Zhilan was observing the festival as she hold the lantern on her hands, she watched her husband Xingfa observed the people of Welkin City in this Festival of Lights. Is he still thinking of Xinglan? Or his work as a military commander? It made her sighed--hoping that both of them will be able to sort this thing out and put an end to their rivalry and their family.
Xingfa wasn't too pleased with the words he heard a while ago--something from Zhilan's mouth, but he knows that she meant no harm, he must try to change himself so he'll be able to spend time with his wife. This is also why he's here, watching the fire-colored lanterns flying in the night sky and even the blue glowing lantern--reminding him of their childhood together.
Back when everything was innocent, when it hadn't gone down the spiral. When things were simpler and that feeling hasn't reached him.
He glanced at her before she turned her head at him, seeing him frowning and sighed deeply. She decided to let it go, it was best that they spend time together and not let their differences get in the way. "Are you cold?" he asks, seeing her nodding at him; shivering due to the wind chill. Xingfa approached her and use his long black draped coat over his shoulders to wrap it around her back--making her look up at him with bright brown eyes. "Is that warm?"
"Warm and comfortable," Zhilan complimented him, stroking the black cloak gently and softly with her slender hand. It made her recalled their poverty and his efforts through hard-earned money from starting his wealth--therefore, they stayed comfortable and lived their lives just like today.
"A year before I came to Welkin City and got engaged to you," she hesitated but he remained calm and nonchalant towards her. "We were both living in poverty when we first met, you worked twice a day, twice a week... I even help you in cooking and baking until I helped you to maintain our house because we don't have enough money to afford cleaning materials... I still wear the green jade hairpin that you bought for me, in fact, I wear it every day. But... Xingfa, I don't know why are you still trying to compete against Xinglan..."
Xinglan appeared to be someone that is very different, and it seems to make him more interested, despite the fact that the latter dislikes him--he doesn't care. It was quiet in this moment, with Xingfa's silence. Although the beautiful lights that are hanging in the air were still surrounded by Xinglan. "It's our fate," he finally answered. Zhilan was disappointed by his simple and brief response. He wrapped his arms around her body, as he could sense that she felt unsatisfied with it. "Well... me and Xinglan.. we were always were compared, his family helped my family out of kindness. There is an ancient tradition between our two families to be bound by one."
"Ancient tradition? Bound?"
"The oldest sons of two noble families are fated to meet and become enemies of each other," Xingfa explained, she looked at him surprised by the answer. "I guess my late-father has no self-awareness at all, neither did his when he handed me over into my clan at the age of 4. When Xingfa and I met, a letter came to our household, saying that his father's debts had been paid off, and the one who had done it was the previous Hausen patriarch--who was my late-father. So even though, they helped us... we were destined to be enemies," he explained.
They continued walking for another half-hour, before they stopped at the end of the path of the bridge overseeing the large waterfall's pool at the edge. Zhilan remembered that Xinglan is very young when both of them were in their early twenties, he was twelve to fourteen younger than the couple--and Xinglan has been a young lord that time.
Flashback...
The eleven-years old Zhilan was busy knitting a shawl while looking at the window with snowflakes outside from the Hausen Mansion, the noble family of Hausen used to be part of the middle to low class before they live luxuriously in this beautiful mansion in Welkin City, a place near the borders of Welkin District. Her mother, Madame Jingtian Hayek , is a matriarch of the house who married her father to ensuring the reputation of the family and continued being the ruler of the family.
Zhilan's long black hair used to be styled in low pigtails with white-pink lily flower ornaments on the pigtails that placed on her shoulders, her long bangs framing over her dark magenta eyes and cheeks--as she has porcelain complexion. She wears a white and pink long-sleeved cheongsam with white loose pants, pink vest with Mandarin collars and black shoes. She is a kindhearted and intelligent child for her age, despite she looks almost looks spoiled by her lavish lifestyle. Her mother had put a strict rule upon her, rules to never anger any of the nobles and kept the reputation--as the same goes for her cousins.
'I need to check if the century eggs has been preserved inside the vases outside...'
Zhilan thought, she began to walk out from her room to the hallway which the vase was located outside. Then, she was surprised to see a young boy of her age (eleven-years old that is) sitting on the ground with knees hugged by his arms. He has his eyes closed (not blind) and messy long hair and bangs, he has pale complexion and wears a white robe over his tousled clothes. "Hey, are you alright? It's freezing out here..." she said, preparing a furred warm coat for him.
