Meeting The Locals, Part I

This chapter is part of "The Small Town Magic Arc." Links for prior chapters in this storyline can be found here: https://www.theprose.com/post/746871/the-small-town-magic-arc

Once the party finished their drinks, they thanked Raul and exited The Aplonica Coffee Bean & Brew for Tamma's tour of more of Aplonica's hotspots. Per her request, Mitch transformed into his Pirate form, Rick armored up with the use of his dark helmet, and Cerissa and Essie switched their outfits to their mage robes. Tamma hoped that the sight of the hired heroes would bring hope to the town that was being held hostage by Cyclo.

Tamma escorted the group to some of the businesses they drove by earlier to meet the locals that owned them. Their first stop was Eddie's Comic Expo. Rick was especially impressed with the shop's collection of comics and manga, along with a great selection of action figures that represented old and new comic and anime characters.

"Tamma, it's been too long!" Eddie grinned before embracing her. He appeared to be in his mid 30's. "And this must be the Pirate and his crew that are here to rescue us from Cyclo! They should get their own comic series and figures after this all works out!"

"Maybe when all of this is over, they will Eddie!" Tamma replied excitedly. "Just think, we will get our town back right in time for the upcoming convention too. Then any additional profits you get from that weekend will be yours, not Cyclo's!"

"Yeah, but I think I will try to help some of our other friends get back on their feet first." Eddie said warmly. "The influx of visitors from the convention crowd will help, but places like this comic shop will see more benefit than other businesses might."

"You're a good man Eddie." Rick responded. "I for one can't wait to come back and shop here. You have some great stuff!"

"Thank you sir, but your money will be no good here. If you guys free us from that monster though, any of my merch is on the house!"

The group said their goodbyes, then continued to Paula's Pizza Parlor, which Tamma hyped up as the best pizza ever made. Paula was a woman in her mid 60's that had the energy of someone in their 20's.

"Tamma, this is quite the impressive group you've summoned!" Paula exclaimed, embracing everyone else in the group after Tamma. She then gave everyone a free slice of pizza.

"You're right Tamma, this is the best pizza I have ever eaten!" Essie gushed.

"Thank you so much for treating us today Paula." The Pirate said kindly. "We promise to take your town back from Cyclo, and give you back the peaceful life you deserve."

"And thank you in advance for saving us." Paula said with deep gratitude. "When your work is done, please come back for a large pie - my treat of course!"

"Thanks Paula, looking forward to it." Cerissa beamed before they said their goodbyes once again. "Where to next, Tamma?"

"I want to show you the Aplonica Art Park. It is the focal point of not only our town, but also of our plan to defeat Cyclo once and for all."

To be continued....