strength of Silent Orchestra's was created. Multiple noises could be heard, all belonging to something rolling all the way down to the bottom rapidly.

Amidst all of it, Christopher could barely hear the former captain yell out a name.

Y/N: Havaaaaaaaaa!!

BongBong: BongBong.

Christopher: ...I can already feel the headache starting.

Deciding to turn off his brain for his own sake, the librarian dressed in yellow stood up and walked away, leaving behind Tiphereth, who was still counting the seconds it would take for both of them to reach the bottom, or at least be low enough that she couldn't hear them.

She was now on 27 seconds, with no signs of the sounds growing weaker.