Event: Showdown at Chuanwei, Metropolis
| Location: Wánggǎng, ReTan
The Obake Maru has appeared as if out of nowhere around a corner. From some 300 yards away, its thirty guns have launched a devastating barrage of cannon fire at the force of White Knights and students, including Yalen, Maura, Abdel, and Xiulan.
Without warning, Thirty guns roared to life, unleashing their destructive payload.
Ten bronze cannons belched stone shot, while another ten regular cannons fired metal balls. The air was filled with the thunderous booms of five carronades launching grapeshot. Adding to the chaos, four Great Bombards fired depleted uranium chain shot, leaving trails of destruction in their wake.
Miraculously, the party managed to survive the onslaught, their magical defences protecting them from the deadly projectiles. Amidst the chaos, Shuyuan urgently implored the villagers to seek help, urging them to run to the city and carry the seal of the Whispering Dragon Squad, beseeching the navy for aid.
The village, unfortunately, fell victim to the merciless bombardment of the Obake Maru. Buildings crumbled under the relentless assault, reducing the once-thriving settlement to ruins. Thankfully, most of the villagers had managed to escape, but two unfortunate souls were caught in the maelstrom. One met a swift and grisly fate, decapitated by a cannonball, while the other was trapped beneath rubble, suffering severe injuries.
Amidst the carnage, Yalen, hidden in the background, began quietly chanting a blessing, channelling his power to empower his comrades. His first target was Captain Zhao, who felt a surge of newfound strength coursing through his veins. Rising into the sky, the Captain drew upon an immense well of energy, causing a wave of unease to wash over everyone nearby. With his power amplified, Zhao began charging a spell of his own. Qadira, the Skuggvar was also amplified by Yalen’s blessing.
In the midst of the chaos, Zihan swiftly reacted, using his magic to grab three cannonballs and hurl them back at the Obake Maru. The ship, relentless in its assault, unleashed another round of cannon fire.
A fearsome weapon known as the Dragon's Mouth fired a continuous barrage of blue-white fire, threatening to engulf the party. Undeterred, they rallied their defences, doing their best to withstand the onslaught. In a surprising turn of events, one of the cannonballs launched by the party found its mark, smashing into the ship and causing significant damage.
The strain of the battle took its toll on Yawen, who collapsed to the ground, no longer able to float. However, Abdel swiftly intervened, allowing Captain Zhao to maintain his focus on the spell he was charging.
As the smoke cleared, the protagonists had miraculously survived the second barrage. Yalen unleashed a massive fireball from igniting the gunpowder that soared over the Obake Maru, setting its sails ablaze. Frantic sailors rushed about, employing their own magic and water to combat the raging flames.
Then, in a moment of sheer power, Captain Zhao unleashed his mightiest attack. A colossal nuclear fireball hurtled toward the Obake Maru, engulfing the ship in an inferno. The explosion triggered the ignition of the ship's powder stores, unleashing a cataclysmic blast that sent shockwaves rippling through the surrounding area. A colossal mushroom cloud billowed into the night sky, its terrifying spectacle visible for miles around.
The force of the explosion was unparalleled, throwing people like rag dolls and shattering the landscape. Even Captain Zhao, caught off guard by the immense power, was sent tumbling, crashing into a stone overhang and leaving him dazed. Amidst the devastation, only two individuals remained steadfast: Maura, somehow defying the destructive forces, and Xiulan.
Somewhere amidst the chaotic maelstrom of power, something else of immense magnitude erupted, adding another layer of uncertainty and danger to an already volatile situation.
A cloaked figure, draped in black, materializes in front of Qadira. Behind the figure, her master lies unconscious, while her sister remains motionless before her. Fueled by determination, Qadira lunges forward, attempting to push the intruder aside. To her dismay, her snout passes right through the figure, revealing its illusory nature. Undeterred, Qadira continues her relentless pursuit of her objective.
Despite facing an internal chemical attack, Maura bursts onto the scene, riding atop Qadira. Together, they confront the unfolding situation. Lady Matsuhara, using her mastery of kinetic magic, levitates the unconscious form of Kaureerah, who had been hidden away. With a malicious smirk, Lady Matsuhara dangles five razor-sharp blades threateningly over Kaureerah's vulnerable head.
"A pity," she taunts, her voice dripping with contempt.
"You lack the power of kinetic magic. Make one move towards me, and her life ends here and now."Maura paused as tugged upon Qadira indicating her to stop, her mind raced as she found herself in a tense hostage situation.
This stranger presumed to know her, expressing a distorted sense of familiarity, claiming to know her and underestimating her knowledge of kinetic magic. It was a strange concept, since she had been using it since she arrived in ReTan to move in her wheelchair in that graceful handsfree manner. What made it even weirder was floating metallic projectiles and weapons were her speciality. Whoever this unhinged individual was, they were clearly dangerous. With confusion and concern flooded her thoughts, especially as she witnessed the distressing sight of her friend, Kaureerah, in danger. She knew Xiulan would be coming up from behind, perhaps the both of them can do something, but if there was anyone who could make a 10-second conversation last for 10 minutes, it was her.
She patted the dragon, stroking upon it in a soothing manner as she asks it gently to hold. Furthermore, she remembered the words Abdel used to make it pause before it dived in for its meal, repeating them gently with her gesture. Determination coursed through her veins as she resolved to protect her friends from harm.
Drawing upon her strength, Maura confronted the stranger with unwavering confidence. Her voice echoed with authority as she addressed them.
“You have earned an audience with the Shāngyè Nǚwáng (商业女王) of Lóngwān. You have in your hands someone precious and dear to me, and we can assure you, that following through with your threat will result in swift and immediate retribution in the form of your destruction. Your only choice is to cooperate.” It was if on cue, Qahira let out a grumbling growl toward the woman.
Maura recognized the implied willingness to negotiate in the stranger's demands and seized the opportunity with a composed yet firm tone.
