After another day of running we made it to the city and started our search for any clues.
Shu stayed by my side per my request because I didn't want another surprise like what had happened the other night.
When I had later inquired about who those people where and why he'd been given a mission like that he merely said that his brother had caused some issues and owed some criminals money. Before his brother payed anyone off he fled.
It all made sense in a twisted way, Shu's brother left and the debt fell to him.
"Why would you take the debt and not flee like your brother did? Why stay and work for them?" I inquired as we trudged thought the city.
"I think I always thought that he would come back for me. I loved my brother and I put myself in as much danger as possible thinking he'd save me," Shu answered with a sigh.
"I'm sorry that he didn't. It must have sucked and I wish that I knew how to help you but unfortunately I didn't have the best upbringing so I'm not really one to give advise." I responded quickly and quietly.
"Why do you look up to your master as much as you do?" Shu asked randomly.
"Because he is the only one that stayed and didn't shame me because of my family, he treated my wounds and took care of me. He looked after me when no one else ever did," I answered a bit breathless.
"Yuri, I know I should have told you about the mission sooner and I know that you don't know me that well, but i truly am sorry. I promise that I will tell you anything that you want to know from now on. No more secrets or surprises," He said while dragging his pointer finger over his heart in an x to symbolize his promise.
I nodded and finally we found a clue.
Shu picked it up and read, "Carl, Larry, Oscar, Winnie, Nelson," Shu thought a minute and said confused, "What is that even supposed to mean?"
I thought a moment and thought back to what my master had said about codes and it suddenly hit me.
"I know that look. You've figured it out haven't you," Shu sighed and gestures for me to voice what I had just figured out.
"It's a code," I said quickly.
Shu looked at me dumbly and I let out an exasperated sigh as I explained, "If you take the first letter of every name you get the word clown. That could mean a number of things but I think that there might be something clown related happening here tonight and that my master will be attending."
"That would make more sense than five random names," Shu responded like it was the most obvious thing ever.
"Well now that that is figured out let's look for a circus or clown that might be taking place today or in a few days from now," I instructed as we parted ways.
Shu and I would meet back up in the same spot in five hours and then we'd hunt down a hotel and go over anything we learned, if anything.
"Yuri?" Someone said behind me.
I froze at the high female voice behind me. My hands were clenching and unclenching at my sides and my breath was a little raspy.
"So it is you. What are you doing here? Well, I suppose it doesn't matter. Please look at me Yuri," She said gently as she touched my shoulder and started to come into view in front of me.
"How?" I asked breathlessly.
"It's a long story, let's talk somewhere more private and I'll tell you everything," She explained quietly as she slid her hand down my arm and grasped my hand.
Before I could process her words she started tugging me along. Her hand in mine was gentle but she had enough of a grip that I followed without protest.