The boy turned his head to look at her with his eyes closed, before he felt a warm coat draped over his shoulders. "I'll ask my servants to make you a hot soup, okay? You can come inside," she asked, which he hesitated but he accepted--following her to the mansion. "Oh, I haven't introduced myself yet... my name is Zhilan Hayek, what about you?"
Then, he just have realized that she was much shorter than him as her head reached at his shoulders. His closed eyes staring at her, before he introduced himself. "Xingfa Hastings, I'm sorry, I must've been rude earlier, I wasn't expecting anyone to be outside at a very cold night. I shouldn't have bothered you," he murmured at the end, his eyes were definitely closed so no one had known what the color of his eyes are. Zhilan immediately gave him a warm embrace, before she spoke. "I see... I'll prepare some clothes for you, and you can stay with us."
After he had accepted her help, he followed her inside the mansion and found himself inside of the kitchen where the servants are busy cooking. "Alright, please make him some hot soup and clothes as soon as possible! I want him to warm up!" Zhilan ordered her servants and they complied, while he was busy observing his surroundings.
Zhilan's parents was rather welcoming Xingfa who was an orphan of the poverty just like them, knowing that both her father and mother used to be child of an another middle-class family before rising from the ashes of misery to the prosperity.
Then, the Hausen Family approached them and offered their help--for both Hastings and Hayek Clan, it would be a relief to have a big offer like this. And without having any self-conscious thoughts or objections, they have their son and daughter, Xinglan and Zhilan to a arranged marriage--with Xinglan was first to meet him; he was around either seven to eight-years old. "Xingfa, Zhilan. This is my son, Xinglan... I want both of you to take care of him," Xinglan's father, Lord Shuolan Hausen, explained calmly while standing beside Meiying who was Xinglan's mother.
Xinglan would have a permanent scowl whenever he looks at Xingfa, who shares the same feelings as him because they love to bicker when it comes to games and such. At first they don't get along quite well as time passes on until now they were getting along because of Zhilan, Xinglan being a toddler and a boy can be very problematic since he love to perform dangerous stunts like jumping off from the tree and from the heights in the mansion. From that alone, it made Xinglan's family fear that something will happen to the toddler in the future.
Years later, after the incident when the Artificial Light disappeared, their rivalry for most of the time was somehow connected--the Cabernet Husk. The conflict of both Hausen and Hastings started when Xingfa's father rebelled against the Hastings, the government had to intervene in the situation to stop them from civil war--as they knew all too well, no matter how far apart, the fate of Hausen and Hastings would not be separated.
End of Flashback...
"Be careful, some Husks may emerge around the mountain."
Gabriel cautioned, landing on the rocky grounds below the other hills and landmarks in Canaria. "So, is it true that the Cabernet Husk is the 'king of all Husk creatures'?" Sonata asked, rubbing her nose while leaping the roots to a dead tree that almost fell from a storm last year. "This country is full of secrets, you know Canarian government is problematic--covering up and making their darkest conspiracies to protect the secret of this endless night," Claire explained, jumping to the higher ledge in front before both Gabriel and Sonata followed.
Sonata checked the letters that are still undelivered, not expecting any news about the investigation going on and they noticed some Husks are roaming around below the gorge. "Tequila Sunrise Husk..." she murmured, recognizing the pattern and the shape of the giant armored insect's appearance.
Tequila Sunrise Husk took a form of pill bug with two pairs of mandibles, shell having a deep burning orange and several spiked knobs protruding from it--but with glowing eyes. It crawls on all six limbs and its long pincer-like jaws capable of slashing victims in half. "Ew... I hate roly-pollies," she muttered, Gabriel stood silently before he hummed. "The weak spot of Tequila Sunrise Husk is underneath the chest plates which is the stomach of the beast, let's use Decrescendo attacks to eliminate them. Sonata, I'll try to distract the Tequila Sunrise Husk nearby, Claire will be weakening them. Lastly, you'll be the one who deal the finishing blow, good luck Sonata," he commanded.
"The weak spot of Tequila Sunrise Husk is underneath the chest plates which is the stomach of the beast, let's use Decrescendo attacks to eliminate them. Sonata, I'll try to distract the Tequila Sunrise Husk nearby, Claire will be weakening them. Lastly, you'll be the one who deal the finishing blow, good luck Sonata," he commanded.
