General World Context

The sun burnt out a millennia ago - leaving everything dark and cold, only illuminated by the moon which now hangs fixed in place. The moon, un-suppressed by the sun, granted wondrous powers/abilities or “Sparks” to the world's inhabitants, heightening people’s abilities and making it easier to survive.

Because of the dark, the cities of the world started centering around light sources, causing them to be spread out and develop their own distinct regional differences. 

A.C.E. C.A.R.D. was able to create a glowing fragment remnant core and, with a vision of C.O.C.A. H.E.A.R.T., founded the city of Ark Light.

C.O.C.A. took on the leading role in the town's development and set up the Capitol the Citadel to oversee the town's growth and well being. She broke the standard necessary rolls into 4 Factions, each with their own focus, leader, and staff:

Hearts: Finance/Revenue and HR 

Diamonds: Defense 

Spades: Legal systems 

Clubs: Resource Acquisitions

Chapter 1: A Fateful Encounter (Synopsis)

Chapter 1: A Fateful Encounter 4/24/25

A quiet moment in the town of Ark Light is interpreted by C.O.C.A.  H.E.A.R.T. yelling from the Capitol- the Citadel- high above. C.O.C.A. is introduced alongside A.C.E. C.A.R.D. as he casually interjects to defend his actions, saying it was ultimately the other boy’s fault for getting hurt because he “got in the way” as the civilian lay knocked unconscious in an infirmary bed in the middle of the room.

C.O.C.A. rhetorically questions him on a deeper explanation of what happened, but as A.C.E. starts to explain to her she cuts him off – saying that she doesn’t, actually, want to know and that she doesn’t have time for this.  She signs and tells him that he is going to have to get himself out of this mess and make up with the Boy on his own without her help to smooth things over on his behalf.  With that she leaves to be on time for her next meeting, leaving A.C.E. Alone sitting on the guest chair by the door with just his thoughts. 

He looks over at the boy who is not that much older than he is and has a flashback memory of the other throwing himself In Front of a frilled lizard shaped Shadow-Stitches energy blast attack. A.C.E. huffs and calls the other recklessly and says that he didn’t need saving. The other boy then stirs with a groan. He rubs his eyes and asks where he is as he is disoriented and tries to wake up. A.C.E. explains that after he got knocked out, he had transported him to a recovery room in the Citadel to rest it off. 

Dicer says he didn't really believe A.C.E. Was who he claimed to be before but now that he’s here he is convinced. Dicer mumbles about his prior behavior to himself but thanks A.C.E. and remarks that he didn’t have to go through all that trouble because he actually lives right near where A.C.E. had found him.

A.C.E. said he wouldn’t have just left him there even if he had known and then asks the boy what his name was.  the Boy replies as he sits up that he goes by Dicer, and he is introduced to the reader. A.C.E. nods and addresses Dicer and asks him what he wants. Dicer is confused by this and asks for clarification. A.C.E. says that he didn’t mean for Dicer to get hurt and should have been more careful and wants to take responsibility, he states that if there is a wish Dicer wanted granted, within his ability, he will get it for him. 

Dicer thinks about this briefly and then boldly states that there isn’t anything that he needs. A.C.E. is taken back by this, and tries again – he offers him money, property, and favors but Dicer turns down all of it saying he doesn’t need any of that and that it’s ok. A.C.E. offers one more time just to be sure and Dicer gets an idea. Dicer then expresses that if A.C.E. could find him a good job that would make him happy. A.C.E. questions this and asks why a job and Dicer cites his mom saying that to be happy, he should find something he enjoys doing to fill his time, but he hasn’t found what that is yet. He justifies that even if his mom didn’t mean a job, that it wouldn’t be a bad place to start. A.C.E., having seen Dicers point of view, agrees and vows that he will find him a good job placement and they shake hands on it.

A.C.E. and Dicer go through a montage of different jobs and Dicer's failure to complete any of them without running into some incident. He is introduced to a baker but sets the oven on fire. He tries to be a librarian but drops all the books loudly as he was carrying too many. He attempts to garden but attracts too much attention from the wildlife who come over to him like some sort of Disney prince and they eat all the newly planted shrubs.

