Chapter 28 - Preparations
After spending their morning awaiting their new patron, the Pallid Lady finally returned to her hazy den of rebels. Her long platinum-white hair appeared tangled and matted, and the tips of her fingernails, which she sharpened like claws, were caked in dried blood. Her silken dress was tattered in various places with the sleeves having been torn off, revealing a series of long, deep cuts — still soaked with fresh blood. Despite her clear wounds, her injuries appeared to — very slowly — mend themselves on their own. Torn skin and parted flesh methodically rejoining, an accelerated version of the body’s natural healing capabilities.
As she stepped further into the room, the Pallid Lady took in a deep breath of the hazy air. Her construct, Dao, came beside her with a wet rag. She held her arms out to the side, allowing the Warforged to wipe the blood from her arms.
“So sorry to have kept you all waiting,” the Pallid Lady said, rolling her neck as she relaxed herself amidst the haze of the room. “There are rats that lurk around my bridge. Leave them alone and they multiply.”
“Trouble in your little paradise?” Akaja asked, arms crossed.
“Unfortunately…” the Pallid Lady sighed. She offered Dao a smile, patting the construct on his plated shoulder before striding over to her sofa. “Come gather, Seekers. The walls are starting to close in on us, so we must act quickly.”
Akaja perked her brow at the blood mage’s comment. She was the last of her companions to join her around the sofa. The Pallid Lady was at least kind enough to arrange a few more chairs and cushions for them prior to her arrival, but still… she had her doubts about how valuable an ally she and her cohort would be. Andros was secretive about the reason for his disdain for the Emerald Enclave, but she still believed the Druids were far more reliable. Joon had already proved himself to be an asset to the team — he saved her life, after all. Meanwhile, the Pallid Lady and her little cult had them waiting around like servants.
“You promised us information,” Andros said. “We did your little task for you, and before we agree to anything else, we want our due.”
“This recent development effects both of us,” The Pallid Lady said as she crossed her legs. “But I do understand your concern…” She clapped her fingers and ordered Dao to hand Akaja a small stack of documents. “Within are numerous correspondence between the late admiral Sai Akiyama and a number of ship captains. To summarize, the Empire is on the brink of civil war. The Imperial throne has been empty for a number of decades. What do you know of Imperial politics?”
“The emperor is believed to be the reincarnation of some ancient hero,” Andros said plainly. “The throne isn’t inherited through hereditary means, but instead it’s passed down to whomever shows the greatest sign of being their most recent incarnation.”
The Pallid Lady nodded. “The last Emperor died over three decades ago, and the throne has been empty ever since… however, word came to me that they found their emperor, and she was being transported via ship quite close to the Jade Sea. Therefore, I passed this information off to Admiral Sai, and he went and… ‘retrieved’ her. Unfortunately, what he intended to do with the ‘Empress’ may never be known. The Admiral died soon after, and then the Admiral after him…”
“I think I’ve met her,” Akaja said, handing the documents over to Andros. “When I snuck into the castle not too long ago… I found a little girl in one of the rooms. She claimed to be nameless…”
The Pallid Lady grinned. “If the Emperors are found early enough… discovered before they are able to form an identity of their own, then they typically aren’t named until the proper procedures are made. She was likely meant to be molded to fit the shape of whatever the Yanjing wanted her to be. Speaking of the Yanjing…”
She sighed, then continued. “Since her kidnapping, there has always been a Yanjing presence here in the city. The Many Eyes of the Emperor go wherever the Emperor goes, yes? However, their presence has grown significantly. They have begun to take control of territories within the city proper, with minimal resistance from the Syndicate. My own people have been fighting a war against them in this district for some time now, but…”
She snatched a mouthpiece from a nearby hookah and breathed in a deep lungful of smoke. “They have been getting help from Clan Akiyama. Samurai have been raiding a handful of my establishments, killing my people, and harassing them. This is an act of aggression I cannot allow.”
“And what do you intend to do about it?” Andros asked.
