Felinis: I realllllllyyyyyyy don't want to do my homework okay!
Nor Harbor is still a little over a day off on foot. The air turns muggy and dark clouds start looming overhead once they're nearing town. Once they enter rain pelts down Yuri's back and his boot gets caught in a thick puddle of mud for a moment. There's something unnatural about how quickly the rain started once they approached the port town.
"Man, the weather sure changed in a hurry." He says trying to cover his head from the thick rain.
"Let's find an inn before we get soaked." Karol mutters holding his bag over his head.
"Estelle, what is it?" Estelle looks over the empty streets as they walk through.
"Oh, I-I just thought a harbor town would be more... lively than this." She says.
He nods noting the shut windows but the feeling of being watched. "Yeah, this isn't exactly how I imagined it either..."
Rita's foot splashes in a puddle and she's clutching the book normally on her back close to her chest. "But it feels like the kind of place that core thief you're looking for would hang out."
He shakes his head. "Dedecchi was headed for Torim Harbor."
"I'm sure the two are pretty similar."
"No way. It's only Nor Harbor that's scummy like this." Karol protests.
"What do you mean?" Estelle asks while Yuri's mind drifts and he walks up to board. Written is a sign asking for the account of all Krytians and half-breeds. 500 gald for each unmarked Krytian turned in.
Karol swallows. "Nor Harbor is... It's all because of the empire."
Estelle looks at the sign and cringes. "Why would-"
A yell tears through and they see a man covered in wounds and barely standing collapsed on the ground while a thug in armor digs his heel into his face and woman pleads for them to stop. "I told you what would happen to that little brat if you didn't have our money!"
"Please, sir! Not that! Please give me back my son!" He cries as the man kicks him again while another dressed in fine silks snorts smugly. "With this awful weather the last few months, we haven't been able to launch the boats." The two asshats just stare down at them like Merlwe used to and Yuri knows the words are futile. "Surely you realize sir, we can't hope to pay our taxes like this."
"You'd better hurry up and capture that Rhybgaro beast then, shouldn't you?" The armored man grins sadistically.
The man in silks laughs. "That's right. If you sell his horn, you'll never have to worry about taxes again. How many times do we have to tell you?" The man continues to plead and ask for them to understand but they kick him again and the woman frets over him.
"Savages." Rita spits.
"Is that the sort of scum you were talking about, Karol?"
"Yeah, the empire's influence is really strong here." Karol looks back at him and back at the ground. "I heard things got even worse with the new magistrate. He's some imperial big shot who does whatever he wants. He set up Krytian marking and charges high taxes."
"Which means there's no one to complain to if his henchmen act like that." Rita says and Estelle looks heartbroken.
It's understandable. She's only seen the niceties of the empire that sparkle and shine. "But how can that be… Krytian hunting was supposed to… and…" In theory marking Krytians or halfers was outlawed but it was still a preformed practice in places. Yuri's hand drifts to his pocket where a wood token marks him as an outlier. He hadn't started carrying it until he left the knights and while in a small town a group of thugs tried to turn him in for the bounty. Some places didn't allow or care about the bounty and let him be but those were few and far between. Zaphias didn't mark Krytians who lived in the city, which was just Yuri, but had very strict entry visas.
Yuri leans against the brick wall and trips the injured man. "Oh, sorry about that. Didn't see you there." The man is yelling about going out and fighting when it's clear he can barely stand.
Estelle runs forward frustrated. "Yuri! My apologies, sir. Let me take care of that." She kneels by the man and starts casting healing artes.
The woman looks like she might cry. "B-but I... I can't afford this treatment."
"Don't you have something else to say?" She looks confused at his words and he shakes his head. "Jeez...You guys been robbed of your manners along with your money?"
She seems offended by his words but looks at her husband and swallows. "...I-I'm sorry. Thank you most kindly."
Estelle fusses over the man and castes repeated artes. Yuri looks and catches something out of the corner of his eyes. He slips and follows down until he's in a dark alleyway that's full of wooden crates and seems to lead to the dock. Thundercracks and landing in front of him are three of the Red-Eyes holding their blades.
