Chapter 5

Breathing Like crazy I ask. "Where are we going?" "To my Brother's base," Edward replies. Surprised by the revelation I ask.

"Won't your brother's lackey stop us?" Smiling Edward replies. "You think now that my brother's gone, there's someone that can rival me in strength?" Jumping down into a dark alley.

He punches a hole into large metal doors and rips them open.

"We're here, My brother had some weak healing potion somewhere. I will-" "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Tough looking guy double the size of Edward comes storming out of the door yelling. "You don't even know how much I wanted to do this!"

With one punch Edward send's the guy flying out of my vision.

Finally understanding what he meant, I smile. His tenfold strength here is unrivaled. He kept a low profile due to his brother, but now he's like a bird taking flight for the first time.

Hearing and feeling the screams and shaking of the building, Edward runs out holding a vial containing a red liquid.

"Sorry, it took so long, here drink this. Taking my mask off I drink. Feeling my body warm up, it feels like being in the loving embrace of my mom on a cold lonely night. bringing a small tear to my eyes I try moving my hands. Nothing, no pain, no soreness, no nothing. Standing up I see the utter shock on Edwardes face. "You- You're Raven Nordstorm!" His eyes are wide, and his handshakes. "What are you talking about? I thought you knew. We met without my mask before?" Scratching the back of his head he replies. "I wasn't paying attention."

Sighing I walk through the ripped doors I say. "I guess we're sharing a secret now." Trying to act on the outside I feel my mind going crazy still trying to comprehend the entire thing with Gunter. Grabbing me by the shoulder, Edward talks. "Hey, You good? You said that we're sharing a secret and then you just kinda froze up." "I'm sorry I was just thinking about something."

Finally entering the building I look around and see the carnage. The gangster laying on the ground unconscious. some walls completely tear down revealing entire rooms. 'I guess that years of pent-up rage have finally been let loose.'

Catching my interest is a key on one of the guys' waists. Taking it off I look at its integrated design. "Did that guy catch your interest? He was the right-hand man to my brother…. He called him brother, instead of me." Seemingly down by it, I show him the key. "Hey don't be so down, do you recognize this key?"

Taking the key he speaks. "I do, it's a key to a hidden compartment inside my brother's office." Getting up I walk through a hole in the wall entering the office. "And where is that hidden compartment?" "That's…. the difficult part, I never saw him use that key. He kicked me out before using it."

Looking around I try to look for anything that looks out of place. Only to stop as this room is an absolute mess. "Can you help me remove that large chunk of the wall?" "Ehm... Sure?"

Lifting the chunk of the wall he throws it away. "Why did you want me to do that?" he asks. "To be honest, I don't know. I thought cleaning the space would make it easier to spot something, like scratched carpet or things out of place, but you just blew this room sky high."

Saying that I feel my leg gets caught in something. Crouching down I see that my boot was cut on a small piece of metal sticking out of the ground. "Hey! Edward, check this out." Crouching beside me, he sees the small piece of metal.

Grabbing it with 2 fingers he tries to pull it to no avail.

"What is that?! It won't even budge!" Angry by it he stomps on it only for something to crack. "Rip the carpet off" For a second I could see his confused look only for him to take the carpet and rip it straight off. A shattered metallic plate is revealed."Can you tear that off?" Sighing, Edward does what I ask, but not without some complaint. "Why does it feel like I'm your Muscle slave?" Now with a better grip, he tears the plate right off. A small keyhole underneath. "I think we skipped a step."Looking at Edward I replied. "You don't say."

Pulling out the key I found earlier. I insert it inside the hole Unlocking it. taking it by the handle I try to open it.

"This isn't moving anywhere! maybe we missed a step and it's still locked somewhere." Hearing Edward laugh he takes it by the handle and opens it with no problem. Looking at me he smiles. Sighing, I tell him off. "This wasn't designed to be opened by someone who isn't a Tenfold." changing the theme Edward asks. "Why are you always sighing?" Trying to ignore his question I decide to descend through the trapdoor in the floor. "Hey, wait for me!" Climbing down after me we exit in total darkness not seeing anything. "Don't worry Raven, I studied fire magic so I just cast "WIth the flame al-" "STOP! you fool! Do you want us to suffocate? The smoke from the fire would kill us!"

