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The Skies have no Limit
Yiski:
--Crimson Skies Saloon--
Lauren and Yiski were busy operating the saloon. Even though the sun was at high noon, there never seemed to be a point where the saloon was not always filled to capacity. Surprisingly, the location of the saloon did very little to attract the constant river of pedestrians, guards, merchants, blue collars, and tourists. Like all new businesses, it had to get patrons by the old word of mouth. Initially, nothing made the Crimson Skies stand out from the many other bars and saloons in the giant capital. That all changed once Roland decided to take after his second father and brew whatever did not blow up (which were rare).
At first, those that passed by the saloon were frightened and those who regularly passed took extra steps to go different routes. Then came the brave patrons who did speak of the variety of brews. Soon, more curious souls ventured in just to see what new and strange brews were on tap. Eventually, the saloon's popularity grew and those who lived on the outskirts of the capital went out of their way to visit.
Since Yiski's return from his 'vacation', the saloon's popularity hit another spike. Those who once frequented Anvala felt a shiver of joy run down when word the Hellfire had been revived in Chang-ning. Now the Crimson Skies Saloon boast (and rightfully so) the largest varieties of custom created rums, whiskies, bourbons, ales, beers, ciders, and a few brews which are impossible to categorize.
Because of the saloon's popularity, Roland, Lauren, and Yiski had to hire full-time staff, something which still baffled Yiski to this day.
Yiski was taking a small breather in the back. He was leaning back in a chair with his eyes staring into the ceiling. Yiski closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
[Lauren]
"Tired?"
Yiski opens an eye to see Lauren standing over his. He smiles and tries to lean up to get a kiss in... only to have the chair slip out from under him and having his back slam into the ground. Lauren holds her hand up to her mouth to stifle a laugh.
[Yiski]
*sigh* "Damn.... can't catch a break can I?"
Just before Lauren can answer, Hiro, one of the saloon's full time bartenders, enters.
[Hiro]
"Um... boss? Do we have any more Hellfire barrels?"
[Yiski]
"You know we always have an extra supply of five barrels."
[Hiro]
"I know that boss, but... um.... we've seemed to have gone through those.... since yesterday."
[Yiski]
"Did you and the others remind me to re-brew?"
Hiro started scrambling for words and before Yiski could start yelling at him, Lauren jumped in to rescue Hiro.
[Lauren]
"Just head back out and tell everyone it's out. We'll deal with that later."
[Hiro]
"Um... right.... I'll go do that... Uh... sorry to bother you boss."
Hiro exits the back, leaving Yiski to let out another heavy sigh.
[Lauren]
"You plan on getting up?"
[Yiski]
"Dunno. Kinda got comfortable now."
Lauren rolls her eyes and Yiski, reluctantly, decides to get up. He pats himself off and looks to the clock. It's been two hours since Roland left. A brief moment of worry came over Yiski's face which caught Lauren's attention.
[Lauren]
"You worried about our son?"
[Yiski]
"Can you blame me, knowing those bastards are still operatin'?"
Lauren then notices an idea struck Yiski. He looks to her with a smug expression. Lauren simply wore an expression of worry and confusion. Lauren knew Yiski would do one of two things: Grab his rifle and head out, or make a radio call and then grab his rifle and head out.
First thing Yiski does is grabs his rifle which get a sigh out of Lauren.
[Lauren]
'Looks like we doing this ourselves.... wait.... what's that?'
Yiski then grabs a knife off a nearby table and jams it into the stock of his rifle. After a little fidgeting with the knife, a cover comes off the side stock to reveal a small note. Yiski takes the note out, replaces the cover, and places his rifle back.
[Lauren]
"What do you have there?"
Yiski answered as he walked toward the radio room.
[Yiski]
"Something just in case I lived this long. Dear, would you mind and shut the door behind you? Don't need any curious employee wandering in here."
Lauren nodded and shut the door behind them. Once at the radio, Yiski unfolded the note and started changing the frequency nobs. A few moments passed when Yiski did not do anything. Then Yiski starts tapping the microphone in what seemed to be Morse code. Then....
