Elevate

Back to Route

The sun had set fold, outstanding it’s magnificence among them. The rooster had put an alarm for them, making a loud cranky sound on their roof. It was still six in the morning, yet their bodies felt like they just consumed another day and they’re not ready to rise from their beds.

The paved streets were slowly filled with those who’re mostly going to the market to set up their own tents and do their business. Some were just doing their morning routine. Everybody seemed to be fine and energetic to start a day, except for Era. They were dozing off again, not until clasping, literally, vociferous sound came along the hallway of the base and passed by each of their rooms

They winced with the sound and the first one to be struck with it was Cody. Guilbert flung the door wide open as he continuously batted the old tambourine. He was now fully dressed with his plain white V-neck shirt and faded blue jeans. His hair was still damped. He’s being peppy.

“Rise and shine, Cody. You still need to make breakfast for us.” He said vigorously and mimic Loshiana’s voice.

Cody cringed and turned himself to the other side, facing the wall. He threw a pillow in his direction in bother, but he was able to dodge it. He deliberately covered his ears with the other pillows and pulled the sheets to completely cover him. But, Guilbert was too tenacious to make him jolt on his bed, that he moved near to him and made some beats for him.

The man, with a gloomy face that not even him could understand directly rose from his sleep and gave him his deadliest glare that could melt him in any moment. His eyebrows met each other as his eyes narrowed. He’s totally pissed for waking him up early. It’s been a thing for Guilbert now to wake them up randomly. He just loved to disturb someone else’s sleep. And now, Cody is his target.

“D*mnit. I’m awake okay!” He rolled his eyes and glowered on him and pushed the tambourine away.

“Am I going to die with that glare?” He asked.

“I wish my glare could do it.” He sighed and slowly pulled the sheets and arranged his bed. He folded his light green blanket and placed the pillow on top of it. He slowly took his sleepers on. Rubbing his eyes, he went directly outside the room without minding the presence of Guilbert, leaving him without a choice but to follow him straight in the living room since he was the one who woke him up.

“Are you mad?” He pouted and placed the tambourine on the side of the shelf. Liech and William have slept in the living room over the couches and now they were also woken up by Guilbert’s doing. Their eyes were dozing off but they needed to rise. Liech was still staring on the ceiling wall while her husband was sitting. He took a yawn and caressed his face. They recognized the two in the kitchen.

Cody kept his silence and didn’t bother to give him a response. Instead, he washed the crops and started to peel the carrots and potatoes. Guilbert stood beside him and grabbed some spices and helped him out. They decided to make fried rice and scrambled eggs for breakfast. Both of them suddenly went resolute, not until Guilbert remembered something that he needed to ask him.

“By the way, yesterday, what took you so long to get here except for the fact that Uncle and Aunt Liech went with you here?”

“Oh.” Cody glanced over his uncle who’s still focusing in giving himself a composure. The man was surely exhausted about what happened last night. Aunt Liech stood from her spot and went in their direction. Her hair was still messy and her eyes were still dropping to sleep.

She raised her eyes and looked at them. “Good morning, boys. Where’s the comfort room here?”

“Good morning, Aunt. Just go straight to its end and turn right.” Miguel instructed her.

“Thank you. That looked tasty over there, Cod.” She complimented him as she glanced over the crops that he was slicing. Then, she excused herself to the comfort room.

When she left, Cody continued what he was saying but now in a low tone, enough for the man not to hear it. “We went to the cell.” He simply stated, but it made a surprise for Guilbert. They continued chopping the crops and placed them on the bowls. Grabbing the fine meat, Cody cut it to bits and marinated it with spices inside the bowl. He sprinkled a pinch of salt and some black pepper and basil. “You knew the man already right?”

“Which one?”

“The one we’ve meet in the jails in the Royals back then. The one who wanted Vixen.”

“Oh. That man…yes, I’ve met him a couple of times there whenever I take a visit to Penelope. Some were able to escape and still on the verge of seeking for a place to be their hideout. I wondered why the man, which Ian told me so, that he voluntarily surrendered to him and he wanted himself to be locked up once again. I mean, it was a breakthrough for him that time. It was a chance. He could have let himself leave. Well, I’m not saying that he should, because he’s still a prisoner. But, if I am in his place, then I should have taken that opportunity to get out of those reeking cellars.” He prompted and transferred the crops to the bowl. He started to make fire for them to cook.

Loshiana and Carmilla were already woken up and they joined the others in the living room. Aunt Leich had also returned and she just washed her face and combed her hair. Carmilla took a yawn and went in the kitchen.

“Good morning.” She greeted them and glanced over what they’re making. She was now in her usual outfit – onyx leathered shoes and jacket with plain white shirt underneath, black belt and fitted dark trousers. Her hand were covered with her heavy, used gloves and her hair was in a ponytail.

Guilbert glanced over her and noticed her getting ready. Grabbing a glass of water she drank it all up.

“Are you going somewhere else?” He cautiously asked.

