A week after defeating the two surviving Elementals, life for Hanna and Rob had returned to some semblance of normality. The extra security precautions installed the day after discovering the symbol in the restaurant were no longer necessary, and had been removed. And while they had no missions, and the wealth taken from the Elementals would sustain them for some time, they did keep their skills sharp with a few minor night raids on reasonably wealthy businesses in Shang Mu.
But Rob had noticed a slight change in Hanna. At first, he put it down to simply being concerned for her, and therefore didn't say anything. However, this morning would be different.
"Do we have anything planned for today?" Hanna asks as she helps Rob clear up after breakfast.
"Not that I can think of," Rob answers. "Why?"
"No reason. Though I may go for a walk later."
"Where to?"
"Somewhere," Hanna shrugs.
"Anywhere in particular?"
"Not decided yet."
"Why do I get the feeling you're hiding something from me?"
"I'm not," Hanna assures Rob. "I'm just… in an odd mood, that's all."
"OK," Rob replies. I'll play along for now, but if you take your Crystal, then I'll know something's going on.
A few hours later, with Hanna out 'somewhere', Rob keeps himself busy repairing and rebuilding his shuriken rifle. Choosing not to wear his double-baldric, the Metal Crystal instead sits free on the table. I really should lock that thing in the safe. Rob redoubles his focus on his work, but his attention keeps diverting to the Crystal.
While reassembling the firing mechanism, Rob finds his attention distracted at just the wrong moment; the mechanism suddenly releases its pent-up energy, disassembling in the process, scattering parts around the den. One part almost hits Rob in the eye.
Right; that darn Crystal's getting locked away. Rob jumps up, snatches the Crystal from the table, and strides upstairs, to the safe next to the weapons chest in the bedroom. He wastes no time entering the combination and opening the safe. He tosses the Crystal inside haphazardly; it clatters around the Wood, Earth and Water Crystals. Rob shuts the safe door; a spin of the dial, and the Crystal is securely locked away.
Rob returns to the den; he pauses at the door. I knew this would happen; I want to go back and get the Crystal. A couple of steps into the room; he pauses again. The temptation is very strong… No Rob, you're doing the right thing; leave the Crystal where it is. Rob closes his eyes, takes a couple of deep breaths, and opens his eyes again. Feeling much calmer, he retrieves all the components of the scattered firing mechanism, returning them to the table.
With a sigh, Rob realises he's still under temptation. It's almost like that darn Crystal is calling out to me. Struggling to relax, Rob elects to go outside and get some fresh air.
Thirty minutes later, Rob heads back inside. He gets a cold drink from the kitchen, then returns to rebuilding the rifle. For the remainder of the day, he doesn't think about the Metal Crystal.