[??]
"I was wondering if I was going to hear from you again."
[Yiski]
"Yeah, really didn't want to make this call, but you know."
[??]
"Am I to assume you'll be coming by?"
At first, Lauren thought she knew the voice. Then it hit her. It was Lance.
[Yiski]
"No, not this time. I need you to look into something and watch over some of my family."
[Lance]
"It wouldn't happen to be your son and daughter-in-law, would it?"
[Yiski]
"Always ahead of current, aren't you?"
[Lance]
"It's now I survive and make a living. So what is it you need to know?"
[Yiski]
"Ny-Lee's deployment."
[Lance]
"Ah... now that is an interesting piece of information. While I'll charge my old rate to watch your kids, this info will come at a higher price."
[Yiski]
"If your account's still the same, you'll see the payment sooner given my location."
[Lance]
"Very good. Well, it seem your daughter had been tasked with a negotiation with the Guild."
[Yiski]
"What?! You have anything else?"
[Lance]
"Consequently, no. Since their main base of operations were taken out, the groups been quiet. Well, that is until these recent events."
[Yiski]
"You're tellin' me. Anyways, I need you to provide overwatch on Ny and trackers on Roland."
[Lance]
"Understood. Those assets will be in place within my usual time frame. And for the record, it's good to see you're still alive."
At the end of the sentence, the signal goes bad and static fills the room. Yiski scrambles the frequency nobs before shutting of the radio.
[Lauren]
"Overwatch and trackers?"
[Yiski]
"Overwatch will provide eyes on Ny and intervene when necessary. Tracker will only keep tabs on Roland."
[Lauren]
"Why not put overwatch on Roland too?"
[Yiski]
"Because, if they try to mess with my son, I'm gonna beat the life out of them."
Yiski stands up and opens the door, and the murmurs of the room are filled with the roars coming from the main floor.
[Lauren]
"You think it'll be enough."
[Yiski]
"It'll have to. I'm gettin' too old for this."
Captain Lockheart:
--Averna, Chaladon--
Julius, Alexander and Cecelia stood at the docks behind the Lockheart Residence, and stared at the newly fitted ships... The "Winter","Crown's Justice" and the "Yehshan Dragon" were all fitted with Julius' Custom made alloy plate. It gleamed bright, as the golden glow of the morning sun leaked out across the pale blue sky. Supplies such as; fuel, food and ammunition were being loaded onto all 3 ships along with a few Chaladonian Elites and Infantry. The Trio looked on as a captain approached them from behind, and slapped Julius on the back.
Captain Phoenix: " So, I presume the big ones mine?"
Julius Lockheart: " Finally phoenix it took you a while to show up..."
Julius Shook Phoenix's hand. Phoenix was a tall, well built man, with Hazel hair. He wore a Dark Green Bi-Corn and a Matching Elite's Pilot uniform with a Golden Cravat. On his Coat he wore a Badge, with a Embossed Red and Black, Counter-charged, outstretched phoenix.
Julius: "Where were you?"
Phoenix: " Oh you know, i was just indulging myself in my little hobby.. Cant a man have some peace?"
Julius: " So..., By that you mean shouting and New Garrison recruits till they cry, blood begins to pour out their ears and have to sign up for Counselling?"
Phoenix Laughed
Phoenix: " Pretty much yes, I don't have much else to do nowadays, with the Order on no offensive what-so-ever. The only action is seen by either: you or the patrols in the Sea of Devils. And I don't fancy myself a sea-farer. So when you asked for a co-captain, i obliged. But of course i presume you will be giving me command of the fleet, after all i am the more experienced pilot."
Julius: "I think not.*smiles* You'll be captaining the "Yeshan Dragon" my own little beauty. I don't want to see a scratch on her over this voyage, my life went into that ship. I'll be aboard the "Winter" with our main boarding party, cargo and such; with Alexander *gestures to Alexander* aboard the Crown's Justice", understood?"