Realizing what I mean he asks. "You got a better idea?"

"Of course, I have, Holy magic." Clapping my hands together I small sphere of light forms out of small threads in front of me lighting up the room. "YOU KNOW HOLY MAGIC?!" "F***! Don't scream so close to me!" Scolding Edward I look around the room. 4 large bookshelves standing tall with few books on them. A small pedestal sits in the middle of the room holding a single book. "It can't be" Seeing Edward run up to the pedestal. He breaks the glass around the book and pulls it out.

Walking closer I see the burned sides of the book or the stack of papers now. "H-How did he get this?" Listening to Edward, I tap him on the shoulder and ask. "I know you probably want to be alone and all, but may I know what that book is?"

Turning to me, he starts talking crazy. "This? This book is my family's EVERYTHING! It's the manual for the Tenfold strength-increasing technique!" Opening my eyes wide ask. "Can I look?" Looking at me and at the pieces of paper he opens his mouth only for southern sounds of sirens ringing outside.

"SH**!" Cursing I realize what's going on. "What are the police doing here?! We have a deal with them!" Confused by the situation I hear Edward yelling. "What do you think they're here for? Gunter's dead, any deal you had with them has no value."

'By how long it took them to get here, these guys are from the northern districts over the river.' "Edward, you climb first. I will climb right after you. In case there's a cop just knock him unconscious, so whatever you do DO NO KILL HIM. There's no way for you to come back after killing a cop. That's the point of no return understood." Exaggerating things by throwing my hands all around.

"Don't worry I won't kill anyone I promise." Saying that Edward climbs out. Taking my chance I quickly jump to the bookshelves and start stuffing my coat with some of the slightly burned papers. Taking about 6 papers worth of books I start to climb out.

Getting out I see Edward hiding behind a partially standing wall. Spotting me he signals me to move next to him. "whispering to me he speaks. "Careful, the police officers are already here, but I've never seen these types of Uniforms." Peeking from behind the corner I notice their winged blade budges. "I knew it, Those guys are the Aquarian central police, Blades of freedom."

"Blades of Freedom? What are they doing here? The center of Aquaria is on the other side of the river!" Reaching into my coat I pull out my Raven mask and put it on. "Here also got one for you." Handing him a raven beak mask he looks at me confused. "You carry two of them?" Shaking my head I reply. "Of course not, that one is my old one." Taking the mask, Edward puts it on. "Jesus, it's stuffy in here. How do you breathe in this?" Brushing his question off I hear footsteps coming from behind us. "We need to move, follow me." walking from behind the wall. We quickly moved into a different room.

"Do you know about any other way here than the main door? as I'm more than sure that the police are swarming around the main door." Thinking for a while he asks. "How confident are you in your climbing skills?" Sighing, I look at the fireplace. "Is your plan to climb out of the chimney? because trust me, I have a problem climbing a tree." Clearly not listening, he sneaks to the fireplace and looks inside. "I have an idea. Climb on my back." Though his face is hidden behind a mask I can see him smiling at me. "Fine, but I'm doing this only because I don't have a better idea." Letting him give me a piggyback ride we start climbing up through the chimney.

Arriving at the roof I get off Edward's back. "I swear I will ne-"

"Hands in the air!" getting cut off we turn only to see a lone cop on the rooftop. Raising our arms he speaks into his transmitter. "This is A-8. I apprehended the suspects on the roof requesting backup." Looking forward at the cop I whisper to Edward. "Don't make any sudden movements. Talk silently, as he can't see our mouths." Slightly nodding his head I want to scream. But it seems like the cop hasn't noticed. "Don't do that again. I will try something, so in case it fails, charge him please." Nodding again the cops finally notices something.

"Why are you moving your head?! Are you trying something?"

Hearing the rushing footsteps of the other cops I cast.

"CALM WIND" Punching the air I shoot an air blast that knocks the police officer on exposed pipes Impaling. Coughing out a mouthful of blood I watch in horror, as the life leaves his eyes.

Static, the sounds of static is all I hear. My eyes locks on the body of the dead police officer. Breathing heavily I feel my chest tighten. Grabbing my chest I collapse to the floor.

