Chapter 20: Settling Business

Orion left House Kiramman pleased with the outcome. He would receive three bronze coins and meals for the time spent training with Caitlyn- limited to two or three days a week at most, but still a solid source of income and survival. As they walked toward the gate, Caitlyn became unexpectedly chatty, her words tumbling out in a cheerful stream.

"We go to the lakeside, outside of the city, every few days!" She said with a bright smile. "It's really beautiful!"

"Do you think it's more beautiful than the menagerie?" Orion asked casually. Another smile crossed her face as she replied, "Yes. The menagerie is special, but nature's beauty is unique in it's own way. I really like it."

"What's the difference," he asked, keeping the focus on her. She didn't seem to mind, enjoying the opportunity to share. 

"The birds, the wildlife, "Caitlyn answered, looking up to the sky as she brimmed with enthusiasm. "The fresh breeze instead of stuffiness, and the feeling of freedom." Orion glanced at her, his eyebrows raised. In such a short time, he discovered a side previously unknown to him.

"It's kind of like Vi's saxophone," he mused, the brief image of it resting on her bed flashing through his mind. His own gaze shifted to the sky as well as they approached the gate.

"I can't wait for you to show me." Orion said, though his words felt hollow. He halted and turned to Caitlyn. She looked up to him, brushing her hair aside, clearly unaware of it.

"If you come back in two days, I can show you." she said slowly, her tone carrying hope and a tinge of excitement while her eyes searched for an answer. Orion nodded, and her face lit up- until he added, "I'll try. Life in the Undercity can be unpredictable. There are no guarantees. That's partly why your mother didn't set specific dates- aside from avoiding your study days."

His blunt response made Caitlyn tense. Her hand raised up to her chest as worry seeped into her voice. "Mother says you have a bright mind. If you joined the academy or the enf-"

"No." Orion cut her off sharply, putting up an invisible wall. Caitlyn flinched, hurt flashing in her eyes as she slouched back. His expression softened as guilt set in, trying to follow up with a quieter tone to ease the impact. "I'm not ready for that yet."

Caitlyn didn't respond. Her posture stiffened and gaze dropped with the hurt expression. Without a word, she turned abruptly and walked back to the mansion. Orion's gaze followed, his guilt giving way to a hollow, emotionless stare. Moments later, a servant appeared with the gate keys, allowing Orion to depart.

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Two silver coins glinted greedily on the table. Orion stared in disbelief, making no effort to hide his reaction as his gaze darted up to the men. Two burly thugs flanked the lithe negotiator, whose composed demeanor and measured gaze revealed his experience in haggling and negotiations.

"Going to complain?" The lithe man asked flatly. 

Orion shrugged, "Double."

"Are you smokin' the chemtrails, boy," the negotiator said, shaking his head in disbelief.

Orion chuckled, his gaze shifting to the sack's contents spread across the table. "Maybe. Security, Ionians, magic- I even got knocked around a little." The negotiator's gaze remained unsympathetic as Orion continued.

"These flowers weren't brought in for measly bronze- but for silver or gold. Your fixer won't receive just flowers- she'll receive the means to grow bushes with a single seed," Orion said, gesturing toward the small pile of seeds. "Exclusive alchemical traits, endless combinations, and a monopoly you control outright. You're not just buying a plant. You're buying power."

The negotiator frowned, rubbing his chin. Slowly, his eyes widened as the potential wealth of the deal dawned on him. He leaned back, breaking into a loud laugh and said, "Damned smart, aren't yah kid? 'C' got lucky- she found herself a rat with just the right mix of chem in its brain."

Reaching into his tattered clothes- a stark contrast to the wealth on display- the negotiator pulled out three more coins and stacked them on the table. "Boss said, 'if he has a lick of sense, treat him right.' Consider this just that." With that, he crossed his arms, a nod of approval plain on his face.

Satisfied, Orion scooped up the grand total of five full silver coins, slipping them inside his jacket and pant pockets. "I won't have to worry for a while now. Hell, I could almost move to a better place," he thought happily.

"Don't waste it. Boss said she'll be in touch if you succeeded," the negotiator concluded, waving a hand dismissively. "Now get lost- I have others to deal with."

Orion nodded and turned to leave. A small prickling sensation remained in his conscious- unease- but it was good money.

He sighed and started his walk back across Entresol, his gaze still adjusting to the familiar toxic smog that clung to the streets. "I miss topside already," Orion murmured.

The rest of the evening, Orion spent crawling through the markets, searching for anything useful. He tried to find a stall selling ammunition that matched his gun but to with no luck.

"I'll probably have to head down to the Black Lanes to find some," Orion thought grimly, not looking forward to the trip.

One investment he made, despite having healing magic, was two small portable medical kits for two silvers. He reasoned with himself, "If I end up in another rough spot, I don't want to be starving too. Magic is taxing. It's also forbidden, so I need some sort of guise."

Ravenous hunger had been gnawing at Orion all day, so he spent another silver on a dish filled with plenty of meat. "Food is going to be the biggest expense," he concluded, finally able to enjoy a meal in peace.