When I was out of their sight I gave myself the opportunity to slap myself.

When I told them "I'd figure it out" I should have said "I WON'T figure it out."

I already had a track record of disappointing people. But they were kids!

The loud conversations and arguments people around had didn’t help.

“This is what you all get for fighting for those freaks!”

“I swear there’s no way they’re the same person.” ”What could strange flames indicate anything else?!”

“Calm everyone!” I knew I had to get out once the soldiers came in.

If nothing else I was glad that the ruckus distracted them.

I was able to get out of there without a problem.

Still that only did so much. Everything else was up to me.

I came to the one and only place I knew where I could find some quiet.

The town’s library.

I always had a love-hate relationship with that place.

Libraries were a holy place where one’s soul glowed in words alone. Some words however were curses used to mock and shame people. The same people whose voices became noise that those in power ignored. With hands that which grabbed the life out of the voice-less and more.

It didn’t help that it was one of the few place that reminded me of home. When I saw small children look around various tomes with their parents, I wanted to leave. But I knew I had to be an adult, moved forward and be responsible. As much as I hated that.

“Anything you’re looking for, sir?”

I spot Teodora, a fake smile possessed her. She had some dirt on her face. Wounds that were fresh, unlike her others.

“Hm, I was, but I forgot. Everything that happened today made me forget it.”

“I understand. I was doing well today too until I got into some trouble at work.”

“What sort of trouble?” I pressed her.

“Someone got in my way and I was almost late because of it. If nothing else I didn’t get fired.”

“Late,” that use of “almost” struck me, wasn’t their plan to kill him tonight? She knew it was risky to perform missions during the day. But something still didn’t add up.

“You must have a kind boss for that not to happen.”

”He was frustrated. But...I convinced him to work with me.”

Now that people thought we had a regular conversation, I started to get to the point.

“Was it Rue?” I lowered my voice.

“I don’t know. She must have left this city a while back. But everyone around the castle saw flames within Nexus’ garden.”

“They said they were a strange color. They couldn’t be blue. No pura lux mage would dare take a hit on that guy after what happened.”

”But Rue did say her plan consisted of killing him. No, off all the things I could say about her, I can admit she’s smarter than to plan an attack on broad day light.”

“Either way, will you do it?”

She spoke louder, “It’s true that Angela was being petty about the fact that we had no more eggs at the marketplace. But I knew Jeremiah didn’t deserve to get yelled at.”

”Has she apologized to him?” I didn't know why she got back to that spiel, but I followed along.

“...She is no longer mad, but she still needs time.”

I needed more time too. It was then I finally decided that I should do it.

“What nice birds.” we both looked through a window, “I wish I could with them. Especially north”

She didn’t respond to at first, but after she shook her head she smiled.

“Alone or with some friends.”

”Some friends and a kid I know. He needs to get some time outside you know?”

I knew she didn’t like my answer. Especially at that moment. But I also knew that she'd never go back on our deal.

“I have some books to reorder. Hope to see you soon.”

”You too.”

She remembered.

I was able to get out with a sigh of relief. I knew she wouldn’t refuse, but a part of me still thought of the worse.

It’s true that I wanted justice for Miroslav, but I also allowed myself to be selfish when I joined them. One request that was the center of out partnership.

I want you and your entire rebellion to join me in a quest to find someone.

She agreed. But only if I proved myself a good enough of an ally to them. Even though I didn't think I did enough, I also knew better than to question her judgement.

Only after some time of me working with them did I tell her everything. She hugged me when I was done. Even though I knew that I asked for too much. That I haven’t proved myself worthy of it back then. I embraced her too. I didn’t want to brush away what little kindness I received. Plus I wanted a hug too. Was that a sin?

Since that I started to plan everything out. Someone already got airships for me prepared. but we still lacked food and other rations for the journey. I measured how much we needed for the possible number of rebels joining me and the five kids.

I promised to Alice and Sun. Juliet was coming too. But Jack and Nexus...

I loved those kids. They were like siblings to me. But one was to selfless and the other stubborn. I still tried to find ways. But nothing convinced them.

I chose to ignore that for now. I knew I'd solve it when the time came. I jotted it all down to 3 to 4 months.

I planned to ask the two troublemakers what they wanted to help out with. Alice seemed good with fights so she could watch over other and attack once necessary. Sun seemed like a good way to distract others with his dragon form. The plan was simple. But there was nothing wrong with that.

Only problem was, I found the door open and the apartment empty.

-

Um, awkward. Thanks for reading and goodbye!