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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2018 10:30:46 GMT -5
Jules Brisco The core of the earth trembled to the quake of the bombs. Not an inch of Rookthain was left unturned. This was the war of the human mechs against the mages. The Mechs wanted the power of the mages so badly that they decided to take it for themselves, to harness it. The mages wanted nothing to do with the weapons of destruction that the Mechs created...so thus the war began. Though it only took the Mechs capturing a handful of mages and drawing their powers to overthrow the rest of the rebellion. Cities were leveled. Many lives were lost, innocent lives... Months passed. Those months turned to years. The Mages became enslaved to the Mechs, ruled by the creation of a device. A small trinket that was attached to the right wrist of every mage. It stole the magic from the mages, causing them to be unable to cast spells, unable to defend against the Mechs and their weapons. The capital city Voxstein was the center of everything, where the government thrived from drawing power from the mages, using them to power the cities, to power their weapons...to defy age...anything that a Mech could create... The mages lived here enslaved by the Mechs, much as they did in every other city. Though, the mages here were kept here for good reason. The family lineage of these mages was of great power, these mages were used to power some of the most incredible machines that the Mechs had created to date. Each mage was on a schedule and was to report to Lord Redding or his men in the tower by their specified time. If caught late, or avoiding such appointment, the mage would be set on lock down in the prison...and unpleasant things would be done to the mage. Most every mage followed the schedule, like a well oiled machine...for fear of what happened in the prison... Within the city of Voxstein the mages had their own jobs outside of their unwilling donation of their magic...it was a well functioning city. ** Music played loudly as the sound of a hammer beating against metal clanked through the garage. A young woman held a leather bag in her hands, her eyes darted about, sweat beaded upon her brow. She reached up and rang the bell upon the counter. A man came from the back, he had a short scruffy beard, grease was smeared upon his arms. He wore a button down shirt with grease stains in it and suspenders that had seen better days. “May I help you miss?” He leaned forward on the counter as he rubbed his hands with an old dirty towel. The woman looked up to him and offered a shy smile. “Um, yes. Is Jules here?” She asked softly. The man watched her a moment, “She’s working. Pretty busy actually.” He tossed the towel over his shoulder. “You’re not bringing any trouble, are ya?” He asked as he watched her. “No, no. Just an old friend, from school.” The woman smiled to him. “I was passing through Voxstein and thought I would see how she was...” She shifted slightly. The man chuckled, “Alright.” He nodded. He stepped to the garage area and hit the top of the stereo. “Hey what the hell Henry?!” A woman’s voice came from beneath a car. The old man chuckled and stepped forward. He reached down and grabbed the edge of the creeper and jerked it out from beneath the car. “You have a visiter, Jules.” He smirked. The woman reached up and lifted the goggles from her eyes. She had silver hair that was pulled into a messy bun. Her eyes were a beautiful blue with a golden ring around the center. “A visiter?” She questioned as she brushed a bit of oil from her cheek. She sat up and slipped her wrench into her back pocket of her pants that hugged her body. She wore leather boots that reached up to her knees and a tunic with a shape fitting vest over the top. She pushed the swinging door open and her jaw nearly dropped. “Agatha?” Her brows raised. She rushed forward nearly jumping over the counter and threw her arms around the young woman. “It’s been years!!!!” She squealed. “Oh how is it on the outside you dirty Mech?” She chuckled. Agatha smiled and bit her lip slightly. “I wanted to talk to you about something, Jules.” She glanced to Henry whom was standing near the car that Jules was working on. Jules glanced to him a moment. “Don’t worry about him.” She grinned and leaned her head into the shop. “Hey! I’m going to grab a bite.” She smiled, “Want me to bring you back something?” Henry looked to her, “You’d better.” He grumbled as he climbed beneath the car. Jules looked to Agatha and winked. “See?” She chuckled. “Let’s grab something hm? Catch up?” Agatha shifted slightly, “Sure, but I need to talk to you...somewhere...” She glanced around slightly. Jules brought her brows together. “Come on.” She spoke and grabbed her arm gently. She led her out into the streets of the busy city. Airships floated overhead. She made her way through the crowds of the business district and she climbed up the old metal stairs where she unlocked the door of her small apartment. She shut the door and locked it. “What’s bothering you? Are you in trouble Agatha?” Agatha looked to her a moment and took in a deep breath. “Could be.” She spoke as she held the leather bag forward. “Look, Jules, you don’t deserve what’s happening to you here. I’ve been to Aeradenn, the mages there...they are free...it isn’t a myth...there are only a few but the Mechs...the ones that are in this city, they aren’t there, and it’s safe...you won’t have to endure them draining you anymore...” Jules watched her friend carefully for a moment as she looked to the small bag that was pressed against her chest. Her fingertips curled around it. The thought of being free...she closed her eyes a moment. “Agatha, you know I can’t leave the city, I’m a mage...only Mechs can leave...” “That’s the beauty of it, Jules...I got you a ticket...” She glanced to the door. “Look, I can’t be seen with you, they’ll know...and...” She looked to her friend a long moment. “You probably won’t see me again...I had to pull quite a few strings to get you this, just do it, okay? Don’t look back.” Jules bit her lip slightly. “If I get caught...” “Trust me...look I gotta go...” She moved and looked out the window. “Shit...” She muttered. “Don’t look back, Jules.” She spoke before she slipped from the apartment. Jules stepped out onto the stairs to see her friend taking off in a sprint. “There! That’s the traitor!” Jules turned her eyes to see three officers in black race after Agatha. She drew her brows together as she watched them run after her friend, a girl she’d known since she was a child. Moments later, gunfire rang out. Jules felt her heart leap into her throat. She rushed inside and moved a painting from the wall where she had a hidden safe. She turned the dial quickly before she tossed the small leather bag into the safe. She then rushed from her apartment and down the stairs. Her mind raced as she bound around the corner. The officers stood over Agatha’s body...one pushed her onto her back with the toe of his boot. Jules took a few steps back her eyes widened. Did they just kill Agatha because of whatever was in that bag? She fought to breathe. It was then that her eyes moved to the big clock that overlooked the city from the tower. “Shit!” She cursed. She rushed through the streets, she shoved one man out of the way. “Sorry!!!” She cried as she sprinted along. She skidded to a stop before the tower and reached her right arm out. The red laser of the scanner scanned over the bracelet that held a gentle blue glow. The door chimed and Jules walked in, her chest heaved as she stepped inside of the tower. She was greeted by two guards that looked to her with guns in their hands. “Almost late huh?” One asked with a chuckle behind his tone. “Too bad.” Jules looked to him, her brows drawn together. “I was busy at work...I lost track of time.” She walked toward the stairs. The guard chuckled. “Like I said, too bad.” Jules ignored him and stepped into a room where she sat down in a padded chair. She shut her eyes as restraints locked around her wrists to hold her in place. Having the magic taken wasn’t a comfortable process. Though, over the years she’d grown used to it...at least as much as she could. A machine moved forward and clipped over the bracelet. Jules leaned her head back as the machine began to whirr. She grit her teeth as pain began to rush through her body. Her eyes opened and a beautiful blue glow had taken on her eyes. She groaned as the machine drew her power from her. It felt as though she was being compressed and ripped to shreds all at the same time. The process lasted an hour...longer than usual...though it drained what she had...her emotions could have driven up her magic... Jules stood shakily once the machine released her. She stumbled forward and swallowed. She’d never felt quite this weak after a session. She held her wrist which ached. “Damnit...” She muttered to herself as the door to the room slid open. She blinked a few times and found her way toward the door. “See you tomorrow, mage.” The guard chuckled. “Don’t be late.” Jules paid him no attention as she stepped out onto the streets. The rest of her day was a blur. She returned to the shop to work on cars, though her mind kept racing back to Agatha...her friend...dead... For what? Jules couldn’t understand it. She pulled the leather bag from her safe and stared at it for several minutes, her thumb ran over the stitching of the bag. “Why would you throw your life away? Like that?” She shook her head. She slowly opened the bag and pulled the contents out. Jules held a ticket in her hand. She flipped it over reading the ink upon the thick paper. One way ticket to Aeradenn upon the magnificent Leverpoint Sky Ship, Mech’s only, no Mages aboard. Passport required for all travels to Aeradenn.Jules took in a breath and shook her head as she looked to the glowing bracelet upon her wrist. “How do I hide that, hm? Ag? Tell me that...” She whispered to herself as she pulled the next item from the bag. It was a passport. She drew her brows together slightly as she opened the small booklet. It held a picture of her though the name was Lilly, her age was different, her job different...and it stated she was a Mech... She shifted back on her couch, “Gods...how did she get this?” She muttered. “Why is it so important to her that I go to Aeradenn?” Jules pulled the next thing out then it was a small device with a piece of paper attached to it. Place this over your wrist, it was Agnes’ handwriting. She drew her brows together and placed the item over her wrist. The device whirred slightly and then it opened up and clipped over her wrist. It glowed yellow and extended into a leather glove. She stared at the device for a long moment, it completely hid her bracelet... Jules pulled the next item out, a letter. Jules,
I know you think I’m an idiot, especially if you’re digging through the bag...I am more than likely gone now...there are bigger things at play here than you could imagine. You must trust me. Just take the ticket and go, never look back.
