Ch 46: Of Ruins and War

Fenrip dragging Grave along as a potential guide, Mythra's team head to Halsa in search of leads on the airships. Alexander's team meanwhile infiltrates Xandaris to meet with Gwen's father.

            Trudging up the road to Halsa from where the Audentia dropped them off, as Rufus, Mythra, Amy, and Fenrip forged on ahead, Grave lagged behind. Tied up with a long chain, he kept up just enough so that he didn’t get dragged along by Fenrip, who held the other end of the chain. Seeing they were nearing Halsa, Grave said, “Hey! Don’t you think dragging me through town in chains is going to draw attention?” Glancing back at him, Fenrip cheerily said, “Well, I don’t know why anyone should mind. You ARE a criminal.” As Grave fell silent again, walking with Ian atop his hat as always, Rufus said, “I really hope the ships aren’t in the desert somewhere like the rumors say. I don’t think we can trust that guy to help us out…” Grave quickly reinforced this notion, saying, “I wouldn’t help you brats if my life depended on it!” Smirking, Mythra glanced back at Grave as she said, “Oh don’t worry. If he thinks he has it rough now, we’ll see how defiant he is after I whip him into shape!” 

Reaching Halsa, as they stepped through the city’s west gate, Amy said, “So what now? Split up and ask around?” Thinking a moment, Mythra said, “I suppose, though I doubt asking your average Joe would get us very far. What we need is someone who has connections to the shady side of things in this town.” Suddenly chuckling, as they turned to look back him, Grave merely stood there with an amused look on his face. Staring at Grave curiously, Fenrip said, “Do you have something to share?” Grave simply replied, “No one with the kind of connections you need would breathe a word about the Blade Wings. Of course, if I were to receive my freedom in exchange…” Turning away from him, Fenrip said, “Hah! After what you’ve put Alexander and his family through? Forget it!” Making a frustrated face, Rufus said, “That’s true, but he has a point. People who are in on this sort of thing are usually pretty tough nuts to crack. We may not have a choice if we can’t find another lead.” 

Amy and Mythra exchanging glances for a moment, Mythra said, “No, Fenrip is right. We don’t need to negotiate with him. After all, why bother making a deal when we can read him like a book?” A confused look on his face, Grave said, “Read me like a book?” Then in sudden realization, he exclaimed, “Damn! That’s right, she’s-” Cutting him off with a smug grin, Mythra said, “Yep! Amy here is the Sage of Memories! Consider the public library of Grave’s mind officially open!” Finished reading Grave’s mind, Amy said, “Oh wow…” Eagerly, Rufus asked, “You got it?!” Nodding, Amy grinned and said, “Yeah, and you won’t believe this Mythra!”

            As they arrived at Guru’s Inn, Mythra stared up at the sign for a moment as she said, “You’ve gotta be kidding me…” Walking past her up the stairs, Amy smiled and said, “I told you!” Opening the door, as they all walked in, a halman man with green eyes and a brown mullet and goatee who sat at the check-in counter reading a magazine said, “Welcome to Guru’s Inn! I’m Guru.” Guru wore a black and white t-shirt with a brown sleeveless vest, and as he turned his gaze up from the magazine, he said, “Hey, I know you two girls! Weren’t you here with that big group of folks that headed off for Loralu awhile back?” Nodding, Amy said, “That’s us!” Turning his gaze on Rufus and Fenrip, Guru started to say, “Seems like you made some new traveling buddies! I dunno if I’ll have enough rooms if all of your other friends are…” Noticing Grave tied up in chains, he trailed off for a moment, and then said, “Uh, what’s with that guy? Is he some kinda traveling escape artist?” As Grave merely grumbled, Fenrip grinned reassuringly and said, “He just has some anger management issues.” 