She nodded in feedback and put the glass on the kitchen sink. “Yes. I cannot join you in the forest. The kids have called and something came up urgent.”

“Oh. It’s okay. Let’s have some breakfast first, okay? How’s the twins by the way? I haven’t heard a thing since they got a new home to call their own.”

“They’re good. Their new parents kept me updated once in a while. But surely, the kids are having fun with them.”

“How about the others?” Cody was now the one who laid the question.

“Anna and the others were quite having their time. They chose to help in the Care Orphanage. Sometimes, they would go with me to wander around the city. Yet, the Butcher hasn’t made his move also to talk to his child.”

Cody finished cutting them all and placed the knife on the chopping board. He washed his hands and rinsed it well. “Well, it’s not easy for Mr. Butch to butt in all of a sudden. That would be awkward. It will surely make some time to do that. At least, he could see his daughter growing now.”

“Yeah. It’s better to have deal it slowly than to make it quick.” She added.

“Well, I’ll leave you for now here in the kitchen. I’ll go back there.” She pardoned herself and joined the others. They were having their great time. The kids and Vixen weren’t still up and they were lucky for the fact that Guilbert considered not to wake them up intently inside the room.

“Now, back to our topic. Why did you go there?” Guilbert inquired to Cody who started cooking rice, while he fried the onions and garlic.

“We just want to see her situation there, but the place was surrounded with guards and they seemed to be sturdy.” He said and looked over his biceps which didn’t make it even half of their size. “Do they really look like that?”

Guilbert chuckled and punched him a bit on his left limb. “Yes. They do. Every man under Ian’s ruling do basic training and their routine every morning – doing weight by carrying loads of crops and water by the spring made them somehow with that kind of forms.

“Spring? You mean the cold one? They got like that?” Cody’s eyes gleamed when he heard about. Since his childhood he didn’t see anything about it. Being in the Embreal City for years made them realized that the place was a cell for them. They were locked up inside and refrained from exploring new areas outside. He bit his lip and went silent suddenly.

“Well…they do. I mean, being outside the City is magical to us who’re inside. There’s still a lot to learn in this world we live in.” He patted his back and started to pour the egg on the pan.

Suddenly two arms were laid on top of their shoulders and an intent stare was given between them, coming from William himself He was smiling so wide that it could reach his ears. “Good morning, boys.” He smelled what they’re making and licked his lips. “Now, that looked delicious. I didn’t know you cook like this, Cody?”

Cody flushed when he heard him and scratched his head. “I just learned from Kinzel herself back then. I should thanked her the most.”

“Ooh. Well, yeah. Kinzel was a good cook. Right, Guilbert?” He asked. ]

Guilbert chuckled and remembered the time when his sister used to cook for them. And he agreed that Kinzel had great skills in making those scrumptious food. They tummies were mostly filled with great grub. Just thinking of it, made them whispered. Cody let out a sigh. The man patted them. “I heard you have mentioned about the forest. Is there anything I could help?” He offered.

They glanced at each other and they apprehended that it wasn’t an ordinary one they’re dealing with. He’s a hunter with keen sense. It wouldn’t be a problem or a question for them to know anymore that the man had able to perceive anything, even if they’re trying to be silent.

“That…would be unnecessary for now. But, I wanted to see the spring itself.” Cody tried to revert the topic.

“The spring…What do you want to do there?”

“I just want to know what it looks like” He answered.

“Okay. Let’s find some time to visit it when we get there. But to be honest, there’s nothing so extraordinary with that spring. It’s just still water streaming down.” William commented.

Cody didn’t respond anything to his uncle anymore. The spring might be an ordinary place to him but it could be an answer for him. Taking most of his time in the basement, he had read most of Quinten’s notes and made it to half. Often, Miguel would join him too in reading it. He just needed to check upon something there.

After a while, the two were able to finish preparing food for their breakfast. Vixen and the kids have already risen up and they have altered their clothes too, ready to go in any time. Hannah moved to them and assisted them by bringing those spoons and glasses to the kitchen table. William had transferred the fried rice into a ceramic bowl. Vixen greeted them and went to grab the plates.

They have called the others to gather around the kitchen, and they precipitously moved. When everyone was ready, William led the prayer and they instantly dig in. As they enjoyed their meal, Liech didn’t hold herself but to ask a topic. “Is there anything news about the Candyman and Penelope’s subordinates?”

“No, not at all. But I think they would come out sooner or later. Those who’re crippling behind the shadows don’t really stay in their same spot to progress. They needed to move and that is when we’re needed. Perhaps, we just need to click on something that would trigger them.” Carmilla stated and munched the egg.

“It seemed that they’re really cautious with their actions. How about the one who’s roaming around the city. I’ve heard such reports circling around.” Cody asked.

“You mean the Hooded Man?” Loshiana clarified it.

“I’m still tracking him together with my aides.” Carmilla told them. “But it looked like this person whom they’re referring is a ghost. I really couldn’t see his lair nor find something that would lead us to him.”

“If that’s the case, we need to find a way to trap him.” Guilbert added, rubbing his chin.