“Given that you are stating terms implies you are open to an alternative to your untimely demise. Since you have now my attention, state your name, your purpose, and the terms and conditions for the swift surrendering of my friend into my care.” She was leveraging her position and resolve to assert control over the unfolding events.
When Xiulan was able to support, she would act. This woman will find out what happens to those who underestimate her and her friends.
Qadira growled but stayed for now. Its dark, beedy eyes glared at the menacing figure. The tone and the disposition of the enemy, along with simply not knowing them, were enough for Qadira to deem them a threat.
Kaureerah's eyes flashed open, but she tried to keep herself still.
Lady Matsuhara noticed nothing as she winked in Maura's direction.
"Negotiate?" She let out a laugh.
"Girl, I'd much prefer to gloat." She shook her head and stalked forward, the convincingly limp form of Kaureerah floating beside her, along with the wicked blades.
"My people might be down, but so are all of yours except for a translator with no magic, yourself, and your... creature."Suddenly, she dropped the blades surrounding Kaureerah.
"Thing is, I'm not your enemy. The twin emperors and their guard dogs who accompany you everywhere are, and the great big dragon in Bailong Shan who you know better as Wu Long." She shook her head and smiled knowingly.
"One of them wins, and you can kiss your little trade goal's goodbye. One will maintain an iron grip. The other will return this place to a state of atavistic isolationism. If Nikan wins, a weak and divided Retan - a country that has terrorized both its own citizens and our nation for centuries - is ripe for the picking. Someone with intelligence and ambition like yourself could make all of the advantageous deals that she wanted. Could even carve out a sphere of influence so much more impressive than one mere island..." Then, suddenly, she flung Kaureerah in Maura's direction. The Eeaiko sailed almost gracefully through the air.
Qadira kept on glaring with those abysses one called eyes. She talked a lot, like Maura. Maybe she'd taste good, like the incessantly chirping birds outside of Ersand'Enise.
Maura's gaze shifted towards Kaureerah, relief flooding her as she witnessed her friend's safe delivery. Her attention then turned back to the woman before her, recognizing an opportunity amidst the tension. Though Qadira could easily be a threat to the woman, Maura sensed something in her words that piqued her curiosity. The pieces of her investigation fell into place, connecting the dots between the revolution, the Nikanese, and the hidden agendas at play.
A mischievous glint sparkled in Maura's eyes as she revelled in the chance to turn the tables. She couldn't resist the temptation to make the woman squirm.
"So, you prefer to gloat?" Maura's voice carried a playful tone.
"Well, we can play that game too. Whilst you have your… rumours. Intelligence and ambition go hand in hand with the belief that knowledge is power."She leaned forward slightly, a sly smile forming on her face.
"We are well aware of the revolution's past connections with the Traveller, the dealings with Mr. Bao, the collaboration with Wu Long and the exemplars. Oh, and let's not forget your Mr. Hui, or should we call him... Ash." Maura's smile widened, relishing the discomfort her words might evoke.
"But here's the kicker. We also know about your Himitsu no Riten (秘密の利点), and the purpose behind why that room is prepared in your Consulate. It seems my reputation for thorough homework at the Academy is well deserved."Crossing her arms confidently, Maura continued, her voice dripping with a mix of self-assurance and challenge.
"A skilled merchant doesn't settle for empty promises and hollow rhetoric. If Nikan wishes to make a generous offer, we might just be willing to consider it." She playfully twirled a finger through her hair.
"As a warm-up, why not grant my Trade Company a monopoly on Nikanese Spratz to the Twin-Continents as an appetizer? Imagine the allure of Wu Long's isolationist agenda when he grants us sole exclusive rights to Retannese trade across all continents. And remember, my governorship is authorized by the Twin-Emperors themselves. They could offer substantial rewards in exchange for my services rendered in this matter."Maura leaned back, intertwining her fingers thoughtfully.
"You see, all the revolutionary factions share a common belief that ReTan needs change, but no single faction can achieve it alone. You need allies, the right allies, to make this revolution succeed. And the grip of the Twin-Emperors is unyielding. You need me." Her words carried a sense of confidence and persuasion, subtly conveying the value she held as a potential ally.
Lady Matsuhara narrowed her eyes.
"As I said, this is not a negotiation. You need to work on your listening skills, girl." She gathered a great amount of energy.
"We keep Retan weak, you trade without tariffs. Take it or leave it." With that, she stepped away from the unconscious Dayanara, clearing the path for Qadira to do what she had wanted for so long and make a dash for her sister.
Qadira perked up and began to trot toward the accessible Dayanara. However, Maura managed to reel the beast back before it moved too close. It let out a low gurgling sound, tongue lashing out a little. Xiulan, meanwhile, had come within auditory range, but lurked behind cover, listening, and she did
not like what she heard.
Nikanese sailors began scrambling ashore, then. They closed in on those still downed and on Maura, nearly a dozen and ready for war.
As the tension thickened, Maura could feel the energy of impending conflict crackling in the air. Negotiation seemed utterly futile at this point. The countdown to those critical 10 minutes drew near, and Qadira, filled with anticipation, was poised for action. Maura's mind raced, hoping that Xiulan had assumed her position and that Kaureerah was prepared. Drawing upon her own unique abilities, she harnessed her magic, utilizing gift to attempt to seize control of the suspended daggers using a combination of her magnetic, and very importantly, her kinetic magic.
"So... your offer amounts to nothing but empty words, a shattered vessel, and the promise of suffering for the ReTannese people?" Maura arched an eyebrow, a mix of scepticism and disdain colouring her tone.
"Well, we must say, you've truly convinced us. Can see why you aren't assigned to diplomatic duty."With a swift kick of her heels against Qadira's sides, she urged the magnificent creature into motion, simultaneously launching her own assault. The convergence of her calculated attack and Qadira's raw power would soon be unleashed upon their adversaries, leaving no doubt about their readiness to defend themselves and fight for the cause.