Phoenix forced a salute
Phoenix: " Aye..."
Julius: " Good. Right, i think were about ready to fly for Cathedral... I hope you understand that we have had word from contacts elsewhere of a Baronies fleet heading North and some whispers of a war... in... *coughs* well... even our contacts don't know.... Just war somewhere, lets hope it isn't Cathedral... Furthermore, my father has informed me to keep our radio channels on open to all frequencies, should the need arise, so help our allies, defend our trade or anything else. Father just wants us to patrol to and from Cathedral and Dragontown... As our trade their is not only heavily Dropping from competition, but also dropping because of raiders in the Yeshan canyons.."
Phoenix: " Sounds good to me.. Lets be off"
Cecelia: " Erm, let me just check i have everything..."
Phoenix: " Come on woman, i want to get out there, i dont have time to make sure we have aren't missing a handbag.."
Julius: " *laughs* you have 10 minutes to check you have everything essential. It's harsh i know, but i want to leave before noon..."
Everything was fine after the 30 minutes they took getting final preparations and checks done till the fleet of 3 ships flew out west, the Lockheart banner of 2 Griffins, Burgundy and Ultramarine Combatant, trailing behind them.
--Amida--
Captain Oakenshield: " What do our sources say about Lockhearts whereabouts, Commodore?"
Commodore Kingcrest: " Actually sir, the data has changed. Lockheart now flies east with A Phoenix towards Cathedral.."
Captain Oakenshield slammed his fist on his desk, knocking over a empty wine glass.
Captain Oakenshield: " Plot a course to intercept. And be sharp about it!"
Commodore Kingcrest: " Aye sir."
Commodore Kingcrest bowed and left the captains quarters.
So... The Griffin flies west with the Phoenix, sadly the Raven catches all its prey. The Baronies will prevail.
BdrLineAzn:
Chang-ning
--Zhao Manor--
(Shen)
"Are you sure? We won't get in the way or anything."
(Jia)
"No no, go on and enjoy the day, your staff and I will handle the rest of the preparation. Besides, I want it to be a surprise when you all return."
In the main entrance room, the two couples are being escorted to the door by the planner, Jia. She wants the couple to enjoy the rest of the day before returning back for the ball. Also so she can finish with the final preparation work in secret to astonish Shen and Liu.
(Kayo)
"Come on Shen, we should all go. Besides, once Jia makes up her mind, she won't go back. Ask my husband here."
(Xi)
"She is right, even if I am the Emperor, Jia did whatever she sees fit."
(Lia)
"Ok then, so where should we go?"
As they were exiting through the door, they see a carriage coming up the driveway and stopping in front of the steps. Coming out of the passenger side, Roland steps out and pays the driver. Watching as the carriage moves away, he turns and sees all four of them at the doorway. Waving, Roland walks to them.
(Shen)
"Ah hello there Roland, we were just about to head out. You look a little...tired. Had too much at your saloon? You know you could have called, we can send a driver to pick you up. But anyway, you need anything son?"
Yao Ling Pass
Since their departure from the capital, the fleet has been flying non-stop all through the night and into the next day. As they are about to exit the last city within Yeshan borders, all ships pass through the checkpoint leading in and out of the Pass.
Ny-Lee is near the radio and tries again to communicate with her brother.
(Ny-Lee)
"Hello Azn you there? Come on you lazy bum pick up."
(Radio)
*static* "Hey I heard that, you know that I'm just lazy at times."
(Ny-Lee)
"Ah it is good to finally hear you. Do you know how many times I tried to contact you last night."
Onboard one of the Galleons in the fleet, a pair of the Tiger's spies are watching Ny-Lee.
(Spy-1)
"Did you intercept the frequency?"
(Spy-2)
"I can't seem to get anything, it seems like she is using a secured line."
(Spy-1)
"Ok better report this to the Tiger."
Vyshtorg
Zankief's Warehouse
Just waking up, BdrLine rubs his eyes and looks around the room he is in.
Man, I shouldn't do an all night-er again. What time is it?
