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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2018 16:25:16 GMT -5
Melani smirked slightly when Hugo mentioned he would require a refill. “Alright...” She nodded, that was part of the agreement. She would keep this drunk’s flask full. She turned then as Elle approached with a tiny box.
Melani reached up and took it, she chuckled slightly. She had given this to Agatha on their first anniversary... After finally figuring it out, Agatha had put it on a necklace and wore around constantly, and often she would perch her legs up and open it up - to read the letter Melani had wrote to her over and over again.
She tucked away the box and looked to Jules. “Yes, it is two rides total, the mines are in the Merestein Moutains - Harsbend is right next to the mines...” She pulled her own bags up over her shoulders. “Should take about 2 days to travel there though... I’ll pay for the Express Ships” she looked to Elle then for a long moment.
Elle stepped before her and lowered her gaze. She pressed a hand upon Melani’s shoulder and then kissed her cheek. “I suppose it is better late than never... To storm into Voxstein - you’re going to need help. Find out how to release these bracelets - and you’ll have this entire city behind you... But you are going to have to be the one to make it happen, understand?” She questioned and then moved her hand.
“yes..” Melani nodded, though the thought scared her.
“Go now” she nodded and then turned away.
Hugo lead them to the front door and they walked out. “So we are going with the VIP ship, huh?” He questioned.
“Yeah, we need to move swiftly...” She peered to him then. The VIP express ships were smaller, and only those who book It - ride it. A Private Ship, so to speak, but the price was extremely high.
“If he is going to give me the money, I might as well use it to bring him down, huh?” She smirked and then they stood in line once again, but this time Melani went first.
“Melani Foxtran...” A guard spoke and glanced down to her pass port. “An honor” he bowed his head.
“Don’t give any of my friends trouble, and I might give you my autograph” she winked then and waited. The other two passed by seamlessly, as she distracted him by pulling out a pen and signing his journal. “Whats your name?” She questioned.
“Reiton” he smiled wide.
“Mmmmkay, here you go” she smiled and handed his journal back to him. She wrote a few sentences and signed it. “Have a good day sweet heart” she nodded and then stepped away with the others.
“The more you wave your name - the easier it will be for Lyonel to hunt you...” Hugo raised a brow.
“Lyonel will find us, we just have to move as fast as we can. He has people all over the place, even if I do a name change, a physical change - they find out.” she moved up a set of stairs that said ‘VIP’. Soon they entered an empty hallway that came to a booth.
“Lady Foxtran” the attendant behind the desk shuffled through some papers. “Where are you headed?” She questioned.
“I need a boat for 3, headed to Harsbend..” She looked to the woman, leaning on the counter with her card in hand.
“Alright... No problem, we got a man that will take you the whole way but will need to stop for fuel, is that okay?” She questioned as she scribbled down a few things.
“Yeah, but one request. Listen, I am going to Harsbend to get some rare minerals for a new invention, but I am trying to surprise my father. He eyeballs all expenses, you know. Can we perhaps put down a different city in the system?” She questioned.
The lady chuckled and raised a brow. “You know we offer cover-schemes, but that costs you” she held her hand out.
This was just a pure example of how corrupt the high society, that there is an offer to cover up your tracks for you... Melani reached into her pocket and pulled out 3 thick gold coins, this was equivalent to 300 dollars. She set it down in the woman's palm, and the lady smiled.
“Alright... you know the way, have a good flight darling.” She nodded just after her card was swiped. A door opened up next to the desk and lead them down to a ship.
The ship they were to ride was half the size of a regular ship, but had twice as much luxury. An open private bar, massage rooms, a live band to play music, free food at the restaurant, huge pent-house quality rooms to sleep in, and any thing else upon request...
“Well, I will say...” She entered the ship and stood on the deck. “I’ve never been real proud of my life, and what not, but... it does come with stuff like this. We should enjoy this, it could be the last time we relax for a while...” She then turned as man came down to them.
“Melani Foxtran” he bowed deeply. He was an older gentleman, with a pressed black suit on, a captains hat upon his head. “I am your captain, Brendan Maloney, at your service” he smiled then. “To Harsbend then? I can make that happen. You know very well the stay you are to expect, please - let me know if you have any troubles. There are, of course, plenty of my staff to assist you, but I am always here for you, my lady” he bowed once more. “Enjoy yourselves, I will prepare the engines now” he then stepped away.
Hugo lifted his flask “Alright, well, time for me to get drunk” he spoke and then hurried off to the bar, which was down a set of stairs into the hull.
“A drink sounds good... come on” she waved to Jules and lead her down the set of stairs as well...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2018 17:46:42 GMT -5
Jules watched as Melani signed the autograph for the guard. “If there is one thing I know, Foxtran has eyes everywhere...” She muttered softly. “And if it isn’t Foxtran, it is the Baron’s officers...” She glanced over her shoulder as they walked up the stairs toward the VIP section. Her eyes caught the officer she’d hit in the head with the wrench. He had a black eye from her swift hit. She turned her attention back ahead as Melani paid. She’d never been anywhere luxurious. With Henry as a father they made it by, and they ate, but...they didn’t quite have everything. The shop went through rough times when she was a teenager. She remembered scraping by. She’d gone to the tower, begging to do anything for money. She never told Henry that she’d done it...
The hours she had to spend away from the shop she claimed she needed to study for school, or that she had a Tudor session. Though, in all reality she was being drained of her magic. They experimented on her, injecting her with chemicals to try to spark a stronger reaction...Jules would slip the extra few coins into the drawer at the shop...it got them by, it allowed Henry to put food on the table, or to pay the government for their housing.
Jules glanced around as they climbed the stairs onto the ship. “Oh wow...” She breathed as she looked to the intricate designs. The gold laid into the wood. She watched as the captain, a captain of all people personally greeted them, bowing deeply. Jules was used to Mechs looking the other way, or worse...she’d been jumped a few times in the city as a mage.
Henry stood before Jules in the shop, she was lifted up onto the counter, her feet dangled off the edge. She was about 8 or so. “You have to fight back, Jules...you can’t just let them beat on you...” He dabbed at blood that had dried beneath Jules’ nose.
“I...can’t...” Jules shook her head, she was sobbing.
Henry pulled her into a gentle embrace. “I’ll show you how, you will defend yourself against those assholes next time, kid.” He cleaned a bit of dirt off of her cheek. “Mechs don’t understand what they are putting you through...they don’t understand the pain that Mages go through just to provide this city with the power that it has...” He shook his head before he hugged her again. “I’ll keep you safe, Jules.” He brushed a few tears away from her cheeks and kissed the top of her head.
‘A drink sounds good...come on.’
Jules blinked a few times. She’d been zoned out as the memory played through her mind. “Yes...a drink...” She nodded as she followed Melani and Hugo. She glanced around the ship she held her wrist, her hand clasped over the top of the glove. She climbed onto the barstool next to Melani and she leaned against the beautiful shined cherry wood of the bar. Her eyes looked to the bartender as he came forward a smile on his lips.
“And what may I get you?” The bartender asked as he finished pouring a drink for Melani his eyes fell on Jules.
She thought for a moment, “Surprise me.” She offered a smile. “Something sweet, but not too sweet.”
The bartender chuckled and nodded. He moved about swiftly. It was like a dance as he poured in different liquors and shook them up in the metal shaker. He poured it through the strainer and slid a white frothy drink across the bar to her. “House special.” He chuckled.
Jules took a sip and smiled. “It’s perfect.” She spoke.
Hugo had a large mug of ale. He downed it and the bartender slid another one to him.
Before long Jules had downed several of the delicious mixed drinks. She giggled slightly. She’d never really had more than a drink or two, alcohol was far too expensive for her to indulge in, in such a way. The band was playing by that point.
“You owe me that dance.” Hugo grinned as he pulled her from her chair.
Jules leaned into him, a bit dizzy from the alcohol. She chuckled again as he twirled her about and they moved about the dance floor. The private ship was something to take in. Jules hadn’t ever been to a ball, but this, this was better. Hugo chuckled as the song ended. “You’re not bad.” He spoke as he headed back toward the bar.
Jules walked over to the edge of the ship then, her eyes looked out over the sea of clouds that they flew above. Her hair fluttered in the wind.
Hugo grinned as he came back to Melani’s side. He downed another beer and chuckled. “You should enjoy yourself, Mel.” He leaned against the counter. He glanced to Jules. “She’s different, isn’t she?” He asked, his speech slurred slightly. “I’ve not spent much time with the mages, there is just something about her that is alluring to me.” He raised a brow and looked to Melani. “You know?” He asked as Jules stepped back over to the bar.
She climbed back into her barstool next to Melani. Her cheeks were rosy red. The bartender slid her another glass. “Know what?” She asked, a giggle escaped over her lips.