Still struggling to take his eyes off of Grave, Guru hesitantly said, “Ah… Gotcha…” Approaching the counter, Mythra said, “Never mind him. We need to ask you a few things.” Poking his head over her shoulder, Rufus said, “Yeah, you wouldn’t happen to know anything about the Blade Wings would you?” Looking rather surprised, Guru said, “How in blazes did you know about that?! And what’s with the cat on your head?” Ignoring the last remark, Rufus eagerly said, “So you do know something?! Please, you gotta tell us where the ships are! It’s for a good cause, we-” Pushing him away, Mythra said, “Cool it cat-hatter!” Turning back to Guru, Mythra said, “Well, as you might have guessed, we came here because we heard you might have information on the ships used by the Blade Wings.” A serious expression on his face, Guru said, “I ain’t one who usually asks something like this, as I prefer a little privacy of my own, but since you all seem to know something about me it only seems fair. Who are all of you folks, and just what are you gonna do with those ships if you find them?”

            Explaining everything to him, as Mythra finished, Guru shook his head and said, “I’ll admit I could tell something bout you folks was special, but Angelorum Lux? Sorry, but I just can’t believe it. Even if I did, I can’t risk showing anybody to those ships. That kinda power is just too dangerous, it’s better if no one ever finds them again.” Moving up to the counter, Amy looked at him imploringly as she said, “Guru please! We’re telling you the truth! We have to get the information from the computers to save Grey!” Staring back at her a moment, Guru finally looked away with a sigh and said, “Alright. I’ll trust you on this, but I’m coming along to keep an eye on you!” Nodding, Mythra said, “Deal.” As Amy and Rufus cheered, Guru got out of his chair and turned to a shelf on the wall to the right of the counter as he said, “Now don’t go getting excited yet kids, we still gotta get there first!” 

Reaching up to the top shelf, he took down a small box and placed it on the counter. Opening the box and withdrawing a rolled up map, Guru unrolled it and took a look at it as he said, “Alright, assuming I can read my grand-pappy’s handwriting, they basically dumped those airships in the same place they found them. The Ruins of Raxis, in the frozen wasteland known as the Ngan Tundra. According to the map, it’s smack dab on the other side of the mountain northwest of here, but as fortune would have it there’s a tunnel through the mountain that’ll put us right there!” Pumping a fist, Rufus exclaimed, “Yes! We’re hot on the trail now!” Smiling at his show of enthusiasm, Fenrip said, “Depending on how you look at it, the trail will actually be quite cold. I’ve always wanted to go and paint its frozen landscapes, but the Ngan Tundra is a very harsh and unforgiving place, full of dangerous monsters.” Swallowing nervously, Rufus said, “Maybe we should prepare a bit first…”

            Standing guard outside the gates of Xandaris, one of the four Xandaris Elite Guard troopers stationed there alerted his fellow troopers attention to an approaching hover transport, saying, “Hey, pay attention! We got someone coming this way.” The vehicle slowing to a stop just outside the city gates, as the soldiers approached, the front car’s passenger side window rolled down. Sticking his head out with a grin, Gibolu said, “Good day, my fine gentlemen! I am Gibolu, ringmaster and magician of the renowned Gibolu’s Traveling Circus! Might I ask your permission for my troupe and I to enter the capital?” One of the troopers turning to his nearest companion, he asked, “Think we should search the transport first?” Shrugging his shoulders, the other trooper replied, “Nah, I think I’ve heard of these guys from my sister. They’re supposed to be pretty good.” Nodding, the first guard motioned to the others, and as they all moved out of the transport’s way, he called out to Gibolu, “Alright, go on through.” 

As Ace drove the transport onwards, Gibolu called back to the guards, “Thank you! Be sure to come to the show sometime!” As Gibolu pulled his head back in, Ace said, “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were thinking we’re actually doing a show boss.” With a triumphant laugh, Gibolu proudly said, “Never underestimate the acting ability of a true thespian such as myself!” Rolling his eyes, Ace said, “Acting? Didn’t you just do same things you always do?” Sitting behind Ace’s seat down on the floor where he couldn’t be seen, Alexander said, “Whatever the case may be, let’s just be thankful that the plan worked. Especially since the last minute ‘disguises’ you came up with in case they searched the transport were little more than painted masks…” Nervously, Gibolu glanced back at him and said, “My apologies again. If I had known we would be needing them for something like this, I would have made certain not to pack the spare costumes underneath everything else.” Coming to a stop sign, Ace looked around at the shops and street signs as he said, “Whatever, we’re in. Now where the hell am I going?” Adjusting his shades thoughtfully, Alexander said, “The southwest entrance puts us in the Sales Quarter, so we need to head north through the streets to reach the Higher Quarter. Once we get there, I’ll give you directions to where Count Bloodrayne’s residence is.”

