[https://i.imgur.com/MAjKTSf.jpg]

----------------------------------------

Syrianna had talked a lot on the way here, and yet Bubble hadn't learned anything interesting; either about her or about Lost Hell. She talked about strange or even gory anecdotes, but he didn't hate listening to her; she was just special. After a little more than twenty minutes of walking, they finally arrived at a large building with very dark walls.

- We are here!" said Syrianna with a big smile.

Talking so much had put her in a good mood, which Bubble liked. Even though she was special, he didn't want to judge her too quickly, since she didn't seem necessary... mean? Sure, she had been aggressive with him and had even threatened him with her giant screwdriver, but he could understand the mistrust she might have with a stranger, especially accompanying a little girl to such a dangerous place. He didn't know Lost Hell well, but he knew very well that violence is not uncommon here. He should have used his Power directly, and not hesitated so long. He would remember that. Bubble looked up and observed the large building in front of him. It looked very much like a school that had been rebuilt from the ruins, but with a much more… frightening look. A large clock with missing hands watched them from the tall tower in front of them. Its roof was triangular and a small weathervane was placed on it, a metal rooster serving as a den. The doors Syrianna had just opened were battered and depressingly metal, as if they were about to enter a prison.

- Don't take all yar time, eh !

Syrianna yelled at them and Bubble felt Mamou's hand squeeze his. He looked over at her and saw her worried expression. He smiled.

- Everything will be fine, Mamou. I promise.

- … Okiiii……

Bubble gently stroked her hair before following Syrianna, entering the large building in front of him. The air outside was much warmer than the air inside, which made the little girl shiver. Holding tightly to the hand of the man she saw as her big brother, she walked down the long, dark hallway. Syrianna closed the door behind them and quickly moved to the front, telling them to follow her, which they did. Mamou turned her gaze hesitantly, noticing that the walls were not new at all... The paint was peeling off the wall to show the dull color of the wall behind. Holes, marks and scars decorated them. Doors, also made of metal, were on both sides, but Syrianna continued on her way without interest. The few lights that hung from the ceiling were really just bulbs with little energy in them, but enough to see ahead.

Arriving at the end of the corridor, Syrianna knocked several times, in a particular rhythm, on the big metal door a little lighter than the others. Bubble told Mamou to stay by her side, in case something bad happened.

- Following someone I just met... It's dangerous, he thought.

He had been thinking about this since Syrianna had suggested they follow her, but he didn't see much of an alternative. He could go to Lost Hell City directly, but if they were to be attacked several more times... He had faith in his own strength to defeat any enemy, but if something were to happen to Mamou... He would never forgive himself for such a thing.

After a few long seconds, the door made a noise and the silhouette of an imposing man appeared.

- Who is it, Syrianna?" he asked.

His voice was deep and his eyes did not look friendly. Mamou hid behind Bubble's back and Bubble squinted, ready to fight if necessary. Syrianna pointed to the two behind her.

- A guy named "Bubble" and a little girl he brings home named "Mamou",” she answered.

- And what do they want? Why do you bring them back?

- He wants to meet Porencha. Ya know, from the FIREFIGHTERS.

The man looked at Bubble with his insecure eyes and silently judged him. Bubble did not feel comfortable, especially since this man did not look weak; quite the opposite. If he had to fight Syrianna and him at the same time, he was never going to be able to protect Mamou... It must have been a horrible idea to have followed him here! He hadn't paid enough attention—

- And the girl behind, this Mamou, what does she have?

He pointed to the little one hiding behind Bubble's back. She showed a piece of her head, a look of little reassurance on her face. Syrianna sighed and whispered something into the man's ear before he got up and crossed his arms.

- Aaah, I see... Do you want to go see Porencha to see if she can help her, hmmm?

Bubble nodded.

- I was advised to see Porencha and I can't let time pass without doing anything,” he admitted.

The imposing man looked at him, still with his arms crossed, not allowing them to enter the room just behind. Syrianna waited, biting her nails and finally—

- Ahah, I see ! Forgive me for being suspicious, but in Lost Hell, trusting strangers is not too advisable~!

- And you still trust us?" asked Bubble, surprised.

- Hey, good question! But naaaah, not so fast, anyway. I've already learned my lesson, in the past. However, I can see that this girl really needs help, so I'm not going to be a bully. Buuuut~...

