The sky was a sea of endless blue, punctuated by floating islands that defied the laws of gravity. One such island, Skyport, thrummed with activity, its sprawling market a vibrant mix of colors, sounds, and scents. Airships of all shapes and sizes docked at its edges, their crews haggling for supplies and exchanging tales of daring exploits. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and the metallic tang of machinery, a testament to the island's status as a hub for free agents and mercenaries.
Through the bustling crowd, two figures moved with purpose. The first, a young woman with striking purple hair that cascaded in wild waves around her shoulders, walked with a noble grace that stood in stark contrast to her rugged attire. Her piercing violet eyes scanned the crowd with a determined focus. This was Captain Alayara, known to her friends and crew simply as Laya. She wore a tailored black coat adorned with brass buttons and intricate embroidery, cinched at the waist with a wide leather belt. Her trousers, tucked into knee-high boots, were practical yet elegant, allowing her to move with agility and ease. Most striking of all were her arms, mechanical from the elbows down, intricately designed with gears and brass plating that glinted in the sunlight, a testament to both her resilience and the mysterious events that led to their creation.
Beside her, tinkering with a mechanical gauntlet as they walked, was Aurora, Laya's childhood friend and the ship's engineer. Aurora's bright green eyes sparkled with ingenuity, her afro bouncing with each step, a testament to her unyielding spirit. She wore a cropped leather jacket over a white, ruffled blouse, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing arms adorned with various metallic bracelets and gadgetry. Her high-waisted shorts, reinforced with patches and pockets, were complemented by sturdy combat boots that showed signs of wear and tear from countless adventures. A tool belt hung low on her hips, brimming with wrenches, screwdrivers, and other implements essential for keeping their airship in top condition.
Their mission today was simple yet daunting: to find a skilled pilot to join their crew. As they navigated through the sea of faces, the promise of adventure and the weight of destiny hung in the air, thick as the clouds that surrounded their floating world. The market buzzed with the clamor of merchants peddling their wares and the hum of engines from airships preparing to depart, each sound a reminder of the vast, unexplored skies that awaited them.
"Is this it?" asked Aurora, gazing up at a weathered wooden sign creaking above them. The words "The Drifting Spire" had been etched into its surface with care, the letters adorned with an elegant flourish. Beneath the sign, a narrow doorway opened into shadow, a promise of things unknown waiting inside.
"Let's check it out," Laya said with a nod. She ducked through the doorway and ascended the staircase within, her footsteps echoing in the darkness. At the top of the stairs, she pushed open a heavy door and stepped into the light, taking in the tavern's interior.
It was a spacious, rustic place with worn wooden floors and dim lighting, the walls decorated with a mix of maps and old wanted posters. In one corner, a group of players gathered around a table, engaged in a heated game of Skyfarer, a tactical boardgame. In another corner, a musician plucked away at a harp, filling the room with haunting melodies. The clink of glasses and murmurs of conversation filled the air.
In the middle of it all, behind the bar and serving drinks, was an older woman. She was tall and regal-looking, her grey hair pulled back into a tight bun, accentuating her angular features. With practiced movements, she polished glasses with a faded cloth and set them aside for customers. When her gaze landed on Laya and Aurora, she paused, regarding them with an appraising eye.
"Can I help you ladies?" she asked, her voice rich and authoritative.
Laya took a deep breath and stepped forward, drawing herself up to her full height. "Yes, we're looking for pilots."
Everyone in the bar took a second to process what she said and burst into laughter. Aurora felt heat rising to her cheeks as the surrounding patrons jeered at them, some even pointing in their direction.
"Well, no shit," snickered a man from a nearby table, his face shadowed by a wide-brimmed hat. He raised his tankard towards Laya, the ale sloshing onto the floor. "The playground is on the other side of town, kid."
The laughter only intensified after that. Laya remained unphased, meeting the jeering gazes with one of her own. "I'm looking for an airship pilot. I can pay handsomely." She reached into her pocket and produced a handful of silver pieces.
At the mention of money, the laughter died down and several patrons sat up, eager expressions on their faces. Men and women from various tables started to approach, touting their skills and recounting their daring exploits. It seemed everyone in the bar wanted the job, all except for one man sitting at the far end of the bar who remained unphased.
He was young, with tousled dark hair and eyes that seemed to gleam with an inner light, a sharp contrast to the worn leather vest and loose shirt he wore. An orange scarf was wrapped around his neck, and a finely crafted sword rested against the bar beside him. He slowly stood, his movements deliberate and fluid, as if every motion had been practiced a thousand times. His eyes locked onto Laya, and for a moment, the din of the bar seemed to fade into the background.