            Coming to the front gates of a wrought iron fence surrounding a large two story mansion, as the gatekeeper saw the hover transport stop, he called out from his post, “Hey! Unless you have some business with the Count, I’m going to have to ask you to move along! You can’t park here, you hear me?!” The door of the transport’s passenger car opening, as Gwen leaned out, she said, “Please open the gates, we have to speak with my father!” With a look of shock, the gatekeeper exclaimed, “Mistress Gwen?! O-of course! I’ll open them at once!” As the gates opened, the transport moved onward through them and up the path through the front yard. Arriving at the front of the mansion, the transport stopped and both Alexander and Gwen disembarked, Alexander glancing back at Mana as he said, “Keep an eye out. We’ll try to be back shortly.” Nodding, Mana replied, “Good luck!” 

Reaching the door, Gwen fumbled for her keys for a moment, and then glanced at Alexander nervously as she said, “Ah, that’s right. They took them when they arrested me…” Raising a hand, Alexander simply knocked on the door. Waiting there a few moments, finally they began to hear the sounds of the door being unlocked. The door opening, a human looking man in a black butler’s uniform appeared in the doorway. His appearance would lead one to believe he was in his early thirties, and while the bangs of his hair were dyed blue and combed neatly to the sides, the rest of it was black and tied back into a ponytail. Fixing his blue eyes on them with a smile, the butler said, “Ah Mistress Gwen, you’ve returned at last. Master Hubert was quite worried about you.” 

Smiling back at him, relieved to be home, Gwen said, “Is father at home Gregory? My friend and I need to speak with him, it’s very important.” With a nod, Gregory turned his gaze to Alexander as he replied, “Yes, I expected as much. After all, we aren’t often given the honor of being host to Gabriel the Immortal himself.” With a grin, Alexander said, “I see you’re doing well Gregory. I remember you had just started working here when I last visited.” Chuckling, Gregory replied, “I’m honored you remembered me. I’ve worked hard for the Bloodrayne family these past fifteen years. I owe them much for taking me in despite my demonfolk blood.” Moving out of the doorway and gesturing for them to enter, Gregory said, “But please, let’s not speak here. Come inside, I’ll inform Master Hubert of your arrival.”

            Taking seats on one of the luxurious red leather sofas in the middle of the large living room, Alexander and Gwen waited as Gregory went to inform Count Bloodrayne of their arrival. The walls of the room all made of stained wood, the floors lined with light brown tiles, there was a fireplace set in the wall on the opposite side of the door they had come through. Above the mantle of the fireplace, a portrait of a halman man with green eyes and a great mane of red hair grinned back at them, and on either side of the fireplace, large wooden display cases showcased various valuable knick knacks and books. Sunlight from outside streamed in from the large windows on the wall behind the sofa they sat upon, and picking up one of the magazines on the wooden coffee table before him, just as Alexander was about to start reading, he looked up as a gruff voice said, “Well would you look at that! Ya’ll actually made it here in one piece!” 

Walking through the door, the halman man from the portrait made his way through the room towards them. He wore a red tabard with gold designs on it over a collared, sleeveless red shirt, a red and gold bracer on his right forearm and a brown shoulder cape draped over his left arm, and attached to his brown belt was a saber with a golden hilt that rested safely in its scabbard. Rising from the sofa with a relieved smile, Gwen exclaimed, “Father!” Approaching her and pulling her into a hug, Count Bloodrayne laughed as he said, “Really puts my heart at ease to see you safe. You’ve done real good kiddo, I’m proud of you!” Releasing her, Count Bloodrayne turned to Alexander and said, “Well, things are really starting to liven up around here! I’ve heard all that garbage about you destroying Gatria. Guess it’s just like you said before, the Dark Crusade’s back aren’t they?” Nodding gravely, Alexander said, “Yes, revived by my brother under the banner of Altera Veritas. Their goal is stated by their very name, the Second Truth. They seek to remake the world as they see fit.” 

