Chapter Text
“Does everyone know what they’re doing? Do I need to repeat anything?”
Tonia had gathered Anthon and Teucer at the table, clear cut steps written on a sheet of paper.
“Yeah, actually,” Anthon said. “I don’t think the massive words at the top of the paper that say Operation Get Ajax To Date Lumine are obvious enough.”
“Well, do you have a catchier name?” She huffed. “I spent more time thinking about the strategic steps than the name. Don’t be so nitpicky.”
It was, in Tonia’s personal opinion, a good plan. She didn’t mind reading it again, even if Anthon’s answer was sarcastic.
“Step one-lure some monsters to the playground.”
Teucer’s favorite playground was a five to ten minute walk away from their home. The amount of time it would take for Ajax-and Lumine, if all went accordingly-to go there, slay the monsters, and return would be more than enough time to execute step two.
“Step two-hang up the mistletoe and the bells.”
”Why the bells again?” Teucer asked.
“Because we want to make sure they see the mistletoe above them,” Tonia said, as if she hadn’t already explained it multiple times. “We’ll set up a string that, when stepped on, will ring bells up above. And when they look up to see where the noise is coming from-“
“We got it, Tonia,” Anthon grumbled.
“You better have got it,” she said sharply. “Because we need to pull this off perfectly. We’ve been waiting for Lumine to visit for such a long time. Do you really want to take a chance of her not coming back for another four years?”
Anthon mumbled something about how now that Lumine had met their mother there was no way she would be pulled away for that long, but Tonia ignored him.
“Step three-bathe in our success.”
”Does that really count as a step?”
Tonia sighed. It appeared that Teucer had picked up on Anthon’s sarcastic habits.
She felt as if the comment didn’t dignify a response.
“It’s time to get to work,” she said. “I’ll lure some monsters to the playground. Teucer, when I get back, you tell Ajax with your teariest expression about the monsters. Tell him you’re worried about his safety, and to take Lumine with him to help.”
“But I’m not worried about big brother,” Teucer said with a slight frown.
“It’s called acting, little brother,” she said. “Anthon, while they’re gone, it’s your job to set up the bell trap and the mistletoe.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Anthon said. “Just…make sure you stay safe, Tonia.”
“Aww, is someone worried about me?”
“Forget I said anything.”
With a laugh and a wave goodbye, Tonia put on her warmest coat and set out to the playground.