Kind of shitty chapter title as the actual negotiations in this one are minimal, but I called the last one part 1 anticipating I would write more about the negotiations. (Just in case you thought the title didn't really fit)

Chapter 32: The War of Negotiations Part 2

The shrewd men were sweating heavily. Their faces had a dark expression. They were expert negotiators and they had planned everything that they would say or do, but they had completely miscalculated the actual size of the movement. Trip and Jacob had anticipated that they would do this. This was how they would threaten the government into following their plans.

The shrewd men did not know how to approach the situation. In reality actually doing as Trip and Jacob say was profitable, but to follow orders from homeless people was something completely embarrassing for the government. The shrewd men did not know what to do. The people in front of them were too intelligent to be tricked easily.

After contemplating for a while they decided that they had to make a deal. If there was even 100 people more than 5000 that were willing to die for the Homeless United cause then they would suffer a massive loss. This meant that they absolutely had to make a deal, and the only thing that they could do is attempt to lower the conditions.

After discussing for a while they hadn’t reached anywhere, every time the shrewd men even attempted to change any conditions in the deal they wouldn’t even get a reply. All they would get was a cold terrifying stare from a child. This stare sent chills down their spine. They could only smile back bitterly. They definitely weren’t going to get any benefits from this. They just hoped they wouldn’t get fired for doing this.

“Fine, we agree to all your demands.” They said in perfect unison.

Trip and Jason smiled and Jason said “Pleasure doing business for you.” Before walking out of the room.

After they left Jason fell to his knees.

“Are you alright?” Trip asked

“I-I’m fine. It’s just that the tension and the atmosphere were almost too much for me”

Trip laughed as he remembered that Jason was by trade a scholar (in training). It was incredible that he was able to speak in front of 5000 people, but speaking in front of the two shrewd men was much more stressful. Every word you said was analysed on the spot. If you make one mistake you are gone, whereas in a speech for many people you can even use your mistakes for your advantage.

Trip didn’t really feel any tension or pressure. He always managed to stay relatively cool. This had improved as he was both a light and water magician. This meant that he trained his soul in light magic and in water magic the concept of tranquillity was incredibly important. He was only affected by things like other people smelling or the appearance of something, but he was never affected by the amount of people or a person’s strength (mentally or physically).

This loss of nerves made Trip feel slightly empty sometimes. With him not getting angry easily he always feels that he misses a slight part of being human. He is always almost too rational. Trip thought about his mental state and feared the future. Would he become a person who no longer had emotion? One who was no longer human or driven by emotion? Luckily at this point he was driven by an emotional mission. This mission was to find his uncle. He wanted to meet his uncle not only to get stronger, but because he was the only family member who he could possibly find.

Thinking of this Trip decided that it was time to leave. He would stay for another couple days to see what happens, but after that he would leave the situation in the hands of the people he trusted and the massive homeless community. Even if the government turned on them they should have a fire burning in their heart ready to fight.

After returning to the homeless camp the news was announced and celebrations began. There was a massive party after the government announced the news. Everyone was ecstatic with the news. Trip had arranged for several children’s homes to be built as well. Meaning that Alesha could go to school. Trip had achieved his mission. He had enjoyed it, however there was a little annoyance within his heart. Rationally this entire experience did not do much for him other than making a few thousand friends. He only hoped that these people would use the opportunity he had given them well, and that they wouldn’t squander it.

Alex saw Trip sitting alone and thinking with a frown on his face so he decided to approach him. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

Trip looked at Alex and smiled, before saying “It’s nothing, I was just thinking about the future and the present.”

Faced with such a cryptic message Alex hit Trip on the head.

“OW! What was that for?!” Trip screamed

“Don’t give me that crap, what’s on your mind?” Alex asked, clearly annoyed by Trip’s behaviour.

Trip grinned and spoke to Alex about what was on his mind.

They discussed all the things that had happened over the last couple days. It was quite surreal for them. To gain so many supporters and change an entire city for the reason of helping a girl go to school. The more Trip spoke the more Alex admired him. Trip was younger than him and yet he was so incredibly intelligent and even wise at times. Alex truly believed that there was no other child like Trip. He was simply too incredible to be comparable to all others, he considered himself very lucky for being friends with Trip. Trip also felt that he was lucky to be Alex’s friend; he could only imagine how his life would be without Alex. He would probably still be lonely and antisocial while continuing to study at Wearhearst Academy. Even though there have been many ups and downs in their lives they both knew that they would always be friends.

Alesha was looking at the two of them from afar and felt empty within her heart. She saw how the two of them got on and she was incredibly jealous. She didn’t have many friends, only the children she had always helped stay alive. Alesha had always told herself that she wished to see good and justice in the world. She never imagined that she would have encountered two such incredible people in her life. Two people that she considered to be the embodiment of good and justice, and now she was feeling not happiness, but jealousy. They had changed her life and now she wanted to be with them, but she was so distant. They were like two stars that were unreachable. There was profoundness about them. She almost felt unworthy to be in their presence.

In a way many other people felt similarly about them. The children were simply too bright. Jacob had been incredibly impressed by them, mainly Trip. There was no doubt in his mind that these children could reach heights no one had ever reached before. However, similarly to Alesha he felt jealous. ‘Jealous of children. How pathetic.’ He thought, but there was no helping it. He felt so pathetic and inferior to them. He had been studying leaves for years and they had brought justice to an entire homeless community of thousands of people within a couple of days. This achievement was unlike any in history.

Trip and Alex felt also felt that they were very distant from anyone else. It was as if they were the only ones on the same wavelength, and that everyone was living in a different world. Trip saw Alesha and Jacob staring at them and he called them over. They had one last night of talking and fun together before they decided to leave. They had seen proof of the plans being put in place and Jacob was even reaching new heights in his investigation of the Spearwood tree leaves.

When they left Jacob gave Trip a book about different types of flora in the world which he could study and find medicinal and poisonous effects from it. Trip was very thankful for this as he always enjoyed learning many things. Alesha did not say a word while they were saying goodbye to everyone. She only stood there with her head down.

Alex saw this and approached her. “Hi Alesha. We’re leaving now. Make sure to go to school and have fun in life.” He said.

It was an awkward goodbye, but just the fact that he said it was enough to receive a big hug from Alesha. Trip also said goodbye and got a hug. Alex couldn’t help it as he blushed while looking at her. ‘She’s actually really cute…’ he thought. He sighed at this thought as he still believed that Trip liked her.

They then departed, leaving behind the grand city and entering the mountain range. The mountains in their way unable to trump their determination to find power. There was a long and tough ahead, but anything, no matter how difficult, could be conquered.

“Say, why didn’t you say anything more to Alesha when we left?” Alex asked

“Hmm? Why would I? It’s not like I like her or anything.” Trip responded, clearly confused as to why Alex asked that

Alex’s face drained of all blood as he thought to himself ‘I mistook the entire situation again!’

Seeing Alex’s face Trip laughed as he understood what Alex had thought. They walked off into the mountains, with Alesha and Jacob staring at their backs wondering if they would ever meet again.