{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Aisha, whereÔÇÖs Aisha?!ÔÇØ Ada exclaims as she runs into the Casino. The remaining members of her team are with her, but not any of HinaÔÇÖs team members."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"IÔÇÖm not sure how to deliver the bad news to her. We had some time to think, but donÔÇÖt know if we should respect AishaÔÇÖs wishes and make something up or tell the truth. Marin and Ruby arenÔÇÖt going to respond. And IÔÇÖm sure Hina is going to leave it to me to make the decision. I have to say something before Ada tries to barge through the security."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£SheÔÇÖs not here,ÔÇØ I say."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ada grabs my shoulders and yells, ÔÇ£Where is she?!ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Her desperation makes me inclined to tell the truth. If it were me, IÔÇÖd want to know the truth no matter how harsh it is. IÔÇÖm certain the truth rather than a lie would upset her and the others. ItÔÇÖs less of a hassle for me if I get it over with, and itÔÇÖs not like I have a good relationship with any of them. ThereÔÇÖs no reason for me to be considerate of their feelings. But, we are working together to find leads on the masked men. I canÔÇÖt have them dwell on this for too long. The fact that Aisha isnÔÇÖt here can only mean one thing. They arenÔÇÖt stupid."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£She decided to go with Floyd.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhyÔǪwhy would she do that?ÔÇØ Ada asks, and then her eyes widen. ÔÇ£Did she lose another wager?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Not exactlyÔǪÔÇØ I hesitate."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Then what? She wouldnÔÇÖt leave us behind after we had an agreement.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£She said sheÔÇÖs sorry. She was wrong to make wagers involving you and the others without discussing it first, so sheÔÇÖs taking responsibility herself.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, that canÔÇÖt be true,ÔÇØ Melody says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I agree, she knows us well. She wouldnÔÇÖt have made the decision in the first place if we would be against it,ÔÇØ Doris says. ÔÇ£She would never feel guilty like that.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£She couldnÔÇÖt have forgotten that I agreed to help too,ÔÇØ Ada says. ÔÇ£What really happened?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Look. Aisha really didnÔÇÖt want me to tell you because she knew you would disagree. Floyd retook a personal interest in her after she refused his offer of the new wager. He wanted to get to know her one on one.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£That canÔÇÖt be right. That bastard said he was in a hurry,ÔÇØ Ada says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£That was just a trick to force a decision out of us faster. Aisha re-evaluated the situation and felt it was easier to settle the 20 gold bet herself before the offer expired. SheÔÇÖs gonna try to seduce him and get the information we want while theyÔÇÖre intimate. ThatÔÇÖs the truth.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ada lets me go and looks down. She squeezes her fists, cracking them a few times."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Just like that, I shut everyone up, even though itÔÇÖs a lie. ItÔÇÖs so easy to get away with it too, when IÔÇÖm not dealing with the Xog. The trick is to stretch what theyÔÇÖre expecting by only a little."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Deniz walks forward and puts a hand on AdaÔÇÖs shoulder. ÔÇ£AishaÔÇÖs a strong girl. SheÔÇÖll be fine. It doesnÔÇÖt look like we can do anything now.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina walks by my side and then says, ÔÇ£HeÔÇÖs right, Ada. We need to move forward with our plan without her. NothinÔÇÖs changed.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I knowÔǪbut Aisha. When will she be back?ÔÇØ Ada asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I shrug my shoulders and answer, ÔÇ£Not sure. Floyd didnÔÇÖt say. We can always come back tomorrow and check on her if we have time.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£YeahÔǪÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So, did you guys find anything useful?ÔÇØ I ask while keeping my voice down. I glance behind me, and the Dwarf at the reception is staring right at me. DonÔÇÖt want him to overhear what comes next. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Everyone understands and silently huddles around each other."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Deniz informs, ÔÇ£We found an unusual spot with higher security.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Unusual, how?ÔÇØ I ask."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£It's off to the side, and itÔÇÖs just a plain wall. There doesnÔÇÖt seem to be anything else of importance there. We think itÔÇÖs a secret entrance they use for hauling in large goods.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Like a shipment of Aerkins?ÔÇØ Hina asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Could be.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs good to know but doesnÔÇÖt really help us,ÔÇØ I say. ItÔÇÖs obvious there would be a way to smuggle Aerkins into the underground city without the risk of someone catching sight. It could be a good route for the masked men to get in, but we arenÔÇÖt going to be able to get into that passage from here, and thereÔÇÖs no way we would find the entrance from the other side. ÔÇ£Anything else?