For all of Maura's effort, the daggers began floating, with minimal effort, towards the black-cloaked woman's hands. Then, she disappeared and reappeared well out of Qadira's charging path. Kaureerah whirled on the spot, drawing with all of her might, and.... The combined effort of both was not enough, for such was Lady Matsuhara's power.
Qadira, sensing the imminent danger, releases a ball of highly flammable mucus towards Lady Matsuhara. The fiery projectile erupts mid-air, exploding upon impact. However, to everyone's surprise, it dissipates harmlessly, having no effect.
Lady Matsuhara swiftly vanishes, only to reappear behind Kaureerah. Reacting swiftly, Qadira interposes herself between Lady Matsuhara and her vulnerable companion. Once again, Lady Matsuhara disappears from sight, leaving the group on guard.
In a surprise move, a new attack materializes out of thin air, with Kaureerah as the target once more. However, the attempt is thwarted, leaving Lady Matsuhara frustrated and enraged,
"WHY WON'T YOU JUST DIE!?!?!?!?!?"Determined to strike back, Dayanara hurls a barrage of quills towards the Dark Lady. While most miss their mark, one manages to skewer Lady Matsuhara in the shoulder. With a grimace, she disintegrates the quill using blood magic.
Lady Matsuhara initiates her assault, targeting Kaureerah's hands. Kaureerah's palms tear open, causing her immense pain as she drops to her knees, screaming. Xiulan, fuelled by desperation, gathers whatever kinetic energy she can grasp and attempts to knock the Dark Lady away. However, Lady Matsuhara dismisses the sophomoric attempt with a laugh, underestimating Xiulan's determination.
Lady Matsuhara retaliates by unleashing a fiery assault towards Xiulan, but her attack is clumsily absorbed, leaving Xiulan relatively unharmed. Xiulan defiantly shouts, "You get out of Retan's land, Nikan bitch!"
Lady Matsuhara, intent on her mission to harm Kaureerah, launches a kinetic blast that strikes her abdomen and breaks a rib. Kaureerah collapses to the ground, while Maura watches in horror, determined not to let her friend be killed. With a resolute shout, Maura exclaims,
"Again?! No, you cannot turn her into sushi!" The Dark Lady savours the anticipation of further harm as she licked her lips.
However, the combined efforts of everyone present rally to protect Kaureerah. Despite being in a fetal position on the ground, she cries out for help, "Help mee. Plees. Help mee, fauther."
Power surges within Xiulan as she shouts defiantly, "I. SAID. LEAVE. HER. ALONE!!!" Unleashing a surge of unimaginable power, Xiulan overwhelms Lady Matsuhara momentarily, but the attack ultimately wanes, leaving the dark lady still standing, albeit shaken.
Standing before them is a man. He is Rettandic of some variety, dressed in simple dark clothes, and otherwise unremarkable but for... something. There is something about him that is not normal.
He plucks the Dark Lady up into an invisible fist and squeezes. She screams.
"Has this been troubling you?" he says in cool, calm Avincian. It sounds like a question, but it is not.
There is a small surge of energy and he erases her from existence.
"You have done well," he says quietly to the others.
"I am sorry that you had to go through that." He begins to approach the badly wounded Kaureerah. Maura began to heal Kaureerah. It isn't easy. The damage is localized, but extensive.
Then, the man is there. He kneels beside her.
"Be calm, girl. Be serene and peaceful, for all the damage shall be undone." He lays a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"You are safe now." He binds her wounds and pulls a kerchief from his pocket for her to dry her tears. He looks to Maura.
"You did well to protect your friend: to deny them their prize." A good number of the others arrive now, in various states of bedragglement: Abdel, Zhao, Yalen, Zihan, Ming, Meng, and Yawen.
Qadira sniffs the strange man. She also tries to lick.
He seems utterly unthreatened by the massive beast, but its tongue does not meet with skin but rather a gentle kinetic shield.
Qadira flinches and takes a step back. She stares at the man curiously. Not quite sure what to make of him. Half-inclined to bite this time, but she smells Abdel and perks up.
Maura brought Kaureerah against her and hugged her warmly. She stroked her hand through her friend's hair and help in comforting her.
"We don't think that is the last of the Nikanese. They are planning something very big, though it seems this resulted in a set-back for them."The man shook his head ruefully.
"They are ever the agents of chaos: manipulative, self-concerned, and needlessly cruel. Thank you for holding them back. I have friends who I will speak to about this." He rises.
"If you don't mind us asking. Who are you?" Her eyes followed him as he rose.
He smiled beatifically.
"I am the first of my kind, sworn to protect order and well-being in this world. You may call me the Progenitor." More than one of those around them exchanged glances. A palpable nervousness took hold of the clearing.
Maura nodded and offered her hand out toward him, then switched to doing a bow of her head in Retannese style correcting herself,
"Thank you for your help, my name is Maura, Maura Mercador.""It is a pleasure to meet you, and I am certain we will meet again." He returned her bow and smiled warmly.
"Now, I must be on my way." The Progenitor nodded at the others present and all bowed before him. He returned their gestures. Yawen seemed to be concentrating, however. She concentrated so hard, in fact, that she fainted.
Abdel was rushing as fast as he could. Something was completely wrong, close to his three girls. He knew he was totally powerless to such a thing, and even questioned if it was at all real, but he still tried. Very untethered-like of him, but he had to be there.
The Progenitor seemed startled, and he quickly moved to be at her side.
"Are you well, my child?" She did not answer.
"That my friend, Yawen. She has had a very active day today."He placed his hands upon her temples and powerful magics filled her.
"Open your eyes," his voice chimed, and she did.
Yawen smiled shyly back up at him.
"I-I... thank you. I'm... sorry for having been so much trouble." Her eyes found Maura.
"Oh thank the balance you're well."With that, the mysterious stranger rose once more.
"Stay safe and happy," he wished,
"until we meet again." Then, he was gone.
A wind whispered through the midnight leaves, and the moons shone full on the water. Waves lapped against the shoreline and smoke curled through the air from the Obake Maru's smouldering wreckage.