A thousand thoughts go through my mind each second. 'What have I done? W-w-will I ever be forgiven? Will I be ever-'

*BANG!* The sound of a gun going off is the last thing that I hear only for my world to go dark.

....

My surroundings are dark, with no light or anything, just pure emptiness. Taking a step, it feels like walking on shallow water. "Hey, Brother." Turning around I see Millie standing there, looking at me. "Hey sis, What brings you to my dream world?" Smiling, she walks forward. "You, You want me here.

I'm just a reminder for you. Remember that you can't get over my death." With a single swing of her hand, a chair appears on which she sits. "Millie, I think that you can go. I don't need you anymore. I've got a lot of other problems now. and I kinda forgot about you, to be honest. who would have guessed that having too much on your hands would lead to this? I kind of moved now I guess not because I accepted your death, but because I don't have the time to mourn anymore.

For the past few days, I had my life on the line. I was thinking about my dead sister. Or fine I did come to consult you before this whole ordeal, but that's it I will admit that I can no longer sleep without the use of the drug, but again I no longer dream about you, I dream of anything.

Like what could have been like to go to school, or what would have happened if I was born with a talent for magic. So you see I don't have time to think about you anymore, so goodbye Sis."

Saying that her body starts to turn transparent. "What's going on?" her eyes go wide and she looks at me with fear in her eyes. "I'm…..letting you go." Gulping, Millie runs to me and grabs me by my sleeves. "Don't let me go, I don't want to go again! Please! BROTHER!"

Losing my will I start to cry and try to grab onto her only for her body to become untouchable. "I'm sorry I'm so sorry, I-I-I thought I could let you go, but I can't!"

Her body starts to turn fully transparent until she completely disappears into a blinding light.

....

"MILLIE!" Jumping up, I Look around only to see Edward peeling an apple next to my bed. "Millie? Who's that? Anyways, want some apples?" Handing me a cut apple piece I take it. The broken dry walls of the room remind me of my Office. The dusty yet mossy air makes it hard to breathe for a moment. "Where are we? I don't remember much, we… climbed up the chimney…. and…." Seeing the images of the bloody mangled corpse of the cop I puke. "Jesus You're okay?!" Should I call Otto to check you out?" Grabbing Edward by the hand I ask. "The cop! How is he?!" "What? cop..." Realizing what I'm talking about, he shakes his head. "He died. It was on the news this morning. We're now wanted as the criminal group nicknamed Ravens." The news made my heart stop. All my thoughts come to a halt as I wonder what will happen! Now that I'm a wanted criminal!

Leaping out of the bed I try to run away from all the responsibilities that I carry. But their weight is too much for me. Falling to the floor Edward runs up to me and asks.

"Raven! For christ's sake, you were shot in the head! You barely survived!" Lifting me back into bed. I clear my mind of useless thoughts. "I'm sorry, I'm just too lost now…. I mean I'm a murderer. I took someone's life. They have a family as I have. people that care about them. they-" Being stopped by Edward he shakes his head. His rough hand resting on my shoulder reminds me of my father's hand. "Raven, I also killed people that day, but it wasn't the first time for me."

Smiling at me He pats my back. "The first time you kill someone you need people you can count on to be around. They will comfort you and make you go through it. I do not know if you consider me as your friend or an accomplice, but if you need me I will be in the next room. Leaving me alone I get up once again. feeling my legs give up beneath my weight I crumble to the floor. My body feels like it's 3 times its original weight. Trying to move my legs. I find it a lot more difficult than before. "EDWARD!" Calling for Edward he comes rushing into the room looking for what's wrong, only to find me laying on the floor. "Raven what happened?!"

"I-I-I Can't move my legs!" I scream. "What do you mean you can't move your legs?!" Looking at me he starts throwing his hand around, moving the air like crazy. "Have you like… I don't know, tried lifting your legs?" ... Every piercing sound of silence is only broken after I sigh. "Just… Help me get up"

Lifting myself up I try to balance on my legs, only to barely stand. The weight of my body seems to increase the longer I try to stand. "For Christ's sake.." Slowly starting to lose hope I feel my eyes sting only for a slow stream of tears to pour out.

