Burning Skies Saloon

[RearAdmiralZill]

-Saloon-

Jun'ko was fumbling with Zill's watch when Papa came crashing through the door. She immediately got to his side, realizing he was unconscious. She yelled to Yiski.
Jun'ko
"I need some of your Elixer, and probably a forklift to move him!"

Yiski just gave a stare that could kill abominations before rushing to the back for his special mixture.

[Thraxius Meridius]

--Saloon, THE RUST BUCKET--

Near the city center stood a war ravaged saloon - The Rust Bucket - still standing despite the devastating attack.

In the saloon sat Thrax, right across the bar-keep. Full of gashes and bruises that he is unaware of, not sustaining any serious injuries aside from near-sobriety.

Sat with various empty mugs that he had previously drank from, his breath smelled of Hellfire and ale. His odor of rust and smog from the battle. He sat as he saw Lockheart and Cecelia walk into the tavern.

Thrax
"Saved a seat for ya! Come here! I owe you a pint! You saved my arse! haha!"

Lockheart, first looked reluctant, but soon gave in to Thrax's offer.

Lockheart
"I honestly don't know how we survived that one."

Thrax
"I know!"

Thrax raises his glass and chugs down the remaining hellfire in his mug.

Barkeep
"Try and take it easy. The last thing I need is more problems. I barley made it out of this mess!"

Thrax
"Pffft, this is nothing. It would take a dozen barrels of Hellfire and a dozen more of those abominations to take me down! Haha!"

He raises his glass once more.

Thrax
"Ale all round from me! This place needs it."

Barkeep
"I'll put it on your tab Cap'n Thraxius."

Lockheart looks at Thrax with much intrigue.

Lockheart
"...Captain?"

Thrax
"Indeed my good sir! Captain Thraxius Meridius!  Son of Decimus Meridius of the House Meridius. Former Commander of the 13th Legion of the Northern Fleet of the Fjorn Baronies, during the war of the burning skies - Descendant of The First King Agrius. And so on and so forth!"

He takes another swig from his mug.

Thrax
"Stripped of Rank and Exiled into the vastness - Wrongfully accused of treason. I have been the Captain of The Titan for nearly 30 years."

The Titan being a spire Airship thought to have been obliterated in battle - brought back to life by the the warm pulse of Thrax's bloodlust and vendetta.

Thrax
"Well that's my story... what's yours matey?"

Thrax looks onto Lockheart, awaiting a reply.

[Yiski]

--Burning Skies--

Yiski throws together his elixir. It was a good thing the group had cleaned up before because it would've been impossible to find any of the ingredients. He tosses it to Jun'ko who then forces it down Paradox's throat. Paradox begins coughing. BdrLine and Yiski somehow managed to get Paradox to the couch. Upon placing him, the couch sank a few inches from Paradox weight. Yiski sighs.

_Yiski
"Can I get one day, just one day where someone doesn't come in bleedin'?"

Yiski then thinks about BdrLine's comment which brought thoughts from yesterday to the forefront.

_Yiski
"You know... I have a feelin' this isn't about revenge anymore. But if it is, we'll need some back up. BdrLine can you..."

Additional individuals entered the saloon this time breaking Yiski's concentration. They weren't patrons, but Council Elites. Yiski figured once things calmed down, the Council would get him. One elite began to approach Yiski, but Yiski held up his hand and walked to him instead. Yiski then turns around to the others.

_Yiski
"Lauren. Watch Paradox. I'll be back in awhile."

Yiski walked out with the Elites and headed toward the Council building.

[Captain Lockheart]

--Rust bucket tavern--

Lockheart
"Julius Lockheart, of the noble house Lockheart in Chaladon. Commodore also of the fjord baronies and now, i belive, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Chaladon Watch."

*He bows before sitting down*

"And if my mind doesn't forget me, i believe Commodore it one rank higher, than captain. People call me captain as it rolls off the tongue better"

*whispers to thrax*

"To be honest, have you checked out the burning skies saloon. its a lot better than this dump.

Thrax
"To be honest, this was the first tavern i found and i came in and here i am!, but sure ill head out to this saloon of yours"

Lockheart, Cecelia and thrax all walk (Except for lockheart who still is limping/ been dragged) to the Burning Skies.

--The Burning Skies--

The door opens and Lockheart, Thrax and Cecelia walk in. Cecelia quickly notices Papa and goes over to assist Jun'ko.

Lockheart
"Its good to see everyone so well!, hope no-one suffered too badly?"

The Men head over to the bar and sit down.

