On the other side of Morrow-en...
— Rusk, you son of a bitch!
The voice that echoed through the small warehouse belonged to Caerius. His hands were full: trash bags in one; a squeegee and a mop in the other. He looked like a housewife on a heavy cleaning day.
— Do you think I'm your wife? Come on, get your lazy ass off that couch and help me clean this place. It looks like the Belt's junkyard!
He approached and tossed one of the tied trash bags onto Rusk, who was fast asleep, drooling on the sofa fabric, surrounded by a collection of empty energy drink cans.
— Urgh... fuck off, man. Just one more minute... I'm dying of a hangover...
Rusk grumbled as he tried to sit up, only to topple sideways again.
— Nice one, man. You tried to drink with Nemis knowing she's got more years of the glass than you have of life. Now she's over at Morrow-Rest, chilling, while you're here making a fool of yourself.
Caerius grumbled louder than his friend, picking up the trash he had thrown and heading out the front door to discard it. Upon returning, he stopped once more in front of the sofa.
— You lose your mind when you try to impress women, especially if it's Nemis. It's getting pathetic, man.
Caerius sighed and pressed his hand to Rusk's forehead to check his temperature.
— Hmmm... the fever's breaking, so it's just a hangover. Want something to eat, or I don't know, want me to call Nemis to come over and see this? HAHAHAHAH! Hilarious, man.
He couldn't contain his laughter; the instinct to mock his friend was stronger than any compassion.
— Stay there. I'll whip up a sandwich for you and get something carbonated.
— Energe...
— Less energy drink. I'll be back in a few minutes.
In the kitchen, the space was renovated, completely different than before. There was a new fridge and a simple table—a strategic acquisition to prevent the two of them from eating at their setups, accumulating dirt on the equipment.
Walking to the newly purchased cabinet, he took out sliced bread and laid them on a board. He assembled the sandwich with cheese, lettuce, and ham, while slicing cucumbers and cabbage into rounds, letting them sauté with olive oil in the pan.
Every move of his was deliberately careful, a stark contrast to the negligent Caerius of weeks ago. It was the basics, but it was the start of a new phase.
...
"It's been almost a week since that talk with Nemis and old Man Din, Naeris..."
"I'm happy you're finally making an effort to improve. You've grown so much, Cae."
"...Yeah. I've been forgiven by everyone. They're all happy to see my effort. It's been a long time since I've seen Rusk having this much fun, especially with Nemis. But..."
— I still feel like something is missing, Naeris...
Tchhhhhhh-psss…
Caerius took the pan off the heat, finished the sandwich, grabbed a bottle of sparkling water, and returned to the living room.
— Hey, come on, get up. I made your food. Or do you want me to spoon-feed you too?
He pulled up a chair and positioned it in front of the sofa, setting down the plate and the drink.
— Hmmmm... aaah... urgh...
Rusk finally straightened up, though his body still seemed limp, begging to collapse and sleep the rest of the day away.
— Thanks, man. Wait... SPARKLING WATER?! Are you kidding me, Caerius? The sandwich is cool, but sparkling water?
Rusk grumbled as he opened the bottle. The sound of the gas escaping echoed through the warehouse, causing an immediate shiver in his turned stomach.
— That's so you learn not to drink like that. Or, if you do, that you do it with some awareness.
— But...
— And if you complain, I'll post the photo I took of you hugging the toilet and send it to everyone at Morrow-Rest.
Rusk muttered unintelligible curses while drinking the water with evident disgust. While his friend ate with clumsy hands, Caerius sat beside him, resting the back of his head in his hands and staring at the ceiling.
A strange sensation washed over him. The habit of ruminating on the past until his mind collapsed had given way to a reluctant acceptance. The simple fact of being able to breathe without feeling the weight of the world was something the "old" Caerius never imagined experiencing.
Rusk turned his head, observing his friend lost in thought.
— So... do you plan on working today?
He asked, mumbling between bites.
— Work? Don't trip, you're dead, man. We're taking the day off today and we'll be back at it for real tomorrow.
"Back tomorrow..." Who would have thought those words would come out of his mouth so naturally?
— Seriously? Normally you work alone when I can't... or when I don't want to.
— ... It's just that there isn't much reason for that exhaustive work anymore. You know how it is, I'm far too handsome and smart to be wearing myself out for nothing.