Sonata nodded, as she gets ready while Gabriel jumped down and shot his Automotive Gear weapon to the ground across the gorge, aiming his weapon. He released the three shots of bullets which seemed to explode themselves before revealing the husks among the rocky surfaces as the Tequila Sunrise Husk roared upon approaching. Claire aimed her Automotive Gear which her gunblade aimed to weaken the insect and Sonata jumped down with her Automotive Gear weapon on her hand--sliding on the rock above and aimed her gear.
"Nocturne in E-flat major, Op. 9, No. 2!"
Sonata blasted the blue-purple pastel-like blast that sounds like a piano's melody hits the creature's chest plate before destroying it, she backflipped before landing in the gap between them. The Husk was screeching from the huge blast and destroyed by the gunblade before exploding, meanwhile another group of the Tequila Sunrise Husk roaring before they charged directly as the latter is defending by gripping her Automotive Gear and pointing to the opponents--backing away slowly before Gabriel prepared his sniping skills on his Automotive Gear. "Let me handle this," Claire stated, aiming her own gunblade towards them. "Sonata, how do you defeat these kind of Husks?"
Claire asked, making Sonata's wolf ears perked up in surprise. "Oh right... long story short, I had to in the high grounds while waiting for these roly pollies to gather around in group below--so I can shoot them and blew up all of them from high to the low with the same abilities from my musical scores, I'm not bad when using them--but that doesn't meant I really mastered them, the other few I used minor Melodies," she replied, making Claire chuckled. "As for me, I don't wait for Husks to come to me or my friends because it's going to be too dangerous for me. Instead, I'm the one who does the marching to bring them to me."
Gabriel watched his friend sprinted and swiftly slashing all of the Tequila Sunrise Husks before shooting them down, along with Sonata was on the small high grounds where she shot all of the beasts below. Some of the beasts appeared to have been obliterated by their blasts and that the corpses soon disintegrated into the red ashes of the Husks once slain.
"Are you guys okay?"
Sonata nodded, followed by Claire before Gabriel looks at the letters on Sonata's hands. "Aria city, Da Capo District... this is going to be harsh," he remarked, making his female companion turn. "Is this related to the Prime Minister, who has been accused with all these crimes?" Sonata asked, making them stared at her. "Well... yeah, Master Lloyd warned us to not get involved in politics of the royal officials, but... if you learn about the details regarding how exactly the forbidden powers are related, we will go against that order and went to Aria. Do not mention this to others until it is confirmed."
Sonata was surprised before nodding, following both Gabriel and Claire to arrive at the Aria city on the destination. Upon arriving, it seems like the people of Aria city have panicked and gathering around the scene that happened earlier--there's something odd and her instincts begun telling her that they must go immediately and investigate.
"Let's go, no time to waste!" she called out while they nodded and take the action, running towards the scene. "Oh great... demonstration from the people against the government again..." Claire spoke exasperated, realizing it was quite nasty.
It was the whole lot of mess from the people revolting and the poor people (sometimes homeless) who being used by the rich because they were either paid, threatened or tortured just to attract the attention of the current government and nobles or the previous government for God-knows-why and Gabriel seems to notice something odd from the surrounding--until there was a gunshot from across them.
"We have to leave, now! These protests often gone for the worst, quickly!"
Gabriel spoke while grabbing Sonata and Claire's hands and they ran, using the alleyways to avoid the publics' attention on them.
In the National Postal Service's HQ...
Lloyd was quite surprised by the demonstration news in Aria city, amongst the two cities of Canon and Sonnet--he seems to be suspicious over the Prime Minister's doings. "Hm? Master Lloyd, what's the matter?" Senja asked his superior, he seems quiet and lost in the train of thoughts.
This can't be coincidence of the demonstrations turned violence and murder that escalated across the districts, which was unusual behavior for them. Alastair and Solvine also noticed his unusual silence, even Mathilda who find it unusual and that alone made Suiren curious as he listened. "This is what happened if Xingfa Hastings visited us, that commander was causing something unpredictable. Perhaps, the previous government are up to something as that commander claims," Solvine stated, his calm-turned-cold nature was brought upon.
"I can't really go on a meeting in the Welkin city hall, really..."
Lloyd grumbled, folding his arms--not because he was being unprofessional as a Postmaster-General; but the situation that the other Postmasters (usually at the main HQ in Welkin) have been struggling to deliver the letters to the others because the demonstrators keep gathering in front of each postal branches across both Aria and Sonnet. "Relax, the people here trusted you--they know you're not siding with the government; especially when you've released that project from the army," Alastair answered, they knew their comrades loved him and his comrades never discriminate them. "Sometimes, all I have to do is... sleeping."
