The Potion of Mystery(88C)(COMPLETE)
Jul 1, 2021 22:17:45 GMT
Post by ricochet6-Mandrake on Jul 1, 2021 22:17:45 GMT
MPC Name: A Small Problem
MPC Number: 88C
Reward Requested: Bits
Mandrake and his family were making their way to a town. Mandrake, who usually drove the convertible, was napping in the passenger seat while Lothar was driving. Kshin was quiet as if in deep thought while trying not to disturb Mandrake's nap. While they made their way a familiar mental signature woke the sleeping Mandrake from his nap and caused him to look around. "What is it, Mandrake?" Lothar asked catching the movement out of the corner of his eye but kept his primary focus on the driving in front of him.
Continuing to look around, Mandrake said "I sense LJ nearby and it feels like he is just a bit up the road." Kshin's eyes lit up and the prospect of seeing LJ again and he began to wiggle impatiently in his car seat as if struggling to contain his excitement.
Sure enough just a few minutes up the road was LJ. The Leomon X was sitting on a rock thinking various previous events over. Sure his physical injuries had healed but now not only his magic had reared its head as a formidable monster but something he thought was worse had become a problem. It seemed he had a temper he didn't predict. Currently he still had enough control not to harm those that are considered allies but what if it got worse? What if he had another black out rampage where he harmed an ally or someone close to him? A sigh came from him as he rested his head in one hand as his tail flicked in an agitated state.
Soon the sound of a car caught his attention causing one of his ears to twitch in response as he lifted his head from his hand and soon spotted a familiar white convertible and then to clench it he could see his parents but Lothar was driving the car. As the car came to a stop near him he stood up and, though thrilled to see them, his previous thoughts were still lurking but not as prominent as before.
Mandrake and Lothar climbed out of the car and Kshin wiggled with excitement which Lothar caught sight of. While Lothar walked over to where Kshin was sitting in the car seat, he unbuckled the Dorimon, picked him up, and rested the little one on his shoulder and Mandrake said "LJ, I didn't know you digivolved. What a pleasant surprise."
Then Lothar made it over to them as Mandrake held his arms out and moved in to hug LJ. LJ, as if briefly forgetting his issues, leant down to return the hug and Lothar moved in to hug both of them. Lothar joining them caused LJ to tear up and begin quietly sobbing. Worried but not wanting to force their son to tell them what was wrong they LJ cry it out. After awhile it seemed LJ didn't seem like talking and everyone got back in the car with LJ sitting in the back next to the car seat Kshin was in, Mandrake was in the driver's side, and Lothar was now in the passenger's side. Deciding to talk to their eldest after they settled in the next town, Mandrake started the car and started driving down the road. Kshin, though excited to see LJ, noticed how sad his older brother seemed so he didn't seem to want to risk upsetting his brother.
Soon the family pulled into a town with a pleasant vibe to it seeing various happy digimon going about their business. Mandrake looked around looking for an inn or hotel of some kind and soon found a small inn that would do just fine and best of all the day was still young so they could spend time exploring if they wanted to. After checking in getting two separate rooms one for Mandrake and Lothar and the other for their sons. LJ, who had Kshin on his shoulder, was about to head into their room when Mandrake tugged on his arm as if quietly trying to guide him into his and Lothar's room. LJ went without a fight and silently sat on the bed in the room having a feeling what his parents wanted and when Mandrake asked "LJ, when we picked you up you were distressed. What happened?"
Knowing with Mandrake's telepathy, LJ wasn't likely to get away with lying if either of his dads were the slightest suspicious so he decided to go with the truth. With a sigh, LJ then said "To start with after I digivolved to Leomon X my magic became no longer mostly dormant. I'm sure you can feel it, Dad." When Mandrake nodded LJ took a deep breath before he continued "As a result my magic has been acting up but that is not the problem I'm most worried about. I also have seemed to develop an major issue with controlling my temper where it got to the point of me seeing red and I blanked out. Fortunately I have yet to kill anyone but what if I do?"
Seeing tears trickle down LJ's cheeks Mandrake and Lothar sat on either side of their son and hugged him hoping he would soon calm down. Mandrake didn't know how to help LJ regarding his temper but could help him with magic if his son asked for help. He wouldn't force his help.
