B.E.A.N.S.L.A.Y.E.R.S.

The next few moments were silence as everyone collected themselves.

“Is it over?” Juniper asked.

“I think so,” Aria rasped. She got to her feet and immediately stumbled. Fleur caught her, and led her away from the glass-covered corner. Blood smeared on the woman's hands. “Sorry,” Aria murmured.

“Do not worry about it,” Fleur said gently. Her long fingers plucked more shards from places Aria couldn't reach. With each one, the pain eased and the fog lifted.

Juniper shuffled over, her eyes flitting between Aria's wounds and Adagio's prone form. “Holy shit,” she whispered.

“Indeed.” Fancy's eyes were full of concern as he fitted his cane back together. “My years in military school gave me all the skills I needed today. But I confess to having no clue how you survived, Miss Aria.”

Aria chuckled. “You should see the other guy.” Then she grit her teeth and hissed, as Fleur pulled a big chunk out of her calf.

“Jokes aside, I-” Fancy hesitated. “I feel there is much you aren't telling us. Perhaps it would be better if we didn't know,” he mused.

“Yes,” Juniper said without hesitating. “You really do not want the details.”

“She's right.” Aria nudged Fleur away. There was only one more spot that was bothering her, and she could pull that shard out herself. She made sure to throw it at Adagio after. “Knowing would just stress you out,” she continued. “Better to wash your hands of this.”

Fancy and Fleur looked at one another. “Okay,” the young woman said. “But what should we actually do?”

“Leave,” Juniper suggested, at the same time Aria declared, “Call the police.”

“Leave, then call the police,” Aria decided. “I don't like it, but we have to give them a chance to escape.”

“Excuse you?” Fancy looked outraged.

Aria held up her hands. “Juniper and I can't have them blabbing about the museum. And besides that, it would be better if the police weren't looking for those.” Aria pointed at the Beans, still in Juniper's hands. “Any more than they already are.”

Juniper held the artifacts up. “A.K. and the rest of these dinks actually believed that the Beans could start Armageddon. I don't wanna take the chance they're right. Do you?”

Fancy huffed, but shook his head. “I suppose that means you want to keep that necklace?”

Aria shrugged. “Want is a strong word, but yeah.”

“Fine. It's caused me enough trouble. And we'll escort you out before calling law enforcement.” Fancy motioned to Fleur. “Come along, dear.”

The three of them fell into step behind the mayor, following him down the hallway. Closing the door on the carnage behind them. Juniper went first, then Aria. Fleur brought up the rear.

Aria drew alongside her friend. “How are you?” she asked.

Juniper gave her a somewhat exasperated look. The kind that said, How do you think I am, dumbass? “Just peachy. You?”

“I'm serious.” Aria reached out and latched onto Juniper's arm, bringing her closer. “I've had thousands of years to learn how to process traumatizing shit. Also I'm immortal. So, you know. Talk.”

Juniper was silent for a minute. Then she took a deep breath. “Honestly? I don't think I've started processing any of today yet. I'm still running on adrenaline. I mean, I had a gun pointed at me. Twice. No wait. Thrice!” Juniper laughed, but it was a shrill laugh. “How do I even process that? I can't process that,” she said, “Not right now. So thanks, but I think I'll be waiting until tomorrow for the therapy.” She exhaled.

Aria waited a moment. She was processing, herself. It had been a long day. “All right,” she said finally. “Take your time. Just make sure to actually get whatever help you need. I- I'm here. For you. With you. Beside you,” she finished awkwardly.

“Thanks,” Juniper said again, but more sincerely. “One thing's for sure, I'll be sticking to fictional adventures from now on. And speaking of? All this business with magic beans is finally giving me ideas. I need a minute to think. Okay?”

“Sure.” Aria fell back, listening to Juniper mutter something about, 'By their powers combined...'

After another few minutes, Fleur stepped closer.

“So...” she ventured. “What exactly do you intend to do with those... Beans.”

Aria hesitated. “I- I don't want to say too much. The fewer people who know where they are, the better.”

Fleur pursed her lips. “That is wise, I suppose.” She patted absently at her hair curls. “But you at least have a plan?”

Before Aria could respond, her eyes were flooded by light as the group emerged into the main atrium. The evening sun was streaming through the massive windows, bathing everything a soft golden glow tinged with warm green. Seeing natural light was incredibly calming, after everything.

They stopped in front of the doors. This would be, more than likely, the last time the four of them were close to equals in any capacity.

Aria was frankly glad of it.

“We'll call the police once you've left the property,” Fancy said. “With any luck, our adversaries should have enough time to rouse themselves and find an alternative exit before they get here.”

“Great!” Juniper bobbed her head. “And as for these-” she patted the pocket with the Beans in it. “They have to be kept safe.”

“And there's really only one place in this city you can trust to guard beans,” Aria grunted.

Fancy nodded, the fire returning to his eyes for just a moment. “Very true. That building may be an eyesore on downtown, but it has the best security money can buy. I should know- my office had to approve it.

“Yes,” Fancy chuckled. “I'd like to see those bumbling fools break into Beanis Headquarters!”