AgsJules took in a shaken breath. She looked to the ticket again and then to the clock that clicked with each second. She had an hour before the ship departed. “Okay...” She breathed. She packed a few things into a bag and pulled it over her back. She looked to the device upon her wrist, it looked much like some of the expensive mechanical devices that the mechs wore. She’d fit right in.Jules bit her lip slightly and nodded. “Alright....” She walked from her apartment. “No looking back.” She spoke softly to herself as she walked down the streets. She kept her eyes away from the strangers that passed beside her as she made her way to the travel district from the slums. Jules looked around, the docks were dead this time of day. The hustle of the city had died down hours ago. This was it. Jules walked to the gate that led to the airships. “Ticket.” A man spoke as he held out his hand. Jules dug the ticket from her pocket and held it forward. The man looked up to her from where he sat, his eyes looking over the rims of his glasses. “Passport.” His voice was gruff. Jules dug in her pocket again and pulled it out. “Here you go.” She tried to hide her uncomfortable gaze by looking away. The old man opened up the passport and looked it over. He held it to the light, “Hm....” He hummed. He then punched a hole in her ticket. “There you are Lilly. Safe travels to Aeradenn.” He offered a smile. Jules took the ticket and the passport back from him. “Thank you.” She spoke, her pulse was pounding within her ears. She took a few steps forward onto the docks. Her mind began to race. She glanced around, half expecting an officer to come after her. She half expected a gun to be pointed in her face.... Jules walked over to the airship then, she looked up to it and took in a breath. “No looking back.” She nodded to herself. She climbed the stairs and made her way onto the deck. Jules stepped inside and took a seat at the bar. “Strong one please.” She slid a few coins across the bar. The bartender looked to her a smile on his lips. He had a top hat on and was dressed rather well. “Welcome. First time flying is it?” He asked. Jules looked to him, a bit of a frightened stare. “I can tell your nervous. Don’t worry.” He chuckled as he mixed a few things together. “This’ll fix ya right up.” He pushed the milky liquid across the bar. “It’s called a painkiller. Helps with nervousness too.” He winked. “Relax, enjoy the festivities. It’s a good ride to Aeradenn.” He moved to the next guest. Jules took the drink and took a swig, her nose wrinkled slightly and she forced herself to drink down the glass. It didn’t take long before she’d relaxed a bit. Jules walked out onto the decks and leaned against the railing. By this time they’d taken flight. She smiled as she looked down over the city. The lights. Her eyes fell on the tower. Her pulse quickened. What would happen when she missed her appointment? The bracelet was meant to lock her down...at least that was what they threatened...she shook the thought from her head. What could they do if she was in Aeradenn by morning?  |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2018 15:37:19 GMT -5
Melani Foxtran Daughter to Owner of Foxtran Corporations, Mechanical Advance, Vance Foxtran. “Why must you go against the flow of things, Mel?” A man stood before her. He wore a pressed suit, his white hair slicked back and trimmed perfectly. He had a well cut beard, which was even gelled slightly - he was the perfect image of his Corporation. A corporation that basically fuels the power to the Mech’s world. The one of which created nearly all mechanical devices, robots, weaponry, and the like - and distributed them. No smaller company could ever compete, their world was a Foxtran organization. A woman stood before him, she wore a pair of tight grey pants, sort of mechnical boots that came to her knees. Strapped to her thigh was an assortment of tools, and a pouch full of tinkering items. A sash was tied about her waist, hanging low in a decorative manner. She wore a simple corset, it hardly even appeared to be one - with several belts hanging about it. Over which she wore a short jacket with short sleeves. All down her arms was a sleeve of tattoos - all gears that intertwined, almost as if her arm was robotic, but it was not. Over her fluffy short red hair was a pair of goggles, which small gears about them turned slowly. If she were to put them on - it would alter her vision in amazing ways... “Father, you know very well that I do not approve of the direction of the people...” She crossed her arms, her brows pulling tight. Vance sighed deeply, pulling a lit cigar from his lips and puffing. “The greatest mind this world has ever seen...” He scoffed “wasted away. You dress like scum, you act like scum...” He shook his head. “I sent you to the most prestigious of universities, and you dropped out... I gave you one final chance... I can’t say you were not successful - you were. You brought forth the most advanced piece of technology, and I have to thank you for that...” He lifted up a bracelet. On the edge of the bracelet said ‘Foxtran’, engraved in the color of it. The MT310, a device to trap the magic of a mage, and allow availability to syphon the magic. It was created by Melani herself, against her will. Her father used the only thing he had control over her about - her sister... Caroline Foxtran, her younger sister. She was born a mage, and was kept secret and trapped by her father. He asked Melani to create a device to help control Caroline’s powers, it was then that he told her he would allow her to leave and finally be free... but in the end - her father mass produced it and used it as a weapon...Nothing could have angered her more than this... “You think you are doing right by all this?” Melani questioned, her eyes looked to all the different weapons developed, some that Melani helped in, some that she did not. “Oh no, my dear. Nothing about it is right - but I simply do not care. This is business. And if I’m not producing it - someone else will, you understand? Knowledge lingers every where, I just have to be the right one to harness it first” he snuffed out his cigar. “So what will you do then, run from the family? Do you honestly think I care what you do?” He set the bracelet down. “You are of no use to me now, you have served your purpose...” He then lifted a card from his pocket. “Every good employee should receive a bonus hm? I’ll even give you this - just to get out of my sight” he set it down. A credit card, more than likely loaded with enough money for her to run away to the farthest place and survive for decades without lifting a pinky... Melani grit her teeth and plucked the card up. “So be it.” He tucked it away and stormed from the room. Vance chuckled and lifted a glass up to his lips and sipped on it. He cared not that his last daughter just left, he only cared to stare at the number on the screen before him. 61 Million. He had 61 million dollars, making him 1 million richer than the richest man alive... Melani grasped a bag and slung it over her shoulder, and then her blaster gun - which she stuffed into the bag. Her pass port and ID.. and she rushed from the giant mansion of a building... She ran across city, avoiding everyone she could - but everyone knew who she was, many hated her, many loved her, it just depended on who you were... She purchased a ticket at a booth - she lifted the card up. It was a pre-paid card, one that he couldn’t track. Well, he could if he really wanted.. but the truth was he really didn’t care. As long as he gained another dollar... She swiped the card and then moved along.. Her fingers held up the ticket. Aeradenn... Her mother lived here. Though she always feared to visit - of what her father would do to her... but now he was so swarmed by his money his vision was completely blurred to her actions. She would need her mothers help - if she wanted to rescue Caroline... “My lady Foxtran” The guard before the boat bowed. “VIP is in the -” “I don’t want it” Melani pushed past him, staggering him slightly, she stepped onto the ship, her fingers tucked under the bag on her back... she made her way to the cabins and tossed her bag into it, room 32, middle floor - no window. She sat down for a long moment in the desk chair... her fingers lifted a small metal item up. With a tiny screw driver in hand she twisted a small bolt and peered into the collection of gears. They were stuck... She fidgeted with them, until finally the gears turned again and the device started working. She screwed the plate back on and the small square float into the air. It had tiny thin wings that spun and lifted it up to fly. “Hello there” she whispered. A voice came back to her. “Mel...” It was a dry voice, the voice had been tortured. “Caroline...” Melani lowered her head. “Did you do it?” Caroline questioned. “I am headed to Aeradenn now... I am hoping mother will come around to me...” “She will.. you are her daughter...” Caroline spoke in a broken and tired voice. “I am going to save you, I promise..” Melani sniffed back a tear. “I will hold onto that hope...” There was a loud noise - a door opened. “Have to go” she spoke, and then the floating golden cube buzzed downward and landed on the table. A communication device... between her and her sister... Melani lifted the cube and slipped it away. She stood then and held a hand to her head - brushing a few tears away. She stepped out of the cabin and made her way to the bar - to which she ordered a drink and sipped on it quietly. She turned after she paid and stepped out to the deck. She did always love flying. The clouds below, the blue skies before them, the sun that fell below the horizon, the fresh air... Melani’s eyes drifted from person to person - she always feared someone would recognize her... it fell upon a woman who stood out from the others. A beautiful golden glove rest over her right hand... It looked familiar. Melani slowly stepped forward - she recognized it. It had golden swirls etched into the metal, it was her work. But she had only made one of those gauntlets - for a dear friend of hers. Who... was this person wearing it? “Excuse me-” Melani lowered her drink, she stood next to this woman. “That is a very unique gauntlet you have there. The Guard X-T50” she smirked then. “A very special device, used for protection...” She searched this woman eyes briefly. “I only made one of them, you know. It was a prototype that I never released to the public.. for a dear friend of mine - Agatha...” She leaned against the railing now. “I would love to hear the story of how such a device fell into your hands...” She knew she was being risky, this woman could be anyone. But she had to know - why, and where is Agatha? She hadn’t seen her in quite some time... actually since she made the gauntlet for her... “Did she give that to you? You must be mighty special if so...” She tried to play it off. Did this woman actually steal it from Agatha? There was no way Ag gave it away, never. She cherished the gauntlet....  |
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2018 19:19:11 GMT -5
Jules gripped onto the railing as she thought of Agatha laying in the street...the blood pooling from her lifeless body. A traitor? They knew she was planning something. The officer’s took her down without a second question. Were there other Mechs like Agatha that had a spot in their heart for the Mages? Mechs that weren’t so hellbent on having the next best gadget with the most power from the Mages...
“Don’t look back...” She repeated the last words that Agatha had spoken to her. Tears welled in her eyes. She couldn’t look back now. Was she free? Could it really be that easy? It wasn’t...easy though, it took a life to give her the chance at freedom. A chance. It was just that. Her thoughts spun out of control as she stood there, her brows tucked uncomfortably together. She brushed a tear away as she fought back the urge to cry, she wanted to scream. She wanted to cry out how much of an idiot Agatha was for throwing her life away like that. But there was something more, Agatha mentioned it in the letter...there was more to this than most knew. What did she speak of?
Jules took in a breath when she heard the voice of a woman. She froze slightly when the woman mentioned the gauntlet. Her eyes moved to her and locked on her then. She looked to the gauntlet, the gentle yellow glow upon the back of her hand. “Agatha...” She breathed, her eyes still glassy. Jules looked this woman over a moment. “Someone special, yes.” She gave a soft smile. “Agatha is my...” She thought quickly, the nervousness bubbled up on her face. “Second cousin.” She played it off with a smile then, though she didn’t hold the smile long.
