The Heart Collector (Under Editing)

Chapter Thirty-Four: Lake

Fare stepped off the train and onto the platform. She slung a strap of her backpack over her shoulder and took a deep breath. The quaint tiny town was still the same. The birds chirped the same tune. The people walking gave the same 'hellos'. She thought that she would feel a sense of warmth once she stepped foot on familiar ground, but instead she felt empty. Her months away dimmed her sense of homecoming.

Novus placed a hand on her shoulder, "You good?"

She looked at him, "Let's just get this over with."

Fare walked ahead, following the crowd. As they walked, she took notice of how few people were out that day. Normally, the small town was bustling like downtown Meridia.

"What is it?"

"Nothing. At least I think it's nothing. Its normally not this quiet."

"It's usually busier than this?"

She nodded, "I could be just used to the hustle and bustle of Meridia. So, you said that someone from a nearby Truthfall precinct was going to meet us here?"

"Yeah. Hughes said to look for a red Lieutenant uniform."

As they made their way through the small crowd and onto a curb. Those around them flagged cabs as soon as they approached. The crowd was fully dispersed when a short flash of headlights caught their attention. A Truthfall vehicle pulled over in front of them and parked. A tall tanned Truthfall stepped out of the driver's side.

"Captain Snow?" His voice boomed.

"Yes."

"My name is Bines. I am to escort you to the Low Town Precinct. We have arranged transportation for you while you are here. It should be ready when we arrive."

"Thank you, Lieutenant."

He held a hand out towards Fare, "Can I take your bag Miss?"

Fare looked at Novus. He gave her a reassuring nod. She passed him her backpack and followed him as he ushered them to the car. Fare sat in the back while Novus took the passenger's seat. She leaned her head against the window and watch as the scenery brush past. She had not even realized that she drifted off until she felt someone gently shake her shoulder.

"Fare? We're here." Novus whispered through the opened side door.

She blearily opened her eyes and sluggishly unbuckled her seatbelt. She looked at the new surroundings. This Truthfall precinct was tucked a little bit into the woods. There was nothing much around it other than trees and other greenery. It was a far cry from the multitude of Truthfalls located in Meridia. Once she had gotten out of the car, Bines returned her backpack. Unlike the Thirteenth Division, Fare noticed less runes marks on the entrance. There were a few gargoyles on the rooftop, but it looked simple. The building's brown coloring made it almost disappear into the trees. Fare would have thought it to be any other building if it were not for the sign near the entrance and the gargoyles on the rooftops. She had not realized that Novus had left until he came back with keys swinging in his hand.

"I have the car. You, okay?"

Fare came back to her senses, "Yeah, sorry. I must still be tired. I haven't slept well."

"You've said that before. Is it getting worse?"

"I wouldn't say that it's gotten worse, but current events certainly haven't helped it any. A little nap here and there has made sure that my brain continues to function."

"I definitely couldn't do it. I need my sleep. I've been told that I'm impossible to work with if I don't. Now let's get our ride."

Fare found it hard to believe that Novus could ever be difficult to work with, but she did not voice it aloud. She trailed behind him and came to a stop in front of a black four-doored SUV. It was unmarked so it was an unofficial Truthfall vehicle. Novus went behind the wheel and Fare hopped in the passenger's side.