He grabbed Bubble's lower jaw violently, which surprised him.

- If you use this girl for your own selfish reasons, then I will use YOU for mine.

He stopped clenching his jaw and laughed again before letting them pass. Syrianna told Bubble to follow her and he nodded, rubbing his chin. The man had held him so tightly, he could have torn him away if he wanted to... He had better not make him mad, if he wanted to survive. What was reassuring was that he already seemed to have a certain affection for Mamou; which was logical, given his cute face. He looked around and saw that it was quite a mess. Desks buried under endless paperwork, stacks of papers probably all filled up, leftover food in stained boxes, drawers still open... The windows were all open and that was probably for the best: Bubble didn't want to imagine what the room would smell like otherwise. Syrianna noticed the look on the man's face and smiled.

- Hey, the main room is messy, we know. Our personal offices are a little better," she says.

- Do you have your own office?

As he asked her this question, Bubble noticed that he had no idea where they were. What was this building? What were they doing here? He knew they were east of Lost Hell, but he knew that before, since they had come from the east anyway.

- Yeah. It doesn't look like it, but the building is bigger than you think. Plus, we have several buildings of our own, but they're a little further away.

Bubble had noticed other buildings in front of them when they got here, but he hadn't said anything. So they were part of this building too... Syrianna opened the door at the back of the room and beckoned Bubble and Mamou to go first. They accepted, but the man remained on his guard: nothing said that all this was not a trap. Nevertheless, he would rather fall into a trap than just stay outside…

- GAREED!!! LET'S TALK, DON'T BOTHER US!!!

- NO NEED TO YELL!!! I'M IN THE SAME ROOM!!!

- OKAYYY!!!

Syrianna slammed the door with a smile and sat down on the office chair on wheels. She looked at the man and the little girl who were still standing.

- Ya can sit on the bed, don't worry!!

- Is this your room?" asked the girl.

- Hey, it’s cool, right?

- Yes!

Bubble was of the same opinion, but at the same time—

- Isn't this your office...?" he asked.

- Eeeeh, it's the same thing here. We have the main room with a lot of offices and messes, and then we have our offices where we work by ourselves. I mean, we can knock and go work with somebody else, but that's our room too.

- I... see…

He was now sitting on a bed that could never hold two people in it, but the mattress was very soft: sleeping on it must be so comfortable. Otherwise, the room was quite... nice. As she had said, it was much tidier and cleaner, even if the wardrobe that was next to the window was still open with clothes placed haphazardly inside. No trace of unfinished food or even index cards all over the desk, a large whiteboard with neat notes and even a trash can with barely two pieces of paper in it; in short, a tidier room than Bubble's. Granted, the closet spoiled this opinion a bit, but no one could have a perfect room.

- I want to say that ya seem comfortable for two strangers who arrived in Lost Hell,” Syrianna said.

- I can't lie that I don't trust you completely and that at any moment I know I may have to protect Mamou, but I don't have much choice. Besides, you seem like a nice person.

- Of course I am sympathetic, I would have never agreed to bring ya here, otherwise!

She crossed her arms with a smile and Bubble returned it. Mamou laid down on the bed and let out a cute little noise.

- It is comfortable!!! The bed is comfortable!" she said with a giggle.

- Yeah, I sleep badly, otherwise!” admitted Syrianna to him.

As she moved around in the sheets, a small noise caught her attention. She looked up and noticed that on the windowsill was a... little animal? Syrianna moved thanks to the wheels under her chair and approached the window before reaching out her arm. The little bug jumped in a cute way in her hand and Syrianna approached to show it to Mamou.

- What's that?" asked the little girl.

- His name is "Babylove", he is my hedgehog!

- Hedgehog…

She had never heard of this animal, but he was so cute! He had a lot of spikes on him, but she wanted to pet him so badly!!! She reached out to the hedgehog, but Syrianna stopped her from touching it.

- Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey! Don't touch my Babylove! Besides, it stings!

- You say that, but you rub it on your cheek…” Bubble tells her.

- I don't care if I get hurt, I will never stop showing my love to Babylove! Naaah!!!

She stuck her tongue out at him and wiggled at the hedgehog's belly. Bubble sighed: he was right, she really was special. However, who was he to judge such behavior? He had already had a cat, a smaller one, and what a nuisance he had been with all his petting... He had probably been worse than her, with his pet. Mamou looked at Bubble.