“Look...um...” She eyed the woman before her. It was then that she connected dots. Her brows raised. She took in a deep breath then. Her lips pursed slightly, though she hid the anger that boiled up within her chest. She knew who Melani was. She hid the gauntlet slightly behind her back. “I’m exhausted. Flying. You know?” She let out an uncomfortable chuckle. Her eyes moved then to a guard that stood a few feet away. His eyes were watching her. Her cover was going to be blown. She was a horrible liar. She’d never been good at it. How did Agatha think she could pull something like this off? She pulled her ticket from her pocket and turned it over for her room.
Room 31. Corner suite.
Jules glanced to the woman then. “Have a nice flight...” She spoke as she hurried off, she held the gauntlet close to her body. She didn’t want anyone else noticing it. Did Melani know that she was a mage? Was that the original intention of this device? Or had Agatha made a few tweaks to it? Agatha had been a bit of a tinkerer. Jules glanced over her shoulder then just as she rounded a corner. She ran into a man and they toppled to the ground. She landed on his chest, her eyes wide. “Oh um...I...” She scurried to her feet. “Sorry...” She breathed. Her body was full of jitters.
The man chuckled as he stood. He scooped up his top hat from the deck and placed it over his messy brown hair. He wore goggles over his eyes. He had on a thick leather jacket with layers beneath it and a belt across his chest holding the layers together. His left arm had mechanical bits over it and a white glow came from a piece on his shoulder. “Sorry won’t do.” He grinned to her as he lifted his goggles. “Not from a pretty girl like you.” He chuckled and wrapped his arm around her. “I’ll take a dance or two, if you don’t mind.”
“Actually I...”
“Good. Shall we?” He walked her back toward the main deck.
Jules pulled back. “I...” She stumbled.
The man caught her and chuckled. “Easy now.” He smirked.
“I really was headed to my cabin.” Jules spoke as he stood with his hand clasped over hers, his hand on her hip. He’d pulled her close to him as they stood on the dance floor.
“Just a dance then?” He smiled.
Jules lowered her eyes from him. She pulled back slightly. “I really don’t dance, sir.” She whispered.
“Then allow me to show you.” He chuckled. The smell of liquor was strong on his breath. “Just a dance, that’s all.”
“Hugo!” A man called from up the deck.
The man tensed slightly and sighed. “Another time then.” He spoke as he released her and walked off.
Jules stood still for a long moment. Others danced about around her. Her eyes moved and caught Melani once again. She grit her teeth as anger bubbled in her chest. She was the reason that Jules was stuck in Voxstein. She was the reason that she had to spend an hour a day in the tower getting the life drained out of her. Not to mention those who were late...the horrors that happened to them. Some never returned from the prison. She balled her fists slightly. How could this woman say she was friends with Agatha? There was no way she was friends with her. She took in a deep breath as she pushed through the crowd. She wound through the decks. “31...” She muttered to herself as she came to the door. She turned the knob and groaned slightly. Locked. “Where’s the key, Ag...?” She questioned as she dug through the leather bag. As she dug through it the small note fell from the bag to the floor. “Come on...” She muttered to herself.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2018 19:46:37 GMT -5
Melani pulled her brows together...Second cousin? No, she knew Agatha well, she never mentioned any kind of family... Melani grit her teeth slightly and watched as the woman slipped away...Not that easily, no - she had to get more information. Agatha had not wrote her, nor visited since she left... and she wouldn’t mention why. She hated that about her - so hard headed, but... there was something about her, that confidence, that will that she loved very much.
Melani followed behind this woman a ways, she was eyeing from afar when Hugo bumped into her. Typical Hugo. He worked for her father, a sort of mage-hunter. It paid extremely well, which allowed for his terrible alcohol addiction. There had been many long nights where they both drank and complained of the world, the system, the hatred and the terrible things they both enabled. It ate both of them up. Yet they were cowards - for not doing anything about it...
She stepped away and looked to the balcony above - she waved to one of the men, one of Hugo’s friends - John. “Hugo is assaulting a poor woman..” She placed her hands upon her hips. It was then that John leaned over and shouted to Hugo, who retreated.
Hugo looked to Melani as he passed her “Ruining my fun are you?” he chuckled “Typical Melani...” He made his way to his friend - who held a drink up to him. Hugo snatched the drink and chugged it, laughing as John spoke to him.
Melani turned her gaze back to the woman, who was hurrying away. She tucked a bit of her red hair behind her ear and she walked down the hallway. She dug for her ticket and lifted it up...32. Her eyes looked to the woman - 31.
A piece of paper fluttered from her bag... she leaned down, as quiet as can be, and lifted it. She turned it in her fingers - a note from Agatha. How could Agatha write to her? She read over the letter - yes... this was her hand writing...
A deep dark pit fell into her stomach. I am more than likely gone now She grit her teeth then. She knew she was going to be...what...
She crinkled up the note in a sudden urge of rage. She pulled her gun then and stepped forward, placing the barrel of it against the woman’s back. Melani swiftly reached forward and yanked her ticket from her hand and pressed it against a small black box on the door. A magnetic bit in the ticket opened the door.
Melani pushed the woman in and shut the door - the gun pointed right at her now. “Who the fuck are you?!” She shouted loudly now. “Agatha doesn’t have any cousins. That bag is hers, that gauntlet - hers. You dropped her letter. More than likely gone? Where the fuck is Agatha?” She was crying heavily now - tears streaming down her face, taking a bit of mascara with it.
“If you don’t fucking tell me, I’ll end you right here - right now. How do you know her? How did you get her stuff? Are you Jules in this letter? Why?” her arm was shaking now, her finger quaking - hovering over the trigger. “Is she dead?” She spoke through a choking sob.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2018 20:19:00 GMT -5
The cold steel of the barrel pressed against Jules’ back. She became as still as can be. She felt her ticket ripped from her fingertips. Jules watched as the door was unlocked with the magnetic strip she was then pushed forward. She stumbled slightly and turned to stare down the barrel. This whole situation was spiraling out of control faster than she could take a breath in. The cries of Melani as she demanded to know who Jules was. She stared to this woman, her jaw loosened slightly. “It makes sense...” She whispered. “You’re Mel...how did I not put that together?”
Jules shook her head, “I’m not Agatha’s cousin, you knew that already.” She took in a breath. “Agatha has been my friend since I was a child...since before I can fully remember...” She whispered. She watched Melani’s finger over the trigger, a pit grew in her stomach. Don’t look back, Jules. The words rang in her mind. “I...” Her eyes became glassy as she fought back tears. “I don’t know why she did this...” She pulled the bag forward. “Why she wanted so badly for me to get out of Voxstein...” She shook her head. “She came back from Aeradenn out of nowhere...she shoved her bag in my hands...the next thing I know officers are racing down the street after her calling her a traitor...”
Jules bit her lip, “She...” She stared down the barrel of the gun. “She’s dead...the officers...they...shot her...” She closed her eyes slightly, half expecting to embrace death. “I...I don’t know what she was talking about, bigger things...she didn’t tell me anything...she just told me to go and never look back...” Tears streamed down her own face now. “She...she talked about you the last time I saw her...” Her chest quaked. “The tune in her voice when she spoke your name...” She stared to the gun again. She’d never been held at gunpoint. “If you’re anything like Agatha spoke of you...then...you’re not the person that your father portrays you to be...are you?”
Jules reached to the gauntlet then, she pressed the yellow glowing button upon the top of it. The piece whirred slightly before the metal pieces retracted, revealing the bracelet upon her wrist. “I don’t know why Agatha wanted me to leave Voxstein, and I don’t know what is in Aeradenn...All I know is...Aeradenn is like a dream to us Mages...a place that is a fairytale...a place that doesn’t truly exist...but, Agatha said it was true...the few mages there...they are free...” She spoke her voice trembled as she tried to remain calm. “Agatha was the only Mech that was ever nice to me as a child. When the others shoved me in the mud and stole my food...when all the mages in our class were spit on and treated like another piece of trash, Agatha stopped them...”
Jules looked away. “If you’re going to pull the trigger, just...do it...I don’t know how much of this I can handle, I’m a nervous wreck as it is.” She stared into Melani’s eyes then. “I’m sure your father has bounty hunters on this ship anyway. Why don’t you call one of them to punish me for running, huh?” She drew her brows together. “I don’t even know where I’m going once this ship lands...” She muttered as she pulled the gauntlet back on. It clicked and whirred as it covered up the bracelet. “I don’t even know what I’m doing here...”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2018 21:06:47 GMT -5
Melani gripped the gun “Liar” she muttered, her tears flowing even harder. She tossed the gun down and rushed forward - her hands gripping Jule’s collar. “You a liar!” She shouted over a thick stream of tears. “She never spoke of you!” She shook her head.
It was then her eyes fell down to the bracelet. Everything the woman said finally sunk in - initially she wasn’t quite listening. She stepped back and took the gauntlet from her. Her fingers rolled over the beautiful design - thin pieces of golden metal were perfectly placed, it was her most prized creation...
She stumbled back and sat on the edge of the bed, gauntlet in hand - her fingers stroked over it slightly. “Last time Agatha and I spoke... we fought...” She whispered. “She had joined a ground of Mechs, the Vindicators, you have heard of them surely. A group dedicated to trying to rescue and help the mages. She tried to get me to join her, but I couldn’t...” She shook her head. “She called me a coward, and said if I wanted to see her again, I would know where to look... “ she stood back up.
Melani held the gauntlet to her “You should wear it... she was smart to give you that, it will cover it. Additionally... theres a lot of magnets and such, so any sensor to locate a bracelet will be distorted by the gauntlet...” She turned then and crossed her arms.
