Arlo's Birthday!

Part 29: Secrets

Arlo was walking around in the center his Aunt worked in. The place was filled with rooms where people were working if he peered inside the small glass windows. 

Valerie: Oh my gosh, my dear nephew Arlo! It's been a very long time. 

Arlo: Hello Aunt. Why are you unable to find any more information about Rei?

Valerie winced. She hadn't expected Arlo to go straight to the point right away. 

Valerie: I'm sorry. The perpetrator had covered up their tracks too well.

Arlo: Your abilities don't work either? Not even a single one in this large organization? 

Valerie: There aren't as many people as you would expect. And not all of us are high tiers. Most the high tiers work with things that are much more important than these matters.   

Arlo was disappointed. More than disappointed. He couldn't believe EMBER was a matter not important enough for these authorities. But he couldn't accuse things without evidence.  He would have to look for clues. 

Arlo: This place is pretty cool. Can I look around? 

Valerie nodded. 

Valerie: Just don't go into any of the offices. I have to go back to work, I'm so sorry!

She hugged Arlo, then dashed off to her own office, making Arlo stand alone in the hallway. He immediately went to the elevator to search the floors. In this particular building, there were 5 floors. He had already seen the first and second, so he had 3 floors to go. 

Unfortunately, had been unable to find anything important in the place. Arlo felt bitter at the fact. Either EMBER and the authorities were not connected, or they were just good at hiding things.  Arlo just walked out of the building and walked around. He saw some people walking around him, eyeing him. They didn't seem to recognize him, but with his suit and height, people probably thought he was just one of the workers. And with his intimidating stare, they all cowered. 

There were a total of 5 buildings, but he couldn't go into any of the other 4 because they all required key cards. He only had one for his Aunt's building. He just walked aimlessly around the place. He stopped when he saw a rock lying beside one of the buildings and kicked it, making it go flying. How would he find anything out this way?

*************

Anya was in school doing nothing as usual. When she had joined the school, Arlo had made her first few days more fun. But now there was absolutely nothing helping her. He was doing his own thing, which she couldn't say was bad, as he had his own life. But still. 

Julie: Anyaaaa!

Julie bounded toward her. Anya liked Julie. She was her best friend. But honestly, she also felt a little... "used". Julie only wanted to upgrade her ability. 

Julie: Loook! My ability level is a 4.4 now! Are you proud? I could become a Jack at this rate!

Anya's ears perked up. last time, she had been less than a 4. Quite a bit less in fact. How did she level up so fast? 

Anya: How are you becoming stronger so quickly? You won't need my help at this rate. 

Julie: Eh... I've been doing things. 

Anya shrugged. Then Julie gave her her bag for a second as she had to go to the restroom. One look wouldn't hurt... right? 

Anya sifted through the phone and wallet to find empty bottles. What were these? She found a bottle with a clear liquid in it. Anya didn't want to steal, but what if these were drugs? She didn't want her friend to do anything like this. She would put it back the second she found out it was nothing dangerous. 

Anya, after giving the bag back to Julie was going to doc's. But what would she say if this was something dangerous?

Oh, my friend is doing something dangerous! She already emptied a few bottles- 

She wasn't sure what doc would do. Would... would Julie be expelled? She didn't know how to feel about that.

She would ask someone else first. 

***********

Remi sighed as she had just come back from her search with John. There hadn't been much. John had found Blyke's blood in a pool next to a trash can. Things weren't looking good. Although she had been afraid of a thought she had before, she had avoided it. But now, there was proof. Proof that Blyke was... potentially dead. 

Remi bit back a sob. It was her fault. Her fault! If she hadn't done such a thing like obsessing over EMBER, Blyke would be safe and sound. She might have not been able to uncover some truths, but losing both Blyke and Rei was far worse than just losing her brother. 

Anya: REMIII! Are you there? 

Remi nearly jumped a foot into the air before she recovered and opened the door for Anya. Anya grinned. 

Anya: Long time no see! 

Remi: Yeah, its been a while! What brings you here? 

Anya: I have a question. I should honestly ask doc this, but I just wanted to ask you first. 

Anya rummaged her pockets before bringing out a vial which made Remi's heart stop. 

Anya: Do you know what this is? 

Remi let herself catch her breath for a moment before he took the vial out of Anya's hands. She calmed herself. She wasn't going to act impulsively. 

Remi: Where did you get this? 

Anya shrugged. 

Anya: I don't have any idea where Julie got this from. I just looked through her bag. 

Anya saw Remi's stricken face and blinked.

Anya: I think... I think you recognize this?

Remi nodded.

Remi: Anya... bring Julie to me now.