People from all corners of the suitcase have gathered together in serious discussion.
X: I believe you are all aware of our current predicament.
X: I regret to inform you: our lives in the suitcase have reached a critical moment!
X: As long as the flood remains, none of us will be able to get on with our work.
Oliver Fog offers a well-timed clap.
Mesmer Jr.: A pointless conclusion.
Mesmer Jr.: Not to point the finger at anyone in particular, but with so many arcanists here ...
Mesmer Jr.: Isn't there anyone who can use their arcane skill to stop the flood?
X shrugs helplessly.
X: If this incident were created by an arcane skill alone, then it's possible it could be dispelled.
X: However, the problem caused by Ms. La Source is an abundance of ordinary spring water.
X: What we're experiencing is a flood in the physical sense.
Oliver Fog: Very well. I suggest we promptly come up with emergency aid legislation and a plan for work suspension.
Oliver adjusts his hat, looking grimly at the rising tide.
X: Of course, if there's anyone kind enough to help me set up the machinery ...
X: I may be able to engineer a multipurpose drainage system, and we can avert this whole crisis before Ms. Vertin returns.
Oliver Fog: Alright, I can take on work assignments during office hoursâat least until the work suspension plan is in place.
X: Thank you for your diligence, Mr. Fog.
One after another, the members of the group join in.
Sotheby: Ms. Sotheby is ready to lend a hand! But how will we deal with the "dragon"? It's still roaming around the Wilderness!
Sotheby: And poor Ms. Bunny Bunny is so hungry that stars are bursting from her eyes!
Charlie: You mean she's "seeing stars," Ms. Sotheby.
Clearly, one plan cannot solve all of these issues.
The friends look at each other, at a loss.
Oliver Fog: This is just like the Great Smog of London. Protesting against the factories won't stop the pollution. When one factory closes, another will just take its place.
Oliver Fog: No, we need to understand the true cause. Otherwise, we'll never solve the problem. So ...
Several pairs of eyes converge upon him.
Oliver Fog: We need to draft a formal protest petition to present to Ms. La Source!
All: ...
The group exchanges uncertain looks.
X: Ahem, perhaps we should consider more friendly measures.
Sotheby: But why has Ms. La Source so abruptly changed her demeanor? She's not exactly a havoc-wreaking critter, or, is she?
Sotheby: Could it be that she's the Ogopogo we've been looking for?
X: It is worth considering what caused the sudden change. I don't think we need to worry about any Ogopogos, though.
The issue goes back and forth among the arcanists.
The crowd grows larger.
For a seasoned reporter, this is clearly a prime opportunity for self-promotion.
ONiON: Friends, it's good to see so many of you so concerned by these baffling mystical events.
ONiON: Please stay tuned for our special broadcast.
The imaginary camera starts rolling, and a live show segment officially begins.
For a seasoned reporter, this is clearly a prime opportunity for self-promotion.
ONiON: Ladies and gentlemen, you're watching a special episode of Headonion! What's gotten into the Spring Elfin? Why is the Wilderness flooded? And what's going on with the "dragon" in the lake?
ONiON: Join me as we delve into the Spring Elfin Special!
Sotheby: Wow! I've never seen a real live broadcast before!
She looks around with excitement as she fixes her outfit.
ONiON: Our story starts on a sunny afternoon ...
ONiON: Balloon Party and Baby Blue were taking a lakeside walk while we interviewed them about Wonderland parties.
ONiON: At that time, Ms. La Source was the only one privy to our conversation.
Sotheby: Parties?!
ONiON: Even though Ms. La Source hadn't disclosed her identity, her clay pot had already given her away.
ONiON: And now, a legend about the Fountain of Youth.
ONiON: Let's turn back the clock a few centuriesâback to Brittanyâback to the lush, legendary forest of BrocĂŠliande ...
Sotheby: Wow! I've never seen a real live broadcast before!
ONiON: Legend has it that the great arcanist Merlin met the Lady of the Lake, Viviane, in this very forest.
Sotheby: Ooh, I've heard of this!
She raises her hand enthusiastically, playing the part of the supportive audience member every show should have.
ONiON: In fact, the Fountain of Barenton in BrocĂŠliande is neither a wishing fountain nor a fountain of youth.
ONiON: It's just an ordinary spring. What makes it different from the others is the presence of our very own Ms. La Source.
ONiON: Many were drawn by the legend of instant wealth, only to leave disillusioned.
ONiON: And over time, her gurgling clay pot was left alone in the increasingly desolate forest.
ONiON: After many years, a painter caught sight of the fabled spring nymph amidst the mists.
ONiON: Sadly, even the most beautiful painting couldn't change a thing.
ONiON's tale continues to reach back into the past.
Sotheby listens intently, her spirit gently lifting, leaving behind the waist-deep floodwater, bidding farewell to the "dragon" in the Wilderness, and heading toward a fascinating, uninhabited realm.
Sadly, her body is still firmly planted in the increasingly deepening water.
What's even sadder is that no one else seems to have been affected by the story in any way.
All: ...
Oliver Fog: Allow me to sincerely propose my plan to you all once againâwhy don't we put it to a vote?
X: Is anyone willing to be a test subject for the X-301 Sponge-Type Decontaminator?
ONiON: Heyâhold up, folks! We're just about to get to the heart of the taleâ
The group shakes their heads in resignation.
ONiON: Wow, do people really have such a hard time accepting the truth of the world?