They run straight at him and Yuri unsheathes his sword with a flick and holds it ready for them to attack. One lunges straight. His arte pushes him back and Yuri expects him to fall prone only for him to slide across the ground on the tip of his blades. While the other two jump on the walls and try an assault from above and the first one runs again. Yuri parries the one on the ground and readies to dodge the incoming attacks when he finds his face acquainted with the street. He catches the scent through the rain and looks up at Flynn who is smiling down at him.
"Yuri! Are you all right?" That smug asshole.
"Hey! That's my line!" Yuri says looking at the two men groaning on the ground.
Flynn's eyes narrow. "I've been looking all over for you."
"That one was mine, too." Yuri says sending a blast of blue at the remaining Red-Eye.
Flynn's eyes narrow. "You're an idiot."
Yuri sets a hand on his hip. "You seem to have all my lines covered. What was I going to say next?"
The two crashed in front of the crates dive again and in sync their hands carry their swords into their chests. The third comes from behind and with a knowing grin they easily jump his attack and send a double Azure Edge into all three crashing them into the crates knocking them out for good.
"...Heh, that was about to get ugly..." Yuri chuckles softly looking at Flynn whose has a soft smile plastered on his face. The one Norien used whenever she wanted to scold people. Yuri sheathes his sword and readies for the verbal beating only for Flynn to swing his sword down on him. "Whoa, hold on! What are you doing?"
Wasn't this supposed to be one of those 'Yuri you're a reckless idiot' or 'You're the reason I'll go bald at thirty' lectures? "Yuri, I'm happy to see you're finally seeing the world. It's great to know you're out there enjoying yourself."
Yuri digs into the wet stone and tries to push off Flynn's heavy sword, but ducks under and roll behind. Flynn catches on quick enough and starts slashing out at his sheath. "So, be a little more happy then. And stop pointing that thing at me." And please stop with the smile. It was creepy when Norien did it and it's even worse on Flynn.
"Well I got a little less happy when I saw this!" Flynn stops and points at a wanted poster on the wall his smile falling and anger clear in his voice.
Yuri looks and lets out a happy whistle. "Hey, it's up to 10,000 Gald. Nice."
Flynn groans. "Not paying your taxes and picking on knights is one thing. That's just stupidity. But, I didn't think you'd take up a life of crime."
"A lot of things have happened, Flynn. It's not that simple." Yuri waves off standing up with the street.
"Simple or not, a crime is a crime." Flynn huffs and Yuri wonders if he should up the bite count.
"Good to see you're as stubborn as always." Yuri says rolling his eyes.
"I'm not finished here! Someone in Halure said you almost collapsed."
Yuri grits his teeth. "Flynn we aren't having… Oh look who's coming." Geez, he knew Flynn couldn't smell it, but there's no way Yuri could consciously date Estelle with how much she reeks. His nose already feels numb from the constant exposure.
Estelle comes running down the alleyway and pulls Flynn into a tight hug. "Flynn!" She starts patting him over and checking for injuries and the sight is downright adorable. "Oh, Flynn. Are you all right? Have you been hurt?"
Yuri chuckles and Flynn's cheeks turn red. "I-I'm fine." Estelle is still fluttering over him and he gives a light cough. "Um, Lady Estellise..."
It's Estelle's turn to red and she jumps away in embarrassment. "Oh! I'm sorry. I was just so happy to see you!" They're an obscenely cute couple Yuri thinks as he walks away gingerly. If he's lucky the little princess will distract Flynn long enough so he can avoid dealing with a long lecture. He watches Flynn yank her away and follows behind and see Rita and Karol sitting under the awning of the inn.
"Are they both inside the inn?"
"Yep. So that other guy was Flynn, then?" Karol says and Yuri nods.
"You guys not going to wait inside?" Yuri asks and they shrug.
"We would, but the inns a stickler for paying upfront." Rita says and then looks at his waist. "And you have the bulk of the gald."
Yuri tosses over his wallet. "You guys head inside. I'm gonna walk around."
While Yuri walked out on the town the princess and her knight sat in a room at the inn.
"Um… so… Flynn…" Estelle stutters a bit embarrassed now that she thinks of all the trouble she might have caused him. She takes in a deep breath.
"I'msorryIranawayfromthecastleandcausedalotoftroublewiththeknightsandbrokeintoAspiowhilelookingforyouwhenIprobablyshouldhavejustsayedputandIreallydon'twanttogobackbecauseI'mhavingsomuchfuntravelingwithYurieventhoughyousaidhe'dbeabadinfulenceonme!"
