As unfortunate as it was, the Roc wasn't going to stand down anytime soon. The Hunting Blades had riled this beast and now it is wrecking all sorts of havoc. A few of the Hunting Blades were continuing their attack on the Roc, however the giant bird seemed to be ignoring these minor annoyances.
"Merida, Tikatika, are there any legends on how your people fought against a Roc?"
Merida managed to get to the horn first, "The old stories mention how warriors would use magic stones of fire and lightening to keep the Roc at bay."
"Rita!"
"I heard. Fire and Lightning spells."
"Hans, Brabham, any suggestions on what we can do to avoid being knocked around by its cry?"
"I don't know about the engine, but we certainly can do something to brace the hull for this battle."
"Do what you can Kirala." Vyse turned the Delphinus starboard, forcing the Roc to turn too.
On the ground, Fina, Aika, Raven and Casey were tending to the wounded Hunting Blades using medicine provided by Ilchymis. Nan and Karol watched the others continue the battle. "Nan, why are the Hunting Blades going up against such a giant monster?"
There was a tiny figure that jumped from one of the boats before being flung back. The Roc was about to crush the boat if the Delphinus didn't fly in front of it and fired a few magic shells into its face. "Are they crazy? Look at the size of that thing? And what's happening to their guild."
Nan didn't need a reminder as to how badly most of them were beaten by the bird. Casey walked to the two of them, "Right now we should let Vyse and the Delphinus handle the oversized parrot. Since you're one of a few Hunting Blades able to stand, I think you should focus on helping your fellow members." Nan nodded and turned her attention to an injured Blade who they haven't gotten to yet.
"Thanks…"
Casey rubbed Karol's head, "Don't thank me. It was Karol who insisted that we make sure you guys weren't biting off more than you could chew."
Vyse had to pull the Delphinus back again as one of the Hunting Blades' ships cut them off and Clint jumped out to attack with his giant sword. Khazim was getting more upset now, "These Hunting Blades are starting to become annoying! Can we just shoot them down so we can get to blasting that buzzard?"
"Sorry, Khazim. Just do your best… Kalifa! Help the gunners with knowing when to fire on the Roc so we don't hit the Hunting Blades." The cannons started firing again, however now there was a pattern that seemed to follow around the Hunting Blades to keep them away and out of danger while a few turrets focused fire on the Roc.
The news of Admiral Gregorio's sacrifice hit his men hard. Even the First Fleet mourned the loss. Flynn already had his time to grieve, but now he was ready to take action.
"Admiral Gregorio has placed all of his faith in his highness Enrique and Lady Estellise. He's also placing a lot of faith in our continued loyalty to the true empire that has severally lost its way. I can understand if none here wish to follow in such 'traitorous' sounding actions, but the threat posed by Galcian and Ramirez cannot be denied. The next time we encounter Vyse and his crew I will personally see to it that Admiral Schwann lead us to defend the empire."
Witcher however stopped Flynn, "Actually sir, Admiral Schwann did give me a notice that was to be read when this subject is brought forth." Witcher pulled a parchment from his robes, "I, Admiral Schwann Oltorain, do here by recognize the authority given to Vice Captain Flynn by executive order from Admiral Gregorio as the new acting Admiral of the Third Fleet. I would also wish to request that my Vice Captain, LeBlanc, and the rest of the First Fleet to follow the command of the new Admiral until such a time that Enrique and Estellise have brought order to the empire and the fleet has been restructured. Vice Captain LeBlanc, as the situation continues to degrade please enact Contingency 25 before it is too late."
LeBlanc and a few of the First Fleet were in tears to know that their Admiral still able to lead them, even from afar. Sodia was curious though, "I've never heard of any contingency orders within the Armada. Is this a strategy that Admiral Schwann employs?"
LeBlanc finished wiping the tears from his eyes, "They are stratagems designed to be enacted upon Admiral Schwann's orders after certain conditions are perceived. In this particular instance, Contingency 25 requests that we begin the immediate evacuation of the citizens of Lower City from Valua."
"Will the citizens be willing to relocate? And how will you get them out of Valua without being noticed."
LeBlanc turned to Adecor who pulled out a map, "I say, there is an old service tunnel leading to the former palace that links directly into the Lower City sewers."
"We aren't sure when the Admiral found this tunnel, but it would seem that he had not reported it to either Galcian or the Empress."
Flynn knew a few people of Lower City, and not all of them would be so trusting of the soldiers. "We're going to need quite a few ships in order to transport all of the citizens. Skeleton crews for the transports and extra men to keep the path clear of monsters. The Auriga and Phoenix will provide protection. The civilians will be taken here until the crisis with Galcian has been resolved."
Boccos though uttered, "Not that anyone except the tax collectors would notice their absence."
Witcher however seemed to have another concern on mind. Flynn noticed, "We'll try to also help any researcher you think we can trust. But we can't stay too long in Valuan airspace. Undoubtedly there are a few patrols still traveling around the area."
