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The conversation with Maca didn’t last much longer. A bit more back-and-forth questioning on both sides.

Maca knew what Syrus did and tried to learn a little more, but Syrus didn’t give him any clear answers. She didn’t want to bring up any details for Eva’s sake. There were things they saw she didn’t want Eva to remember.

On the opposite end, Syrus tried to learn more about what the government was doing, but Maca didn’t have many answers.

He knew security had increased, but besides that, he wasn’t informed of any of the plans that they were going to implement. Along with that, the decrease in church tourists around had been noticed by Maca, but that seemed to be more a result of Morrison and her guards' deaths than anything else.

Once they were done, they split up again. Anlesa had people she needed to visit, and Maca had his own worries to deal with.

[Who do we wish to visit first?] (Luna)

[The kid or Ash huh…] (Syrus)

[Ethan is likely needing some comfort…] (Eva)

[Out of the two of them, we are likely just to have a long conversation with Ash, so checking on the boy will likely be quicker.] (Syrus)

[Syrus…] (Eva)

Eva wasn’t happy with Syrus’ attitude when it came to their acquaintances. However, she didn’t make a comment. Eva understood that after everything that happened, she herself was a little worked up and so chalked up her current frustration as a symptom of those feelings.

There were no verbal complaints, so they went looking for Ethan, but it took a while to find him. Likely due to the warnings before, he certainly was keeping himself out of sight.

Eventually, they found the kid in the corner of the one on the south end backstreets. He hadn’t noticed them.

Syrus called out first, “Morning Kid, has anyone been bullying you recently?”

“Sir Teacher!”

Ethan ran up to Syrus, with Cobalt following close behind.

[Ethan…] (Eva)

Luna crouched down to the boy’s height. “There, there. Has everything been good?”

Ethan held back something and just nodded. “Hrm!”

Cobalt rubbed its little head against Anlesa’s leg. “Wrmm…”

“Ha ha, well, good to see you two kids being all well.” Said Syrus. “Has anyone come looking for you?”

Ethan was about to shake his head but paused. “I’m… not sure. I kept hidden and out of sight when I had to be out of the house while you were going.”

“That’s good.” Syrus patted the kid's head. “Knowing that you are safe means my job here is done.”

“You are going already?” Ethan asked, shocked.

“Yeah, there is a lot I have to do.”

“I understand…” Ethan's head dripped; there was a lot he wanted to ask, but Syrus was an important person in his eyes, and there must be a lot of important stuff she needed to do! If it wasn’t for her… Ethan didn’t want to imagine what could’ve happened to Cobalt.

“Look, all that matters is that you and Cobalt are alive and healthy, you understand? Now following that, I want you to go home and tell your parents this. If you hear any loud noises, run.”

“W-what?”

“There is the chance some creatures will be attacking the town, and I know you live near the western edge, so it is really important if you hear anything, get up and move.”

“I-understand!” Ethan’s body shook, understanding the dangers.

“Good, I’m not sure when this might happen. Could be today or a week from now, but I want you and your family to be safe, please.”

“Woo!”

“Yes, of course, that includes you to Cobalt.”

As they said they would. Anlesa got up and left, while Ethan went home to inform his family of the possible danger. Luna hoped his family would listen to him.

[Ash?] (Eva)

[Yeah, we will go visit her now.] (Syrus)

[That’s likely going to be a fun conversation.] (Luna)

They made their way to Ash Evelen’s store.

There was a warm welcome as Anlesa closed the door behind them as they entered. “Took you fucking long enough.”

“Language.”

Ash’s elbow dropped onto the bench she sat at and angrily pointed at Syrus. “That should be the least of your damn concerns.” She stopped and leaned back on her stool. “I was nearly ready to file you off as dead.”

“Thanks, but I know that is too much work.”

“Don’t try me. It could’ve gotten me some bloody answers.”

Syrus dropped her bag at the door and closed the latch. She answered. “You are right, but hold yourself, it’s going to be a long story.”

This time, Anlesa was ready to give some answers. This was a decision made by the three of them. Whether it was because of the small trust they had in Ash or just the necessaries of the situation, they still chose to tell her a portion of what had happened and what was about to occur.

Syrus started by explaining the events, starting with the attack on Ethan. They chose to explain it was the Aurora Church that was behind the events. Lying about that would get them nowhere, and while it made no moral or logical sense for normal people for the church to do these acts, who else could Syrus be able to name?

They told her how they saved the pup, and that the reason why was that Cobalt was able to store mana. Ash understood that meant the puppy was a rare specimen, and she had heard of such creatures being used as legendary companions before.

They also said that they permanently dealt with the individuals involved. Ash’s expression darkened in shock upon hearing the news.

However, she didn’t have time to question Syrus as what shocked Ash even more was the planned attack on the city, which she couldn’t completely accept was going to happen. Syrus explained that she had left to do some clean-up on the areas mentioned in the plan.

“I… what the fuck, Syrus.” Ash was glad she stayed sitting down for that discussion. Her head rested in her hands as her arms stood perpendicular to the desk. “That can’t be about to happen, right?”

“Well, there were people in the places the book said they would, and the city believed it enough to start something.”

Ash was having trouble processing all of the information.

“How… much blood did you get on your hands? No. I shouldn’t ask.”

“It’s the business, I thought you would understand that.”

“But… it’s still a painful act, are you okay?” She looked up towards Syrus, worried.

Syrus wasn’t able to maintain eye contact. She didn’t expect the response, if anything, she was ready for Ash to be neutral or disgusted by her actions, not concerned for her. “I’m fine.”

Glimpses of Luna’s and Eva’s thoughts flashed through her eyes. Gratitude and the worry that was being carried.

After a long conversation, Anlesa left the shop. Ash wanted her to stay around, but Syrus basically ordered her to start preparing for an attack. They didn’t want anything bad to happen to her.

There were so many things they wanted and needed to do, but they weren’t sure how much time they had left.

[Do you think it is possible if we first collect more ingredients?] (Eva)

[Depends, how were our finances looking? I want to buy better plating and padding.] (Syrus)

[We have enough to cover those expenses, but doing a pass over the city might be required. There is always the chance there are still more Aurora Church spies in the city.] (Luna)

Suddenly, Syrus stopped moving, and her eyes darted to the sky.

“The birds are troubled.” Syrus looked towards a flock of different birds squawking and flying from the forest, appearing disturbed.

[Maybe it’s nothing?] (Eva)

[Stop being hopeful, Eva. It’s time to get into position.] (Syrus)