Flynn blinks and does his best to process all the words that flew out of her mouth. "I'm sorry, you broke into what? Lady Estellise, why not start from the beginning?" So she does and Flynn listens carefully. Once she finishes Flynn composes his response.
"You're not mad at me, are you?" She asks and Flynn rubs his brow and sighs.
"No. I'm not mad at you. I'm just a little annoyed that you both caused a lot of trouble for people." Flynn leans on the table and thinks a moment. Estelle had been concerned for his safety after overhearing the council's plans to frame him after becoming too close to her coupled with the recent disappearance of Ioder. He's not too worried for himself but his mind drifts to what Estelle said about Yuri in Halure. "Lady Estellise, I was wondering… has Yuri… has he been fine?"
Estelle swallows. "I can't really say." She looks away and then to him. "Flynn, why in the world would Yuri make the stupid claim he's allergic to aer?" Because, Yuri's an idiot and that was likely the only excuse he could think at the time.
"Yuri has a condition. It's what makes him have his… moments."
She looks him dead in the eyes. "So where do the horns come from then? I found some in our bag while we were traveling and we didn't fight any monsters with red horns."
Flynn turns away. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Both of you are terrible!" She shouts. "Aren't I your friend?"
"Of course you are!" Flynn protests.
"Then why don't you trust me!" Flynn looks down at his clenched fist and Estelle's eyes burrow into him. "Why?"
"Because he's more important!" The words sting the air and they fall into a morose silence. "I'm sorry… I just can't…"
Estelle huffs and Flynn wishes he could explain to her the weight that's been in his chest for years. While he trusts her there's no guarantee to how she'll react. "I have a hunch, but it feels silly. Is Yuri- does Yuri have horns somehow?" He stays silent. "It's okay. I understand that you're afraid to tell me, but I want you to come clear. I'm not an idiot Flynn."
"I know you're not. But, I can't tell you and it's not my place to either." Yuri would kill him for mentioning the fact.
Estelle just leans back in her chair. "Then I'll just confront Yuri on the matter."
"I advise against it." Flynn says. "There are only five people who know the specifics about Yuri's condition." And two of which were dead. "Yuri will avoid telling anyone on that matter if he can help it."
"He really is a stubborn fool." Flynn snorts. That he is indeed. He's not looking forward to dragging his friend off to jail, but he's got to. And Yuri really does deserve it. Seriously, he thought he'd have an ulcer when Flynn heard about how he'd flown off with the princess and broke out of jail! That man would be the death of him. Knowing the idiot, he was off walking in the rain trying to avoid him. Flynn could only hope it be one of the few times he didn't need to drag his friend home kicking and screaming.
Yuri walked around wearing the wooden chip on his neck through the rain towards the mansion. There's a loud hum and aer flowing from the estate. As he approaches he notices a small girl with blonde pigtails walking up to the two guards at the gate. She heads in casually and Yuri heads up when one of the men grabs her by collar picking her up.
"What are you trying to pull off, brat?" The man who was kicking in that poor dude's face barks.
The kid just smiles and holds out a seafood kebab. "Now, now, why don't you eat this and relax?"
The man tosses her into Yuri's chest and he hastily catches her. "I don't want it, and this ain't a place for kids like you."
Yuri glares at the man and sets her down. "That's quite a rough way to treat a kid."
"Fuck off Halfer and take your kid with you." The other says flipping him off. "Next time tell your brat to play elsewhere."
"Do I look like I'm the father of a kid this old? You've gotta be kidding."
The child stands tall. "I'd like a rematch!" She runs forward and stops short of sliding into the man's blade.
"Hey now, are you really going to fight an unarmed kid with a weapon?" Yuri says.
The man is keeping the tip pressed up to her nose. "I'm just teaching her how to play with adult rules. A dumb half-breed like you just wouldn't get it."
Yuri narrows his eyes. "I said leave the kid alone."
The kid looks between the two and tosses something on the ground and large cloud of yellow sulfurous smoke fills the air. Yuri catches her by the hand as she runs by holding her. "Hold on, are you just going to run away now?"
The girl nods and a cat grin slides on her face. "If you're going to grab a beautiful girl's hand, you'd best be prepared for the consequences."