The White Knight Squad had rounded up the straggling Nikanese sailors for questioning, and Yalen had been put in charge of a couple himself.
Kaureerah breathed in and out, grateful to be alive but... shaken: shaken to the very core of her being that people could be both so wicked and so kind. Nervously, she flexed her hands open and closed and nodded in Abdel's direction. Then, she leaned in towards Maura to embrace her from the side. "Thenk yoo, my freend. Thenk yoo faur seveng mee." Maura returned the hug tightly.
Dayanara was nearby and eyed the fishgirl. Then approached for a sniff. Out of instinct, Kaureerah jumped back, going into a near panic. Then, she caught herself. "Thenk yoo too," she gulped, eyes darting between Abdel and the skuggvar. Abdel was a little pale there, fearing the worst and ready to get them to stop. Dayanara went for a lick. A long and slimy brush of the tongue. The tongue was... maybe a little too much. "Eh ehehe. Ermmmm... good skaugver. Good!" she managed, reaching well around and giving it a very brief and gentle pat. Abdel reeled the critter in by calling out her name and using a little magic. "Sorry! They're ... Excited! To see you again." Kaureerah's nervous laugh came back. She sat down on the grass and shook her head, smiling. "Well, Eye'd bee lyeng eef eye sed eye feelt te seme wey, baut thenk yoo. Thenk yoo fer seveng me, you beeg slobberee thengs. Eye em frends, naut food, aukay?" She could feel a song coming on. Sadly, she could not find her lute.
The Skuggs were suddenly attracted to something: The traces of blood left from the lady that had been stabbed by the quill. Did they have a scent?! Qadira and Dayanara seemed to bicker over who would get to taste the traces of blood they had found. It did not come to fighting but instead a brief competition of shoves and low growls.
Qadira easily won the tug of war, having twice the might of her sister courtesy of Yalen's immense boon. A big brush of her tongue had the animal memorize and get a lock on the scent of the sack of flesh containing the blood. Well, so long as they weren't continents apart, but there was no hiding from a Skuggvar, only outrunning it. Qadira came out dry, and for all that Abdel knew, the assailant was definitely unalive.
In the background, the conversation between Xiulan, Captain Zhao, and Zihan seemed to be getting more heated. Presently, Yawen made her way over, and it appeared that she had been called there to give some sort of testimony.
"我应该怎么办？当我能做点什么时，我应该让人们死吗!?" (What should I do? Should I just let people die when I could do something!?) the translator could be heard protesting. She shook her head vigorously.
"Zis is crazy!" she added in Avincian.
Maura swiftly made her way toward the unfolding confrontation, sensing the escalating tension in the air. As she approached the scene, it became evident that Xiulan was caught in the middle, being involved in a heated exchange related to her assistance against the Nikanese woman. As Maura gathered from the snippets of protest she overheard, the gravity of the situation became even more apparent considering Yalen's earlier discussion of her failing the magic exam. It was clear that Xiulan needed support, and Maura was determined to provide it.
Approaching the guards with purpose, Maura guided the Skuggvar toward them, projecting an air of authority.
"We don't recall granting permission for a private audience with the personal translator of the Governor of Lóngwán," she asserted, positioning herself between the white-clad guards and Xiulan.
"All matters concerning the conduct of my translator fall under the jurisdiction of Lóngwán. Any grievances must be addressed through a formal petition to me."Turning her gaze toward Xiulan, Maura offered a private reassuring smile and a nod.
"Translator Xiulan, please convey my words clearly in Rettanese to avoid any misunderstanding. Kindly inform them that you have accepted my offer and you are currently employed in my service."Qadira snorted and raised her head to gather the scents in the air when Maura approached them both to the agitated crowd. It could easily be interpreted as a show of aggression, but in reality it was just taking in the odors in the increasingly heated exchange. Abdel soon joined his beast and Maura, although he didn't add anything other than his hand onto the animal's flank. They did not need a beefed up Skuggvar to trample their hosts.
"对不起，但你期望什么？你叫蒋," (I'm genuinely sorry, but what do you expect? Your name is Jiang.)Then, Maura was there, on her high
horse skuggvar and reactions to her commands were perhaps...
different than she'd hoped. Yawen blushed and looked away. Zihan and the nearby Ming seemed to be struggling to hold their composure, almost as if there was... mirth. Captain Zhao, alone, kept it together. He called for Shuyuan, and she scampered over.
"第一，小姐，翻译不在您的麾下。她被政府分配到你的小组。" He clasped his hands behind his back, unperturbed by her large animal and the snorting and straining of its sister, and waited as Shuyuan translated.
"Firstly, young lady, the interpreter is not yours to command. She was assigned to your group by the government." He continued matter-of-factly.
"我知道你们人民的许多习俗，我知道你们不是他们的领袖。我听取了简报。" He shook his head. Shuyuan looked as if she wanted to disappear into the ground, but she translated.
"I know many of the customs of your people and I know you are not their leader. I was briefed." His tone, stern but friendly and almost... fatherly when they had traveled with him had now changed. It was cold and implacable.
"此外，州长，你不在你的管辖范围内。这是事关国家安全的问题。我在这里有优先权。" Xiulan seemed to shrink a bit, and Yawen cowered anxiously, but there was the same hint of mirth that Ming and Zihan had tried to suppress as the captain delivered the first part of his address.
"Furthermore, governor, you are out of your jurisdiction. This is a matter of national security. I have precedence here."Xiulan bled anxiety.
"我...我也一直在和她一起工作。她雇用了我。" (I... I've been working with her as well. She hired me,) she tried, weakly.
"请允许我与她私下交谈。" (Please allow me to speak with her privately.) She bowed deeply and beseechingly before the captain. He glanced in the direction of Ming and then Zihan. Turning back to Xiulan, he nodded curtly, giving his leave.
Remaining seated atop the Skuggvar, Maura maintained a composed expression as she attentively listened to Shuyuan's translation. Her gaze then shifted toward Xiulan, silently seeking confirmation of the conveyed message. With a measured tone, she addressed the situation at hand.