“She never spoke about you because she wanted to protect your true identity, that is much like her...” She whispered and then sighed softly. “Initially when we met - Agatha sought me out to pry a key from me, to unlock the bracelets. But the truth is - there is no key.” She took in a deep breath. “I never received the opportunity to make one.. but you are right, I am not the Melani Foxtran that my father makes me to be.”
“My mother and sister are both mages, my father has my sister in a prison, she was the first to experience the bracelets... My father lied to me, and used me, he said that I would be creating a device that would help her control her powers - because she can be rather destructive, but in stead he pioneered his entire corporation on it...” She pulled her brows together.
“I am no longer of Foxtran Corporations, my father will play it out to be that I retired, living rich and happy in some mansion in the north. But I left today, to find my mother, to rescue my sister - I was going to do with Agatha’s help...” She lifted up her ticket and sighed deeply.
“I will help you - for Agatha’s sake. She risked her life to save you, and in her honor I should see that through... I need to understand what she was doing. It does not surprise me, it sounds like she was caught. By why you? I need to understand this...” She leaned down and lifted her gun and holstered it back on her thigh.
She then turned from the room. She had held herself well just then, but in reality when the door shut to her cabin - she sunk down onto the floor. Her legs curled up to her chest and she sobbed, for hours. Eventually she fell asleep on the floor..
When the morning came there was a slam on her door. “RISE AND SHINE BEAUTIFUL”
Hugo...
Melani stood and held a hand to her head. She opened the door and Hugo grinned to her, his big goofy grin. “Why so sad little princess?” He barged in, holding a paper bag in his hand.
She sheepishly could admit that Hugo was a good friend of hers. She adored him greatly, and always found him to be hilarious. He never judged her, and they had much in common - when ever their paths crossed he always made time to see her.
“Hugo...” Melani whispered. “Agatha is dead...”
Hugo paused and looked to her. “So... she finally got caught huh?” He pulled two wrapped sandwiches out and handed it to her. “I’m sorry to hear that doll...” He unwrapped his and took a bite. “What are you going to do now?” He questioned. “Actually, what are you doing here in general?”
“My father has gone off the wire. He promised to release Caroline, but he has not... I left him, and he happily watched me leave... I was headed here to find my mother, to find Agatha, and rescue Caroline...” She sighed deeply.
“Mm.. sounds like quite the adventure...” He pulled a flask from his pocket and took a huge swig. “You think you’re going to go up against the world, with a wrench a few cute gadgets?” He questioned.
“I’ll have you know that I have created some of the most powerful weapons we have come to know” she shook her head, some how even now - he got her to smile.
“My father gave me a card, I don’t even know how much is on it. He basically gave it to me and said go away...” She sucked in a breath. “Perhaps I could pay you more, to work for me?”
“Hmm...” He finished his sandwich. “You going to eat that?” He questioned. He leaned forward then and took the sandwich and unwrapped it - biting a chunk of it. “Sure.” He shrugged.
“Agatha’s last words were with another woman, the woman you tried to dance with last night - her name is Jules. Agatha rescued her - gave her a ticket to this ship... She is the key to figuring out what happened to her, I must understand it. Maybe pick up where she left off.. I have nothing else to live for now...” She stood up, brushing another tear. It seemed her life was just riddled with these sort of sadnesses.
Agatha was the only light in her horror, and now she was without it. She had to do what she did best - pick herself up and carry onward. Though, she knew every night she would succumb to the demons of her sadness...
“Ah, she was cute. So, are we forming up a little party?” He questioned as he finished her sandwich, he tossed the wrapped onto the bed. “Alright then... We should be docking soon, I’ll meet up with you” he spoke and then left the room.
She wasn’t surprised how easy it was to sway Hugo, in the end he didn’t care who he worked for. Along as he was paid, had booze, and could swoon the ladies. A simple man, truly...
There was a chime in the air - a voice over the intercom, speaking that they were docked and that all guests should gather their things and prepare to exit. She stood out in the hallway, waiting on Jules to exit, thinking deeply to herself...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 11, 2018 22:23:52 GMT -5
Jules winced as she was grabbed by her collar. She let Melani yell at her. She could only imagine the pain that she was in. She let Melani speak. She listened, her trembling slowed as she looked to the gun that lay in the center of the room on the floor. She backed up and sat down at the desk. “Agatha spoke to me when she decided to join the Vindicators...” She lowered her eyes. “She told me of your fight too...she was rather upset, but she told me that she understood why you couldn’t follow her reckless path. It was dangerous and she didn’t want to see you hurt...” She sighed softly, “Though I’m sure Agatha didn’t fully think through the fact that losing her would be more painful...” She rubbed the bracelet as she looked it over. Her fingertips brushed over the Foxtran name that was engraved into it.
Jules reached out when the gauntlet was handed back to her, she placed it back over her bracelet and it clicked and whirred into place. She turned her hand about. “Agatha wanted to find a key the moment that these were unleashed upon us...” She muttered softly. Jules raised her brows slightly when Melani mentioned her mother and sister were both mages. Her brows quickly tucked together when she realized that Vance had used his own daughter...and that he kept another daughter secret. She lowered her eyes. “I can only imagine what they’ve done to your sister in that prison...” She muttered softly.
Jules watched Melani, she gave a slow nod. “Thank you.” She spoke as she watched the woman leave. When the door shut she let out a long sigh. She stood and stepped to her bed to which she sank into it. She stared at the ceiling. She could hear the sobs of Melani next door. “Ags...why didn’t you say goodbye to her?” She muttered softly. She didn’t understand either. Why her? Why didn’t she go to her love before her inevitable death. Agatha knew she’d been caught, that was why she was so rushed when she’d met with Jules as her shop. She’d never reached out to her like that, not where other Mechs could see.
Jules soon enough slipped off into a deep sleep.
“Where are your parents?” A young voice asked. Young Agatha. Her hair was done up in pigtails, she wore her school uniform. She knelt down next to a girl that was pushed to the ground, part of her jacket was ripped. Her nose was bloodied.
“I...don’t have parents...” Her blue eyes looked to Agatha. Jules was an orphan, she’d never had her parents to raise her. Other mages at least had their parents...
“Here.” Agatha held her hand out. “Come on.” She gave a gentle smile as she helped Jules up. “Have you eaten anything?” She asked.
Jules lowered her eyes as she brushed the blood from her upper lip. She didn’t speak though. She glanced to the boys nearby whom chuckled, proud of what they did to her.
Agatha turned on her heel and marched up to one of the boys. “She doesn’t deserve to be treated like that.” She kneed him in the groin and shoved him to his back. “How do you like it huh?!” She snapped. Jules always admired that Agatha would stand up for what she believed in. Though, Jules didn’t really ever have a choice...if she tried to push back she’d end up in prison with the other forgotten mages. She wondered if her parents were there. If that is what happened to them. “Come on.” Agatha took Jules’ hand and led her away, “My mom can make you dinner.” She smiled. “Oh.” She turned. She looked at Jules a moment. She brushed off her jacket and then she grabbed a scarf from her backpack. She carefully tied it around Jules neck. Around her neck was a mechanical device, it was what was used before the bracelets. A control device, at the press of the button it would bring the mages to their knees. “Just wear this okay?” She smiled. “Come on.”
That was the beginning of their friendship. Agatha kept it a secret from her parents that Jules was a Mage. Jules was thankful for all of the help, she lived in an orphanage with other mages...they were the guinea pigs for the new experiments. When the bracelets were first released...Jules was one of the first to be fitted. One of the first to be drawn. It was uncomfortable but...it wasn’t as horrible as the old way. The original way that they drew magic from the mages killed many mages. It was brutal and violent...
Jules shot up from her sleep as the intercom chimed. Her pulse pounded within her ears, she could hear the sound of footsteps coming down the hallway. “Aeradenn...” She muttered.
She walked to the mirror and brushed through her hair, the silvery strands fell around her face just right. She adjusted her goggles upon her head and then she slipped from her room. She glanced down the hall, her eyes met Melani. “Hey...” She spoke, her voice was soft. She glanced to the others that moved down the hallway. She stood there idly for a moment, “I’m...um...sorry...about...” Her eyes fell away and then she started down the hallway. She followed the crowd as they headed off of the ship.
Hugo caught up with the two. He wrapped his arm over Melani’s shoulders. “You know.” He spoke. “I received a message from your father this morning.” He leaned down, speaking into her ear. “He requested that I locate a mage that may have escaped Voxstein.” He paused and looked to Jules as she continued to walk forward with the crowd, her eyes moved about. “Jules Brisco.” He leaned back up, “Seems there is more to the story, hm?” He looked to Melani playfully.
Jules stopped at the gate as they exited the ship. She watched as riders handed over their passports. Jules dug in her pocket, her pulse began to race again. She held her passport forward to the young woman.
“Lilly Bridgewater.” She spoke as she looked over the credentials. Her eyes glanced to Jules a few times, “One moment.” She spoke as she stood, taking the passport with her. She moved to a man that stood a head above her.
Jules shifted uncomfortably as she watched the man look over her passport and shake his head. He walked over and looked her over. “Lilly, you’re going to have to come with us.” He spoke his voice serious.
“Rodrigo, come on man.” Hugo stepped forward, his arm snaked around Jules’ waist. “Baby, it’s okay, don’t worry about this. I’ll take care of it.” He kissed the top of her head. “What seems to be the problem huh?” He asked. “Why are you giving my girlfriend so much trouble? It’s a passport, you look at it and you let her through, it’s simple.”
The man looked to Hugo, “Oh...” He held the passport forward. “I didn’t realize she was with you, Hugo.” He spoke. “My apologies miss.” He bowed slightly.
Hugo pulled Jules along, a smug smile on his lips. “That’ll cost you extra, Melani.” He spoke as he pulled Jules along.