Hugo chuckled, “Nothing. Nothing at all.” He smirked. “I’m going to go check out my cabin suite.” He slipped away then.
Jules sipped from her glass. “You know...I would call someone crazy if they told me that I would be sitting with Lady Foxtran, having a drink.” She chuckled slightly. “Though, I’m glad I ran into you, Mel...I can see why Agatha loved you.” She blushed a bit and looked away as she sipped from her glass again. “Sorry...” She whispered then, a bit of a nervousness rose up, she bit her lip slightly.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2018 18:18:19 GMT -5
Melani turned her gaze to Hugo and Jules as they danced, she fingers laced around a martini. She brought it to her lips and sipped...
“Wow, this is insane” Agatha twirled about in the ballroom floor. She skipped to the bar and sat down on the plush leather seat and swirled in a circle. “Perks, huh?” She grinned.
Melani stepped forward, her hands stuffed into her pocket. “I guess so” she replied sheepishly, her cheeks flush as Agatha peered to her.
“Well, hurry up, I’m going to drown you in alcohol” she chuckled and she leaped down. Agatha rushed over and grasped Melani by the collar and dragged her over, laughing the whole while.
Melani took a seat and ordered a sweet Martini by the name of ‘Highpeak Dreams’.
Melani glanced down to her drink, Highpeak Dreams, a sort of pink colored Martini - sweet and tarty...
“Oh-” She smiled to Hugo. “Yeah, she’s unique...” she nodded and sipped once more. She turned her gaze to Jules as she sat down next to her, drinking on her drink and heaving slightly from the dance.
Melani smiled then from her compliment, though it was a bit of a weak smile. She hadn’t quite had much to drink, only two glasses. Unlike Hugo who had downed his 8th. She wasn’t sure what to say - she could ruin the moment and bring up Agatha and how she should have spent more time with her, maybe travel with her, died with her or something...
“Agatha is picky about who she befriends” Melani smiled. The ship suddenly rocked a little - the intercom chimed on.
“Apologies, this is your captain, we have hit a little bit of turbulence, nothing I can’t handle. We should be through it soon, just sit down and relax, thank you”
Melani finished her drink and stood up. “We used to play this game when there was turbulence. Who can make it to the other side of the room - “ she chuckled, her head a little fuzzy from the drinks.
She stumbled slightly and then held her hands up as the boat rocked slightly. “Oooh” she almost fell but caught herself.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2018 19:34:28 GMT -5
Jules smiled, “That she was.” She smiled. Her eyes widened as the ship shook from the turbulence. She took in quick breaths. Though as Melani stood and mentioned the game she chuckled. “Oh...I’m not sure if I can make it.” She stood up and wavered a bit. She took several steps forward, giggles escaped over her lips. She stumbled and fell forward, she caught herself on a nearby wall. As she made it to the other side of the room just as the ship hit a rough patch. She fell forward, her arms landed on either side of Melani her face ended up just inches from hers. The turbulence began to settle then. Jules stared into Melani’s eyes her expression nervous, she was frozen there for what felt like a century. “S-sorry...” She slipped to Melani’s side and slid down the wall. The ship rumbled a bit more.
Jules sat at her breakfast bar across from Agatha. She poked at her eggs upon her plate a bit. “You’re going to Aeradenn?” She asked softly.
Agatha nodded, she scooped a bit of food into her mouth. “Yes, I have a few leads.” She took in a deep breath. “I made a few friends at the ball last night.” She took a sip of her coffee. “I really think this is going to work...we can put an end to those fucking bracelets once and for all, huh?” She grinned then. “You could be free.”
“Agatha...taking on the government...Foxtran...” Jules lowered her eyes and shook her head. “It’s...crazy don’t you think? Reckless...even for you.” She chuckled.
Agatha sighed and shook her head. “I’ve known you since our first class in school, Jules. You’re my best friend. I have to watch you suffer constantly.” She shook her head. “I met a girl that I think will be a good help with Foxtran. She’s already pretty interested, all I have to do is convince her to join our side and then, soon enough, we will bring Foxtran to its knees.”
Jules sighed softly. “They...they’ve been pretty good to me lately...my sessions haven’t been as long...I have this apartment...it...”
“You live in a tiny box, and the government is making you pay out the ass for it. If I paid half as much as you do I would have a house. Just because I’m a Mech and you’re a Mage. It isn’t right, Jules.”
Jules shrugged slightly, she bit her lip. “I don’t want you to get hurt, Ags....you’re the only friend I have...”
Agatha offered a smile, “Me? Get hurt.” She chuckled then. “Jules, it’ll be me protecting you, just like when we were in school.” She winked then as she finished off her breakfast.
Jules glanced to Melani she offered a smile. The ship was smoothing out. The intercom clicked and crackled. “Smooth sailing ahead, relax and enjoy the view, the sunset this evening as we head into Leland. We will have a 3 hour window for fueling, so I highly recommend enjoying the beautiful bay city.”
Jules stood slowly. She stepped to the railing and glanced over the edge. He was right. The sunset was gorgeous. The orange hues seemed to splash off of the surface of the calm bay, the surface of the water looked like glass from this altitude. “This...is incredible...” She spoke a smile on her lips. She giggled slightly, the alcohol still had its grips on her quite well. She turned and smiled. The ship bounced a bit and she fell forward.
“Woah there.” Hugo caught her and chuckled.
Jules giggled as he held her in his arms. “Hm, sorry...” She hummed as they landed in the city.
The captain came from the cabin shortly after. He bowed deeply. “Lady Foxtran, might I recommend that you go to Ruby’s Chocolatier. They have the finest Chocolate on this side of the mountains.” He smiled.
“Oh, chocolate?” Jules smiled then. “We definitely should.” She grinned and looked to Melani.
Hugo chuckled. “Sounds like a date then hm?” He still had his arm wrapped around Jules’ waist to steady her. He grinned as he made his way toward the stairs of the ship. “Easy there doll.” He helped her down the stairs.
Jules smiled, “I can do it.” She brushed his hands away and gripped the rail as she climbed down from the ship.
Hugo grinned and looked to Melani. “Stubborn one isn’t she?” He chuckled.
Jules looked to him, “I can take care of myself.” She giggled as they headed into town. Jules looked up to the beautiful buildings. The city was alive with live music and laughter. It was a completely different atmosphere from Voxstein. She was so used to the dreary feeling in Voxstein, the constant feeling of an officer watching over you...
“Ruby’s...” Jules spoke as they walked down the marketplace. She stumbled slightly and giggled. Her arm wrapped around Melani’s shoulders as she steadied herself. She leaned against her slightly.
Hugo smirked as he looked over to the two. He chuckled as they came upon the chocolate shop. “Ladies.” He smiled as he opened the door, he took a swig from his flask as he waited for them to enter.
Jules pulled her arm from Melani as she stepped into the shop. Beautiful chocolates lined the glass container. She grinned as she stepped forward. She’d never been to a chocolatier. There were so many options. “Welcome!” The woman behind the counter spoke happily, “How can I help ya’ll?” She asked, her accent was thick.
“I’m here to get some chocolate for these beautiful ladies.” Hugo grinned as he pulled out a few coins and set them on the counter. “Whatever they want.” He nodded and chuckled. He pat Melani’s shoulder as he stepped passed her and back toward the door. He was keeping watch. He didn’t like being stationary. It gave Lyonel a chance to catch up to them, to find them...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2018 20:04:03 GMT -5
“Grabbing the wall is cheating!” Melani called out - then suddenly Jules stumbled forward. Melani’s hands reached out and steadied her - resting on her hips. “Um...” Melani pulled her brows together slightly and then shifted away.
Melani looked out through the window as the ship steadied, the coms chiming. She stepped outside to the balcony and pressed her hands to the rail. “Hmm.. it is pretty huh” she smirked then and turned as Hugo approached.
They made their way to the deck as they came to the docking station. Her eyes looked down over the city, it was beautiful. It had tall gorgeous buildings, huge streets for parades and such, shop after shop.
“Chocolate? Hmm, that sounds fun” she smirked and paused. The others went down the stairs and she glanced back to the captain.
“Captain, I should let you know that I have a grouping hunting me...” She went to say more.
“Speak no more, my lady. You know I am always prepared for such a thing, it is a shame so many hate you, you are truly a kind woman” he bowed his head. “I shall see you in a few, hm?” He crossed his hands in front of his waist and bowed his head.
Melani caught up with the others as they came down to ground level. The docks were not as protected, actually everything seemed very relaxing. Music filled the air, the thick scent of food wafted by - this was a resort sort of place.
They soon entered the chocolatier and Melani grinned. Her eyes fell upon Hugo - who stood with a hand in his pocket, looking out the window. He turned to her and smiled “Enjoy yourself...” He spoke and then glanced back outside.