"It has come to our attention that upon our arrival, there was a preference to consult my religious advisor instead of addressing me directly. We advise that future briefings be recorded accurately to avoid such repeated errors," Maura stated, her expression neutral but conveying a subtle hint of dissatisfaction. Her gaze shifted to Captain Zhao, the seriousness in her eyes apparent.
"We are well aware that there is a matter of national security at stake. It was me who personally confronted the leader of the Nikanese forces on behalf of this great nation, as all those present here can attest. Unless you are insinuating that my personal translator is of Nikanese origin, this should not be a matter of national security."Turning her attention sharply toward Xiulan, Maura's tone became stern.
"It is being implied that serious accusations have been made, Xiulan. A servant's misbehaviour reflects poorly on the house of their Master. You will promptly explain yourself to me, or else we shall be greatly displeased when we address your punishment. We do not wish to waste the esteemed Captain Zhao's valuable time on trivial matters. He has more pressing duties in preventing further incursions by the Nikanese, who consider themselves at liberty to destroy the homes of the loyal subjects of the Emperors under his watch."Maura then motioned for the Skuggvar to move away and gestured for Xiulan to follow her, signalling the need for a private conversation away from the immediate vicinity.
"Nonetheless, as a subject of this country, she is answerable to its laws, not your whims," said the captain through Shuyuan. He did not deign to answer the rest of the girl's self-aggrandizing excuses.
Xiulan led Maura a little ways away and there they spoke.
"Maura, I afear I have not been ze complete honesty wiss you. My family, ze Jiang, we sharing a last name wiss ze former emperors. I am not some royal person, but zey not want to taking a chance." She shook her head sadly.
"It is not fair and it to make me angry, but zey are on ze right side of ze law here and zey are doing zere job. Zey cannot let me go." She paused, clasping the girl's hands.
"You has been ze good friend to me here, but I do not want you risk yourself, okay?"Her voice lowered again.
"And ziss laughing you see when you say 'Governor of Longwan': it is because ziss is a joke to many peoples." She shook her head.
"Ze prize you receive is a fake one. Nobody can to govern Longwan. Its people cannot to speak Retanese and zey have ze agreement wiss ze old government but not wiss ze new one. Ziss island has no good port and many disease to make ze Retanese and ozer foreigners sick. We have an expression here. To call someone ze governor of Longwan is to make ze joke, like ze mockery. It means like, 'someone who sinks he is more important zan he really is.'" She looked sad.
"Ziss was why they all to laugh. I did not say anysing before because you seem so happy about it. I did not want to ruin ziss and I sink it won't to matter."Maura's smile widened as she gently held Xiulan's hand.
"You acted to save not only my life but also that of my friend. You are more than just a translator to me; you are my friend. Abandoning you would be the true crime," she reassured.
Listening attentively to the words spoken, Maura remained undisturbed by them, responding with unwavering confidence. Her smile grew even broader as she looked directly into Xiulan's eyes.
"To think that a ‘disabled’ foreign girl would become the Governor of Longwan is poetic justice.""Xiulan, you've witnessed the looks we receive even before we speak a word. People believe that we should never have been allowed to survive past childhood, that we are the mistakes of Oraff or cursed by Dami's judgment as unworthy beings," Maura explained, gesturing with her hands to emphasize her point.
"But here we are, riding atop a Skuggvar, me, the director of a profitable Trade Company at the age of 15, and now the Governor of my own island in the world's most powerful nation. So, Tell me, Xiulan, who is the joke?”“Let them laugh, let them jeer, let them think that my island and me are some sort of joke. Because we are far from it. They cannot see past their own narrow perspectives nor their noses," she added, crossing her eyes playfully for emphasis.
Maura's voice grew more determined as she continued,
"And that, my dear Xiulan, is brilliant. They will never see us coming or recognize the threat we represent. By the time they stop laughing, it will be too late. So, Xiulan, will you embrace this humiliation with me? Will you join me in making Longwan the shining Dragon jewel of ReTan?" The girls words gave birth to new thoughts in her mind, whether knowingly or not.
Maura shifted her focus to the White Guard before returning her gaze to Xiulan. With a serious expression, she spoke softly,
"Tell me what needs to be done to free you from this situation, no matter how humiliating it may be. We will find a way out together."Xiulan blinked. She was immeasurably grateful to Maura, but the foreign girl still didn't quite seem to 'get' it: being 'governor' of Longwan was not an achievement to be proud of. It was a poisoned chalice and worth nothing unless she
somehow made something of it. That
would be sweet irony. That
would be something worthwhile. She still wasn't quite sure what was genuine plural and what was that odd 'singular plural' that Maura liked to use, but she could do with sticking it to the twins and their wretched government. A whole life of service and dedication and she had
passed that exam. She knew it. She had only 'failed' because she was a Jiang.
Xiulan could do with some change, but...
"Maura, I cannot. The law might be unjust, but I have breaked it." She shook her head.
"I have a family, too: my brothers, my parents, my sister, and her family. If I cause the trouble right now..." She trailed off.
"You are not nobody like they say you are, but you and your friends are... not enough strong to challenge this government, or even these guardians. I sink I must to beg."That was when Kaureerah spoke up.
"Deedn't wee aull coom heere weth te saim meessioon? Deedn't wee faight toogether?" She shook her head and she was addressing the captain and his lieutenants.
"Deedn't yoo aull seve my laife?" She stalked forward and prostrated herself before them.
"Thenk yoo faur thees. Nauw, Eye esk yoo waun moor theng: foorget whaut yoo sauw heere. Yoo heve yoor lauws end rooles end Eye well naut questioon them. They woork faur yoor soociety, baut Eye'm aulsoo soore peepel laike yoo, whoo enfoorce them every dey, knoow thet they aur naut poorfect. Xioolen deed naut braik them laightly. Shee hed too braik them too seve a laife: my laife... and Maurau's laife. When ees thet a bed theeng? Eye beg auf yoo thees: foorget whaut yoo sauw end yoo weell never see et augain. Eye knoow shee well naut yoose megic. She ees naut a bed persoon end Maurau ees naut eether."For a moment, the eeaiko looked up, trying to meet Captain Zhao's eyes. Then, she continued.
