Jaquan stared speechless as Catlin and Neely rush off at Catlin’s whim. He, Liana, and Justice had nothing to say that would help the two or change Catlin’s mind. Understandably, Catlin felt a great deal of responsibility about Brisa’s situation. She was going and Neely was going too; just… because he was.
As they watched Catlin and Neely run into the distance, one of Catlin’s abandoned bags fell over. Neely left his bag as well. Distracted from the spectacle, Liana grabbed both of Catlin’s larger bags. It only seemed right since her suit greatly increased her already considerable strength. This left Justice and Jaquan each of the remaining bags.
“Well, that just happened,” Jaquan said as he watched half of the BigBad Crew run off in frenzy.
Watching them run through the street, Justice couldn’t help but comment, “expected.” He learned a little about Jaquan’s companions but expected was the best fitting word.
“Ironic,” Liana chimed in. She added a few mechanical modifications to Neely’s armor during the shuttle trip. It should help them in their task. She had also seen Catlin modify Brisa’s armor in a fraction of the time with her enchants. Catlin’s used immense power and concentration to help Brisa become a “warrior” in a few hours. She used Neely’s Holy Talent boosted Empowerment Aura through the work and still almost changed into a dreaded Unholy Beast with all her work. Brisa must have meant a lot to her.
Jaquan paused again watching Catlin and Neely run. They were almost out of sight still frantically looking for the reporter. The two that usually got into side adventures were off on another one. Each adventure made them stronger so it made since to let them be for now. “They should be fine,” Jaquan added. Still, he’ll give them a call in a few hours.
The three followed the attendant to their assigned resting area to sit and relax.
—–
Brisa followed the mysterious warrior through the city. It seemed he knew where he was going. She learned his name was Kiley Qu and that he’d lived and trained in this city for a few years. That was good because she was completely lost. At best, she could find her way back to the Sword Mastery School.
Kiley was from a clan called Sour Grapes. His clan was powerful though not the strongest. His clan’s symbol, a black diamond with a bright yellow-orange circle in the center, was displayed proudly on his cape. He was aware of Brisa’s recent escapade into the city. Though he knew all the shortcuts, he made sure to stay on the main paths so she felt most comfortable.
As they walked, Brisa noticed that he disappeared from view every now and then. She’d get distracted by something on the street and he’d be fading back into sight as she looked forward again. It was a little disturbing. It happened a few times before she had to stop and ask what was going on.
Kiley looked at her as though she should already know. “There’s a cloaked tracker droid following you,” he said slightly annoyed.
Brisa looked behind her and all around. There was nothing. No evidence of anything, only the wind and traffic.
Kiley’s eyes flashed open with a sudden revelation, “You’re a new Adventurer aren’t you?”
“Well… Umm…” Brisa was speechless.
She tried to hide it but, it was the only fact that could possibly explain everything. She had awesome gear including a large powerful weapon that told all would-be attackers to be afraid, very afraid. If she learned to use the gear, they would have great reason to be very afraid. However, no part of her gear had been marked or repaired. Therefore, it was unused.
Sour Grapes usually helped others in need. Besides, he had nothing better to do today. “Don’t worry,” Kiley said, “Just don’t charge off around some building at an enemy,” he smiled at Brisa’s confused look, “We should be fine.”