Melani looked through a few glass containers before picking out a decorated piece of chocolate.
“Ah, fancy a bit of peanut butter?” The woman behind the counter questioned. She pulled it out and began to wrap it up for her.
“I do love peanut butter” Melani smiled and then pointed to a piece of thick fudge. She remembered Hugo loved a good fudge bar. “And that as well...” She nodded.
The woman wrapped it up and then smiled, she looked to Jules and nodded. “Enough for whatever you'd like dear” she nodded and put the coins into her register.
Melani grasped the two and made her way to Hugo. “Here you go sir” she handed him the fudge bar.
“Ah... well, if you insist. Good choice” he nodded and opened up his bar and took a bite. He let out a little groan and nodded. “Oh this is excellent...” He grinned and then glanced out the window.
“Just a minute..” he handed the bar to Melani and marched outside. Hugo quickly grasped onto a lanky man by his collar and eye him.
“Foxtran spy, for Lyonel, aren’t you?” He questioned, eyeing the man.
The man coughed slightly and then grinned, teeth missing - dark and dirty. “Who are you calling Foxtran spy? Hanging out with a wanted mage, are you slowly working on bringing her in, because the boss says just a few hours, you are a ways away from your destination...” The man grinned then.
Hugo glanced back to the store and then dragged the man into a alley. He emerged later with a bit of blood on his fist, the spy - was dead. All of Lyonel’s men wore a small golden badge on their collar, this was Lyonels way of being cocky in front of all of the other Huntsmen...This made his job a little easier, it was not often that Lyonel had men working against him...
Hugo pulled a linen from his pocket and wiped his hands off on it. “We should move...” He whispered to Melani.
Melani lifted her gaze to Jules and stepped over to her. “Have you ever been to the beach before? I hear the sands are as white as the clouds here, should we check it out?” She questioned.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 14, 2018 20:30:39 GMT -5
Jules glanced to Hugo as the bell jingled when the left. She drew her brows together slightly as she watched him take the man into the alleyway. She held a small mint fudge bar in her hands. She took a bite of it and looked to Melani as Hugo came back in. “The beach?” She asked, she smiled and shook her head. “I’ve never been to the beach before no.” She glanced to the cloth that Hugo folded and stuffed into his pocket again. “Will we be safe there?” She questioned.
Hugo let out a soft chuckle. “You’re safe anywhere that you’re with me, doll.” He smirked. “I’ll keep watch, don’t you worry.”
Jules nodded, she let out a slow breath. She was beginning to sober up a bit. “Beach then.” She smiled to Melani. “That sounds nice.”
Hugo held the door open for the two as they walked down the streets. He munched on his fudge happily. His eyes moved about the crowds of people. Jules finished off her bit of chocolate and let out a happy sigh. “It’s...so relaxed here...” She spoke as she looked to the people, the smiles about their faces.
“Yes, a resort town, you won’t find any Mages here. This city is meant for the Mechs to come and unwind. It is expensive, but the luxury is worth it in my option.” He chuckled as he turned down another street.
Jules glanced around as they headed toward the beach. Many lounged beneath the setting sun, the water was gorgeous. Jules looked to the beautiful white sand. “Oh...” She spoke as she stepped forward. She chuckled a bit. “It looks like snow, huh?” She smiled as she looked to Melani. “Should we sit?” She asked as she found open lounge chairs. She relaxed into one and sighed happily. She’d never felt relaxed like this. Though, she knew most of it had to be from the alcohol. But, the thought that she didn’t have to go and get drained relaxed her...
Jules watched as the sun sank down. More people came onto the beach, kicking volley balls and laughing. Music began to play as a band set up a stage. Before long the beach was packed with people.
“The ship should be ready soon, we should head back.” Hugo spoke, looking to his watch.
Jules looked to him a moment, bringing her eyes from the stars in the sky. “This was nice.” She looked to Melani and smiled. “Thank you.” She nodded as she stood. She turned then. A clicking sound. Jules felt something pierce into her neck. She took in a shaken breath as she reached up. She pulled a small needle from her skin. “Melani....?” She asked. The world was caving in around her. It began to spin. She stumbled slightly. She heard the sounds of the people around them, but it all began to sound as though it was beneath a heavy blanket...
Hugo stepped forward and grabbed the needle. “We need to move now.” He wrapped his arms around Jules as she fought against the tranqulizer. “Come on Mel.” He tossed Jules onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. He then gripped onto Melani’s hand and rushed her through the crowds. He couldn’t spot any of Lyonel’s men. It felt as though the harder he looked...the more people seemed to walk before them. He reached through the crowd with them and into the streets. Suddenly his chest was slammed harshly by what felt like a brick wall. It knocked Hugo back as he fell onto his back, Jules toppled from his shoulders and landed in an unconscious heap on the cobblestone.
“Get the mage!” A voice ordered. “I’ll take care of them. The boss will be happy we got her before he landed.” The man chuckled.
A man clad in black rushed forward and scooped Jules up. Jules was limp in his arms. Hugo pushed himself up, he coughed from the hard impact. “Put her down!” He drew his gun and shot the man in his back.
The man fell, a perfect shot to his heart. Screams broke out. People scattered. Hugo fired three more rounds, taking out the men one by one. “Where did he go?!” He snapped. “Where’s Jules?!” He rushed forward his hand gripped onto Melani’s again his other hand held the pistol, ready to fire.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 15, 2018 8:56:35 GMT -5
Melani made her way over to one of the beach chairs. She sat on the edge of it and slipped her boots off - she dug her toes into the sand and smiled as the sun fell down over the horizon.
It had been a long time since she had last been to a beach. Even when she wasn’t a traitor - she did not care for venturing out. She wasn’t like Agatha, who loved to go on adventures and see new things. Agatha would give her hell because Melani had all the money in the world but stayed bundled up in her home.
The reality is it was guilt and fear that drove her to her hole. She feared the look on people’s faces. There were only ever two reactions of her presence. One was of complete admiration and awe, they bowed to her like she was some kind of Queen. Or it was of hate and disgust, even other Mechs who had some kind of conscience would display such a reaction.
She knew the only way to redeem herself was to end it all. She couldn’t just unlock the mages, no, she had to take down her father, and the whole government with it. The Mechs would go into a state of chaos, or maybe they would finally give in. Did everyone actually support the Mechs? Or was It just the comfort of having absolutely everything they could want that out shined the negative part - in that an entire subset of people were being punished just for being born.
“Hey” Hugo snapped at her. “Quit thinking so hard, you’re making my brain hurt just looking at you” he grinned then.
“Hmph” Melani stood then, both boots in her hand and she walked down to the water. She let her toes become covered by the sea, as it snuck inward and back out. Her eyes glanced over a few shells, she even kicked one over with her toe - nothing special. She turned then as Hugo waved her over, it was time to go.
Melani walked back to the chair and slipped her boots on and nodded. “Alright” she followed the group.
The next moments were all a blur. She turned to see Jules in Hugo’s arm, and she was being tugged along by Hugo. Melani reached for her gun and held it upward. She popped it off at several men - they stood, vibrating as they were shocked intensely. Each fell to the ground, still twitching.
Melani watched a man leap away with Jules. “Oh hell no - “ she grit her teeth. She held her gun up and shot two more men as she ran past them. She ran as fast as she could - heaving. Her boots slammed on the ground, a bit of dust in her wake. She wasn’t quick enough, this man stayed easily 10 paces ahead of her.
She held her gun up - but her bobbing as she ran was too much, she was afraid to hit Jules. She slammed into a man, knocking him over - and she kept running forward. “Sorry!” She shouted and continued. The man with Jules suddenly took a right turn and disappeared.
Melani practically skid to a stop as she went to turn. She watched as he leaped over a wall. “Damnit!” She rushed forward and slipped her gun away. “Come on-” she ran as fast as she could and then jumped. Her palms gripped the top of the wall and she struggled to pull herself up. She managed to do so, only to see the man running off through an alley way.
Melani jumped down and heaved loudly, she then growled and rushed forward. Where was he headed? This entire city was just one big grid. She had to take a chance. She dashed down a block and rush upward, just in time to see the man cross the street. She followed him as he made his way through an alley, and then into a run down building.
She pulled up a device and clicked it. “Hugo, 21st and 5th, rundown two story building. He is in here with Jules” she spoke. It would click over his gauntlet... Melani heaved as she placed her back against the brick wall. The man must have thought he lost her earlier.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 15, 2018 10:38:33 GMT -5
Hugo rushed through the streets. “Mel!” He called, he’d lost her in the struggle. He growled as he rounded corners. “God Damnit.” He cursed. He skidded to a stop as he heard her voice over his gauntlet. A smirk curved up his lips, he could always count on Melani, she wasn’t a damsel in distress...