Lothar ran one hand through his eldest son's blond mane before he said "LJ, I know how it feels to struggle with a nasty temper. Before I met Mandrake I was far worse than I am today. If not for my father I could of been struggling with the same issue you have today. If you want I can help you out." LJ nodded but otherwise said nothing to either of his parents and Kshin snuggled his cheek in an attempt to help.
After awhile LJ and Kshin went to their room and LJ, feeling emotionally drained, decided to take a nap and Kshin decided to join his older brother in the nap. Later LJ sat up slowly seeing an awake Kshin snuggling him and, though he didn't know why he asked the question at the time. "Why are you not scared of me, Kshin, you heard what I said earlier." LJ said looking legitimately confused.
Kshin craned his head up until his amber eyes met LJ's brown ones before he simply stated "Maybe it's because I know you're a good digimon and isn't a temper something you can control with hard work?"
LJ couldn't help but chuckle before he said "Fair point I guess. Strange that the second person to mention hard work can help me is a kid though."
Kshin cocked his head in response but then as if remembering something, he said "Oh I almost forgot, Mandrake and Lothar went out earlier but plan to meet us at a restaurant near the inn in a couple hours. That means we can look around nearby and maybe do a bit of shopping. That is if you're up for it."
LJ rested his hand on Kshin and said "I guess looking around before getting something to eat won't hurt anything." LJ then hopped out of the bed before picking Kshin up and setting him on the floor. After LJ opened the door Kshin stepped through with LJ following not far behind. With Kshin's separation anxiety it was good to see him showing some independence while having someone near him to give him someone to go to if he felt stressed.
The two brothers made their way out of the hotel and began looking around seeing the area littered with various small shops selling various goods. One shop, however, caught Kshin's interest in particular as it seemed to sell magical things. LJ had to admit to himself that such a shop had even peaked his curiosity but he said nothing as he followed Kshin to the shop lifting the Dorimon off the ground and placing him on his shoulder so he could items on all the shelves.
Behind the counter was a FlameWizardmon whose eyes lit up as he saw the duo enter his store and he said "Welcome! It is surprising to see ones so young in my shop. Usually I only get older magicians."
Something about FlameWizardmon's excited tone made LJ's fur bristle but he decided to be polite. "We're just browsing sir. I don't know anything about this kind of stuff."
"Really?" FlameWizardmon asked before he continued "Seeing as I can sense magic coming from you I thought you may have known a little." He then grinned before scratching his chin turning to a shelf behind the counter.
LJ was mildly annoyed as FlameWizardmon had hit a nerve with his creepily overfriendly tone. Kshin watched but didn't interrupt when LJ replied "I inherited my magical traits from one of my parents but I don't know anything about magical items, sir."
Kshin spoke up then as he said "Maybe Mandrake knows more about such items, he's a Wizardmon that knows cool magical abilities."
"Kshin!" LJ hissed to the Dorimon on his shoulder in a harsh whisper but, other than looking curious, FlameWizardmon didn't say anything to either brother as he reached up taking one of two bottles off a high shelf before bringing it over to LJ and Kshin.
"Excuse me, young ones, perhaps this potion might fascinate your Wizardmon caretaker." he said holding out an unassuming looking blue bottle to the two of them.
"What does it do, mister?" Kshin asked looking fascinated.
"Unfortunately even with my research I haven't been able to figure it out. Maybe your this Wizardmon could figure it out if you boys are interested in purchasing it." FlameWizardmon replied causing LJ to look visibly suspicious.
"What do you think, LJ?" Kshin asked catching LJ's attention before he then said "Maybe if we're careful with it would be fine to not only buy it but bring it to Mandrake."
LJ sighed before he said "You have a point, Kshin. All right sir, we'll take that potion."
A few minutes later the duo left the shop with Kshin still on LJ's shoulder and LJ gently carrying the bottle containing the mysterious potion. Since they didn't know what it did LJ was extra careful as he made his way around other digimon to meet with their parents at the restaurant as planned. Soon they spotted Mandrake and Lothar who waved to them.
As LJ and Kshin approached their parents Mandrake and Lothar saw the bottle and asked "LJ. Kshin. What is with that bottle?"
"Fair question, Dad. We bought it in a shop from a FlameWizardmon who said he didn't know what it did and said maybe you could." LJ explained.
"Is there any form of writing on the bottle anywhere?" Mandrake asked.