***
"Thank you all for attending this meeting."
Lloyd started with a smile on his face he looks like he's ready to kick some ass if it comes to that point, he was in the city hall's meeting room with other top officials were in the same room. Most of the locals of Welkin; Canaria were seated among the guests and the one of the first who are stood against both Prime Minister Walker and the members of Nobility were the owners of two newspapers: 'Adagio's Journal' and 'Symphony Post'. He actually DIDN'T want to be in any more discussions about the Prime Minister, especially since he was 'tired' of dealing with his crap and those fake promises in the previous month or so.
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"We have information about a major threat that has happened here."
In his mind, Lloyd knew the Prime Minister is agitated--trying to hide his awful scandal about some evidence of his corruption and mistreatment towards his own people. While Dr. Chamberlain took care of the Hybrid Children like Sonya, Serena and Irina with the help of his assistant Marie. He was summoned by the government, making Alastair and Solvine had to accompany him.
Lloyd saw most of the faces of his subordinates and his friends grew cautious and prepared for something bad to happen, seeing their faces made him realized that he can trust them to be on his side. Xingfa remained silent while he folded his arms with his eyes closed and stern expression, Zhilan sat calmly beside him, since she's a President of Stardust Express Station--she had to be with her husband when it comes to attending an 'urgent meeting'. "That's right, the incident that happened at Aria city and Sonnet a few days ago... from what we have known recently," Lloyd started, slowly narrowing his eyes.
"May I ask why did the demonstration happens?"
The meeting went silent when Lloyd questioned about it, before everyone's eyes are locked on Prime Minister Walker. Only a few individuals rose to their feet, answering the question with the look of calmness yet resentment at the same time. "If we keep ignoring them and not taking them seriously, they will rebel on us. More protests from these commoners will turn violence and much much worse," one of them claimed. Xingfa didn't look convince by that, neither does Lloyd who kept his charismatic smile.
The Prime Minister huffed at him angrily, he wanted to explain but hesitated because of his anger. It only grew when the civilian got straight and firm. "Lloyd Warren! Why did you bring up such nonsense? These 'rebellions' have become the biggest nuisance in this country," he claimed, which had made Lloyd remain emotionless and remained faithful. Even Alastair and Solvine realized the man is trying to put them in charge, unless someone is brave enough to counter the arguments. "Well, all of you did nothing while we're dealing with the whole exterminating Husk creatures, who are we when you needed our help with donating for the poor?"
Lloyd added with a smile, making all government officials gasped by the actual revelation of their ignorance towards the poor. He knew they are aware of the problems which arose recently, all those 'we're so rich, we don't know' types of excuses sounded utterly meaningless. "All of you did nothing after all," he repeated, despite his smile intact but it's slowly darkening and they felt as though he's slowly losing his temper.
Some government officials felt intimidated before Xingfa sighed quietly, wanting to confront the young man on his sharp statement and some of them slowly back away nervously. Lloyd took a deep breath, before he folded his arms. "In that case, I will become the opposition of you all--since none of you did anything," Lloyd answered with that genuine charming grin, making them paused. "So, let's get along and do what we've accomplished. Do I make myself clear?"
Alden sneered at him, a human who's almost a mere servant as the rest of his people. As if some mutt-commoner challenging the aristocracy, there's something awry about Lloyd because they've been manipulated in no time. Lloyd is part of the aristocracy like Alastair, but he choose to serve the people with his role in the civil sector for many years by now. "Hmph... well, that's very admirable," Walker glared, noticing all of them now having confused look on their faces--as if they realize the whole manipulation.
"Yes, Lloyd. I guess we are forced to... 'make use' of your position then," Walker continued.
Lloyd rolled his eyes, he won't fall into the same scheme twice. The government in this country are a mess, after all--having Prime Minister or any politician's positions doesn't mean you're considered to be reliable. He stared at Xingfa, before he cleared his throat. "I believe one of your allies will be no longer under your control, so someone has to replace that role," Lloyd warned, making the prime minister suspicious by that question. "What do you say, Commander Hastings? Do you have opinion as yourself, or your position as a military leader?" he added with a smile, noticing Xingfa's silent presence alongside Zhilan's.