"Those words sound so strange..."
Rusk couldn't hold back a smile of relief.
— I get it. And what happened at the bar yesterday after I blacked out?
— Nemis stayed sitting at the counter watching your little show. She even gave a weak smile while Helvik grumbled, scared to death you wouldn't pay for what you drank. Other than that, the same old shit: the bar stinking of old drunks and Nemis's cigarettes. And, of course, my badass presence to make everyone's night better.
— That's... comforting. I'm so happy, Caerius. Thank you...
Rusk took a deep breath, but Caerius immediately cut the emotional mood:
— No wonder. You've always had a crush on Nemis; pulling a smile out of her must be a trophy for you.
— It's not because of Nemis. Of course... a smile from her enchants me. But the reason for my happiness... is you.
Caerius froze, looking at his friend with genuine confusion. He took the water from Rusk's hand and took a sip to clear the lump in his throat.
— What do you mean, Rusk? I haven't done anything. Why would I be the reason?
— ... You know, Caerius, you're like a brother to me. You never cared if I was clumsy or lazy in a way. You were always there helping me, but... I felt helpless when I couldn't do the same for you. Like... "what brother can't help his equal?" That's what I asked myself while you were sinking into guilt over Naeris's death, unable to pull you back.
— Rusk, I...
— My happiness isn't about these things we're conquering bit by bit. My greatest happiness, Caerius... is seeing my best friend fighting to move forward. I know you are the peak potential of Morrow-en. I... just ask you not to give up, brother. You managed to bring back the shine and hope of this city just by trying... honor that.
Rusk finished his snack and lay down again, pulling the sheet up to his chin.
— That's it, man. Now don't disturb my sleep anymore... unless Nemis comes to pay me a little visit.
Caerius didn't respond. He knew that any word now would be used as fuel for Rusk's affectionate teasing later. But deep down, he knew: his friend's words had reinforced his foundation. Now, there was no turning back.
"I'm the one who should thank you, Rusk... all of you."
- - -
While the two enjoyed the comfort of the warehouse, the streets of Morrow-en demanded the last drop of energy from Arthur, Alice, and Hanna.
— It's taking too long... Ow... my legs...
Arthur grumbled, feeling his joints and muscle tissues beg for a truce.
— What are you complaining about? I'm the one carrying you! Stay quiet while Alice points the way.
Hanna shot back, with Arthur over her shoulders.
— I didn't ask you to carry me! And did you forget I carried you on my back too? Ungrateful!
While the two traded barbs, Alice walked ahead, immersed in absolute silence.
"... I figured I'd improve if I stayed out of that gas's reach... but I can feel my strength fading. Argh... getting through to Caerius in this condition... it's not going to be easy."
Sweat dripped from her forehead to her neck, and the bruises from the fight with Nemis were now more vivid and painful.
— What would become of you without me to be your support, huh?
Hanna continued the provocation.
— Ahn? What kind of joke is that? You're the laziest one here! From Vallum to Morrow-en, the one who served as the trunk was me!
Arthur retorted, lightly tugging Hanna's hair.
"Haaaa... give me a break... just a little silence..."
Alice stopped abruptly, leaning her torso forward.
— Uh? What is it? Alice... did you trip? HAHAHAHAH! That beating really left you traumatized.
Hanna laughed sarcastically. Alice rested her hands on her knees and then...
Bleeegh...!
The vomit came like molten iron up her throat, forming a puddle between her feet.
— Alice?! Are you okay?
Arthur shouted, trying to climb down from Hanna's shoulders, but Alice held out her palm, stopping him.
— I'm... bleh... cough, cough... I'm fine.
Don't get off Hanna, you're still incapacitated. Let's keep going.
She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, her voice hoarse and direct.
— Mrs. Sour Lemon, get on my back. I can carry you and Arthur, just like he did before.
— We're already close. The need to carry both doesn't apply now. Let's just hurry, okay?
She started walking again. Firm steps, but strangely deliberate.
— Urgh, why does she have to be so stubborn?
Hanna grumbled, adjusting Arthur on her back.
With every step, it felt as though Alice was sinking into invisible quicksand. Her knees buckled, dragged down by exhaustion. After a few minutes, her body finally gave in, and she collapsed to the ground.
