Park Jinyoung approached the ornate podium, and stood before a crowd of hundreds, all murmuring softly to themselves, creating a dull roar in one of the open reading too of the JYP Library. He held up his hand and a wave of silence crested across the expanse of the crowd. 

I could feel the excitement and nervousness emanating from Mina as she held my hand. I sat next to her on the large stage, along with Suzy sitting next to her. She looked absolutely gorgeous today. Her eyes shined a brilliantly deep purple with flecks of silver dancing across her irises. 

Today was her day. 

"Good day, everyone. Welcome to the JYP Library, and thank you for joining us all on this very special day. I see some old faces, as well as new, and I am so honored to have you all here to bear witness to this ceremony. Today we will be honoring a tradition that has been around since the creation of this Library, many years ago. In fact, I remember when I still ran this place. But when I decided to take my leave I passed the baton to the ever capable and talented Suzy. She has been instrumental to the flourishing of the library up until now. Even amid the tragedies that took place 2 years ago, the sanctity of this place was kept in tact. And of course not simply because of Suzy alone, but as well due to the aid and prowess of her chosen assistant, Myoui Mina. In fact, the coming together of all our companies as a whole, back then, has been incredibly beneficial for this place. When I created this sanctum, I set out not to just make a place for my idols to be given their abilities, and train. I wanted this place to be a haven for all idols, across the entire industry to take refuge here and seek knowledge. Our industry, despite many of us being employed at different agencies, is an inclusive one. That's the ideal I've always hoped to achieve with this place. For all idols, from all groups, and all companies to come together and collaborate, and expand their minds. And I would like to think I have achieved that ideal, wouldn't you agree?" JYP boomed with boisterous Excitement.

The crowd swelled with roars and cheers of affirmation at his words. It was true. This library was so much more than just the sanctum for JYP idols. It was truly a magnificent and endless paradise of Knowledge and collaboration. I'd made many friends here, and not just that were in my company. I'd befriended many of the idols from SM, like Sooyoung, Taeyeon, Tiffany, Seulgi, Irene, Malik, Jonghyun, Minho, and many others. I'd even begun to forge friendships with Jennie, Lisa, Rosé and Jisoo of Blackpink, and AKMU. But it didn't stop with just collaborations and intermingling of the 'Big Three' companies either. In fact many other companies frequented the Library. My members and myself had actually grown quite close with GFriend, as well as the members of IOI prior to their disbandment. We still kept in touch with some of them in their new groups, such as PRISTIN, WJSN, etc. I'd actually gotten close to EXID, and Mamamoo recently as well. But I digress. JYP was right about this place. Even though this place had taken my best friend from me, it still meant the world to me, all the same. And it wasn't the library's fault after all.

"But. Due to the events of 2 years ago, when Suzy gave her life to save her Assistant, and was given the ability to come back to this world when she was regenerated, she has taken the time to think over her life, and what she wishes to do with it. And that thought process is not one she can easily ruminate on when she still resides over this place as the Head Librarian. Which is why we are all here today. To pass the baton once more, and bestow upon another brave and headstrong idol the secrets and authority to be at the helm of this great institution. Suzy. The floor is yours." JYP finished, as he backed away from the podium, and motioned to the microphone with his hands, beckoning Suzy forth.

She stood up and bowed to him, which he reciprocated, as she walked up to the podium. Rich and clamoring applause rang out as she took to the center stage. Her eyes were already misting, and her smile was bright. Suzy and I had not always seen eye to eye, especially during the events of two years ago, but since she had been brought back to life, she seemed to have truly changed. 

"Hello everyone. Thank you all for being here today. I know how difficult it is for so many of us to be able to be together given our line of work. Both sides of it." She chuckled, which sent a murmur of soft laughter through the audience as well.

