The two followed the strange woman through a large room so packed with clothes that it felt like they were sneaking through a labyrinth.

But soon, they reached another door.

The woman opened it and motioned for them to go inside.

This room felt more like a backroom.

The kind where you torture people, not where you store useless stuff.

"Wait here for a moment, okay?" she said and left them.

"This is definitely a trap!" Koru said shortly after.

"You're just imagining things."

"Oh yeah? I think you're too gullible!"

"Oh really? How did you imagine it would go? You saw how people on the street looked at us! The army is probably already looking for us by now. And considering how big the city seemed when we left the sewer, I don't think we would have made it out in time."

"That may be true but..."

"But what? Was it stupid to trust the old man? There are piles of clothes here! If we're lucky, we can disguise ourselves and sneak out of the city!"

Stolen story; please report.

"It won't be that easy," they suddenly heard someone say behind them.

A small, gaunt man came through the door and looked at them grimly.

"So, you're the guys Sid talked about? You don't look much like heroes."

"Sid?"

"The old man who led you here. He said if people like you came to us, we should provide you with a disguise and fill you in on some things."

"Fill us in? On what?"

"On the current situation in Kurani and the rebellion in Kasaka! But first, sit down. This might take a while."

They did as he said and sat at a small table that stood inconspicuously in the room.

"Before we start with anything," Koru began.

"Who are you? And where are we?"

"Right! I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Kinzo. The one who let you in was my wife, Bethany. We run this little clothing shop in the heart of Kurani."

"She's your wife???"

"Yes. What did you think?"

"I honestly don't know."

"That's not important now. What's important is that I fill you in! Let's start with the rebellion. Since the old emperor abdicated a year ago and his son took over, many things have changed in Kasaka. Maybe you already know this."

"A little."

"Not really!"

"I see. Well, you'll find out soon enough. In any case, many things have changed for the worse. The military acts like the supreme ruler and only listens to the Council of Ministers. Our current emperor is still a child, likely being exploited by the council to the breaking point. Either way, since then, those who intend to end this current dictatorship have secretly banded together. We play a role as silent supporters. We offer those who are hunted by the government a safe hideout for a short time. But before I go on, I need to know if you are on our side. Sid said we could trust you, but I want to be sure. If we help you, we need to be sure that you will help us too."

The two thought for a moment.

"I have no problem helping you, as long as you get us safely out of the city," Koru said.

"I agree," Kawao concurred.

"Good! Then I'll explain how we will get you out of here!"