BLESSED: The forgotten

Kael stepped out of the holding cell into the dim light of evening, the marshal's words still echoing in his mind: "Stay close to Jabari. He knows the city better than you do. And remember, the walls have ears." The weight of those warnings settled heavily on his shoulders as he navigated the sterile hallways of Sector Seven, each step echoing with uncertainty.As he emerged onto the bustling streets, the vibrant city around him felt surreal. Towering spires glimmered under the artificial lights, their reflections dancing in the puddles left by the earlier rain. Citizens moved about, their laughter and chatter creating a lively backdrop that seemed to mock his inner turmoil. Kael felt like a ghost drifting through a world that was both beautiful and terrifying.He spotted Jabari across the plaza, mingling with a group of merchants, his laughter ringing out like a beacon of ease. But Kael couldn't shake the unease that had settled in his gut. The marshal's warning echoed ominously in his mind, urging him to tread carefully. He hesitated, torn between the urge to confront Jabari and retreat into the shadows of his doubts.As night fell, Kael returned to The Gilded Cog, his mind racing. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the events of the day. The encounter with the UWN soldier, the marshal's cryptic advice, and the nagging feeling that Jabari was hiding something crucial all swirled together, forming a storm of doubt that kept him awake.The city outside his window buzzed with life, but inside, he felt isolated, a prisoner of his own thoughts. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was standing at a precipice, teetering between trust and betrayal. His mission to secure aid for the outpost weighed heavily on him, and the urgency of that goal gnawed at him.When morning arrived, Kael felt a surge of determination. He needed answers, and he had an idea where to find them. The sun filtered through the dusty window, casting a warm glow that contrasted sharply with the chill in his heart. He pulled on his jacket, steeling himself for the confrontation ahead.After a quick breakfast, he set out to find Jabari. The streets of Sector Seven were alive with activity, vendors shouting their wares and children playing in the alleys. Kael wove through the throngs of people, his heart pounding with each step. He spotted Jabari at a vendor's stall, examining some gadgets, his demeanor relaxed and confident."Jabari!" Kael called, cutting through the noise of the bustling crowd.Jabari turned, a smile breaking across his face, but it quickly faded when he saw the seriousness in Kael's expression. "Ah, Kael! What's wrong?""We need to talk," Kael said, urgency lacing his voice. He could feel the eyes of the crowd on him, and the weight of their scrutiny only heightened his anxiety. "It's about the outpost.""Can't this wait?" Jabari replied, glancing around as if worried about being overheard. "I'm busy right now.""No, it can't wait," Kael insisted, frustration boiling over. "I was in a holding cell last night. The marshal warned me about trusting people. He said I need to be careful, especially with you."Jabari's expression shifted to one of surprise and concern. "You spoke with the marshal?" His voice dropped, a hint of tension creeping in. "What did he say?""That not everyone is who they seem," Kael replied, his voice tense. "He said I should stay close to you, but how can I trust you when I don't know what you're involved in?"Jabari sighed, running a hand through his hair, his expression darkening. "You shouldn't take everything he says at face value. The marshal and I… we don't see eye to eye on a lot of things.""Why not?" Kael asked, curiosity piqued."Let's just say our history is complicated," Jabari replied, avoiding Kael's gaze. "But right now, my priority is keeping you safe.""Safe from what?" Kael pressed, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "You mean like bribing guards to get through checkpoints? What else are you hiding?""Everything I do is to keep us safe!" Jabari snapped, his voice low but intense. "If the wrong people find out about us, it could cost us everything."Kael felt a knot tighten in his stomach. "Then tell me the truth. What are we really up against?"Before Jabari could respond, a commotion erupted nearby. A group of UWN soldiers entered the plaza, their presence commanding attention. The crowd parted, and Kael felt a chill run down his spine. The soldiers moved with an air of authority, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of trouble."Let's go," Jabari urged, grabbing Kael's arm. "We need to get out of sight."They slipped into a narrow alley, the shadows swallowing them whole. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay, and Kael's heart raced as he felt the tension between them, a fragile thread that could snap at any moment. He wanted to trust Jabari, but doubt lingered like a specter."Stay close," Jabari whispered as they navigated the maze of alleyways. "We'll find a way to get answers, but we have to be smart about it."Kael nodded, feeling the weight of uncertainty settle over him. The truth was just out of reach, hidden behind layers of deception and danger. His mission to secure aid for the outpost loomed large in his mind, driving him forward.As they moved deeper into the labyrinth of Sector Seven, Kael's mind raced. He couldn't shake the feeling that Jabari was hiding something crucial. The marshal's warning echoed in his thoughts, urging him to remain vigilant. He needed to secure resources for the outpost, but the path to that goal was fraught with peril."Jabari," Kael began, his voice barely above a whisper, "I need to figure out what's going on."Jabari's eyes narrowed, concern etching his features. "What do you mean?""I just have this feeling that I need to go back to the marshal," Kael admitted, carefully choosing his words. "He might have more information about the aid we need for the outpost."Jabari's expression shifted, a mix of alarm and understanding crossing his face. "Are you sure that's wise? The marshal's not someone to take lightly.""I'll be careful," Kael replied, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "But we can't afford to ignore any potential resources. The outpost needs help, and time is running out.""Listen," Jabari said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "I actually have an appointment set up for you with the marshal later today. You need to go. He might be able to help you with your machete situation, too."Kael blinked, surprised. "You set that up?"Jabari nodded, his expression serious. "I know he can be difficult, but if you want answers, this is your best shot. Just… be cautious. The marshal has his own agenda, and you don't want to get caught in the crossfire."Kael felt a mix of gratitude and apprehension. He didn't reveal his own intentions about seeking answers on his own terms, but he knew he had to tread carefully. "Thanks, Jabari. I appreciate it."As they emerged from the alley, Kael's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The walls of Sector Seven loomed tall around him, a reminder of the challenges ahead. He would have to confront the marshal, but the truth was still shrouded in uncertainty."Kael," Jabari said, breaking through his thoughts. "Just remember, the marshal is not your friend. He may want to help, but his motives aren't always clear. You need to watch your back."Kael nodded, absorbing Jabari's warning. The tension in the air was palpable, and he could sense the unspoken fears between them. "I will," he promised, though doubt lingered in his mind.As they walked through the crowded streets, Kael felt the weight of his choices pressing down on him. He glanced at Jabari, who was scanning their surroundings with a hawk-like intensity. It was clear that Jabari was on edge, and Kael couldn't help but wonder what other secrets he was keeping."Jabari," Kael said, trying to break the tension. "What's your plan after this? Once we figure things out?"Jabari hesitated, his expression shifting from guarded to contemplative. "I don't know yet. I just want to make sure you're safe. After that, we'll figure out our next steps together."Kael felt a flicker of hope at Jabari's words, but it was quickly overshadowed by the uncertainty of their situation. "Together," he echoed, the word feeling heavy with implications."Yeah, together," Jabari replied, his gaze distant. "But remember, trust is hard to come by in this city. We can't afford to let our guards down."As they continued on, Kael's heart raced with anticipation and dread. He was about to step into the lion's den, and he couldn't shake the feeling that whatever lay ahead would change everything. The truth was out there, waiting for him, and he was determined to uncover it—no matter the cost.