Page 9 of Captured

Curious to see how the people down here were meeting this basic need, Gra’ar followed the last couple signs to the water recycler. He had to say, he was unimpressed.

A small courtyard stood in front of the building that housed the equipment, three spigots spaced across the area in front of a small, stagnant pool. One spout was bent, the metal rusted, the stain beneath it an unhealthy red that warned not to trust it. The other two stood in isolation, their necessity providing them protection in a place where nothing else seemed sacred.

The building itself was unassuming. The front portion was a single story, the window that previously graced the front and looked out on the courtyard boarded over. The door was chained and likely bolted from the inside as well, not that anyone would want to damage or scavenge what was in there.

The machinery producing the low hum that never ceased was housed in the taller portion of the building rising behind it. No reason to have windows in that section when metal had no need for sunlight, even when it was available.

Gra’ar didn’t know what the buildings to each side were and it didn’t matter, his attention was caught by movement on the low rooftop ahead. Keeping his head turned so it appeared he was focused on the spouts, he watched the tiny creature with his hind eyes as it crawled closer to the edge. A child by the rounded face, likely adolescent despite its diminutive frame.

He fought a smirk as it hunkered lower, likely thinking its small size and position on the roof kept it from being visible. Since it posed no threat to him he decided to let it keep its delusions as he moved closer to the water source and loosened his canteen from his belt.

With a last glance around to be sure there were no threats, Gra’ar lowered himself to one knee to place his bottle below the spout before turning it on. It didn’t take long to fill the canteen, and he took a cautious sniff before bringing the edge to his lips. The water was stale and had a chemical aftertaste from whatever they dumped in it to keep it potable, but otherwise it seemed safe.

He stood again and glanced around, keeping one eye on the kid as he tried to assess which direction Flea had taken. With drinkable water nearby most would think this would be a good location to hunker down, but being the only source of moisture he’d located thus far it would be far too trafficked to be truly safe, and he figured she was smart enough to know that.

The wriggling figure on the roof caught his eye again. If the kid watched him so avidly, he wondered who else it may have seen passing through.

Finally turning his face fully to the little person lying belly down at the edge of the building, Gra’ar raised a brow.

“Hey kid.”

It was on its feet and bolting up the roof before the echo of his voice died away. Cursing under his breath, Gra’ar shoved his canteen back into the pouch hanging from his belt as he spread his wings, kicking off the ground. He didn’t want to frighten the child too much, so he landed again as soon as he cleared the edge of the roof, planning to stalk after the child, but distracted by the spicy sweet scent of Flea. She’d clearly taken to the roof here as well.

Bringing his focus back to the child huddled in the corner where the water recycling building butted up against the one beside it, Gra’ar ignored the pull to follow her scent in the hopes that the kid could help him move faster.

“I just want to ask a question. I’m not going to hurt you.”

The little thing was trying to become one with the stone behind it, chest heaving in panicked gasps. Gra’ar took a step closer but the thin whimper that escaped it had him freezing in place. Folding his wings as close as he could, he knelt, holding out both hands to the sides to show he meant no harm.

“I’m looking for someone. A friend of mine. I think she passed through here.”

Dark eyes stared at him from a grubby face, but the child didn’t respond. Sucking in a deep breath to keep his patience, Gra’ar settled back onto his heels, hoping a relaxed posture would calm the kid.

“She’s small, though bigger than you. Pale. Her hair looks like white ropes. She was wearing a black coat the last time I saw her.”

The child’s lips flattened but it gave no other outward acknowledgment of his words. Sighing, Gra’ar tried to think of a way to make the kid talk.

“How about a trade?”

He went through a mental list of the things he carried on him in various pouches and pockets. It could all be replaced, but he wasn’t sure what the child would value most. Tugging his canteen from its pouch, he held it toward the child and shook it.

“I’ll give you my bottle if you tell me which way she went.”

After a moment of hesitation, the kid shook its head. It might have seemed like a failure to anyone else, but just that was enough to give away that the kid knew something. Gra’ar just had to find the right price for the information. Credits meant little down here, but the kid had to want something Gra’ar had.

Tugging a small flashlight from another pouch, Gra’ar clicked it on.

“What about this?”

The kid hesitated again before giving another negative shake. Grumbling under his breath, Gra’ar shifted to reach for another pocket when a crinkle of noise rose to his ears. Grin spreading on his face, he reached for the pocket by his left knee.

“Are you hungry? I have some trail rations. They have a lot of nutrients.”

The kid gave him a skeptical look as Gra’ar pulled the slim package from his pocket. Reminded this kid likely knew nothing about nutrients and the things a body needed to function beyond food, water, and sleep, he peeled back the top of the wrapper and held it out.

“It’s food. I’ll give it to you if you answer my question.”

He could see the kid’s nose twitching, the strong scent of the bar likely clear even as far away as it was. It was no longer pressing its body against the wall, its shoulders curling forward as it leaned in Gra’ar’s direction.

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