**
“Lyonel come in.” The voice was watery. Jules’ eyes fluttered but were to heavy to hold open. Her head bobbed as she was carried through a dimly lit area.
“Rook, what is it?”
“Sir, I have the mage, a few others were lost in a bit of a tangle, but she’s unharmed.” Jules felt the world shift around as she was roughly set down.
“Oh fantastic.”
Jules took in a shaken breath as she fought to keep her eyes open. The click of an old light sounded and it whirred on. Her muscles felt tired and heavy. She could make out the shape of a man, the man that was speaking. “Yes, yes, now what would you like me to do with her, sir?”
Jules shifted slightly, her body was sore. “Ah, see if you can’t figure out what has been blocking the signal on her bracelet would you? Then I would like you to stay where you are. Did you make it to the warehouse?”
“Yes sir....of course.” The man turned toward her. He chuckled a bit then. “Ahhh hello there.” He knelt down. His voice still sounded far away. “Comfy?” He asked as he pat her cheek. “She’s strong, Lyonel. I gave her double the dose, just like you told me, and she’s already waking up.” He pressed the release button on the glove.
“She’ll be groggy for awhile, manageable. Do check in if you need anything, Rook. Is there anything else that I should know?”
Rook pulled the glove off and inspected the bracelet. “Ah yes, she was with Melani.” He pulled a small tool from his back pocket. “Whom I think blocked her bracelet here.” He snapped off the reflector. “Are you reading anything on her now?”
Lyonel was quiet for a few moments. “Melani...” He spoke, his voice sounded troubled.
“Sir?” The man stood from Jules and turned away from her again.
“Nothing...er....the signal is back up. I will arrive in a few hours.” The connection then cut off.
Jules took in shaken breaths. It was a fight just to breathe. The man turned to her and knelt before her again. “Do I need to give you more?” He asked a grin on his lips. He stood and stepped over to a table that had a black duffle bag upon it.
Jules grit her teeth. He had a dagger holstered on his thigh. Her eyes fluttered. Focus She let her eyes shut, trying to hide her strength from him. She listened as he stepped back over to her. “Here we are, just a little help to keep you nice and relaxed huh?” He reached forward.
Jules opened her eyes, she reached forward and shoved him back. Her hand moved and slipped the dagger from his thigh. She felt the sharp pierce of the needle in her shoulder. Though, Jules moved swiftly, just as soon as his back hit the ground she’d shoved the dagger into his chest. Jules was collapsed against him, her vision swirling again. She could feel the warmth of his blood against her skin. Tears welled in her eyes....she’d never killed...she took in a shaken breath as sleep consumed her once more...
**
Hugo stood next to Melani. He looked to her his pistol in hand. “It looks like just the one...if we move quickly...he won’t have a chance.” He nodded. He moved forward to the front door of the warehouse. They moved in slowly, Hugo was crouched, listening, each step he made was silent as can be. He motioned to Melani as he moved, giving her directions, when to stop, when to move, which direction to move. They climbed a flight of stairs, the light shone from behind a closed door. He looked to her and nodded. He held his hand up, counting down. 3....2....1....
Hugo brought his shoulder into the door, splintering it. He rushed forward ready to fire. “Holy shit...” He sprinted forward then.
Jules lay with her cheek pressed against the chest of the man, a pool of blood surrounded them. The dagger was still sticking from his chest.
Hugo rushed to her side and pulled Jules from him. He lay her on her back and felt for a pulse. He looked to Melani, “She’s alive...” He spoke as he searched her over for injuries. He found the dart in her shoulder. “Damn...” He shook his head. “It must have taken everything for her to move like that...” His expression was shocked. He looked to Melani as he carefully scooped Jules up. “We need to get back to the ship...” He muttered. “We need to get out of here before Lyonel arrives.”
Jules shifted in his arms, she mumbled something incoherently before she fell silent once more, her breaths trembled...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 15, 2018 21:58:30 GMT -5
Melani followed behind Hugo as the door swung open. She peered down to the mass of blood that lined the floor - their reflection was clear in the shimmering crimson. She sucked in a deep breath, who's blood was it? She watched as Hugo leaned down and lifted Jules. A sense of relief washed over her as he noted that she was alive.
She stepped over to the man on the ground and pulled his gauntlet from his dead wrist. Melani clicked it on “Lyonel” she spoke into it. “You have the right to do just about anything you want, you know that. But stay out of my way. Let me do this one thing...just once. Please... Lyonel...” She let her voice fall to a whisper in last bit.
There was a long pause. The response clicked and a deep sigh came over the gauntlet. “Melani...” Lyonel responded and then he sucked in a breath. “If I do not....” He paused.
“This soon will be all over. I promise. You’ll finally get that life you dreamed of living... the little brew shop, the dogs, the beach house... All that debt you’re trying to pay off... I’ll take care of it” she responded. “Just let me end the suffering, for everyone...”
Lyonel clicked his response “I’ll do what I can...”
“I owe you” Melani then tossed down the gauntlet and smashed it with her foot. This would send Lyonel a response that the line was disconnected.
Hugo glanced to her and then nodded. They rushed through the streets until they came back to the port. The captain stood at the deck and bowed his head. “I heard there was a bit of a squabble, I am glad you are okay. Is she wounded?” He questioned. “I have a nurse on staff...” He held his arm up and spoke into his own gauntlet. “Nurse to her station, we have a possible wounded” he then waved his hand. Several men prepared the ship to take off. “One of my men will show you to the infirmary, prepare for take off...” He nodded and then rushed away.
A gentleman lead them down into the hull and down a series of hallways until they came to a door with a red plus sign on it. They opened the door and Hugo placed Jules down on a bed. The nurse stepped over and began to take her vitals.
“What happened?” The nurse questioned, jotting down some things onto a clipboard.
“She was hit by I think a tranquilizer of sorts...” Hugo spoke, his eyes looking over Jules.
“That explains the weak heart beat...” She pulled out a needle and injected Jules. “This should amp it back up...” She then looked over Jules - for any wounds. “A few bruises, nothing critical. I’ll clean her up and let you know when she wakes... you both should relax”
Melani stepped over Jules and she reached forward - to tuck a stand of Jules’s hair away. “I’ll help” she nodded. The nurse looked to her, and then handed her a damp cloth. Melani lifted the cloth and began to dab away the bit of blood on Jules’s face, cleaning up her arms and hands.
Hugo left the room for a drink or two, as they would have to get Jules out of her clothes and into something fresh. A simple blouse and shorts, while the nurse washed her clothes by hand. Melani had counted the scars across her wrist, neck, back - from being abused... there were too many to remember... Her finger traced down her forearm, moving over a raised scar.
“I’m sorry” she whispered, her eyes fell over the bracelet. The very thing she invented. She remembered turning it over so many times in her hands. She wished she knew then what she truly had in her hand - the greatest weapon of all time... And she had thought it would be a protective device...
“You should go wash up... I’ll let you know when she wakes” the nurse came back into the room, smiling weakly.
“Alright...” Melani stood and made her way out of the room, down the hallway and to her suite. She slipped from her clothes and stepped into the shower. The hot water fell over her as she washed herself, her thoughts going over the events just then. Would Lyonel hold true to her request? She knew he was desperate, and surely the money he was getting for this hit was huge, would Lyonel be able to resist it?
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 16, 2018 5:28:01 GMT -5
The nurse stepped forward and carefully tucked a blanket in around Jules. She took another set of vitals and drew her brows together. “Come on, what did they give to you...?” She moved to a cabinet on the wall and pulled it open. She rotated a few bottles and pulled a need from the cabinet. She inverted a bottle of murky liquid and drew up half of a syringe. She stepped over to Jules and carefully injected it into the muscle of her thigh, it was a medication that needed to be absorbed into her system slowly, rather than directly in her bloodstream. “There...” The nurse nodded as she stepped over to the bloody clothes. “What has happened to you...” She looked to Jules with sad eyes, she’d noticed the scars as well. Each one held a story...
**
Jules took in quick breaths. “Please...” She breathed, tears streamed down her cheeks. She was young, this was one of her first sessions with a new doctor that Vance had hired.
The doctor stood before her, Dr. Bryce. He tilted his head slightly, a pair of magnifying goggles pulled down over his eyes. He had on a long white lab coat and a clipboard in hand. He lifted his goggles as she looked Jules over. “Please?” He questioned and raised a brow, a scoff escaped over his lips.
Jules had a trickle of blood coming from her nose. She’d been locked in the chair for at least three hours. He’d been draining her but he wanted more from her, the energy that she was providing wasn’t enough...it was never enough for this doctor.
“Mage, need I remind you that you are here to provide a service to Foxtran Corporations. You are failing at providing me what I believe you are capable of.” He marched over to a screen and typed away. “No need to worry, I will get it.” He smirked to her. He stepped to a table of instruments and lifted a blade.