Loshiana took a deep breath. She had finished eating. Sitting beside her Aunt, she couldn’t help but to think that it’s still Penelope’s subordinates. Ian had also secured his place more, knowing that her underlings wanted her back. Rubbing her brows, she wriggled her head and stopped thinking. She needed to focus still for today, then she could deal about the others later on. One step at a time, that’s what she thought.

Vixen hasn’t say much at all. She just listened with their conversation together with the kids. Later on, all of them finished their meals. It’s a good day to start their quest. Loshiana and Vixen washed the dishes while the men prepared themselves.

The couple had packed their things together, while Carmilla was just waiting for them to finish, leaning her back on the door. She looked at the street that was filled with people. It was a busy day for them too. Her sight travelled to the distant, and perceived the Long Range Fountain. It was beautiful as it is. It’s almost been a month when her father, the least she could expect him to do it, is now working still by now. How did he even get this thing without letting her know? She sighed.

William saw her distress and progressed to her. “What are you thinking?” He asked her and narrowed his sight to where she’s looking at. Kids were roaming around, pacing as they laughed in pleasure.

“Nothing…I’m glad you made it. I haven’t seen you around.” She uttered and smiled.

“Yeah.” He offered the contract to her. She placed her hand on top of his and shook her head. “I want you to keep it. I think my Dad is also seeking for that thing. It’s your guard.” She said to him.

William stared over the paper and decided to keep it with himself. He knew that the lady was right after all and he needed to protect his family at all cost.

“What’s your plan right now?” He keenly asked.

She took a fine breath. “I guessed I have to continue what I’m doing precisely now and just let this scrutiny lead me to anything.” She gave in a feeble smile.

The man moved to the couch and grabbed something from his back. Moving back to her, William gave the thing she had let him burrowed. “Oh, you still got that thing?” Carmilla chortled and took it. It was her cape that she had used to cover her things with her every time she strolled around before. She didn’t expect that the man would keep it still for months. “Thank you…But…” She offered it back to the man. “I think you need it more than me.” She smiled.

“I-I...I couldn’t take this.” William stuttered.

“Yes, you can. Just consider it as my partial payment for you or if you don’t want it to consider it like that, then maybe a gift from me to you.” She added.

“T-Thank you. I shall keep this safe.”

“You should.” She tapped him by the shoulder. Carmilla slowly moved to Vixen and Loshiana who just finished cleaning the kitchen. The kids were in the backyard, visiting their Uncle Quinten. Their mother had already packed their things and after a couple of minutes, the three men went out of their respective rooms, bringing with them those necessary stuff. Of course, Miguel and Cody didn’t forget to bring those notes from the Informant and Quinten. They all gathered in the living room. Guilbert stood in the center. He squinted at Carmilla.

“Are you going now?” He inquired.

She nodded in response and held her pouch still. “Yes. The kids are waiting for me. I’ll just catch up with you soon.”

“Oh, by the way.” Guilbert opened his brown, almost overthrew satchel. He took the music box that they got from Mr. Elikai’s house. “Can you take this to the Butcher for us?” He requested.

Carmilla carefully took it from him and stared at it for a while. “Sure. I’ll give it to him on this day.”

“And, please tell him that we found the thing he had mentioned.” He added.

“Okay. I better go now. Thank you for the time. Let’s just get ourselves updated about what’s happening.” She smiled and deliberately moved herself out of the door. She said her goodbye to them as they shared the exact thing and a fresh set goal. She glanced over William who’s leaning his back on the door, extending his arms.

The man eyed on her and spoke.

“So, you’re leaving.”

“Yes. Please take good care of them while I’m gone. And if you need something…” She took something from her pocket and grabbed a small glass container. There was a tiny ladybug inside it.

She gave it to the man and said, “Just tell this little creature if you need anything and it will go to me. By then, I would know that you need help and I’ll do everything that I can.”

She smiled and leaned to watch the insect. She waved her hand to it and spoke. “Take care, Mimi. He’s a friend of mine, so you can be with him for a while. I’ll see you soon, okay?”

The insect flapped its wings as a response. It was a gift from her father and she has the full control of her now.

She stood uprightly and bowed her head to him and for the last time, Carmilla looked at everyone and gave them her warmest smile. Slowly, she moved out the house and disappeared all of a sudden. Leaving them was a choice for her to make. Her journey may be shallow and far from them, but she knew that there will be a time for their paths to cross again. She moved and joined the other in the main street and she went straight to the kids.

Guilbert and the others watched her left the base. He respired and moved to the door, locking it. He moved back to them and laid his hands in front of them. Slowly, they all formed a circle, holding each other’s hands.

“She’s a chaser on her own. And I guessed, she had grown so much that she wanted to do things according to her will.” He commented and watched everyone.

“Now, let’s go back in the forest and settle things there.” He added and closed his eyes.

And in a swift, their base was filled with silence and they were gone. Emptiness has always been sprawling inside whenever they’re gone. And, in the corner of Vixen’s room lied and bloomed the flower. It was glowing.