Lockheart
"Oh, er, i dont belive you have been introduced. Everyone this is Cecelia my wife, and this is Thrax who found his way onto my cargo hold, and came out during that battle."

*Lockheart scratched his head in confusion, and then only just noticed papa, he was still a bit unsure as how Thrax got aboard the Commodore Beckett*

Lockheart
"Oh, i didn't see papa there, is he ok?"

[Skyraider]

It had taken awhile for Sky and Iris to find the remains of their fallen comrade. Many planes were lying on the ground completely destroyed and burned leaving nothing behind but a hollow shell. Even then all they could find was the tail and wings of their friend's plane. The ram was so harsh and quick it basically evaporated both the biplane and the cockpit of the other plane. Sky carved onto the tail "Charles Dart/Ralph Underhill Flying Panthers" and carried it to the Anvala grave where many funerals were being attended. It took sometime for Sky and Iris to leave the grave, even though all they had left of their friends were burnt metal and that tail piece. After they were done, Sky headed off to the Saloon.

--Burning Skies--

Sky walked in quietly, and without saying "Good morrow" to anyone. He see's Paradox on the couch injured, then everyone else in the saloon.

Sky
"No one was to come out of this event unharmed or uninjured.... Wait..... Where's Zill? Don't tell me he's dead."

[Captain Lockheart]

Lockheart looked over to sky.

Lockheart
"Zill should be fine, I've heard. Also, I know how you feel. We all lost or at least nearly lost someone."

*lockheart grabs a ale, and takes a gulp*

" I thought I lost my brother out there for a second . Hell . I even thought I'd loose myself, these things happen. You just gotta try to move on."

* Lockheart slides a ale down to skyraider and winks*

Lockheart
" that ones on me!"

[BdrLineAzn]

--Saloon--

As everyone sees Yiski leave with the Guards, they see Skyraider and the others come in. As Lauren is over with Paradox checking his wounds, BdrLine goes to the bar and makes some Hellfire for the others.

Jun'ko goes back and sits down, then heard Skyraider, and not looking up from the watch says to him.

Jun'ko
"He's not dead, still at the hospital and under supervision by the doctors."

With that Sky just simply nods, takes a seat at the bar, and reaches for one of the mugs. 

BdrLine then sees Lockheart and wife.

BdrLine
"Hello Lockheart, miss." *he looks over to Paradox who is on the couch then back to  Lockheart* "Papa P is one tough guy and I bet he'll live through. But we may need a specialist, I mean he is part machine and I don't think a doctor and a technician will do him good. "

Then Yiski's words came to his mind. If the Guild is now attacking, they need all the backup they can get. He turns to Jun'ko is she can watch the bar as he goes into the back room where the radio is and start to call everyone he knows.

[Honeybadger]

--Burning Skies--

Honeybadger comes in bouncing a small ball with his right hand, his hair is greasy along with his slightly more than stubble. He has dark circles under his eye's like he hasn't slept for days.

Honeybadger walking in spots Papa with his wound and wonders who got that close to him. He steps up to the bar and sits down putting his ball onto the table and rolls it around with his palm.

Honeybadger: "*Sniff* So how was the wedding?"

[Yiski]

--Council Chambers--

Yiski stood for a few minutes as the Council gathered and discussed among each other. No doubt they were trying to figure out what questions to ask. Even Yiski had a few of his own. Before the Council could get back to their seats, Yiski started.

_Yiski
"Before you ask, here's what I know. After my son's wedding, I got a transmission from a contact in the Guild. Told me they had a fleet headin' here. Also told me the Guild brought the abominations from Izumi. I have no idea how Zill knew those things weakness. And I don't think this was an effort to get rid of me."

₍₁₎
*Sitting down* "Hmm... well it does answer a few questions, but our main concern is a future Guild strike."

₍₅₎
"As you well know Commander, the Guild is known for sending in waves of fleets."

_Yiski
"Judgin' from our current strength, we'd get taken out if they brought the same thing again."

₍₃₎
"We assume you have taken steps to ensure the city's safety."

_Yiski
"I have a friend makin' calls. Also got a few friends who have contacts with the Northern Air Fleet. I could probably ask for additional ships from Chang-ning though I'm not sure if those would get here soon enough."

₍₆₎
"We suppose this is all we can do. You are dismissed."

Yiski existed the Chambers and walked through the grounds. Yiski wasn't too concerned about another Guild attack. He was confident Anvala could get some allies to significantly bolster its strength. What he was concerned about was how many more abominations the Guild had left.

--Saloon--

Lauren and Jun'ko turned and stared at Honeybadger.