"Shee es joost e gerl whoo ees prootecteeng her freend, whoo hes been toold 'noo' her whoole laife end waunts too meke her oown 'yes'. Booth auf them aur, een fect. Soo em Eye." With that, she rose to her knees and remained there, waiting for a response. The wind stirred her bluish-dyed hair and a tear left a wet track down one of her cheeks.
"Thet ees why wee aur frends."Shuyuan was quietly translating the entire time, putting much of the same emotion into it that Kaureerah had. She appeared quite good at her job. Once she stopped, there was a silence. Then, Captain Zhao walked over to Kaureerah to stand not a few yards away, but perhaps a foot or two from her. He spared a long, sad look for Maura and Xiulan.
"Ocean girl," he said, in heavily-accented Avincian. He knelt to be at her level. Kaureerah was crying.
"I am not angry with your friend. She tell many lies and half-lies, but I understand why she do this thing. People also lie to her. That is not the good thing." His smile was both rueful and appreciative at once.
"I do not want to make pain for people." The captain reached out and took her hands.
"When I was a boy, I dream to become the guardian. I want to save the life. I want to make the world better. If I work hard and help people, it will to work." He chuckled ruefully and shook his head slowly and sadly.
"But when I get older, I learn this is not so simple." Zhao's face became pained.
"I see the people in Severa and Constantia. I see the people with much magic: how they to treat the people with little magic. I see how they not care who they hurt. I see some old guardian who let the people go for use small magics. 'It is nothing' they say. 'Just some small things. Worry about the big things.' But then, I see those people do it again. They do it to help himself and he's friends. They stop to think the law has any power. I see how this can make Retan like these other places."Captain Zhao shook his head adamantly.
"This is not the perfect country," he admitted,
"but Retan is peaceful and safe. It is peaceful two hundred years now. The government has much powers but not the greedy people. We can to walk in the city at night. We have enough the food to eat. We work together do things, not ask some important people with strong magic. I do not hate your country, but I not to want my country - my home - be like it."He gestured in Xiulan's direction.
"I want, in my heart, say 'okay, you can go'." He addressed everyone around him, kneeling as he was. Then, he tapped one of his temples with a finger.
"But I know in my head this is the bad idea. I know the chemical magic and I see the angry in her. Very much." He shook his head regretfully and twisted to regard the translator.
"I am sorry, Jiang Xiulan. I am sorry that they do not to let you use the magic. You are a true Jiang, though." There was a strange sort of respect in the captain's voice as he spoke.
"I can feel the power you have: so much." He attempted to address everyone around him.
"Her grandfathers were the tyrants. Retan bleeding when they were the emperor. Maybe she is not them. Maybe this is why the twin emperors let her to live, and her family." He released Kaureerah's hands and rose.
"But now she is use the magic and she is angry. It is my job to protect this country and these people. If you am I, would you to take this risk?"Maura paused, carefully listening to Xiulan, Kaureerah, and Captain Zhao. As she absorbed the information, she couldn't help but feel the weight of the situation. She pondered for a moment, searching for a solution.
‘Simplifying things would be ideal,’ she thought, momentarily wishing she possessed the wisdom of Ayla.
‘What would she do?’ But she knew she had to rely on her own judgment.
Addressing Captain Zhao, she spoke with a determined tone,
"It is evident that this crime cannot go unpunished. However, it is crucial that the punishment is proportionate. We can find common ground in this matter." She turned her gaze towards the gathered individuals.
"Xiulan has acted unlawfully to prevent a greater injustice and to save the lives of others, a crime to be sure. Your concerns revolve around Xiulan's lineage and the potential risks she poses to national security due to this. Without this connection, her punishment would be significantly less severe.”“We propose a solution: Maura Mercador petitions for Jiang Xiulan to be placed under my care. My friends here will vouch in testimony to support this. Once she completes her translation duties here, she will be removed to the Island of Longwan and serve under my guidance. We are in need of skilled personnel, and Xiulan's translation expertise would greatly benefit my island." Maura nodded, affirming her proposal.
"In this way, Xiulan will face punishment for her crime, order on the mainland will be maintained, and justice will be served, and far removed from concern."Abdel wanted to say something. The more he heard Zhao speak and Xiulan resign herself to her fate, the more the Traveler's words reverberated in his mind. They were all at the mercy of two inhuman beings. Their 'safety' was no more than carefully selected guard dogs and the ranchers' rifles protecting their livestock. One couldn't help but draw parallels to one's own experiences, and Abdel only saw the Refuge in ReTan, a strong people confined within invisible walls and an illusiary ceiling of power.
He strategically kept most of his being hidden behind Qadira, stroking her oily scales to pacify the beast. He sighed.
“Xiulan has grown familiar to my beasts.” he began, voice strong and more confident than usual.
“It is best she works with us at least until our work is done. It isn't always easy to introduce new faces to their routines.” he was greatly stretching the reality of things, his Skuggvars were not nearly as aggressive with provocation, but he banked on the immense power they had recently displayed to at least put some credence to his words. If anything, Xiualan would be seen as at least a help to a very tangible asset they had seen in action.
With a the right taps and subtle use of blood warping, he had Qadira sniffle at Xiulan's direction before releasing a happy gurgling sound.
There was something almost...
dismissive about how the students delivered their counter: as if the law was negotiable, or merely an obstacle and some problem to be solved. They did not truly see or believe in the harms that Zhao Gang had earnestly advised them of. Their way - the Eastern Way - coloured their thinking and they had no desire to understand that of he or his country.
