Shadow Bond (A Shadow Slave Fanfiction)

Andel's Fall (1/3)

As soon as the words leave his mouth, Effie switches from confused, to downright perplexed.

"The Cathedral? If we're talking about the same Cathedral, then not even a thousand Soul Shards could convince me to take you there."

Wyatt thinks about this response before realizing just why Effie would be unwilling to take him there. He figures that not only would it be dangerous, but that the Cathedral's location is well outside of her usual hunting grounds.

"If not you then who?"

As Effie thinks about this, she remembers her own first few days in the Dark City and decides to give Wyatt some advice that helped her.

Not for free though.

"Is there any chance I could buy that bag back?"

As he looks between the huntress and his bottomless bindle, he decides to do some proper business with his newfound knowledge of their values.

"Perhaps. But I just paid one hundred Shards for it. Not to mention I quite like the convenience it brings."

This was a lie, he actually hated having to constantly carry it around. At first, it acted as a way to hide how many Shards he had. Now it acts as a beacon to everyone that he can't de-summon without letting all the contents fall to the ground.

"Makes sense, but then you'll be happy to know that I can refund you almost eighty of the Soul Shards. I'll even throw in a nice memory for you."

At this point, Wyatt has no choice but to wonder just how valuable this bag is to her.

'[Sunny, I need an advisor. Why is she going to such great lengths to get this back?]'

'(I don't mind you asking me questions, but don't make me your personal advisor. Anyway, you saw how much she eats. Keeping monster meat in the bag probably saves her from going into the ruins every other day. I'm surprised she even sold it in the first place.)'

Wyatt face twist into a diabolical smile upon hearing that.

'[I see.]'

Noticing his changing facial expressions, Effie starts feeling uneasy.

It's at this moment that Wyatt get on his tip-toes to get right in Effie's face while clasping one of her hands.

"Effie! We're friends right? Well then it's your lucky day. Sunny's Brilliant Emporium is having a special friendship deal, just for friends of the establishment! So what do ya say?"

_____________________________________

In the end, the deal they crafted was actually quite good for both of them.

After Wyatt completes his business in the Cathedral, he'll give the Bindle back to Effie. Once he gives it back, she gives him a cheap Memory of hers, and agrees to safe guard the seventy five Soul Shards that were previously in her cabin, along with the fifty or so Awakened Soul Shards in his bag.

"... and once again, we appreciate all customers of Sunny's Muscular Emporium."

'(I though it was supposed to be "Brilliant.")'

'[It's whatever makes the customer feel better about themselves.]'

After giving him a glare, Effie just sighs out.

"So I suppose you want information now?"

"Yeah, how do I get to the Cathedral?"

As she shakes her head, she tells him where he needs to go.

"Alright kid, if you need to go to the Cathedral, then there are two groups that can be joined. But... let me make it clear, only one of these groups is safe. At least as safe as traveling into the Dark City can be. Their leader is a short girl named Cynthia."