"You’re looking for a pilot?" he said, his voice calm and measured. "And you think a few silver pieces will get you one worth his salt?"
Laya's gaze didn't waver. "I'm looking for the best pilot," she replied. "And I'm willing to pay more than just silver for the right one."
The man studied her for a moment longer before a small, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "The best pilot, huh? Sorry to disappoint, but I've already got a job lined up."
With that, he picked up his sword and started to walk towards the door. As he passed by Laya and Aurora, he paused briefly, glancing back at them with a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Good luck finding your pilot."
As he exited, the older woman behind the bar watched him leave before turning back to Laya and Aurora. "That was Hat Trick," she said, her voice filled with a mix of respect and disbelief. "He's known for flying with a crew only three times, and each time, the mission was successful beyond belief. If you were hoping to hire the best, you just missed your chance."
Aurora glanced at Laya, her initial embarrassment replaced with a spark of determination. "Who else could we ask?"
Laya hesitated, running her fingers through her hair. She surveyed the tavern once more, studying the remaining occupants. "No one here really fits the bill."
Laya crossed her arms and nodded her head. "Okay, Hat Trick it is."
"Are you out of your mind?" Aurora said. "He doesn't want anything to do with us. Besides, what makes you think he'd say yes if we did catch up to him?"
"We can make him a good deal," Laya reasoned. She held up the coins in her hand, counting them out on her palm. "I think this could convince anyone."
Aurora sighed. "And how do you know it's enough for Hat Trick? He seemed perfectly happy to walk away without the coin. Maybe his pride drives him more than greed."
Laya shook her head, smirking. "I can be quite persuasive when I need to be. I can convince him."
Aurora stared at her. "Do you really think—"
Laya took off, moving towards the exit.
"Hold it, missy," came a voice from behind them. Laya turned to see the man with the wide-brimmed hat from earlier. "I can't overlook your little comment about us."
"Yeah," grumbled a woman next to him, her face twisting in anger. "Who the hell are you, thinking you're better than us?"
Aurora gulped and looked to Laya for support.
Laya tilted her head in confusion at the man. "Are you guys not weak? We were looking for stronger people. We'll be leaving now, though. Sorry if I offended."
There was a pause, and then the tavern erupted. A collective outrage washed over Laya and Aurora.
Swords and guns were drawn, and the woman stepped forward menacingly, a dagger clenched between her teeth. "If it's strength you want," she growled, "you've come to the right place!"
Laya held up her arms in mock surrender and smiled sweetly. "Wow, you guys are tough, sorry." She stepped back, putting space between them and herself.
However, within what seemed like a moment, everyone in the tavern was floating, except for Laya and Aurora. Laya took a deep breath and exhaled, her arms coming down to her sides as she did so. Everyone and everything in the bar was slammed into the ground with unbelievable force, destroying chairs and tables. All the assailants lay on the ground, groaning from the impact.
"Couldn't hold back just a little, Laya?" Aurora sighed.
Laya put her hands behind her back in an attempt to look cute and innocent. "But I was holding back."
Aurora covered her face and began to laugh. "Come on, let's go find Hat Trick before we're thrown in prison." She grabbed Laya's arm and dashed outside the building.
The two friends ran across town, looking for any signs of Hat Trick. They climbed on rooftops, searching for a glimpse of his trademark orange scarf.
Hours passed, and the sun was beginning to set. As twilight blanketed Skyport, Laya and Aurora made their way down to the docks, defeated.
"Well, I guess that's it, then." Aurora shrugged. "He must have caught the next airship out of town."
Laya frowned, looking out into the sky. "No, I refuse to believe that. If I give up now, then why did we come out here in the first place?" Her expression hardened, and she clenched her fists.
"Laya, look!" Aurora pointed to an airship that was beginning to take off from a nearby dock. Its sleek, crimson hull gleamed in the dying light, a single figure silhouetted on its deck. As the ship rose higher into the sky, a splash of color could be seen fluttering in the breeze.
Laya broke into a run, ignoring Aurora's calls to wait. She dashed through the streets, heart pounding in her chest, barely aware of the people she was pushing aside. The airship was steadily growing smaller, a bright dot against the fading blue sky. Laya didn't slow down, sprinting up to the edge of the floating island.