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Some huge bazaar enclosed in its own space. Everyone wore masks. It was so weird, and we felt out of place there. We didnÔÇÖt stay for too long,ÔÇØ Deniz says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Oh, you found the marketplace. The auction is in there. We learned a few things about the auction and a couple of other things. WeÔÇÖll explain later. We should get moving,ÔÇØ I suggest. WeÔÇÖre already sticking out like a sore thumb. Best not raise everyoneÔÇÖs suspicion of us too much. I donÔÇÖt want another run-in with the Vanguards. ÔÇ£WhereÔÇÖre the others?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£TheyÔÇÖre keeping watch of that unusual spot I mentioned to see if thereÔÇÖs any movement. We were about to meet you guys back here, but then Ada showed up.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Right. Lead the way,ÔÇØ I say."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We follow them to the spot in question. We arrive at the end of a path, a fork going left and right. Going left, we find Luke, Simon, and Dennis huddled around each other. Beyond them is a group of Dwarves stationed along the outermost wall farther ahead. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"It does seem strange. I thought this could be a possible exit back to the city, but when the Vanguards led me out the first time, there was no one standing watch in the open. This time there are four of them. And thereÔÇÖs no door like there was at the other location either."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The outer edge of the underground city has a broader path than the roads leading inward. Likely because transportation is only meant for traveling along that edge."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"If my memory serves me right, the Aerkin arena is straight ahead in this direction. ThatÔÇÖs good design so that when Aerkins are transported, wagons donÔÇÖt clutter the traffic of the innermost city. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We donÔÇÖt regroup entirely as to not attract unwanted attention to ourselves. ThereÔÇÖs hardly anyone else in this part of the city. They come over to us instead. We lead them back inside the fork to remove ourselves from the sight of those four Dwarves. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Any changes?ÔÇØ Deniz asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£None,ÔÇØ Luke answers while looking around. ÔÇ£WhereÔÇÖs Aisha?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs complicated. This isnÔÇÖt a good place to talk,ÔÇØ I say. ÔÇ£LetÔÇÖs go back to the surface.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Right. So where to?ÔÇØ Luke asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs right overÔǪÔÇØ I say while pointing in one direction and then the opposite way. I vaguely remember where we went, but only from the Aerkin arena. IÔÇÖm not too sure from here."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Darling, you silly. ItÔÇÖs over here,ÔÇØ Hina says and locks her arms with mine. She leads the way."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We eventually arrive at the large gate. No sign of any Dwarves, but I know one will come out from that door on the left. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖre we waiting for?ÔÇØ Luke asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThereÔÇÖs a Dwarf that should be coming out of the door next to the gate,ÔÇØ I inform. ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs what happened last time. Pearl, you too, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah,ÔÇØ Hina responds."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Nearly a minute passes, and still nothing."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We donÔÇÖt have all day. Dennis, help me with the gate,ÔÇØ Luke says as he approaches the huge door. He grabs onto one side while Dennis grips onto the other one. ÔÇ£On three. OneÔǪtwoÔǪpull!ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The door doesnÔÇÖt budge, despite both of their full efforts. It didnÔÇÖt seem like that Dwarf did anything special last time. Maybe thereÔÇÖs some sort of unlocking mechanism inside the room next to this gate. LukeÔÇÖs side of the door opens very slowly."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Use Enhancement magic,ÔÇØ Luke informs. ÔÇ£It makes it possible.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Did those Vanguards use Enhancement magic too? It looked so effortless when they opened it. DennisÔÇÖs side starts to open also."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We see into the passage as the massive doors open slowly. The passage isnÔÇÖt illuminated this time."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£YÔÇÖall get goinÔÇÖ. WeÔÇÖll be right behind you,ÔÇØ Dennis says with a raspy voice."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Wait,ÔÇØ I say. ÔÇ£SomethingÔÇÖs not right. The path should be lit.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Ada light the way. Hurry,ÔÇØ Luke says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm with Darling on this one,ÔÇØ Hina says. ÔÇ£Simon, can you scout?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm on it. A couple rats should do, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"More ratsÔǪ Is he messing with me?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Moments later, four gray rats appear that run forward into the passage. Ada illuminates the way with her Light magic. DoesnÔÇÖt look like thereÔÇÖs anything different. But whyÔÇÖd the Vanguards wait instead of passing through? Was it just to turn on the lights?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Suddenly, the floor of the passage rockets upward. In no time, the ground squashes the rodents like pancakes against the ceiling. It makes a loud bang and creates a vibration. Whoa. That couldÔÇÖve been us. IÔÇÖm more concerned about whatÔÇÖs going to happen next. This seems like a scenario where the Vanguards could show up."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£What happened?!