A slightly exasperated A.C.E. asks Dicer what his ability was again, and he replies that he’s Lucky. A.C.E. makes a comment about him not seeming very lucky but Dicer says assuredly that he is, it just works in his best interest. He adds that he’s never been sick, not even once but A.C.E. finds this a weak piece of evidence. A.C.E. shakes his head and apologies for not being able to find him any suitable work today, but that they can try again tomorrow.

A.C.E. goes to head back to the Citadel, but Dicer grabs his arm and asks him if he wants to get dinner together. A.C.E. is surprised by this but declines – stating he has to oversee a monthly group training. Dicer accepts this but asks more about the training and wonders if he can go along too. A.C.E. says that it’s open to everyone, but if he’s talking about dinner he should probably go and get something to eat first. Dicer's tummy rumbles and he embarrassingly says that A.C.E. is right. He lets go of A.C.E. and after getting the event details runs off promising that he will show up. A.C.E. is left feeling that the other boy has a lot of energy as he looks at his wrist where Dicer's hand was.

Chapter end.

Chapter 2: Trial and Error (Synopsis)

Chapter 2: Trial and Error 4/26/25

It’s later that night and Dicer is on the phone with his mom telling her that he is alright, got some dinner, but might be staying out late with a new friend he’s made Even if he’s now running late. His mom asks him to be careful and he promises her he will be as he approaches the port up to the Citadel. He ascends and thinks about how he’s never been there before these events and wonders what it’s like inside. He navigates the lifts on the instructions that A.C.E. gave him and he comes face to face with a large round door. 

The door opens to a large white training room made up of convertible square tiles that have formed and morph into different environments for people to immerse themselves into and many different people are working hard to train their abilities. Dicer walks around observing them as he looks for A.C.E.. 

Dicer finds him in an argument with a bigger older civilian. A.C.E. Is telling the man that he doesn't have to take his advice, but if he wants to go into defensive work he’s going to need more than raw strength. The guy flippantly asks “what does he know” about any of that and A.C.E. Says he knows enough. The man huffs and walks away revealing a young girl (Shade) behind him who hesitantly asks A.C.E. For help with her ability like he had helped her last time. A.C.E. Agrees and the girl runs back to her section. 

A.C.E. Sighs and as he turns around he sees Dicer. He acknowledges the other boy made it and tells him to give him a minute. A.C.E. Follows after the girl and Dicer trailed after him in curiosity. He makes it to her station which is dark and bare except for a single spotlight casting a spotlight on the back wall. She is standing there by the light and signals A.C.E. With a thumbs up which he returns and she puts her hands in front of the light. A.C.E. And Dicer watches as she creates shadow puppet and the silhouette cast tore away from the wall. It morphed and formed into a giant shadow monster. The creature's eyes light up as the girl's eyes glow white too and form starts charging towards A.C.E.

A.C.E. Takes a defensive stance as raises a hand. Small glow lights sprout out of the ground and around their glow the monster starts to wisp away but they do little to stop the shadows rampage. As it comes closer, A.C.E.  Shoots out his hand and he creates a void star. It expands rapidly, creating a shield  but inside of reflecting anything, the monster runs into it. Half of the creature is absorbed, but it shifts forms as the girl's hand signs change. 

The part of the shadow that was not absorbed morphs into a rabbit and jumps off the void as if it is now a solid surface. The rabbit leaps over the top of the void and bounces off several smaller voids on the way down. It runs around A.C.E.s legs before leaping up his back, leaving a tag in his hand before it runs back to the girl. she catches the bunny in her arms and sight returns to one of her eyes as the light in one of the shadows eyes fades out. 

She smiles and laughs as she triumphs and holds up the other end of the tracker. A.C.E. Remarks that the control over smaller creations is still better even if the constitution of the bigger shadows is better then it was last time. Dicer watches from a distance as A.C.E. Offers more advice to the girl and she writes down notes intensely. Diver looks at his own hands wondering about his own ability. He looks up again as A.C.E. Sends the girl to pack up the light from her space and moves back over to him.