"But luckily given the separation of this place from the Timestream, we'll take care of this in less than even an Earth Hour. So. I'd like to firstly thank you all so much. My time at the helm of this place as Head Librarian has been truly wonderful, and I feel like my time here has been spent as best it could, to try and uphold the legacy of this great haven. But all good things, as they say, must come to an end. 2 years ago when Glyzuul was set free from the 'Book of Shadowed Fiends', that resided in this very place, in the Sealed Section, a series of events that changed alot of things in this industry came to pass. This beautiful Library was attacked 3 times back then. The first two times luckily didn't result in any casualties...but the third time....was truly macabre. We lost nearly a third of the General Section, and three lives were lost. Jaeboem, Chaeyoung....and even myself. Alot of things change when....you cease to exist and then are suddenly brought back into this world. I won't go into the details, as that's not what this day is for. But I couldn't avoid addressing it. Because in my rebirth, I found that I needed time away. Time to reflect on what it is I truly want from life, which I cannot do as much as I'd like, just as JYP said, as the Head Librarian. Which brings me to the true woman of the hour. Myoui Mina. This woman has so much intellect, and drive, and desire to understand the unknown that I couldn't help but take her under my wing as my Assistant Head Librarian. I knew that I could help to groom her into what she would once be. An adept and powerful leader. A Head Librarian. And that day has come. Truth be told I knew she would take my place 2 years ago, but I wanted more time, even after being reborn to help shape her and send her down the path that would lead her here. To this day. And so. I now pass on the Skeleton Key Amulet, bestowing upon Mina the ability to access every part of this Library, and the Knowledge within it." Suzy finished, as she removed the beautiful, and shining necklace from over her head, clad in silver with and ornate Opal stone residing in the middle, and walked over to Mina, placing it over her head. 

The Opal shined brightly, recognizing it's new owner, and the Library itself seemed to lurch and adjust at the passing down of power. I could feel a newfound power and aura enveloping Mina, as she held onto my hand.

Mina rose from her seat, and walked up to the podium, herself. 

"Thank you, Suzy. Thank you to everyone. I've been so unbelievably blessed to have been able to debut as an idol with JYP, and to get the chance to become such an integral part of this glorious place. The almost frightening amount of knowledge readily available here has always fascinated me. I've loved books, and reading since I was a child, even before becoming a trainee. And when I decided that I wanted to become an idol, I knew that JYP was where I belonged. And JYP, I thank you endlessly for accepting me. Today is an incredible day that I didn't ever dream of happening as soon as it did...but I'm so grateful that it has come to pass. Suzy, you were a fantastic mentor, and I hope to be even an ounce as wonderful and instrumental of a Head Librarian as you were. I will do my damnedest to run this place with the know-how and diligence that I learned from you, and to make it continue to thrive as the haven all of you out there have come to know it as. I love this place. It's my home. And I will treat it as such. Now, as I have ascended in rank, I of course must appoint a new Assistant Head Librarian...it's no secret that our very own Tzuyu has flocked to me to become my apprentice since the events of Glyzuul's attack 2 years ago, and she has been an incredible and malleable disciple. I can only imagine that what Suzy saw in me, I now see in Tzuyu...no, I daresay I see even more in her. Thank you Tzuyu for coming with me on this journey. I love you, and I love this place. I know that together we'll do great things." Mina exclaimed eloquently, holding her hand out to me at the end of her speech. 

There was another uproarious applause as I stood and took Mina's hand in mine, the warm grip filling my body with comfort and security. I looked out into the crowd and saw that Jeongyeon sat in the from row, with the rest of our members. She smiled brightly at her girlfriend who stood beside me, now the big cheese around here. The light and compassion in her eyes as she looked at Mina broke my heart.

If only she'd look at me like that... I thought somberly to myself.

And then her eyes met mine for a brief moment. Her smile, I daresay widened just a bit more, and she held up her arms in a double thumbs up, and squinted her face in that terribly cute kissy face, before laughing to herself, her gorgeous face giving off this light and exuberance even from so many feet away. My heart pattered faster.

"Tzuyu, would you like to say a few words?" Mina asked, earnestly, saving me from the gaze of my unrequited love. 

I thought for a moment. A long moment. 