ÔÇØ Luke exclaims. He and Dennis were out of view to see the death trap."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The door next to the gate bursts open, and the guard yells, ÔÇ£Oh, shoite!ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The Dwarf makes immediate eye contact with me and says, ÔÇ£Ye agin. De high-risk rats.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhereÔÇÖve youÔÇöÔÇ£"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Hoo many oÔÇÖ ye buffoons got killed?ÔÇØ he asks and looks into the passage."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£None,ÔÇØ Simon answers. ÔÇ£Just a few of my Conjuration creations.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£We dun have much time befer de Vanguards show up. Ay dint dink dare wouÔÇÖ be anyone stupid enoof ter brute force dare way past de security.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I knew it. ÔÇ£WhatÔÇöÔÇ£"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£If none oÔÇÖ ya weor killed, dat be good.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I sigh. He keeps interrupting me."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Anyone wiff Water magic?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I have it,ÔÇØ Hina says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Good. Haur be wha' be guin ter happen. Oi'm guin ter reset de trap, an' ye will pass drough. Make sure ter clean up de mess befer ye leave.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Wait, why?ÔÇØ I ask. ItÔÇÖs strange why heÔÇÖs the one frantic in this situation. ÔÇ£WhyÔÇÖre you helping us?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Lewk. 'Tis better fer all o' us dat Ay tell de Vanguards Ay accidentally pressed de panic button instead o' fallinÔÇÖ asleep. Juss go,ÔÇØ he says and starts to run, but then stops and turns around. ÔÇ£One more dinÔÇÖ juss in case ye dun knoo. Each exit has a maximum occupancy oÔÇÖ four people. Dis rule ye dun break.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He continues his way into the room. Not long after, the passage floor plummets back to ground level. Some of the splattered remains fall from the ceiling."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs gross,ÔÇØ Hina mutters. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I lean over to her ear and whisper, ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know if you understood him, but he wants you to clean up the entire mess before we leave.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She nods and then walks into the passage, but not too far. A stream of water appears the air that shoots toward the mess on the ceiling."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I donÔÇÖt want to meet the Vanguards again, but doesnÔÇÖt this Dwarf has more to lose than us? We all have the pass, so weÔÇÖre not breaking the rules. This guy, on the other hand, fell asleep. ThatÔÇÖs why heÔÇÖs trying to make us disappear, so they donÔÇÖt know that. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The Dwarf comes back out and then says, ÔÇ£De trap be disabled fer nigh. Hurry. Make sure de Light magic goes befer ye leave tew.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs in it for us?ÔÇØ I ask."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhaÔÇÖ dae ye mean? Vanguards. Ye dun want ter be caught wiff dem.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖre not breaking any rules here. We all have the pass. ItÔÇÖs not our fault that you were asleep on the job.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Alroight, ye got me. Ay will owe ya a favor later. Hoo abart dat?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£What kind of favor?ÔÇØ I ask."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£AnydinÔÇÖ Ay ken do, Ay will do, if ye dun get me intae trouble. Go befer ÔÇÿtis tew late.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Right. LetÔÇÖs go,ÔÇØ I say. ÔÇ£Ada, remove your Light magic and place another one in the passage.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I know.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We run into the passage. The stain on the ceiling is gone. The only thing thatÔÇÖs left is the clump of water HinaÔÇÖs moving forward. SheÔÇÖs going to have to dump the mess somewhere."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ada removes the previous Light magic and stations a new one within the passage. The doors close behind us. We need to hurry because who knows when heÔÇÖll need to enable the trap again. HinaÔÇÖs already at the end of the passage. It doesnÔÇÖt take long for us to catch up."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I recall last time I went up the ladder straight ahead. IÔÇÖm assuming there are other exits to this left and right passageway. ThatÔÇÖs convenient, with an even split between the twelve of us. I donÔÇÖt want to find out what happens if we break the rule by having more than four people leave an exit."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina dumps her Water magic into the left passage. While we could discuss recent events here, it wouldnÔÇÖt be good if anyone else passes through while weÔÇÖre still here."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"We go our separate ways with Hina, Ruby, Marin, and I going up the ladder since two of us are already familiar with this route. WeÔÇÖre going to meet up back at the Windmill Inn."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I warn Marin and Ruby not to call any Dwarves small, in the event that theyÔÇÖre forced into a conversation with one of them. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Sometime later, weÔÇÖre the first group to arrive. Jetia is standing by the entrance with his back against the wall and his arms crossed. None of the goons or novices from HinaÔÇÖs team are around. DonÔÇÖt tell me, General Nero came looking for us?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So, yer back,ÔÇØ Jetia says. ÔÇ£I did as you asked.