"FUCK! Fuck fuck fuck fuck!" Starting to curse like crazy I get an idea of what's going on. "Edward, please tell me what exactly happened after I was shot in the head."

"Raven…. Your mask stopped it but I don't know about your skull. I couldn't bring you to any hospital, as we're wanted and the only hospital down here is under surveillance since you got shot. But Don't worry, I'm sure you will walk again!"

Trying to cheer myself up I bitterly smile back "Thanks, Edward"

Sitting me back down on the bed I ask him for my mask and let him leave. Looking at my mask I wonder what would have happened if I never put it on, what if I never entered the

black market for such a foolish mistake. If I just left the dead to their things and didn't try to see my sister again I would be walking down the city streets living off my grandpa's support without a worry in the world.

Putting on the mask, I decided to Ignore my past mistakes.

Somehow when I put on the mask it feels like all my problems become someone else's. It doesn't take long for me to become bored in the room. Seeing my coat in the corner of the room. Remember all the books and manuals I store inside it. Looking around for anything I can use as an extension of my hand I find a Plank sticking out of the wall.

Grabbing it I try to pull it out only for it to snap in half as it's entirely molded on the inside. "That could have ended badly."

Using the large piece of wood I picked up my coat. Bringing it closer I take it off the wood. Rummaging through it I found the damaged papers on the inside. "Perfect" Spending my free time reading through the papers I figure out that I've got 4.7 books. It's sad that 2 books aren't finished but it doesn't matter to me. All of them pose some Muscle control techniques. 'It seems that Gunter was trying to increase his strength through other manuals.'

Hearing Edward knock on the door, I answer. "Enter"

Walking in he shows me something. "Look what I got!" Giving me a walking stick he smiles. "Found it cheap on the market. I liked it since its handle is a raven head."

The Cane is entirely wooden, but its sculpted Raven head is of a realistic design. "I like it" Trying to stand up with the Cane I find it a lot easier to hold my balance. "See! I promised that you're gonna walk again!" His wide smile tells me how proud he is. even the lie about buying it on the market as I can see the cuts on his fingers, even though he didn't bandage them so I wouldn't notice I could see all the hard work that went into it. "Anyways? Why did you put on your mask?" Edward asks.

"It just… feels more normal I guess." trying to take a step Edward stops me. "How about you just stand? and just don't walk?" Looking Edward straight in the eyes I don't say anything, I just stare into his soul.

"I just said something dumb didn't I?" Nodding my head at Edward. I try to walk forward. Even though my legs are wobbling like crazy. I managed to walk to the other side of the room. "Edward, I want to see a certain person. And I need your help with that. My little sister Lily was supposed to start elementary school a few days back. I didn't really have the chance to talk with her after her oldest sister's death. I just wan-" Not letting me finish, he just nods his head. "I will help you. You're the only person I know now after all. but you make it sound really weird" Making a way for myself, I wobble my way out of the small bedroom. "Anyway, What is this rundown apartment anyway?" I ask. "It's my sanctuary. I used to hide here whenever I got overwhelmed by emotions. " Edward replies. Not pushing the questions any further I decided that it's better to continue for a while in silence and just enjoy the company of someone else.

Arriving outside, Edward questions me as to where we're headed. Telling him that we're going over the river, greatly disturbs Edward as he hasn't been there since his childhood. Reassuring him that it's gonna be fine we walk over one of the many bridges that connect the city.

Walking through a large park I remember my days with Millie, the days when we used to run around without a worry about the future. "What are we doing here? This park is basically empty!" Edward yells. Calming him down, I reply. "There's a reason for it. Young family head Lyli Nordstorm likes to play inside this park." Pointing my finger in the distance I show him a bench on which a little girl sits holding a Teddy bear. "I see, so what do you need me to do?" Scratching the back of my head, I reply. "I need you to get the attention of those bodyguards and the hidden units." His eyes wide open he looks at me as if I'm crazy. "Hidden units? Bodyguards? I know I said I would do it but that's just too much!" Shrugging my shoulders, I reply. "Look there's even a chance that there are no hidden units as one of the people on the Elder council in the Nordstorm family wants all the successors dead or unwanted so he can put his own grandkid in power."