Dicer expresses his amazement in the girls spark, but then hesitatingly asks if it’s really ok for them to try to make an ability like hers stronger, and A.C.E, defends the girl by saying that someone who fears her just because of what she’s capable of is more dangerous then she will ever be. He explains that no matter what ability a person has they shouldn't be afraid of it - before it is ultimately an extension of themselves. Dicer takes this statement to heart and watches as the small black shadow rabbit runs through space, up and over A.C.E.s arms and leaps back into space before disappearing as it dissolves in the light revealing the girl waving goodbye to them as the training time comes to an end.

Dicer and A.C.E. Are left alone and A.C.E. starts to move to collapse the workspaces. Dicer asks if he hosts these training sessions often, and A.C.E. Tells him that he oversees the training time once every two weeks and it’s just for people to come get help with their abilities if they need it or just stretch with their sparks in ways they can’t normally. 

Dicer thinks back to the man A.C.E. Was arguing with earlier and asked what type of job that guy was talking about . A.C.E. Says the man was inquiring about working for him, but he turned him down even though that guy had been coming to these training sessions for a while. Dicer perks up and asks him if he was hiring. A.C.E.s replies not really, he will contract people with exceptional talent, but works alone for the most part.  

Dicer tries to mention that A.C.E. Said he would help him find a job, but A.C.E. Counters that even if he said that it doesn’t mean he can just offer a Job to Dicer that he’s not suited for. A.C.E. Then questions if Dicer even knows how to use his ability citing earlier at his failed job applications. Dicer admits he doesn't have any training but insists his ability doesn’t work like that and is more passive. Dicer begs A.C.E. To give him a chance to show him. And A.C.E. Sighs but agrees to humor him.

A.C.E. Pulls out a control pad and hits a few buttons on it and the space transforms into an obstacle course. A.C.E. Gestures to the new area and encourages Dicer to prove himself. Dicer fumbles a bit, asking if he really means right now and with confirmation that A.C.E. Does indeed mean right now, he climbs up the structure.

Dicer displays less than stellar climbing and navigating skills and A.C.E. Does his best not say anything about it. Dicer hangs onto one of the rope nets for dear life and argues loudly that this is not showcasing his skill. A.C.E. Hollers across the field what he thinks would be better then. 

Dicer says to just throw things at him. A.C.E. Is very confused by this but after some insistence from Dicer he turns a dile on the control panel and the room begins to flip as the course collapses into the floor. The room morphs again, leaving Dicer now standing surrounded by launch panels. A.C.E. Questions if this is a good idea but Dicer reassures him that he will be fine. A.C.E. Concedes and turns on launchers. 

They send out projectiles and Dicer dodges them with ease even as they start firing faster. The projectiles launch at greater and greater increasing speeds but even if it’s not elegant, Dicer is somehow still dodging them all much to A.C.E.s surprise. That is until he trips over his untied shoelace, causing him not to be able to get out of the way fast enough for an arrow headed straight for him. 

Dicer is struck square in the chest by the arrow and is knocked to the floor from the impact. A.C.E. Stops the simulation and the room retracts as he kneels to check Dicer over for injuries. He checks the impact spot but Dicer has not sustained any sign he was hit - rather it looks like one of the buttons on his jacket saved Dicer from any harm. A.C.E. Can’t tell if this was coincidence or proof of Dicer's luck he kept claiming but he is intrigued.

Dicer asks as he’s helped up off the floor if he proved himself and if he can be considered for a position now. A.C.E. Snorts a bit at the boldness and reiterates that he works alone but says that if he really is interested in working with him to meet up with him tomorrow. He has a mission he is going on and if Dicer can prove himself useful then A.C.E. Will consider offering him something.

Dicer expresses that he will surely prove himself and leaves excitedly to get a good night's sleep. He waves goodbye as he runs off. A.C.E. Is left standing alone again and shakes his head a bit at the others excitement before turning out the lights of the training room.

Chapter end.

Chapter 3: Gearing Up Shipping Out (Synopsis)

D is for Dinosaurs (part 1) 4/27/25

A.C.E. Is waiting for Dicer to arrive and pulls up a void with a clock in it to check the time. Dicer appears, trotting up to A.C.E. and asks what they are doing today for his trial. A.C.E. Says they are potentially going on a trip but before Dicer can ask any questions A.C.E. Holds up his hand and produces a liability waiver. A.C.E. Explains that where they are going is potentially hazardous and because his colleagues say so, Dicer will have to sign the waiver before getting started (less A.C.E. will be buried in paperwork forever should something happen.)