The Pallid Lady grinned, a determined fire in her crimson gaze. “Retribution. I have let the Yanjing fester in my district for far too long. Now it is time to cut this tumor free…” She unfurled a detailed map of the district, and set her finger on a depiction of a large, ornate building. “This is the Xiaohu Casino, the Yanjing’s de facto headquarters within the city. We will strike this beast directly at its heart, and I suspect you will find information within regarding the Admiral’s plans.”
“If I were them,” Akaja interjected. “I would burn or move any sensitive documents as soon as the attack started. How can you be sure they’ll leave anything behind for us to find?”
“I’m happy you asked,” The Pallid Lady said, clearing her throat. “Talai!”
“Yes, mistress?” The blood mage entered the room, bowing as she approached.
Akaja shivered a bit when he saw her, taking extra care to have at least two of her companions between them.
“Talai will be accompanying you for this task,” The Pallid Lady explained. “Before her brief… absence…” She cleared her throat. “She managed to infiltrate the staff. She will be your ticket in.”
“As an exotic dancer I bet…” Akaja murmured over to Yukiko.
“Oh, you wish…” Talai smirked, her Elven ears twitching at the insult. “As an accountant, actually. I’ll be able to procure you some uniforms to help you blend in.”
The Pallid Lady nodded. “Meanwhile, my people and I will be engaging in a little urban warfare. We’ll be hitting the Yanjing and their allies all around the district. That should peel some security away from the casino, allowing you to strike hard and strike fast. If my hunch is correct, then there should be enough damning evidence inside to turn the entire Syndicate against the Admiral.”
“We will crush them,” Kuana said, cracking his knuckles. “When do we begin?”
“Tomorrow night. I suggest you make preparations while you can.”
After the Pallid Lady had finished her briefing, the Seekers scattered throughout the city to ready themselves for the assault. Andros locked himself in the temple to prepare his spells for the following day while Kuana worked to sell off the loot they plundered from their previous job. Outside of the handful of gems and bits of jewelry they had found, most of their prize came in the form of spices, rare hibiscus’ and herbs, and silks. Kuana had ensured them he could find buyers for their plunder within the next few days, and that their payout would be quite substantial.
Joon decided to accompany Kuana. Something about wanting to see how the surfacers bartered and bargained. Apparently, coin wasn’t a thing in the Hollow.
That left her and Yukiko. Akaja was more than willing to get away from the bridge. Spending too much time in the Pallid Lady’s den would make anyone lightheaded. Perhaps that was the point. Still, she needed air that wasn’t polluted with smoke and trapped body heat.
Despite her mistrust of the Pallid Lady, Akaja still intended to take the jobs they did with her seriously, and while the others were taking care of the group’s logistics, Akaja needed an upgrade. Her equipment, while perfectly suited for a young thief performing odd jobs here and there, was woefully insufficient when it came to big brawls.
Andros’ words suddenly came to mind. “You’re relying on your new powers as a crutch…”
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It also didn’t help seeing how well Yukiko did in their last fight. Her friend could be airheaded at times, but she works surprisingly well under pressure. Maybe it was Andros’ influence…
What would Yu say in this situation?
“Get your ass up and let’s get training!”
Yeah… probably.
It was a long walk to the Kantai Markets, but Akaja didn’t mind. She needed some easy exercise, and she didn’t mind Yukiko’s constant babbling. The girl could make a conversation out of just about anything and while some might find it grating, it was nice to have someone to talk to.
They arrived outside of a quaint stone building on the corner of a busy intersection. Carts, carriages, and crowds moved through the congested streets, and form them radiated of cacophony of voices in nearly a dozen different languages. A large bamboo sign hung by the front door reading: “TAKA’S WONDERS” in three different scripts. Beneath the sign, a wooden statue of a smiling, rotund raccoon held out a small treasure chest.
Upon entering, a gentle burst of cool air immediately greeted the pair. It was a much needed reprieve from the humidity outside. Enchantments on the ceiling maintained a gentle stream of cool air as dozens of floating baskets and shelves seemed to constantly re-arrange themselves. Behind a long class counter, which offered numerous magical trinkets on display, a short fat Tanuki, very reminiscent of the raccoon outside (although the statue outside was still less round than its inspiration), worked tirelessly to charm a trio of adventurers into purchasing one of the myriad items that were hovering around them.
