Chapter 24: Search and Assist
"Man, I can't believe I'm in freakin' Russia!" said Hisao.
"I know. The same goes for the rest of us Academy scholars." replied Lilly, pointing behind her at the rest. They, as any tourist, were looking around marveling at everything Russian.
They had just landed at Tunoshna Airport and had to rent an SUV to get to a hotel. As they drove on by, the students looked around in wonder at this and that. Finally they got to the hotel, a rather small,cozy place, not too small though. After they unpacked their things, it was decided to follow the instructions on Mr. Creeve's note. This required them to simply head to a certain spot in Yaroslavl. Which they did.
On their way there, Hisao could not help but feel nervous as this was the first time in his life that he had travelled so far from home. Also this wasn't exactly a vacation, if he really thought about it.
He looked around the SUV at the others. They were sightseeing from inside the car, as expected. However, he could see they were just as nervous as he was, if not more. Akira was the least nervous apparently. There was only determination on her face, and it seemed she was thinking about something.
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"Are you sure you can help him?" Mr. Creeve asked into his cell.
"Yes of course. Are you sure you have the paintings?" replied the recipient of the call.
"Oh yes, definitely. Now when can you make it?"
"I'll actually be there in a few hours."
"... I see. Well then see you then." He ended the call.
As he paced around his quarters, he thought of ways to resolve the situation. The man he had just conversed with promised to revive his son and relieve him of his ailments. But the price was indeed heavy. The bastard wanted priceless paintings, paintings that he would sell on the black market. Mr. Creeve had not stolen before, but he was willing to go to any lengths to save his son. He is all that he has left...
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Manes continued to sleep. The girl had fallen asleep on the chair as well. Miki walked in to check up on them and found them like this. For some reason, she felt worried about the Ghost Dogg. She coudn't remember much of her past, but she was certain she never felt that way before. She shook her head and went off. It was probably something she ate.
.
"Okay guys we're here. Is everyone ready?" asked Akira.
"As I'll ever be" responded Hisao.
"Bring it on~!" bellowed Misha and Emi. Shizune facepalmed.
Rin and Hanako simply nodded, though they had totally different facial expressions; Rin was determined while Hanako was nervous, as well as somewhat scared.
"We're right behind you, onee-sama." said Lilly.
"Heh. You know you don't have to call me that."
Akira then turned toward the tent field. It looked exactly like before, only it was in the backyard of the Tolga Monastery. She then cracked her knuckles and stepped forward, while the rest followed.
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At that moment, on the opposite side of the encampment, two figures entered. One was a tall, well built man, the other was a young girl.
"Do you know what to do?" asked the man.
"Yes, I need to heal the boy." replied the girl.
"Good, very good, Miss Iwanako."
_Chapter 24: End_