— Damn it, Alice...
Arthur gritted his teeth. Seeing his foundation in that pathetic state was agonizing.
— ... Haaa... you really are hopeless.
Hanna walked over to Alice and picked her up, positioning her on her back along with Arthur. To ensure neither of them fell, Hanna generated several dense metals from her back, forming a solid net that bound them to her.
— There. Just point to where I need to go. No need to talk, save your strength.
Even secure in Hanna's net, Arthur wrapped one arm around Alice, pulling her closer.
— Alice, sleep a little.
Arthur whispered. She tried to turn her face, resisting once more.
— Do you think I don't know that instead of sleeping before we came here, you stayed awake ensuring my safety and Hanna's?
...
— Arthur, I...
— This is our mission too, Alice. There are three of us, we have a pact. And right now, you're the one who needs to be looked after. Now sleep. Hanna and I will handle this. Just tell me the end of the route.
Faced with his insistence, Alice yielded. She passed the final information and fell into a deep sleep—perhaps the first real rest she had experienced since the day of Darian.
— Great. Hanna, turn left and go straight. Then, on the right, there will be an alley with an orange neon light. I think that's it.
Hanna nodded and picked up the pace. The sun had already set, leaving only the artificial light of the floodlights and the glow of the puddles where the trio observed their reflections before the big encounter.
- - -
Scratch... Scratch...
— Hmm... Helvik's bar bill paid... warehouse debts cleared... new parts bought... debt with that grumpy Clancy settled...
Caerius crossed off the last item in his notebook and tossed it onto the table.
— Haaaa... one week of work and I've already cleared almost everything. Only the monthly ones left.
He stretched and sat in his work chair. He picked up a picture frame that had been hidden on top of the cabinet and placed it on the table next to the monitor.
— Eh... I finally worked up the courage to bring this back. Old Man Din is going to have a heart attack when he finds out... This time, I'm going to live here the right way. It's what I should do, isn't it? Tell me, Nae, what's still missing...
Thump!
— Hanna, I already told you! Knock on the door first! We have to make a good impression!
"...Is there someone outside at this hour? I hope it's not the drunks from the bar wanting to drag me to a party..."
Caerius slid the chair back and yawned, walking toward the main door.
"Urgh, Rusk should install a peephole in this piece of shit."
— Why call out, Arthur? Alice is practically turning into a corpse! Plan B in action!
"Wait a minute, Arth—"
CLANG!! KRRRAAANG!! WHOOOONG!!
The massive, heavy metal door was smashed open with absurd violence, flying past Caerius's body and embedding itself in the ceiling right above him.
— W-what...? What was that?!
Caerius turned pale. His trembling gaze was that of someone who had just witnessed a head-on collision between two trucks. In the center of the entrance, Hanna stood, starting to lower Arthur and Alice to the ground.
— Hanna! What the fuck was that? You were just supposed to knock!
Arthur grumbled, supporting Alice on his shoulder.
— I hit the door, didn't I? Don't question my methods, I always deliver the best solutions!
Hanna replied with a proud smile, puffing out her chest.
— If your solution is to leave the people we want to ask for help in a state of shock, you nailed it.
Arthur turned his face and stared at Caerius, who was still trying to process the scene.
"T-this face... it's him! The anomaly from the HU posters! Damn it... doesn't he know that just by being alive he causes the death of innocents? Now he wants to bring trouble to my city?! No... not here!"
— Get out n—
— Hi, sorry about that...
Arthur interrupted, his voice thick with exhaustion.
— She's just worried because our colleague is very sick and needs to rest. Could you help us? Please...
Caerius froze.
...
"Dad, don't provoke Cae like that! He's sick, let him rest. You'll be fine, Cae..."
The image of Arthur holding Alice with such care, even amidst the fever, silenced any words of hate or expulsion. With a reluctant but decided sigh, Caerius turned toward the interior of the warehouse.
— All right... come with me. Let's lay her down for now.
He said, before vanishing into the shadows of the hallway.
— Hmph, I knew it! My plans never fail!
Hanna exclaimed, chin held high.
Arthur, on the other hand, just collapsed in relief. His biggest fear was being refused, something that seemed certain without Alice's foundation to negotiate.
"It's close, Alice... you can rest now. Time can wait for us."