Chapter 30: Responsibility

Chapter 30: Responsibility

They awkwardly crowded in around him. Chance barely had a chance to ask what Joe meant by that before the disk lurched into the air. He helped, grabbing onto the large mans arm as they rocketed away.

Wind struck Chance like a hammer, nearly launching him off instantly. He managed to cling onto Joe as the howling air yanked away his surprised cry. Gleam blurred past them for all of a second. Then it was over, and they were on the ground again.

Chance, who had been fluttering in the air like a flag, flopped down with a thud. He groaned and sat back up. They were in the Graywall district no more than a few minutes walk from the Shikari base. Joe had set them down a bit farther than theyd gone before, just in front of a small park. What was that?

Air travel, Joe said, rising to his feet. The metal plate turned into a beam of energy and shot back into his ring. Youll probably find a way to do it yourself soon enough. Its very convenient.

Agree to disagree, Bella said. Chance glanced at her and suppressed a choking laugh. Her curly hair stuck out in every direction and was completely frazzled. She ran her hands through it, trying to detangle the mess, but that only managed to make it worse.

Yeo, whose hair was tied back in a ponytail, had no such difficulties. He also didnt attempt to suppress his laugh. Bella glared at him.

Save it. We need to find Maria, Bella said, giving up on attempting to control her hair.

Right you are. Joe smoothed his single hair down. It sprung back into its proper place as soon as he released it. The large man tilted his head back and sniffed the air. I smell her. She doesnt smell dead, so no need to worry.

Where? Chance asked, glancing around.

Joe pointed at the park. In there. I smell an Imp as well. Probably the lesser one you three were supposed to be hunting.

He ambled toward it, and the three of them trailed after him. Unlike the park that Bella had taken him to, this one was actually green. Small, bushy trees lined its sides and a tiny creek ran through the center of it. At the far end, there were several larger trees in a cluster. A small lake sat in their shade, with a bench overlooking it.

They drew up to the cluster of trees and Joe cocked his head to the side. Then he was gone. Wind buffeted Chance as it rushed past him to fill the void where the muscular man had been standing.

Leaves rustled in the cluster of trees and a blobby red body flew out from them. It slammed into the ground, its limbs windmilling around it as it bounced and skidded until it came to a stop at their feet.

About a second ago, it had been an Imp. Now, calling it a corpse might have been exaggerating how much was left. The monsters body had caved in and was partially flattened, like it had been caught under a steamroller.

Ichor leaked from its body, bubbling up through every spot it could. Joe strode out of the forest, Marias body slung over his shoulder.

I located the Imp, Joe proclaimed. It, unfortunately, did not survive.

You dont say, Yeo said. Dont you think this was overkill?

Joe rubbed his head and gave them a sheepish smile. That was the weakest punch I could muster, Im afraid.

Forget that, Bella said. Is the woman okay? Howd she get to the forest? She should have been near her house for the Greater Imp to be copying her, right?

It looks like she was transported here recently, Joe replied. I scanned the area, but I didnt find any trace of other monsters. Well have to fill in a request for a higher level Shikari to take a look around. This is her, right?

Yeah, that looks like Maria, Chance said, still in awe at how fast Joe had moved. He logically knew that cultivators could become powerful, and by all rights, Yamish and Vex were examples of that, but this was the first time hed really seen just how much power they really had and something told him that Yamish was leagues more powerful than Joe.

Fantastic, Joe said. He glanced at the Imp and grimaced. I dont want to waste a Collector on that. One of you is welcome to take it yourselves. Ill take this young lady back to the Shikari base and make sure she and her son are properly treated. Youve all done very well.

What about the other Imps involved? Yeo asked. It feels like there was more to this than what we saw.

That wont be your concern, lad, Joe said with a chuckle. Youve done more than your part already, and Ill be sure to make note of that. This isnt a Foundling level job. Let the stronger Shikari handle it.

I see, Chance said diplomatically. Weve got a Greater Imp to turn in. A Lesser one too. Is this the place to do that?

Sure is, Janet said cheerfully. She knelt beside a large, unconscious man. He had a bushy black beard and a tattered hide jacket. The maid gently prodded him in the side. He didnt budge, which earned him a second, slightly harder prod.

Burget, wakey-wakey, Janet said cheerfully. Youve got some orbs to collect!

Burget snorted and mumbled something under his breath. His eyes fluttered and he rolled over, fast asleep.

Wake up, you lazy piece of shit! Janet screamed, her face contorting in fury as she grabbed him by the hair. She yanked the man upright and slapped him hard across the face with the other hand.

Burget let out a strangled gasp and his eyes shot open. He raised a hand to his cheek, which was quickly turning red. Whu- huh? I was sleeping. What do you want?

Burget, dearest, weve got some young impressionable Shikari whod like to turn in their orbs, Janet said, instantly reverting to her polite smile. She fluttered her eyelashes at the large man. Please take their orbs so they can get on with their night. Im sure they have a lot of things to kill, like all responsible children do.

Right, sure, Burget muttered. He thrust his hand out. Give em here.

Burget, Janet warned, her voice dropping an octave. Be a good example for the kids.

Burget grimaced. He straightened up and adjusted his jacket, then cleared his throat. Ill take your orbs, young Shikari. Youll receive payment to your house once the analysis of your job has been completed and any damage to the city has been repaired.

They handed Burget the two orbs, who slipped them into his pockets. He glanced at Janet, who gave him an approving nod before punching him hard in the chin, sending the man spinning. He collapsed back to the ground, snoring before he even hit it.

There we go, Janet said, brushing her hands off. Is there anything else I can help you with? Some food, perhaps?

I think were quite alright, Chance said. Thank you, Miss Janet.

Oh, Miss! Nobody calls me Miss, Janet said, her eyes lighting up. I like that. Youre so polite. Please come again soon. Its a welcome change.

Chance nodded empathetically as he slowly backed out of the Shikari base. Yeo and Bella slipped out the door with him. As soon as they were out of line of sight, all three accelerated.

Shes got more than a few screws loose, Yeo said. Kinda cool, though.

She might need some professional help, Chance said carefully. What do you think the chances are that Janet caused all that destruction we saw?

I dont bet on things, but Id bet on that, Bella said.

Are Shikari bases always this crazy? Yeo asked. Ive never been to one outside of my town.

Not sure, Bella admitted. I know where they are, but Ive never really used them much. I always reported directly to Pete because of the whole solo Fledgling situation.

Weird, Yeo said. I hope we didnt lose too much money for mowing that ladys door down.

Even with the sun setting, the streets of Gleam were still largely lit by glowing signs and the floating islands above. They reached the Whiteheart house several hours later, after a long walk back through the streets of Gleam.

Chance was relieved when they finally made it back, having half expected to get pulled into someone elses Ward on the way back. The sun had long since set, and weariness had quickly set into all three of them.

They headed up to their rooms and collapsed into bed, allowing sleep to beckon them into its arms.