Jules writhed in the seat, she pulled against the bonds, a whimper escaped over her lips. “Please....st-stop...” She cried.
The man paused, he stood before her, he chuckled, “I’m only stopping when I’ve gained enough to power our newest weapon...” He tilted his head. “Now...where were we?” He held a metal pan in his hand to which he held it beneath her arm. The doctor brought the blade to her skin and sliced.
Jules screamed, pulling against the leather straps more now, causing his cut to become jagged. Her blood poured from her arm.
The doctor stepped back then once he had a good bit of blood. He stepped over to the machine and added it into vials, placing labels upon the vials. He then inserted the vials into the system. Drawing the blood of mages was an old technique...one that was created before the times of the bracelet. It was a way to draw raw power from the mages. He lifted a remote then and depressed it sending waves of electricity through Jules’ body. She whimpered as her muscles tensed and convulsed. The door to the room pushed open then. “Dr. Bryce.” It was a man that was dressed rather well, he had an expensive set of goggles upon his head over his short hair. He wore a vest with a white tunic beneath, “What have you done?” He rushed forward and ripped the remote from his hands. “This is not intended for such prolonged use.” He narrowed his brows.
Jules was breathing quickly, her breaths shuddered. The sound of her blood dripping onto the floor seemed to echo through the stark white room. Dr. Bryce looked to the man, he glanced to his screen as it stopped whirring. “Ahhh yes, there we are.” He turned the screen. “She wasn’t providing enough magic, so I took it.” He was proud of this. “Sometimes Watson, you have to do things the unconventional way to gain results.”
The man grit his teeth. “Vance will kill you if you cause this mage to die.”
Dr. Bryce tilted his head slightly, he glanced to Jules. “Every mage is disposable, don’t you understand that? Once one runs out of magic what is the worth? They are nothing more than an empty shell.”
Watson was busy pulled the straps. He shook his head. “The log says you’ve had her in here 5 hours....you could have killed her.” He scooped her into his arms. “Vance needs to know about this.” He stepped forward.
Dr. Bryce pushed his hand against Watson’s chest. He glanced to Jules in his arms. “Vance won’t care so long as Foxtran looks good. As long as the money flow is good.” He smirked. “This raw power I just drew from her...” He nodded. “The LZK590 will be fully functional by the end of the day. We could defend this entire city from an attack from this one draw. Imagine what we could create with that sort of magic, Watson.”
Watson stared to him, “There was a plan in place for the LZK590, we were to draw over the next few months to gain the power for it. Other mages magic would work just as well.” He shook his head. “You don’t understand how important she is to the project...” He pushed passed him then. Watson brought her down the stairs and outside into the dim lights of the city. He carved through the city and walked up to a rather beautiful victorian home. He pushed through the front door and set Jules down on his couch in the living room. He then pulled a kit from the kitchen and he knelt down. Blood covered the front of his shirt from her wound. He cleaned it carefully. “I’m sorry Jules...” He spoke softly as he stitched the deep wound shut. He carefully wrapped her arm.
Jules whimpered as he went through this process. Though she didn’t speak to him, her eyes were turned away. Her body trembled with each quake of a cry.
“I’ll get Vance to removed Dr. Bryce from your care at the tower...” He spoke as he stood and walked across the home.
Jules held her arm to her chest, it was throbbing with pain. “You can’t do that Watson...you’ll get killed...” She whispered.
Watson came back with two white pills in his hand and a glass of water. He gave a weak smile. “And what would Agatha say, hm?” He asked as he held the pills forward. “I have to protect you, Jules. No one else will...”
Jules sat up slowly, she took the pills and tossed them into her mouth before she took a gulp of water. She stood shakily. “I should get home...” She whispered.
Watson placed his hand on her shoulder. “I’ll notify Henry, just...relax...” He kissed the side of her temple. “Just lay down, hm?” He hugged her gently.
Jules sniffled as she leaned against him. Watson was Agatha’s older cousin. He’d been with Foxtran Corporation for about 5 years now. When Agatha began searching for a way in, an inside scoop. She’d started with Watson. Though he couldn’t do much from his level, he helped her get into the ball where she’d met Melani. He provided protection for Jules, the best he could. “I...should get home....I really...” Jules took in a deep breath.
“You’re in no condition.” He responded softly. “Come on.” He led her through the quiet home to the guest bedroom where he helped her into the bed. “Just sleep okay?”
Jules’ world was spinning from her loss of blood, her eyes fluttered and she fell asleep. That...was the last night she’d seen Watson, it was nearly 5 years ago. He’d gone to Vance as he promised. The next thing she knew, he was gone. His house was empty. She’d walked by it a few times, worried about him. Was he dead? Agatha wouldn’t talk to Jules about him, she would ask, but Agatha would shake her head and claim she knew nothing about it. Agatha was always good at hiding things when she was trying to protect someone...
The nurse had washed Jules’ clothing and it was hung with clips from a piece of twine she’d strung in the room. She came to Jules’ side and took her vitals again. “Come on.” She spoke as she rubbed the back of her hand. “Don’t give up.” She whispered as she stood and drew something else up. She carefully injected it.
It only took seconds before Jules’ eyes shot open. She sat up and leaped from the bed. Her hand was clasped onto the collar of the nurse and she’d pushed the nurse against the wall. Her eyes glowed slightly, her breathing was elevated. She grit her teeth as the world cleared around her. The nurse didn’t fight back against her, she stood silently, waiting. Jules’ grip slowly loosened over the next several minutes as she looked around the room.
“This is your captain speaking, we are comfortably cruising right along, the air is crisp this evening, might I recommend a light jacket while out on deck.”
Jules glanced around the room then, her grip fell from the nurse as she remembered where she was. She remembered the man, the feeling of slicing the blade into his chest. She’d never killed anyone before...sure Henry taught her to fight, he taught her to defend herself...but taking a life? That was a completely different thing.
“Welcome back, Jules.” The nurse spoke softly. She adjusted her collar and took in a deep breath. “How are you feeling?”
“I’m sorry...” Jules whispered.
“No need to apologize, you were in rough shape when they brought you in, I imagine you had no idea that Hugo and Melani rescued you.” She gave a weak smile.
Jules nodded as she stepped over to her clothes that were hanging. The nurse had somehow gotten all of the blood from her clothing. She remembered the sticky warm blood on the side of her cheek just before she fell unconscious. She pulled her clothing from the clips.
“I’ll go get, Melani.” The nurse spoke.
“No.” Jules shook her head. “No need, I’m fine, really. I’ll find her.”
The nurse hesitated slightly and then nodded. “Alright dear, I’ll be in my office just across the hall.” She spoke and left the room.
Jules pulled the loose shirt from her body and she slipped back into her clothing. She pulled on the strings of the corset, tightening it just so it was snug. She pulled the gauntlet on over her bracelet and it whirred happily into place. She then left the room slowly. Jules couldn’t get the man’s eyes from her mind as she stabbed into him. The fear. The shock. She walked the ship and eventually came upon the bar. She stepped up to the bartender. “Have you seen Melani?” She asked softly.
He looked back to her and nodded. “Yes, she’s out on deck right now.” He pointed to the door. “Would you like a drink?” He searched her eyes.
“No, no I’m okay.” Jules turned and walked to the door. She pushed out onto the deck. She hugged her arms to her body as the cool air nipped at her skin. She glanced around and her eyes fell on Melani. She slowly walked up to her and leaned against the railing, looking down over the beautiful night landscape below. “Thank you.” She spoke, her voice was soft. “Thank you for saving me.” She whispered the second part.
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Post by Raven on Oct 17, 2018 23:13:06 GMT -5
The night grew dark swiftly - Melani found herself standing out on the dock with a drink in her hand. The swift wind pushed her hair back, ruffling against her forehead and ears. She moved her goggles so It captured her hair and pushed back, keeping it out of her face as she faced the wind. The clouds below them were dim, and thick - puffy clouds. The moonlight above cast an elegant milky shade over the clouds. The world was different from this height, almost as if nothing could touch them. This perhaps was the reason she loved flying so much. Nothing here to bother them, and the world below felt frozen in time as they passed over it. She sipped on her drink and stepped to the railed ledge and peered down to the sea of clouds.
She heard steps behind her and slightly turned her gaze to see Jules walking. She smiled and sipped once more, she didn't say anything at first. She allowed Jules to thank her, but really she had nothing to thank. Melani had so much she had to repent for, she wouldn't accept a thank you until this was all over. She pursed her lips and raised a brow "I wonder what mages can do, can they fly like this?" she questioned. "I would give anything for that ability, but rather we have invented these machines to do it for us. But to do it alone?" she sipped once more "I couldn't imagine what you guys can truly do, and how mech's even managed to surprise you in the first place. Mages have been silenced for so long it almost feels as if magic does not exist. I wonder what will happen when you are free..." she smiled weakly and then she set her drink down by her feet.
