When you arrived at the Fish Sticks on a Stick store, Rippen, and Larry were already there.

"Y/N!" Larry exclaimed. "Where have you been?" 

You casually strided towards the platform where they were standing. "I had to get my friend home." You shrugged. 

Phil didn't say anything else before turning the lever down, and immediately the three of you were lifted up in the air and was brought up to the portal. A bright light flashed to your eyes until everything went to black. 

You opened your eyes and the world around you had no color. It reminded you of the noir movies you had to forcibly watch with your grandfather. Without another thought, you speculated your outfit that consisted of leather boots, and a dress covered by a long trench coat. This time, your hair was short and curly, that was topped with a hat with a feather boa. Your mask was changed to a different mask, only it was black and lacy. Your lips were splashed with a dark color, but you may have a hint that it's red. Pretty sexy, if you do say so yourself.

You glanced at your co-workers' outfits. You nodded approvingly at Larry's clothing of a typical newspaper boy, suspenders and all, while Rippen donned the fashion sense of a somewhat cliche antagonist, including an extravagant cape. He instinctively asked for the specs from his partner in crime and the latter willingly explained the mission to the three of you. 

Meanwhile, the heroes are composed of Sashi the little girl, who by the way wanted to rip off the freaking skirt off her but it was no use, and Boone was supposedly the Watson to Penn's Sherlock. The two were dressed with the finest of clothing, from the appropriate hat (I forgot what it was called) to the ravishing coats and shoes.

Sashi pressed a button on her glasses and a hologram of details panned out. "Apparently we are a bunch of crime-solvers and on a search for my father who works on a toy store. Our mission is to save the toy-maker before the evil professor takes advantage of him and use him to make robot armies and take over the country."

"Sheesh. Very well, then." Penn adjusted his coat and the bill of his hat before pointing at a random direction. "Let's go, gang."

The other two, knowing very well that their leader doesn't know what he's doing, still followed him. 

///

Larry gave the large bag a big pull towards him. "Here he is, Rip!" He grunted as he struggled to keep the object inside from escaping. "The toy-maker!"

"Good job, Larry." Rippen grinned maniacally. "Let's go back to the lair!"

You helped Larry in carrying the large sack. The man was still thrashing, with his muffled 'Let me go, let me go!' resonating through your ears. 

Rippen groaned in annoyance. "Will you shut him up?!"

You gladly winded back your fist before throwing the punch on the bag, not caring where it'd hit. The man inside coughed in pain before he silenced immediately. The anti-trio began its venture towards the rundown bar filled with various characters. The other two had already went their way to the basement where the lair was supposedly situated. It was a long journey, from the sewers to the actual cement-covered base. It was discrete, yet hot. You and Larry let go of the bag and watched as it fell on the ground, and the man groaned. You pulled on the string until it loosened, and the man eagerly took his head out to finally breathe completely without any restrictions. 

The man was short, probably because he is slouching from working so much, and from the looks of his mustache and glasses, he is wise and and smart. One of the other distinct characteristics he had was his big ears and buck teeth. He also wore a suspenders like Larry, partnered with a red bowtie, but he has no shoes. "What..." he spoke. "Why am I here, what are you doing to do to me?!" He began to panic and stepped back. "Are you going to kill me? What did I do!" He backed himself up to a wall. 

"You have nothing to be afraid of, Remington." 

"H-how did you know m-my name?"

Rippen had his hands behind his back, and approached the old man menacingly. "Word gets around for a toy-maker, you know. There are some things that I want from you, Remington."

"Please," He shakily breathed out. "I have nothing to offer. I am just a simple toy-maker!"

The larger man smirked. "Exactly."

////

"Oh, my God." You exhaled as you found yourself walking back up to the bar. "That looked like a fucking movie. Rippen is so dramatic." You shook your head in disbelief. 

Rippen had given you an order. A pretty lame and annoying order, in fact. Larry was preparing the hot air balloon for your escape, while the leader is guarding Remington who was busy working on the mechanical robots. However, your mission, like any other mission, was having to distract the heroes, especially Sherlock- erm, the red-headed kid. 

Your job was beginning to get lamer and repetitive every time Rippen asks you these commands. Maybe the only thing you are excited about are the outfits the three of you are going to wear. If it involves the three heroes, you are out. 

It's just... something about them makes your skin crawl with annoyance. It's not that you hate them, no. They really like to poke their noses into your schemes. You all just wanted to take over the world with robots, is it that too much to ask?

You shook your head. You had to remind yourself that this is not the real world and you have to pretend that this is not your primary life. The attitudes of work Y/N and real-world Y/N are colliding and this is not what you signed up for. Perhaps you are taking too much time from this world so it's right to pull the plug sometimes.

Before your thoughts could take you elsewhere, you had arrived at the top of the trapdoor and opened it gently, letting the bartender standing on the floorboards to know that you are about to go up. He stepped to the side before hastily helping you up. You dusted the skirt of your dress and adjusted your coat and hat before taking a seat at the front of the tables. The establishment was big but the arrangement of the tables and chairs were so cramped. It was probably because they had to make space for the big stage at the front. 

You lazily lifted a hand up, with your other hand on the side of your face as if you are bored. A lady with an apron tied around her waist had caught your gesture and made her way towards you. "Good evening, miss. What can I get for you?"

"Um..." you hummed casually, but internally you were panicking because you didn't actually know the menu of this weird place. "I-"

"Oh, hey, aren't you the lady friend of Professor R and Mister Larry?"

"Yes-"

"Well, then! I already know your orders. I will be right back, Miss...?"

You couldn't think of any other identity. "Fortune."

"A very lovely name, Miss Fortune. Good evening." She bowed her head before retreating back to the counter. 

You let out a breath you didn't know you were holding. That was slightly close, but luckily the waitress was kind. It was a stark contrast to this dump filled with unpleasant creatures. The scent of alcohol and smoke had filled your lungs and it made you nauseous. You could only focus on the entertaining side for a moment before it could completely make you vomit. 

The piano at the other side of the stage accompanied the opening of curtains, revealing a dark-skinned woman with short, dark hair, who had worn a light glittery nightgown (you didn't know what the color was because the world had no color). Around her neck was a light fluffy scarf, with a feathered hat sitting atop her head.

Sometimes when I
Wanna run away and hide
When there's no one on my side
And all my pride had disappeared

You concluded that she has the most beautiful voice. It was soothing, and calming; it almost makes you want to sleep on the table. But the waitress from earlier came back with a milkshake, so you have to finish the drink first before deciding to sleep peacefully.

I take it off my mind
And leave it all behind
Nothing left to do but try and take the lead and follow through
So that's exactly what I'll do

Amidst the singing with a table bantering over a game of poker, the only sound that stood out for you was the bell by the main door that signals a customer. You turned your head to the right and at the corner of your eye, you caught three newcomers; a little girl, a fat businessman, and a man with a detective costume. From the look of the detective's eyes, you knew that they were the heroes.

I know to you I don't seem very strong
But I assure you before you could find me I'm gone
So come on and catch me, you still got a chance

You stood up before you were thinking, the milkshake half-untouched. You weaved your way through the tables and towards the visitors with a practiced smile on your face.

"Gentlemen, and child," you tipped your head. Your right hand rested comfortably on your left wrist. "Good evening. Right this way, please."

The three followed you until you found a table for five people. You watched as they sat down. The detective, as usual, wore a suspicious look. The little girl was confused with the plenty of characters in the room right now, while the businessman was busily staring at the singing woman.

But not for long
I'll be rolling place to place
Won't stop 'till I win the race
Although I may have crossed the line

"What can I get for you?"

He glanced up at you and you flashed him a sultry look. He seemed to be flustered, as he took time to answer a simple question. The little girl had to call his name to snap him out of his thoughts. "Basil!"

"Oh," the detective sheepishly cleared his throat. "Surprise me, if you will."

You couldn't help but smirk. "Of course, sir Basil." You turned your back at them before walking towards the bar and ordered two mugs of beer and a milkshake which was quickly delivered. You look left and right before reaching inside the pockets of your trenchcoat and retrieving a vile.

You popped it open before pouring a generous amount in the two beer-filled glass. The milkshake was left untouched for the little girl. The vile sure contains something; something that would distract them and give you much more time.

Quickly, you called another waitress and pointed at the tray of drinks. "Give these to the table over there, please. That fine-looking fellow with his big friend and little girl."

