City Of Gold And Greed

The car exudes luxury, with its meticulously furnished interior. The leather seats gleamed in the soft lighting, inviting a touch with its smooth texture. The warm brown hue of the upholstery gave off a new, untainted feel. A cooler, filled with bottles of champagne, was nestled in a compartment next to a bucket of ice, the frozen water forming delicate patterns resembling petals. A slight mist clung to the windows, adding an air of mystery and sophistication to the scene. The cool air emanating from the fridge enveloped the cabin, providing a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the car's luxurious atmosphere. The floors were lined with plush velvet, and the windows were tinted to ensure privacy from prying eyes. The sleek hovercar cruised gracefully over the forest, its powerful engine roaring as it sliced through the air. Below, majestic trees towered to staggering heights, their branches reaching for the heavens. Even birds flying above would seem like tiny specks compared to these giants of the forest. But despite their impressive size, they swayed gently in an invisible breeze, a testament to the calmness of this place.

As the hovercar continued on its path, the lush green carpet of grass spread out for miles until it disappeared into a hazy horizon, shrouded by fluffy white clouds that seemed just within reach (if one stood on their toes). The symphony of squawking birds and roaring engines created a harmonious cacophony, blending into a natural soundtrack for this peaceful journey.

But amidst all this tranquility, there was a sharp contrast. The overpowering scent of perfume and cigarette smoke filled the air, making Jon's eyes water and his head spin. He sunk deeper into his seat, trying to escape the overwhelming aroma that seemed to cling to him like a heavy cloak. The faint remnants of rosebud evoked memories and emotions he couldn't quite place, but that only added to the overwhelming sensory experience of this moment. Jon scowled at the filthy floor, his mind reeling with frustration. His damn boots were a constant reminder of how out of place he was in this rich man's world. Staring out the window, Rico remained silent, lost in his lust-filled thoughts. Jon's blood boiled as he tried to piece together the scattered intel. Shakk was gone, Falen was an unknown, and now Rico had been seduced by some annoying princess for god knows what she wants.

Why does all the bad shit happen to me? He thought.

He let out a string of curses under his breath, feeling powerless and angry. Fuck this planet and its lavish displays of wealth. He couldn't even afford a damn drink from the expensive fridge taunting him from across the room. Did this knockoff pimp think he could just use him for his own gain? A harsh laugh escaped his lips as he realized how little control he had over this situation. He needed to find a way out before it all fell apart.

Rico tapped Jon on the shoulder.

“Jon, look!”

Jon squinted against the blinding light, the car's interior was suddenly overwhelmed by the vibrant sunshine outside. Stretching before him was a breathtaking view of a crystal-clear lake, shimmering in shades of blue and green. Cascading waterfalls tumbled down from towering cliffs, surrounded by lush forests and blooming wildflowers. The walls surrounding the lake were like works of art, crafted from glistening white stone and adorned with intricate gold sculptures and intricately carved spires and towers. As they drove past, Jon could see figures moving along the walls - warriors with dark skin that stood out against the pale structures, creating a striking contrast. The car kicked up a cloud of dust as it zoomed by, but even that couldn't diminish the awe-inspiring beauty of the scene. The warriors abruptly halted their movements and kneeled before Falen’s hovercar, pressing their foreheads into the ground to display respect. Jon's eyes widened in surprise, and he turned to look at Falen. He couldn't help but notice the clenched jaw and hostile expression on Falen's face. A cruel smile played across Jon's features, satisfied with the situation.

“Interesting,” Jon thought.

The rivers snaked behind the warriors' backs, their crystal waters reflecting a dazzling array of golden and blue hues as the sun began to dip below the horizon. Canals spanned between castles like lifelines, their white marble structures blending seamlessly with the lush greenery that surrounded them. Trees and vines twirled in an enchanting dance, intertwining their branches to create towering spires that seemed almost elven. Rico's eyes widened in amazement as he took in the breathtaking view, his senses overwhelmed by the interplay of natural and man-made beauty. In the distance, beyond the protective walls of the castle, the sun painted the sky with vibrant shades of orange and red, casting an otherworldly glow over the entire kingdom. This was truly a paradise, and not even the most jaded of minds could deny its charms.

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“Holy shit.”

Rico croaked, his mouth hanging open in awe.

Falen kicked the door wide open, reveling in the gaze of the fairer-skinned onlookers below. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause while the warriors, still kneeling, remained silent as if they were bound to the earth beneath their feet, as if shackles and chains held them there. Falen raised his hands to quell the noise and looked towards the obedient soldiers. “At ease,” Falen commanded in a low voice with an authoritative tone. The warriors stood obediently, refusing to meet each other's eyes. The vehicle flew further towards the castle; the inhabitants of the city below became paler and more affluent as Jon watched from above. They flew over barriers that seemed to separate Castletown from the lower districts; its quartz-studded pathways lined with jewels worn by those living there dotted with golden lamp posts and lush fruit trees indicating a wealth unseen in the areas before. It was hard for Jon not to notice the clear divisions between social classes, evident even from miles away. Rico shook his head sadly, "No matter how far I go, nothing changes.” Jon looked at him sympathetically, Jon heard him, but he couldn't bring himself to say anything in agreement. He simply nodded silently, lost in his thoughts.