Did I want to say a few words?

That was the understatement of the century. 

But I couldn't feed the rumors. I couldn't go off the rails in front of over 70% of the idol industry. But at the same time, I'd feel as though not saying anything at all would a similarly negative effect as well. Time to find a happy medium.

I took a deep breath, and approached the podium.

"Hi...I...umm..." My voice faltered, as I felt a flash of anxiety pass over me.

.

Then I felt it.

I felt her.

She was there...

Chaeyoung.

I felt her energy. I don't know how, and I don't know why, but in that moment I did. I felt her calling out to me...

Be strong... She said.

Without a seconds pause, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I exhaled slowly, and open my eyes to look out at the massive crowd. Confidence suddenly welled within me, and I spoke.

"Many of you here today....if not all of you...are aware that when the Bombs were detonated in the 'Big Three' Sanctums, 2 years ago, my members and I lost someone. We lost our sister....My Best Friend...Chaeyoung...My heart truly broke that day...and I cannot lie to you all here today and tell you that it has even begun to mend...because it hasn't. My best friend is lost somewhere in the Astral Plane and we are keeping her Physical body preserved here in this library for her return. But...I'm tired of waiting...And in fact, I refuse to wait any longer...as the new Assistant Head Librarian, I will make it my life's work to bring Chaeyoung back to this world. She is powerful ally, a beautiful spirit, and most importantly a member of TWICE. Our love for each other knows no bounds, and we would stop at nothing to keep each other safe. I am sure I speak for my fellow members when I say this. So thank you JYP, thank you Suzy, and thank you Mina. This is an honor, and I will do everything to see that this place is kept safe, and that Justice for Chaeyoung is achieved. I will bring her back. I swear on my life." I finished, adrenaline coursing through my veins. 

There was a loud thumping in my ears, as I backed away from the podium. What had I just done? What had I just said? Did I make a fool of myself? 

My questions were answered in a way I hadn't expected in the slightest. An abrupt and cacophonous wall of sound erupted behind me as I turned to see everyone in the crowd on their feet, clapping and cheering for me. My members all had tears in their eyes, including Mina who barreled into me with a loving embrace. Surprisingly I did not join them in their tears. I was determined. I was resolute. I'd meant what I said. I'd sworn on my life. That isn't some empty promise not to be taken lightly. I would bring Chaeyoung back to this world, or I would die trying. 

______________________________________________

After the ceremony had ended, I had the always daunting task of mingling with the people who'd come to see Mina and I be inducted. 

This wasn't always so awful, because I was pretty familiar with most of the people that were here. 

"Oh my god, Mina! Tzuyu! This is...this is so amazing. I'm beyond ecstatic for you both." Sunmi said as she approached Mina and I first. 

She had a bright smile on her face, and she exuded her typical aura that emanated a sultry and powerful nuance with a hint of playfulness. Her hair lengthened, and wrapped gently around Mina and I's waist, pulling us closer to her as she mimed pulling a rope. Mina giggled, and I couldn't help but crack a smile myself. Sunmi was another one of my big sister figures. She was an incredible artist, and an even more incredible fighter. Her ability allowed her to grow and control the hair on her head at will. She was able to lift upwards of 5 times her own body weight with her hair, and the hair itself was as resilient as diamond. 

"Sunmi-Sunbaenim! I'm so glad you could make it. I know you've been quite busy recently. It's so good to see you." Mina said, gleefully returning Sunmi's embrace. 

"I wouldn't miss this for the world, Minari! You girls means the world to me. I'm always astounded at how successful and powerful you've all become. You're all flourishing so much better than I could have ever imagined....and staying so humble through it all. Truly wonderful." Sunmi said, beaming at us again.

She looked to me, her heterochromic eyes searching me. Her smile took on a more knowing and sympathetic form.

Oh no...

"Tzuyu. Your speech was powerful. I appreciate what you said. I know you don't want to hear about Chaeyoung more than what you already think in your own mind, but your determination is admirable. Chaeyoung would be happy to know that you've never given up hope. I'm sure of it." Sunmi said resolutely. Her soft voice soothing me. 