Diver skims the paperwork, and balks a bit at words like “incase of death and/or dismemberment” he questions A.C.E. on this and he says he can’t assure anything for legal reasons and already got in trouble last night for the training incident. Dicer stares a bit longer at the sheet but ultimately thinks he will be fine probably and signs the paper.  A.C.E. Take the waiver and put it away for safekeeping in a void. He then waves Dicer along to follow him as he heads up to the Citadel.

They get in an elevator and Dicer asks again where they are going and A.C.E. says Ark Light received a request to retrieve a left-behind egg from an abandoned lab in the Ameritol Islands. Dicer says that that sounds like a fun adventure and wonders if a lot of A.C.E.’s job involves finding things. A.C.E. replies that he does sometimes, but he and the other Faction leaders help share the responsibility depending on who is more suited for the situation. He goes on to mention that this would normally be the job of the Clubs Faction, but that seat is currently empty so they try and make do. 

Dicer hints at the job spot availability and A.C.E. tells him nice try but that position is actually filled by a majority faction leader vote. Dicer embarrassingly says he was just joking and changes the subject as to how they will get to the Ameritol Islands for this quest - since he remembers it being pretty far away on the map. A.C.E. replies that they are going to take Airship as the elevator makes a sudden turn and starts traveling horizontally away from the Citadel. Dicer looks out to see they are approaching a separate floating building that he can't say he noticed before. He asks what that building is called to which A.C.E. says it is home to the Citadels R&D department - but is also known as the “Junk Pit” as the doors open to a large instral type room that is filled ceiling high with scrapped metal parts and lit pretty poorly with edison lights. 

They get out of the elevator and Dicer follows A.C.E. though the virtual maze and he wonders how anyone can find anything in there and how much different it is compared to the rest of the Citadel. They eventually reach what seems to be the center of the room where a man with purple hair and a lab coat (Rin)  is having a tea break while a bigger man with wild orange hair (Kalib) toiles away at a workbench. 

Rin spots them and stands up to greet Dicer, mentioning that he is glad to see Dicer is feeling better. Dicer shakes his hand but is questioning this and Rin explains that he's not surprised Dicer doesn't remember him. Through a flashback we see that A.C.E. had brought Dicer to him first when he was knocked out during their first encounter that Rin was the one to get him set up in the infirmary and make sure that he was on the road to recovery. Dicer gets embarrassed and thanks him for his help, but Rin lets him know it’s no trouble since he saw what was going to happen in advance due to his ability Future Site.  

Diver imagines all sorts of cool things he could do with that ability, but Rin laughs him off because he doesn't want that much responsibility and is happy just being a simple scientist and the R in the R&D department. Speaking of - he guesses they are there to see Kalib about a vehicle and goes and snaps the other man out of his creative tunnel vision. The man looks up from his work and greets the two, asking if A.C.E. finally took on a partner. A.C.E. denies, but replies that they are on a trial period right now while Rin just says to give them time as he sports a sly smile. 

A.C.E. tries to get them back on track and explains to Kalib they need to borrow an airship. Kalib says it's not a problem to give him a little time to check it over since it hasn't flown in a while. A.C.E. looks a bit betrayed and questions Rin that if he knew they were coming could he have advocated for the maintenance to have been done in advance and Rin simply replies that Kalib was busy prior and it is useless trying to pull him away from a task once he's “in the flow”. Something about this statement doesn't make sense to A.C.E. and he senses that Rin has an ulterior motive but lets it go with a huff just assuming the man is dodging work again and says he can help Kalib with the vehicle check. 

The four of them head to the far end of the Junk Pit where the piles give way to an air hangar where the airship sits among other larger air crafts of Kalibs making. A.C.E. splits off with Kalib while Rin hangs back to talk to Dicer a bit. 