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£And?ÔÇØ I ask."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Captain Albius stopped by. Had some news to give you.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Captain Albius? ThatÔÇÖs good for us. He already knows what weÔÇÖre up to. ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖd he say?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£The inspection is tomorrow before the representatives gather in the Grand Hall. He wants to meet you here personally tomorrow at dawn before it goes down.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I frown, almost forgetting about that. How am I going to get out of this one? Captain Albius and General Nero both know that IÔÇÖm the one the Xog are looking for. If they wanted to rat me out, they couldÔÇÖve already. Captain Albius must have a plan if he wants to meet me."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs wrong?ÔÇØ Jetia asks. ÔÇ£Conflicts with yer plans tomorrow?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, not really.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So, yer scared of running into those monsters again?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah,ÔÇØ I respond, finding that this is easier than telling the full truth. ÔÇ£But who wouldnÔÇÖt be? ArenÔÇÖt you?ÔÇØ "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yer right. ItÔÇÖs reassuring to hear that even our great leader is scared of them.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£You have anything else for us?ÔÇØ I ask."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, thatÔÇÖs it.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Alright then,ÔÇØ I say, walking past Jetia."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Not going to ask me what I told Captain Albius where you were?ÔÇØ Jetia asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt need to. He already knows that weÔÇÖre doing an investigation of our own. I told you, heÔÇÖs on my side now,ÔÇØ I say and continue inside. IÔÇÖm getting a bit hungry. This might be a good time to eat another meal before we retire for the night. WeÔÇÖll all have to get up early. My issues with the Feloidians aside, everyone else needs to get rid of their passes to avoid general trouble with the Achilles Sundance Circuit and the Dwarves."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The four of us grab some chow while waiting for the others, who soon arrive. We discretely inform them of the stuff we learned at the Casino. Surprisingly, AdaÔÇÖs quiet the entire time. I guess sheÔÇÖs really bummed out about Aisha. So, it makes it easy for us to gloss over the finer details. They donÔÇÖt need to know the specifics like all the answers to FloydÔÇÖs questions. Especially not the fictional drama"},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":" "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"between Hina and I. That will only complicate things."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The others only found the possible secret within the wall, the location of the marketplace, and the mask shop. They explored the bulk of the underground city, so thereÔÇÖs probably not much else to find. Although, I wish theyÔÇÖd focused more on the outer edges. There must be other exits to the surface other than the one we went through."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I inform everyone of the inspection tomorrow too. The guys will have to find a way to remove the pass before it happens and then get it again after we escort the ministers to the Grand Hall. Someone with Healing magic can probably do it. A bit inconvenient, but it canÔÇÖt be helped. ItÔÇÖs dark out now, so finding our way around the city might be more difficult. ItÔÇÖll be easier to navigate the city in the morning."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"The ministers come down for dinner. We only tell them that we didnÔÇÖt find any leads on their ask. With them eavesdropping, we canÔÇÖt discuss much of our actual investigation anymore. WeÔÇÖve already hit all the big points and have a game plan for tomorrow, so we disperse for the night."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ThereÔÇÖs just one more complication today. Ruby has given Hina the "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"stare "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"since weÔÇÖve gotten back. It hasnÔÇÖt been discrete either, so other people mustÔÇÖve noticed.┬áI can only hope Luke passes it off as some jealousy. In reality, itÔÇÖs almost the opposite. RubyÔÇÖs serious about making sure that thereÔÇÖs no more "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"acting "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"between us. And so, she follows us all the way to our room."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Good night, Ruby,ÔÇØ I say as Hina and I stand from the inside of a room while RubyÔÇÖs in the hallway."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I begin to close the door when Ruby blocks me and interjects, ÔÇ£Wait.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I knew it. SheÔÇÖs not going to just assume weÔÇÖre going to do the deed. I donÔÇÖt want to make a scene here. I think the rest of HinaÔÇÖs team arenÔÇÖt going to bed just yet, so itÔÇÖs just us here. I step out and look into the hallway to verify thereÔÇÖs no one watching. I signal Ruby to step into the room and then close the door."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£What do you want?ÔÇØ I ask."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I wanna make sure that Hina understands. No more actinÔÇÖ.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I got it. Now, can you leave?ÔÇØ Hina asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No. Yer not gonna do it. Yer not serious ÔÇÿbout it.