"Huh? What do you mean by that?"
She shakes her head dramatically. "Sadly, now is not the time to explain." She tosses another bomb. "Farewell!" When the smoke finally clears enough, Yuri sees she's gone and a very well-crafted doll is in her place. The guards yell at her to get lost and he's not quite sure what to do with the doll. He tosses it in the bag and heads over to the inn. Once inside he's grateful to be dry and Yuri sees all the people in the inn glaring at him.
"Excuse me, I'm looking for my group. One's a blonde knight." The man at the register raises a brow.
"We don't serve halfers here. Get out before I call this friend of yours so he can throw you in jail." He rolls his eyes.
"Look, I'm just looking for my friends."
"I said get out!" And people wonder why Yuri uses windows.
Yuri walks over to the doors and starts calling for his friend. "Flynn mind helping me out here! Flynn!"
A door opens and the blonde opens up with a cringe. "Yuri, what is it this time?" he sighs.
"Get the fuck out of here Halfer and stop bothering my customers!"
Flynn idly looks at the man. "Sir, this man happens to be a good friend of mine. Would you please leave him be?"
"But the halfer-"
Flynn raises a hand. "Are you aware that it's against imperial law to deny service due to racial heritage?"
"But sir he's-"
"The fine for doing so is one thousand gald. It be such a shame for you to have to pay that for denying one man access."
The man's red face simmers down and he solemnly nods. "Yes. I understand."
"Good." Flynn beams and they walk inside one of the hotel rooms where Estelle and the others are sitting.
"Thanks." Yuri says once they're inside. "And are we done whispering secrets?"
Flynn nods. "I've heard your story up until this point, Yuri. And also the reason for the bounty on your head. First off, I owe you my thanks for protecting her."
"Oh, I've been meaning to express my gratitude as well, Yuri." Estelle says standing with a bow.
"It's nothing. I was already out searching for that blastia thief."
"And that's where we have a problem." And here we go.
"Regardless of the circumstances, the imperial law cannot allow the obstruction of officers, jail breaking, and trespassing."
"I'm sorry. I'm afraid I told him everything."
Yuri shrugs. "Don't be sorry. I mean, I did all that stuff."
"Then I assume you are prepared to receive the punishment your actions deserve."
"Do whatever you like, but just listen a minute, will you?"
Flynn glares at him. "So you can tell me how it was all done in order to get back the lower quarter's blastia core? That's what you wanted to say, right?"
Yuri's about to retort when a female knight walks in followed by a mage that looks shorter yet a little older than Rita. "Sir Flynn, I have news... Wh-what is Rita doing here?" The mage yells pointing at Rita who looks from her book. "I heard you refused an imperial request for assistance. Do you think it's all right for a mage employed by the empire to simply abandon her obligations?"
Yuri looks at him and all he can think is how the guy's hair and staff both look like apples. "Who's that?"
Rita shrugs. "Got me."
"Humph, whatever. It's not like I care a whit about you either." The mage huffs.
"I'll make the introductions. This is my second-in-command, Sodia." Flynn points to the ginger knight who's eyeing Yuri. "This is Witcher, a mage who offered his assistance to us at the laboratory in Aspio."
"You...! Sir, it's the criminal from the wanted poster!" Sodia yells drawing her sword at Yuri.
"At ease, Sodia! He is a friend of mine." Flynn says and she blinks.
"What? But Sir, he's a wanted man!"
"I've just heard his story. While he is guilty of minor crimes, the warrant for his arrest contains false accusations. Later, I will return him to the capital and explain the situation. And he will receive his due punishment" Thanks Flynn.
Sodia looks to her sword and two him. "My... my mistake, Sir. Witcher, let's have your report."
Witcher proudly pushes his glasses up. "I believe the ongoing rain and wind are being caused by a blastia. The weather in this season is unpredictable, but this does not explain why it worsens whenever boats leave port."
"We also have testimony that something like a blastia was carried into Magistrate Ragou's residence." Sodia adds. That explains the feeling Yuri has.
"I've never heard anything about a blastia that controlled the weather." Rita says and her eyes narrow. "Nothing like that has ever been excavated... Wait, the aque blastia, the ruins... It couldn't be..."
"His lordship, the magistrate, is usinga blastia to control the weather. Sounds about right." Flynn notes the words carefully.