- Big brother, what's a hedgehog?" she asked.

- This is what you see here. It's an animal that lives mostly in forests and has spikes on its back to protect itself from predators. It's quite rare to see domesticated ones.

- Oooh, I see!

Syrianna placed her pet on a small basket made especially for it and turned to the man and the little girl.

- Can I just be nosey and ask where exactly ya're from?

- I am from Winry-Rock, but from the town of Suirui to be exact.

- Suirui... ? I've already heard about this city somewhere…

- I found Mamou close to my city too, but she herself doesn't remember exactly where she was born.

- …

Syrianna looked at the little girl who still had her attention on the little hedgehog. They had only just met and yet she already wanted to know how they had met… Syrianna had originally thought that Mamou was Bubble's little sister or even his cousin, but it would seem that this was not really the case... Would he really have taken this girl off the street just to help her? If so, then that was a kindness that would not be found here in Lost Hell. Unable to remember where she had heard Suirui's name, she moved on.

- I see... Personally, as ya'd expect, I'm from here, from the shit that is Lost Hell," she said.

- You don't like your own country, it seems.

- Who would like Lost Hell! It's a shitty country that we can't even leave!!!

- Not even leaving...?” asked Mamou.

Syrianna seemed surprised when she heard the question from the small. She turned her gaze to Bubble, eyes squinting.

- Wait, ya brought her here without even explaining what Lost Hell was?

Bubble sighed and rubbed his eyes.

- I understand your reaction, but do you really think she needs to know everything?

- Big brother, we won't be able to leave this country...?

Bubble smiled at her.

- Yes, of course it is. It's... Aaaah, this is all unnecessary.

- If yar "big brother" doesn't want to tell ya, I will: ya see, those who are born in the borders of this rat hole that is Lost Hell are cursed.

- Cursed?!

Mamou opened her mouth wide, as if she had been told the most terrifying thing in the world. Syrianna nodded.

- I was born here, which means I can't get out. When ya try to get out, ya melt away as if—

- Hey, hey! No need to traumatize her!" shouted Bubble.

Syrianna sighed heavily, but shrugged her shoulders.

- In short, we can't get out of here. Nobody knows why, but they say we're cursed, that's all.

- Poor people..." said Mamou.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

- I didn't tell you about it because it doesn't matter, especially since I would have preferred to tell you what I know when I arrive in Lost Hell City... Anyway, no need to go into all the details, hm?

- ... As ya wish, it's not my business.

Bubble already knew about the curse that everyone in Lost Hell had, but it wasn't something that only a few knew about: it was known all over the world. Lost Hell was far from being an unpopular place, even if it was a country where no one wanted to go. The scenery could be inspiring, but it was so dangerous, depressing, and fierce... There was a writer of feature stories who had wandered there hoping to write his next work, but he had never returned. Well, it was half true: he had come back, but dead. Violently killed.

- Can I just know where we are, exactly?" asked Bubble, intrigued by the location.

- Aaah, that's right I haven't told ya about it yet. Here, ya are in a place called "Imperial Research Team East". All the black buildings around here are this big team. I'm part of Gareed's Research Team. Gareed, that's the big bear ya saw before.

- Big soft bear!!” dropped Mamou with a big smile.

- Eheheh, right!! He may be scary, but he's a nice guy. Well, ya'd better not make him angry, or there'll be trouble, but that's another thing.

The little hedgehog behind her jumped on Syrianna's skull and after spinning around, he laid down on it and began to rest. Bubble wondered if he had just imitated a cat, which was... strange, but cute.

- What is this Imperial Team for?" asked Bubble, having never heard of it.

- Curious, hm? Nothing more than research on our own curse. Here, we all want to get the hell out of this shitty country," Syrianna replied. Well, there are 13 teams and Gareed's is only one of them, but more or less everyone is doing research on the curse. Some a little bit more on the brëël, some on other stuff.

- I… see.

So he had stumbled upon a rather interesting place. He was wondering if they had any leads, but to be honest, Bubble didn't have time to think about it. He wasn't from Lost Hell, and while he was interested in the curse and the history of the country, he was far more interested in Mamou's case.

- Thanks for keeping us, anyway," said Bubble.

- We've got room and a few spare rooms in the basement, but I'll be honest: I'm not keeping ya long.

- …

- Ya do what ya have to do and then ya move on. I don't care if we're friends or not, we're not babysitters.

- I understand. It's still nice of you to agree to keep us for the time of our... mission.

Bubble had nothing against Syrianna's mentality, as he understood it completely. Even so, he was going to have to find a new home once he spoke with Porencha. He didn't necessarily want to stay in Lost Hell, so maybe he would return to Suirui... However, it would take a long time... but it would be worth it. Living here seemed like a hassle he didn't want to experience. Mamou had her gaze fixed on the top of Syrianna's skull, where the little animal was resting. She wondered if it was comfortable, the top of her head…

- So I can say what I'd like you to do for me?" asked Syrianna.

Bubble had almost forgotten that he had to "pay back Syrianna's kindness". Since she was letting them stay here temporarily, he didn't see a problem with helping her. However, he hoped with all his heart that it would be short, since he had Mamou's case to deal with... The sooner he would talk with Porencha, the better he would feel. He nodded and listened carefully.

- Ya're lucky ya ran into me when ya did, because I've got you in Lost Hell City. More exactly... to see the FIREFIGHTERS.

- !!!

- Yeah, I know, nice coincidence, huh? We know them and we do some business with them.

Bubble couldn't have hoped for better...! Was it a real coincidence, or was she trying to be nice to him...? He couldn't answer this question alone.

- A week ago, we were supposed to receive a package from them that is quite important to us... But we never got it. I was going to send Tchibu to pick it up, but if ya can do it, I'd appreciate it. Tsk, this is boring.

She crossed her arms and dropped into the back of her chair, still being careful not to make a sudden move that would cause her hedgehog to fall. She sighed and closed his eyes.

- I don't care if ya're talking to Porencha or someone else from there as long as I can get the package. If this goes on, Gareed will get mad and I don't want to. If possible, it would be nice if ya could be there tomorrow,” said Syrianna.

- The sooner we get there, the better for us," replied Bubble.

- We're on the same page, so it's cool. The nature of the package is not important, they will know what we are talking about. I'll warn ya about one thing, though. The FIREFIGHTERS, they're a bunch of freaks over there.

She made small circles with her index finger next to her right temple.

- I advise ya to be careful, especially if ya take the girl with ya.

- I have to take Mamou with me, if we are going to see Porencha.

- Understandable. I don't have anything else to say; in fact, I don't know what to tell ya.

- For the journey, is it possible to have a map or a guide?

- Do ya trust yarself to protect the girl or do ya need a bodyguard?

- I'm stronger than you'd think.

Syrianna squinted her eyes as she looked at him, but Bubble let his Aura come out of his body more fiercely and she opened them wide. She scratched the back of her head and shrugged.

- Then just one map will do. I'll give ya one tomorrow.

- Thank you.

- It's quite far and I advise ya to leave not too late, if you don't want to run into a lot of stupid people who steal and kill. Villages and towns are recommended, as it's safer. There will be a route drawn in blue on the map which will not be the shortest, but the least dangerous.

- I prefer a longer trip, but with less danger.

- If ya think ya need someone, I can assign ya a guide for part of the trip.

- I'm strong enough on my own and I don't want to be a bother to anyone. I promise I'll be fine.

Even if Syrianna trusted her on this one, she couldn't forget what had happened a few minutes before. She had seen the winged man attack them and yet Bubble had hesitated to use her Power... She didn't know why, but that meant it was far from reassuring. She grumbled and shook her head, waking up Babylove, the little hedgehog.

- Nah, I'll assign ya someone.

- But—

- I like that better. I don't think Mody will have any problem with it.

- Mody…?

- She's in Gareed's team and she's the most experienced in combat here. I still think I'm stronger, but I don't have to do this. Mody should accept. Otherwise, if I have to, I'll do it myself.

- … Thank you.

Bubble didn't understand why she changed her mind at the last second, but he couldn't refuse her help.

- Whatever happens, if Mody is willing, she won’t follow ya to the end, probably to one of the villages surrounding Lost Hell City. Ya have been warned.

- No worries, I'm fine with it," Bubble admitted.

- Good for ya.

She took Babylove in her arms and caressed the little animal before smiling and giving him a kiss on his belly, where no spikes were. She looked at the two of them in front of her.

- I'll take ya to yar room. I'll tell ya when we're eating, but I don't promise a big portion for ya two. I mean, the kid can eat as much as she wants, but ya…

- I am used to not eating much. I don't want to abuse your hospitality.

He got up from the bed and took Mamou's hand, she jumped off the mattress and into the man's arms.

- But thanks for letting her eat her fill. We haven't eaten too much these days, she deserves a good meal," smiled Bubble.

- Good yum yum!

- Yes, good yum yum.

Syrianna looked at the little girl with her eyes of mixed expressions. She was becoming more and more interested in the nature of their relationship, but maybe she shouldn't ask. Because when she saw Mamou's eyes and Bubble's gaze…

- Well, that's none of my business.

She opened the door and told them to follow her.

- Whatever, whatever…

Bubble and Mamou's room wasn't as nice as Syrianna's, but it was impossible to complain: two beds with blankets, painted walls and a large closet on the side. Even if it wasn't very big, and it was in the basement — in the cellar, even — it was a good place to stay. There were no other lights than the one from the bulb hanging awkwardly on the low ceiling, but the room was not horrible.

- Does this room fit?" asked Syrianna.

- I'm taking this bed!!!

Mamou jumped on one of the two beds and bounced gently on the mattress covered with a cover. She grabbed the pillow in her arms and smiled, happy to be able to sleep on a comfortable bed after a rather exhausting, yet short day: it wasn't over yet. Bubble looked at her with a chuckle and turned to Syrianna.

- Perfect, thank you," he said.

- Okay. I'll leave the keys on the lock, but no one will bother ya, so it's okay.

She waved and left the room, leaving Bubble and Mamou alone. The man thanked Syrianna before sitting down on his own bed. It was quite comfortable, so he could sigh with relief.

- The beds are comfortable! says Mamou.

He nodded.

- We can sleep well.

- Yes!!

- Everything is fine, otherwise, Mamou?

- Yay!!! Syrianna looks nice! Her little hedgehog is cute, too!!!

- Ahah, clearly!

Seeing her act as usual was what reassured him the most. Dealing with a sad and worried Mamou would break his heart, so seeing her with such a smile warmed his heart.

- I hope we're doing well yum yum!" said Mamou.

- I hope so too.

Bubble touched his belly and despite his smile, he couldn't help but look rather sad. Since he had started traveling with Mamou, he had lost a lot of weight... He was going to have to fix that, when he had time. How many times a day did he eat now? Three times, certainly; but considering the portions he was taking, could he say it was three times...? He sighed and shook his head.

That wasn't what was important right now. They had to go to the FIREFIGHTERS, whether it was for Syrianna's package or to discuss with Porencha.

The evening fell rather quickly and it was already time to sleep. The meals had been good, even if Bubble had not had that much: he had even shared with Mamou, who had already had a good ration. They had been able to discuss with the famous Mody who had promised to protect them until the village which was just next to Lost Hell City, as she had to discuss with an acquaintance there. Bubble had thanked her before brushing his teeth with toothpaste on his finger. Mamou had to do the same, unfortunately. However, complaining was not their style, so they were just happy to have a place to sleep. Although he wouldn't have minded sleeping in Lost Hell City, even under cardboard and garbage bags as mattresses, he preferred a real bed and a real room. Mamou put on her pajamas and Bubble did the same before they both went to their beds. Before going to sleep and turning off the light, Mamou caught Bubble in her arms, a beautiful smile on his face.

- Big brother!

- Yes?" asked Bubble, returning her smile.

- Thank… you?

She nodded energetically and hugged Bubble even tighter.

- Thank you for doing all this for me!

- ... It's normal, isn't it?

- Mmmmh, accept the compliments of Mamou!!!

- Aah, sorry!!! Thank you, Mamou!

He began to caress her hair and kissed her forehead before turning off the light, so that they could see nothing. Well, almost nothing: a candle was lit in a glass jar on the table next to Bubble's bed. They had moved the beds closer together at the request of Mamou, who wanted to be able to take Bubble's hand while she was sleeping. Of course, the man agreed without any problem. He put her to bed and said good night to her before extinguishing the candle and putting himself to bed, taking Mamou's hand with a little smile.

- I have the best... big brother…

She whispered this before closing her eyes, thinking Bubble wouldn't hear; but his hearing wasn't so bad. He began to smile even more intensely.

- And me... the best little sister.

And both fell asleep quickly.