Dark Energy by carlsojos

Chapter 41

I notice how Tyler has a Parmanian population, unlike Ryuon. There also seems to be a monument in the center of town, shaped like an oversized grave stone. After asking a couple locals, we get directed to the local inn.

Can I help you...folks? He eyes me and Demi a little strangely.

We're looking for an Esper kid. Supposedly, he came by here?

Sounds familiar. Let me check the register. The man pulls out a large, dusty book, and leafs through it. Yep.... Yeah, some teenager came in yesterday. He didn't have any money, but I let him stay the night since winter out there is such a killer. He left after washing dishes for breakfast. He said his name's Jeetoh.

Jeetoh? That's a unique name.

I said the same thing. He said some Espers name their kids in their own language. Anyway, the poor fool went north. I told him that I would've let him stay until the blizzard blew over if he helped out with cleaning, but he just kept walking. You want anything else?

Etirn steps up. Just curious, on the way into town, I noticed that monument in town. What's it about?

It's supposedly about the people who founded the town. I never really paid attention, to be honest. I remember an old story about it moving itself a long time ago, but I never paid attention to the elders in my youth.

Demi suddenly perks up. Oh, I remember! Wren said that a former pirate left his ship under there! The Landale used to be under the memorial. She turns to the innkeeper. Do you know what happened to the big metal building southwest of town?

Nope. Musta been gone before I was born. He looks us over, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. What business do you guys have, again?

Demi starts, I'm the admi-

Etirn interrupts Demi, We're historians. We're doing a little field research, and Jeetoh has some information we need. We know about so much because we listen to the broadcasts from Motavia University.

You have one of those talking boxes my son builds?

Yes. Speaking of which, where is he?

A loud pop, followed by a long string of profanity, echoes from in the direction of the rooms down the hall. I look over, and notice a strange blueish smoke rolling from one of the rooms. The innkeeper shakes his head. Follow the smoke, and you'll find him. Under his breath, I guess you gotta be eccentric to remember the past....

As we made our way to the smoky room, Etirn smiles. And that, my friend, is how you bullshit.

Why didn't you let Demi tell the truth?

We're pretty conspicuous, being fresh from the desert. If we draw too much attention, we could become recognizable, should we ever need to hide in plain sight around here. We don't really know what we're into right now, and I don't like getting caught off guard. I don't see how a simple innkeeper could cause problems for us, but I guess that Etirn has more experience with handling secrets, so I don't push the subject.

The room we enter is extremely cluttered, filled with trinkets like what Etirn removed from that monster machine. As I wonder about what everything is for, some kid got out from behind a wardrobe, with a large bag labeled Sodium bicarbonate, and the ruins of a strange machine next to the fireplace, now filled with the chemical. Hello, welcome to my little playground. Can I interest you with technology of the future?

Etirn laughs. I can assure you that this is actually technology of the past. I'm Post-Graduate Bay of Motavia University. Technology department. Were you the one who made the radio at Gyuna's?

Yes-wait, you're from Motavia?

Josh takes off his boot, and shakes a little desert sand into his hand to show. Yep. I must say I'm impressed with your abilities.

How did you get to Dezolis?

I hitched a ride, but first, let me tell you something. Etirn pulls out a picture with strange symbols and lays it on the bed. He begins pointing at it as he starts going over a radio. I don't really understand the jargon.

Just one thing. Do not turn on both circuits at the same time. Power from both inputs is a bit too much for salvaged parts. I lost an eyebrow in the resulting fireball when I did that once.

The kid seemed excited. Cool! Will you help me set up my unit, then?

Sorry, kid. I'm on a time crunch right now, so I can't. When you can, broadcast a message to Outerbeast 1. That's my callsign. Don't worry about playing with frequencies, if you know what I'm talking about. When you call me, I'll have your radio registered, and I'll give you something for a reward.

Alright, then. I'll see you later.

We walk out of the room. I notice a small smile on Etirn's face. You seem to like that kid.

Etirn looks at me. I know it'd be hard, but imagine me if I wasn't cynical.

You see yourself in him?

Etirn's face speaks the truth, but he changes the subject. Let's find that esper guy.

We head north out of town. I can't help but notice how the weather is turning for the worse, but if we have any hope of finding this Jeetoh character, I won't call off our search.

Next chapter

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