Reassuring him a little bit he sighs. "Fine, I will do it. Just tell me how." Telling him my plan I ask him to make my little sister run in a certain direction where I will be waiting. Agreeing to my plan, I make my way to a small bench not so far from Lily. Sitting down I wait for a while only to see a large dust explosion caused by Edward.

Smiling, I put on my mask and wait. A few seconds later I see lilt run with two bodyguards. Tripping the first one, I quickly swing my Cane at the second one. Hitting the back of his head he falls to the ground. Seeing the first one get up I punch him in the head. Knocking him out cold. 'I'm sorry' grinding my teeth, I feel my swings and punches feel stronger as if I now know the limit of how much u can actually hurt someone. Just thinking about that makes me feel like throwing up.

Seeing Lyli with her eyes closed, hugging her Teddy bear tightly. I realize that this might not have been the best idea I ever had. "I'm sorry if I startled you. I promise that I mean no harm." Listening to how I sound I feel like a glorified kidnapper. "Look, I don't know if I can earn your trust, but I do hope that you won't take this in a bad way, but I'm happy to see you. Can you at least tell me the name of your Teddy bear?" Looking at her, she slowly opens her eyes revealing the iconic icy white eyes of the Nordstorms that I lack.

"Raven" Huh? Thinking if I heard correctly I look at Lyli. "His name is Raven. I named him after my brother. Even though I don't remember my brother that much. I always hear stories from my father about how smart he is. And how kind he is. And how he would do everything to make me happy. So I decided to name my bear after him. hopes of ever seeing him" Lifting her Teddy bear. She gives the same gift smile that Milli always gave. Petting her on the head I feel something Sally enter my mouth. Tears, without knowing it I started to cry behind my mask. All the times I spent with my family I now lost make me regret everything I ever did. All the family dinners where we all laughed and smiled together were now lost to time itself.

"Mister? Are you okay? Do you also have someone dear to you that you want to spend time with?" Standing on the bench next to me. We can see eye to eye. Her icy eyes stare deep into my soul and for a moment there's a shared understanding of our loneliness. "Lily, you're a strong girl. I know you will overcome any obstacle in your way as none will be the same height as the one that's keeping your brother away." Patting her on the head for the last time I stand up and wobble my way to Edward. "Goodbye, mister!" Waving me a goodbye wave. I wave back.

Arriving in the center of the park I see Edward all bruised on a rock. Spotting me he asks. "You done?" Nodding my head I speak. "We should leave while we still can. The police will be here any second." Right on cue we hear the distant sounds of sirens. Running away, I ride on Edward's shoulders laughing like crazy. I didn't know what was so funny at that time nor did I ever figure it out. It just felt appropriate to laugh, as otherwise, I would probably cry. Running through the northern alleys one could see the difference. The flat smooth walls with nothing extending out are completely different from the piped or sometimes even broken walls of the south. Losing the cps we run down some stairs only to enduro in some docks.

The silence that surrounds them reminds me of a horror movie scene. Asking Edward to let me down. I start to look around. Stabbing my Cane into all kinds of containers. Suddenly getting asked a heavy question I freeze. "Raven, I don't know how to ask this, but are you okay? You seem weirdly happy about everything. I mean you can barely walk, yesterday you killed 2 people not to mention that you almost died." Talking calmly and simply I understand everything he says. Not answering, I just stand there and wonder why. Why am I so happy when I can barely walk? And all the other terrible things I no longer feel so... heavy. I remember yesterday when I was scared to even beat someone. But after I defeated Gunter it felt like some mental barrier disappeared. Before I wouldn't even think of fighting a cop, but now after killing once I-I-I just can't see what's so wrong with taking someone else's life. It never felt so easy in my life.

"I see." Not realizing I was talking out loud I turned around, only to see Edward standing there not even faced by what I just said. "You….. you're not creeped out by me?" I ask. Shaking his head he smiles. I promised to be there for you and I am here. To be honest I'm glad that you trusted me enough to share your personal thoughts with me." Seeing his smiling face I can't find the courage to tell him that I didn't intend to say it out loud.

