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- Wake up, big brother!

Both his eyes opened at the same time and Bubble turned his head towards Mamou's cute face. He smiled at her and greeted her with a still tired voice.

- Did you sleep well?” asked Mamou, already full of energy in the morning.

- Hmm, I did, and you?

- Yeeah!

He rubbed his eyes and yawned before stretching both

arms, then both legs. He got out of bed and stood up slowly, looking around. He had almost forgotten that they were in a basement…

- Have you been awake since long?" asked Bubble.

She shook her head and told him it had only been a few minutes. Since she was tired of waiting alone, she decided to wake up Bubble; something he could understand. He asked her if she wanted to have a bite to eat and she nodded. Bubble noticed that she was already dressed and offered to wait behind the door while he got ready. She accepted with a big smile and skipped out of their room. Bubble sat down on the mattress and sighed softly.

- ... We have to go to the capital today.

He was going to be able to talk to Porencha and ask for help: this was good news. Of course, time was not their friend in this situation, but he would never have believed to be able to talk to her so quickly... He could take hope again. He smiled as he nodded and began to dress in turn. He finished with his long cloak and looked at himself in the mirror.

But what he saw was not his real reflection. It was something only he could see.

A "self" with a smile that he hated.

He left the room in his turn without even thinking about it and greeted Mamou again before going up the stairs with her.

- It’s so goood!!!

She never thought the food here would be this good; but she was reassured. Little Mamou was eating as if for the first time in weeks, and Syrianna looked at Bubble, who had passed his entire bowl to the child.

- Aren't ya going to eat anything?" she asked.

- I will survive it.

- Eat, ya idiot.

- I'll eat when we get to the capital.

Syrianna slammed her clenched fist on the table, which startled Mamou, but also the woman next to her.

- Don't hit the table like that!" shouted Mody who in turn hit the table.

- Let him eat, then! He's going to run out of strength!!” shouted Syrianna.

- I'm fine, I promise…” Bubble told them.

- Yeah, yeah, yeah! Ya think the FIREFIGHERS are going to be all nice, yeah, aaaah, we're nice, we're going to pass ya something to eat, hihihi!! My ass!

- DO NOT SHOUT!!!

From the other room, a man's deep voice rang out. Everyone fell silent and Syrianna bit her fist and stared at Bubble. He blinked and looked down at the bowl the bothered Mamou was handing him.

- Big brother has to eat!

- ... Thank you.

He would have preferred Syrianna to be quiet and Mamou to enjoy the food alone, but now he could not refuse. The atmosphere was not the one he preferred, but since they were about to leave, he did not care. The woman next to Syrianna was showing a rather annoyed look, but that wasn't Bubble's fault, but Syrianna's. If she hadn't hit the table like that... Plus, she scared Mamou. He started to eat and found it good too, but he wasn't that hungry... He was used to resisting hunger, so his belly was much smaller and less "greedy" than before. Besides, Mamou was the one who needed strength, not him…

- Are you leaving after you eat?" asked Mody.

- That’s the plan,” Bubble admitted.

- Hm, that's fine with me. I will accompany you to the village of Kanaohe and leave you there. Normally, we

will have no worries on the way, but you never know.

She began to finish her bowl before rising from the table and touching her hair before putting her dishes away. Bubble looked at Syrianna, who continued to stare, and questioned her as she squinted. She finally smiled and stood up in turn.

- Have a nice trip!

She ran to her room and slammed the door shut. Bubble stood still, spoon in front of his mouth, having no idea what had just happened. Mody walked past him and told him not to question it. Bubble listened to her and shrugged his shoulders before starting to eat again.

A few minutes later, after a little digestion, Bubble, Mamou and Mody were all three outside. The little girl had the hand of her "big brother" in his and stayed by his side. Even though she felt good by his side, she hated the landscape of Lost Hell so much that she didn't want to get away from him... Mody told them to follow her and that it would take a few hours to get there.

- That's okay. We'll take as long as it takes," Bubble admitted. Mamou, if you need me, I'll carry you on my back, okay?

- Hm hm...

She nodded as she hugged him. Mody looked at them and scratched her cheek.

- Hey, good, so... I just want to be clear, you're never coming back until at least tomorrow, if not in two days. For the way back, I can't do anything for you, so you're on your own. No worries with that?

- I didn't mind going alone either.

- I don't know how strong you are or not, but don't underestimate Lost Hell.

- I do not underestimate this country.

- That's good. Stay close to me, you never know.

- Of course.

- Yes…

Mamou was not comfortable and you could hear it in her little voice. Bubble gently stroked her hair before starting to walk right behind Mody. The landscape was still nightmarish, but they had to do their best to think about it as little as possible. Yes, it was depressing, but they were here for a reason: they had to remember that. However, how could they forget it? Bubble hadn't come all this way or all this effort for nothing... Mamou was the one he was to protect.

The one he had to help.

The road was long and silent. Bubble had felt a few glances from the darkness, but no attacks fell on them. Perhaps because they were suspicious of Mody or even Bubble, possibly both. In any case, they didn't need to defend themselves. Mody had not spoken at all during the whole time and Mamou had not dared to say anything, sometimes observing the landscape, sometimes putting her head in the man's cloak. Bubble didn't want to start talking if Mody wanted to remain speechless and he had nothing to say in particular. Walking for so long was getting a bit tiring and he had had to carry Mamou for a good two hours, but they had been able to take a twenty minute break which had been good for him. It had been good for Mody too. They were getting close to Lost Hell City and Bubble would finally get to meet this Porencha... He had been waiting to meet her for a while!

- We will arrive at the village of Kanaohe, it will be here that our ways separate,” admitted Mody.

It was the first time she had spoken since the break that had taken place almost two hours earlier. Bubble looked at the buildings instead and noticed that they had to pass a field before they got there. Some vegetable crops were observable on this one, but there was a path to the side so they wouldn't walk on the plantations. Mody told them to follow her and took that path.

- Thank you again for coming with us,” Bubble thanked her.

- Baah, it's nothing. I have to talk with a friend there, so while I'm at it…

- Thanks anyway.

Mody didn't turn her head, but it was clear she was smiling. Talking a little was always nice, even with people she didn't really know. They walked along the path beside the fields, Bubble holding Mamou in his arms, since she was tired. Mody put her hands in her pockets.

- I just want to warn you, over there in the capital, avoid any discussion with anyone. If someone says they need help or can help you, consider it a scam. Whether you are a foreigner or not, they will do anything to scam people. Real rats.

She spat on the floor as she said these last words and Bubble promised her that he would be careful, which pleased Mody.

- And for the FIREFIGHTERS, just be careful that there are crazy people there,” says Mody.

- Syrianna quickly told me about it. I hope they will accept that we discuss with Porencha…” says Bubble.

- Normally, there will be no worries. They're not going to be assholes if there's no reason to be. Don't piss them off, don't play their weird game and make it clear that you need Porencha's help and you'll be fine. I just hope you don't run into... some of the people there.

- Like who?" asked Mamou, who couldn't help but listen.

- You will quickly see who is not in his right mind and who just has a crazy side. Porencha is friendly, so I hope you can talk to her without meeting anyone else.

Bubble also hoped: even if he had to get the package for Syrianna, if he could talk to Porencha about it while asking her for help with Mamou, then that would be the easiest thing. He would go home with the package, go through it with Syrianna and maybe everything would be fine soon enough. He just hoped that Porencha could be of great help…

- Also, there, do not call the capital "Lost Hell City ". Here, it is often called "the Red Capital",” Mody advised them.

- Any particular reason?" asked Bubble.

- That I give you this advice? Not necessarily, but it's just better. And if you call it that, it's just because it is red. You'll notice it right away. Don't worry, it's not that dangerous... That is, if you don't do anything wrong.

She stuck out her tongue, but neither Bubble nor Mamou could see her. They continued to walk after this little discussion and a few minutes later, they arrived in the middle of the village of Kanaohe. Mody stretched her legs and pointed to the street on their right.

- You follow this street to the ruins of an old church and then you take the main street on the left. You will arrive at the capital quickly and promise you will know it is the capital.

Mody gave them a friendly smile and rubbed a lock of Mamou's hair.

- Good luck out there. I hope everything goes well and that we can help you.

With these kind words, Mody stood up and waved to them before continuing on her way in the opposite direction of where they were going. Mamou stayed in Bubble's arms and he asked her if she was ready. She nodded and he started walking. The houses in this village were pleasant, but the landscape still had that rather... evil aura. Lost Hell was a very strange place, out of the ordinary. Granted, Bubble hadn't visited the whole world, but he was sure that this place was... original. A real nightmare.

- But we have to keep going,” he thought.

So he took the path that Mody had just told him. Even if it was difficult to concentrate in such a place, he had no right to take a single step backwards. They had already been lucky enough to meet Syrianna and have a place

to sleep, so he could only look on the bright side. Now he had to meet Porencha and pray to the Gods that they would be lucky... He looked at Mamou and watched her beautiful eyes.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

It was clear that Syrianna, Mody and the others understood just by looking at them.

- The capital is beautiful, you think? asked the little girl.

- I hope so," he replied.

He didn't want to give her false hope and given the scenery they had encountered in this country, it was quite likely that Lost Hell City was no better.

But this was not entirely true.

Bubble and Mamou had arrived at the red capital and it was actually quite beautiful. He understood very well why it was named like that: the lights gave the impression that it was bathed in blood. He had stopped on a road where some passers-by were walking, not even paying attention, observing the capital in front of him. Mamou admired it too, finally looking much more cheerful and impressed. Large buildings were visible behind the capital, including a giant church, but the capital itself was the only one illuminated: the buildings behind gave no light, nothing but depressing darkness. The capital was made up of multiple large buildings bathed in this red light that probably came from the city streets, with a gigantic pantheon-like building at the highest point of the capital. Some buildings were under construction and Lost Hell City was surrounded by a gigantic road: the one where Mamou and Bubble were.

- Woaaah..." said Mamou.

Bubble understood her: it was much more impressive than she expected. Moreover, here, there were no burnt or dead bodies on the ground. Sure, it was still pretty depressing, but less... gory. Bubble looked at Mamou and smiled.

- Are you ready to meet Porencha?" he asked.

She nodded with a small smile, even though concern still reigned on her face. Convinced of her answer and ready to return to the capital, he continued on his way, remembering the exact location of the FIREFIGHTERS. From what Syrianna had told them during dinner, it was a fairly visible building, since they weren't trying to hide. He shouldn't have trouble finding it, although he still had to find the right street... Syrianna had also told them that the capital was sometimes a little complicated to understand, as the streets went in all directions and some places were similar. Bubble trusted himself to find the place they were looking for without too much difficulty.

A few minutes had passed since they had arrived in Lost Hell City, the capital of blood-red lights. He was still looking for the main building of the FIREFIGHTERS, but he still hadn't found it. The streets were winding and narrow, often sloping and sometimes splitting in all directions. The buildings could be almost similar and it didn't help Bubble find his way at all. He didn't want to ask any passerby for directions, preferring to play it safe.

- Are we almost there?" asked Mamou, walking alongside Bubble, her hand in his.

- I think so.

He couldn't be sure, but Syrianna had told him it was in the south of the capital, so he should be able to find the building... right?

He continued to search for a few minutes before finally finding it. Like she said, it was easy enough to notice: a large red illuminated sign said "FIREFIGHTERS" with a small text underneath written with a black marker that warned "We do not promise to be legal". This note gave Bubble an emotion he couldn't quite understand, but he almost wanted to laugh. The man noticed that a small driveway was off to the side, but he also had the option of knocking on the garage door in front of him; which he did. The noise was quite loud and it was clear that it had been around for a long time, traces of rust everywhere. He waited a few moments before a deep voice rang out.

- GET OUT!!!” the voice screamed.

It was a man's, Bubble was sure. He cleared his throat before speaking.

- I am here to discuss with Porencha,” he said calmly.

- Why, huh?! Do you have an appointment?!

- No, but—

- SO GET OUT OR I'LL DO IT MYSELF!!!

A loud bang sounded on the garage door and Mamou gasped before jumping into Bubble's arms. He told her to calm down and sighed.

- Aggressive, but predictable,” he thought.

From what little he knew about the FIREFIGHTERS, they weren't known for being friendly and sane, after all. However, if they wouldn't accept Bubble, how was he going to get inside? It would have been easier if Porencha had answered directly, and not another member of the group... He took the alley and noticed that a small door was at the end, which probably led to the FIREFIGHTERS building. Should he try his luck?

- No, it's too predictable. It's either booby-trapped or it's closed anyway. I don't want to risk my chances for nothing.

He shook his head and told Mamou that he would try to talk to them again. Maybe if he said the name of the person who had advised Porencha, he would have a chance...? He could even mention Syrianna, since technically he was sent by her too. So he knocked again, but this time the garage door opened with a bang.

- I SAID MOVE!!!!

The man pushed Bubble violently, who flew against the already cracked wall behind him. Mamou, who had remained a little to the side, started to run towards him with a worried air.

- B-Big Brother!

- It's okay, Mamou. It's okay.

He gently stroked her hair and cracked the back of her neck before sighing. He looked friendly and gently put his hands together, palm to palm, as if he were praying.

- We just want to talk with Porencha, he admitted.

The man in front of Bubble was tall and muscular: he could crush a bone with his strength. He didn't seem to be friendly or even willing to listen to Bubble, but at least he didn't seem to want to fight unnecessarily either.

- We've already heard this crap: we don't care. Get out of the way.

- It's for her.

He pointed to Mamou, who had tears in her eyes, but the man clicked his tongue.

- For you or for her, I don't care: get out.

- Why? Let us at—

- I'll be honest. One more word and I'll smash yar head into that wall, even in front of that girl, okay?

Bubble squinted: this man really didn't want to listen to him and was enraged. How could he convince him...? He decided to talk about Syrianna, since it was probably his only solution.

- We are also—

However, he hadn't had time to finish his sentence: as the man had said, one more word and he would smash his head in. He had grabbed Bubble with force and sent him furiously against the wall behind him with such violence that survival seemed unimaginable. Mamou recoiled from the power of the man and fell on his buttocks crying, but the man didn't care at all. He spat in front of him, his head still in his hand.

- I warned ya, asshole.

He pushed it harder into the wall and looked at the crying girl with an annoyed look on his face. He turned and went back inside, but before he could do such a thing, a hand grabbed him. He turned around and before he could even scream, his throat was grabbed with force.

- !!!!

He closed one eye in pain and when he saw what was in front of him, his heart missed a beat.

- I don't forgive anyone who makes Mamou cry. No one.As he spoke calmly, the man was hit so hard that the garage door behind him and part of the wall disintegrated in an instant. The muscular man was sent down the street and through a wall without being able to defend himself. Mamou stopped crying when she felt a hand touch her skull. She looked up and saw a look that reassured her.

- Sorry, Mamou. How are you doing?

Her older brother's, smiling, but worried for her.

- Big brotheeer!

She jumped into his arms, crying, and Bubble told her that everything was fine. She had thought he had been badly hurt or even killed, but seeing him still standing without any injuries reassured her. She stayed in his arms and Bubble stroked his hair as a female voice began to laugh. He turned his gaze and squinted as he saw a woman coming back.

- Ahahah, ya put Gerando down in record time, I'm a fan, I'm a fan!

She had a woman she was holding fiercely with one arm, her head covered in bruises and blood. Bubble took a step back, wary of her, but she waved her hand free.

- Wait, wait.

She approached Bubble, but passed by and violently threw the woman across the street and yelled at her to never show her face again until she started to run, almost naked and covered with wounds and her own blood. Her hair was also torn out. The woman licked her hands to clean the blood on them and put them on her waist while looking at the man in front of her.

- First of all, who are ya?" she asked.

- ... My name is Bubble, I'm here to talk with Porencha and also because Syrianna asked me to,” he said honestly.

- Eeeh, Porencha? Is it for the lil’ girl?

- ... Exactly.

- I see!!! I see!!! What about Syrianna? Aaaah, ya can tell me about it inside, no big deal!!! First of all... HEYYY, GAAAANK!!!

She shouted someone's name with a much deeper voice and from within rose a person who was sleeping before. Hadn't he been awakened by the ferocious noises from before?! He approached and looked at Bubble with an enraged look, but the woman snapped her fingers and showed him the right side of the street, where Bubble had sent the other man waltzing.

- Go get Garendo and prepare him a bath. I'll make fun of him when he's awake.

- Sure.

He walked over there without question and didn't even pay attention to Bubble and the little girl in her arms who had just stopped crying. The woman scratched her hair and looked at the garage door that was... just not there anymore.

- Ya've been so violent! We have to replace it for the I-don't-know-how-many times now! Raaah, it's fucking ANNOYING!!!

She pointed to Bubble.

- I'd ask ya to pay me back, but after the beating ya gave that annoying son of a bitch today, I'll leave ya alone. Ya can follow me, ya can tell me all about it inside.

Bubble took a step forward, but he decided not to follow her. The woman turned around when she noticed he wasn't coming and questioned him with her eyes.

- Hey, ya coming?

- What if it's a trap?" he asked.

- Huh? We're freaks here, but we have no reason to hurt a customer. Ya want to see Porencha to help the lil’ girl and Syrianna asked ya to ask us something, probably for her package, right?

She started to laugh.

- If ya're scared because the other jerk attacked ya, he was just pissed off because he couldn't rape to the chick we were hitting, don't worry! Ahah!!

She continued to laugh and opened the door at the back of the garage before beckoning them again to follow her. Bubble looked at Mamou and sighed for a long time before starting to walk. Before entering the building, he observed the street where the man had been waltzed. It's a good thing Bubble hadn't seen him when he hit him... and that no one had seen his Power. He didn't want to get in trouble. He walked back into the garage, finally reaching the FIREFIGHTERS.

He hoped with all his heart that everything would be settled quickly and well.