Part 6: Coins, Balloons, and Ribbons

ONiON's show isn't quite over yet.
Thankfully, the water level hasn't risen for quite some time.
X: Hold on, everyone! We're almost there!
A small boat bears its passengers gently toward the heart of the lake.
Sotheby: Mr. X, your X-301 seems to be sinking by the second.
X: Don't worry, Ms. Sotheby. This vessel is equipped with special sponges capable of absorbing an unusually high volume of water. By the time we've sunk to the bottom, this thing should've already absorbed at least 85% of the spring water.
X: That'll be enough to ensure we don't drown.
Oliver Fog: ...
Oliver Fog: I hope this doesn't take too long—there's only an hour and fifteen minutes left of the workday.
X: Fingers crossed!
As the boat continues to drift, the vast waves can no longer conceal a certain petite figure.
Two other figures emerge.
The two figures from the start of ONiON's tale.
La Source: ...!
Balloon Party: I kept thinking about the party—thinking and thinking—but I kept thinking that my thinking was wrong. Like something was missing.
Balloon Party: Now I know what it was! We need water! A big water wave for the party! And you're the best water wave maker I've ever seen! The very best!
She takes La Source's hand, earnestly passing her a balloon.
La Source: M-Me? I'm the best?
Balloon Party: Would you like to help us throw a perfect party? I mean, we need more candy and streamers, and balloons, of course!
Balloon Party: Oh, and more waves! Big ones!
Baby Blue: We could make that "dragon" a little smaller so he can wear a garland!
La Source: You ... you'd like me to join you?
Sotheby: Ms. La Source!
The sponge boat has finally reached its destination.
The lake water has already reduced significantly.
A crowd gathers around La Source. For her, this is quite an unusual honor.
La Source: Ah! Are you here to make a wish?
Oliver Fog: Actually, we've come to—
He presents his meticulously drafted letter of protest.
La Source doesn't even glance at it. She just shakes her head solemnly.
La Source: Sorry, I don't have time to help you now!
La Source: I've accepted an invitation from Baby Blue and Balloon Party! We're going to have the most spectacular, grandest party ever—with big water waves, too!
The group looks on in surprise.
La Source: Of course, if you'd like to join ...
She starts to think again.
La Source: Hmm, it's not really asking for something for nothing, so I can agree to that.
X chuckles.
X: So, you're saying that you have to pull all the spring water you used for wishes back into your pot in order to have your party?
La Source: Exactly! You didn't think you'd get something for nothing forever, did you?!
She clings to the pot, eyeing X warily.
Sotheby: Ooh-ooh! I'd like to come, please!
Balloon Party: Certainly, Ms. Sotheby.
They dash off together, four bouncing balloons following in their wake.
Obviously, they have more important things to attend to.
The rest stand there, stunned.
X: Well, I suppose that's that.
Oliver Fog: Looks like I'll be able to clock out on time.
Oliver Fog: But I have to say, we really must set up emergency plans and compensation for work stoppages in case something like this happens again.
He opens his umbrella as he works to clear away the mist. Meanwhile, ONiON starts recording again.
X: It seems you've got yourself some exciting new material, Ms. ONiON. Congratulations.
He nods and makes his way.
ONiON: Absolutely!
ONiON: I'm planning to showcase another fantastic episode with an in-depth interview and analysis of the central figure! Well, the footage is ready. It just needs some final touches.
ONiON: This'll be one for the ages!
She excitedly fiddles with the camera equipment beside her, oblivious to the fact that X is long gone.

The old video player rewinds slowly.
*click*
ONiON: Ladies and gentlemen. Brace yourselves, for you are about to witness—
ONiON: The "Getting to Know You" episode of our Spring Elfin Special!
ONiON: This segment's material was captured purely by accident. Nevertheless, I've decided to use it to conclude our story.
ONiON: But trust me, this wasn't just a spur-of-the-moment decision—oop!
ONiON: Shh, let's keep our voices down.
Not far from the lakeside, Balloon Party, Baby Blue, and ONiON sit on the ground.
The camera, its red light flashing, tilts toward the grass, revealing a figure hidden within.
The child clutching the pot is repeating the same gesture.
La Source: I-I am the Spring Elfin, La Source!
La Source: Delighted to m-meet you!
La Source: Trust me, I can fulfill your wishes! Lots and lots of wishes!
La Source: If you're willing to be friends with me.
*click*
The last of the mist is drawn into Oliver Fog's umbrella, and he closes it up with a flourish.
*click*
A renewed calm is brought to the suitcase.
Oliver Fog: sigh An elfin's mood is more unpredictable than the policies of the London authorities.
Oliver Fog: And wasn't I just as naive as any common voter when I made my wish to her?
Oliver Fog: I suppose, in the end, we can only depend on ourselves and the friends we hold dear.
He shakes his head in resignation.
ONiON: Ah, Mr. Fog, I'm glad you're still here. I'm cooking up a new exclusive interview, and I'd love to have you take part!
Oliver Fog: I'm off duty.
And just like that, the flood is dealt with.
John Titor: ...
John Titor has yet to grasp the trouble that her wish put everyone through.
She simply puts on her earmuffs and retreats into a world of hexadecimal codes.
Perhaps it's best she stays this way—at least until the greatest party ever conceived has been put on.