Not knowing LJ lifted up the bottle for a better look but it there was some form of writing but it was hard to make out. "There seems to be really old writing but it's hard to make out." LJ replied as he and Kshin squinted at the writing as if trying to make heads or tails of it.
"Can I have a closer look at it boys?" Mandrake asked holding out his hand.
LJ nodded before he gently handed over the mysterious potion to Mandrake. Mandrake then lifted the bottle up so he could see the writing better but before he could attempt to make out the letters he was bumped into from behind causing him to drop the bottle from the sheer surprise. The bottle hit the ground landing between him and Lothar and apparently was damaged as the potion began leaking out of the bottle in gaseous form. Mandrake and Lothar began coughing as the vapors of the potion invaded their lungs.
As LJ looked like he was going to move in an effort to help, Lothar coughed out "LJ, you and Kshin stay right where you are. We don't know what will happen."
LJ stayed where he was and Kshin, who was whimpering from LJ's shoulder, was understandably terrified. Soon the gaseous potion faded and it seemed Mandrake and Lothar were okay. Before either Mandrake and Lothar could say anything though they felt strange as they were somewhat dizzy and their limbs felt numb for a moment, then to the family of four's horror Mandrake and Lothar started to slowly shrink. Soon the shrinking stopped and it left Mandrake and Lothar standing at two feet tall.
"It seems we found out what the potion does. Lucky us." Mandrake said his tone dripping with sarcasm. Mandrake felt something off and he felt uneasy and judging by his stance and bugged out eyes, it wasn't because of being shrunken.
"What is it, Mandrake?" Lothar said resting his hand on his boyfriend's shoulder in an attempt to sooth him.
"T-The potion. It has not only shrunk me. It appears to have affected my telepathy. I can't sense any of you." Mandrake said not only looking but sounding scared.
As Lothar gently pulled Mandrake into a hug, LJ scratched his chin before kneeling down and said "Maybe there is an antidote somewhere. A potion like this has the potential to be dangerous so whoever made it might of made an antidote just incase they were affected by their own potion."
"But, LJ, where would we even find such an antidote it could be anywhere." Kshin whimpered as he was starting to tear up.
LJ lifted Kshin off his shoulder hugging the little one close and rubbing his back before it seemed a lightbulb went off in his head. "Maybe FlameWizardmon might have something he obtained from the same place."
At this point Mandrake was a bit calmer and Lothar had released him only for Mandrake and Lothar to feel funny again like before and they began shrinking again. After the shrinking had stopped the two of them now stood roughly ten inches tall. It seemed the process was incremental but how soon before the next time they shrunk was unknown as well as how much they would shrink.
"LJ gather up the bottle and hold onto it. At the rate Lothar and I are shrinking it probably won't be long until we're short enough to make out the letters." Mandrake said causing Kshin to whimper again. LJ gently shushed his little brother before picking up the bottle the cork that once had sealed it had fallen out when the top of the bottle chipped when it hit the ground. LJ then put the bottle in his bag before kneeling down and allowing his parents to climb onto him and they clung on. LJ gently stood up so they wouldn't fall off and headed back for the shop he and Kshin were at earlier.
By the time LJ made the walk back the way he had come Mandrake and Lothar had shrunken down to four inches tall. LJ walked up to the shop and saw a sign that indicated the owner had moved but though dark the shop still was full of goods. "Looks like this FlameWizardmon just left without bothering to pack. It seems the products don't seem to matter to him." Lothar softly growled in annoyance.
"LJ, place the bottle on the ground. I should be about short enough to get inside the bottle and read the writing." Mandrake said and LJ brought the bottle out and knelt down so his parents could climb carefully down off him. Lothar remained next to the bottle while Mandrake climbed inside. Looking at the paper the writing was on he was fascinated by the fact it was stuck to the inside of the bottle though he figured it made sense seeing as the potion was gaseous in nature. Looking at the writing for a short time he said "Interesting. This writing is Sumerian and all FlameWizardmon would have needed was a simple magnifying glass to read it at normal height."
"Does it mention an antidote to this potion, Mandrake?" Lothar asked as Mandrake climbed out of the bottle.