Taking out his watch, he sees that it is ten in the morning. Standing up, BdrLine stretches his back and leaves the room. Feeling hungry, he walks through the hallway trying finding the stairs leading back up to the main floor. Eventually he gets there with some directions from Zankief's men. Seeing that the cook is still there, BdrLine grabs a plate and gets in line for breakfast. Served, he looks around the warehouse and sees Zankief talking with Archer and a few others. Going towards them, he takes a seat on a crate as he eats and listen in.
(Zankief)
"Ah Bdr, good to see you awake. Thought you would sleep in after all that work."
(BdrLine)
"That, it was nothing. So what you guys up too?"
(Archer)
"Well we are planning another way to get inside Slava's guild house again."
(Zankief)
"Yes after nearly being found out, we need to get inside again."
(BdrLine)
"Well, I don't think this concerns me at the moment. I'll be off trying find something todo."
BdrLine finishes his plate and stands to leave. As he is about to walk away, he turns his back and puts a finger up.
(BdrLine)
"By the way, have you guys seen the rest of my crew? Did they come back last night?"
(Zankief)
"Sorry Bdr, I haven't. But most likely they are fine, there hasn't been any reports from last night with descriptions of them."
(BdrLine)
"Ok then, just asking."
Turning back, he places the dirty plates with the others and goes to his ship. Climbing onboard, he walks to the main cabin to look over his rifle. Taking it out of the casing, BdrlIne rotates the weapon for any defects. Behind him, he hears a faint beeping and a voice coming through the radio. Wondering who it is, he places the rifle back and goes to the radio.
(Ny-Lee)
"?.. you lazy bum pick up."
(BdrLine
"Hey I heard that, you know that I'm just lazy at times."
(Ny-Lee)
"Ah it is good to finally hear you. Do you know how many times I tried to contact you last night."
(BdrLine)
"Honestly I don't know, I was working all night fixing mechanical problems."
(Ny-Lee)
"You and... Nevermind, but I got some news."
(BdrLine)
"Ok, give to me."
She then explains to her brother about the fleet.
(BdrLine)
"Nineteen ships? Is that even enough to battle the defences here?"
(Ny-Lee)
"I don't think so, be we are coming there under the expression that we want to reach out and trade with the Guild. That's why there is four of mother's ships here."
(BdrLine)
"ok so, once they land, those troops will just cause chaos when the time is right."
(Ny-Lee)
"Excatly."
(BdrLine)
"Ok, I'll go and tell Zankief. Call in again once you are in Guild borders."
With a click to silence the radio, BdrLine rushes off his ship to find Zankief. After a few minutes of searching, BdrLine finds him in the weapons room underneath the warehouse.
(Zankief)
"Whoa, what's the rush Bdr."
Taking deep breaths, he explain the whole situation to him.
(Zankief)
"Oh my, now we know what's coming."
GreyTea:
The dust cleared and the screaming stopped as the guns had finally fell silent. He lifted his hands off the helm, their trembling was more noticeable now before the sudden realisation came that the trembling was now his full body. The knees were the first to give way, slumping to the floor in a broken husk of the man he was 10 minutes ago. Was it really his voice that gave the order...
*Knock Knock*
*Knock Knock*
*Knock Knock*
It was the cold precipitation that awoke Grey from his all too familiar dream; the knocking seemed distant, his perception still affected by the drink he used to get to sleep. Standing up, he moved to the window, drew back the curtains and gave a short laugh to himself. He finally made it to cathedral but there was a long way to go yet - the first order of business was to contact his employer to tell them that his mission was a success.
''No sacrifice too great, No sum of money too high,'' Grey said to himself - out of belief or self reassurance was unknown. One thing he did know was that after today, he would have enough money to buy his new identity, new ship, and new life.
''Be right there!'' he shouted, looking through the peephole. It was just the maid. He back twirled the colt in his right hand back to the holster and opened the door.
''I will be out of your way in just a second. Just need to grab my hat and coat.''