Aboard the airship, the man known as Hat Trick began walking towards the inside, where the airship's controls were. As he made his way there, he glanced back down at the slowly shrinking island below, noticing the two girls desperately running through the streets. He chuckled softly, shaking his head.
Aurora's exhaustion became more and more apparent with every step, her breathing labored and her feet feeling as though they were made of lead. She continued to call Laya's name, but Laya showed no signs of stopping.
"You two, halt!" called a loud, authoritative voice. Turning to the source of it, Aurora saw a guard standing on the pier, pointing at the two girls. She saw a second guard behind the first, pulling out his firearm to shoot at them.
The guards brandished unique muskets that glowed faintly with aether energy, a testament to the steampunk ingenuity of its creator. These muskets had intricate brass and copper tubing running along their lengths, with small glass chambers embedded in the stock and barrel that pulsed with a soft, blue light. The barrels were engraved with swirling patterns, channeling the aether energy that powered them. They used compressed air and aether-infused bullets, making them both deadly and silent. The faint hum of energy from the weapons added an eerie undertone to the already tense atmosphere.
Laya skidded to a stop, the guards' shouts causing her to freeze. As they aimed their weapons at them, she scrambled to think of a way out of their current predicament.
Laya sighed and ran in front of the two guards. The guards shot their weapons towards the girls as a warning shot; however, the bullets stopped in mid-air, as if held by an invisible force.
"Whoa, there. I'm very sorry about the damage. I'll take it upon myself and fix it up later, promise!" she assured them with her signature charming smile. "Also, you have a bug stuck on your ear."
The guards looked at each other in confusion, lowering their weapons slightly. Laya took this moment to grab Aurora's hand and sprint past them towards the docks, determination burning in her eyes.
Laya, with Aurora's hand in her own, sprinted towards the dock that hung over the edge of the island.
"Laya, please don't tell me you are going to do what I think you are going to do!" exclaimed Aurora.
"If it's the only option for us to get aboard, then yes!" Laya yelled back with a smile.
Without hesitation, the two of them jumped off the dock into the sea of clouds.
Laya's face was one of pure excitement, her eyes alight with childlike wonder as they plummeted through the clouds. Aurora, on the other hand, had an expression of sheer terror etched on her face. Her scream could be heard echoing throughout the sky as she fell further into the endless sea of white.
The guards and onlookers watched with utter disbelief and horror as the two girls disappeared into the clouds.
Seconds ticked by as silence hung in the air.
Then, suddenly, something shot up through the sky, creating a trail from the cloud it had just broken through.
"What the..." murmured one guard. The other could only watch in shock as the object—no, the girl—became clearer and closer.
Laya, grinning from ear to ear, emerged through the clouds, with Aurora holding on to her for dear life as they rocketed towards the departed airship.
"See ya, suckers!" she shouted in a gleeful tone. The guards were speechless. The airship was growing larger in the distance, and soon Laya was getting close.
"Did you have to make us fall first?!" Aurora shouted, her eyes still closed in terror.
Laya, barely hearing her friend through the wind rushing in their ears, laughed. "Sorry! It took me a bit to get the airship in focus."
Aboard the airship on question, crew members walked around the deck on the outside, cleaning the equipment and checking for anything that might cause problems in the future. At the very least, they wanted to avoid the same scenario that occurred on the last adventure they went on: an airlock valve wasn't installed correctly, resulting in explosive decompression and the loss of several of their crewmates. That mistake wouldn't happen again.
The captain was overseeing their work from the inside, watching through a window. She had a hard look about her, her piercing gaze scrutinizing everyone and everything. With short, auburn hair and stern features, she was every inch the commanding officer. Her uniform, composed of a crisp white blouse and black slacks, was neat and meticulous. She wore a heavy leather coat to protect her from the elements. Everything about her radiated discipline and authority.
"Not gonna help them?" A voice came from behind her.
"Focus on piloting the ship." She ordered, turning her head to glance at the pilot. He was leaning back in his seat, his boots relaxed on the airship's console. His hands were resting on his stomach, folded together. There was a glint of amusement in his eye, which served to infuriate the captain. "Don't forget your role on this ship, Hat Trick." She glared at him.
Hat Trick simply yawned in reply. "Whatever you say, by the way, I'm obligated to remind you that this is my third runaround with you guys-"
Suddenly, a large mass impacted the airship, rocking it to the side.
The crew panicked at the sudden disruption, gripping whatever solid thing was nearby in a bid to keep their balance. A couple even toppled over onto the deck, their equipment clattering noisily around them.