"The only mention of an antidote is that it was made alongside this one so it is possible the store has the antidote inside. A green bottle was mentioned. Oh one more thing if we don't find the antidote we will shrink into nothing." Mandrake said his words regarding shrinking into nothing striking everyone else speechless for a few moments before LJ moved over to the door to the shop before karate kicking it off its hinges. So much for the lock since LJ figured they had no time for subtlety. He then knelt down allowing his parents to climb into his free hand.
"I saw FlameWizardmon bring us the potion from a high shelf behind the counter. Maybe there is a green bottle near there but just incase I can start checking the lower shelves." Kshin said trying to keep his calm despite his worry. Maybe this crisis was making the youngster forget about his separation anxiety but he seemed determined.
"Are you sure, Kshin?" LJ asked and at Kshin's nod he then asked "What about your separation anxiety?"
"This isn't about me. Mandrake and Lothar are in trouble and need all the help they can get." Kshin said making everyone else smile and LJ set him on the floor. Kshin then took a deep breath before scuttling out of sight.
LJ walked behind the counter with Mandrake and Lothar in his hand while looking at the high shelves seeing a green bottle very similar to the blue bottle they had. Carefully lifting his hand until his parents could climb on the shelf he watched Mandrake approach the bottle and, since he couldn't climb in the bottle with it being closed, he squinted carefully making sure he read the paper that curiously was also inside the bottle. It was also in Sumerian and sure enough was the antidote. "Uh, Mandrake.." Lothar said as he and Mandrake had started shrinking again. Now they were just shy of an inch tall.
"LJ, get the bottle and get us to the counter and open the bottle aiming it at us before fetching Kshin." Mandrake said and LJ did as he was told setting them on the counter before aiming the bottle at them and opening it while setting it sideways on the counter near his parents. As the gas from the bottle flowed onto his parents he went to find Kshin finding the young one looking at various shelves. He scooped up Kshin catching the Dorimon up on everything and by the time he carried Kshin back to their parents, Mandrake and Lothar were back to their normal heights of four feet and eight feet respectively. Not only that Mandrake let out a sigh of relief before he said "My telepathic abilities have returned. Thank goodness."
With everything normal the family left the shop and headed to the restaurant they planned to eat at before heading back to the inn to rest. The next day LJ left and Mandrake, Lothar, and Kshin got in the car and headed off. It seemed for the time being LJ was trying to handle his issues alone but at least knew his family would help him if he wanted their help.
Word Count: 3214
MPC Number: 88C
Reward Requested: Bits
Mandrake and his family were making their way to a town. Mandrake, who usually drove the convertible, was napping in the passenger seat while Lothar was driving. Kshin was quiet as if in deep thought while trying not to disturb Mandrake's nap. While they made their way a familiar mental signature woke the sleeping Mandrake from his nap and caused him to look around. "What is it, Mandrake?" Lothar asked catching the movement out of the corner of his eye but kept his primary focus on the driving in front of him.
Continuing to look around, Mandrake said "I sense LJ nearby and it feels like he is just a bit up the road." Kshin's eyes lit up and the prospect of seeing LJ again and he began to wiggle impatiently in his car seat as if struggling to contain his excitement.
Sure enough just a few minutes up the road was LJ. The Leomon X was sitting on a rock thinking various previous events over. Sure his physical injuries had healed but now not only his magic had reared its head as a formidable monster but something he thought was worse had become a problem. It seemed he had a temper he didn't predict. Currently he still had enough control not to harm those that are considered allies but what if it got worse? What if he had another black out rampage where he harmed an ally or someone close to him? A sigh came from him as he rested his head in one hand as his tail flicked in an agitated state.
Soon the sound of a car caught his attention causing one of his ears to twitch in response as he lifted his head from his hand and soon spotted a familiar white convertible and then to clench it he could see his parents but Lothar was driving the car. As the car came to a stop near him he stood up and, though thrilled to see them, his previous thoughts were still lurking but not as prominent as before.
Mandrake and Lothar climbed out of the car and Kshin wiggled with excitement which Lothar caught sight of. While Lothar walked over to where Kshin was sitting in the car seat, he unbuckled the Dorimon, picked him up, and rested the little one on his shoulder and Mandrake said "LJ, I didn't know you digivolved. What a pleasant surprise."