Still, he could sense that they felt just as strongly as he did, and there was the risk of an international incident at play here. He had no desire to be an ogre. They were so young and earnest. A wise leader was one who made use of his counsel, he had been told more than once before, and so he decided to follow that wisdom. Turning on a heel, he called them all together: Ming, Zihan, Meng, Yawen, Shuyuan, even Tai-Heng and Yeman. He advised the foreigners that they would hold a fair and private discussion to consider the offer. To say nothing - to leave the Jiang girl's actions out of the report - would be a gross dereliction of duty and could have disastrous consequences in the future. To indict her now, he could sense, would inevitably lead to a showdown at Chuanwei: one that could have far-reaching consequences... unless there was a way to subvert this entire process... Meng dropped a sonic dampening bubble over the senior members of Whispering Dragon Squadron and whatever they said after that was lost to those outside of it.
Two of the Old Guard and six New Guards were spread over the area surrounding Xiulan, but they were not particularly intrusive. They allowed the young woman her space, and she needed it, even from Kaureerah. Even from Yalen, from Maura, and from Abdel. The waves washed in and out, the tide slowly rolling up the gravel beach. It was dark, now, and the stars had come out. Silently, while nobody was watching, she reached under her dress and pulled a tiny pentact on a chain to her lips. She kissed it, released it, and made the sign of the Pentad.
"Ipte, Queen of Beauty and Lord of Love, I thank thee for blessing my life with the love of these people and my heart with the capacity for friendship and loyalty. I pray that you continue to do so." She touched her left shoulder with her right hand.
"Shune, Keeper and Seeker of Knowledge, I thank thee for my level head during this trying time and ask for your continued guidance and wisdom in choosing the right course." She touched her right shoulder with her left hand.
"Oraff, Giver and Preserver of Life, I thank you for working through my hands. I will never regret saving a life, no matter the personal cost. I ask, if possible, that you continue to bless me so that I may carry out your work." Her left hand now touched her right hip.
"Eshiran, Hand of Death and Bringer of War, I thank you for your strength and resoluteness, for granting me this power that I did not know I possessed. Steady these hands and let calamity come to those who have earned it." The fingertips of her right hand brushed her left hip.
"Dami, Giver of Choice and Arbiter of Justice, I pray that I have used my free will to act justly and fairly to my fellow people. I beseech of you that they may see this and spare my life if it is what you deem just." She brought her hands silently together, beneath the wind and the crashing waves, sitting for a good minute longer before rising and walking back to the others. Had she damned them all?
Then, Whispering Dragon Squadron had finished their deliberations. The sonic bubble receded and Captain Zhao stepped forward, hands clasped behind his back.
"We have spoken at length," he said through Shuyuan,
"And we have reached a conclusion. Many viewpoints were offered and our decision was not unanimous." His eyes flicked in the direction of either Zihan or Yawen.
"Nonetheless, we have reached one.""It is with considerable regret," he began, his voice ringing before and beneath Shuyuan's,
"and not without sympathy that I must inform you that Jiang Xiulan cannot be tried here, on this beach." A loud, dark wind whistled through those gathered.
"She will be tried before a court of law and I will, myself, advocate for -"There was a man among them who had not been there before. He was short and broad and motionless. He had small dark eyes, a bald head, and a great set of whiskers framing a broad thick-lipped mouth. He stood and waited and the only thing that moved were his eyelids. They seemed to open and close with an unnatural slowness. Captain Zhao stopped speaking immediately in his presence. The other members of Whispering Dragon Squad fell quickly in line. Even the wind seemed to slow as it stirred the man's sash, and the fishlike scales of the tunic that covered his chest and great gut shimmered a dull bronze under the light of the moons.
They began prostrating themselves before him, but still, he did not move.
There was a woman as well. She was small and pale and had a patch over one eye.
"I don't believe that will be necessary, Captain." Somehow, all could understand her in the language most familiar to them.
Zhao stiffened.
"Lady Evil Eye."She clasped her hands before herself and there was something almost dainty and lighthearted about her walk.
"A keen eye, Captain, as always." Her nails were
long... and sharp.
The strange man had still not moved, except to breathe, but his eyes were on her now. When had
that happened?
"Now, as I was saying, there is no need to trouble the courts." The woman gestured in the direction of Maura, Kaureerah, and the others, taking a few steps their way.
"Our foreign friends have made a perfectly reasonable offer, don't you think?" She smiled at them.
The captain hesitated.
"So the offender will not see the court's justice?"That single eye flashed, and Captain Zhao bowed his head, but he did not give the impression of being
afraid per se.
"Does this... displease you, squad captain?""You are the Black Guard. My opinion is irrelevant. You speak with the emperors' voice."She glanced down at her nails and then back his way.
"Mmm... yes. Yes, we do and, on that note..." She twisted to regard the others and giggled softly.
"I would be so honoured - so very honoured - if our esteemed foreign guests would come dine with us tomorrow."The stout man was sitting now. He had not been before. He rested great hands on his knees.
She pranced up to Maura, who was clearly in charge, and reached for her hands.
"It is high time we all properly met in person, governor, don't you think?" She tilted her head to one side and winked.
"And we have much to discuss, perhaps even a beneficial ✨alliance?✨"Of course, the Torragonese was not given a chance to actually answer. Lady Evil Eye continued.
"You know what? In fact, I insist! Three o'clock, on the morrow, and Xiulan simply must come as well." She skipped up to the interpreter and leaned in until they were a handful of inches apart.
"Ten-Re, in his wisdom, has decided that your great-grandfathers' sins are not your own. He and Ten-Jiu would like to meet you and put the issue to rest. Dare I say, they see a great and beneficial purpose for those manas of yours!" She hopped back, grinning, and pivoted on a heel.
"Tomorrow, three o'clock, she called over her shoulder.
"Mark the date." Then, she and her partner were gone. He had said nothing the entire time.