Hat Trick tumbled out of his seat, narrowly avoiding striking the control panel, his jaw clenched in annoyance. "What the hell was that!?" he snapped. "All those people and not a single scout worth a shit?!"
"It appears not," the captain growled, stomping her way towards the deck.
As Laya and Aurora crashed into the ship's deck, the two separated from each other with a great amount of force, both having landed in different parts of the airship. Aurora hit one of the ship's airlocks with full force, while Laya struck the mizzenmast.
"Why did I agree to follow you?!" Aurora grumbled, rubbing her head. She stood up slowly, taking a few minutes to catch her breath. "I am going to kick your ass for that, you know."
Laya grinned, laughing a little. "Sorry, I didn't mean to land that hard!" she defended. "Besides, this is our chance to speak to him again! We shouldn't waste it. Once we get him on our side, we leave." She dusted herself off and gave a thumbs-up.
Before they had a chance to call out to him, a loud whistling noise was heard near Aurora. She turned around to see an airlock valve, broken and bent with steam shooting out of it in all directions, right beside her.
Aurora stared at the broken mechanism with an almost disgusted look on her face. "Seriously? Your airlocks break that easily?"
Laya winced, looking at the faulty device with pity. "I'm really sorry—" she started.
Her apology was cut off as a bullet whizzed by her cheek, leaving a shallow graze.
Laya and Aurora turned towards the source. The captain's boots clicked on the deck as she approached, her musket at her side. "Trespassing is a crime," she declared, "add on destruction of property, and I'm not above making an example of you."
Three people rushed past the two girls, towards the valve. They were all wearing goggles and covered head to toe in grease, dirt, and grime.
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"We got this, captain," a redheaded member of the group said, waving a wrench in their hand.
"Great," the captain nodded, not letting her weapon down.
Hat Trick sighed. "Is this how you treat every passenger on the airship?" he drawled, making his way to the captain. "They could be valuable customers for the future."
The captain's glare intensified. "Oh? So you're going to join them?"
Hat Trick shrugged. "Only after this mission, and if they can pay well."
"You better be glad your skills are useful."
"Uh, captain..." a voice chimed in. The two turned to find another crew member, looking at the malfunctioned airlock with unease. "This thing is beyond repair."
"Huh? But you're the airship's technicians."
"Yes, we're trying. But it's just... it's bad, captain."
The captain turned to the two girls with a murderous glint in her eye. Laya and Aurora immediately raised their hands, signifying a truce.
"We can explain, really!" Laya stated.
"We'll buy you a new one!" Aurora quickly added.
The captain narrowed her eyes. "I should throw you overboard."
At that statement, Aurora sighed and rolled her eyes. "Fiiii-ne, " she said, drawing out the words until she was sure her annoyance was heard. "If you're not gonna listen, then I'll fix it."
"You take us for fools?" The captain scoffed, looking at her disbelievingly. "My mechanics stated it unrepairable."
Aurora took a deep breath. "Yeah, probably cause your engineers suck." With her quick response, she walked past everyone and observed the damage.
From her pocket, she pulled a wrench and removed some parts and replaced them. In the span of five minutes, she had fixed the airlock. She gave it a swift twist with her tool and then the whistling completely stopped. The captain watched in fascination as Aurora inspected the device with her trained eye, humming to herself.
"This airsteamer looks like a knockoff, but I was able to make a replacement," Aurora explained. "So long as you get proper engineers and quality products, there won't be a need to replace a lot of things." She looked at the captain as she finished her report.
Laya let out a small giggle. "Looks like it's didn't break this time around." She teased.
"Who the hell made the shitty engine, anyway? This thing flies like it was made in the olden days." Aurora sneered, crossing her arms. "It needs serious improvements if you ever wanna get anywhere important."
The captain bristled at her words, a vein throbbing on her forehead. "Now you just crossed the line-" she tried to say.
"She's not wrong." Hat Trick interrupted, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Airships should fly smoothly. The 'Thorn,' here, may be fast, but its maneuverability leaves something to be desired." He shook his head, clicking his tongue. "A real shame, but I guess that's what happens when you rely on hired help to form your crew. Anyway, our destination is a straight shot. We should be there in an hour or so."
The captain clenched her jaw in irritation, visibly struggling to restrain herself from lashing out. Finally, she took a deep breath and turned to face Laya and Aurora. Her expression softened somewhat, becoming more businesslike.
"In return for you fixing the valve, I'll forgive you for crashing into my ship. However, how in the hell did you get aboard to begin with?"
"Oh, that's easy." Laya responded instantly. "Like this."