Zhilan spoke herself, causing the others to turn at the tall Huaxian woman who's staring at them. "We assume, you don't want him--Prime Minister, to hold the control of Canarian forces any longer. Hence, both Huaxian military and government will be against this."
Everyone, except Xingfa (who seemed uninterested with it), Lloyd and his subordinates remained stunned by what the President of the Stardust Express station just said.
Dr. Chamberlain showed up with the three Hybrid Children who were under Marie's care, they were shocked to see them exposed for the first time. Sonya was glaring at everyone as she growled, the same goes for Serena and Irina as well. Zhilan was wide-eyed to see them here, gasping in horror and almost in tears to see them like this. Now in an addition of Xinglan challenging Xingfa in a duel, she didn't want that happen--she feared that he wouldn't make it and she won't let that happen.
"I, Zhilan Hastings, will be demoting from the government side and choose the people's side."
Zhilan showed up her resignation paper--if he chose to resign and no longer to be working in the government. There were many rumours about Prime Minister Walker's dirty dealings, including his brother and his nepotism--more worse political dynasty. Xingfa opened his eyes by slight surprise, a mixed-feelings were brought upon as he turned his sight to Walker who in shock while Alastair just chuckled at the situation. "It appears that we are not always agreed with, Walker... but now, you have lost it from the very beginning."
Vincent was listening outside the conference door with arms folded, keeping his cool presence by calm and taciturn nature--he would only speak if necessary, adding to his 'cool' personality. "I hope this battle is more than a simple assassination attempt, it was my expectation after all," he muttered to himself quietly so that none could hear it, he was outside the conference room so he can investigate the situation more thoroughly--while Xinglan will be taking over his shift to keep tabs.
Vincent is tasked by Lloyd to investigate the location where all of these Husk creatures originated from, they have to find out exactly why they're invading this country and if it's really a protest against the government. It could be for their own benefit or they want to destroy this country entirely.
"Take over."
Xinglan nodded, watching him leaned off from the wall and heading outside the city hall, approaching his vintage motorbike where his Automotive Gear hoisted on the case. "So, what was that all about? The 'duel' of you and the commander?" he asked, Xinglan rolled his eyes. "Who knows if it overturn something," he replied, looking at Amaris who keep an eye on the city hall's surroundings. "Take care, let me know if you found anything," he told him with stern face, folding his arms. Vincent gave him a salute while walking down the hallway, before he left the city hall. He hopped on his motorbike and turning up the engine, putting on his goggles before he took off in haste towards where these Husk creatures came from and how did the Hybrids made.
Vincent drove through the rocky trails of the hills as he navigated between the narrow cliffs, avoiding any obstacles and danger along the road while driving fast and carefully as he kept track of his speed. He was aware that Husk creatures are weak against electricity; he turned on the headlights and sirens as he rode his vintage motorbike on the dark trail, before he stopped at the road that lead to the underground city where the auction of human trafficking takes place daily; his destination.
He waited for several hours until it was nighttime and he can see the road at this hour since the street lights haven't been turned on yet; this city is still asleep for now, except for a few people who stayed awake at night. However, Vincent is nocturnal--he prefers to stay out during the night rather than staying in during the day; it's his habit. As soon as he saw the lights coming on around the city; he knew that it was time to proceed with his investigation.
Vincent watched the Marauders were guarding the auction and surrounding buildings, all heavily armed with guns and weapons as they stood there silently in their position. The Husk creatures must be inside of the auction house, which is currently under construction. Vincent take out his Nuit D'étoiles, L.4, CD.2; Première Rhapsodie, he aimed the gunpoint at the closest guard--pressing a button on his side; it fired a bolt of electricity that pierced through his body causing him to collapse immediately. His companions were alerted by his sudden action; they all turned towards Vincent--there were eight of them all together.
Vincent is no stranger to marksmanship and his vintage motorbike can be a weapon for his own purposes, which he can crush his enemies with this; he shot at the remaining guards using his Melodic Scores and they fell unconscious instantly, leaving only six of them left standing and alert. While they are all rushed at him simultaneously, aiming their weapons at him in unison. He narrowed his eyes, before he switched the mechanism of his weapon into a flare-firing a barrage of sparks that blinded them completely in order for him to escape from this trap--as he made a clean getaway and distracting them while steering his vintage motorbike.