Suddenly the sound of creaking metal resounds through the warehouse. Immediately putting our guards up we listen. "This will bring a nice batch of cash. Straight to us!" laughing while the other one speaks. "Who would have thought that catching a noble lady would be this easy!" Continuing to talk amongst themselves I signal Edward to come closer. spotting two guys standing in front of an open container, I whisper. "2 guys, that doesn't seem like enough to catch a noble lady. "Maybe they're strong," Edward replies. Shaking my head I correct him as their clothes are just some broken rags full of holes not to mention that they're malnourished as I could see their bones. To my surprise Edward charges the first guy, sending him flying. "That idiot! "Lighting '' '' Quickly shooting the other one using magic. He collapses to the floor.

"YOU FOOL! Do you not realize how badly that could have ended!" Streaming I lecture Edward on how he almost got stabbed. Exaggerating the whole stab thing. I start to throw my arms around only to lose balance and fall to the ground.

"Raven!" Running up to me Edward tells me. "You need to unlearn this habit of yours! It's only a matter of time before you start to throw your hands in a really bad situation like crossing a road or something." Helping me get up we hear the sounds of muffled screams. Wobbling my way to the container I see a girl around our age tied up. "EDWARD! Help me here!"

The weirdly oily insides of the container make it impossible for me to enter. Letting Edward enter I crouched down and smelled the oil. "Fish container." Carrying the girl out with her long black hair with her skinny figure makes her look like a porcelain doll. Untying her she hugs Edward with all her mind. "Thank you! Thank you so much! I was so scared!" Crying into his shirt. Not knowing what to do, Edward looks at me only to see me shrug. "I don't know." I whisper. Deciding to hug her. We wait until she calms down to hear what she's doing here.

"I'm sorry but may I know who you two are?" She asks.

"I'm Edward, and this is my friend or my boss Raven." He replies.

"I see I should also introduce myself, I'm Ariel."Looking at us she smiles. "No, you're not. The name Ariel is not used in nobility." "I see so you know that I'm a noble." Her smile disappearing, she continued. "I just wanted to know how the outside looks. I was always stuck inside my room so I decided to run away to see the world beyond the walls! But I was lost. I didn't know how it works or how to act and this large puffy dress didn't help. Last thing I know something hit me on the back of the head." Looking down at the ground she looks really sorry for her actions. While Edward tries to comfort her. I have a single word stuck inside my head.

[Walls]

There's only one place in Aquaria that still has castle-like walls. The Aquarian Royal palace! Looking at the girl and her long brown hair with a bit of blue, I try to remember my only visit to the Palace. out of all the faces, I remember only one that slightly matches "Amber!" Grabbing her by the shoulders I continue "Are you Amber Aquaria!" shaking her like crazy I get stopped by Edward. "What the hell are you doing?! Aquaria?! That's the name of this city for crying out loud. How could she have that in her name?!" Edward yells only to be stopped by the girl. "It's fine, your friend is right.

I am Amber von Aquaria. Even though I don't know how he figured it out, he's right. Seeing her all down Edwards speaks "You said that you wanted to see the outside right, me and my friend can help you!" Sighing, I reply. "Fine but first we need to do something about your clothing."

Amber's long white-red dress would look out of place in the slums so I strip down the kidnappers and throw their clothes at Amber. Confused, she asks. "Why are you giving me their clothes?" "To change of course, or did you think that you would be able to walk in the slums with that dress of yours?"

Startled by my request, Edward jumps between us and yells. "You perverted freak!" Sighing, I try to explain my reasoning.

but In the end, it proves pointless as I get outvoted and we let Amber keep on the dress. "Fine if you want to stay inside that dress so much. We at least need to make it less high-end." Saying that I picked up some mud to dirty her dress.

"Don't worry, I will just make it a bit browner instead of that blinding white." Thinking that it's not enough I rip her long skirt in half. "Hey! You promised that dirtying it would be all!"

Upset with me she grabs me by the collar. I raise my hands in defense, I say. "I did say that, but you look more at part now. Than before." Letting me go, I barely hold my balance.

"He got crippled after getting shot in the head. You need to be easy on him." "Ah I see Sorry Mr." Getting an apology, I wobbled my way out of the warehouse. "I'll be waiting outside or you can come with me so we can get a move on already." Pissed at this whole ordeal I leave the warehouse. Leaving Edward and Amber to their things.

"I see so that's why your friend wears that mask. His face is probably deformed after getting short, right?" Amber asks.