"...It appears that way, though we can't yet say for certain." Sodia agrees reluctantly. "The harbor has been closed due to weather. Any ship that leaves is fired on for disobeying the ordinance." So much for crossing over to Torim Harbor.
"Those aren't the only rumors surrounding the magistrate. He's released a monster known as Rhybgaro into the wild, and amuses himself by forcing those who can't pay their taxes to hunt it. As well as orders harsh penalties towards Krytians unjustly. Though the details are uknown."
"That injured couple we met near the entrance must be two of his victims." Estelle gasps.
"And their child..." Karol trails.
"What? What happened to their child?"
"Forget it for now." Yuri says faking a yawn. Well, it's been a hell of a day for us and we're tired. I'm gonna go warm up and hit the hay, see ya."
Before he can leave Flynn grabs his collar. "Yuri, I expect to see you later for an important talk."
"No thanks!" Yuri says slipping out of his grasp and heading to the baths. "See ya Flynn." He heads to the bathroom and runs the hot water for the tub. He soaks in and relaxes for once in what feels like forever. Yuri catches that sweet chocolatey-hazelnut smell. "The door's locked Flynn."
"I know. Yuri, I meant what I said."
"I'm not letting you in!" Yuri calls splashing water.
"Don't care. You have to come out sometime."
"I'll sneak out the window."
"No you won't." He's right.
"I'll refuse to speak to you!"
"Yuri, stop being an idiot!"
"Never."
"Yuri!"
Yuri dives under the tub but he can still hear Flynn calling his name from under the water. He sits up and blows a hair out of his face. "Fine!" He goes over and opens the door pulling Flynn in. "You want to talk, talk."
"I meant after you got out of the bath." Yuri just shrugs and sinks further into the warm water. "Whatever. You had a few episodes while traveling and that worries me."
"I never zoned out. I was totally fine Flynn. You're overreacting."
Flynn crosses his arms. "Why not explain to me then why you told Lady Estellise you were allergic to aer of all things?"
By the goddess. "Look, I needed a quick excuse after she used an arte and I… sort of blacked out for two seconds."
"You blacked out!"
"It's no big deal! I'm fine!"
"You keep saying that, but I don't believe you."
"That's 'cause you don't trust me." They stare at each other and Yuri breaks it splashing water at him and baring his teeth.
"Oh, real mature!" Flynn shouts and now they're silent and not staring at each other. "I'm just worried…"
"Well, stop worrying. I can take care of myself."
You don't need to spend your life worrying about me.
"I can't help it." He sighs shaking his head.
"Sorry for being the reason you drink."
Flynn shrugs and leans against the tub. "It's fine. I'm sure I'd find other reasons to regardless."
"Want to join me?"
"Sure." Flynn removes his armor and neatly folds it next to Yuri's pile and climbs in. They relax back to back and Yuri breathes in deeply. It's temporary but they seem to be at peace.
"Estelle's an interesting girl."
"So you've noticed?"
Yuri nods. "It be hard not to. She's like a walking aer factory. She smells too."
"And the Magistrate is definitely using a blastia for the weather?"
"Yeah, I can hear it all the way over hear if I try."
Flynn cringes. "Please don't. It's creepy when you do."
"I finally have a few new leads." A smile takes Yuri's lips. "Hanna. Hanna Quin. That might be my mother's name."
"How'd you find that out?" Flynn says sitting up a little.
"Some old man in the jails slipped me the info. I think he knew more but couldn't say it in the jail cells."
"I'm happy for you."
"Thanks Flynn."
A loud banging comes from the other side of the door. "If you two are done being gay in there would you mind getting out! Estelle and I are cold out here!" Well, so much for peaceful moments.
"Sorry Rita! We'll let you girls have your gay moment in a sec!"
Flynn's skin is visibly pink but that might just be the bath. They step out and the girls slam the door behind them. Once more, before Yuri walks away Flynn grabs his hand. "Yuri… you'll tell me, right? If things get worse?"
"I promise." Then he laughs. "You're way too dramatic about everything. Lighten up."
Flynn shakes his head and walks to his room. "Night, Yuri."
"Uh, wait… mind if we hang out a bit more." Flynn just leaves the door open and Yuri follows.
Felinis:GAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYAYYAYYAYAYAY