Chpt. 49) Exploring Nexus

We flew back to our hotel an hour later, and I felt a little surprised to see that everyone had already beat us there. The moment Shiro and I landed, Cami slid off Shiro’s back and was immediately tackled by Haze, who looked like she was nearly in tears. Cami just hugged her back with no emotion in her expression other than exhaustion.

As Haze hugged Cami, she cursed and said, “Gods damn it, Cami! Don’t ever do that again!”

Cami sniffed and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t. Can I go to bed now?” she asked tiredly.

Haze pulled back and wiped her face quickly, “Yeah, go. And stay there! Get lots of rest.” Cami nodded and walked past everyone with a slight nod to everyone else as she walked past. Once she was inside, Haze turned to everyone and said, “All right, in light of recent events, you can all have a free day today. Go! Have fun, and be back here by sundown and no later! Don’t add to the population! Don’t subtract from the population! Stay out of traffic and jail! If you end up in jail, establish dominance quickly, and I’ll have you out by morning! Have a good day!”

With that, we all scattered in separate directions. I went into the hotel and got a thousand Lucre to spend, and as I walked back outside, I realized something important. I have no idea what I can do in the city. Sure, there’s shopping. But I don’t want to go shopping. I guess I should just start walking and find out what there is to do. But where do I go though?

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A yap drew my attention behind me, and I turned to see Yuki dragging Cami out the door by her collar, wagging her fluffy tail proudly. I stifled a laugh as I asked, “Umm, Cami, you okay?”

“Get your damn dog off me,” Cami groaned grumpily.

I laughed, “Haha! Yuki, let her go.” Then I bent down to pick Yuki up as she let go of Cami’s collar. Cami immediately got up and disappeared back inside while I put Yuki on my shoulders and continued to ponder what I should do for the day.

“Zeana!” someone exclaimed behind me, making me jump and turn around to see Orrin standing there.

“Fuck! Orrin! What are you doing here? And why did you feel the need to scare me like that?! How did you scare me like that? Only Guru Shi’en has been able to do that,” I yelled, more than a little ticked off at him.

“Yes, yes, I’m amazing. I see that Cami has come back safe and sound, correct?” Orrin asked, waving off my questions.

I sighed, “Yes, she’s fine. She’s resting now.”

“Excellent. As a favor for telling you and your friends where Cami was, I would like your assistance with something.”

I raised an eyebrow, “You told everyone where to go?”

“My request is of utmost importance.”

“How did you get to everyone so fast?”

“We mustn’t delay.”

“How did you know where everyone was to find them around the city?”

“I’ll pay you the twelve hundred Lucre Cami owes you if you help me.”

“What’s the job?” I asked, immediately interested.

“Well, I’m glad you agreed. We’ll walk and talk as I explain,” Orrin said as he turned on his heel and began his explanation as I followed.

***