The woman nodded, easily carrying the tray and heading to the table. You immediately snuck off to the trapdoor inside the bar, quickly heading back to warn your boss when you didn't notice the Basil fellow staring at your feathered hat as you retreated.

"Aha," Penn celebrated under his breath. Sashi only looked at him in confusion, raising an eyebrow. He only ignored her and was about to drink the beer when he suddenly smelled something wrong.

Penn skillfully wiped the edges of the glass and licked it off his finger. "Mr. Dawson, I believe that the beverage that that cunning woman gave us was—" As he turned his head towards his assistant, it appeared as if he had already downed the whole drink, burping as he did so. "—DRUGGED!"

"Well I say it was a nice, refreshing drink, don't you think?" Boone said before letting out a hiccup.

Olivia, or Sashi was feeling quite uneasy as she carefully pushed the milkshake away from her.

"Jolly good show!" Dawson cheered at the singer.

Eventually, the singer was finished with her song and she exited the stage. It was soon followed by a performance of a large man on its unicycle, juggling whilst carrying his son on his shoulders with the accompany of a piano playing a catchy tune.

People all shouted "Boo!" in unison. Some phrases of "You suck!" and "Get off the stage!" was in a mix as well. Soon, it all escalated from there and from the shouting, turned to brawls and wrestling.

"Hey, hey, hey!" The owner of the whole bar intervened. Some of the waitresses escaped while they can but the others decided to stay and help. The bartender who was supposedly guarding the trapdoor leading to the villain's lair, got himself a baseball to bat to hopefully deescalate the situation (but for all we know he might want to get into the action as well).

Penn tiredly ran a hand down his face as he felt annoyance all over his body. "Mr. Dawson," he groaned. "Come, Olivia." He told Sashi, slightly increasing the volume of his voice because so many people are yelling. "Help me bring Dawson with us and go to that trapdoor that lady go through."

Olivia nodded and off they go, opting to carry Boone's large body. It was a tedious chore to do and pretty risky, but with everybody distracted from the fight no one will surely notice the trespassers.

After they got down the ladders (how they managed to get Dawson down the ladders without falling, we will never know), they began their trek to the sewers. It lead them to multiple openings and passages, but knowing where to go was on Sashi's spectacles so it was easy.

Finally they have reached a different opening, one that was obviously customized to the preferences of one Rippen.

Boone was eventually sobered up. Still sleepy, but was slightly conscious enough to ask questions and talk in whispers. Penn shushed the both of his allies before taking a peek from the corners. He saw a glimpse of a large figure laughing maniacally while his minion encouraged him. The lady he met earlier was standing at the back looking bored, yawning into her palm.

The toy-maker, however, was busy looking trapped in cage.

Penn was buzzing with adrenaline as he exposed himself. "Stop, you fiend!" He pointed at Rippen. "You are under arrest for kidnapping the toy-maker. Release him now or else!"

"Oh, heavens!" Rippen exclaimed. "The Greatest Detective in all of London is here! I'm afraid we are doomed!" His voice was dripped with sarcasm as he placed the back of his hand on his forehead dramatically.

You rolled your eyes but your mouth was inching upwards in a smirk. You idly placed your hands inside your pockets, rocking yourself back and forth on your heels.

"Hopkins," the detective sneered which made you raise an eyebrow at your boss. His last name was Hopkins? Huh. "Surrender now or so help me-"

"Don't worry, Mr. Basil of Baker Street," Rippen spat. "I'm not going to be the one who surrenders tonight. Now, Larry!"

On cue, the minion pulled a large lever, revealing a generous amount of robots a toy-maker could do in 10 hours– which wasn't a lot. Still, it outmatches and outmumbers the three heroes.

"Behold! My silver army!" Hopkins let out a maniacal laugh before he stopped. "Get it? Silver because it's metal?" Of course, he laughed at his own joke. You only yawned in boredom that you almost forgot what the plan was for spacing out in a while.

The robots marched towards the three and managed to capture them, putting them in various traps that will surely restrict them from escaping.

You helped Larry into heaving the toy-maker into the hot air balloon Larry just made. It was noticeably made with efforts, but it looked like it could just be teared apart by the wind minutes later.

Still, you wanted to trust Larry and his craftmanship, hope for the best and wish that you will succeed. The toy-maker was now in binds with his mouth taped and shut. Rippen lights up the thingy and there goes the balloon floating up until it reaches up the air.