He was not sure what he noticed first - the noise of the bullet, the thud from the maid hitting the floor, or the searing pain now running through his shoulder. Time seemed to slow, his legs were stiff for a fraction of a second before he ran full speed towards the window and jumped...
''AFTER HIM!!''
The unfamiliar streets of the cathedral confused him, so many twists and turns. He took a sharp left into a back alley market where merchant's were selling wares. He was quick and unseen like a thousand times before as he lifted a jumper and a hat.
''I need a doctor and quick,'' he whispered to himself. "Calm down...breath.''
His vision was blurring, his knees weak as the coldest floor hit him, the sound from the market became distant like he was falling.
Yiski:
--Streets of Chang-ning--
Roland could not sit still and found himself fidgeting within the carriage. On paper, it should take between 20-30 minutes to arrive at Zhao Manor by carriage. Then again it's on paper. In reality, given the massive amount of foot traffic and carriage traffic, the trip takes more than an hour.
All the time spent in the carriage thus far was spent by Roland thinking about his wife. Consequently, any attempt by Roland to get an uninterrupted stream of thought going was always cut off by the constant chattering going on outside, not to mention the low rumbling roar of the carriage's engine.
During these attempts, Roland failed to notice the fact the carriage driver had accidentally taken the wrong route. When Roland finally did take a look out the window, he realized he was on the outskirts of the commercial districts. The area was very much in the opposite direction of where the manor is and very much sparse of any potential witnesses.
Before Roland had the chance to say anything, the carriage door swung open. Roland was greeted by a man. The man was short in stature, had sliver hair, a well-trimmed beard. One feature which stood out was the man had a distinctive scar running in an angle across his left eye and nose.
The man grabbed Roland and threw him out of the carriage onto the ground. As Roland looked up, he saw five other figures surrounding him.
[??]
"Well, today really isn't your lucky."
[Figure 1]
"Confirmation this is the target?"
[??]
"His look fits the given description down to the letter."
[Figure 3]
"This seems too easy for the amount of pay we're getting."
[Figure 2]
"Does it matter? We're practically in the cl....." *Crack*
The sentence was cut abruptly. As the others took a look at what happened, they found the cause of the unfinished statement: A missing head and the appropriate amount of blood and brain matter splashed against the carriage.
As the figures scrambled for their weapons and faced the direction of the shot, the scar-faced man remained unusually calm.
[??]
"Interesting, I did not expect him so soon."
[Figure 4]
"By Icarus! You said this was going to be easy!" *Crack*
Another figure fell with a fist-sized hole in his chest. The remaining figures took cover behind the carriage, hoping to get some cover from the incoming fire.
While they hid, the man started to calmly walk towards a good distance where the incoming shots were fired. After a distance, he turned to called over to Roland.
[??]
"I believe you should come join me here. I believe you and I know what is coming next."
Roland still laid belly-down on the ground nearby the carriage, still caught off-guard by the whole scene. By the time Roland was out of his daze, Roland looked around and noticed the situation. He then saw the man, waving for him to join him.
[??]
"Hurry now. I am sure you do not want his opportunity wasted."
Roland turned his head and noticed the figures taking cover behind the carriage, he noticed the two dead figures, he then realized who was shooting and what was coming next. Roland jumped to his feet and ran towards the man to what seemed within a few seconds in his mind.
By the time Roland reached the man, the man saw a single shot slam into the carriage. One second later, the carriage and anything within a five meter radius was engulfed by an explosion. The blast wave knocked Roland down again and only caused the man to waiver a bit.
After the explosion, silence overtook the area. Roland slowly got back up and saw how close he was to the man. This startled Roland and caused him to jump back immediately. Before Roland had a chance to get any farther, the man pulled out his weapon and aimed it at him. Roland stood frozen in place. Roland opened his mouth to speak, but was preempted.
[??]
"While I am sure you have question, I think it best to wait a bit. I do hate having to repeat myself."
Roland's eyes widened when he noticed Yiski approaching the man from behind, his Blood Bolt held firmly in his hands and against his shoulder with a stare which could sink a pyra.
