The sun had sunk. The sky was no longer full of light and merriment. It was now time for the darkness, the withdrawal of the sun quickly benighting the world. The night was dangerous here, in this new world in which we were bound. And I wasn't quite fond of staying in the alley: the same narrow alley, with the dead end; where we were attacked and robbed by Nate's gang. It just didn't seem right to stay in a dangerous, known place—it was too compromising. 

Miguel sat in a corner alone. He was a bit quiet after Hanso had explained to him the events that took place today. After he had finished asking his quizzical questions, that is. 

Hanso, who explained the events to Miguel, sat next to Claudia. They spoke softly to each other now and there; and they caressed each other like they were already lovers. Hanso hadn't explained very well what took him so long to return to the alley as planned. 

Claudia—who sat next to Hanso—had claimed that she had sexual intercourse. Supposedly, that was what took them so long. She wore a euphoric look on her face; perpuating her soft smile. She wasn't ugly; but she was indeed mental—the craziest person I had ever met. The craziness made her beauty seem as though it was never there.

I sat down by myself; leaning against the dead end. I didn't like the dead end, but some how I ended up being pushed down here again. It was immensely cold. Miguel had gone out of his way to give me his jacket; but the new warmth had failed to stop my teeth from clattering, and my skin from reddening.

I looked at Claudia, shivering. She claimed to have had sexual intercourse with Hanso and that's what took them so long. I didn't believe her claim; I was inclined to believe that, not after the mischievous, lying looks they had on their faces. Sometimes, I read lies. And this seemed like one.

I sighed. "Can we leave this place now?" I asked. "It's dangerous ... really dangerous. Nate's gang knows where this place is."

"Well," Hanso said, "that's the point. They know where it is. They wouldn't even think about coming back here again."

"I'm not too sure about that," Miguel said. "They know our location of residence. They would assume we've moved somewhere else—and I'm sure they would, given that we were attacked here once already. But what if they were serious about looking for us? In that case, they'd be bound to check where they last saw us."

"Yeah exactly. I don't think they'll just forget about this place," I opined. "If they come looking for us—they'll check here first. We can't stay—"

"I know that," Hanso chimed in, "I know all of that. But trust me, Hanso's gang was busy with another gang. A fight. They're not coming here tonight," he he glared, "you have my word. It's safe here. Just trust me for a change."

"And why are you so reluctant to leave?" Miguel asked. "I'm not sure whether demons are blind or not, but you seem not to see that this place isn't some sumptuous, luxurious apartment. This is where rats live, man."

"It's not about the condition of this place," Hanso snapped, "it's about our safety, and the safety of our very few valuables! You honestly think it's safer to go looking for a place to stay in the dark? The dark where the hungry, desperate magic users for citizens of the new world lurk? What if we run into a house and meet someone like Maynard again? What if we get attacked by someone with a powerful ability? Or someone who's seen our bags of loot?"

"That's not really one hundred percent likely to happen," I said, looking at him, thoughtful. "But you do have a good point there."

Claudia placed a hand on Hanso's face. "Of course he does. My baby is the smartest person in the whole world. I hope we have another baby soon. A real one. In that way, there will be two smartest persons in the world world."

Miguel shook his head. "It's better we leave, Hanso. I know a better place. It's really cold outside here, and there are no lights except for that torchlight we barely use since it's running low on battery. If we get caught here again, we'll be unable to escape. There is a dead end behind us. The only way out would be toward the assailants."

"Exactly," Hanso said, "that's better for us. We'd have defense. We won't be attacked from behind because of the dead end. Sure, we can't flee because of it. But I'm telling you, it's best we stay in this alley. It's safe. Plus, people wouldn't be able to see us in the pitch darkness. I'll keep the flashlight off, and be silent."

Miguel sighed. "Hanso, I believe you're the right one here. Everything you said was true. But i don't think I can spend a night here. Last night, I didn't sleep at all. Couldn't close my eyes knowing we can possibly be attacked again."

My lips parted. 'So he didn't get good sleep after all,' I thought.

"PAY YOUR DEBT! YOU ARE BEING CURSED IN FIVE MINUTES!" The debt creature at my shoulder snarled at me.

Hanso snapped. "Why don't you guys just trust me for once! You fucking established a fourth rule of trust and loyalty and you still can't fucking trust me? Is it because they said I'm cursed? What is this? Why can't you trust me?"

Miguel sighed again. "Look, Hanso. I just want a good night of sleep, okay? Something I haven't gotten in a while now. And I can't help but consider us susceptible to attacks, especially when we're amidst an open alley, and not in locked up in a house." He stood. 

"Fine," Hanso stood. "We'll go look for a shelter. It's on all of you, except Claudia, if we happen to get attacked out there. I still can't believe you're willing to break rule one, two and four, rather than believing your friend. By walking in those streets, you're drawing attention. By going out there, you're acknowledging the fact that there might come a time in the search where you must use your abilities for defense. And by choosing to oppose me for the one thousandth time, you're not showing trust and loyalty. I guess I'm the only one who hasn't broken the rules yet." 

Miguel looked at him. "I'm really ... sorry. You know what? Just forget about—"

"Fuck no," Hanso blurted, "we're going with your plan to search for a better place to stay. And we're leaving NOW!" his voice erupted on the final word.

Claudia stood. "Okay, future husband."

I looked at Hanso as he stood there and frowned. We weren't treating him right. I guess I agreed with him. But I also agreed with Miguel. I didn't want Nate's gang to attack us again. I didn't want anyone to attack his again. And I didn't like the idea of living in the cod open where people could see us. Hanso was the correct one; yet I couldn't help but gravitate toward Miguel's reasoning.

Hanso stormed off. And we were forced to follow this raging, resenting hurricane through the dark streets of the new world in search of a new place to stay with it.

***

We ended up following Miguel, who now held the torchlight, instead since he claimed to have known the way to an unoccupied and well protected house. I looked over my shoulder as I walked. As for Hanso—he fell behind us with Claudia. They were speaking to each other. Hanso hadn't gotten over what happened back in the alley.

And who could blame him? 

He had all the reasons to be upset. 

We were practically breaking almost every established rule just to kill our paranoia that lingered in our hearts when we were in that dark, cold alley. 

For a second, I thought I had forgotten my red bag in the alley, and started feelings around my back for it. However, I was soon relieved after having seen it on Claudia's chest. She had the other bag on her back. Now that made three, provided that Hanso also had a bag. Hanso and Claudia now had all the food in their possessions.

I didn't have a problem with the latter of course but I couldn't help but ridiculously imagine—

Suddenly, Miguel stopped. He clicked off the flashlight. We could no longer see our way. So, I quickly came to halt as well. Consecutively, Hanso and Claudia did the same. 

"Hey, don't turn off the lights," said someone—a familiar voice—in the distance. 

I couldn't see the person. It was too dark. Who was that person?

Miguel slowly raised the flashlight and turned the light on again; revealing a group of people, including Nate; who stood in front of all of them. 

My heart immediately sank.

"Happy to see us?"