Looking at her father in surprise, Gwen said, “You knew the whole time that the Dark Crusade had been reborn? That Angelorum Lux was innocent?” With a nod, Count Bloodrayne said, “Yeah, sorry I had to keep you in the dark there Gwen. Since it looked like they were planning to attack Teramis before coming here, Gabriel over there told me to keep it under my hat and let him take care of it. Now with the business of Count Ferid going around pointing his slimy finger at Angelorum Lux, I don’t dare breathe a word. If I did, I’d just end up getting myself thrown in a cell like you did. He just holds too much clout these days.” Feeling rather stupid, Gwen simply said, “Oh, I see.” Laughing, Count Bloodrayne reassuringly said, “Don’t worry about it. You’re still young, you’ll learn as you go. Now, let’s have a seat and get down to business!”

            Taking a seat across from Alexander, as Gwen took her seat as well, Count Bloodrayne said, “So then, with as little influence as I hold compared to Count Ferid or the High Priest, I take it you being here means you have a plan?” Adjusting his signature shades, Alexander said, “At this point it’s a matter of damage control. The halmans can either go to war with the demonfolk, or we can stage a coup and only fight a single battle. You still possess many loyal followers here in Xandaris, and although you may lack the influence Count Ferid has, he may not be a problem anymore. Likely under the influence of a rogue Revenant named Dr. Nova, Ferid seems to have betrayed Altera Veritas. We have no idea what his plan is now, but on the matter of the impending war, the split between Ferid and Alastor might work in our favor.” 

Seeming to mull this over, Count Bloodrayne said, “A coup eh? I wouldn’t mind taking that fanatic High Priest of ours off the throne, but even with the way our religion has started to play a lesser part in our daily lives, the Church of Light would still probably have a larger portion of our people backing them, with or without old Nicholas. People may not believe as much, but they still fear. Not to mention some of us, like me for example, have appearances to keep up. Ferid aside, I just don’t think we could pull it off.” Folding his hands in his lap, as the wheels in his head turned desperately, Alexander said, “Things will only get worse if we don’t try. Now that Serius and I have lost what little influence we had, I really don’t know who else to turn to Hubert…” Nodding gravely, Count Bloodrayne said, “We’re in a bad spot here, that’s for sure.”

            Suddenly entering the room, Gregory walked up to Count Bloodrayne and said, “Forgive the interruption Master Hubert, but I’m afraid I must inform you that I caught one of the maids placing a call to the Elite Guard. They are likely already on their way here.” With a look of concern, Gwen turned to Alexander and said, “If the Elite Guard finds us here, they’ll arrest my father as well!” Grimacing, Alexander said, “I was reckless in coming here. I’m sorry Hubert, it seems I’ve dragged you down with me.” Laughing, Count Bloodrayne said, “Yeah, I’m not getting out of this even if you guys do get away! Don’t beat yourselves up over it though. A member of the Bloodrayne household is responsible, and therefore all the blame falls to me.” 

Turning to Gregory, Count Bloodrayne said, “Listen up old friend! I’m gonna stay here and face the music, so you hurry up and get these two and their friends out of here!” Nodding, Gregory said, “As you command Master Hubert.” As Gregory walked over to one of the display cases, Gwen rose from her seat and exclaimed, “Wait, shouldn’t you come with us? If they’re going to arrest you either way-” Interrupting her, Count Bloodrayne said, “Calm down there Gwen. If I run away with my tail between my legs, I would lose what influence and respect I hold. If we’re gonna attempt to overthrow old Nicholas, I’m gonna need to wait here and have my contacts keep their ears peeled for when Angelorum Lux and the demonfolk come knocking.” Turning to Alexander with a grin, Count Bloodrayne said, “No choice now, right? I’ll be waiting Gabriel, you just get outta here and do what you do best!” With an apologetic smile, Alexander said, “This isn’t how I’d wanted it to turn out, but you have my thanks Hubert.” Hearing a clicking noise, Alexander and Gwen turned to see Gregory strapping a coolant tank to his back, the tank connected by a thin rubber hose to a large EDE Gatling gun that had been hidden in a secret compartment behind the display case. Hefting the massive EDE weapon with only one hand, Gregory turned to them with a smile and said, “Now then, shall we take our leave?”

            At that moment, loud banging noises began to come from the direction of the front door. Rising to his feet, Alexander muttered, “Damn, they’re here already! We’ll have to face them head on just to reach the transport!” Unconcerned, Gregory said, “I already had your friends move your vehicle out back. I do suggest we depart, if you are ready.” Nodding, Alexander said, “Good, let’s go!” Hesitant to leave, Gwen said, “But…” Flashing a grin, Count Bloodrayne said, “Don’t worry about your old dad, a grand adventure’s waiting for you! You’ve lived a sheltered life here in Xandaris for way too long, so get out there and help these guys make a difference!” With a reluctant smile, Gwen mustered her determination and said, “I understand. By my name as Gwendolen Bloodrayne, I won’t fail your expectations!” Removing his sheathed saber from his belt and handing it to her, Count Bloodrayne said, “That’s my girl!” 

Hearing the sound of the doorframe of the front door starting to give way, Alexander said, “We have to go, now!” Rushing through the mansion and to the back door, as they reached it, Gregory motioned for them to wait and readied his Gatling gun as he opened the door. Checking to ensure the coast was clear, as he saw no opposition between them and the transport, Gregory said, “It seems they’re lazy as usual. We can move ahead now Mistress.” As they started out the door though, a strange melody began to play from somewhere, and the three suddenly stopped and dropped to their knees as their strength seemed to disappear. Unsure why his body had suddenly become so weak, Alexander said, “What’s going on? It’s as though all my power is suddenly gone!” Struggling to move, Gregory said, “It’s this strange music. Forgive me, it seems I was careless.” Calling out to them from where he stood upon the roof of the mansion playing a violin, an older looking human man with beady blue eyes, a yellow mustache, and short blonde hair said in a refined yet haughty voice, “It seems you didn’t learn your lesson the first time! Last time, your friends escaped before I could get the High Priest to turn them over to me, but it seems my luck could very well be changing! My superiors might promote me for this!”

            Managing to turn his head and look up at the mystery villain, Alexander said, “Who are you?” Wearing a long black and gold overcoat and a rimless black and gold flat topped hat, as the man jumped down off the roof, he continued to play the violin as he said, “River, a member of the Morsus Brotherhood. You’ve heard about us from that former mercenary Douglas Mitchell, haven’t you? Alastor himself listened to everything that you spoke about at the Seeker’s tower through his vessel, which had been tailing Gisette in secret. He’s been short on help these days, so he called some of us away from our posts back on Teramis.” Trying to withdraw her father’s sword from its sheath, Gwen said, “But without Ferid’s backing, how is a servant of Alastor still in league with the Church of Light?!” Laughing, River continued to play his music as he walked over to stand before them. Looking down at Gwen, he replied, “Why bother telling them? As long as he’s not around to tell the halmans otherwise, we can pretend like nothing’s changed.” 

Gritting his teeth, annoyed by the sheer audacity of such an act, Alexander muttered, “Alastor is so desperate to hold his plans together that he’s faking the halmans out with a bluff? I can’t imagine that would last long.” Glancing at Alexander, River said, “Oh it won’t, but we’re pulling out soon enough. The war is already set to begin, both here and on Teramis. Ferid’s betrayal doesn’t change anything too important as long as we ensure the halmans and the demonfolk beat themselves silly. The device merging the worlds cannot be shut off without Alastor’s access code, so we can simply wait to reclaim the Vinculus later.” Turning his gaze to the back door, River watched it expectantly, smirking as he said, “Your little meeting here today could have been a problem, but it won’t matter as long as I hold you here till the Elite Guard finds you. My psychic song is only heard by those I’m targeting, so I’m sure they will not be long!”

