Legend Reborn

Chapter 35: Breaking In

Everyone stares in awe at the metropolis before us. Aquilarumni is easily twice the size of Monteurbem, and probably three times as busy. Merchants and traders from all three Territories come here to make deals, sell wares, and form partnerships. Many have found their fortunes, and others have lost everything. It's all a big gamble. Our reason for coming here isn't monetary, but to me it seems like we're gambling something far more important. A sense of foreboding follows me as we enter the city.

"It hasn't changed at all," I murmur. Familiar streets and buildings fill my view, and I wonder if the same people still live in some of these places.

"That's what makes me nervous," Kiku whispers from beside me. "Something should be different, right?"

"It'll be fine, Kiku," I say back to him. "We'll just grab some stuff and leave."

"I hope so..."

We walk quickly toward the main shopping district with me leading the way. I keep my eyes open for any trouble. The last thing we need is to cause a commotion and have the whole city aware of our presence. I doubt there would be anybody walking around that would recognize Kiku, but they might remember me. That could cause us a delay, which makes our chances of being discovered go up. The less people see us, the better.

I lead our group to a store I know is reliable for low prices and decent quality. Ludwig and Lovino go inside to bargain and haggle for supplies while Feli and Kiku keep watch from the door. Gilbert and I sit on the roof for a better vantage point and possible surprise attack spot. We can't be too careful.

"How's he holding up," the Bear asks me with a nod at Kiku on the ground below.

"He's nervous," I answer, "but I think he'll be okay. The sooner we get out of here the better."

"I told West about Kiku. I thought since they're friends it would be okay." He smiles at me apologetically. "I don't know if I was supposed to keep that a secret..."

"Well, I never said you had to, but I think we can trust Ludwig with that information," I say thoughtfully. "What did he say?"

"He was surprised to find out that Eagle kid is actually rich," Gilbert says with a laugh. "But he agreed that we should get out of here fast."

"I'm glad he does." My nervousness starts to gnaw at me again. "I feel so exposed just sitting here. I want to leave as soon as possible."

Gilbert puts an arm around me and plants a kiss on my cheek. "Don't be such a worrywart, Lizzie. We'll be outta here before sunset."

I turn my head and kiss him softly on his warm lips. "I hope you're right."

"Liza! Gilbert!" Feli's face suddenly appears in front of us as he hovers in midair. "I don't know what happened! I only looked away for a moment, Liza, I swear! I don't know where he went!"

My stomach drops to my feet as I process the Wolf's words and panicked expression. "Where's Kiku?"

"I don't know! I'm so sorry, Liza! It was only a moment! I'm sorry!" He looks like he's going to burst into tears.

"It's okay, Feli. It's not your fault," I tell him reassuringly. I do my best to remain calm even though all I want to do is run around screaming for Kiku. "We have to tell the others."

The three of us drop to the ground. "You don't think it was his mom, do you?" Feli asks in a small voice when we land in front of the store.

I whirl around to stare at the Wolf in confusion. "How do you know about that?"

"Ludwig."

I turn to glare at Gilbert. "H-hey," he says with raised hands. "I never told West to go blab about it."