She reached forward and gripped the rails with both hands and then let out a deep sigh. "My sister has this over whelming power of fire - she burns herself, others, buildings - anytime she gets upset. My father convinced me to create the bracelet so that he could put it on her - to help her control it, so that she could function and live a normal life..." she sighed deeply and let her hands fall from the rails, she tilted her head and turned so that her back leaned against the railing. "I crave a life with both of my parents in them, exactly as they should be - but the reality is that neither one of them are in the right mind, I think. My father is consumed by greed, my mother by hatred. I feared losing them, but the reality is they were never there in the first place... Agatha tried to make a new life with me, but I couldn't grasp her life style because my fear drove me. I thought... what if I lost my sister, what if he killed her like he said he would? I am obviously... easily manipulated" she sighed deeply. "I want to make things right, I want to live on Agatha's legacy, but I fear after this is all said and done... will I even want to stay around to see how it plays out?" she sighed deeply.
"Sorry, I've had a bit to drink. It gets me real emotional" she chuckled and then she reached down and lifted her empty glass. "We should arrive tomorrow morning... you should rest, who knows what will happen, huh?" she chuckled and then stepped away to her room.
The next morning came swiftly - almost too swiftly. The ship had docked and the captain stood awaiting to say good bye. "Lady Foxtran, is has been an honor to fly for you... thank you" the captain bowed. "I will be docked here for a few days, if you require a ride back - please let me know. I will be happy to provide a discount for you" he smiled then and bowed once more.
"Thank you Captain, you did an excellent job, I will look for your flag when we are ready to go" she smiled and they made their way down the dock. Hugo followed after and lead them into the rustic city. The place seemed thick with a sort of smokey fog from the mining. They smelted the ores down here into bars, everything. It was a very industrial city. The people who walked by all appeared to be laborers, hands callused and thick from working machines and such.
"Come on" he nodded and lead them towards a building. On the building had a pickaxe emblem on it. He knocked on the door and it opened - A short stout man stood before Hugo, his eyes squinting towards him.
"Charlie" Hugo smiled to the man.
Charlie lifted his head and then cracked a smile "What the devils are you doing in this shit ass town Hugo? Come in come in" he waved his arm in, ushering the others inside. The room opened up into a large living room, there were books and a few bags laying about. The short man cleared the couch and came around to the front of them. "It has been some time eh?" he questioned to Hugo.
Hugo pulled his flask out and handed it to the old man. "I dare not drink first under your roof" he chuckled. "It has..." he turned his gaze back to the women. "Charlie helped me out when I was younger, her gave me my first job - to help pay for my moms medications and procedures... Back when he was a blacksmith in Braville" Hugo looked to the short man, who nodded happily while swigging on the flask.
"but now I'm the owner of Lattice Mining" he smiled proudly. "Now, you wouldn't be stopping' by unless ya needed something, so what. can I do for you?" he questioned and handed the flask back.
"I am in search of a rare mineral. I am developing a very unique tool that will.." Melani paused.
"She wants to get these bracelets off the mage's wrists, and needs the mineral to make the device" Hugo finished her sentence.
"Oh gods, really? Thank you - yes, we need this. Of course. The only thing is the government is all over my ass with the mine, trying to regulate what I do and do not mine up, saying that theres some minerals that are toxic to the environment. Which is a crock-a-shit if I've ever heard it" Charlie lifted a brow "You're the Foxtran girl though, ain't ya?" he questioned, thinking for a moment. "Yeah I bet you could lure them out, but you'd have to put on a bit of a show huh?" he grinned.
"Perhaps we could do some kinda press conference or some thing, you could give these men some awards, that would free up the mine for an hour or so - allow. both of yas to get down there and mine up whatever you need, my men would help ya" he smirked "I love a bit of drama huh?" he laughed then. "Those guards down there think they're doing such a service but in reality they are being used, probably to keep me from profiting too much or some shit, maybe to stop me from mining this mineral up huh?" he tilted his head "They would be real gullible if ya offered them some kind of service award for doing a great deed for the earth or something" he choked on a laugh then and shook his head.
"That would put a lot of attention on me though" Melani tilted her head "We're sort of being hunted" she pondered. "Unless..."
"Unless Lyonel listens to your request" Hugo chirped up. "I bet you he's on his way now..." he sighed. "Hmm..." Hugo thought for a moment. "How else would we get down there?" he thought for a long moment..
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 18, 2018 18:15:15 GMT -5
Jules watched Melani, her eyes looking to the empty liquor glass. A smile curved up her lips. “To fly, wouldn’t that be something?” She asked and let out a soft chuckle. Jules leaned against the side railing, thinking. “I know my magic is white, or blue...sometimes when I am overwhelmed my magic has pushed through the bars of the bracelet, when I was in the tower...” Her voice trailed off then. She remembered the times it happened, those were her worst memories in the tower...
Jules lowered her eyes from Melani as she spoke of her sister, of her parents and then of Agatha. She looked to the clouds below them and let out a long breath. “Once everyone realizes that it is you who freed them, as the rebellion mounts against your father and the Baron...the mages will see, just as Agatha saw in you that you are not who everyone believes you to be.” She traced the beautiful carving upon the handrail. “You’re nothing like what your father portrays...it’s an interesting thing, to run into Lady Foxtran and realize that she’s the opposite of what her father tells everyone.” She paused a moment. “I would give anything to have my parents in my life as well...” She whispered, “But, I will never know that life, it was taken from me so young that I cannot even remember their faces...”
Jules looked to Melani as she apologized, stating she’d had too much to drink. A smile curved up her lips then and she went to reply but Melani was already heading off to her room. Jules leaned against the railing a bit more. Her mind thinking. What would it be like to have magic in the world again? She wondered as she stared down over the dark world below them. Would the machines still be powered...? Most of the Mechs machines ran off of the magic of the mages. Jules wondered then how different the world might be, without the mages having their magic stolen painfully from them...
“Hey, don’t think too hard doll.” Hugo walked up a glass in his hand. He stared over the edge. “Also, don’t fall, it might hurt.” He chuckled and leaned against the railing.
Jules brought her eyes up to him, “What do you think the world would be like with magic, Hugo? When Melani has freed us?”
Hugo took in a breath and cleared his throat slightly. “Honestly, I can’t say.” He watched her a moment. “There are more than one tales about the mages before the Mechs overpowered them with their machinery and trickery. Though some of the old books depict the mages as a rather peaceful people...” He nodded. He then grinned. “Have you heard of the hidden city of Alamak?” He questioned then his brow raised.
Jules tilted her head slightly as she looked to him. “Hidden city?” She questioned, intrigued. “I’ve never even heard of Alamak...what is it?”
Hugo took a swig of his glass and then frowned at it, holding it upside down. “Come on.” He took her hand and led her inside to the bar. “Two.” He spoke as he sat down.
“I don’t...”
“Two.” He said again and chuckled.
Jules looked to the glass as it was pushed toward her. “So...this city?” She asked.
Hugo grinned, “It’s a myth, at least that is what the Baron and Foxtran want everyone to think. The government has been searching for it for years. They say that mages escaped long ago when the war began. There were mages that stood their ground to fight to defend those mages that ran. There is rumored to be a city of mages well hidden from the mechs.”
Jules chuckled as she sipped on her drink. “A city that the mechs can’t find? With all of their gadgets?” She rolled her eyes.
Hugo smiled as he watched her. “It’s true, but you won’t find it in a book anywhere.” He searched her eyes. “What if...we could find them? They could help us fight huh?”
“Didn’t you just say they ran from the war in the first place?” Jules stared to him. “If they ran before, what makes you think they will fight now.” She took another drink.
Hugo chuckled, “Because a Foxtran is fighting against the grain, to end this madness.”
Jules took in a breath. “How would we even find them?” She raised a brow to him. “If they are so hidden, don’t you think they intend on staying hidden?”
Hugo shrugged and smiled, “Just a thought.” He finished his glass.
Jules sat with Hugo talking about nonsense until the early hours of the morning. She chuckled and stood, wavering slightly from the alcohol. “I should, sleep...you should too.” She giggled.
Hugo stood, “Yes, it’s late.” He laughed, “Come on.” He wrapped an arm around her and led her back toward her room. He pushed the door open and smiled, “Good night.” He bowed his head slightly.
Jules giggled, “Good night Hugo.” She stepped into her room and soon enough she was out. The night passed swiftly. She wasn’t haunted by any nightmares of her past. Jules was awakened by the sounds of others moving about in the morning hours. She stepped from her cabin with a yawn and found her way above the decks. She stepped to Melani’s side and offered a smile before she looked to the city that they’d landed in. She glanced to the gears that moved upon a building that smelted down the ores and goods from the mines, smoke rose from the roof into the sky.