“Welcome to Taka’s Wonders!” exclaimed the Tanuki as sparks of colorful light suddenly swirled around the pair. “Give me just a moment and I will be right with you! Look around a while! I guarantee there’s something you’ll like!”
Like a child in a sweet shop, Yukiko grabbed Akaja by the wrist and dragged her to one of the staffs on display. “Look!” She beamed, grabbing it and striking a dramatic pose. The staff itself was of an ornate design, carved from a sturdy wood the color of silver with a shimmering violet crystal at the end of it. “Come face my wrath, evil-doers! You face the great sorceress Yukiko!” She struck another pose and was about to point the staff across the room before Akaja frantically pulled it away from her.
“Yuki, no!” Scolded Akaja. “Remember what happened last time? We don’t even know what this thing does.”
“Oh! Right…” Frowning, she carefully set the staff back where she found it.
It wasn’t long before the Tanuki hobbled his way over to them. “What can I do for you today, ladies? And remember… you break it, you buy it!”
“Hey, Taka,” Akaja scratched the back of her head as she nudged Yukiko with her elbow. “And we’re well aware of your policy…” She cleared her throat. “Anyways… me and Yuki are about to go on a dangerous mission, and we need some upgrades.”
“What sort of upgrades?” Taka asked, gazing up at them.
“For starters I-“
“Protection!” Yukiko exclaimed, a hand resting confidently on her hip. “Armor! Things that generally prevent death and horrific injury!”
“Yeah..” Akaja pointed her thumb at Yukiko. “What she said. In my case, I need some new armor.” She patted her old leathers. “This just isn’t going to cut it anymore, you know?”
Taka hummed in thought as the various shelves and displays shifted and moved around him in a wide orbit. “I think I have just the thing!” Clapping his paws, together, a wooden mannequin hovered over and set itself down in front of Akaja. The mannequin wore what appeared to be a simple sundress.
“A dress?” Akaja drowned.
“Ah, but not just any dress!” Taka grinned, revealing his sharp pearly-whites. “Observe!”
A rugged blur overcame the dress as it shifted shape and color, forming into a set of fancy leather armor. The chest-piece was crafted out of a smooth near-violet substance, slightly rough to the touch, with a texture resembling that of dragon hide. A purple sash of fine silk was tied across the mannequin’s waist, and beneath the leather was a black robe made of some kind of shimmering cloth. A light gray hood made of a similar material rested around the shoulders of the mannequin.
“Feast your eyes on glamoured leather!” Taka clapped again, and the set effortlessly slipped off of the mannequin. “The chest-piece was crafted from the skin of a five-headed hydra and the cloth is moon weave, imbued with illusory properties to allow its wearer to adjust the appearance to their liking. Observe…”
Another clap summoned an illusory glamor over the armor that made it resemble a set of lamellar armor, then a low cut dress a kin to what a raunchy barmaid would wear, then a sleeping gown, and then a blacksmith’s apron. One final clap reverted the armor back to its original appearance, frills and all.
“Taka…” Akaja said with a grin. “This is perfect! But does it offer any extra protection? Say somebody tried to stab me while I was wearing it…”
“It offers similar protection against shallow cuts and thrusts,” Taka explained. “As well as some extra protection against elemental magic. It also contains an enchantment that regulates the body temperature of the wearer… to an extent. Don’t go wearing it in the middle of a blizzard or a heat wave, but it should offer extra comfort during those exceptionally humid summer days here in Issei!”
“That all sounds well and good,” Akja said, crossing her arms. “But how much is it?”
“For you? The low, low price of 1,200 gold pieces!”
Akaja felt her heart sink. “Ah…” She scratched the back of her neck and bit her lip. “That’s… give me one moment!” She awkwardly grabbed Yukiko by the shoulder and pulled her aside. “Hey… Yuki…”
Her friend rolled her eyes. “Really? What makes you think I have the money? I want to buy something too, you know!”