He asks Dicer a series of easy questions as if he doesn't already know the answers to them all, but Dicer kindly answers them all as he gets distracted looking at the junk piles since he has some time to focus on them. Rin follows the other around as he skirts the mountains of parts and explains to Dicer that the piles over here are for bits and pieces that Kalib collected from who knows where. Dicer however, is fascinated and expresses that he finds a lot of the broken bits cool and interesting. Rin picks up an old style broken coo-coo clock and humors the other by saying that the other is right and that it “IS pretty interesting”. 

Dicer is immediately fascinated with the clock Rin is holding and asks about it, but Rin just says that he hasn't seen many of them and doesn't know about them, but guesses that such a thing can't be fixed - yet he hands it over to Dicer and asks his opinion. 

Dicer gets a concentrated and determined look on his face as he looks at it and then announces he thinks he saw some of the missing parts that go to it in one of the other piles. Diver hands back the clock and starts rooting around in the refuse of parts. After a few minutes and a lot of clanging sounds Dicer re-emerges with his arms filled with odds and ends that Rin can immediately see do NOT go to the clock but says nothing about that. 

Dicer sits on the ground with his amended pile and the clock and starts crudely trying to piece it back together. Rin leans against one of the bigger piles as he watches the boy and winces a little every time Dicer tries to shove a gear in place that Rin could have sworn was entirely too big for the delicate inner workings of coo-coo only for it to somehow fit like a glove. After a bit, and some trial and error on Dicer's part, a big smile broke across his face as he held up the clock triumphantly as it began to tick again. Rin concealed his surprise well and was about to ask a follow up question about it but he was interrupted by Kalib yelling for them to come back over to the airship just as he was about to do so. 

Kalib announced loudly that everything looks good and that the ship is good to go and Dicer and Rin abandon what they are doing to head back to where the other two are. Kalib re-assures everyone that the Ship will make it there and back without any issues but to send Dicer back if there is an issue. A.C.E. nods and asks Dicer if he's ready to go. Dicer confirms he is and the two thank the R&D department for the help and promise to bring them back a souvenir before climbing into the ship.

Rin and Kalib wave them off as the ship takes off and disappears out of sight. The two start making their way back to their previous stations but Rin takes a small detour before catching back up to Kalib. Rin had scooped up the clock Dicer was working on and gives it a once over. He explains on their walk that he did not foresee it ever becoming fixed before asking Kalib to check it out. 

Kalib opens it to find the insides all messed up and states that it’s a miracle that it is running at all and  passes it back to Rin. Kalib supposes that Rin might not have seen it be fixed because it is not really “fixed” at all - and that whatever magic is holding it together won't last. The clock itself seemingly confirms that as one of the gears pops out. 

Rin chuckles a bit and assumes that Kalib is right. He then expresses that it is a nice clock and it would be a waste if it were to stop working now since Dicer had seemed so proud of it. He holds it back out to Kalib and asks if the other could fix it properly for him. 

Kalib remarks that Rin was always the thoughtful one between them two and agrees to fix the clock. As they start moving again Kalib muses that even if it was not  truly fixed, it was nice to see it working again and that it was fortunate that Dicer had focused on it because otherwise it might never have been truly looked at otherwise. 

Rin pauses for a moment realizing something, but simply remarks with a smile that “ it certainty is lucky - very lucky indeed.” before seemingly dropping the matter entirely and suggesting they should get some lunch together.

Chapter end (part 1)

Chapter 6: Luck in Spades (Synopsis)

Luck in Spades (intro to T.O.M.O.)  4/20/25

Dicer is staring at the group emblem one day and notices that the Symbol for the Spades Faction is actually filled in. He questions A.C.E. About this and it is confirmed that the legal department does indeed have a leader, T.O.M.O. D.A.C.H.I.  he has just not met him yet because the faction head has been out working in the field.  Dicer keeps wondering about what kind of person that leader is after he is unable to get any info about the man from A.C.E. Other than: “you’ed know if you had met him” and “you’ll find out for yourself soon enough”.

About a week later, Dicer notices the landing floor lobby is abuzz with activity. People he hasn't seen before are running and shouting, trying to get in order while whispers of “his majesty arrival” fill the halls. A whistle blows from somewhere and the people line up on either side of the entrance in a deep bow. Dicer is standing at the end of the line in curiosity as the doors fly open and in walks T.O.M.O.  With a title announcement and a grand flourish. The man slings off his cape passing it to one of the assistants and he is handed a cup of tea. He takes a sip and looks to criticize it but locks eyes with Dicer before he’s able to do so. 