In fact, despite her bringing up Chaeyoung, for some reason, because it was her, and how she said it, it didn't trigger me... in fact it fuelled me, and made me feel stronger.

"Thank you, Sunmi...I appreciate it. It's....it's been difficult. But I....I..." I trailed off. 

Sunmi took me into her arms, and held me tightly.

"It's alright, Tzuyu. You've said what you needed to say already. Enjoy this day, and move toward your goal. You don't owe anyone anything more than what you said up there on that stage." Sunmi whispered in my ear, kidding my cheek, walking away.

Sunmi was amazing. 

"Well if it isn't the Head Librarian of the ing JYP Library, and her sidekick." Jackson said playfully as he came up to Mina and I, with Jihyo's arm wrapped around his as she approached as well. 

"Jackson, don't be a . I'm so happy for you Mina. I know you've wanted this for years. You and Suzy both being so young when you first take the mantle of Head Librarian is truly something. Ugh! I love it! I love you!" She said gleefully as she released Jackson's arm and dove into Mina's arms, hugging her tightly. 

Jackson walked over to me with a smirk on his face.

"Hey, Choukobo. How's it feel to be the new Assistant Head Librarian? Maybe you can do something with Mina's nest, now that her old desk will yours? Haha. That tower of books is a Worker's Comp case waiting to happen." Jackson laughed.

I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as well. Mina's desk when she'd been the Assistant HL was constantly covered and scattered with piles of books and papers, often towering nearly as high as the Bookshelves themselves, which were nearly 50+ feet tall, and varied throughout the different sections. Jackson was also the resident clown amongst us JYP idols, of not tied with Dahyun. They were both hilarious in their own rights, but also immensely compassionate. Jackson had been there for me quite a bit when I'd initially spiralled out of control in response to Chaeyoung being lost.

"It's pretty much the same, to be honest." I said, flatly.

"Yeah for now. We'll see if you feel the same after you and Mina take your pilgrimage." Jihyo interjected, looking over to us.

"Ohhh, I totally forgot about the Pilgrimage....damn...when it is that again?" Jackson said, his mouth agape. 

"In 2 weeks." Mina said, determined.

I had completely forgotten about the Pilgrimage. How could I have forgotten the most strenuous and difficult trial a JYP idol could undertake? Even more so than the trainee exam. 

"Son of a . That's really soon. Are you guys ready?" Jackson said, incredulously.

His candor was making me even more nervous.

"Of course. We've been in this Library for how many years? Even though I didn't have to go through the Pilgrimage with Suzy at the time of her Induction, I'm still sure that Tzuyu and I will be able to handle whatever this place throws at us. Right, Tzuyu?" Mina said, smiling brightly at me.

I wasn't so sure.

"Yeah, sure thing, Mina." I said, unconvincingly.

"Choukobo doesn't sound too thrilled." Sana said approaching us from my left, with Dahyun, Nayeon, Momo, and Jeongyeon.

"Yeah, but Tzuyu doesn't need to prepare. She works best when she's under pressure and in the moment." Jeongyeon issued.

She was right. But it still didn't stop me from being a little nervous for a pretty significant life event that I'd overlooked.

"Plus, doesn't the Pilgrimage change every time a new Head Librarian is inducted? How much can you truly prepare in the first place?" Dahyun offered.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, guys. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't completely forget about the Pilgrimage. But. I'm not worried." I said.

"You're a bad liar, Tzuyu. But I know you'll be fine." Nayeon smiled, winking at me. 

"Hey guys! Tzuyu, Mina, congratulations!" SinB said, as she and the rest of her members from GFriend came up to us, amidst the clamoring and mingling of idols still in the vast reading room. 

I hadn't seen SinB since Malik & Seulgi's wedding 3 months ago. I sort of blew up at Mina and Sejeong from Gugudan when I overheard them talking about Chaeyoung and I, at the reception. They weren't being overtly y or anything, but I was even more volatile then, than I am now. 