Maura was taken aback by the sudden turn of events, leaving her with a mix of emotions. What seemed like an imminent but narrow defeat had transformed into a resounding victory, albeit with certain conditions, and an eerie invitation from the Twin-Emperors themselves, embodied by the life-sized replica of her action figure, 'Evil Eye.' She took a moment to gather her thoughts, realizing that she hadn't had much time to process everything. The duo departed as swiftly as they had arrived.
Maura approached the White Guards, this time dismounting from the Skuggvar before Captain Zhao. It was a somewhat clumsy manoeuvre as she slid down the creature's side, using it as support as she approached the captain, standing.
"Captain Zhao," she addressed him respectfully, bowing her head.
"Though we held differing opinions and both believed we were doing what was right, we wanted to express my gratitude for considering my proposal seriously and carefully weighing your decision. It was truly appreciated." With a friendly gesture, she extended her hand for a handshake, following the eastern custom.
Pausing for a moment, Maura spoke up once again,
"Captain Zhao, if it is not improper, I would like to make a request." She cleared her throat and continued, now assuming an air of authority as she fit into character.
"The Governor of Lóngwán requires an escort for her upcoming meeting with the Twin-Emperors. We kindly request permission for Yawen to be relieved of her other duties, so she may accompany me." Maura offered a warm smile to Yawen before returning to her composed demeanour.
Maura joined Abdel, Kaureerah, and Xiulan, gathering them together after the previous exchanges had concluded. She received support as she carried a small box, and with a smile, she opened it to reveal its contents.
"We're about to face even greater challenges, and we've already been through so much," she said, her gaze resting on Kaureerah and Xiulan in particular.
"But through it all, I consider you three my dear friends. We work together, watch out for one another, and provide support when needed."She playfully shook the box, accompanied by a giggle.
"And maybe, just maybe, a box of broken Mooncakes can help convince you?" Maura extended the offer of a genuine alliance between the four of them, a united front in the face of the trials ahead.
What a surreal scene that unfolded before them. The Black Guard finally took an interest in them, and invited them over for luncheon, or dinner. Again, the Traveler's warnings echoed in Abdel's mind. Sanguinaires - Xiulan's unique manas. He did not truly understand how this sort of biology worked, but he knew these bloodsuckers were just that, bloodsuckers, and feasted on the essence of man to take their strength. If what the Traveler said was true, then the young investigator had more than enough to be suspicious.
He kept his mouth closed, at least until Maura had finished her part and the Mooncake was eaten. A wheelchair was carefully constructed for her, so they could break off from the group briefly. A light tap of his ear made his want for a sonic bubble to his girlfriend clear.
“There was something else I found in the warehouse. Ming doesn't know.” he said, eyes and head shifting about in slight paranoia. He did not do a great job keeping his cool.
“I met the Traveller.”Maura's expression shifted to one of concern as she focused her attention on Abdel. Despite her worry, she erected a sonic bubble around them to ensure privacy as they spoke. The revelation that Abdel had encountered the Traveller intrigued her. Could he be a Traveller agent? Thoughts raced through her mind, but there was a burning question she needed to ask.
"Did the Traveller appear in a roller chair and resemble Jocasta?" she inquired, her voice filled with curiosity, drawing upon Ingrid's previous words.
"And what was her purpose in approaching you?" Maura was eager to unravel the mystery and gain a deeper understanding.
“Uh, no?” Abdel blinked, unsure what to make of Maura's peculiar priorities.
“It was at the Refuge. He looked like various people from there.” he explained, as if he had to convince his girlfriend of anything.
“I think he wanted us to know it wasn't his operation but Hui's. And the nature of the rulers here.” he scratched his cheek, eyes peeking over his shoulder.
“I don't know who to trust, but with how Yalen reacted, I think the stuff I found is genuine.”Maura carefully processed Abdel's account of the Traveller's appearance as multiple tethered beings, finding that could be a possible connection between them, though she focused on more important parts of his report. As she absorbed the information, she realized the Traveller’s strategic use of truth as a persuasive tool. The Traveller would likely employ a mixture of truth and carefully crafted messages to sway others to their cause.
"It appears that the Traveller understands the power of truth and how it can influence perception," Maura mused, contemplating the implications.
"By blending truth with their intentions, they could make their message more palatable and believable for you to swallow. However, if they have already suffered a defeat, it raises questions about their motives for seeking an 'in-road' with you. What exactly did they want from you, or what hints did they drop?"“Or they don't want these rulers to go down, and not some new tyrant to take over.” added Abdel.
“But, maybe you're right. Maybe they have an angle.” Qadira let out a low purring sound. She smelled something nice nearby, prompting Abdel to tug at her bridle.
“From what I could gather, they mostly had a problem with this regime - the oppression of magic use. I don't think they were out to recruit me. It's more like they wanted this whole dynasty to come to an end. And they're not the only one.” he paused for a moment, index over his lips as if he was mulling over his words.
“He mentioned that Exemplar. Wu Long. Spoke of him as the lesser of evils, with a vision closest to theirs. Or, at least, they were nudging me toward them.”Maura nodded in agreement with Abdel's thoughts as her word's sparked them. She couldn't help but smile as she leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek.
"It seems that the Traveller is attempting to steer us towards supporting Wu Long," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of intrigue and concern.
"There are several potential explanations for this, and not all of them bode well..."She paused for a moment, considering the significance of what she was about to share.
"In return, we should divulge something we learned from the Nikanese woman and her poor attempt to bribe me. She proposed a disturbing notion: to let the Nikanese destroy ReTan and fragment it into smaller states, with the possibility of me profiting from the chaos.” Maura continued, rolling her eyes in disdain.
“She also mentioned Wu Long's desire to impose what she called 'atavistic isolationism,' effectively snuffing out any hope of progress through the free exchange of goods, people, and ideas."Letting out a sigh, Maura conveyed her thoughts on the matter.
"What you said is the best way to put it, it seems we must consider the lesser of evils as we navigate our path forward."With everything concluded, there is only one loose end. The meeting with Mr Bao, or perhaps even the elusive Mr Hui himself by the docks, if anyone bothered to show.