In a display of otherworldly ability, Laya began rising from the deck of the airship without any visible means of support. She floated a meter above the ground and flipped herself upside down, her dark purple hair dangling, and a look of self-satisfaction filled her face.
The captain's stern expression turned to one of curiosity as Laya floated effortlessly before her, flipping upside down with her dark purple hair dangling and a self-satisfied grin on her face.
"A Paragon who has the law of gravity..." The captain said, her voice steady and authoritative.
"A what with the what?" Laya said, her face a mask of confusion.
Everyone on the ship stared blankly at Laya, their expressions ranging from bewilderment to amusement. Aurora, meanwhile, tried holding in her laughter, her shoulders shaking with the effort.
"How do you not know about your own power?!" Aurora cackled, finally letting out a burst of laughter, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.
Laya looked at her with a mix of embarrassment and anger. "Do you know what she's talking about?!"
"Of course I do!" Aurora replied, her laughter subsiding to giggles.
"Why didn't you ever tell me?!" Laya demanded, her voice rising in frustration.
"You never asked!" Aurora said, wiping the tears from her eyes and taking a deep breath to calm herself. "Well now, I am."
Aurora composed herself and began to explain. "Ok, ok, I'll tell you. Paragons are people who have control over the laws and theories of science. In your case, you have control over the law of gravity." She started pacing back and forth on the deck, her boots making soft thuds against the wood. "Paragons are still a relatively new discovery, so the exact details on them and their powers are still being studied. There are a couple of things that we know for sure."
Laya watched her friend intently, her frustration giving way to curiosity.
Aurora held up a finger. "One. As far as we can tell, only one person can have control over a law or theory at a time." She raised a second finger. "Two. Laws and Theories work similarly but differently from each other. Laws allow the user to apply and control said Law only to themselves. Theories, on the other hand, allow the user to apply and control the Theory only to others and not themselves."
Laya raised an eyebrow, trying to process the information. "How did you learn all this stuff?"
"It's more like how did you not learn all this stuff?" Aurora replied with a smirk. "It's weird though. Despite your power being a Law, you can control it like it is a Theory as well."
Aurora's curiosity was evident as she looked up at Laya. However, she noticed that Laya, even while floating upside down, was beginning to doze off, her eyes drooping and her body relaxing.
"That's enough for now, I guess," Aurora shrugged, a fond smile playing on her lips.
Hat Trick raised an eyebrow, his amusement growing. "Well, that explains how you got aboard. But it doesn't explain what you want."
Laya landed gracefully on the deck, her feet touching down with barely a sound. "We need your help," she said, her voice steady. "And we're willing to make it worth your while."
"Oh, she's awake after all." Aurora stepped forward. "Look, we know this might be unconventional, but we're searching for the Sky Heart. So, we're forming the best crew possible to find it. That's where you come in Hat Trick."
The captain's eyes narrowed. "The Sky Heart? That's nothing more than a legend."
"That's what makes it fun, isn't it?" Laya responded with an innocent smile.
"Wow, this is more than just naivety. This is pure stupidity." Hat Trick said nonchalantly. "Also, don't call me Hat Trick. I hate that damn nickname."
"What should we call you then? As captain, I respect all my crew mate's wishes." Laya said with a smug look.
"Seth works just fine. And we're not a crew."
Aurora suddenly appeared behind Seth without him noticing "Don't be so hasty. Let's discuss more once we get off this flying junkpile." she jested.
Seth jumped back in surprise at Aurora's sudden appearance.
"You know..." She continued. "Upon closer expectation, you're actually rather cute. I've decided to marry you."
He blinked twice before replying slowly. "W...what?"
Laya laughed, "I'll never hand my daughter over to you!"
Aurora joined Laya in her act and fell to the floor dramatically, "But Father! He has such pretty eyes!" she whimpered.
"Well, I do suppose he does have nice eyes." She mused. "However, there are plenty of other men that would suit your tastes, Aurora."
"Gah, not this again!"
After a few more minutes of acting, Laya and Aurora finally finished their charade and burst out laughing.
The captain and the rest of her crew stared in confusion, while Seth was leaning on the edge of the ship, watching the clouds pass them by.
Once the girls calmed themselves down, Aurora and Laya noticed his lack of interest, giving the duo a hint of doubt.
The captain turned away from them and gazed at the horizon, lost in thought. After a moment, she spoke. "What you do with the Hat Trick after this mission is none of my concern. This is his last trip with us, after all. However, I can't let you have him until his contract with us is completed."
