Dealing with the aftermath - Part 3

With renewed vigor, we continue through the night, determined to reach Alameria. The crescent moon now hangs high in the sky, providing a clearer view of the landscape. Curiously, the closer we get to Alameria, the more energised I begin to feel. 'I guess that nap from earlier helped somewhat.'

Beside me, my former prisoners have now become my traveling companions. Furthermore, they have stopped dragging their feet, compared to our earlier pace from before our moment by the cave. After a few more hours of travel, Alameria and its high walls are finally within sight.

My companions fail to hide their unease as they stop, the town now in clear view. Knowing that they will face persecution and punishment after we arrive. 

Although I hate the idea of slowing down and wasting time waiting for them, not to mention wanting to return to check on Hikaru as soon as possible after having been separated from her for so long, especially when we're so close to Alameria now. However, I can't help but want to grant them these extra moments.

"There it is, Alameria." I glance to my right at Kitsura and Sataro, as they gaze at the place that will likely serve as their prison for the foreseeable future. "Once we're inside, we'll have to head for the guild first. Depending on the guild master, you'll either be sentenced straight away, or you'll have to wait in the dungeon."

I watch as Sataro nods his head in acceptance of what I said, while Kitsura stands there in silence. I can't quite tell how she's feeling until I gaze downward, noticing her tightly balled-up fist, which appears to be shaking, if only slightly. After the moment has passed and a reassuring hand from Sataro, Kitsura is calmer and ready to go.

Passing through the gates unimpeded, we proceed through the torch-lit town, making our way over to the guild hall. Upon our arrival, I can't help but notice and admire the patchwork that has been done to the formerly damaged portions of the building. Entering the main hall, which was previously filled with numerous injured, is now much emptier compared to before.

"Hello, can I help you?" The male guild attendant catches our attention with his question, as does his bowl-cut hairdo and his comically large round glasses. A hand gesture from me compels Kitsura and Sataro to follow me and approach the guild attendant.

"Hi there, I'm Takashi. I'm returning from a quest for Guild Master Grey, is he in?" 

"I'm sorry, Guild Master Grey has already turned in for the night. He should be available some time after midnight." 'I really hoped that I'd be able to get this sorted out straight away.' I let out a disappointed sigh before turning my gaze to Kitsura and Sataro, who appear worried about what will happen next.

"Right, okay. Then I have two prisoners that will be awaiting trial and punishment. You'll need to set them up in the dungeon until Grey returns." The attendant is a little surprised by my statement, gazing at Kitsura and Sataro who appear distraught at the idea of spending their time in a dungeon.

"Huh, and here I thought these two were your travel companions. Okay, if you'll follow me." Taking out a large key chain, the attendant gestures for us to follow him. I give the pair a sympathetic gaze, and with a wave for them to follow me, we all follow the attendant to a door located behind the stairs that lead up to the guild master's office, and then we proceed downstairs into the guild's dungeon.

The guild's dungeon is about as imposing as you would expect from a dungeon. The walls are lined with smooth grey stones, and the underground is lit by small but bright torches placed along the walls, and the cells are individually dug out and sealed with iron bars and gates. Unlocking one of the cell gates with the key chain, the attendant stands ready to receive a prisoner.

I take the bags and gear that Kitsura and Sataro were previously carrying, then place them in a chest by the base of the stairs. The weight of one of the bags piques my curiosity as it is much heavier than the other. Peeking inside, I spot the rifle I had severed in two before I took Kitsura hostage during the fight.

Checking the two halves, I find the magazine still wedged into the rear frame, after I make a mental note of leaving it here. I close the bag tighter than before and push it deeper into the storage chest, closing the lid, I use a supplied padlock to lock it, securing their possessions and leaving them with only the clothes on their backs. 

Observing the inside of the cells, the first thing I notice is a bucket in the back corner of each cell, aside from old and likely uncomfortable mattresses, sitting atop stone blocks pressed against the walls. 

Gazing back at Kitsura and Sataro, I notice Kitsura is on the verge of a panic attack, despite Sataro having his arms around her, attempting to comfort and calm her, despite his efforts, she looks so terrified she appears to be on the verge of crying. 

Sataro himself appears to be managing his own emotions quite well, however I believe that to be because he's more focused on comforting Kitsura.

"Inside please." The attendant implores, but Kitsura refuses to budge from where she's standing, shaking her head with tears welling up in her eyes.

"I can't, I can't do this." Kitsura pleads as he attempts to run for it, but struggles against Sataro's hold of her in a vain attempt to free herself. Despite her weak attempts, she eventually gives up as I approach them, a sympathetic look on my face.

"Kitsura, I know you're afraid, but you knew this was coming." I reach out and take her hands, even though she tries to struggle, I take her hands and gaze deeply into her orange eyes. "You can do this, I intend to support the two of you during the trial process, but you'll have to wait. It'll only be for a few hours. After that, you'll never have to come down here again."

Kitsura gazes at me, pleading with her eyes for me not to go through with this. Fortunately, with Sataro's help, we guide her into the cell despite her struggles, eventually they reach the mattress and sit on it together.

"Ah, I'm afraid that they'll need to separate, guild policy." Sataro and I gaze at the attendant, then to each other before I step out of the cell, closing its gate behind me. 

"Consider it a personal favour to me, if there's a problem, you can bring it up with Grey when he gets back." The attendant appears disgusted at the notion of me imposing my will, despite the regulations he's intent on following.

"I'm sorry, I can't allow you to do this, regardless of the circumstance." Not interested in prolonging this, I forcibly take the key chain from the attendant and use the key to lock the gate to the cell before shoving it back into his hand.

"It's done. If you have a problem with it, take it up with Grey. For now, bring them some bread and water, and make sure to leave them alone until they are needed. Last thing they need is someone making them more uncomfortable than they already are."

The attendant is less than impressed with my actions. However, he walks over to a storage barrel, grabs a water jug, and after filling it up, places it inside the cell through the bars. As the attendant leaves, I turn to follow him, gazing at Kitsura and Sataro one last time. 

Sataro continues to hold and comfort Kitsura as she shivers in his arms. Gazing back at me, Sataro gives me a grateful nod as I walk away to leave the dungeon. I return his nod with one of my own, and after climbing the stairs back up to the main floor, I exit the guild hall.