With a less then pleasant “who the fuck’re you?” T.O.M.O. Hands back the drink and moves to approach Dicer. Dicer explains that he is the newest member to the Diamond Faction to which T.O.M.O. Laughs and expresses his dis-belief, all while saying a few disparaging things about A.C.E. In the process. Dicer is unhappy with the man’s jabs at his friend and questions T.O.M.O. As to what he does and where he’s been.

 T.O.M.O. Proceeds to humor him, stating that he serves as the leading judicial figure for Ark Light - that he is the judge, jury, and executioner of the law and that Dicer better behave well less he gets in trouble. T.O.M.O. Watches Dicers expressions through it all and lights up with a sly expression as an idea strikes him. He talked in a feigned concerned/ mocking tone as he explains that he’s been out doing business inspections and had found a hole-in-the-wall restaurant on the west side that shouldn't even be operating due to the amount of code violations they had. He states that he had to return early in order to start filing the paperwork to shut down the place within three days.

Dicer recognises this shop as one near his home that he frequents on occasion and tries to appeal to T.O.M.O. On their behalf. T.O.M.O. states that the law is the law and 

that he simply does not care about Dicer's personal sentiments. He then taunts Dicer by stating if he wants to try his hand at playing the hero he can but he’s going to need more than luck and doubts that Dicer could make the 3 day deadline of fixing all of the shops issues. 

T.O.M.O. Sneers a bit but says if he can beat the odds,  he will admit Dicer was a good addition to A.C.E.s team, and also that he will be generous - stating that if there is any permit work that needs to be filed that he will get his faction to expedite the paperwork to give Dicer a fighting chance. T.O.M.O. Wraps up his speech by saying he doesn't think it’s worth his time and the Dicer probably wouldn't make it anyway, but would love to see him try.

The conversation is over and with a snap of his fingers,  his faction members follow T.O.M.O. Out  as he leaves for his department's floor.  Dicer is left in the now empty entrance filled with the feeling of loathing and determination. 

Dicer goes to the shop and looks for the owners - he is determined to help but as he takes a look around waiting for them to come to the front he sees just how bad of a shape the place is in - he hasn't noticed it before, but even he can admit that the place couldn't possibly be suitable to continue running as it is. 

The older couple comes down and apologizes to them, saying they got their food license suspended and can not offer him anything. Dicer explains that he heard of their troubles with T.O.M.O. And has come to help. They have their doubts but accept the help in light of Dicers confidence. Dicer reassures them but says they will probably need some extra hands to help and will start getting the word out. 

A montage of Dicer and the couple calling people ensues and members of  the community are seen coming in and out of the shop to lend aid. A checklist of things to do is made and he does his best to communicate and direct people to cover the tasks at hand. Dicer and another boy try to move the stove but it is a mess underneath and a mouse runs out. A tearful Dicer is seen calling some pest control. He is seen scrubbing and deep cleaning and animal control is seen catching the mice for transportation away from the shop and sealing the holes in the wall. They clean the fryers, fix some wiring to keep the food heaters and coolers at the right temperature  and take out the trash. 

At a break on the second day Dicer calls A.C.E. On the phone but it sounds like A.C.E. Is busy in a battle somewhere else as there are clashing and yelling sounds around his leader's normal cool tone. A.C.E. Apologizes and says that he does not think we will be able to make it back in time to help but tells Dicer  it sounds like he has everything handled and that he has faith in him.

Dicer is a bit disappointed but he is undeterred. He wipes his brow and gets back to work. There is another montage of him trying to get the couples permits renewed, repainting the walls, and cleaning out and restocking the fridge and supply closet with the help of some other town people as the owners providing snacks. The place is transformed and looks better than ever before.

The end of the 3 day timeline ends as he puts the finishing touches out and looks at the checklist that has all been completed. He shares the news with the owners but is still worried about the inspection. The couple comfort him, expressing their appreciation for everyone’s support and states that even if they do not pass, that Dicer did all he could and that whichever way it goes they are grateful and that they would always have a meal ready for him. He thanks them for their kindness and the bell rings signally  T.O.M.O.s. Arrival. 

