Chapter 3: Hello, Tsums! III
After meeting up with the twins, the five are making their way to Crowley's office to talk about the little Tsum look-alikes.
As they walk down the hall, Azul turns to Kalim to ask, "Say, Kalim. I'm curious... What do you think we should do with these creatures?"
"These guys?" Kalim responds and turns to his Tsum, "I dunno... This one was just dancing to my smartphone ringtone. Seems like we could have some fun together!"
"That's not what I meant. Personally, I think we should take them in," Azul says, "They seem harmless enough, and should be treated in accordance with the spirit of benevolence. But what will the headmage say...?
"I doubt you'll have any trouble there," Lilia says, "The headmage was the one who instructed Sebek to care for his lookalike."
"That's true," Jasper says, "When the Sereia Tsum came along, Sereia took it in and she kind of became a roommate."
"Yes. I believe the others had to do the same," Tanzanite adds.
"Ah, I see. I'm relieved to hear that," Azul says.
Kalim smiles, "You're such a nice guy, Azul. You're already thinking about how to take care of them!"
"Oh, it's nothing so grand. It's simply in my nature to never ignore people or living creatures in need," Azul says, "If either of you four ever have trouble with your lookalikes, you can always come to me for help. I'll take full responsibility and look after them free of charge!"
"Really?" Tanzanite replies, confused.
Jasper mutters, "It sounds sketchy."
"Oho, no strings attached? That's an unusually generous gesture, coming from you," Lilia replies with a smirk, "Have you been struck with some merry inspiration?"
"Why, I have no idea what you're talking about," Azul responds.
And Kalim says, "Thanks for the offer, Azul! I'll definitely take you up on it if anything comes up."
"I think Jasper and I are good. After all, I think it's best to take care of the Tsums we're assigned too," Tanzanite says.
Soon enough, the group reaches the headmage's office, and walks inside.
Azul is the first to speak out, "I hope you'll pardon the late-night visit, Professor Crowley. Might we have a moment of your time?"
"The thing is, these strange creatures came falling out of the sky..." Kalim says.
"Yes, yes, the Tsums," Crowley says, already aware of the situation.
Crowley sighs, "How many are there this time? I have a busy schedule as it is..."
And it turns out, Kalim, Lilia, Azul, Jasper, and Tanzanite are not the only ones who arrive at the office with Tsums. Turns out, Ortho, Rook, Deuce, and Jade have found and brought a Tsum counterpart.
"Good evening. I see you're here too, Kalim Al-Asim," Ortho says.
"We were just about to discuss the beautiful phenomenon that just transpired, and our little visitors," Rook says.
Jade then notices Azul, "Ah, Azul. I see you've found a lookalike of your own."
"Yes. After we came across yours, I had a sneaking suspicion. So I looked around, and lo and behold," Azul says.
And Deuce says, "Looks like I'm not the only guy who found one. I was expecting there to be so many..."
"So, are these the 'Tsums' the headmage mentioned?" Kalim asks.
"Correct. Mysterious life-forms that appear in a flash, and for whatever reason, bear a resemblance to our students..." Crowley says, "Where do they come from? How do they breach the campus protections? It's all a mystery. I overhauled the barrier after the last Tsum visit, but they bypassed it AGAIN. What am I supposed to do here?!"
"How terrible. You have my deepest sympathies," Jade replies.
"Mysterious creatures, huh? Okay, so how'd they come to be called Tsums?" Deuce says.
"Ah, about that..." Crowley says.
"Sereia mentioned that they were given names because of what they can do, what is it, stacking up?" Tanzanite says.
Suddenly, Azul notices, "...Hm? Look, the Tsums have all gathered in one place."
Everyone looks to see what Azul is talking about. All the Tsum gather together and are piling on top of each other.
"And what's more, they're piling on top of one another," Jade says.
"They're good climbers," Kalim says, and calls out, "Careful not to topple over, guys!"
The Tsums continue to stack themselves onto each other until they form a pyramid.
"My, that's quite a neat stack they're forming..." Lilia says with a smile, but notices something, "Hm?"
"It's almost like a stone guidepost..." Rook says, but also realizes something, "Ooh!"
"Is zooming over to stack on top of one another a behavioral trait for them...?" Ortho replies, but also realizes, "Ah!"
"Zooming together to stack into a pile... One after another..." Azul says.
"And they stacked each other perfectly," Jasper says.
"Like a pyramid," Tanzanite says.
And Kalim says, "Ah, of course. That leads to them being called..."
Everyone then says, "Tsum Tsum!"
Crowley smiles, "...Yes, that's the same ridiculous conclusion the last group arrived at, and one that I overrode in favor of 'Tsums.'"
"Ooh, I get it now. That's an easy enough name to remember!" Kalim says.
"With the mystery of their name solved, shall we move on to the main matter at hand?" Azul says.
"What's that?" Deuce asks.
"The question of who takes responsibility for these Tsums," Jade says.
"He has a point," Jasper says.
Then Azul says, "Floyd's filled us in on what happened previously. The Tsums likely won't be leaving before tomorrow night, right? So someone will have to look after them in the meantime.
"That's correct. I'll be making that a job for all of you, as I did last time," Crowley says, "I'd like each of you to look after the Tsum that resembles yourself."
"Oh, sure! That sounds like fun," Kalim says, excited.
Azul soon says, "I'll have to do Tsumsitting on top of my Mostro Lounge workload? That won't be an easy task, but very well. Since you do so much for the rest of us, Headmage, it would be my honor to accept!"
"This is great, Azul! I know how much you wanted to look after them," Kalim says.
And Rook says, "I too welcome this wonderful opportunity to spend time with an unknown creature. I have no reason to refuse!"
"I've built up plenty of caretaking know-how over the years. This little one's in good hand," Lilia says and snickers, "Khee hee hee, we're going to have SO much fun."
"I'm excited too. I was hoping to further study the Tsums and gain some insight into what they are," Ortho says.
"I've got to Tsumsit on top of homework and everything else? I'm not sure I'd do the best job, but an honor student wouldn't say no," Deuce replies.
"Well I think this is going to be fun. My Tsum and I can do sports stuff or something," Jasper says.
"Well, I think having more Tsums staying with us could be fun," Tanzanite says.
Then Jade says, "I do fine tending plants, but I have little experience minding living creatures. Nonetheless, I shall give it my best effort."
Crowley is very happy to see it, "My word... Everyone actually agreed! I'm awestruck. What fine model students I have! All right, everyone—do a good job Tsumsitting so this campus stays nice and peaceful!"
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