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I bite my lip. I really want to say something here, but my assurance wonÔÇÖt make her back down. She knows IÔÇÖm doing this to help Hina, and I wouldnÔÇÖt force it on her. Not to mentionÔǪthe mere mention of that. I donÔÇÖt know how sheÔÇÖll react. I could say that IÔÇÖm not attracted to her, but sheÔÇÖs not going to buy that. I canÔÇÖt fake it either."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt know what more you want me to say. IÔÇÖll let him have sex with me this time, okay?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I wanna watch.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No,ÔÇØ Hina and I say simultaneously."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Why not?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Look. ItÔÇÖs a veryÔǪprivate activity,ÔÇØ Hina says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£If ya wanted it ta be private, ya wouldnÔÇÖt need ta make so much noise when yer doinÔÇÖ it. If ya want everyone ta know, itÔÇÖs not private anymore. Yer not embarrassed ÔÇÿbout it either.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖs different. No one else sees what weÔÇÖre doinÔÇÖ. I donÔÇÖt want anyone to watch us do it. ThatÔÇÖs weird. Kills the mood too,ÔÇØ Hina says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖll be like IÔÇÖm not even there. I wonÔÇÖt make any noise. I just wanna make sure ya take care of Kai. IÔÇÖve already seen his body, ÔÇÿnÔÇÖ weÔÇÖre both girls. ItÔÇÖs not weird.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She hasnÔÇÖt exactly seen my body per se, but thatÔÇÖs not the point here. SheÔÇÖs not going to let up on this. SheÔÇÖs too stubborn. I need to say something despite that I know sheÔÇÖs probably not going to listen to me on this one. This isnÔÇÖt the best time, but IÔÇÖll confront her about that matter now."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Ruby, I know youÔÇÖre looking out for me, but why does it have to be Hina? Why havenÔÇÖt you offeredÔǪyourself? I know you want it.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She frowns. The light almost seemingly disappears from her eyes as they drop to the floor. My heart sinks with it. I hate hurting her like this. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ÔÇÖCause I know ya donÔÇÖt really want me right nowÔǪ ÔÇÿNÔÇÖ I donÔÇÖt want somethinÔÇÖ fake like that. ItÔÇÖll make me sadÔǪÔÇÖnÔÇÖ empty. IÔÇÖd wish I could have more with ya, but I canÔÇÖtÔǪsoÔǪ ÔÇÿNÔÇÖ ya wanna help Hina with ÔÇÿer problem. PuttinÔÇÖ yerself in these pretend acts will erupt certain feelinÔÇÖs from ya, ÔÇÿcause yer a guy. I donÔÇÖt wantcha ta feel the same as me. HavinÔÇÖ this burninÔÇÖ feelinÔÇÖ inside that IÔÇÖll never be able ta satiate.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Is that why Ruby did it with that man at the inn? She was trying to get rid of that feeling, but it didnÔÇÖt work out? Has she been doing those things since? I want to ask her about all these things, but the words wonÔÇÖt come out. Do I really want to know?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Have you thought about hookinÔÇÖ up with other guys?ÔÇØ Hina asks. ÔÇ£It might help, and itÔÇÖs only fair, right? If KaiÔÇÖs goinÔÇÖ to do it with me.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"It feels like time is passing so slow. HowÔÇÖs she going to answer? I canÔÇÖt help but think back to her responses to FloydÔÇÖs questions about having a million different partners. She wouldnÔÇÖt really, right?"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah, I thought ÔÇÿbout it,ÔÇØ Ruby replies. ÔÇ£But, thatÔÇÖs only gonna leave me sad ÔÇÿnÔÇÖ empty too. ItÔÇÖs no different than if Kai were ta do it ta me now. I know Kai would be mad at me too if I did that. I donÔÇÖt wanna make ÔÇÿim mad or upset ÔÇÿcause of me.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ruby turns to me with her eyes sparkling again. She leans toward me and continues, ÔÇ£I would never do that ta ya, Kai. Never. Ya know that, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I pause because I donÔÇÖt really know. After all, I found her that one time at the inn with another man. I know what I saw. WeÔÇÖre already deep in this. Why am I still hesitating? IÔÇÖm going to get to the bottom of this once and for all. I answer, ÔÇ£No, because I know youÔÇÖre lying to me. You donÔÇÖt know this, but I found you at the inn with another man that day I woke up after the attack.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ThatÔÇÖsÔǪÔÇØ Ruby mutters, her eyes and lips quivering. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I knew it. SheÔÇÖs been playing me this entire time. Her answer to Floyd. DoesnÔÇÖt that mean itÔÇÖs been open season for her all this time? "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"This. "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"What sheÔÇÖs doing now to make sure that Hina and I have sex. ThatÔÇÖs only supposed to make herself feel less guilty about what sheÔÇÖs doing. None of this is about me."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I didnÔÇÖt wanna talk ÔÇÿbout thatÔǪbut IÔÇÖm not lyinÔÇÖ! IÔǪÔÇØ Ruby says and then looks down. She pauses for several seconds before continuing, ÔÇ£Do ya know how I know I would feel sad ÔÇÿnÔÇÖ empty if I did it with other guys or offered myself ta ya? ItÔÇÖs ÔÇÿcause I did it onceÔǪwith that man. I donÔÇÖt wanna feel that way again. I havenÔÇÖt done it since.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"That makes sense. Maybe I jumped to conclusions too soon. ThereÔÇÖs still a chance that sheÔÇÖs lying to me, though. I need to make sure. I have to do "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"that "},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"again. This will be the last time. I say, ÔÇ£Look at me, Ruby.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She lifts her head up, and we make eye contact. I ask, ÔÇ£Do you swear, Ruby?