Dicer watches in anticipation as T.O.M.O. Takes his time going around the shop, checking everything, even swiping his gloves on surfaces looking for grease. T.O.M.O. Comes up empty on all accounts. He goes and talks to the owners, telling them if they keep everything maintained they can continue for many years into the future without issue and to not let the place fall into dis-repair again. He stamps their papers with the permission to operate again and the couple promise to keep things up to date. The couple gifts T.O.M.O. And Dicer food as they are leaving and the two walk out with each other.

 T.O.M.O. Pulls Dicer Aside away from the door and gives him a series of backhanded compliments for the work he’s done as well as the advice that he can not possibly save everyone, even if he wanted to, and that Dicer should be more selfish. Before Dicer had a chance to disagree T.O.M.O. Turns and walks away. Dicer grumbles a bit to himself that T.O.M.O. Is wrong and that he will prove it to him one day. He looks at the bag in his hand as a symbol of the fact that he is able to help people, even if it’s in a small way. His phone then buzzes with a text from A.C.E. Saying that he’s done with his mission and will see Dicer when he gets back to the Citadel. Dicer emailed a bit and lights up a bit as he is struck by an idea. He turns around and heads back inside the shop for more food. 

Afterward Dicer meets up with A.C.E. And while they share the take out, vents to him about T.O.M.O.s awful personality and about the adventure he’s had saving the restaurant from T.O.M.O.’s unfair scrutiny. A.C.E. Praises him for a job well done but explains to Dicer that not once had T.O.M.O. Actually shut down a business, and instead had arranged for them to get assistance until they could be brought up to code. Dicer is shocked to realize that he has been duped into community service and, even though he did the right thing and didn't mind having helped the store, vows to be more careful around T.O.M.O. And his manipulations again.

Chapter end. 

Chapter ???: Amaretto

Chapter ???: Amaretto

Originally created May 2024 - Synopsis 5/9/25

A.C.E. is looking far more annoyed than normal this morning as he faces a nervous Dicer. He asks Dicer to walk him though what happened again - as if he didn't hear him the first time - and Dicer bashfully recounts the event.

It turns out that earlier that morning, on the way to meet up with A.C.E. he runs into C.O.C.A. who is poised to knock on his leader's door. She locks eyes with Dicer and smiles, waving him over enthusiastically. She greets him good morning and says that he is just the person she wanted to see (despite being seen trying to get A.C.E.’s attention just moments prior). Dicer responds in kind and asks her what she needs from them. C.O.C.A. sing-songs that she is hosting a surprise pop-up cafe downstairs and just happens to be a few staff short. Turning up the dramatics, she further explains her plight and states that surely he and A.C.E. would be able to lend her a hand. 

Dicer tries to explain that he would have to check with A.C.E. first, but he fumbles his words, giving C.O.C.A. the opportunity to cut him off and loudly declare to the closed door next to them that she is grateful they agreed to help and to report to the cafe as soon as possible. 

From the commotion, A.C.E. opens the door and raises an eyebrow as he assesses the two people outside his door. He starts to ask them what they are doing, but C.O.C.A. interrupts him as well. She quickly thanks him for agreeing to assist and that she expects to see him shortly for his fitting. Before anything else can be uttered, she skips away, leaving the two boys alone in the hall - seemingly run over from the conversation - completing the flashback loop.

—-time skip—-

A.C.E. is seen standing in one of the makeshift backrooms of the cafe as he adjusts his cuffs and asks C.O.C.A. why she needed them (A.C.E. And Dicer) specifically for this event.

She responds as she’s rummaging through a clothing bag that it’s sound logic in that Dicer has a sunny personality that would be perfect for drawing in a crowd and that his luck might help them generate greater than average attendance. She turns back to A.C.E. with a more mischievous smile and says that more importantly, she would not miss this opportunity for anything as she triumphantly holds up a maid outfit ensemble that is puffy enough to obscure most of her. A.C.E. eyes the dress wearily, as he recalls being in this exact situation before and thinking he really shouldn’t be surprised at all (he has an additional side thought to this that he’s glad that the dress is not nearly as short as it could be and is internally grateful for this small blessing).