"Thank you, SinB! It's good to see you girls! I feel like it's been ages since we've all really gotten to hang out together." Mina said, sweetly.

"You're telling me. I've missed you all. As excited as I am for you both, I only worry that these promotions will make it even harder to hang out." SinB answered. 

"We feel the same way, and we're in the same group together." Jihyo said, laughing lightly. 

"Trust me, I'll be around bothering them both every free chance I get." Nayeon said, eyeing us mischievously.

"Don't worry, you two. I'll keep the Bunny at bay." Momo said laughing, and wrapping her arms around Nayeon. 

Nayeon and Momo had been dating since the release of our third Mini album, and they were a great couple. Both so joyful and hilarious, and incredibly sweet to boot. I'd never heard them argue in any other way than sarcastically or playful, since they'd been together. My only mild gripe was how...vocal they could be late at night...but who am I to judge? 

"Hey do you guys wanna come back to our dorms here in the Library, we've got time now to hang out, honestly. We're not scheduled to film anything for another 3 earth hours, and that's more than enough time in the Library to relax!" Jeongyeon asked excitedly. 

"That sounds great! I haven't ever seen your Library rooms before actually!" Eunha said exuberantly.

"Yeah, we've actually got a fair bit of time to spare as well! Let's do it! Momo, you have to show me that Pyranithian Jokbal Recipe you had me taste a few months ago! It hasn't left my mind!" Yuju said, her eyes widening with realization. 

"Oh my God it's so good, Yuju, I swear she makes it like once a week!" Nayeon said, sighing satisfactorily.

"You two spoil me. Hahaha. I've gotta give Tiffany props for giving me the recipe in the first place, and for teaching me to cook." Momo said, blushing. 

"That's right! I forgot how close you all had gotten to SNSD after...you know..." Umji said methodically. 

"Yeah. They're pretty great. Even though they are mainly active in the Taskforce side of the industry and not so much the actual Idol side they're still amazing women. I've looked up to them for awhile, and it feels good to be close with them. I'll never forget what Taeyeon said to me at Malik and Seulgi's wedding reception." Jihyo said, her eyes sparkling with admiration.

"What'd she say?" Yerin asked, leaning forward.

"I said you girls are something truly special. Something so powerful and full of life and energy that it's only a matter of time before you surpass everyone before you. Even us. I told Jihyo that you girls have the capacity to be the Girl group that changes everything. In the whole industry. We and your sunbaenims the Wonder Girls may have paved the way for you, but you girls...you girls are reaching new heights that we used to dream of. And it makes me so happy." Taeyeon said as, Tiffany and Sooyoung approached us from the right.

Yuju, Umji, SinB and Yerin's jaws dropped, and Yerin and Sowon just stood silent with their eyes wide. 

"Hello girls." Tiffany said, her bright eyesmile exuding a warmth that washed over us like a blanket. 

"Oh my god, Taeyeon, Tiffany, Sooyoung- Sunbaenims! It's so nice to see you!" Eunha said, giggling nervously.

"Jesus, relax Eunha." SinB laughed.

"Mina, Tzuyu, we just wanted to come over and formally congratulate you both on your induction. I'm sure the honor is not lost on you. We love you guys." Sooyoung said smiling at me, pushing her circular framed glasses up the bridge of her nose.

"Tiffany-Sunbaenim, I know this sounds crazy, but I was just wondering if maybe you wanted to come and make Pyranithian Jokbal with us?? Momo was gonna show us at their Library dorms." Yuju said, hurriedly. 

"Oh my god, of course!! Momo's absolutely incredible in the kitchen! The quickest study I've ever had!" Tiffany said, her eyes widening in Glee. 

Momo blushed red as a strawberry.

"Awwww! Momoring! Goddamnit, she's so cute when she's embarrassed." Nayeon said squeezing her girlfriend tightly, and kissing her cheek. 

