Aalto

A bad deal.

Or so it seemed.

One day, Aalto became known for the intel he had on some ancient treasure. From naughty children to old men in their sixties, many wanted to buy that intel from him, but he politely turned down every offer.

"Hey, little one. Better not spend your allowance on this. Let's get you home."

"Sorry, gramps. I don't accept retirement funds."

These people all assumed they didn't offer enough to pique Aalto's interest, but actually, he was simply waiting for the right buyer.

Then, one day, that very buyer finally appeared, cloaked in layers. The man struck the deal with Aalto at a shockingly low price. Others were baffled by Aalto's willingness to accept such a bad offer.

Days later, an electronic display in the New Federation police department office broadcasted the latest news: the long-sought theft ring had finally been caught.

A cloud of mist crept into the police chief's office, obscuring the display.

"Enough TV. It's time to settle our deal."

The chief slammed a folder of files onto the desk, along with a suitcase filled with Credits.

"That's quite a trick you pulled off back there. Tell me, Mr. Aalto, how were you so sure they'd take the bait? Touting valuable intel about the legendary treasure in broad daylight, weren't you worried about catching their suspicion?"

"Don't underestimate cash-chasing gamblers. They'll risk it all, even their lives. Profit is worth any danger to them."

The police chief pushed the files and suitcase towards Aalto.

"Here's your payment, and the list of names you requested. Pleasure doing business."

"Same to you."

Aalto opened the suitcase, took out a single piece of Shell Credit, and flipped it into the air. Before the Credit could touch the ground, he had already transformed into mist, vanishing from sight.

A fair exchange.

Under Aalto's rules.

According to Aalto, every customer is equal. Be it a high-ranking official, an aristocrat, a commoner on city streets, or an Exile shunned by society, they are no different. Aalto never categorizes his customers into ranks — no high and low; no rich and poor. Treating every customer equally has always been his unwavering principle.

Yet, there would always be those who try to test his limit.

"Aalto, right? You're comin' with us."

Aalto sensed the ill intention behind the visitor's approach, but he put on a welcoming smile as usual.

"Aww... Sorry, pal, but that's a no-can-do. This customer right here was in line first."

Suddenly, the other client was shoved aside as the thugs barged in, causing chaos and panic in the crowded room. The other patrons all fled, fearful of injury.

Aalto quickly came to the victim's aid, guiding them to safety with a gentle hand. With a calm demeanor, he righted a toppled chair and casually draped an arm around the agitated thug's shoulder.

"Listen, buddy, everything has its rules. I've got mine written down right here, see? 'First come, first served. No pushing or shoving.' What am I supposed to do with you breaking two rules in one go?"

The thug shook his arm off, "If our boss wants to see someone, he gets what he wants. That's the rule we go by."

Mist obscured the crowd as Aalto's words ended. He swiftly incited chaos, causing the thugs to turn on each other in panic.

"Oops, my bad. I forgot to mention another rule: 'No hustling deals.' Let your boss know not to break any rules next time. Can't do business without them."

With their tails tucked between their legs, the thugs fled, leaving Aalto to return to his usual welcoming smile.

"Alrighty then! Let's pick up where we left off. What was it you wanted to inquire about again, good sir?"

A perfect duo.

That's how they dub themselves.

Whenever Aalto the information broker is brought up, people can't help but think of that little girl with pink ponytails. The two are almost inseparable, and their presence brings a burst of noise wherever they go.

Outside a heavily guarded building, a man in sunglasses leaned casually against the wall, while the little girl next to him used her hands as binoculars to scan the area.

"See the target? The one we're after."

"Yuppers! Target sighted. Encore will get it done real quick, as long as Aalto doesn't drag behind me!"

"Aw. Encore, you broke my heart. My plan is flawle—"

Before he could finish, Encore had already dashed out with Cloudy and Cosmos, leaving Aalto's words hanging in the air.

In the distance, Aalto could see Encore talking to the guard, making big gestures in the air, and occasionally pointing at him.

When Aalto got there, the guard let him in and patted his shoulder. He looked sympathetic.

"Buddy, must be hard raising your daughter alone all these years."

Aalto simply nodded along in silent camaraderie. He took Encore inside the building without encountering any problems.

"Why do people always believe your stories, Aalto? They all sound so fake!"

"You see, my stories are tailor-made for each situation."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"He's a single dad. He'd find that heartbreaking family tale you told super relatable. Also, what do you mean my stories are fake? "

Cloudy and Cosmos jumped onto Encore's shoulders and sang a chorus of "Baa, baa baa."

"Look! The Woolies think they sound super fake, too."

"Well, fake or not, they got the job done just fine. Alright, here comes the real deal. Time to bring out your A game."

"Woolies Adventure time. Let's do this!"

A service free of charge.

At least, that's how Encore saw it.

Aalto is well-known to be a profit-driven broker. Pay enough money and he'd readily provide any information. And so, his potential customers always come with a hefty sum of money prepared.

However, his desired payments can sometimes be unpredictable and bizarre — ranging from a black pearl to a cloud in the sky or even a piece of music.

Some may throw a tantrum over the seemingly ridiculous request, but Aalto would simply show them the door with a polite smile.

"My dear customer, ever heard of the saying 'amiability makes you rich'? You really need to mind your language. Besides, it's just business, not charity. If you can't be bothered with the payment, then I'm afraid we'll just have to do business at another time."

Once, a ragged little boy paced back and forth of Aalto's door for several days.

"Howdy, little man, what's with the long face? Let me guess. Lost your puppy?"

"Wow! You really know everything! So, do you know where Pebbles went?"

"You know, there's no such thing as a free lunch. You want my help, then you'll have to pay up."

The boy shook his head, disappointed,"But I don't have anything on me."

"Well, that's rather unfortunate... Let's see. How about you pay me after I find Pebbles for you?"

Aalto's mist soon spread to every corner. Eventually, he found the lost puppy outside the city and safely brought it back.

Beneath the twinkling night stars, a happy puppy ran to the little boy, wagging its tail in excitement.

As today's story came to an end, Encore couldn't help but ask, "I didn't know you'd help people for free!"

Aalto responded with a smile, idly twirling a small marble in his hand. On its surface was a roughly carved smiley face, reminiscent of a young boy's crafting.

"Welcome to the Black Shores! Would you like to start by watering the flowers, or saving humanity?"

The Black Shores is situated on a remote island. Aside from the regular monsoons, currents, and butterflies, the island is only ever visited by the rising and falling tides. This uncharted area is not found on any world map.

This secretive organization is dedicated to the lofty goals of world salvation: the kind people would only expect to see in tales.

It's no wonder that people often struggle to believe Aalto, a seemingly unserious and elusive figure, is tied to this enigmatic group.

To truly understand Aalto, one needs to see through his enigmatic exterior to uncover the kind and steadfast heart beating within.

He was well aware that his mist alone could never hide the permanent wounds inflicted by the Lament on this planet.

This is why he readily agreed to a long-term cooperation with the Black Shores upon first setting foot on the island through an invitation.

So far, he has provided the Black Shores with a wealth of intelligence and helped them recruit trustworthy candidates to bolster their Think Tank.

He will aid the Black Shores in putting together their plans... Until that person returns.