The Seredums took the remains of their Lord Keeper, Suraiya Badawi back home. She was laid to rest in the desert outside Dubai.
Hugo and Vincent rejoined the Zeta Squad in Greece and explained how their search went. The squad then informed the duo of the fate of the Keeper and the involvement of the Cult.
Deciding to end the mission, Hugo led them back to the Regal Palace. While the others waited outside, he met the Seear, Renekom Mujin, in the Seear's Hall and relayed the mission findings.
"What about the bounty hunter?" Renekom asked. "Was he any trouble?"
"He isn't that stupid after all," Hugo replied with a smile. "None of us had any way of tracking the Keeper, so he stepped up and did it. He tracked her and also found the presence of the remnants."
The Seear was left wide-eyed. "He voluntarily helped you?"
"Yes, sir."
"That's odd. Don't you think?"
"Perhaps. But sir, if I may, my team has had a long day. Can I let them off now?"
"Of course, son. I will discuss your Alchemist theory with the Parliament and my council. The Mystics have also picked up unusual movement within the Cults, so maybe they will have more insight for us."
"Absolutely."
Renekom patted Hugo on the shoulder. "Good job… as usual, Hugo. Keep your head up. You couldn't retrieve the remnants, but your team retrieved the Keeper's remains, and you unearthed the fusion of the remnants. That's more than commendable. Keep it up."
The Zaatsu nodded. "Thank you, sir."
New mysteries had been unearthed but for now, the mission had ended. And the tired Zeta Squad was in need of a well-deserved rest.
The captain walked out and saw the squad standing in the hallway. He relieved them and told them to go rest.
"What about him?" Neil asked, looking at Vincent.
Hugo looked at him as well. "I believe he has earned a bit of relief," he said. "A little rest and a meal… at the cafeteria."
"What?!"
"You're not serious, master?" Gina asked.
"Yeah, man," Marcus said. "I mean don't get me wrong. The guy helped and all, but is this really necessary?"
Hugo glanced at everyone then sighed. "The way I see it… none of us did much. We provided support only… you guys supported the Seredums, and I supported him. He found the Keeper and then found the remnants, which was far more than the mission's objectives."
As he looked around once more, his eyes settled on Camille. "Care for an analysis, spotter?" he said. "Should he be sent back to the prison straight away?"
Camille smiled and said, "Your call, master."
Hugo took a deep breath and said, "It's been a long day, guys. Just please go and rest up while you can. We don't know when this thing is gonna blow up and create a mess. Just rest up and be ready."
Exhaling slowly, he looked down. "Cami, take Vincent with you." He scratched his neck. "Find him a shower and a bed."
Looking at Vincent, the captain added, "Like I said – you've earned as much. You will get a bed for at least as long as these gumnuts are out. Plus, you will have one meal with us in our cafeteria later." After a pause, he smiled and said, "These guys already don't like you. Cooperate with them and don't give them a reason to beat you up."
Everyone moved out except for Camille, Vincent, and Hugo. "Can I help you with anything, Cami?" Hugo asked, looking at his sister.
"You don't honestly believe they're gonna let him sleep, do you?" she asked back, standing arms akimbo. "Sending him to the hostels is pretty much worse than the Atramentum."
"Who said anything about the hostel?"
"What?"
Vincent leaned ahead. "Aaa… will you people stop it," he said. "I get it. You're trying to soften me up. But please. It's getting old. I prefer the prison. Hard floor and stone pillows are fine for me."
The Zaatsu looked at him. "Orders are orders, kid," he said then looked at Camille and added, "Take him along, find him somewhere to shower and sleep, and don't argue. Now, get outta here!"
He tightened the Ki-limiting ropes on Vincent's wrists making sure that he would not be able to manipulate much Ki.
Camille said, "I'll have to take him to my house… in the city…" After a pause and slight hesitation, she said, "Hugo?"
Hugo had already turned around and was walking away.
Arms akimbo, she dropped her head and sighed. "Why do I always get stuck with the stupid tasks?"
Vincent smiled. "Those who learn are the ones burdened," he mused. "The negligent can simply walk away…"
"Come on, Mr White Bolt." She was shaking her head. "Let's go."
Camille's house was in the southeastern part of the City of Ayn, nearly six miles from the Palace at the northern edge. She teleported them straight to her tiny backyard in her 80-square-yard house.
"You see that shed in the corner there?" she asked, pointing to her right. "You can take a bath there. I'll leave some clothes outside." Then, pointing at an old couch in the veranda, she said, "You can sleep there if you like."
"What if I decide to run away?" asked Vincent.
"Be my guest…"
"A better response would have been – go ahead… make my day…"
Camille chuckled, shook her head, and went inside.
The bounty hunter then took a shower. When he came out, he found a towel, a pair of brown corduroy jeans, and a white t-shirt hanging from the rope in front of the bathroom door. And there was also a plate of biscuits and a cup of warm tea waiting in the veranda.
After putting the clothes on, he dragged himself to the couch and sat observing the flowerpots. But it felt as though they had not been watered in a few days. And yet, a faint sweetness lingered in the air. The wild poppies had held their scent longer than expected. He smiled. The white edelweiss complemented the red poppy but carried no scent, just a chill of high altitudes and the silence of stone.
Many minutes later, after drinking the tea, he finally lay down and closed his eyes.
Camille stood by the window, watching him.
The bounty hunter who had mocked the Seear, defied the Court, and stared down Zaatsus without flinching now slept on an old couch in her veranda, hands bound, face turned toward the flowerpots.
'He has completely let down his guard,' she thought. 'What is up with this guy?'
Vincent did not move. The ropes were still on his wrists, the city of his enemies still around him, and yet, for the first time in months, no one was demanding anything from him. No trial. No cell. No mission. No bounties. Only warm tea, fading flowers, and silence.
Slowly, his breathing settled.
And the White Bolt slept.