"Actually not his mask stopped the bullet but it didn't stop his head from cracking. it took a whole health potion to wake him up."

"But shouldn't it have fixed his brain too? I mean it's a health potion?" "To be honest I don't know either, but I guess it was a low-quality one as the second one had no effect." Exiting the warehouse they see me fiddling with a fishing boat.

"What are you doing?" "Trying to start it of course?" Confused Amber asks. "Isn't stealing? I don't think you should do that."

"Potatoes potatoes, I'm just borrowing it for an undefined period of time." Waving her worries off I struck two wires together and the boat started. "Get on! We're going over the river!" While Edward gets on without any complaints Amber just looks in awe. Shaking out of it, Amber jumps on board. "You can't do this! we're gonna get in trouble once they find out!" She yells. Turning around I reply. "Once, who finds out? The nonexistent police? No? then who?" Looking her straight in the eyes, Edward taps me on the shoulder. "Don't be so hard on her, She probably doesn't even know that the slums don't have the police force and crimes go unpunished." Trying to whisper it to me he fails as I see Amber's eyes go wide.

"There's no police force? Then what happens when someone murders someone?!" "Nothing, You can call the voluntary security force, but that's it they won't catch the culprit they won't do anything. they just make sure that it doesn't happen in the broad daylight other than that you just have to accept it." "That can't be true! I was taught about the Green pads by the police in the slums! So what are you talking about!" Starting to get fed up with me she grabs me by the collar Trying to calm the situation Edward yells. "Don't fight amongst each other!"

Not helping it, I speak. "The green pads are just a myth, the true green pads are the volunteers that carry them around but that's it." Finally having enough she slaps me. slapping my mask off. We all go silent. "Raven….. Nordstorm…" Hearing those words leave Amber's mouth I put on my mask again. "Ravan, just Raven." Suddenly hitting the other side of the river. Losing my balance I fall over hitting my head. "Gah!" Looking up I see smudged Amber. "Oh how the mighty fall."

Extending her hand she helps me get up. "Can I have my Cane too? I can't stand without it."

Leaving the boat I see Amber's eyes open wide. "Wow, What's that?!" The point at a stand of free soup Reply.

"Those? Those are the chart stands. They serve free soup for people who can't afford normal food such as us." "I want to try it" Running up the stairs like it's nothing. Edward follows soon after her, leaving me down alone. Sighing I wobble over to the stairs. 50 steps, a sign giving a clear warning for people that use a cane or a walking stick to not use them.

"You've got to be kidding me." Testing the first step out I feel my cane almost slip. Sighing, I realize that there are 2 options for me. Find other stairs, or try climbing up these stairs. Looking around I see no other stairs so I decide to climb up the first step. Feeling my legs wobble I decide to freeze them to the floor using Ice magic. With each step, I freeze my Cane to it only to unfreeze my legs and freeze them on the other.

Taking a pretty minute I reach the top. My stomach muscles feel like I did a 2-hour abs workout. "Raven there you are what took you so long? For a moment we thought you left us."

"You left me down there, how did you expect me to come up here? The entire stairs are extremely slippery for crying out loud!" "But you're here and that's all that matters." Hearing Amber slightly laugh I feel a vein pop. "Now, now, You too, what else do you want to see?" Again Edward acts as the middleman and calms the situation. "No! First, we're stopping at the market." I need some rubber on these shoes.

"The market? Is that something like a shopping mall?" "Yes, except it's outdoors, and instead of shops everyone can set up a small stand where they sell what they have" Edward explains.

Deciding to head to the market Amber suddenly gets a question. "Do you guys have any money? How else are you going to buy something?" Suddenly stopping in our tracks, Edward looks at me. "You have money right? You're a crime boss, you must make a lot of money." "Hell nah! if you just knew how expensive the nightmare flowers are you would understand. Even my workers make more than I do. Why else would I eat that soup in your opinion? but don't worry I robbed those two kidnappers of all their earnings so it should be enough to buy some things." Reassuring everyone I suddenly hear someone fall behind us. Quickly turning around I grab the air and pull it into a spear-like form.

"So the news were correct. My goods were stolen by You Raven. I think you know far too well that conflicts between 2 crime bosses are forbidden."