─────────୨ৎ─────────── Get to the elevator!

Another day, another extraction mission. Everyone rushed into the elevator, the distractor holding the Twisteds at bay just long enough for the rest of the team to pile in. At the last second, a shimmer of light flashed—Glisten teleported in behind Boxten using his reflection ability. “Miss me? I know ya did!” he declared confidently.

Boxten yelped, jumping at the sudden appearance. Glisten, however, immediately stumbled, bumping shoulder-first into the elevator wall as the disorientation hit him. He paused for half a second, steadying himself.

…No one noticed. At least, he thought they didn’t.

The massive elevator doors slammed shut, sealing them inside as the lift began its descent toward Floor 26. Only two more floors to go. After that, they’d finally be done for the day. Moments later, Dandy’s little elevator shop slid open, displaying items meant to help with the upcoming floors. The Toons who’d participated in the run began chatting amongst themselves, their voices filling the confined space.

Glisten, on the other hand, turned his attention inward.

He straightened his posture and began tidying himself—adjusting his oversized pink bow, smoothing the golden edges of his frame, and fixing any stray scuffs on his polished surface. Appearances mattered. They always mattered. Once satisfied, he lifted his hands to inspect his painted nails, tilting them just enough to catch the light. “These missions are extremely boring,” he scoffed aloud. “Irritating, honestly.” No one in particular was being addressed—but he spoke as if someone surely should be listening. With a dramatic sigh, Glisten let his arm fall to his side. “If only we could never do this again,” he muttered, his tone wistful yet theatrical, lingering just long enough for attention he hoped would come.

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