Jules was quiet as they stepped into the city, she glanced around to the workers that passed them, a lot of mages...she looked to the bracelets upon their wrists. So many mages were enslaved by an item that wasn’t intended to cause such pain. She sighed softly then, thinking of what Melani said last night. She couldn’t believe her father had tricked her into making the bracelet...how could someone be so selfish? Then again, she’d seen Mr. Foxtran...he was a selfish asshole that only cared about his profit margins. As they stepped into Charlie’s Jules glanced around the room. She listened to Hugo and Charlie banter a bit and then she watched as Melani spoke.
“A deal with Lyonel?” She questioned with a brow raised.
Hugo smiled to her, “Yes, Mel here offered him a good sum of money if he’d allow us some space...a chance to fulfill this.”
Jules shifted uncomfortably as she thought for a moment, she let out a long breath. Charlie nodded then, “There is another way.” He spoke, “It’s dangerous...but...” He walked away a minute and rummaged in the back of his home. He came back with old faded papers that were curled up. He moved items from his coffee table. “Here.” He rolled the papers out, it was a map of the mines. “We have several shafts that were condemned due to safety reasons...” He searched over it. “What mineral is it?” He asked.
“Zen.” Hugo replied.
Charlie drew in a breath. “That might be difficult.” He muttered. “The government has been really tight on Zen, any that we pull up has to be smelted down immediately, there isn’t much left in the mine I’m afraid. It’s hard to come by as it is and a few years ago all the rich mechs were coming in here offering me loads of money for the smelted down stuff....” He took in a deep breath. “This shaft...before I closed it two years ago we pulled a ton of Zen from it, and I think the vein kept going. It’s pretty deep...” He looked to Hugo a moment and then to Melani and Jules. “There is an old back entrance to the mine, it’s a few clicks north of town. You’d need to sneak in, but after dusk most of the guards clear out and go to the bars in town, the only ones remaining stand at the entrance. They don’t know about this old shaft going down into the mine...it’s old though...30 years at least.”
Jules looked at the map a moment, “We’d have to rappel?” She asked then her eyes looking to the man.
“Yes, there isn’t any equipment...I can get you line...but...do you even know how?”
Jules smirked slightly then, “I do know how actually.” She chuckled. “You know the cliffs at the edge of Voxstein?” She looked to Hugo and Melani. “I used to go there all the time with Agatha when we were younger, she made me get over my fear of heights.” She shook her head. “A skill I thought I would never use, and yet now I’m thankful that we climbed so much.”
Charlie chuckled, “Good, good....one of you will have to remain at the top, to scout and to get the others back up...”
“I can do that.” Hugo spoke, “I’ll be able to lift you girls out of the mine.” He nodded.
Charlie looked to Jules and Melani then, “Well...what do you think Foxtran girl, up for a bit of climbing?” He asked.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 19, 2018 18:57:44 GMT -5
Melani smirked when Jules mentioned Agatha, and how she made her learn to grapple. It did not surprise her that she did such a thing. Agatha was very fit, and did all sorts of activities in that range... Rock climbing, archery, and even a bit of swordplay. Agatha would drag Melani along with her on many of these athletic adventures. While Melani was not physically as strong - she could usually get by using just her brain. That was the big difference between the two. Agatha was nearly a brute, while Melani was a wiz.
Melani nodded then “I am not the worlds best at grappling, but I think I can manage to get by.” She nodded then. “We wait until sundown then?” She questioned.
Hugo glanced out the window “That shouldn’t be too long...” He smirked and took a swig of his drink. “No doubt there will be a brawl of some sort” he pulled his gun and twirled it in his hand. “Nothing I cannot handle, hm?” He grinned and holstered his gun.
Melani chuckled and then she stood and made her way to the door. The sun was just now dipping downward, sunset would be within the hour. “We will need some other supplies” she looked to Charlie, who then nodded.
Charlie stepped to the front door. “Come out back - I got everything ya’ need” he opened the door and led them to a large shed behind his home. He opened the door to the shed and held his arm out. “Go on” he nodded.
Melani stepped inside and glanced around - he was right. Anything she would need. She knelt down and lifted a small pickaxe from a pile and spun it in her hand. “Hmm..”
“Ya know what Zen looks like?” He questioned. “In its vein form, it is different than a prospected one...” Charlie leaned over and lifted a roll of ropes.
“I know it is an orange gem...” She looked to him then..
“The mages say when ever they come close to a vein - their bands get a little warm, it doesn’t quite burn, but it’s uncomfortable. But yes, it looks lot like copper - until you mine into it, the innards of it are a bright beautiful orange, but finding it amongst stone can be hard...” He looked to Jules then. “But you have yourself a magnet, that might help...”
Charlie stepped about the room. He gathered two lights that clip onto their shirts. Rope, backpacks.
“Listen, part of that mine leads into an old tomb. There are markings about, it would be best to avoid the tomb. It has traps and such all about it...” He then pulled out a device. “This will help find your way back. Drop these...” He held up a metal marble that glowed slightly. “I’ll give you plenty. The device will guide you to the next marble, a trial of crumbs so to speak” he smiled and handed Melani a bag of them.
“This sounds like a real adventure...” She sighed softly. “How long do you think it will take?” she questioned.
“It could take the whole night... if you return and it is morning - we will just have to take the guards out. You should take a gauntlet with you, for when you come in range of communication again...” He handed Melani a fingerless gauntlet. This was a common model, one she was familiar with.
“Alright...” She loaded herself up. Her backpack loaded with goods, even food and water. As much rope as he could hold, two small pickaxes, the tracking device, and the gauntlet on her right hand...
“Are we ready?” She questioned as she looked to Jules. “Time to put Agatha’s training to test, hm?” She smiled then. Charlie then stepped to the door, ready to go. The sun had just finished setting and the light began to dissipate from the sky.
“I will lead you to the entrance...” Charlie opened the door and they filed out of his home...
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 19, 2018 20:31:39 GMT -5
Jules chuckled as Hugo twirled his gun around. “Do you have a map of the old mine tunnels?” She questioned as she followed Charlie to get supplies.
Charlie nodded. He pulled out more maps and handed them to her. “They’re old, so I can’t guarantee them to be correct.”
Jules nodded she gave a small smile. “Anything in the darkness would be a light, wouldn’t it?” She asked with a soft chuckle. She lay the maps out and studied them most of the day.
As they were getting ready to head off Jules stood with a pack upon her back, she had her flashlight clipped to her shirt. Ropes hung from her hip on one side, clips on the other. She had two pickaxes on her pack as well. She watched as Charlie gave Melani a gauntlet. “Oh.” Charlie turned to an old metal box. He opened it up and blew the dust out of it. “Just in case. Melani I know your gun works, but it wouldn’t hurt to have another, hm?” He placed the heavy gun in Jules’ hands.
“I...” Jules looked to it, her brows drawn together. She’d never shot a gun.
“Just aim it and pull the trigger.” Charlie spoke with a chuckle as he watched her turn the old revolver over in her hands. “It’ll do the rest for ya, huh?”
Jules nodded as she looked up to him. She glanced to Melani as they left the home. They walked through town, it seemed everyone was home for the evening, all of the workers were tired from their laborious jobs. A few guards sat at the local pub, clashing mugs together and carrying on.
Soon they were walking out of town, the lights from the city began to dim. Charlie clicked on his own flashlight as he led them up the trail. Hugo sipped from his flask as he looked to the mountains around them, the stars were beautiful without the pollution of the city lights. Soon enough Charlie stopped at a pile of rubble. “This is it.” He spoke as he pulled one of the large rocks aside. “It’s a bit of a squeeze to get in.” He glanced to Jules and then to Melani.
Jules stepped forward she tightened her harness that was wrapped around her thighs. “Okay...” She breathed. She was nervous, though she was doing her best to hide it.
“Don’t over think it, doll.” Hugo spoke as he took another deep drink.
Jules nodded, “Right.” She let out a long breath as she took clips and she used her small hammer to beat in an anchor.
Charlie shifted a bit, “Okay, I have to get back, good luck.” He slipped away quickly, he didn’t want to get caught.
Jules ran the line through the anchor and she looked up to to Melani as she sat crouched. “Ready?” She asked. “I’ll be the lead. I’ll drop down first.” She nodded. Jules stood and ran the line through her harness. She took in a breath before she backed her heels up to the hole. She looked to Melani and Hugo for a moment, her pulse was pounding within her ears. She’d never done anything quite like this. Spelunking was a whole other story from just rockclimbing.
