Azure Chronicle

Titum

The man from the screen appeared and lead us up to his office.

The steps were expanded metal and went about two flights up and entered a door attached to a rusty red cargo container.

On the way Hack revealed his mech was lovingly named Sally, he also recounted the tale from earlier.

"Do you know what it was?" The man asked.

"I dunno Mash, I aint never seen a blight with no Aura." Hack said.

"If this thing is as big as you said, we could get a huge haul of sed from Vale for it."

"Yeah... Go on." Hack said clearly interested.

"Here, Ill tell you what. 75% of the bounty and Ill give a crawler, 5 mechs, a handful of sand fleas and the men to run it all." Mash exclaimed.

"75 fer sittin on yer ass"

"75 for giving you the heat to take it down."

Twits quietly chirped in Hacks ear again.

"Your lucky Twits is feelin generous today. It's a deal"

"You're lucky I'm giving you a deal. There is a lot at stake here." Mash became serious.

I had been partially zoned out until this point, the change of mood put me on alert.

"Yeah alright, well see you." Hack started to get up.

"Hold up." Mash held up his hand.

Hack grimaced as he sat back down. 

"You have a lot of charges behind you. Ive been turning a blind eye because I like you Hack."

"But if you waste these resources" Mash paused, "I'm going to have to take action. I'm already going to have a hard time getting this through."

Hack swallowed deeply. " I understand."

"I really hope so, I'll have everything in order by late tomorrow." Mash's mood lightened.

We got up and began to leave.

"Godspeed Hack." Mash put his hand on Hack's shoulder and nodded.

We walked out and Lore started prying at Hack.

"What kind of trouble are you in Hack!?" Lore asked seeming outraged.

"Aw, nothin really, at least nothin a survivor would frown at" Hack prodded.

Lore rolled her eyes. "Lets go get a place to sleep."

The streets were made of dirt covered brick lit by kerosene lamps along the way. The buildings, sad and dumpy wood structures. The windows all clouded and dusty. At the end of the street was a large building with canopies on the roof. The town looked depressed and tired, but the atmosphere showed signs of joy and liveliness as music and song emanated from the taverns. The music was very much different than what I had heard. It struck so much emotion. The beat almost made me want to jump. Cerberus music was always calculated and monotone.

Upon entering the large building we were greeted by a cheerful keep.

"Ello, you look of adventurers tired from a day of..." He studied us.

"Hmm...Might you be interested in a room?" His smile only seen by his mustache lifting.

Lore and I exchanged looks as Hack approached the counter.

"How much fer a bed?"

"25 sed for a whole room." He joked.

Hack put down 25 silverbacks. "Deal."

"Sounds alright" Lore said also putting money down.

"I...uh" I stammered as I approached the desk.

"Your with me kid," Lore gave a sideways smile.

I didn't know what to say. I glanced back at the Keep for some hint of a proper reaction. He simply smiled.

"Come on" Lore said turning around to walk away.

I had always felt small, but out here I felt even younger, awkward and inexperienced. Lore and Hack had taken care of me the whole trip so far. My mind wandered as I followed Lore.

I never knew what I wanted to be, anything I thought but a warrior. Until now. The world seemed an unlikely kind of friendly. As if as soon as Lore would leave, they would all turn into blight monsters.

The halls were carpeted with a strange dark green, the walls dark wood strips lit by electric lamps. Steps led up to the second story where our rooms where found. 

Lore opened room 13 and Hack across the hall in 14.

We walked in and I only saw one bed. Lore must have seen my expression.

"Don't worry, I'll sleep on the floor by the door." She smiled

I wondered how she always knew what I was thinking. I wondered if this is what a big sister felt like.

"Fluff your bed and check for mites." Lore said as she shuffled through the drawers and closets.

"Mites?" I asked.

"Cot Mites, gotta watch beds in cheap flophouses." She found a blanket in the closet and examined it. "The last thing you want is a chigger hive."

I threw the covers back and examined the yellowish sheets. I was unsure of what I was looking for, but it looked fine to me. The term chigger hive still haunting the back of my mind. I gave it a second look for good measure.

"I will be right back, I need to talk with Hack." With that she flopped her blanket down and walked out. 

I pulled the covers up over me and closed my eyes. 

Why did I feel so safe with Lore and Hack. I felt like Lore understood me. Sensei Lon just pushed me to do better, fight harder, be like the other golden students. my eyes began to water.

I can't cry, it's not the Cerberus way. What if it's not the Cerberus way? What if I don't care!? 

I heard the door open and Lore enter. I quickly sniffled and tried to be quiet, pulling the covers over my head tighter.

I didn't hear anything else.

"If you need anything...If you need to talk I'm here, but Its fine if you're not ready yet."

I shook my head, hoping she could see it through the covers.

Then nothing else.

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AUTHOR COMMENTS

Like the mysterious Sally plot? :P

Whats up with Mash and the Keep? Smells like a conspiracy, or maybe they have chigger hive. Who knows.

So, I guess 35 sed can get you a flophouse room or shady directions from a girl with burns on her face.