Chapter 37: Gift
"WOOOOOHOOOOOO!" Meg screamed, wind whipping through her purple hair as Fin expertly navigated the city streets.
"This is awesome! When did you even learn to drive? And get a license? And this car!" She patted the dashboard of the sleek, dark vehicle. "Seriously, Fin, it’s only been a week!"
Fin grinned, keeping his eyes on the road but enjoying her excitement. "Hunter benefits," he said simply, a hint of pride in his voice. "Things move faster when the Guild wants them to."
She leaned back in the plush seat, still buzzing. "Faster? You went from never touching a wheel to licensed driver in seven days! That’s not fast, that’s insane!"
"Just glad you’re enjoying the ride," he chuckled. He steered the car away from the city center, the buildings gradually becoming less polished, the streets showing more wear.
The familiar grey sprawl of the slums appeared on the horizon.
"Wait," she said, her excitement dimming slightly as she recognized their direction. "We’re going back there? Why?"
His grin softened into a more thoughtful expression. "Need to see someone. Greg."
"Greg? Your old boss? The sweaty scrap king who ditched you when that monster showed up?" She frowned. "What do you owe that jerk?"
"He wasn’t great," he admitted, slowing the car as they entered the familiar broken streets. "And yeah, he was greedy. But... he still paid me. That kept us fed, kept the lights on, even if barely. It’s because of that job I was even out there when... when everything changed."
He sighed. "He helped me survive back then, in his own messed-up way. Feels wrong not to... I don’t know, acknowledge it? Maybe help him out a little now that I can."