┬áIf I find out that youÔÇÖre lying to me, IÔÇÖm leaving you.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I swear, Kai! I wonÔÇÖt lie ta ya,ÔÇØ Ruby responds without hesitation, her face completely steady."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I sigh and then say, ÔÇ£Okay, I believe you.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ruby smiles. ThatÔÇÖs that. I never shouldÔÇÖve doubted her from the start. She did do it that one time, but I canÔÇÖt blame her too much for that. It was hard for both of us after what happened. We both lost important people in our lives after that attack."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£So, can I watch? I promise ya wonÔÇÖt notice IÔÇÖm there,ÔÇØ Ruby says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"And weÔÇÖre back to this. Ugh. I donÔÇÖt mind doing it with Hina since I have permission from Marin already, but Hina doesnÔÇÖt want me to, and I respect that, but Ruby wonÔÇÖt let this go. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt want you to watch us because it doesnÔÇÖt make me comfortable. Kai, you feel that way, too, right?ÔÇØ Hina asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah, Ruby. IÔÇÖm with her on this one. CanÔÇÖt you trust her? Trust me?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I trust ya, but not ÔÇÿer. SheÔÇÖs playinÔÇÖ ÔÇÿround, ÔÇÿnÔÇÖ I know ya. Ya wonÔÇÖt do it if she doesnÔÇÖt wantcha ta.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Fine, I give up,ÔÇØ Hina says. I knit my eyebrows. ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre right. I wasnÔÇÖt serious about lettinÔÇÖ Kai have his way with me.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"What the hellÔÇÖs she thinking? Does she mean to throw everything away and reveal to everyone that itÔÇÖs a sham? SheÔÇÖd rather do that than commit the deed."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I knew it,ÔÇØ Ruby says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£But, all you want is to make sure that Kai isnÔÇÖt sexually frustrated, right?ÔÇØ Hina asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah, so?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£SoÔǪIÔÇÖm sayinÔÇÖ it doesnÔÇÖt have to be durinÔÇÖ the actinÔÇÖ. It could be before or afterward. No one has to know when.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WhatÔÇÖs that matter?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sayinÔÇÖ IÔÇÖllÔǪsuck him off when weÔÇÖre not actinÔÇÖ. IÔÇÖll show you the "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"proof"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":" afterward, just this once. Is that good enough for you?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I gulp. Suck me off? Is she serious? Even Marin hasnÔÇÖt done that to me yet. IÔÇÖm not sure this sits well with me. IÔÇÖm supposed to be helping her. I donÔÇÖt want her to feel trapped and forced into this situation. ThereÔÇÖs nothing in it for her."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Fine. If ya show me the proof, I wonÔÇÖt need ta watch. Hurry up then,ÔÇØ Ruby says turns around. ÔÇ£I wonÔÇÖt look.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I guess sheÔÇÖs not leavingÔǪ It would be suspicious if someone discovers Ruby moving in and out of our room. It might be for the best. Hina takes off her equipment, so I do the same."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She grabs my hand and drags me into the bathroom, shutting the door behind us. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Are you serious about this?ÔÇØ I ask. ÔÇ£You donÔÇÖt have to do this, you know. We can still call off the whole thing. You could just jerk me off or something instead.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£No, you know that Ruby wonÔÇÖt accept that answer. And I donÔÇÖt want her to reveal the truth to everyone, and neither do I. My team thinks itÔÇÖs real because they know my feelinÔÇÖs for you are real. I fear that youÔÇÖll be blamed at the end of it all. I donÔÇÖt want to do that to you after all youÔÇÖve sacrificed for me. ItÔÇÖs my fault for playinÔÇÖ around too much and put us in this situation.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I get that, but why not just have ordinary sex? That way, we both can enjoy it. You know we have MarinÔÇÖs permission,ÔÇØ I say in a whisper."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I know, but I told you. I donÔÇÖt want to ruin you and Marin. That time, you told me that you refused Marin. ThatÔÇÖs why I didnÔÇÖt want to continue when you said that. I knew that if we continued, I wouldnÔÇÖt be able to say no to you anymore. We hadnÔÇÖt done anythinÔÇÖ, but it still affected you and Marin. I wouldnÔÇÖt be able to forgive myself if I permanently damaged your relationship with her,ÔÇØ Hina whispers."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I wouldnÔÇÖt let that happen. I wish Hina would have a little more trust in me. In my heart is always Marin, no matter how much I like Hina as a friend. I would never betray her like that. IÔÇÖm only doing this because Marin says itÔÇÖs okay. I get HinaÔÇÖs dilemma, though. At this point, I can only respect her decision."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Besides, doinÔÇÖ this for you isnÔÇÖt all that bad. I donÔÇÖt mind rewardinÔÇÖ you a little,ÔÇØ she says."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina wraps her arms around my neck, pulling herself toward me, our lips eventually touching. A bit of an awkward position due to our height difference. I grab her bottom and shove her toward me. She climbs on me and wraps her legs around me, our heads aligning. We pucker our lips together, lightly at first, but steadily growing in intensity. ItÔÇÖs not long until we take turns wrestling our tongues in her mouth and mine with my boner pressed against her body. I canÔÇÖt but thrust bottom half toward her while pushing her toward me in rhythm back and forth."