Noah, Emma, and Amy continued to hand out food. Children ran with baskets of bread, women smiled with relief, and a few men wiped their eyes.
Emma leaned against a crate, watching Noah. "You really don't hold back, do you?"
Noah grinned. "Why would I? These people deserve better."
Amy looked nervous. "I've never seen the district like this. But… the mayor… he won't like it."
Noah's smile faded. "Then it's a good thing we're not asking him for permission."
Noah, Emma, and Amy walked back toward Riverside, tired but relieved after everything that happened.
"I'm exhausted…" Amy said as she dropped onto a small wooden chair around a round table outside her uncle's Inn. Noah and Emma sat with her.
"It was a good idea to let them keep the carts," Emma said.
"I know," Noah replied. "They can use them to bring water from the well to the district. Makes life a little easier."
Emma crossed her arms. "I still can't believe the mayor treats his people like that."
"If you can't pay your taxes," Amy said. "he kicks you out to the lower district."
"That's horrible," Emma replied.
Before Noah could speak, a man walked up to them.
"Amy," he said, smiling too warmly. "It's been a while. Have you thought about my proposal?"
Amy shook her head quickly. "I'm sorry… I've been busy. But once I'm free, I'll let you know."
"I see. I'll be waiting," the man said before walking away.
Emma leaned in. "Who was that?"
"His name's Vaz. He's a doctor."
Emma's eyes widened. "Wait… does that mean he can treat your father?"
"Yes," Amy said softly. "But the surgery costs a lot and I can't afford it. I was going to sell the restaurant, but my dad said no. Vaz offered to do the surgery for free… but only if I marry him."
Emma slammed her hands on the table. "That's awful! Taking advantage of a girl who just wants to help her father—men like that make me sick."
"Why don't you let me take a look at your father?" Noah said.
Emma blinked. "Why didn't I think of that?!"
Amy looked confused. "Not to be rude… but what can you do?"
Noah stood up and stretched. "Do you want your father to get better or not?"
"I do," Amy said quickly. "More than anything."
"Then let's go to your house," Noah said, already walking off.
"Umm… that's the wrong way," Amy said, laughing a little.
"I know," Noah replied without turning around.
Amy guided them to a modest-looking home. She slid open the front door.
Inside was surprisingly beautiful—simple, clean, and calm.
"How many rooms does this house have?" Emma asked, looking around.
"Five," Amy replied.
Noah raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? It looks small from outside."
"That's because of how it's built," Amy said.
She opened another door, revealing a hidden inner courtyard. A quiet garden sat in the center, surrounded by the house on all sides. Flowers, stones, and a tall carved statue filled the space.
"This place is huge…" Emma said, touching the cool stone surface of the statue.
They walked through the garden until they reached a sliding door.
Amy slid it open.
Her father lay on a futon bed, breathing softly.
"Father… Father," Amy said gently as she rushed in.
The man slowly opened his eyes. His face was lined with pain, but he smiled when he saw her.
"Amy… my beautiful daughter. How was your day?"
"It was great," Amy said. She helped him sit up. "I want to introduce you to my new friends."
"It's nice to meet you," the man said. "My name is Haru."
"I'm Emma," Emma said with a small bow. "And this is Noah."
Noah walked closer. "May I?"
Haru frowned. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm just going to take a look at your wounds."
Amy lifted her father's shirt slightly. Noah knelt and placed his hand gently on Haru's stomach.
Vector Manipulation — Heal.
Noah's hand glowed faintly.
After a minute, Noah stood up.
"How do you feel now?" he asked.
Haru blinked. "I… feel better than before. What did you do?"
"It's hard to explain," Noah said. "But you'll be fine now. Why don't you try standing?"
Haru pushed himself up. He managed to stand, but his legs trembled.
"It seems… that's all I can do for now," Noah said.
Amy suddenly hugged Noah tightly, tears running down her cheeks.
"Thank you… thank you, Noah…"
Noah gave a small, awkward smile.
He and Emma stepped out of the room to give Amy time with her father.
A few minutes later, Amy came out, wiping her eyes but smiling brightly.
"My dad says I can stay with you guys at my uncle's Inn for a while… if that's okay."
"That's more than okay," Noah said. "Now we can finally start our plan for world domination."
Emma rolled her eyes. "Don't you mean helping the people of Azure?"
"That's what I said," Noah replied.