“Josh…do you know where Michael is?” Elyas's desperation for the answer was evident in his voice.

  Joshua raised his head, meeting the eyes of the man half a head taller than him. “He was a good kid. Helped me a lot, the only reason someone like me got the job was his recommendation… you raised a good kid.”

  Elyas's eyes glistened with hope. He couldn't contain his excitement as he asked hurriedly. “He really is alive! Where is he?”

  Joshua's warm smile, as if reminded of something, slowly faded.

  “He was here, I'm not sure how long ago. I lost track of time a while back. But be sure, he's grown into a great, capable man. He even had a fiance when he left Mistwood.”

  Elyas let out a sigh of relief. He now knew that his son was alive… but he still needed to see him. He had left his son in the middle of an apocalypse. Michael at least deserved an explanation or better yet, an apology.

  “You said he left. Do you know where to?”

  Josh shook his head.

  Elyas was somewhat disappointed, but still, it was no reason to feel down. He had confirmed his son's safety, all he had to do now was acquire the help of the Librarians or the Protocol in finding him.

  With this done, a wave of relief washed over him, it was as if he had turned as light as a feather. Joshua looked at his face, now adorned with a shaky smile, and said:

  “Old friend…I asked us to talk because I need you to do me a favour.”

  Elyas nodded, “What is it?”

  Joshua's face once again formed a warm and friendly smile as he said, “I need you to kill someone.”

  …

  “Why did he run so hurriedly? Noah asked the giant walking beside him.

  “It's none of my business. But what is, is the tab he left me to pay!” Julius raised his hand, waving and pointing it in different directions. It was holding a receipt.

  “Why did he have to pick the most expensive option!?” This time he shouted, not able to keep his anger under control.

  Noah looked at him with pity and sighed. “I'll talk to him. Don't worry I'll make sure he at least pays half of it.”

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “Yeah you better! Otherwise I might have to rip your boyfriend in half! That bastard—Fifty coins. Fifty goddamn golden coins! That's three months' salary!”

  Noah glanced at him with a weird expression. Seemingly only hearing the first part.

  “What do you mean boyfriend? I'm a man.”

  Julius scanned him up and down. Clearly not calm enough to put it lightly. “Bullshit. Every Protector, including the retirees, know that the former captain has sneaked a man into his house.”

  “...”

  “It's nothing serious.”

  “Oh, no feelings attached? so you just do it? I didn't expect you to be that kind of person, but alright.” Julius sneered. His usual self was seeping through his anger.

  Noah turned red, either flustered or angry. Julius, seeing his face, calmed down even more, now laughing.

  Noah quickly responded “It's not like that! You know what I promised captain. You should know better than anyone that—”

  “I know. I'm just messing with you. But you should really make him pay up. Even as a D.E.B teacher and a retiree of the Protocol, I can't afford it.”

  Noah raised an eyebrow. “Don't you have a few Sealed Artifacts laying around? I heard they fetch a good price. Especially now that Benders are on the rise, thanks to that red lunatic. The demand is high.”

  Julius nodded. “Yeah I know. But I want to save them for my kids. It'll act as a good investment in a few years when me and Angie have our second child.”

  Noah stopped, his mouth as open as a cave. He couldn't believe what he had just heard.

  “ Wait what?! Why didn't you tell me?! You have a child? Is it a boy or a girl?” He slapped his forehead before adding, “Shit, I should have given you a gift already! Wait, does that mean that I'll be uncle Noah?”

  Julius stared at his friends' actions with surprise. “You're more happy than I am! No need for gifts yet, there's still a few months.”

  Julius paused, before his face brightened with a grin as he said, “But I'll make sure to come pick up my medal when the baby's out of the oven. After all, I put a lot of effort into it.”

  staring at Noah's blank reaction to his joke, he laughed again. Wiping away tears, Julius narrowed his eyes, staring ahead into the darkness.

  “Who is… well If it isn't the devil himself!”

  Noah followed the Giant's example. Squinting, his eyes took a while to adjust. Not long after, he noticed two men conversing in the middle of the street, one of them was familiar.

  Noah raised his hands and waved. “Hey! Elyas! we're going home…What are you doing outside? it's snowing!” He shouted. The silhouettes turned their heads. As Noah and Julius moved closer, they managed to hear parts of the conversation.

  “I…consider… approach. I'll notify you when it's done.” Elyas said in a low voice.

  Josh nodded in response and walked away, moving past the giant and Noah without sparing them a single glance. Julius turned his head, his eyes following Joshua who was heading towards North Street with haste.

  “Hey, why is this guy out here? Isn't he afraid to die?” Julius, voiced his opinion.

  Elyas, now only a few steps from the giant, stopped and gave him a questioning look. “Is that supposed to be a threat?”

  The giant looked down. Noah could visibly see him struggle against the need to punch the man Infront of him. Elyas wasn't backing up either, he was probing the giant to attack.

  Noah looked at all of this. Not wanting his friends' relationship to be strained any further, he unceremoniously gave an explanation.

  He had to do that a lot recently.

  “Can you two not bicker for two seconds? It hasn't been a day since you've met each other and your already on each other's throats. Oh by the way Elyas, do you remember what Julius told you about the restaurant?” Elyas, although surprised by the question, nodded.

  After seeing that, Noah added, “Good. One of the restaurants powers is that it keeps its employees alive as long as the business is open, and they are considered employees.”

  Noah glanced at him before shifting his gaze back up at the giant. He clearly looked irritated, rightfully so. The man had put him in debt, and instead of feeling remorseful, or apologizing, he had the audacity to argue with him.

  Noah redirected his attention back to his new friend, who currently held an expression of utter confusion. But it slowly faded into quiet understand before Elyas suddenly spoke, “You mean, if they stop working…”

  “Yes, if they stay outside for too long they will die.” The giant rolled his eyes before adding, “Also you have to pay your tab. I'm not paying for shit.”

  Then he stepped forward, “I'm going home. Goodnight Noah.” With that, the giant started to walk home, towards South Street, ignoring Elyas entirely.

  “Let's go. I need to wake up early tomorrow.” Noah followed his friend's example.

  Elyas stared at them both. Julius slowly disappearing into the night, Noah was doing the same. Seeing the gap increase rapidly, he rushed to catch up to him.

  “Hey Noah, do you know a gardening shop?”

  Noah raised an eyebrow. 'why would you need that?' Noah wanted to say that, but it'll be rude, so instead he actually answered the question. “Yes I do, but it's winter. I don't think gardening is going to bear you much fruit… why are you asking anyway?”

  Elyas glanced at him from the side. Not lingering for even a second, he answered, “I'm going to buy a shovel.”