[??]
"Afternoon Yiski. I have to say I am impressed by your response time."
[Yiski]
"Funny how that seems to always be the case." Yiski looks glances over to Roland. "You alright?"
[??]
"He's fine... for now."
[Yiski]
"Too bad I can't say the same for you."
[??]
"Really? I can only assume you have your infamous rifle pointed for my back. Given the type of shots fired, you are manually loading each shot. Aside from your single explosive shot, you only have piercing bullets and to shoot me at this range would also catch your beloved son as well, especially when I do this."
The man slowly approached Roland while keeping his back toward Yiski.
[Yiski]
"I'd stop if I were you."
The man, ignoring Yiski, continued to approach until the barrel of his gun was mere inches away from Roland's face.
[??]
"Tell me. What do you think would happen during the negotiations when a certain girl learns her cherished husband has been murdered?"
Yiski did not want to think about it. His finger resting next to the trigger.
[??]
"In another twist, what would happen when she learns the ones responsible are the ones she is negotiating with."
Yiski pushed that thought out too. He kept his thoughts and concentration on keeping his rifle aimed.
A short moment of silence pass by.
[??]
"Nothing? Shame. Fortunately, my client wishes for your son alive, so I am afraid he and I will be going on a trip."
[Yiski]
"Can't say I'll allow it."
Yiski's tone was cold and hardened. The man gave a chuckle.
[??]
"You know the file they have on you really does not do you justice. You are far more fearsome than any individual I have met. Yet, I am afraid you are in little position to stop me. You simply have no shot."
[Yiski]
"Sure I do. Just stay still for a bit longer and keep yappin'."
[??]
"Really now. Even I know.... oh I see. That would explain all this."
The man used his free hand to reach into his pocket. As the hand exited the pocket, so did a small, rounded object.
[??]
"Well, my client will be unhappy with the result, but at least I can return with some renewed admiration for who you are Yiski."
Just before Yiski could respond, the man dropped the object. Upon impact with the ground, a large plume of tar smoke engulfed the area, including Yiski.
Yiski and Roland coughed and hacked as they attempted to wave their arms to clear out the tar, but to no avail. Roland then felt a hand grabbing his arm and dragging him out of the tar smoke. Still coughing and rubbing his eyes, Roland saw Yiski with a still firm grasp of his arm. Yiski coughed a few more times. When the tar cleared, the man had vanished.
[Yiski]
"You good?"
[Roland]
"Ugh... I can still feel the tar in my lungs."
[Yiski]
"Good enough."
[Roland]
*cough* "What just happened?"
[Yiski]
"That's what I want to know."
[Roland]
"How did you find me? I mean, I could not have been considered missing."
[Yiski]
"Look around."
Yiski made a hand gesture in the air and Roland caught a glance of a few figures before disappearing. Roland looked at Yiski with a confused expression.
[Yiski]
"Lance."
Roland simply blinked. While he wanted to inquire, he knew he would get little of any details of their dealings. At this point, Roland seemed to have calmed down and took a look around of their location.
[Roland]
"How are we getting back?"
Just as the question ended, three military vehicles pulled around and stopped at a distance from the charred explosion. About fifteen soldiers exited and formed a perimeter around the two. Roland turned to Yiski who had a smirk on his face.
[Sergeant]
"Area secured!"
[Lieutenant]
"Sir? Are you okay?"
[Yiski]
"We're fine. And don't call me 'sir'. I'm civilian."
[Lieutenant]
"All due respect, sir, we're aware of who you are and your affiliations."
[Yiski]
"Doesn't mean you call me sir."
[Lieutenant]
"By order, sir. Please allow us to escort you. We need a debrief of the situation.
Yiski sighed and Roland could help but internally laugh. The two entered a vehicle and headed off back inside the city.
-------
A/N: I'll be honest, I don't know where exactly I'm going with this. The scenario popped in my head and I kinda figured I needed to put it down. If this doesn't quite fit into the whole mesh of things, blame Shink.
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