Jules took in a breath and stepped back, her grip on the line was tight. She closed her eyes a moment before she stepped off the ledge. She fell slightly into the mouth of the hole. Dropping into the old mine shaft. Her breathing had increased as she held her hand behind her, feeding the line slowly. She bounced her feet against the wall rappelling just as Agatha had taught her to.
As she fed the line into the cavern she glanced down, the darkness seemed to reach out in a never ending expanse. Soon enough her feet touched the bottom of the cavern. She glanced up the line, she could see the faint light from the moon far above, at least 200 feet....if she’d slipped...
Jules shook the thought from her head. She could hear water rippling through the cavern. “Okay!” She called up, “Come on, Mel.” Her voice echoed off of the rocky walls.
Jules turned around as she clicked her flashlight to a higher wattage. “Wow...” She breathed her eyes looked over the huge room she was in. Old tracks still remained on the base of the tunnel systems. One of the caverns was caved in, another had boards across it reading ‘Do not enter’. There was a third that was left open. Jules scrunched her brows together as she thought, remembering back to the maps she’d studied all day. She looked back to the crumbled entrance, “Shit...” She muttered as she stepped over to it, trying to look for a way around it. “Charlie wasn’t kidding when he talked about the collapse...” She sighed, speaking to herself.
Jules bit her lip slightly, there was a thin crevasse to the right of the tunnel entrance, it looked like a split in the rocky wall. She shined her light in it carefully and sighed, dead end. She turned around as she heard Melani come to the floor. “Not bad so far huh?” She smiled weakly. “Our...tunnel is caved in...” She placed her hand on the rocks that blocked their path. “We are going to have to find another way around, unfortunately...” She let out a long breath. “I hadn’t planned for this...” She spoke softly.
She stepped forward toward the tunnel that had the boards across it, it seemed to run almost parallel to the tunnel that collapsed. Jules stepped forward and ducked down under the boards. “Alright...” She nodded as she pushed forward. “The vein runs deep within that tunnel system, passed the collapse there...so hopefully there is another tunnel that leads us back over to it soon...” She walked forward and fell quiet.
Jules was quiet as she focused, remembering the maps in her head as she moved along. They came to a large opening, a cavern that the tunnel ran into. She looked up and shined her light up, the miners had carved up into the rock after a vein of something. “Woah...” She breathed as she looked it over, it had to carve at least 100 feet up, she couldn’t see the top.
The sound of water running was louder now as they pushed forward. It trickled from a crack in the wall ahead, a crack that led in the right direction. Jules paused and took in a breath, she glanced to Melani. “I’ll see if it goes through.” She gave a nod. She slipped her backpack from her back and held it in her hand as she slipped into the crevasse. It was tight against her body as she slipped through. Soon enough she was pushing her backpack ahead of her through the cut. She took in quick breaths, Jules hadn’t ever cared for tight spaces...
Jules came to a point in the cut that water filled the base of the small tunnel. She pushed her backpack forward through it as far as she could before she took in a deep breath. She pushed into the clear water of the cavern system, it was ice cold. Jules crawled forward, her face just barely above the water, just enough to get a breath as she pushed through. She twisted and turned until finally she came out on the other side into a large cavern. It was a whole cave system within the mines. She bit her lip slightly. They could easily get lost...
Jules lifted her gauntlet up, “Melani.” She spoke. “It’s tight, and there’s some water, but...it leads us through...” She turned and glanced to the huge room as she moved her flashlight about. She could see the rail lines below, glistening to her light, they would need to rappel down to the mine system to continue toward the vein of Zen.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Oct 19, 2018 21:46:02 GMT -5
Melani followed along, her eyes glancing about the city. It seemed to quiet down - but all the noise and ruckus was inside bar doors. She tucked both thumbs under her backpack straps and carried onward. Soon enough they came to the entrance, which was hidden enough - she would not have noticed it before.
Her eyes glanced to Hugo as he spoke - she huffed and shook her head. “Don't over think it? Says you - as you drink from your flask above ground” she brought her brows together and scoffed. Hugo then held his flask out and laughed.
Melani snatched the flask and took a long swig. To which she nodded and pulled her rope from her bag. She nailed down her end and ensured it was secure. “Alright, I’ll wait for your signal” she spoke to Jules.
She watched as Jules came to the bottom - the entire while she felt a bubbling nervousness rise from the pits of her stomach. “Okay...” She spoke to herself and she gripped her rope. She tightened her fingers about it and pressed her feet against the wall, she leaned her back outward, and slowly began to walk down.
Beads of sweat trickled from her brow downward, her knees threatening to give out on her. “You got this” she was at the halfway point. Suddenly her rope budged, the nail coming out - “No” she glanced over. Jules’s rope was still hanging. She reached a hand out to grasp it - just in time. Her rope suddenly gave out, a chunk of earth collapsing from the top. She jumped over and wrapped Jules’s rope around her hand tightly.
“Shit” she called out and watched as the earth hit the bottom, a bit of dust piling upward. She cussed more and then pressed her feet against the wall. “Come on” she grunted and heaved herself to the bottom.
When she landed - she pressed her palms to her knees and breathed loudly. “Shit...” She stepped over to her rope, which lay on the ground in a heap. “I made it... barely” she spoke as her fingers began to grasp the rope and wind it back up. “At least... we’ll have more, just in case?” She tied it off on her backpack.
Melani stepped forward and reached into the pouch about her waist. She dropped a marble onto the ground and pushed it into the earth with her foot, ensuring it wouldn’t roll about and get lost...
She followed Jules as she called out to her. It had been some time since someone had called her Mel, the familiar ring to it made her just slightly more comfortable...
Her steps came to the ‘Do not Enter’ sign. The place was so dead. It was amazing - she had never done such a thing before. “Dang...” She spoke as her eyes fell over the cob-webbed sign... They turned to the only tunnel they could go. The place was riddled with rocks and stone, dust and the stench of old closet, or something. It wasn’t very refreshing.
She followed behind Jules, moving about the wooden boards and such. She stepped forward on one - which gave away suddenly. She shifted to a different board and sighed as she made towards Jules.
“Water?” She questioned as they came closer. Melani’s eyes looked upward to the giant room. She hummed softly - just to listen to it echo into the chamber. “Wow...” She whispered and then watched as Jules approached the crevasse.
“Well, Agatha... you’d be mighty proud of me...” She took in a deep breath. What if something happened? The cavern collapsed. Would they make it out? She closed her eyes briefly, until she heard a voice over her gauntlet.
“Okay... I am coming” she spoke back and then pulled her pack from her back. She bit her lip as she fashioned herself between the two walls. “Damnit” she whispered, she wasn’t as skinny as Jules was, it was a tight fit.
She shuffled past until the water touched her chest. She began to heave, a sudden overwhelming fear surrounded her. She took in deep breaths, until finally she gasped a final one and shifted under the water.
She moved faster, her finger gripping the side of the wall and pushing her forward, until she emerged and found herself next to Jules. “Damn...” She heaved and pulled her soggy bag onto her back. “Don’t think Hugo would have made through that... lets hope thats the end of to the small passageways...” She dropped another marble and nodded.
She looked downward then and sighed deeply. “More of this?” She questioned. She knelt down and nailed down her line. “We will just use one line this time? Can you check it for me?” She questioned as she stood.
Once Jules ensured it was a good spot - she gripped the rope. “I’ll go first this time...” She shimmied downward. This time it was a little more Smooth. She landed on the ground and then spoke into her gauntlet “You are good to go” she spoke and turned.
Her eyes fell to a mine cart that was stuck in place. She stepped over to it to observe it. It was loaded with rock, the wheel was bent and out of alignment, stuck on the track. She turned then as Jules landed.
“You can see an old elevator” she pointed. The metal cage was completely destroyed, covered in rock. “It keeps going down, but this rail leads into a large tunnel.” the hole of the tunnel was much bigger than the others that seemed drilled about.
She dropped another marble and lead Jules toward into the dark tunnel. Her flashlight bobbed slightly as she walked forward. A sort of gust of wind brushed against her, cold and dusty. “A bit of pressure” she spoke as they continued onward. Water trickled down one of the walls, which had caused it to completely smooth over. Her light about it twinkled in the glittering minerals that were embedded in the rock surface. “Wow...” She whispered as a variant of colors shone in response.
“Look” she pointed - “Fresh wood?” She questioned as she came to a tunnel entrance. The hole was supported by what appeared to be recent planks of wood. “It is not deteriorated like the rest...” She looked back to Jules. “Charlie mentioned that the government was down here mining on their own. This might mean that this tunnel could lead to a fresh vein, maybe they located some zen?” She questioned. Her eyes glanced down to a boot mark in the soggy dirt. “Tracks... not covered in thick dust..” She knelt down then.
“I think this is the way” she dropped a marble and then nodded.
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