Vincent drove through the underground city with ease, he was unfazed and never flinch once he encounters the enemies on his way as he navigated quickly through the dark corridors, dodging any obstacle or danger in the way, before he finally arrived at his destination. His eyes widened in horror when he sees the amount of human slaves that are held in cages like animals for sale-with these humans are the victims of these Husk creatures who invade and attacked this land. "What is going on here?" he whispered to himself in utter disbelief, as he looked at the rows and rows of cages that were filled with human beings.
Vincent pressed his finger on his vintage walkie-talkie from his left shoulder, reporting his findings back to Xinglan and Lloyd as soon as possible to let him know what happened so far. He has some backup Mail-Hunters from the Armed Enforcement Squad, ordered by Alastair to aid him and release the captives. He can't believe that this is happening right now, it's not surprising because the government is doing nothing about these events; they're only sitting on their ass and letting everything pass, which is why he's here for their rescue.
Vincent watched the Armed Enforcement Squad has arrived by his side, releasing and evacuating the captives before arresting the criminals. Seeing their faces as they look at Vincent and the Mail-Hunters with respect and admiration, he feels prideful and honored by their presence. They have come to rescue the citizens of Canaria of their oppressors but they are also aware that there are still more survivors who need to be rescued. "Arrest the Marauders," he ordered, ordering his troops to arrest all of them, even those who escaped earlier because they might try to retaliate against them if they're captured.
Vincent continue to drive his vintage motorbike forward and he narrowed his eyes, stopping to see the large dome in the distance. He sensed that it was the Cabernet Husk--the king of all Husk creatures, slumbering deep inside of its underground lair, waiting for a perfect timing to strike and annihilate its enemies. "So, this is your plan all along... Simon Gallagher, the leader of Reverse--that name doesn't seems likely to be… your real name."
The Delivery Express Mail-Hunter scoffed, tipping his cap and his goggles on his eyes. "I'm starting to think that you're insane. If you're trying to create your own species of Husk creature... you should do it properly instead of doing this... atrocity," he mumbled, before he heard a voice coming towards him.
"Vincent Winters... it's been a long time."
He look up at the figure known as Brando Hodgins or Brando, the leader of Marauders was approaching towards them as he looks at Vincent's face closely with a smile upon his face. "Brando?" he asked, he was surprised to see him again after many years ago.
"It has been some time," Brando said with a chuckle as he approached closer to Vincent-making him narrowed his eyes at the older man, aiming his Automotive Gear at Brando. "I thought you're dead for over a decades ago," he continued, keeping his aim straight at him. "I'm alive and well," Vincent said coolly while he he pulled the lever on the side of his gun, activating it into a detonator that can blow up the entire tunnel; if he pressed the trigger harder. "Why are you in here, Brando?" Vincent questioned, still holding his gunpoint on him.
Brando shrugged his shoulders, chuckling lightly. "You know how terrible the government of Canaria, defiled and filled with traitors and the murderers. I had to do something to get rid of those evil bastards..." he trailed off, looking up at him. "You're looking different... like someone else."
"Not important," Vincent spoke without emotion. He wasn't interested in his old friend, who he once knew so well. He was curious why he's here and what does he want; it doesn't matter to him anymore. "I won't tell him," Brando informed, indicating that he won't tell the Reverse leader about this. Vincent didn't believe him, why would he? This man is a coward for abandoning his comrades for years, until they needed him most. "What do you want from me? Why did you come here?"
Brando chuckled lightly, he knew what this man was thinking. "I came here for you... for our fight against our leader."
"What...?"
Vincent asked in astonishment. What does he want from him? The Marauder chuckled, making Vincent grew alerted by him. "There will be an upcoming war between us and the government," Brando informed him, making Vincent sighed before he replied to his former friend. "Keep in mind that we are neutral, we're neither on your side or on their side," he explained, telling him that they are on no one's side. "You're still stubborn as ever, Vincent... I don't think we can work together in this situation," Brando said sadly as he shook his head slowly. "But, you have my word as a Mail-Hunter that if you cooperate with me on this matter, I'll keep your identity as an Emissary and the National Postal Service covered," Vincent added, making Brando nod in understanding.
"But, that doesn't mean Master Lloyd won't know about this issue," Vincent continued, he knew his superior and mentor Lloyd will always keep a keen eyes on him for anything suspicious. "Don't worry, I've made sure of that already," he added before walking away from Brando while saying: "Good luck, old friend."
As Vincent drove his vintage motorbike away from the underground city and leaving it behind, he realized something that bothered him; something about these Husk creatures, they all share the same traits, the way they talk, laugh and act. It's too similar that it seems like one person is speaking.