“You always have money.” Akaja murmured. “I have 200 gold on me right now, so I’m only askin for 1,000-“
Yukiko’s tail swished as she sighed. “Kaja just because my parents are well off doesn’t mean that I’m made of money. Plus, you still owe me from last time.”
“Last time?”
“You don’t remember?” Yukiko stomped her foot, pouting. “Yu’s last birthday? I paid for that fancy scabbard you wanted to give him? And before that those fancy chakrams of yours, and before that-“
“Alright, alright… I get it…” With a long sigh, she anxiously began to tap her foot. “But… I did help you with Andros… and what if I give you my share of the loot once Kuana sells it off?
“I don’t think it’ll be enough to cover it,” Yukiko tilted her head to the head as she squinted her eyes at Akaja. “I’m sorry Kaja… but many after a few more jobs?” She glanced past her friend to look at all the items on display. “Plus, like I said, I want to get something for myself…”
Disappointed, Akaja continued to explore the shop with Yukiko, who had a tendency to take inventory of everything for sale before she decided on something to purchase. She was both enamored by choice and also paralyzed by it, stuck between deciding whether or not she wanted a staff, or maybe a new cloak, or maybe something else…
Still, she did find enjoyment trying on the myriad of things on display with her, laughing and giggling as they moved through the shops many and constantly moving rows. Perusing the shop reminded her of the days they spent together as children, back when they spent the majority of their childhood playing ‘treasure hunter’ by the docks.
At least now she had a goal to work towards beside their mission. Despite her suspicions regarding the Pallid Lady and her cult, part of her was glad for all the work she was giving them. The busier she was, the less she reminisced about past regrets… the less she thought about Yu…
Of course, seeing Yukiko and Andros be so damn happy together also didn’t help much. They reminded her a lot of herself and Yu — only without the baggage and expectations that came with being the lover to the heir of the Syndicate. Was she jealous? A little… Yukiko had so quickly found what Akaja had lost.
Why was she still so broken up about this? She and Yu weren’t even together anymore when he died and their whole mission as the Seekers of Truth had grown past simply finding Yu’s murderer. Andros had even experienced what she has been going through with Xue’s death, but he… he had Yukiko now.
Maybe that’s what she needed… another lover. Something serious or something casual. She didn’t really care…
After a few more hours of browsing, Yukiko finally decided on her purchase. It was a large, floppy witch hat the color of snow with a red trim.
“What exactly does it do again?” Akaja asked.
“It’s a hat of protection!” Yukiko explained. “Here… punch me! Punch me as hard as you can in the face! Only the face, though…”
Shrugging, Akaja reeled her arm pack and threw a punch at her friend. Before her knuckles could make contact with Yukiko’s jaw, a translucent force field appeared around her head, and collided with Akaja’s fist.
“Ow!” Akaja winced in pain, pulling back her hand. It was like she had just punched a brick wall.
“Pretty neat, huh?” Yukiko said with a grin. “And I like that way it looks, too! You think Andros will like it?” She played around with the brim of her hat, adjusting it in places as if trying to nail the perfect look.
“Yuki, that man is enamored with you. You could wear nothing but an empty potato sack and he would still be head over heels for you.”
“Oh, I know!” Yukiko said, giggling. “Just looking for affirmation. So… what now? Back to the temple? The Vagrant?”
“Not yet…” Akaja grinned. “I’ve finally figured out what I need, Yuki… I need a distraction! For the past few weeks its just been brooding, fighting, and planning. And since I helped you with Andros…”
Yukiko rolled her eyes playfully. “Oh, Divines… I can see where this is going…”
“And you’re absolutely correct!” Akaja spun around, trying to decide which direction (and which tavern) to head towards. “We’re not going to rest until I’m in the bed of some handsome man or pretty woman.”
“Don’t go too crazy, Kaja…” Yukiko warned. “We have a mission to do tomorrow.”
Akaja scoffed, then laughed. She grabbed Yukiko by the wrist and made her way down the street. “Since when are you the responsible one, Yuki?”