            Suddenly another song filled the air, a soothing melodious voice that seemed to drive River’s song away. Turning his head to look behind him, River exclaimed, “What?! Where is…” He quickly trailed off, seeing the door of the transport open with Mana standing there singing a song of her own. As Mana kept singing, River could tell that his song was not getting across at all anymore, and he muttered, “Damn, she’s canceling me out with the same ability!” Her strength restored, with a cry of rage Gwen drew her father’s saber and swung, River stepping back just in time to avoid harm. His violin was not so lucky, and tossing aside its broken pieces, River quickly ran for his life as Gregory raised his Gatling gun and opened fire. As River disappeared around the side of the mansion, Gregory ceased fire and said, “The noise from my gun will have alerted the Elite Guard! We must escape immediately!” 

As if in answer to his warning, Elite Guard troopers rushed out the back door after them, opening fire with EDE weapons just as Alexander and the others piled into the transport. EDE weapon fire raining against the metallic side of the transport, once everyone was onboard, Ace floored the accelerator. Rounding the mansion, as the transport arrived at the front yard, they found a blockade of hover cars at the gate. Bringing the transport to a halt, Ace muttered, “Now what?” Opening the door of the transport, Gregory leaned out and opened fire on the troopers coming their way, sending them rushing for cover. Then reaching into his clothes, he withdrew a black spherical object with a metal pin stuck in it, and quickly removing the pin with his teeth he hurled it at the hover cars blocking the front gates. Seeing it fly through the air at them, one of the troopers hiding behind the hover cars shouted, “GRENADE!” The troopers fumbling over themselves in panic, many of them were blown sailing through the air as the EDE grenade exploded just as they ran for their lives. Their way cleared, as Ace drove the transport through the aftermath, he said, “I like this guy!”

            Speeding through the streets to make their escape from Xandaris, Elite Guard hover cars hot on their tail, Ace drove with all his skill as Gibolu exclaimed, “Faster Ace! They’re still gaining!” With a grunt of irritation, Ace shouted, “Shut up! I can’t go any faster! I’m having enough trouble controlling it at this speed! It’s everything Dewie and I can do to keep from sideswiping all these bystanders!” Back in the passenger car, Mana and Gwen looked out the windows, and watching the hover cars closing in, Mana said, “Oh no, how are we gonna get out of here?” As Gregory opened a window and raised his Gatling gun, Gwen quickly said, “No, you can’t Gregory! You could hit innocent civilians!” Closing the window reluctantly, Gregory smiled and said, “Very well Mistress Gwen. However, I don’t know that we can afford to stay on the safe side of things if we are to gain our freedom.” 

Poking his head out a window and looking in the direction of the road ahead of the transport, Alexander said, “We’ll be alright if we can make it out the…” As the transport turned the corner onto the road leading out of the city, Alexander trailed off as he saw the blockade set up at the gate. Pulling his head back in, Alexander said, “Damn, they’ve blocked the gate here too!” As Gregory once again opened a window, Alexander said, “No, let me handle it this time Gregory. I just got an idea. Hurry up to the front car and tell Ace not to stop no matter what!” With a nod, Gregory quickly headed for the front car. Bringing forth his Defensor Clementia in Twilight Harbinger form, as Alexander leaned out the window and took aim, Mana nervously said, “What are you gonna do Alexander?” Grinning mischievously, Alexander said, “Oh, I just think it’s about time we gave the Elite Guard the cold shoulder!” 

Activating one of his Twilight Runes, as Alexander focused on the spell he desired, a mighty beam of freezing power shot from his blade’s tip. Tracing a straight line across the road right in front of the blockade, as the troopers dove out of the beam’s path, Alexander traced his beam over their hover cars and created a ramp of ice over them. Driving the hover transport straight towards the ice ramp, Ace nervously said, “You gotta be kidding me! Hold on tight d****t! This is gonna SUCK!” Driving up the ramp, the hover transport sailed through the air over the blockade and out the gates towards freedom. Coming down with a great jolt, the hover engines barely kept the bottom of the transport from striking the ground, and with a sigh of relief Ace drove the transport away from the city as he said, “I’m seriously considering hazard pay here boss…”