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She moves her head away from me, panting. ÔÇ£I think thatÔÇÖs enough. Put me down.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Done already? Just when it was getting good. I do as she says and put her down. She gets on her knees and then unfastens my belt. She takes it off, unzips my pants, and then gently pulls everything down, underwear included. My hard member springs out in front when my pants are lowered enough, practically pointing straight at Hina. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I gulp as she grabs my rod and wraps her mouth around it. I groan loudly, though I didnÔÇÖt mean to. Pleasure shoots through my bottom half. It comes in short, intense bursts as her tongue wrestles with the tip of my member. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I wasnÔÇÖt sure what to expect before she started, but this is quite nice. ItÔÇÖs different than what I usually feel with intercourse. My mind drifts off as I concentrate on every sensation. And all good things come to an end. Although, in this instance, an explosive one."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina stays quiet as I pull up my pants and fasten my belt. I guess she canÔÇÖt talk right now with her mouth full. She opens the door and then walks to Ruby, who is standing at the same spot, still staring at the opposite wall. Hina taps on RubyÔÇÖs shoulder."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Ruby turns around and says nothing for several seconds. Then, she interjects, ÔÇ£HmmÔǪ Swallow it.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Happy? Can you leave now?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Hmph!ÔÇØ Ruby interjects. She opens the door and leaves. Thankfully, she accepted this result. Part of me was skeptical whether or not she would believe that Hina gave me head. But then again, faking the slurping noises would have been hard."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina takes a glance in the hall before closing the door."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Coast is clear?ÔÇØ I ask."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£YeahÔǪÔÇØ she responds quietly. Her face is blushed."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£SoooÔǪhowÔÇÖd it taste?ÔÇØ I ask. I donÔÇÖt know why, but itÔÇÖs kind of hot that she did that."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Like a salty, gooey mushroom. A bit of a stronger taste than what IÔÇÖm used to,ÔÇØ Hina says and then sucks the inside of her mouth."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Sounds nasty. Sorry you had to go through that.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs fine. I liked it.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£You "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"liked"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":" it?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah. I like makinÔÇÖ people feel good.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I frown with a skew while knitting my eyebrows."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt get any strange ideas. That was a general statement. I liked doinÔÇÖ it for you because I like you. SeeinÔÇÖ you happy makes me happy. YouÔÇÖre only the second guy IÔÇÖve done that to.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Second person? I feel honored. Thank you for that experience,ÔÇØ I say while bowing."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£DonÔÇÖt be so weird about it. ItÔÇÖs not like Marin hasnÔÇÖt done that with you, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£OhÔǪumÔǪÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She pauses for several seconds before asking, ÔÇ£Seriously? IÔÇÖm the first?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She plays with her hair, looks away, and says, ÔÇ£That makes me a little happy.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She snaps back at me in a momentÔÇÖs notice and continues, ÔÇ£But you canÔÇÖt tell Marin that, "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"ever"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":".ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Okay,ÔÇØ I reply and then gulp."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£You canÔÇÖt tell her what I did for you, either.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£How do you want me to manage that?ÔÇØ I ask. Marin was there too when Ruby said those things to Hina at the Casino. ÔÇ£She knows that we mustÔÇÖve done something for Ruby to back off.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Make up somethinÔÇÖ. Take the opportunity to convince her to explore this newÔǪexperience with her. I think IÔÇÖve done too much. I donÔÇÖt want you to associate me with receivinÔÇÖ that sort of pleasure when Marin has never done it for you.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£YouÔÇÖre thinking too hard. DonÔÇÖt underestimate me. My feelings for Marin wonÔÇÖt change regardless of what we do.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm not sure about that.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Just because you sucked me off and made me feel good, doesnÔÇÖt mean IÔÇÖll develop feelings for you and leave Marin. YouÔÇÖre just a friend.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She smiles and says, ÔÇ£HearinÔÇÖ you say that makes it hurt more than I thought it would.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"It makes me think back to what Ruby said. How doing it with me or anyone else would make her feel sad and empty because itÔÇÖs only physical. ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm sorry, IÔÇöÔÇ£"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£ItÔÇÖs okay. I told you. IÔÇÖm fine if itÔÇÖs only physical between us. I agreed to this, so itÔÇÖs not your fault.