_Lauren
"I have no idea who you are, but if you're asking about a wedding over the fact the city was just seriously attacked and almost destroyed by rampaging monsters...."

Jun'ko could see Lauren was annoyed with Honeybadger and stepped into the conversation.

_Jun'ko
"The wedding was lovely."

[Honeybadger]

--Saloon--

Honeybadger picks up his hat and strokes his hair back while picking up his ball in his hand

Honeybadger: "Jun'ko, nice to see you again, sorry to hear about the wedding but I hope Papa was the only one who got hurt."

Honeybadger looks at Lauren then back at his hand with his ball

Honeybadger: Alright think, new girl. Who could she be with? C'mon ball don't be a dick. Honeybadger's eye's widened. I should have taken another dose today I knew that it wouldn't last long after what happened with the wedding, but there must be enough juice be left in me to blow this bitch's mind. I've been bouncing this god damn ball so much that I can predict where I will throw it, how it will bounce and where it will land. It's the same concept, I wonder if I should tell them what I've been doing for the past few days, No of course not I don't know them that well, but lets see what I can find out on little miss snippy.

Honeybadger looks at both of the women

Honeybadger: "You might want to sterilize the wound a little bit, I have some solution in my bag, or you could just use some alcohol."

Honeybadger walks over

Honeybadger: (Still looking at Papa) "So Lauren, how are you and Yiski?" I hope this will be enough to keep her awkwardly quiet while I try to save Papa's life.

[RearAdmiralZill]

-Saloon-

Jun'ko lets Honeybadger attend to PapaP while she prepares drinks for whoever comes in. She felt it would keep her mind off Zill, though that was a fool's errand.

As more people came in to drink away their pain and sorrow, she began putting all the drinks on her tab. Jun'ko hoped that Yiski wouldn't come after her with a gatling gun. The thought made her smile as she ran drinks to the guests.

Little by little, the night wore on. No music or loud cheers were going to be heard tonight, and for good reason. She waited on some guests.
Jun'ko
"You guys need anything else?"

Pilot
"My ship and crew back from those monsters..."

Jun'ko
"We all know your pain. Remember them in life, not death tonight."

Pilot
"..Thanks."

She heads to a new table.
Jun'ko
"What'll it be?"

Soldier
"Best you got for the table. I'm here to celebrate life."

Jun'ko
"We all need that tonight."

She ran off to get the orders.

[Yiski]

--Saloon--

Lauren ignored Honeybadger's comment. She wasn't surprised he knew her name. Then again, since her attempted robbery and subsequent return, the whole city knew who she was. What did surprise her is his baiting of her relationship with Yiski. She kept quiet and let Honeybadger work on Paradox.

Later Yiski returned to see Lauren and Jun'ko working the bar. He spotted Honeybadger working on Paradox. Lauren saw Yiski and tried to put on her best smile.

_Lauren
"So. How'd it go?"

_Yiski
*sigh* "I filled them in on the short version, but we still got a lot of questions which Zill can only answer."

Jun'ko's ears perked up when Yiski mentioned Zill. She faced Yiski with a melancholy expression.

_Jun'ko
"How... how is he?"

Yiski scratched his head, trying to find the right words and not panic her too much.

_Yiski
"Well, I stopped by the hospital. Docs wouldn't let me see him. They tell me he's stable now, but still unconscious."

Knowing just the fact Zill was alive brought Jun'ko a much needed mental relief.

[Honeybadger]

Honeybadger continues to work on Papa as he suddenly realizes that Yiski is in the room

Honeybadger: "You should be fine for now Papa."

He pats Papa's shoulder and stands up

Honeybadger: "Hello Yiski, so the good news is that he'll live." Now, what were they talking about? My god what is that ungodly smell, is it Yiski? I doubt anyone had the time to put on cologne, No this is a musty smell. Several musty smells from a musty room, I doubt that Yiski is a religious man so that puts church out of the picture. He seems a little bit stressed too, and his hair is messy which might point to him flying sometime today. There are some dust particles on his suit to... Lauren was saying something about monsters, so who else has to deal with that other then Yiski? Then he must have been... "So, any good news from the council?"

Honeybadger cleans his hands with his handkerchief in his left coat pocket.

[Yiski]

--NARRATOR--

--Saloon--

Yiski sits at the bar and Lauren hands him a Hellfire. He downs in a gulp and motions for another. Lauren sighs.

_Lauren
"I'm surprised you still even make this. Even more so how it hasn't killed you yet."

Yiski smirks and downs the Hellfire again. This time Lauren facepalms and hands him a Frost Fire. Yiski then hears Honeybadger.