“Cost?” Jules choked out. “What is going on here?” She spun from his grip. She stared to Melani. She then looked around the beautiful city they were now in. She shook her head. “Who are you?” She looked to Hugo.
He grinned playfully. “Hugo, hun.” He tapped her cheek. “I just saved your life. Hm?” He chuckled.
Jules pulled back from him. She drew her brows together. “That you know of.” She spoke, she then glanced to Melani. She didn’t trust Hugo, though she didn’t realize that Melani knew him...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 12, 2018 19:18:15 GMT -5
Melani’s eyes averted to Hugo as he wrapped an arm about Jules, she instantly figured what he was playing. She smiled playfully, eyes glancing to Rodrigo. Either one of them could have weaseled their way out, but thankfully Hugo was swift acting...
As they emerge the other side she shook her head. “You can’t charge me extra, I could have handled that just fine” she smirked and then shook her head.
Hugo scoffed “Yeah right” he then paused as Jules reacted.
Melani lifted a brow and sighed softly. “Hugo works for my father, but now he works for me. I’ve known him for a long time... a drunk, and a bit of a pervert, but he is a good guy - who can fight very well. If I am to do what I wish to do - I need his help...”
“It seems missy here needs it too” He laughed and then looked lead them forward, pushing through he crowd.
“We are headed to see my mother...” She spoke to Hugo.
Hugo turned his gaze and glanced to her. “Hm...” He nodded slowly “We she will be happy to see that you’ve finally decided to join her side...”
“I hope so...” She recalled the last time she saw her mother - they had fought terribly. That was nearly 5 years ago. Agatha had pushed her to visit her mother, to rekindle, but her mother did not want anything of it. As long as she was stuck working for her father - her mother would resent her.
“Agatha had visited her a few times, I think my mother loved her more than she loved me...” She turned her head to Jules. “If Agatha’s last request was to get you to freedom, then my mother will likely honor it as well.”
Suddenly there was shouting and screaming - a woman came barreling towards Melani. “It’s that Foxtran whore!!!” She woman reached forward - a bracelet about her wrist. She gripped Melani’s throat and pushed her back against a concrete wall.
Melani looked into this woman eyes...it was then she could almost feel all the pain and suffering this woman had endured. She watched as the woman brought her fist up and her knuckles came speeding toward her face.
Hugo gripped her arm and pushed the woman back with ease. “Excuse me ma’am, but this here is Connie Wright” he spoke with a bit of southern accent. “She gets confused for that Foxtran gal all the time, you see?” He smiled and waved her off. “Off you go, before you get caught making up a mess”
The woman stumbled back and then hurried away. Hugo turned and brought his brows together “You were just going to take the beating?” He questioned and shook his head. “You have to defend yourself woman!” He sighed deeply. “And a hair cut or something, you are too recognizable....” He sighed deeply and lead them forward, they had not even made it out of the building where the ship had docked - and people were swinging fists at Melani.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 12, 2018 20:10:35 GMT -5
Jules watched the two banter back and forth. She crossed her arms slightly, “If you trust him...” She muttered. She was running off of her trust for Agatha and what she’d told her about Melani when they’d spoken on the occasions that she was in town. She could see the light that was buried so deeply within Melani, the light that had been snuffed out by her father over the years. Jules glanced to Hugo when he mentioned she needed his help as well. “I wasn’t planning on this adventure you know?” She spoke up. “I don’t know what Agatha was thinking, I’m not the adventurer that she was...” She shook her head. “I’m a mechanic...I work on vehicles and other trinkets for the Mechs in Voxstein...” She sighed then and fell quiet as they began to push through the crowd.
Jules watched Melani as she spoke of her mother. She could almost feel the pain off of her. She’d always had a good sense in that sort of thing. She took in a deep breath, “Hopefully she knows something...” She muttered. It was just moments later that the woman came bursting through the crowd. Her eyes widened as the woman went to swing at Melani. She flinched slightly and shut her eyes. She expected to hear the skin on skin contact, the smack of the woman’s fist against Melani’s face...but instead she heard Hugo speaking in a southern accent.
Jules opened her eyes to see him send the woman off. “With how her father portrays her to the world I’m not surprised that there is so much hate toward her...” She sighed softly. “I too felt that same anger yesterday when I saw her, when she spoke to me...until I realized just who she was.”
Hugo raised a brow and looked to her, he chuckled. “Ah yes, she isn’t the tycoon that her father wants her to be, but he certainly won’t let anyone know that. She’s really a black sheep of the family, she’s gone against his business plan so many times.” He glanced around as they pushed forward.
“Lilly!” A voice called. A young man stood with a sign that stated ‘Welcome home Lilly Bridgewater’. He had on a golf cap that dark hair rest beneath, his face was clean shaven. He had on dark pants that looked a little worn out. He wore a vest with a watch chain tucked into it. “Lilly over here!”
Jules glanced to Melani a moment. Then her eyes caught the man’s. She stared at him, hesitating. “Do you know him?” She questioned.
Though she didn’t get much of a chance to respond. In the craziness of the crowd she was pushed about. Suddenly her arm was gripped. Jules let out a yelp as she was pulled backward. She stumbled and fell into the arms of the stranger. “Relax, Lilly.” He spoke. “I’m not going to hurt you.” She was pulled through the crowd quickly. Jules fought against him slightly, her mind raced. Where was Melani? Where was Hugo?
The doors to the building swung open and the sunlight fell upon her face as she was ushered outside. The man gripped onto her bicep, guiding her easily passed the crowd. “Who are you? Let me go!” She smacked his arm away. She stood in the center of a square, a clock above them struck the top of the hour. She glanced up. Her breathing quickened slightly. In just an hour, she’d be late for her appointment at the tower...
“Charlie is my name. We don’t have much time, if an officer sees you they could take you back to Voxstein. We have to get out of the shipyard. Once we are passed the gates you will be safe. Come on.” He grabbed her arm and began dragging her forward again then.
Suddenly the man was slammed back. “Hey! Hands off.” Hugo’s voice seemed to echo against the brick buildings. His fist collided with the cheek of the stranger, Charlie.
Charlie’s grip loosened and released as he stumbled back. He growled and forced forward. “You Foxtran scum.” He snarled as he gripped Hugo by his shirt collar. “What you’re going to take her back, hm?” He slammed Hugo against the wall. “Like all the others Vance pays you to collect? When were you going to tell her you’re just a dog of the company?”
Hugo growled, his top hat had been knocked from his head. He gripped onto the man and spun him. “I’m not collecting her, I’m working for Melani now, for Agatha.” He slammed him against the wall.
“Guys...” Jules spoke, two officers were staring at them. “Um...” She glanced around looking for Melani. “I think...we need to go now.” She watched as the officers came toward them. One pointed at her from across the courtyard.
“Run!” Charlie cried. “I’ll stop them.” He snaked from Hugo’s grip. “Just run, find Elle!” He pushed through the crowd rushing toward the officers.
Jules took off in a sprint, other officers were eyeing. her. Charlie was right about one thing. She wasn’t safe until she left the shipyard. She rushed forward her boots clicked upon the cobbled roadway. She could hear an officer on her heels. She glanced over her shoulder to the man dressed in a dark blue topcoat that held the insignia of Voxstein on his shoulder. She dodged just as he reached forward for her. Jules darted down a dim alley. She was slammed against the wall then by the officer.
“Passport!” He snapped at her. “Why are you running? Huh?”
Jules took in a quick breaths, tears welled in her eyes. She pulled her passport from her pocket. The officer ripped it from her hands and flipped it open. “Bridgewater huh?” He asked. He stared into her eyes. “What brings you to Aeradenn, hm?” He questioned.
“Just passing through.” Jules spoke her eyes never left his. She swallowed, trying to hold back her nervousness. She felt crushed as he leaned against her. She let out a breath as his grip tightened on her slightly.
“You’re going to have to come with me. Miss Bridgewater. If that’s what it is....” The officer reached around to grab his cuffs then.
Jules bit her lip as he looked at him. Her eyes darted about. She couldn’t go with him, if she did...she’d end up in the prison back in Voxstein. She took in a deep breath as he reached forward and gripped her forearm. Jules closed her eyes a second before she acted quickly. She reached around to her back pocket and pulled her wrench from it. She swung then, the wrench collided with the side of his head, stunning the officer. “Sorry...” She muttered as he stumbled back. She kicked him then before she rushed off. Her wrench was stained with his blood...
Jules rounded a corner and rushed to the gates. She held her passport out. The gate guard nodded and stamped the passport. Jules rushed through the gate and sprinted forward. Suddenly she slammed into something. Her arms gripped around as she toppled to the ground. She took in quick breaths as she stared down to the person she’d knocked over. Melani. She bit her lip slightly. “Sorry...” She whispered as she stood slowly, she offered her hand down.
“Oh what have we here hm?” Hugo joked, a grin on his lips. “Aw...don’t stop now...” He whined as Jules stood up.
Jules looked to him, a blank gaze. She glanced back to the gates, the officer she’d hit stood there, he was arguing with the gate guard. There was no law in Aeradenn. She gripped her wrist slightly. Her eyes stared through the gates, she could see Charlie being toted off in cuffs. How many would die for her to reach the destination that Agatha intended? Why was she...of all mages so important? Jules let out a long breath. “Who is Elle?” She glanced to Hugo and then to Melani. “That man...he said to find Elle...”
Hugo looked to Melani and took in a deep breath, he crossed his arms slightly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2018 1:01:41 GMT -5
Melani perked her eyes upward as someone came shouting over the crowds. Lilly Bridgewater. Why was this name so familiar to her? She connected the dots swiftly - the pass port that Jules had. Agatha made that pass port for her, these people had to been of Agatha’s.