With Kalifa helping the gunners, Vyse was able to focus on keeping away from the Roc's talons. With one final volley fired against the oversized bird they finally brought it down much to the ire of the Hunting Blades.
Their leader, Clint even board the Delphinus, waiting for the captain to speak with him on the deck. Vyse, Enrique, Yuri and Repede met with the giant of a man with his even larger sword still clinging to his back.
"What rights did you whelps have in interfering in our hunt?"
Vyse wasn't intimidated by Clint, "These lands are the home to some of my crew, and one of your hunters is a friend. If we didn't show up when we did many of your hunters, including our friend would have died."
Clint didn't seem to care, "Monsters are evil and the Hunting Blades purge that evil from the world."
"Evil or not, your zealotry nearly destroyed all that you have built up. The reputation of the Hunting Blades is renowned, even within the Empire. However none of the natives here ever asked for you to clear any monsters for them."
"Not like you were doing all that well against Polly anyway. And we still managed to save your sorry hides and bring the overgrown buzzard down." Clint looked ready to attack, but Repede started to growl now, taking an aggressive stance with Yuri, "You really want to fight us?"
Vyse stepped between them, "Clint, I know you and my father have some history that has caused some mistrust, but right now there are other priorities that you should be focusing on."
Clint turned toward the railing to yell his orders. "Get up you maggots! We're withdrawing… for now." His ship returned and Clint jumped across to board it.
Tison's ship moved toward the land where most of their injured were as they gathered onto his ship.
Aika tried to stop one of the Hunting Blades, "Hey, your injuries…"
Casey cut her off, "Let them. If they want to die to infection or lack of attention who are we to stop them?"
Raven shrugged as he walked to their boats, "Well you know what they say, the only cure for stupidity is death."
Karol though stopped Nan, "You don't have to go back with them. You could always come back with us."
"Karol…I…"
"Nan!" Tison shouted, "Let's go already or you'll be left behind!"
"Nan…"
Nan looked like she was about to join them, however stopping just before stepping onto the plank. "No…"
"What did you say?"
"I said no!" Nan stopped her foot down, "Right now the Empire is a threat to more than just the pirates. They burned the forests here without a care, one of their ships is crashed into one of the forests! They've destroyed Nasr. Are we to ignore the threat before us? Something strange is happening in this world and we're turning a blind eye to it all! I can't any longer…"
Tison didn't say a word, the ship then took off and followed what few Hunting Blade ships were still flying. Karol was about to reach out to Nan, however Casey stopped him, whispering, "Just let her be for now. Help Aika gather our stuff. I'll deal with her." As Karol left Casey stepped forward next to Nan, "That was brave of you. Standing up to your allies who don't agree. You don't have to say anything to me, but Karol would be happy if you'd consider coming with us."
With the Delphinus returning to Sailor's Island the crew took the time to talk about recent events. Urala and Khazim making the most noise, "I can't wait to kick these Valuan bastards around again!"
"Yeah, we'll get more payback for Nasr and keep them from getting to the Silvites! And with Kalifa giving us all the knowledge of the future, nothing can go wrong!"
Kalifa however was sitting at one of the tables with her face buried. "Do not assume that the Red Moon does not exact a toll for these fortunes…"
Polly arrived with a plate filled with food. "I'll say. For a skinny thing like you to want all of this, this fortune telling can't be easy."
Domingo pointed, "Ah, who needs a fortune teller when you've got a world class treasure hunter and explorer amid this fine crew."
Robinson and Marco only heard the tail end of this conversation. Marco quickly pointed out, "If you're so great, then why was it that Vyse was able to find more discoveries than you? I heard that's why you joined us as a lookout."
Robinson sat down next to his wife, "And it's be nice to see you helping out more often when we've docked to repair the ship."
Pinta even pointed out, "Or he could help out in checking on our supplies with Ms. Osman."
Ilchymis was laughing, "This is quite the lively crew. And I'm glad my medical creations were helpful so soon."
Ryu-Kan agreed, "Even so, we cannot allow such small victories to go to their heads. Even the sharpest blade is only as deadly as the hand that wields it."
Pow soon entered the area, leading Tikatika. "Khazim there you are. Bubbly gunner is cleaning shells on the deck, again."
"Agh! We've told that girl if she wants to clean something, she cleans the turret! Come on boys!" Khazim and his men stormed off to find Belle before she made a crater on the ship's hull. Tikatika tossed a treat to Pow before returning to his post.
While the crew relaxed, Vyse, Aika, Fina, Yuri, Judith and Karol visited Doc and Maria. As they feed Picollo, the once tiny yellow bird has gotten considerably larger.
