Part 5: Adventure on the Roofs

APPLe: ...
Mr. APPLe's flesh grows paler amidst the loud singing and wobbling fruit baskets.
APPLe: This APPLe's flesh is separating from the core ...
APPLe: Help me ... Captain!
The procession gathers into a surging torrent flowing through the streets.
Colorful banners and ivy-woven cushions are tossed into the sky. The avenue is now packed with floats and partiers wearing masks.
Regulus: Kassandra, Vertin ... We've got to do something!
Regulus: I can't let them turn Mr. APPLe into an offering! Think about how upset my listeners would be!
Regulus: Oi! Lads, make way, please—
Regulus charges headlong into the crowd making a beeline for her first mate.
Regulus: Hang in there. I'm coming for you!
There is a surge of courage and conviction burning in her veins; she'll stop at nothing to protect her crew.
Parading Follower I: Hey, you stepped on my robe. Be careful!
Parading Follower II: Put your hands up, everyone. Just like this! Haha, praise Dionysos!
Vertin: Regulus, be careful. Hold my hand, stick close to me—

The surge of the crowd separates their hands. As the torrent of movement passes, only one remains.
Vertin: R-R-Regulus?
Regulus is nowhere to be seen. In place of her friend's hand there rests a green apple; its aroma tinged with a faint bitterness.
Vertin: ...
Kassandra: Regulus the Reckless—she's a bold one.
Kassandra: But she has yet to master the art of navigating a crowd.
Vertin: Huh?
Kassandra leans over from the rooftop, offering a hand up to Vertin.
Kassandra: Why don't you take a look from up here, Vertin?
Kassandra: As far as I'm concerned, this will be the fastest way to catch up.
Vertin: There's something about you ... it reminds me of her.
Kassandra: Talk later—just grab my hand.
Kassandra: I remember how nervous I was the first time I climbed up along a vine.
Vertin: Are you certain this is a shortcut?
Kassandra: Completely.
Vertin: ...
Kassandra: First, you need to calculate the distance between the two roofs. Make sure you have a proper running start and sufficient height.
Kassandra: Keep your body tight, eyes on your target; focusing on where you land.
Kassandra: Like this—
Kassandra: Let your knees bend slightly as you land, then try to regain your balance.
Kassandra lands effortlessly on the opposite roof.
Vertin: ...
Her eyes scramble across the roof, her legs uneasy as she steps forward.
The distance between the rooftops seems to expand before her eyes.
But she takes a deep breath and steadies herself.
She runs through every step in her mind before she takes them and then—
Kassandra: Watch out!
Vertin: Ugh!
She falls. Arms flailing as they miss their mark, only to be caught just in time by the muscled grip of a misthios.
Vertin: Thank you, Kassandra.
Kassandra: Your instincts are impeccable, but you may need a bit more training.
Kassandra: This may not be the shortcut I imagined for us; let's go another way.
Vertin: Is it ... more dangerous?
Kassandra: No, much safer.
Kassandra's gaze fixes on the protruding bricks before settling on a distant temple.
Kassandra: Relax, Vertin.
Vertin: ...?
A firm hand catches her.
Followed by a gust of wind rushing against her face.
Vertin: I must say, I'm in awe of your skills, Miss Kassandra.
Vertin: But how do we get down from here?
She circles the edges of the roof, searching for any bricks or beams she might climb.
Unfortunately, the craftsmen have built the temple with meticulous care—the walls are so polished and pristine that not even a speck of dust clings to them.
Kassandra: Just hold on.
A gentle breeze brushes against her face.
They jump off the rooftop, feeling the world blur as it rushes up to meet them.
Then, the haystack below swallows them whole.
She emerges from the stack, and after regaining her composure, follows Kassandra as she slinks into the temple.
Vertin: I never quite expected this mode of travel to be so ... thrilling.
Kassandra: I suppose it must be; it's so natural to me now that it feels routine.
Regulus: What?!
Regulus finally arrives at the scene, still gasping for breath.
Regulus: That's a trick and a half! How did you get here before I did?
Kassandra rushes over and covers Regulus's mouth.
Kassandra: Shhh ... We have a situation.