Three Spheres

Chapter 50 - Marshal

_ Want one...?

Amadeo offers Johan the can of pills as they approach the portal that leads out of the Midnight City. The hangover doesn't forgive them. Fortunately, the Vampire's poison effect had passed.

Before leaving the fort, Amadeo closed the multiple bite marks on his neck and drank some liters of water. He noticed the scar marks on the colleague's neck, who insisted on wearing the shirt with the highest collar possible.

The farewell was quick, but moving, with thanks in addition to hugs and handshakes. Gamila and Mooya sent their best regards to Meigdan's friends and promised to send a letter with the news they discover in the next investigations.

Johan throws three pills into his mouth and returns the can. They pass through the portal and it does not take long before sunlight shines before them, leaving the city behind. Together with several other travelers, they approach the Space Distortion terminal. Johan hesitates and stops halfway. Even before going through that magical abomination, he already feels uneasy.

_ Be strong! It won't be as bad as the last time! _ Amadeo says, hitting him on the back, so he moves on forward.

One by one, people are sent through the enchanted gate to various distant locations. Amadeo smiles, as they will arrive shortly before lunch and he will be able to tell Nayla and Deodoro a lot of things. They stop in front of the operator, who says:

_ Ecclesia? _ He sees the Amadeo insignia _ I need the passports, certificate and tickets.

Amadeo rummages through his pockets and hands over everything requested. Johan wonders how he got his own ticket, but decides to ignore it. The two stand in front of the platforms and the connection begins. Johan feels tremendous despair and frowns. He holds his breath and goes through the portal.

On the other side, he staggers and covers his mouth. An employee approaches, desperate to help him. Amadeo appears right after, also sick, but a deep breath recomposes him. Johan sits for a few minutes, head down, while Amadeo watches over him. He says:

_ We inverted yesterday's roles, huh.

_ Wh... what are you talking about? _ Johan asks.

_ When we came back to the fort yesterday; I was feeling sick, but today is your turn. Haha!

_ I didn't come back with you. _ He holds his bangs back when lifting his face.

_ You forgot? You went with me to the fort, then you went back to the party! _ Amadeo says; Johan gets up.

_ I was very... busy... yesterday. Someone else must have gone with you. _ He dries the sweat.

Amadeo frowns, while they take their luggage. "Was I so drunk that I don't even remember how I got back...?", he thinks and then shrugs. "Whatever!", he concludes.

It doesn't take long before the pair arrive at their headquarters: The southern fort of Meigdan. The imposing stone and wood construction is immense and lively; the complete opposite of the fort in the city of Vampires. Amadeo can't help but smile. He says, raising his arms:

_ It's so good to be home!

Johan looks at him with a discreetly sad expression... "Home?"

_ Ah! _ One of the gate guards exclaims when he sees the two approaching _ Welcome back!

_ Thank you! _ Amadeo smiles, greeting him; Johan nods.

_ E-Er... Mr. Alscher... _ Another guard says hesitantly.

_ Hm? What? _ Amadeo replies.

_ Mr. Savill asked us to let you know that you must go straight up to his office as soon as you arrive. "With no exceptions", he said...