Suddenly Melani was yanked to the side, Hugo had grasped her hand as he pulled he through the crowd. Two men chased them - guns in their hands. “Hault!” They shouted.
One caught up and gripped Hugo’s shirt and pulled him back. “Go - “ Hugo shouted to Melani.
Melani paused and then reached for her thigh - her gun. She lifted it and pulled the trigger instantly. She shot the guard holding Hugo. The guard shook violently as a ray of electricity pulsed through him, and he fell to the ground. He would be injured, but not harmed. Her weapon had several settings, rarely did she ever use the settings to kill...
Hugo heaved and nodded - they rushed through the crowd until they rounded a corner. They snuck into the line and soon enough they were on the other side - into freedom. Melani watched as Jules came moments later, a slight wave of relief came through her.
They stood on the other side of the gate - watching Charlie being hauled away. She sighed deeply, she wanted to help, could she help? Not without giving herself away... she cursed under her breath, calling herself a coward then. Agatha would try something...anything.
“Come on, we need to go-” Hugo pulled both of them forward and bounded down the street.
“Elle - isn’t that...?” Hugo voiced out loud.
“My mother...” Melani spoke up and she released a long drawn sigh. “Come on” she lead them forward.
They weaved through the street until they began to come upon the slums of the city. Many people lived on the streets, with nothing but rags and old bottles, whimpering softly for a penny.
Melani stood before a three story brick building, it was a very old building. This was it... She knocked on the door... and moments later it opened. A woman stood at the door “Its you” she spoke and sighed. “I’ll tell her...” The woman stepped away.
A few minutes later a older woman approached the door. She had fire red hair which was brittle and thin, her eyes showed age - stress, pain. About her wrist was a bracelet, much alike everyone else... “Ah...” It was Elle, her mother.
“Mother...” Melani lowered her head.
“Get in here child...” She opened the door and allowed the others to enter.
“Agatha said you'd be coming soon...” She chuckled. “Tea?” She questioned. She owned a refuge, where any mage could come and be under her care. She sew clothing to the others for a small price, this is what she used to pay for things. She had access to grands of money, but refused to touch Foxtran money...
“She... did?” Melani questioned and sat down on an old rugged couch...
“Agatha had put together a sort of... under ground smuggling routine, she was sending mages here one by one. But just a few weeks ago they started to sniff her out...” She poured three glasses of tea.
“Hugo the Hunter... what are you doing here?” Elle pulled her brows together, staring to him.
“Hugo is with me... He does what he is told to do, he is here to help me though...” Melani lowered her gaze.
“And you?” Elle stood before Jules then.
“Agatha’s last moments were with Jules here... she rescued her and gave her a ticket here. I hadn’t seen her since-”
“You didn't deserve to see her” Elle snapped suddenly and then sat down, legs crossed. “Agatha was the greatest daughter I never had. A blessing to this world, who gave everything she had to the suffering. You’ll never understand that. Even now - trying to uphold her wish upon the world, just makes you more a coward than ever. You only do it because of your grief, because Agatha would have wanted it. Not because -you- want it” she shook her head.
“But, whatever you want... I will help you, for Agatha’s sake...” Elle finished and sighed deeply. She knew she was harsh, but there was a lot of resentment, sadness and anger behind Elle’s voice... her own daughter and husband doomed her to a life of horror, and no one did a thing to stop it...
Melani held the hot cup of tea in her hand but she did not sip on it. She wanted then to rush away. It was then that her little metal box fluttered into the air, slipping from her pocket.
“Mom...” A voice came from the box.
Elle chirped up and looked to it. “Caroline...?” She whispered and suddenly rushed to the floating gold trinket.
“Yeah mom, it’s me... listen. I’m alive, only because Melani has done everything she can to make it so... give her...” She coughed and weeded slightly. “Give her some of your kindness, it..hasn’t been so easy for her either... try.. mom...” Caroline hushed suddenly as a door opened.
“Wh-Caroline, no...” Elle reached up to the box, but it had already turned off.
“What is this?” Elle questioned, her fingers rubbing over the fragile item.
“Its a transmitter, I built it not long ago... to get in contact with Caroline... she helped me build the courage. I stood up against father, once and for all, he has removed me from his business and forbid me to return... I intended on coming here with you, with Agatha, but now...” Melani slumped down into the chair.
Elle’s gaze softened and she went back to her rocking chair. “Alright...” She nodded slowly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2018 9:44:47 GMT -5
As Hugo pulled them forward, Jules glanced over her shoulder as Charlie was pulled out of view. A pit formed in her stomach as she thought once again of Agatha. Why was she so important to get to Aeradenn? What purpose did she have that she was unaware of? Agatha knew she would more than likely die...yet she did it anyway...what was worth that?
She listened to Melani and Hugo speak. Elle was Melani’s mother. She pulled her brows together slightly, she felt nervous to meet this woman...
Soon enough they slipped to the slums. She glanced around to the beggars on the side of the streets, their feet wrapped in old news articles. “How...can the government allow this...?” She whispered softly. She’d never seen such poverty. Then again, she’d never been out of Voxstein, it was the most stable of the cities. Slums didn’t exist there, the government didn’t allow it. The homeless and jobless were sent away to the other cities...or banished to the wastelands...banished to Aeradenn. Those that stood up to the government, the Mechs that tried to make a difference for the mages, if they weren’t murdered in cold blood like Agatha they were sent away and most found their way here.
Jules watched as Melani and her mother spoke. She bit her lip slightly, the tension between the two was incredibly uncomfortable. She looked about the home. It was old and run down, yet it offered a sort of comfort like a warm embrace from an old friend. Jules was looking at an old faded photograph two young children and a younger Elle with Vance. Even then she could see pain in Elle’s eyes. She wondered why she would even keep the picture. It was then that Elle stood before her. She turned and her lips parted to answer just as Melani spoke for her. Her eyes fell when Melani mentioned Agatha. She felt like Agatha’s death was her fault. If she hadn’t been at her apartment...if she hadn’t wasted her time trying to save her...
Jules raised her brows slightly when Elle snapped at Melani. She could see the anger in the woman’s eyes, the pain...she looked to Melani whom didn’t combat the harsh words of her mother. It was then that the small device fluttered from her pocket. Jules stared to the piece as it spoke. Her brows quivered slightly as she listened. She’d never known her parents. But just the thought of being ripped apart like that, by their father...she let out a slow breath.
Elle’s gaze looked back to Jules then, she sipped from her cup of tea. “Are you thirsty?” She asked as she nodded toward the cup of tea that sat untouched upon the coffee table.
Jules looked to the tea, “Oh...” She moved and sat on the couch next to Melani, she glanced to her a moment before she picked up the hot cup of tea. “Thank you.” She nodded.
Hugo stood with his own cup, his eyes watching the trio. Though he glanced out the window a few times, making sure no one had followed them.
“So Jules.” Elle gave a gentle smile. “Agatha spoke of you, the master mechanic.” She chuckled then. “You were an orphan, yes?” She asked then.
Jules watched Elle a moment, her fingers curled around her mug, “Um...yes...I...I was...” She drew her brows together. “I’m sorry...why did Agatha speak of me?”
Elle searched her eyes, “You don’t know. That’s right.” She stood and stepped over to a door that was shut. It had a drawing of an owl taped to the door, Agatha’s name was drawn onto the page. She took in a breath and pushed the door open. She stepped into the dim room and came back with an old beaten journal. The edges were curled from use and much travel. “I haven’t been able to make much out, Agatha didn’t tell me why...but something was bothering her. The last time she went to Voxstein she met with an informant that works for the government...and well...when she came back she said she must get you out. I warned her that it was too risky. The time before she was nearly caught by the officers on her way back with the mage. They had taken notice to the disappearances...and they had checked the logs and she was the only thing in common, I suppose.” She sighed softly. “She wouldn’t tell me what shook her so much, but I do know one thing.” She opened Agatha’s journal and held it forward.
Jules took the beaten journal into her fingertips. She looked to the page. An old image was glued to the page. A woman with light hair, possibly silver...and a man with dark hair and a well groomed beard stood in, the woman held a newborn in her arms. The smiles on their faces were beautiful. Beneath the picture Agatha had written, Julie and Adam Bridgewater with their newborn Lillian. Jules drew her brows together as she looked to the opposite page.
Lillian lost both of her parents at the young age of two. The Government and Foxtran decided to use Julie for experimentation, Adam fought against them and was shot on site. Lillian was placed into the custody of the government and entered into the Voxstein Orphanage for displaced mage children. Her name was changed to Jules Brisco in an effort to hide her lineage both from her and from the rest of the mages. A fire was staged at their home the night that the government took action. The official report reads that all three perished in the fire. Julie is part of a long lineage of a special breed of mages, Adam was also part of an ancient bloodline that was known for raw power. Jules was kept in Voxstein and much like the other mages here...forbidden to leave. They drain her daily and on the charts she reads above every single other mage in the city. The power of the XT270 Nova Bomb was powered by Jules at a young age. Aeromer, the last city to fall to the mechs was taken down by this bomb...
Jules had tears brimming as she read the page. Her breathing increased. “I...” She shut the journal and set it on the coffee table.
Elle watched her. “You are very important in the rebellion, Jules.” She reached a hand forward and placed it over hers. “There is much more than you realize, a bigger picture. Agatha had done so much research...” She sighed softly and sat back. “She was to rendezvous with you...and then she was supposed to get you to come back with her Melani...it was supposed to be her last trip...” She took a sip from her tea.
Jules took in a breath, “I...killed all those mages...” She breathed, her face slightly pale. “I am the reason that entire city is leveled...” She whispered.
“No, child.” Elle spoke, “The government, Foxtran, they are the reason. Not you.” She gave a gentle smile. “I get the feeling that harming a fly is tough for you.” She chuckled then. She then looked the Melani, “Mel, Agatha needed you to figure out how to get the bracelets off...we need to free Jules for her to help, so that our rebellion may stand a chance against Foxtran. We can put an end to this. We can overturn Baron Ruthford once and for all.” Elle took in a breath.