Surprisingly at the end there was a rope tied onto a box that was filled with the robots to storm the kingdom and the Queen of England.

"NOOO!" Penn screamed at the top of his lungs, wreathing under the tight handshift cable that was wrapped around their bodies.

Long story short, the heroes ran out of time and Rippen managed to dethrone the Queen and took the crown for himself.

With a celebratory smile on your face, Phil took you back and you safely landed on the platform.

"That was such a long mission," you commented.

"Yeah, but it was fun! Don't you think, Rip?" Larry nudged his boss.

Rippen grinned. "You should see the look of that Queen's face when I took the throne from her! Haha! 2 points for Rippen!"

You narrowed your eyes at him but didn't bother to correct him that the reason he gained the 'points' in the first place was because of your skills both in distracting and attacks. It felt really irritating that they would just disregard your presence just like that.

You shook your head. Not everything is about you, Y/N. Shut up.

You have to remind yourself from time to time that you shouldn't let your personalities from different worlds combine. Y/N from the other dimension is basically a prick, an asshole, a villanous, maniacal woman who strives to have the upper hand. Y/N from the Earth dimension should be the polar opposite of that, but you also want to strive to be the best at everything yet at the same time you're lazy.

"Hey," Rippen snapped you out of your thoughts. You haven't realized that you have been furrowing your eyebrows for a while, must've hurt.

"Yeah?" You answered.

He hesitantly wanted to place his hand on your shoulder but instead he lightly punched your arm. "You did good."

It immediately made you sheepish, fighting off the smile that desperately wants to form on your face. "Thanks. Uh, you too."

Rippen only nodded once before turning around and going to get his bag before actually leaving the building with Larry.

You went to turn around to find out that Phil was nowhere to be seen. You wanted to say goodbye to him. So you let your feet wander to the deeper part of the kitchen, situated behind the counter. He still wasn't there.

You were about to call his name when you suddenly heard his voice. You followed it, leading you to the back door of the kitchen. Your hand slowly reached the knob and thought about opening it. Should you knock first?

Eventually, you've come to the conclusion of opening it. "Phil, I-"

You cut yourself off upon finding out that he's been talking to... a female version of him?

"I'm so sorry, I–"

"Out." Phil pointed back inside.

"Wait." The woman stared at you. You couldn't look at her for more than one second because of her steely gaze. "Name?"

"Y/N..?" You replied meekly. "I'm really sorry, I just wanted to go and say goodbye to Phil. Uh," you glanced at his bored and blank look. "Bye. See you tomorrow."

You nodded at yourself and retreated back inside in a haste, locking the front door for him. You let out a huff from all the sprinting.

"Y/N?"

Your head whipped to the left where you could see Penn approaching you. "Penn."

"What are you doing here so late?"

You didn't even realize the time when you checked your watch. 6pm. You sighed and looked at him with an apologetic smile as you pointed inside the store. "I... had work."

"Oh, well. I just got out. My boss had to– uh, speak with me about... something."

"Where's Sashi and Boone? And why did your boss had to talk to you?" You asked, having the same thought as him to just go walk home together.

"They already left," Penn told you, his hands on his pockets. "And my boss wanted to talk because uh... I'm being sloppy and she says I'm not taking my job seriously."

"She?" You noted. "So it's lady..." You wondered if the woman berating Penn for his job was the same woman you met earlier with Phil. "What do you do on your job again?"

"We... clean the cinema every once in a while, and uh- my boss is trying to fix the cinema so it could be open again."

"Ooh!" It piqued your interest. "Maybe if it reopens, we could go there!"

"Hm?" Penn wasn't sure if he heard it right. But right now all he could hear was his heart beating so fast.

"Yeah! You, me, Sashi, Boone- it'll be fun! Don't you think?"

"Right!" He let out an awkward chuckle as you playfully shook your head at him.

After a while of comfortable silence, with your hands not knowing where to place to make you look chill, you've been thinking what it must've felt to hold his hand while walking.

On the other side, the red-haired teen also thought about holding your hand. His crush for you had been going on for weeks. Although he has already been infatuated by the sight of you, when he got to know you better by opening about your past, there was a moment of trust and he thought that moment was beautiful.

So the question lies; if he ever asks you out on a date, will you say yes?

***

editing!

KimmiePines