Seth turned around in annoyance. "Stop talking like I don't make my own decisions. I'm here to complete my current contract. I have no intention of joining you clowns."
Laya and Aurora looked at eachother with worried expressions. "Fine," Laya stated reluctantly. "We'll have to just convince you otherwise. So we'll help with your contract. What is our job, Captain...?"
"Emilia," Emilia answered coolly. "And his only job was to get us to the island of Nacarat Jie. He claims he's done it hundreds of times, so we'll test his word. We're a smuggling operation and this place is one of our drop off points."
"This sounds promising," Laya beamed. "Smuggling isn't exactly something we were aiming for, but it I like trying new things! So everything on this ship is stolen?"
Emilia leaned against the ship's mast and knocked on it with the back of her hand. "The whole ship itself is stolen."
The airship began to shake and slow, the massive propellers slowing in their rotations.
The crew was busy preparing for landing, grabbing ropes and tying them to hooks, keeping the ship steady as they descended into the island.
"Captain, we're almost there." Emilia's helmsman announced.
Emilia nodded her understanding. "Let me know when we arrive. I'll prepare the packages."
"Well, his job is almost complete. I imagine you don't have much time to negotiate with him."
The girls walked over to Seth who was still gazing at the clouds.
Aurora rested her chin on his shoulder, forcing a blush on his cheeks. "When this job is done, we can talk about joining us?" She suggested with a sultry voice, leaning into his ear.
"Please, join us," Laya begged. "Just tell us what you'd like, we can make it happen, I promise you."
Seth sighed. "How about you stop being so desperate? There are plenty of pilots better than me out there, y'know." He grumbled as he pushed Aurora's face away.
Aurora simply giggled, "Ooh, feisty. I love it when boys play hard to get~" She smirked.
With one final push, she was sent tumbling backward onto the deck, sending her into a fit of laughter. "Damn, your face was hilarious!"
The ship came to a stop at the island's dock. The crew scrambled as they prepared to unload.
Seth began walking towards the ship's exit bridge to enter the island, however Laya grabbed his wrist and forced him to a stop.
"Wait!"
"For the last time, No!"
Seth struggled, but eventually got his wrist free and walked away. However, he noticed he made no distance between them. In fact, he hasn't even moved from his starting position. Seth found himself hovering in place, unable to move.
"I'll give you three seconds to let me down." He grabbed the hilt blade that rested in the sheath on his back. "One."
"Please!" Aurora begged. "It has to be you!"
"Two."
"Hey, Seth. Do you have any dreams?" Laya asked calmy. Her eyes stared into his like a lioness on her prey.
Seth's grip softened. "I... Don't."
"I've heard about you long before we even got to Skyport. Granted, it was just your nickname, but I thought to myself, 'What a cool nickname!'"
"What's your point here?"
"The point is, I wanted to know your story. Your nickname comes from your unique contract demands and you're pretty famous for your piloting skills, yet you haven't even left the first sanctum. You have a story, and it's one I intend to learn."
Seth was in deep thought for a few seconds. "Everyone has a story," he replied coldly. "Mine isn't anything special. Now let me down."
Aurora giggled. "You've been down for a while, silly."
Laya's gaze never left Seth. "You're gonna be on this island for the rest of the day, right? I won't bug you about it anymore, but I hope you consider joining us."
Seth looked back at Laya and Aurora before taking the exit bridge. "I'm leaving."
"Bye bye!" Aurora waved happily.
Seth ignored her and continued down the bridge. The captain passed by Seth as he exited, the rest of her crew in tow. She led them down a path, stopping after a few meters to turn and give the crew their orders.
"Prepare to load the packages," she commanded, pointing to a set of large crates, "We're moving fast to avoid suspicion from the town's residents. We also must be mindful of the Skyfish."
"You sure it's okay to leave them alone?" Her red headed mechanic inquired.
"They don't seem the type to steal from us," the captain responded with a shrug. "Besides, I imagine they are gonna be dealt with soon enough anyway."
The two girls were left alone on the Thorn.
Aurora sat atop a crate and took out an apple, she ate silently while watching the island's surroundings. The place looked deserted with only grasses and trees surrounding the land. The sky above them had a strange hue to it.
Aurora tilted her head and smiled warmly. "Why did you ask him about his dream?" She asked.
Laya tapped her fingers on the same crate her companion sat upon and hummed quietly. "Because it shows how much someone cares."
"I think I've made my fair share of enemies and friends since arriving in Astera, but I still feel like we're missing something important."