Jules was nearly hugging the mug to her chest as she stared to the journal. Her eyes filled with sadness. She couldn’t believe she was used to destroy so much. What else had her power been used to obliterate? How many lives had her magic taken?
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2018 18:12:32 GMT -5
Melani reached forward and took the journal from Jules just as her eyes began to swell. She read over the page and her brows pulled together. XT270 Nova Bomb. She leaned back and shut her eyes. She could almost see the blue print - but most of all, the equation for the reaction that she uncovered.
She remember this well, prior to the creation of the bracelets. This was the bit of her life that transitioned to making gadgets and trinkets - to weaponry. Vance had revealed the truth behind her sister, and this was the first time he had used it against her. He needed something - terribly.
The war between Mage and Mech has just began, and the mechs were losing terribly. They needed something, anything, and that something - would make him millions. He needed a secret weapon.
Melani would stay up all day and night, her father standing over her, as he tested theories, and so on. It took over a month before she finally figured something out. The combination of Erelliam, Coxfite and Bidolium - and a single drop of enchanted water had created a significant reaction. The three minerals were naturally very magical, the Enchanted Minerals.
This was enough for her father. It was an exact science, any more or any less of either of the minerals as required would result in a different reaction. Magical substances were very touchy. It was truly the enchanted water that gave them fuel, a substance - or plane for the reaction to take place...
Then before she knew it she was creating a necklace to draw magic, then later enhancing it to a bracelet...
XT270 was not quite her creation, but her advancement in Magic-Tech carved the path to the weaponry known today...
She stood then, her brows pulled tightly together. “I’ll need a very rare Mineral, the only one that can off-set the formula. Zeniula, or better known as Zen...” She crossed her arms, journal still in hand.
“Zen huh, you mean that high class shit the rich smoke?” Hugo questioned, he stood with his cup of tea - and a flask that he just poured into it.
“No... that Zen is a by product of the actual mineral, I need it raw and untouched...” She took in a sharp breath. “The only place I know about it is the Mining City of Harsbend, that is about 2 flights away. An even then - getting into the mineshaft it self is tricky, and dangerous. To get them to mine it for me will be a very pretty penny, and I doubt they’ll truly want to help me...”
“Otherwise, there is no way of taking the bracelet off with-”
“Without blowing her arm off, we’ve seen it...” Elle shifted in her seat.
“Harsbend huh? I know someone there, been through there a time or two as it is...” Hugo grunted as he finished his tea. “Alright then, what’s the worst that can happen? You have a shit ton of money, don’t you?” Hugo looked to Melani then.
“Mm..I do..” She nodded. “That could mean you won’t get as much money...” The raised a brow.
Hugo sighed “We will work out the details later...” He pulled out his flask and took a swig...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 13, 2018 18:59:58 GMT -5
Jules took in a few shaken breaths as she looked to to Melani. She’d heard of the mineral Zeniula before. It was incredibly rare and expensive. Her eyes lowered slightly as she listened to Hugo and Melani talk. The clock on the wall struck then. Jules’ eyes moved to it, she stared at it. She was late. She’d never been late. Her heart felt as though it was clawing up her throat as it sped up.
Elle looked to Jules, her eyes followed the gaze to the clock.
The ticks of the clock seemed to echo as Jules stared to it. She looked to the gauntlet upon her arm. It whirred and the color changed from yellow to a red color. She winced as she awaited the pain, the punishment for missing her appointment...
**
“Vance!” A man stood, a cape over his right shoulder. He had a curled mustache and a beautiful cane that lit up and gears turned upon it. He marched across the office. “Your guard is supposed to prevent mages from leaving this city!”
Vance looked up from his paperwork. “Hm and that they do.” He replied.
“Where is our Bridgewater girl then?” The man snapped.
“Baron Ruthford, I am well aware that she has disappeared.” Vance stared to him. “I already have one of my best hunters looking for her.”
“Who?” The Baron growled, his eyes narrowed.
“Hugo, of course.”
“That drunk?!” The Baron huffed. “Vance, you better find her. You know how important she is to us. We need that magic otherwise the project will be incomplete. The weapon will fail. Do you know what that means?”
Vance watched him a moment, “Yes, of course.” He stood his eyes never left the man. “I’m on it. Why don’t you send your own men if you’re so worried, Baron?”
The Baron grit his teeth. “Your hunters are much more reliable, Vance, you know that.”
Vance’s mouth curve up in a smirk then. “Here.” He pulled an item from his desk. Gears turned behind the small screen. He tapped it and pressed a few buttons. “Hugo.”
**
Hugo shifted he raised his arm. Upon his wrist was a small screen. “Yes sir?” He made sure to keep the angle of the screen away from the rest of the room.
“Have you had any luck finding Jules Brisco?” Vance questioned.
Hugo took in a breath. “No sir, she wasn’t on that ship, I searched it up and down, not a board left unturned. I’m in Aeradenn now looking for her. She must be here.”
Vance groaned slightly. “Find her. I need her back by the morning, you understand?” The connection then cut off.
Jules was pacing by now, her eyes looked to the clock uncomfortably. “What happens when you’re late?” She questioned. She then looked to Hugo. “Who was that? How do we know we can trust you?” She stepped to him her eyes fearful.
Hugo watched her a moment, he took a sip from his flask. “Doll, you can trust me. I work for Melani, her father just doesn’t realize that quite yet.” He smirked. He looked to the red glow of her glove. “Mr. Foxtran knew you’d left before the night was through. He keeps a close eye on you, Jules. You’re important to them, at least your magic is.”
Jules sucked in a breath. She looked to Melani then. “Harsbend then?” She asked. It was then that Jules let out a whimper. She gripped her wrist over the glove. She fell to a knee. Electricity flowed through her body. She gasped as the pain took her over. Her eyes began to glow a soft blue color. Her magic.
“They’ve activated the mechanism on the bracelet.” Elle spoke.
Jules shuddered as her body fought against the bracelet. She let out a cry just before her body fell limp. Hugo rushed forward and caught her, he lifted her into his arms as he looked to the glove. The color changed back to the yellow glow then. “They won’t do too much.” Hugo spoke, “He wants her alive. He stressed that to me very clearly last night....”
**
The cries of a young child echoed against the walls of the tower. Jules was strapped into a table. Her body was strapped down to a cold metal table. Lines ran from her, glowing from her magic. She screamed as they drew her magic from her. Her nose began to bleed as they pushed her further. “Don’t stop.” Vance’s voice spoke, he was standing in the room. “We need more to power the XT270.”
The world spun, fading in from black...and out again. Jules lay on the table after several hours of them drawing from her. She could barely breathe. They’d nearly killed her. Vance stood over her, a cigar in hand. He chuckled as he puffed from it. “You’re more valuable than your mother, kid.” He stared into her eyes. “Clean her up and take her back to the orphanage.” He waved his hand before he walked off.
Jules sat up with a cry, her breaths were quick, tears streamed down her cheeks. She winced as she glanced around.
“There you are.” Elle stepped into the room and set down a mug. “Drink up, child.” She searched her eyes. “I’ll get Melani.” She nodded. She squeezed her shoulder gently, in a reassuring away before she stepped from the room.
Jules trembled slightly. She reached up to her neck where the first device had been placed. She had scars near her collar bone that wrapped around her neck from the device. So many times as a child they took her in the middle of the night and drained her, they drained her down so much that she would be ill for a week recovering. The orphanage had no idea what was happening...or maybe they did? Jules shuddered slightly as she brushed away a few tears. She rolled up her sleeve and stared to a deep scar that lined her forearm. It was once a deep gash created by Vance’s men at Foxtran, a way to draw more power from her they’d connected another device to both of her arms. She had identical scars on both sides. Thus she always wore long sleeves. Jules sniffled as she thought of her childhood...so much pain...she remembered being cuffed and taken so many times. She was just a child...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2018 8:26:36 GMT -5
Entry No.1 November 22 820
My mothers last words were spoken in my ear. Make things right. Do what needs to be done. Show no remorse for those who would not do the same... Since then I’ve made a delicate plan for my attack. I know better than to attempt with guards and military, I need to go to the source.
I have tickets to the Foxtran Annual Mech-Party. This will give me an opportunity of a life time. Perhaps if I can befriend the company and rise in the ranks, I can create a more devastating attack... I still have much to plan...
Melani closed the book, she sat on an old cot in a spare room. She shut her eyes and thought for a long moment. She remembered the moment - laying eyes on Agatha.
Agatha was wearing a beautiful ivory corset, a long flowing skirt - that when she twirled would spin outwards. Her hair was done with a cute small top hat, black lace covering half her hair. She was the most beautiful woman she had seen at this party.
She remembered - it was almost as if Agatha had searched Melani out. They chit chatted, had a few drinks. Agatha was ballsy, had courage, and thought nothing of her actions, this was very attractive to Melani. It was that night that they stood on the balcony, cheeks pink, Agatha looked over and smiled - a mischievous smirk, and asked if Melani liked women.
It was a secret she held, not being too proud of it, especially since she was always in such limelight. Agatha asked her out to breakfast, to sober up, as a date. It threw her off guard so much - she hadn’t ever had time to date, so this was a new idea to her. Of course - she couldn’t say no... and the entire night she thought about Agatha, it would be the first night until the end that her dreams were positive - all around one woman...
The door opened and she was snapped from her day dream, her eyes were brimming with tears. Elle looked to her and sighed, it was not a very pleasing sigh. Almost as if Elle was irritated that she was crying, like she did not have the right to mourn and be sad.
“Is there anything you can do about Jules’s bracelet?” She questioned. “They will continue to shock her...” She raised a brow.