C.O.C.A. sizes up the others’ reaction to the costume and bargains with him that if he keeps it on for the whole event and doesn’t try to sneak out early, she’ll owe him a “favor” he can trade to have her fix things the next time he inevitably breaks something in town. A.C.E. thinks back to a series of similar deals they had made in the past and quickly agrees to the deal.

—time passes—

A.C.E. is putting on the final pieces of his costume as Dicer comes over to him. Dicer compliments him and A.C.E. sides steps it by asking why Dicer isn't wearing a maid outfit as well. Dicer explains that he was going to, but he was told it wouldn't fit him right because of his height and that he dug these clothes out of the wardrobe C.O.C.A. had brought in. A.C.E. is about to call BS on this but sees that Dicer seems happy enough and that it wasn't worth stressing the other over. A bell rings In the distance, interrupting them and someone shouts that they are opening the cafe. Dicer wishes A.C.E. luck for the day and walks them out to start their shift. 

The day plays out in a series of montages showing the success of the event. The place was constantly packed. A.C.E. is seen expertly delivering treats to customers,and Dicer draws people over and directs them to open seating. There are only two mishaps - one where A.C.E. is confessed to by a zellous customer and Dicer has them leave for “making the staff uncomfortable” and one where T.O.M.O. turns up just to jeer at him and A.C.E. dumps a bucket of water on him from a void to get him to quit it. C.O.C.A. lightly reprimands both of them and assigns them to teardown cleaning duty. They both get a cake break, and the day progresses with other snippets until the event is over and A.C.E. And Dicer are left together to clean up.

A.C.E., now freed from his uniform, is seen using his voids to store the furniture Dicer has finished cleaning the surfaces of, and in the moment of quiet after their busy day, Dicer gets to speak to A.C.E. casually. He remarks on the day and gets around to asking about A.C.E.’s maid outfit. A.C.E. tells him he made a deal with C.O.C.A. and explains a bit about the “favors” they gain from each other and how C.O.C.A, likes to use hers to get A.C.E. to dress up as if he’s a living doll. He huffs, but there is no real heat behind it. He goes on to say that he suspects C.O.C.A. does this in an effort to get him to take a break from his normally busy schedule and as a way for them to bond in a way that makes sense for her. 

Dicer thinks that is really kind of C.O.C.A., despite how busy she is, to keep making sure they have that time together and to look after him in her own way. He says offhandedly that they remind him of siblings. A.C.E. thinks on this as Dicer tells him about his older sister and some of the fun they would have together growing up and about how his younger sister had made him laugh the other week by trying to apply hexes to inanimate objects to no avail. Dicer laughs at the memory as A.C.E. watches him.

He hadn’t ever really thought about it before so explicitly, but A.C.E. sees that C.O.C.A. has acted as a sister to him ever since they met and that she is the closest thing he has to family after all this time. The thought warms his heart as they finalize getting everything put away. Dicer pulls A.C.E. back out of his thoughts by saying that he should come over sometime and meet his sisters, and A.C.E. pauses. He thinks at that moment if this is what it is like to have family and a friend and is surprised a bit to find that he might have both. The thought brings a small smile to his face as he agrees to meet Dicer's family. Dicer hadn’t really expected A.C.E. to agree and lights up at the prospect. As they head back upstairs together, he starts talking about how A.C.E. could come over for dinner later that week while the lights turn out in the cafe. 

Chapter end.

Happy Birthday Messages

A.C.E.

"It's your birthday? Then it's best to celebrate it with the people who care about you. Such moments are fleeting, so enjoy them while you can."

Dicer

"Hey, I heard it was your birthday, so Happy Birthday!! I hope you get everything you wished for and do something fun today! I'll try to have a present waiting for you when you get back, so go have a great time!"

C.O.C.A.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! To celebrate, I've ordered a cake and prepared a song just for you, so I hope you like it!"

T.O.M.O.

"Why should I care if it's YOUR birthday? Hah, you brought cake? Fine then, happy birthday. Here's a coin from me, go get yourself something nice. Haha."

Writers note:

T.O.M.O. should make the reader think they would have been better off not talking to them.

My sister liked A.C.E.s message.