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£For what itÔÇÖs worth, youÔÇÖre more than a friend, but I donÔÇÖt have the same feelings for you as I do Marin. I know you like me, so I want to do something for you too. Ruby said she had that feeling she canÔÇÖt satiate because she canÔÇÖt have me. But isnÔÇÖt it the same for you? If youÔÇÖre fine with being only physical, wouldnÔÇÖt it be better for us to bang to relieve you of that feeling?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I appreciate the thought, Kai. But itÔÇÖs not just "},{"attributes":{"color":"black","italic":true},"insert":"you"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":" IÔÇÖm worried about. ItÔÇÖs about me too. I donÔÇÖt have a lot of self-control. Even if you tell me that I can trust you, I canÔÇÖt trust myself. I donÔÇÖt want to lose control and crave your affection. IÔÇÖll delude myself into thinkinÔÇÖ that thereÔÇÖs somethinÔÇÖ more between us. I donÔÇÖt mean to insult you or Marin, butÔǪ I donÔÇÖt think the love you feel for her is genuine. I fear IÔÇÖll end up tryinÔÇÖ to snatch you from her. Then IÔÇÖll lose her or you as a friend. Maybe both.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£IÔÇÖm not gonna comment on your accusation for my feelings for Marin. You wonÔÇÖt lose me as a friend no matter what happens, but I get it. I wonÔÇÖt push this matter anymore. But that thing you did in the bathroom. YouÔÇÖll still do that, right? I mean, if Ruby finds out that it was only one time, who knows what sheÔÇÖll do, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"Hina gulps and answers, ÔÇ£Yeah, of course. If itÔÇÖs only that, I can do that for you, at least, to reward you for your efforts. And I donÔÇÖt want to give Ruby any reason to attack me or put you under the bus.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WellÔǪ WeÔÇÖd better get started with our best act. The audienceÔÇÖs waiting,ÔÇØ I say."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"She nods her head and undresses. I do the same, and the rest of the night is just as usual. Kissing and touching are still off-limits during our performance despite what we did in the bathroom, but I get a bit of a bonus at the end. "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I wake up a little before dawn. I take a shower, brush my teeth, and then start putting on my clothes and equipment."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Where are you goinÔÇÖ this early in the morninÔÇÖ?ÔÇØ Hina asks."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I donÔÇÖt wanna keep Captain Albius waiting if he shows up sooner than dawn,ÔÇØ I respond while continuing to dress."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Oh, I remember. Jetia said that he wanted to see you, right?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Yeah.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£What news do you think heÔÇÖs bringinÔÇÖ you? An early promotion?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£I highly doubt it.ÔÇØ I have a pretty good idea of why he wants to see me, but I canÔÇÖt tell Hina about that. She doesnÔÇÖt know that Captain Albius and General Nero know about the scar on my chest, and I canÔÇÖt explain it to her without mentioning what canÔÇÖt be spoken."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£What makes you so sure?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£WeÔÇÖve only been caught breaking orders. Why would General Nero approve of something like that? It might have to do something with new orders. Originally he said we could investigate freely after escorting the ministers to the meeting, but that could be off the table now. IÔÇÖll have to see.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£HmmÔǪokay. IÔÇÖm goinÔÇÖ back to sleep.ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Before you do that, you wanna lock the door after I leave?ÔÇØ"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"ÔÇ£Oh, yeah. I should,ÔÇØ Hina says, sluggishly standing up from the bed. I try not to let my eyes linger on her bare body."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I unlock the door and then open it slowly, making sure that no one is walking by. Unlikely at this hour, but you never know. I head out and close the door behind me."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I sigh. I havenÔÇÖt been able to do much Void magic practice these days. Because IÔÇÖm spending all my time with Hina. Sometimes I wish I could tell her about my secret, so I have more time to practice it. SheÔÇÖd stop teasing about my Fire magic too. If Ada knows, why not Hina? "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"With Emdos missing, I donÔÇÖt want to go against his wishes if I can help it. He told me that I should keep this a secret, so IÔÇÖve been trying to do that. I couldnÔÇÖt help it with Ada. It was life or death. We don't get along too well, but I saved her life. SheÔÇÖs not an ingrate. She wouldnÔÇÖt dare to give away my secret."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"He isnÔÇÖt here yet, so I guess itÔÇÖs still too early. I donÔÇÖt mind the downtime with so much going on lately. Not that IÔÇÖm complaining because itÔÇÖs better than being stuck in a guard assignment. ItÔÇÖs always exceedingly chaotic or so stagnant and uneventful that the highlight of my day consists of breaking up a street brawl if IÔÇÖm lucky. If only there was something in between. It would be nice."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"┬á"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"black"},"insert":"I miss our adventuring days. There was monster fighting, and that was it. There werenÔÇÖt other things to worry about. Now, the Xog want to capture me because of what the Dwarves made me do, and the Dwarves will kill me if I say anything about their underground operations. WhatÔÇÖs next? IÔÇÖll have a misunderstanding with the Elves somehow and draw a target on my back fo