"That we are." Laya agreed, nodding her head.
Aurora chuckled softly. "No matter what, though, we've been making memories and learning so much along the way. I wouldn't trade these experiences for the world."
"I wouldn't either." Laya admitted. "Now, let's go explore this island!"
Aurora hopped down from the box and put her apple core in a nearby trash can. "Should we wait for him?" She questioned curiously.
"Maybe after lunchtime, if we haven't spotted him." Laya answered. "We'll probably run into each other later anyways."
"True that."
The two of them walked along the island's main path, the sun casting long shadows as it dipped below the horizon. The moon soon rose, casting a silvery glow over the landscape, transforming the island into a serene haven bathed in soft light. The air was cool and fragrant with the scent of blooming nightflowers, their petals shimmering in the moonlight like tiny stars.
As they strolled, the path wound through a dense grove of ancient trees, their gnarled branches forming a natural archway overhead. The leaves rustled gently in the breeze, creating a soothing symphony that harmonized with the distant calls of nocturnal creatures. Fireflies flickered around them, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.
The island itself was a blend of natural beauty and subtle signs of its inhabitants' culture. Small, intricately carved totems lined the path, each one depicting different celestial beings and mythical creatures believed to protect the island. Lanterns hung from the trees, their soft glow illuminating hand-painted murals on the bark, showcasing scenes of legendary airship battles and heroic explorers.
As they walked, the two friends could hear the faint murmur of the island’s inhabitants settling in for the night. Laughter and the strumming of a lute floated through the air from a distant gathering. The island's culture was rich with tradition and storytelling, the people deeply connected to both the land and the sky.
Eventually, the path opened up to a cliffside vantage point, revealing a panoramic view of the ocean of clouds below and the distant, twinkling lights of other floating islands. In the distance, they spotted another dock, smaller and more rustic than the one they had arrived at. Anchored at it was a modest airship, designed for quick transport between nearby islands. Its wooden hull was adorned with simple, yet elegant carvings, and its sails were furled tightly against the masts.
Their attention was quickly drawn to a large, blue, mechanical dragonfly buzzing towards them. The Wyvern's sleek, metallic body gleamed under the moonlight, its wings a blur of motion as it flew. The machine's four large, glowing blue eyes scanned the surroundings with a lifelike awareness. Its wings were delicate yet powerful, resembling those of a real dragonfly, but made of aether-infused glass and reinforced steel. The faint hum of its aether engine grew louder as it approached, the air shimmering slightly around it from the energy it emitted.
Both of them gasped, recognizing the machine as a Wyvern, a rare and advanced form of transportation used by only the most skilled and affluent individuals.
A Wyvern was an advanced form of transportation, capable of flight. Unlike traditional aircraft, however, it used wings to achieve lift. The most noticeable feature of the machine was its four, large, glowing, blue eyes.
The Wyvern approached swiftly, its propeller emitting a deafening hum that reverberated through the air. The sound grew louder, drowning out the ambient noises of the island, and the ground beneath their feet seemed to vibrate with its power. Laya instinctively positioned herself for a fight, her stance low and ready to react. However, the machine flew past them at blinding speed, a blur of blue and silver, and landed gracefully near the end of the bridge with an almost imperceptible thud.
As the Wyvern settled, its wings retracted with a series of precise mechanical clicks, folding neatly against its body. The aether engine's hum subsided into a soft purr. A middle-aged man wearing a crisp white coat, his hair silver at the temples, jumped off the machine with practiced ease. He carried two small, yellow flowers in his hand, their petals delicate and glowing faintly in the moonlight, suggesting they were imbued with aetheric energy.
Laya turned around, her confusion evident as she watched the man stride purposefully away from the Wyvern. Aurora looked up at her, her curiosity piqued. "Do we follow him?"
Laya's eyes scanned the path ahead, noting the intricate carvings on the dock and the way the moonlight highlighted the airship anchored there. "I wanna check out that dock first, though," she said, her voice filled with a mix of determination and curiosity.
"Ok, sounds good," Aurora agreed, her eyes twinkling with excitement.
The two girls broke into a run, their footsteps echoing softly on the wooden planks of the pier. The dock stretched out over the edge of the island, offering a breathtaking view of the cloud-covered expanse below. As they approached, they saw Seth sitting nonchalantly on the railing, his legs swaying back and forth. He had his arms wrapped around a cargo crate, his posture relaxed yet vigilant. The moonlight cast long shadows across his face, highlighting his features and the thoughtful expression he wore as he gazed out at the horizon.