Everyone began to walk towards the monorail, but I had other plans. Now was the time. Sooyoung was right here, and I'd kick myself if I didn't take this opportunity to thank with her about the gate.

"You all go in ahead, I've got a few things to tend to. Congrats again though, you two" Sooyoung said, beaming.

"Oh wait, actually do you mind if I walk with you for a bit, Sooyoung? I wanted to talk to you..." I said, putting on my best nonchalant conversational voice. 

This was of course to no avail, as everyone stared at me.

"Sure, Tzuyu." Sooyoung said, still wearing a small smile. 

"Ok...well we'll see you later, then, Tzuyu?" Jihyo said tentatively.

"Yeah, yeah, I'll catch up with you guys in a bit. I won't be long. I don't wanna keep Sooyoung held up. Just wanted to shoot the breeze for a second." I answered, my attempt at being inconspicuous succeeding this time.

The rest of my members, as well as GFriend, Taeyeon and Tiffany walked over to towards the monorail, as I turned and walked astride Sooyoung, as she head down the perpendicular path of immense, and beautiful Rosewood shelves and the like.

"I presume that your reasoning for this little chat is in regards to the gate, and my repairs, yes?" Sooyoung said, articulately. 

She wasn't called the smartest woman in the world for nothing. 

"Umm, yes, actually." I said, methodically. 

"I see...and is there anything in particular about the repairs that you'd like to ask....?" Sooyoung said, continuing to walk forward, not making eye contact with me.

"Well...sort of...I just...I wanted to know if there was anything I could do to...help..." I said, trying to choose my words properly. 

"Ah. I understand. Listen, Tzuyu. I know that you're stressed about the gate, and despite my social tact not always being the most empathetic or...present in the first place, I want you to know that I'm doing everything within my power to get the gate back up to full operational standards. Hyoyeon being gone on this undercover reconnaissance mission for as long as she has, has certainly put a damper on things. She's far more versed in the Extra-Spatial planes and how they work than I am. Don't tell her I said that, because I'll deny it. But I believe it's nearly finished. A month's time, more, I surmise." She stated.

I couldn't wait that long.

"And there's nothing I, or Mina, or anyone else could do to assist you? What about Malik? When he and Seulgi get back from their Honeymoon, mayb-..." I began.

"Tzuyu. I understand, especially from your speech that you have a fierce drive within you to retrieve Chaeyoung. And I understand that after 2 years it's hard to hear this, but you must still try and remain patient. With matters such as this, and a plane such as the Astral one, it's imperative that we are as meticulous as we can be with our planning. If we rush this, and try to just jump in headfirst to the Astral Plane without the proper precautions and backup plans, we could either end up getting ourselves lost their as well, or even worse." Sooyoung stated, finally turning to look at me, stopping in her tracks. 

She had a meaningful and disarming look in her eyes. It wasn't like it usually was, when she spoke. For some reason, given what I knew Sooyoung was capable of, and just how intelligent and strong she was, her words rang with more truth than I'd heard anywhere else, and prevented me from lashing out.

"I know you're right, Sooyoung....it's just so hard....I hate this sort of...powerlessness I feel in this situation. It's so frustrating." I said, clenching my fists.

"I can imagine. And what I'm sure is worse is the complete radio silence we've had since was lost originally, 2 years ago. I'm sure actually hearing from her and actually having some piece of mind that she's at least alive and well would make this wait much easier....But hold fast, Tzuyu. Just like you said. We will find her." Sooyoung said. 

I felt a lump forming in my throat again. Damnit. 

Just ask her, Tzuyu. Be honest. Now is your chance... I said to myself.

"S-Sooyoung...I need to ask you something...." I said nervously.

"I don't know Tzuyu. I wish I did, and I wish I could tell you, but...I don't know what the likelihood of Chaeyoung's survival is. It kills me to have something be beyond my realm of understanding. I pride myself in being as knowledgeable as I can be...but...the Astral Plane...that place...it's an enigma." Sooyoung said, for the first time I'd ever heard, there was uncertainty in her voice.

That scared me...that terrified me.