Is there something that links them all together? Are they were originally from one single creature? And why were they separated into many different Husk creatures? There is something odd here... very much like a puzzle that needs to be solved, but what?
Xinglan watched the meeting is over while hiding behind one of the pillars, then he saw Vincent arrived by parking his motorbike at the back of the building. "How was it?" he asked, approaching him who was taking off his goggles. "Terrible, I just met my former enemy in the past," he grumbled, getting off from the vintage motorbike and lock the grip and proceed to ask Xinglan.
"Where's Lloyd?"
After the meeting dismissed...
"I knew it..."
Lloyd whispered while they're in the hallway, after Vincent informed him everything during conference break time before it will began again. "So, is there anything new?" Vincent asked his mentor, seeing Lloyd sighed with a relaxed and carefree smile on his face. "I need to wait another week to get a confirmation," he answered. "If we're lucky, we might make it in time-and we'll execute it well."
"We're hoping that you're right," Vincent said when he watches his mentor for a moment, realizing something strange about him. "Are you sure you're okay, Master Lloyd?" Vincent asked, because Claude isn't here despite him being one of his apprentice; he must've told them not to know about this. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Lloyd asked, while he looked at him in bewilderment and the Delivery Express Emissary frowned a little. "Well... you're acting oddly different from usual," Vincent pointed out, Lloyd frowned before he let out a deep sigh and look back at his friend and subordinate Alastair and Solvine stood across him, Xinglan can tell the Postmaster-General seems to be having a hard time with government's ignorance-and that made him nodded. "If I tell you, will you promise not to say anything to anyone?"
Lloyd asked, looking back at him with concern written across his face. "I'm not going to repeat your words or gossip about you," Vincent assured him. "Why are you looking so sad, Lloyd?" he asked. "Is it because of this mess?" he clarified, seeing the Postmaster General nodding his head reluctantly.
"Then tell me."
Vincent saw his expression turned serious and grim which is darker, he knew where is this coming. "This country of theirs, it's full of traitors... I feel like they might going to dismiss my post as soon," Lloyd said, his voice trembling with anger. "They're just going to sit on their asses everyday, while not doing anything until it's too late to know, even they're talking bad things behind my back, like they were laughing at me and saying that I'm incompetent and a clown."
Vincent felt bad for his mentor and superior, knowing how he's feeling right now. He wanted to punch their faces in for making such accusations on Lloyd, he knew how hard of a job his mentor is doing. He sympathize him for everything he's done for them over the years. He's doing this because he loves the people of Canaria and wants them to live in peace and prosperity. "I have already made a backup plan in case anything happens," Lloyd added, seeing him nod.
"So, it's decided then?" he asked.
"Yes, until we find something out--we'll execute this plan for good," Lloyd told him firmly, then he took a deep breath and exhale it slowly. "So, what's your backup plan?" Vincent asked, folding his arms on top of his chest. Since showing his true self, Lloyd has been calm and collected, even when he's dealing with difficult and problematic cases as a Postmaster-General of National Postal Service, he never gets angry and lose control of his emotions.
However, he's serious and grim when he's in a bad mood--he even becoming more malicious when he's under stress or if something bad happen--which lead to his 'true nature' revealed, he know his plan is risky but he believes that it will work out for the best if they pull it off. But what could this plan possibly be?
"If I tell you, promise you won't misunderstand my intentions?"
"Of course..." Vincent promised. He knows that this is not a prank; it's not one of his tricks because he saw the seriousness in Lloyd's expression as if this is no joke to him at all. "I won't tell anyone, not even a soul," he replied calmly, reassuring that he won't tell anyone--despite Xinglan already know everything. "I think this time… we need to go big," Lloyd replied with a confident smile across his face. "If we're going to do this, we might as well do it right."
"Big what?"
Vincent asked in confusion. What does he mean by going 'big'? What is this man planning this time? What's this new idea that's going to change the fate of the world? Lloyd is serious and meticulous with all his plans... sometimes they were brilliant and sometimes they weren't... but they usually worked out somehow--which makes him the dangerous genius of the Mail-Hunters who always finds new ways to make trouble for the government and its citizens.
Lloyd snickered at him, answering him with a grin: "You'll see," he added mysteriously.
Oh well, at least Vincent might get his answer... just yet--he just had to wait until the plan executed but he don't know when, probably when the time has come; for their archenemy.