Aurora waved. "Hey there, handsome. Looking for us?"
He rolled his eyes and slipped off the rail, walking away from the pier without looking back.
"C'mon! Why are you ignoring me!?" she whined.
"Is this the ship you're taking back?" Laya asked, staring at the vessel. It was plain compared to the Thorn, its design utilitarian and devoid of any ornate features or embellishments. There was nothing remarkable about it, just a simple airship for quick transport.
Seth stopped, a hint of weariness in his voice. "It'll be my ride to the next island, where I'll find more work," he answered.
"So, since it's an airship that belongs to the island, you have no say whether we are allowed to board or not?" Laya pressed, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Seth's face twisted into an annoyed expression. "No, I suppose I don't."
"Perfect! Then we'll come with you tomorrow morning! But, what was with that Wyvern?" Laya asked, curiosity overtaking her annoyance.
"Wyvern?" Seth questioned, his brows furrowing in confusion.
"Yeah, it had some guy with a white coat riding it. He hopped off with some flowers in his hand," Aurora chimed in, her tone light but her eyes serious.
"What...." Seth's expression shifted to one of near-terror as he looked at the two girls. "You're joking, right?"
"Unfortunately," an unknown voice came from behind him. "They aren't, Hat Trick."
Seth turned around sharply to see the man from before. His silver, pointed beard gave him an authoritative look, despite his relatively casual clothing. The moonlight cast a cold glow on his face, highlighting the sharpness of his features.
"You're a hard man to find, Seth," the mysterious figure said, his voice carrying a note of grim satisfaction. "You do realize that hiding from me will only increase your sentence, right?"
"The hell do you want, Leone?" Seth sneered, his eyes narrowing with a mix of anger and fear.
Leone folded his arms, his stance confident and imposing. "Your arrest warrant is active, and you're in violation of your parole terms. Now, are you going to come quietly, or do I need to call for reinforcements? I assure you it will go smoother if you just accept this now."
Seth's eyes darted around in panic. Dropping the crate he was holding, he sprinted towards the ship, his heart pounding in his chest.
Leone sighed, a look of pity mixed with annoyance crossing his face. "You really think I'm just going to let that happen?"
With a snap of Leone's fingers, a fiery explosion erupted from the ship. Flames burst outward, engulfing the deck in a fierce inferno. The sound of metal twisting and shattering filled the air as the ship's structure gave way. Debris rained down, some pieces still aflame, while others smoldered with intense heat. The shockwave of the blast knocked Laya, Aurora, and Seth to the ground. The girls' ears rang, and their vision blurred from the sudden, overwhelming light and noise.
Seth, Laya, and Aurora all looked on in utter disbelief. Their faces were pale, eyes wide with a mix of horror and astonishment. As the ship slowly sank through the clouds, descending into the deep sea far below, the realization of their situation began to set in. The once sturdy airship was now a broken, burning wreck, plummeting into the abyss.
Some pieces of the destroyed aircraft remained scattered around them, still burning and cracking. The intense heat from the flames cast a sinister glow on Leone's face, illuminating his malevolent smile.
More figures emerged from the shadows, encircling Leone. Each one was a familiar face to Seth and the girls, their expressions cold and resolute.
Laya looked over, her voice tinged with betrayal. "You too, Emilia?"
Emilia stepped forward, her eyes hard and unyielding. "You really should have expected this at some point, Seth," she said, her tone devoid of any sympathy. "Not everyone is as kind as you."
Seth remained rooted to the spot, his gaze fixed on the smoldering wreckage of the airship. The weight of betrayal and the gravity of his situation pressed heavily on his shoulders. He didn’t respond, his mind racing with thoughts of escape and survival.
The Wyvern rumbled with energy, its mechanical wings twitching as it levitated slightly above the ground. The engine's hum grew louder, filling the air with a sense of impending danger. Leone climbed onto the Wyvern with practiced ease, his movements fluid and confident.
"Well," Leone sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice, "think you can come up with a miracle this time, Hat Trick?"
The moonlight cast an eerie glow on the scene, highlighting the tension and the stark contrasts of light and shadow. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning metal and the distant echoes of the explosion. The silence that followed Leone's words was oppressive, a heavy blanket of uncertainty and fear.
Seth's hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white with tension. He knew the odds were against him, but the defiance in his eyes never wavered. Laya and Aurora stood by his side, their expressions a mix of determination and worry. They knew this was just the beginning of a much larger struggle, one that would test their limits.