Melani set the journal down on the bed and stood. “Yeah” she spoke and moved past her mother. Elle stood in the doorway...and then soon followed after her.
Melani lifted her bag and walked into Jules’s room. She set the bag down and sifted through it - she pulled out a device and a tiny set of tools. She sat down at a desk and began to take the device apart, laying out all the tiny pieces of that put it together.
“The answer is simple really” she bent a bit of metal about - to be a host for the transmission reflector. “Liol, the metal that we use to guide us in directions - releases a frequency when it reacts to magnets. The frequency - we cannot hear, but it will dispose almost anything above 2300 hertz, which the frequency that the bracelet receives is exactly 2359, a very unique frequency, nothing works at that level... normally everything is in the 1400-2200, so this reflector is useless in many cases...” She lifted a small golden square.
She stepped over to Jules and knelt down, she had another piece of thin metal. She attached the reflector and used the metal to wrap about it - to hold it in place. “That should do it...” Melani stood then and then packed her things away. “Had to destroy a rather fancy compass, but it’s alright...” She smiled. “The only thing is that they will know that the frequency did not get to the device, because the return signal will not come... so...” She shrugged. “No worry though..”
“Get some rest...” She nodded and then stepped out into the living room. Hugo was standing with his flask in hand.
“Your father demands to have Jules by tomorrow morning..” He shook his head. “When I don’t supply that - he is going to send other hunters...” He took a swig.
“That is why I am paying you.. you will help protect us...” She raised a brow then.
“The next he would send is Lyonel... He is a menace, I wouldn't even know he was there - he could be watching us now...” Hugo took in a deep breath.
“Lyonel won’t attack us... not if he sees me here...” She smirked then.
“Why do you say that?” Hugo questioned.
“Lyonel has been trying to date me for years, he has a real soft spot for me. Even if my father offers him a million - he would likely pause and at least talk to me. That will be my chance...” she closed her eyes briefly. “Or at least I can hope...”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2018 9:21:06 GMT -5
Jules sat back her eyes watched Melani as she pulled apart the compass. She drew her brows together slightly. She leaned her back against the wall and pulled her knees to her chest. She’d worked rather hard to bury the memories of her childhood, and now they all seemed to be racing back to her. She pulled the glove off of her hand and set it on the bed next to her as she held her wrist out for Melani to attach the reflector. The way that Melani spoke about gadgets and things, she showed a passion that Jules hadn’t seen before. She knew so much about electronics and such. Jules watched as Melani stepped from the room. She hugged her knees to her chest and sighed softly as she looked to the reflector upon her wrist. It was small. Before long she drifted off, her head lay upon her arms over her knees.
The children played within the courtyard, giggling and running around. Though, one child sat beneath the large oak tree, she hugged her knees to her chest as her eyes watched the others play.
“Why don’t you play?” A man asked, he stood a few feet away from her.
“It hurts too much to play...” The young Jules spoke, she didn’t look to the man.
He stepped forward and sat down on the edge of the stone that surrounded the huge tree his back to her now. “Are you unhappy here?” He asked his voice soft.
Jules was quiet for a moment, she hugged her arms a bit tighter. “I...” She took in a deep breath. “I don’t know anything else.” She whispered this.
The man gave a slow nod then. “I see.” He stood. He turned and held his hand forward to her. “Why don’t you come with me?” He questioned.
Jules watched him, her eyes wary. At this point she’d been through so much torture with the government that she didn’t trust any Mech.
The man gave a warm smile, he searched her eyes. “Come on.” He nodded his hand still extended toward her.
“I would leave that one be if I were you.” The old woman that ran the orphanage spoke. She had her dark hair pulled up into a tight bun, she always wore a maroon dress with long sleeves. “She isn’t sociable, there’s nothing to like about that mage.” She scoffed.
Jules lowered her eyes, she hugged her knees a bit tighter, tears welled in her eyes. If it wasn't the government stealing her away at night, it was the treatment at the orphanage itself. The man straightened. “She needs space to blossom.” He nodded, “What’s your name?” He looked to Jules.
“She won’t tell you.” The old woman chuckled.
There was a long silence as the man looked to the child. Jules bit her lip slightly, she let out a shaken breath. “Jules.” She spoke, her voice small, hardly audible. “Jules Brisco.” She looked up to the man.
He gave a smile then, “Hm, she won’t tell me huh?” He shot a glare to the woman. He held his hand out again. “Jules, why don’t you come home with me?” He asked and gave a gentle smile.
“She isn’t a pet, you can’t just return her. You’re making a mistake, Henry.” The old woman grumbled.
The man didn’t acknowledge the woman, his eyes stayed on Jules, his hand still extended. Slowly Jules reached forward. He pulled her up and smiled warmly to her, such compassion...she’d never had that. “My name is Henry.” He spoke softly. “Don’t worry, Jules.” He nodded. Suddenly Jules wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged herself to him. Henry let out a hearty chuckle as he knelt down and hugged his arms around her. “That’s it.” He spoke as he stood and lifted her, her legs wrapped around his hips. “Come on, let’s go get you signed out, huh?”
Henry. He’d always taken care of her. He must be worried sick. Jules didn’t say goodbye to him. He was worried about her in the afternoon, after Agatha had come looking for her at the shop. He’d questioned her if she was okay, and of course Jules said she was....but who could be okay after witnessing a friend gunned down by the government officers?
**
The morning sun peeked through the glass of the old car shop in Voxstein. Henry was hard at work leaning over an engine bay. The front door jingled as it opened. Henry looked up his eyes hopeful. He sighed then as he looked to a man clad in a leather jacket with belts about his waist, a gun on his hip. “Good morning.” He spoke as he wiped the oil from his hands. “How may I help you?” He stepped to the counter.
The man puffed a cigar, he looked to Henry a long moment. “Where is she?” He questioned.
Henry drew his brows together his jaw tensed slightly. “She isn’t here.”
“Do you have any idea where Jules Brisco is?” He questioned. The man had piercing icy blue eyes. He blew smoke in Henry’s face.
Henry coughed from the smoke and waved it away. “No, she didn’t happen to tell me where she was going. I submitted a missing persons file yesterday, what makes you think I know where she is? I think my daughter is in trouble. Just who the hell are you? You’re not an officer.” Henry gripped a wrench in his hand, his face was red. He was boiling with anger.
The man chuckled. “Hm, your daughter is wanted in association with a woman whom committed treason. Would you know anything about that?” He questioned.
Henry drew his brows together. “Absolutely not. Not my Jules.” He raised his voice slightly. “She’s a hard worker, she’s never late to her appointments at the tower, even though you’ve been keeping her longer and longer the past few weeks. I know you.” He growled. “You’re Foxtran scum.” He spat, “Get the fuck out of my shop and don’t you dare lay a hand on her!”
The man grinned, “I’d be careful how you talk to me, Henry.” He chuckled. “I may just have to tell Mr. Foxtran how unruly you are, or I could always speak with the Baron.”
Henry grit his teeth. “What do you want?” He questioned.
“That’s it.” The man nodded. He pulled a picture out of his pocket. “Do you know this woman?” He questioned it was an image of Agatha.
Henry gave a nod, “Yes, she came looking for Jules the day she disappeared.”
The man nodded, “Thought so.” He watched Henry, “You hear from her.” He slipped a card from his pocket. “Get in touch.” He slid it across the counter. “I’m going to find her.” He spoke and then just like that he turned and stepped from the shop.
Henry leaned against the counter. He lifted the card. Lyonel. He drew his brows together. ‘Professional Hunter’ the card read. It had Foxtran’s logo on it. He sighed, “Where are you Jules?” He whispered.
**
“Hey sleeping beauty.” Hugo stood next to Jules’ bed. Jules opened her eyes slowly. She rubbed her eyes and blinked a few times looking up to him. “We need to hit the road, hm? Get that bracelet off of you so you can take out all your anger on Foxtran or whatever.” He took a swig of his flask.
Jules sat up slowly. “Okay.” She gave a nod. “Just give me a minute.” She whispered softly.
Hugo chuckled as he stepped from the room. He sat down at the breakfast table and munched on a breakfast burrito. “We’ll have to be careful, Mel.” He took another drink of his flask and then frowned as he held it upside down, empty. “Hm...we also need to stop for a refill.” He grinned.
Jules stepped out of the bedroom. She yawned and stretched as she came to the table. She looked to Melani a moment, “Thank you for making the reflector.” She searched her eyes a moment before she looked to her food. She at it quickly, having food in front of her she realized just how hungry she truly was.
Hugo grinned, “Alright.” He nodded. “Thank you Elle.” He looked to Melani’s mother.
Elle nodded, “Of course, don’t forget this.” She set a bag on the table. “Snacks...” She glanced to Melani. “Agatha wanted you to have this.” She spoke, “She said to give it to you if she didn’t make it...” She held a small box forward, it was tiny. “She said you would know how to open it.” Elle spoke before she retreated to the kitchen.
Jules looked to the tiny box that had gears upon the outside. It was a puzzle. “Alright, shall we?” Hugo spoke. “Before Lyonel finds us...” He muttered.
“Lyonel?” Jules questioned.
Hugo looked to her a moment as they headed out the door. “Yes. By not delivering you to Vance he will be sending more hunters...the others aren’t as charming as myself.”
Jules lowered her eyes slightly. “Well, hopefully we can stay ahead of them.” She nodded as they approached the shipyard.
Hugo chuckled, “Staying ahead of Lyonel is a dream, isn’t it Mel?” He looked to her as he held out his passport.
Jules held hers forward, her pulse rose. She glanced around, looking for the guard she’d hit in the head. She bit her lip slightly as the gate keeper allowed her through. “How far is Harsbend?” She looked to Melani, “You said more than one flight to get there?” She questioned curiously.
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