Judith took Maria and Picollo to play with Ba'ul. As she did Doc seemed really happy, "I just wanted to thank you, Vyse. Because of you and your crew, Maria has finally come out of her shell. She's become herself again." Doc had been watching Maria play, "In return…well, that's a strange way to put it," turning to Vyse with a more serious face, "but in return, I'll tell you the rest of my story. It's hard…for me to talk about it. But if Maria can be strong enough to get over her past…I can't sit here and dwell on my past, either. I guess I've finally become strong enough to realize that."
"Doc…"
"Well, if you must know, then I'll tell you. I'll tell you of the tragedy that befell Ramirez…"
"'Depend on a person too much and they will betray your trust sooner or later' or so Galcian told Ramirez."
Ramirez confronted Mendosa in his quarters where guards were prepared to defend him, "M'lord! Is…is it true? Is it true about the Moonstones?! And the Ixa'takan slaves?!"
Mendosa was calm, keeping his guards at bay, for now. "I won't lie to you. Yes, it is true. But, what's the problem? Is there something wrong with making money? With desiring wealth and power?"
Ramirez slammed his fist against the table, "You are forcing the Ixa'takans to work grueling hours in inhumane conditions! M'lord, you promised me…you told me that you would speak to Her Majesty in regards to the way the Ixa'takans were being treated!"
Mendosa started laughing at the sight, "You truly are naïve, aren't you? And what exactly do you think would have happened if I did that? Her Majesty would find out about my little scheme, and I would basically be signing my own death warrant."
Ramirez finally understood Galcian's words, "How…how could you lie to me like that?"
"It is quite unfortunate that things had to turn out this way, Ramirez. And to think I thought of you as a son…" Mendosa signaled his guards, "Regardless, you have uncovered my plans and have left me with no choice. Guards! Seize him!"
"Everything…all that I have believed in…" In a blind rage Ramirez materialized his unique blade hidden in his gauntlet and began a slaughter of each guard until finally standing before an unarmed, and injured Mendosa.
"By the time I got there, it was already too late. The guards…even Admiral Mendosa…they had all fallen under Ramirez's blade."
A blaze had started in the cabin during the scuffle as Doc tried to reach Ramirez, "Ramirez! What…what have you done?!"
The blood on the sliver blade quickly slide off until none remained, "I…I'm sorry, Doc. But, I can no longer trust humans. I can no longer remain here."
"Wait! Ramirez! Where are you going?!" The blaze was starting to get worse now as it started to spread to other sections of the ship.
Ramirez walked into the raging fires as though they were nothing, "Goodbye, Doc. The Ramirez that you knew is no more. He died the moment I drew my blade against Admiral Mendosa. From now on, I will believe only in strength. I shall follow only those with power."
"Wait! Ramirez! Ramireeeeeeez!"
"…And so, Ramirez went to Galcian's side, and I believe you know the rest of the story. I had spent so much time with both Mendosa and Ramirez, and yet I could do nothing to stop this tragedy from happening. If I only had the strength to stop him, Mendosa, Ramirez, and even Maria…all of their lives would have turned out so much differently."
"Doc…"
"I know, I know. I'm gonna stop living in the past. Just gotta keep looking forward and hope for the best! And besides, I think it's a blessing that I was able to save Maria from the burning wreckage of the Aquila." Vyse, Karol, Aika and Fina definitely weren't expecting to hear that name, "But I heard that some Air Pirates that were passing through the area helped save most of the crew after we left, though."
Fina turned to the others, "Aquila… That name…"
Yuri was looking to Vyse's scar, "That makes a lot of sense now…"
"W-wait a second there, Yuri. You don't think…?"
Yuri turned to Aika, "The Aquila was Admiral Mendosa's personal flagship… Even people in the Lower City heard about what supposedly happened to it and the former Lord Admiral's death. I just never thought he'd fly with his kids…"
Even with Yuri's knowledge of Valuan ship names, Vyse however wanted Doc to confirm this, "Hey, Doc…Maria wouldn't happen to have an older sister, would she?"
"Actually, she did. Wait, did I forget to tell you that? Well, unfortunately, she went missing after the accident. Nobody knows what happened to her. Poor Piastol…it's bothered me for years that I couldn't save both of them."
Aika whispered, "Vyse, then it is her!"
"There's no doubt about it. Maria and Piastol are long-lost sisters."
Karol almost screamed, "We gotta tell Piastol!"
Vyse agreed, "Piastol said that she would come to fight us again sometime. When we see her, we'll tell her everything we know. What she does with this information is up to her." Though with more Moonfish for Picollo they couldn't leave just yet.
A/N: The Roc is still the only giant monster in Arcadia I don't like hunting, especially with that Roc egg discovery. I know I skipped Doc's second flashback with Ramirez, though the only takeaway was that Ramirez asked Mendosa to ask the Empress for better treatment of the Ixa'takans, his first encounter with Galcian, and Maria wasn't Doc's kid which most of it was more or less summed up during this one. And those curious I'm expecting to have Piastol's final fight be in the next chapter, or at least the very least the start.
