Library of Rain

Rain was exhausted as she approached Mr. Markson’s warehouse. She had already spent most of the morning looking for black belts to add to her black classer costume. Unfortunately, her cloak couldn’t recreate leather or metal, or it would have been much easier. So far, she had only found one belt that would work. Still, it was progress.

The moment Rain entered the warehouse, a blond streak flew towards her to offer a cup of water and a happy smile. The girl-Rain should really ask her her name now that losing her wasn’t an option-barely limped after being treated yesterday. Rain was glad to see it; watching her wince every time she took a step had really hurt.

“You never told me your name. I’m Rain.”

The smile on the girl's face fell a bit, and she looked down, not answering. 

“Come on, I know you can speak. I heard you call for help yesterday."

The girl muttered something so quietly that Rain could barely hear her.

“What was that?” Rain asked, moving her ear closer to the girl's mouth.

“I don’t like my name.”

Rain could understand that. Thirty-six was a stupid name too, after all. 

“Why don’t you change it then?”

“W-would you pick one for me?”  

The way the girl stammered and looked away as she asked broke Rain’s resolve, and she went in to hug the girl. Then an image came to her mind: Lon, blood running down his disfigured torso, ‘You did this to me!’ Rain stopped.

Why was her breathing so ragged? Were her hands shaking? Rain needed to act, to do something before whatever this was got worse.

“Sounds like fun!” Rain said, forcing her voice to sound chipper.

Walking around the girl, Rain periodically crouched or cocked her head so that she could see her from every angle. It wasn’t really necessary, but seeing the girl's cheeks and ears turn bright red from embarrassment made it a lot of fun. So, of course, Rain was going to do it. 

Gentle teasing aside, Rain needed a name for the girl. Most people in Tineak were named after things. The first name that came into Rain's mind after looking at the girl with her golden hair, flaming red cheeks, and bright blue eyes-that couldn’t seem to decide if they wanted to stare at Rain or look in any other direction-was Sunshine. Ine for short. Rain almost said the name before realizing that would make them Rain and Sunshine. Nope, Rain needed to keep her distance. Having matching names would be fun, though. Maybe just Shine? What were the other options? Fiery because of the cheeks? Rain did think calling the timid girl Fiery would be kind of fun. 

None of these options felt as good to Rain as the first, though. So, Rain went with her instincts and changed it a little so it wouldn’t be such a blatant pairing.

“What do you think of Sunrise? Ise for short.”

“It's pretty.”

“Does that mean you like it?”

The girl, Sunrise, nodded. 

Rain patted Sunrise on the head. 

“I think it fits. You’re just getting started now, but one day, you’ll shine brightly.”

Sunrise had her eyes closed and a sweet smile on her face. Whenever Rain patted her, she would push her head up into the hand. Rain couldn’t hold back her own smile.

What am I doing!

Rain pulled her hand back. How had she ended up touching Sunrise despite telling herself not to? Rain needed to go before she accidentally hurt Sunrise.

“Is Mr. Markson here?”

Sunrise nodded and reached for Rain's hand; then halfway there, Sunrise abandoned the gesture and spun around, ears burning red, and sped towards the office where Rain had met Mr. Markson last time. Rain followed her there to where Mr. Markson waited.

He seemed to be in better shape this time than he had just yesterday. The circles under his eyes had faded a bit, and his smile seemed less strained.

“Young miss. It's good to see you. Everything is ready as you asked. All that's left is for you to provide the contents for the strong box.” 

Mr. Markson gestured to a sturdy-looking bronze box on the table. It looked to be made out of a single piece of metal with a lid that would slide and lock into place. Rain examined it and saw it had enough space for what she needed. She looked around to make sure Sunrise was out of the room.

“Perfect.”

With that word, Rain removed the book hidden under her cloak. The moment the ordinary-looking book was free of her cloak, it began whispering. It promised to help her save everyone, that if she read it, she could bring back Lon, that she could have a family. It warned that if she didn’t read it, she would never gain control of herself and would curse anyone; she would remain a monster unworthy of love. 

Of all the books Rain had seen in the library, this one felt the most dangerous. And the most tempting. It was perfect for what she needed. Rain hoped her ‘Lend’ skill would work as she thought. She asked Mr. Purple to show her its description one more time.

[Lend: You may set terms when giving another a tome from the Library of Oru. If the conditions are broken, the tome will return to the library.]

It should work.

“Mr. Markson, I’m lending you this book until this strongbox reaches its destination, three people read it, or two months pass.”

Rain could feel the energy rush out of her. And with it, a yawn. Using skills wasn’t helping her lack of sleep. For his part, Mr. Markson looked shaken. His eyes were locked on the book, his face a mix of greed and wariness. 

Rain pulled out a thin note and slipped it into the back cover of the book before placing it in the strongbox. The note was her insurance plan. It read simply.

“Congratulations on successfully absorbing the power within this book. Not all do. I sent this book by way of our merchant friend in hopes that you would have what it takes to seize its power. This was just a taste of what I can offer. If you want true power, then offer our merchant friend your services, and I will find you. I can give you all that you want; all I ask in return is obedience.”

Rain closed the lid on the lockbox. The plan was simple. If the bandits stole and opened the box, one of them would almost certainly look through the book. If it went poorly for them, they would turn into a raging monster and kill their comrades. If the monster won, then it would be someone else's problem. If the other bandits won, they should be too afraid to touch Mr. Markson's goods again, and Rain would never have to worry about them. 

If they didn’t turn crazy, they would find the note, and the book would disappear after three people read it. The note promised more power and classes for all their people. Having a few people with classes would make the bandits a fearsome group. But if all of them did, they would become a force to be reckoned with. It was a promise that would make anyone greedy. 

Whatever happened, it would be beneficial for Rain. And if some unforeseen thing happened, the book would vanish in two months no matter what as a failsafe. 

Rain looked at Mr. Markson.

“Don’t ever open that book.”

“Right.” 

Mr. Markson locked the strongbox.