_Yiski
"I'm not worried about Paradox. After the things he's been through, this is a cake walk." *Swig of FF* "As far as the Council, don't worry about it."

Yiski then turns to Lauren and Jun'ko.

_Yiski
"Think you two ladies can watch the saloon for the night? I gotta make a few calls. If I'm needed, I'll be in the back."

Yiski disappears into the back and heads for his radio. He makes a few frequency adjustments.

_Yiski
"NAF this is Crimson. Do you copy? NAF this is Crimson. Please copy."

Meanwhile, Lauren and Jun'ko are serving the guests coming into the saloon. The numbers are higher than usual because there have been reports of other taverns and saloons that were destroyed. Most of the guests are soldiers and dock workers. What few civilians were present either lost everything and were drowning their loss, or had lost nothing and celebrating. Jun'ko enjoyed the work. It kept her mind off of Zill for a bit.

The night went on. Jun'ko had gotten a few people from Paradox's Dandy Lion Trading to get him out and recovering. Yiski came out from the back with a bitter look on his face.

_Lauren
"Bad news?"

_Yiski
"Can't contact any of my buddies in the NAF. Probably need to go talk to Sky. Hopefully BdrLine had better luck."

A few hours pass and Yiski closes up the saloon. When everything is clean and set, he turns to Jun'ko.

_Yiski
"You plannin' on stayin' here the night?"

_Jun'ko
"No... I.. I'm going to see Zill."

_Yiski
"Doubt they'd let you see him. Hmm... give me a sec..."

Yiski walks into the back and grabs a pen and parchment and starts writing on it. Minutes later, he comes back and hands the parchment to Jun'ko. She reads the parchment which basically states under Yiski's authority to let her see Zill and stay with him. She looks up and gives Yiski an inquisitive look.

_Jun'ko
"You think this'll work?"

_Yiski
"Given how it's an official order, I doubt they'd risk pissin' off the Commander."

Jun'ko gives Yiski a hug and runs out of the saloon. Yiski turns to Lauren who has a mischievous grin.

_Lauren
"Should I be jealous?"

Yiski rolls his eyes and Lauren laughs. Yiski walks to the door and locks it and approaches Lauren. He takes her hand and gives her a kiss on the lips.

_Yiski
"I don't know about you, but I'm bushed."

Lauren nods and the two heads into back to Yiski's room.

--NARRATOR END--


_{Unknown 1}
"Sir. Here's the analysis you wanted of yesterday's attack. Overall, it seems the trial was a general success."

_{Unknown 2}
*Flipping through the report* "Hmm... shame we couldn't take the city, but we'll have other chances."

_{Unknown 1}
"If you don't mind me asking, isn't this a bit much to use all this force for those two?"

_{Unknown 2}
"Those men, their friends, and allies are not to be underestimated. All too often have our pawns done so and you've seen the results."

_{Unknown 1}
"When will we strike again?"

_{Unknown 2}
"Soon. Hiring mercenaries isn't cheap and finding mercenary pilots who ask no questions as to what they're carrying is even less cheap."

--END OF DAY 102--

[Yiski]

--START OF DAY 103--

--NARRATOR--

--Burning Skies--

Lauren and Yiski woke a few minutes after the sunrise. The two were laying in bed facing and embracing each other. Seeing their significant other brought smiles to their face. Yiski shifts his face an inch in order to give Lauren a kiss.

_Yiski
"Mornin'."

_Lauren
"Morning."

Yiski shifts again, but this time it's to get out of bed. He has more difficulty than usual though. One reason is his side still hurts. Another is because Lauren hasn't let go of him. Yiski places his hands over Lauren's.

_Yiski
"Come on. We have work to do."

_Lauren
*Pouting* "Don't wanna."

Yiski sighs and decides to do the next best thing: Pick Lauren up. Lauren gave a sharp yelp from the sudden action as she found herself being carried to the bathroom. She looks up at Yiski with a seductive expression.

_Yiski
"Yes, I'm doin' exactly what you think I'm doin'."

Lauren gives a blush and giggle as the two enter the bathroom.


--Cathedral--

Smoke was billowing out every single window of the rental home for the honeymoon. Both Ny-Lee and Roland were coughing manically. Once the smoke finally cleared, Ny-Lee looked over to Roland with a disappointed look, but soon burst into laughter in which Roland also joined.

_Ny-Lee
"Love. I don't think you've quite developed the same experience for creating as Yiski."

_Roland
"While I did not think it would end this way, you are right. Good thing we will be out and about today."

The newlyweds smiled and kissed, even if they were covered in bitter smoke.

--NARRATOR END--