Then Lothar made it over to them as Mandrake held his arms out and moved in to hug LJ. LJ, as if briefly forgetting his issues, leant down to return the hug and Lothar moved in to hug both of them. Lothar joining them caused LJ to tear up and begin quietly sobbing. Worried but not wanting to force their son to tell them what was wrong they LJ cry it out. After awhile it seemed LJ didn't seem like talking and everyone got back in the car with LJ sitting in the back next to the car seat Kshin was in, Mandrake was in the driver's side, and Lothar was now in the passenger's side. Deciding to talk to their eldest after they settled in the next town, Mandrake started the car and started driving down the road. Kshin, though excited to see LJ, noticed how sad his older brother seemed so he didn't seem to want to risk upsetting his brother.
Soon the family pulled into a town with a pleasant vibe to it seeing various happy digimon going about their business. Mandrake looked around looking for an inn or hotel of some kind and soon found a small inn that would do just fine and best of all the day was still young so they could spend time exploring if they wanted to. After checking in getting two separate rooms one for Mandrake and Lothar and the other for their sons. LJ, who had Kshin on his shoulder, was about to head into their room when Mandrake tugged on his arm as if quietly trying to guide him into his and Lothar's room. LJ went without a fight and silently sat on the bed in the room having a feeling what his parents wanted and when Mandrake asked "LJ, when we picked you up you were distressed. What happened?"
Knowing with Mandrake's telepathy, LJ wasn't likely to get away with lying if either of his dads were the slightest suspicious so he decided to go with the truth. With a sigh, LJ then said "To start with after I digivolved to Leomon X my magic became no longer mostly dormant. I'm sure you can feel it, Dad." When Mandrake nodded LJ took a deep breath before he continued "As a result my magic has been acting up but that is not the problem I'm most worried about. I also have seemed to develop an major issue with controlling my temper where it got to the point of me seeing red and I blanked out. Fortunately I have yet to kill anyone but what if I do?"
Seeing tears trickle down LJ's cheeks Mandrake and Lothar sat on either side of their son and hugged him hoping he would soon calm down. Mandrake didn't know how to help LJ regarding his temper but could help him with magic if his son asked for help. He wouldn't force his help.
Lothar ran one hand through his eldest son's blond mane before he said "LJ, I know how it feels to struggle with a nasty temper. Before I met Mandrake I was far worse than I am today. If not for my father I could of been struggling with the same issue you have today. If you want I can help you out." LJ nodded but otherwise said nothing to either of his parents and Kshin snuggled his cheek in an attempt to help.
After awhile LJ and Kshin went to their room and LJ, feeling emotionally drained, decided to take a nap and Kshin decided to join his older brother in the nap. Later LJ sat up slowly seeing an awake Kshin snuggling him and, though he didn't know why he asked the question at the time. "Why are you not scared of me, Kshin, you heard what I said earlier." LJ said looking legitimately confused.
Kshin craned his head up until his amber eyes met LJ's brown ones before he simply stated "Maybe it's because I know you're a good digimon and isn't a temper something you can control with hard work?"
LJ couldn't help but chuckle before he said "Fair point I guess. Strange that the second person to mention hard work can help me is a kid though."
Kshin cocked his head in response but then as if remembering something, he said "Oh I almost forgot, Mandrake and Lothar went out earlier but plan to meet us at a restaurant near the inn in a couple hours. That means we can look around nearby and maybe do a bit of shopping. That is if you're up for it."
LJ rested his hand on Kshin and said "I guess looking around before getting something to eat won't hurt anything." LJ then hopped out of the bed before picking Kshin up and setting him on the floor. After LJ opened the door Kshin stepped through with LJ following not far behind. With Kshin's separation anxiety it was good to see him showing some independence while having someone near him to give him someone to go to if he felt stressed.
The two brothers made their way out of the hotel and began looking around seeing the area littered with various small shops selling various goods. One shop, however, caught Kshin's interest in particular as it seemed to sell magical things. LJ had to admit to himself that such a shop had even peaked his curiosity but he said nothing as he followed Kshin to the shop lifting the Dorimon off the ground and placing him on his shoulder so he could items on all the shelves.
Behind the counter was a FlameWizardmon whose eyes lit up as he saw the duo enter his store and he said "Welcome! It is surprising to see ones so young in my shop. Usually I only get older magicians."
Something about FlameWizardmon's excited tone made LJ's fur bristle but he decided to be polite. "We're just browsing sir. I don't know anything about this kind of stuff."