The car shot off like a bullet, hurtling over the district and hurdling over the towering city walls. When it alighted in the courtyard, a riot of color greeted its passengers. Roses of every hue abounded together with delicate lilies and primroses that were sprinkled sparingly amongst them. Gleaming gold tiles lined the perimeter of the landing area, and two statues of a man holding a trident stood guard at the entrance. The structure beyond the door was built with mahogany planks that had been hand-carved and polished to perfection, and their sparkle reflected off the tranquil pond that stretched out on either side. The car descended slowly, and three figures came into view. A man with a neatly trimmed beard was running towards the hovering vehicle, followed by two women in black long dresses adorned with lace collars. As the car blasted the dust from the landing pad, it slowly lowered to the ground and opened its four doors simultaneously. Falen stepped out first, tall and handsome in his tailored suit while holding his hand out for Jewel to help her out of the vehicle. The two maids ran to her side immediately, their faces beaming with excitement as they greeted her with gentle hugs.

The maids' voices were stern as they delivered the message from her father

: "Your presence is required immediately, my lady." She clenched her jaw and narrowed her eyes in frustration. Her father's commands were always so inflexible and demanding. She wanted to stay and show Rico the garden, but she knew she couldn't ignore her father's summons.

"Do I have to go just because he says so?" She asked, a hint of rebellion creeping into her tone.

"Jewel, he is your father and our king. go," Falen responded with authority.

Rico stepped out of the car, watching Jewel and Falen walk away, his heart ached at the thought of waiting to see her bugged him. He reached out for something to say, but his words caught in his throat.

"Can I see you soon Jewel?" His voice was soft, filled with sadness.

Jewel stopped walking with her maids and turned back towards him and the car. A radiant smile graced her lips and her eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky. She took a deep breath, ready to speak her mind. Cupping her hands around her mouth to amplify her voice into his ears, she replied.

“I'll come find you later I promise." Her voice drifted off into the atmosphere, a solemn yet hopeful promise ringing through the air.

She dipped and swayed, her heels clacking against the hard stone. Her entourage of maids followed closely behind her. Rico could not keep his eyes off her. She moved with a grace that seemed to befit a woman of high status; he felt a pang of envy stir within him. Jon pulled sharply at Rico's neck, giving him an icy glare. Rico smiled watching Jewel’s waist as she walked.

“Gentlemen, I assume the King will be eager to meet me. I have instructed Mendel to take you both to your quarters where you can stay until I send for you to have an audience with the King. There is much we need to discuss concerning your situation as well as our relationship, isn't that right Tekla?” Falen bowed slowly, a sly smirk making its way onto his face.

He shot a glance at Jon before continuing his stride, looking almost majestic in the sunlight as he walked with such authority. Jon clicked his teeth in frustration. Falen marched in towards the gates, flanked by soldiers in body armor. Jon sighed with relief as he left, unsure if Falen was a friend or foe. The butler stepped forward, an aged warrior with scars and a white beard. Mendel bowed gently and adjusted his pocket square before speaking. "If you would accompany me," he said in a low voice. To where? If you wanna kill us get it over with, I don’t know why that fuck brought us here but it must be for entertainment only right?” Jon shouted angrily, his words echoing in the alley like a war cry. His eyes were narrowed into slits of contempt as he stared down the old man. He wanted an intergalactic incident. Mendel suddenly stopped in his tracks, Jon could feel the hatred emanating from him like a dark fog. He felt himself being pushed forward, his head rapidly speeding towards the pavement, he closed his eyes and braced himself for the impact that never came. Jon opened his eyes incredulously, staring at the pavement he was still hovering inches above. A voice spoke behind him in a deep intimidating rumble.

“It seems you have fallen, sir, please do be careful of your step and your words.” Mendel said menacingly, each word weighted deeply with malice.

Grasping Jon's arm tightly, Mendel glowered menacingly at him, his eyes filled with contempt. An eerie silence hung in the air, while the leaves rustled around them as they crossed the threshold of the castle walls and advanced down the pathway. Steep steps led them to an elevated viewpoint overlooking the sprawling city below. The butler approached, resting his hands upon the ledge of the overlook. Jon and Rico stood rapt in admiration of the grandeur before them; awe-struck by the lanterns that illuminated the darkness across the city, striking a comparison to that of a gathering of fireflies. The butler looked on with a proud smile, then cleared his throat as he straightened his tie, pausing to gather himself before speaking in a rigid, militaristic tone.

“Inside your bungalow, you will find two beds and a bathroom all with fresh linens, please do not make the jobs of our maids harder oh, and Welcome to Faalia”.