"Really?" FlameWizardmon asked before he continued "Seeing as I can sense magic coming from you I thought you may have known a little." He then grinned before scratching his chin turning to a shelf behind the counter.
LJ was mildly annoyed as FlameWizardmon had hit a nerve with his creepily overfriendly tone. Kshin watched but didn't interrupt when LJ replied "I inherited my magical traits from one of my parents but I don't know anything about magical items, sir."
Kshin spoke up then as he said "Maybe Mandrake knows more about such items, he's a Wizardmon that knows cool magical abilities."
"Kshin!" LJ hissed to the Dorimon on his shoulder in a harsh whisper but, other than looking curious, FlameWizardmon didn't say anything to either brother as he reached up taking one of two bottles off a high shelf before bringing it over to LJ and Kshin.
"Excuse me, young ones, perhaps this potion might fascinate your Wizardmon caretaker." he said holding out an unassuming looking blue bottle to the two of them.
"What does it do, mister?" Kshin asked looking fascinated.
"Unfortunately even with my research I haven't been able to figure it out. Maybe your this Wizardmon could figure it out if you boys are interested in purchasing it." FlameWizardmon replied causing LJ to look visibly suspicious.
"What do you think, LJ?" Kshin asked catching LJ's attention before he then said "Maybe if we're careful with it would be fine to not only buy it but bring it to Mandrake."
LJ sighed before he said "You have a point, Kshin. All right sir, we'll take that potion."
A few minutes later the duo left the shop with Kshin still on LJ's shoulder and LJ gently carrying the bottle containing the mysterious potion. Since they didn't know what it did LJ was extra careful as he made his way around other digimon to meet with their parents at the restaurant as planned. Soon they spotted Mandrake and Lothar who waved to them.
As LJ and Kshin approached their parents Mandrake and Lothar saw the bottle and asked "LJ. Kshin. What is with that bottle?"
"Fair question, Dad. We bought it in a shop from a FlameWizardmon who said he didn't know what it did and said maybe you could." LJ explained.
"Is there any form of writing on the bottle anywhere?" Mandrake asked.
Not knowing LJ lifted up the bottle for a better look but it there was some form of writing but it was hard to make out. "There seems to be really old writing but it's hard to make out." LJ replied as he and Kshin squinted at the writing as if trying to make heads or tails of it.
"Can I have a closer look at it boys?" Mandrake asked holding out his hand.
LJ nodded before he gently handed over the mysterious potion to Mandrake. Mandrake then lifted the bottle up so he could see the writing better but before he could attempt to make out the letters he was bumped into from behind causing him to drop the bottle from the sheer surprise. The bottle hit the ground landing between him and Lothar and apparently was damaged as the potion began leaking out of the bottle in gaseous form. Mandrake and Lothar began coughing as the vapors of the potion invaded their lungs.
As LJ looked like he was going to move in an effort to help, Lothar coughed out "LJ, you and Kshin stay right where you are. We don't know what will happen."
LJ stayed where he was and Kshin, who was whimpering from LJ's shoulder, was understandably terrified. Soon the gaseous potion faded and it seemed Mandrake and Lothar were okay. Before either Mandrake and Lothar could say anything though they felt strange as they were somewhat dizzy and their limbs felt numb for a moment, then to the family of four's horror Mandrake and Lothar started to slowly shrink. Soon the shrinking stopped and it left Mandrake and Lothar standing at two feet tall.
"It seems we found out what the potion does. Lucky us." Mandrake said his tone dripping with sarcasm. Mandrake felt something off and he felt uneasy and judging by his stance and bugged out eyes, it wasn't because of being shrunken.
"What is it, Mandrake?" Lothar said resting his hand on his boyfriend's shoulder in an attempt to sooth him.
"T-The potion. It has not only shrunk me. It appears to have affected my telepathy. I can't sense any of you." Mandrake said not only looking but sounding scared.
As Lothar gently pulled Mandrake into a hug, LJ scratched his chin before kneeling down and said "Maybe there is an antidote somewhere. A potion like this has the potential to be dangerous so whoever made it might of made an antidote just incase they were affected by their own potion."
"But, LJ, where would we even find such an antidote it could be anywhere." Kshin whimpered as he was starting to tear up.
LJ lifted Kshin off his shoulder hugging the little one close and rubbing his back before it seemed a lightbulb went off in his head. "Maybe FlameWizardmon might have something he obtained from the same place."
At this point Mandrake was a bit calmer and Lothar had released him only for Mandrake and Lothar to feel funny again like before and they began shrinking again. After the shrinking had stopped the two of them now stood roughly ten inches tall. It seemed the process was incremental but how soon before the next time they shrunk was unknown as well as how much they would shrink.
"LJ gather up the bottle and hold onto it. At the rate Lothar and I are shrinking it probably won't be long until we're short enough to make out the letters." Mandrake said causing Kshin to whimper again. LJ gently shushed his little brother before picking up the bottle the cork that once had sealed it had fallen out when the top of the bottle chipped when it hit the ground. LJ then put the bottle in his bag before kneeling down and allowing his parents to climb onto him and they clung on. LJ gently stood up so they wouldn't fall off and headed back for the shop he and Kshin were at earlier.
By the time LJ made the walk back the way he had come Mandrake and Lothar had shrunken down to four inches tall. LJ walked up to the shop and saw a sign that indicated the owner had moved but though dark the shop still was full of goods. "Looks like this FlameWizardmon just left without bothering to pack. It seems the products don't seem to matter to him." Lothar softly growled in annoyance.
"LJ, place the bottle on the ground. I should be about short enough to get inside the bottle and read the writing." Mandrake said and LJ brought the bottle out and knelt down so his parents could climb carefully down off him. Lothar remained next to the bottle while Mandrake climbed inside. Looking at the paper the writing was on he was fascinated by the fact it was stuck to the inside of the bottle though he figured it made sense seeing as the potion was gaseous in nature. Looking at the writing for a short time he said "Interesting. This writing is Sumerian and all FlameWizardmon would have needed was a simple magnifying glass to read it at normal height."
"Does it mention an antidote to this potion, Mandrake?" Lothar asked as Mandrake climbed out of the bottle.
"The only mention of an antidote is that it was made alongside this one so it is possible the store has the antidote inside. A green bottle was mentioned. Oh one more thing if we don't find the antidote we will shrink into nothing." Mandrake said his words regarding shrinking into nothing striking everyone else speechless for a few moments before LJ moved over to the door to the shop before karate kicking it off its hinges. So much for the lock since LJ figured they had no time for subtlety. He then knelt down allowing his parents to climb into his free hand.
"I saw FlameWizardmon bring us the potion from a high shelf behind the counter. Maybe there is a green bottle near there but just incase I can start checking the lower shelves." Kshin said trying to keep his calm despite his worry. Maybe this crisis was making the youngster forget about his separation anxiety but he seemed determined.
"Are you sure, Kshin?" LJ asked and at Kshin's nod he then asked "What about your separation anxiety?"
"This isn't about me. Mandrake and Lothar are in trouble and need all the help they can get." Kshin said making everyone else smile and LJ set him on the floor. Kshin then took a deep breath before scuttling out of sight.
LJ walked behind the counter with Mandrake and Lothar in his hand while looking at the high shelves seeing a green bottle very similar to the blue bottle they had. Carefully lifting his hand until his parents could climb on the shelf he watched Mandrake approach the bottle and, since he couldn't climb in the bottle with it being closed, he squinted carefully making sure he read the paper that curiously was also inside the bottle. It was also in Sumerian and sure enough was the antidote. "Uh, Mandrake.." Lothar said as he and Mandrake had started shrinking again. Now they were just shy of an inch tall.
"LJ, get the bottle and get us to the counter and open the bottle aiming it at us before fetching Kshin." Mandrake said and LJ did as he was told setting them on the counter before aiming the bottle at them and opening it while setting it sideways on the counter near his parents. As the gas from the bottle flowed onto his parents he went to find Kshin finding the young one looking at various shelves. He scooped up Kshin catching the Dorimon up on everything and by the time he carried Kshin back to their parents, Mandrake and Lothar were back to their normal heights of four feet and eight feet respectively. Not only that Mandrake let out a sigh of relief before he said "My telepathic abilities have returned. Thank goodness."
With everything normal the family left the shop and headed to the restaurant they planned to eat at before heading back to the inn to rest. The next day LJ left and Mandrake, Lothar, and Kshin got in the car and headed off. It seemed for the time being LJ was trying to handle his issues alone but at least knew his family would help him if he wanted their help.
Word Count: 3214
