Chapter VIII: Masquerade part I
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Ocean, Blah Blah, If I did I would be some owner of a huge enterprise and Have my sights on the world, Blah Blah.
Act I: Lovely young Maidens
"There is No Goddamn way I'm going to wear this." Albel snarled tossing the lacy dress at Gusto.
"Aww come on, Albel!" Gusto pulled the Lacy dress off his face. "I thought it suits you very well!"
"WHO DO YOU THINK I AM, MAGGOT?" Albel roared aiming the long blade at Gusto.
"Gee Albel, If you don't like it... I saw a nice nurse outifit at one of the-" Gusto began.
"Silence!" Albel struck the blade through the wall next to Gusto's neck.
"Or maybe you'd like to be a-!" Gusto began again.
"Quiet, Maggot!" Albel interrupted again.
"I saw this nice School girl's outfit-!" Gusto began again.
"SHUT IT!" Albel snapped. "Are you making a fool of me, Gusto?"
Gusto immediately became quiet. Albel the wicked's arm was shaking violently in anger. To erode away his reputation by wearing some... some... Prostitute's attire. He would rather jump out in the snow naked than do something so... humiliating. Atleast, if he ran outside Naked no one would dare look at him due to the cold weather and the blizzard. Also, if they did Albel would slit their throats in mere seconds. He was more furious now than when Nel called him a crossdresser. Because now, he was going to Crossdress for real. Oh, how the mighty have fallen. The room was quiet... The Blizzard wind blowing outside began to rattle the windows. No one spoke a word.
Mackwell stared at the dress before him, his eyes twitching slightly and plastered on his face was a rather disturbed expression. Lias was ice-cold frozen, his whole body was trembling. And Nel... well she was just shocked, disturbed, and downright err... disturbed. Her eyes were fixed upon the... the... Cat Lingerie...The Fuzzy ears and the Long white tail... it was also striped. The same sentence ran through her mind. Repeating over and over again... It was as if she was in a trance.
Burn it...
Burn it...
Firebolt it to Oblivion...
Burn it into cinders...
Take no Prisoners...
Destroy them all!
From the looks of it. Nel's face was a mixed bag of Negative Emotions. Hatred? Anger? Disturbed? Shocked? Disheartened? Homicidal? Well, we know one thing, excitement and happiness is blown out of it. This reminded her of the time when Roger S. Huxley broke into her room and tossed her underwear all over the place. Oh the horrors.
"Isn't it great?" Gusto laughed, "They were having a Sale!"
Everyone's heads turned to Gusto. Their eyes glowing menacingly. Poor, Poor Gusto didn't know he was about to be killed in 3 seconds and Poor, Poor Gusto did not realize that they're speechless expressions were NOT, 'Oh my God I love it so much that I can't speak'. Oh No, the Speechless expressions were more of a 'Oh my God, Gusto I want to kill you, rip out your spine and beat you to a blood pulp for this humiliating guise.' Well either way, Both Nel and Albel were furious.
"What the hell is this?" Nel asked holding up the outfit. Her voice threatening and low.
"A Cat costume." Gusto simply replied.
"Ok, so now i know we're both not blind..." Nel tossed the Costume at Gusto. "And you want me to...? If you say you want me to wear this I-!"
"Wear it as a disguise." Gusto replied.
" This Isn't even a DISGUISE! No way in APRIS will I ever wear that!"
"Really? Why?" Gusto asked slightly puzzled. "I think it's nice..."
"Do you NOT understand?" Nel yelled, "This's not clothes! This is... This is..."
"Prostitute attire." Albel finished her sentence.
"Exactly!" Nel crossed her arms and defiantly turned around. Gusto stared at the Kitty Clothes. "Those make me feel like a..."
"Prostitute." Albel answered.
"Well I thought it was the best second to Albel's Gothic-!" Before Gusto could finish Albel shot a dangerous look at the Black Smith. Gusto immediately became quiet. He felt their anger but didn't really understand why... Albel Nox was still pissed. His anger was at his peak... On the other hand, Mackwell and Lias were still gawking at their own package. Rather speechless they couldn't find the right words to describe their situation. The two Inventors were rummaging through Gusto's bag to see what else he bought. What they found was rather disturbing... They found bottles of perfume, one was called 'La La Lilac' and the other was 'Strawberry Sensation'... When they smelled it, not only was it strong but also fruity and terribly sweet. There was assorted colors of lip stick, lip gloss, blush, eye liners, some bras, a brush, hairpins and also some cotton swabs.
Lias nervously stared at the small bottles of perfume... the Pink liquid was nausiating. Mackwell was wondering where a guy like Gusto would buy such... oddities. Not only that, but How the hell did he get them? Wasn't it embarrassing? Wasn't it suspicious at all? The Alchemist knew, they had little choice in the matter... but someone had to tell that to Albel and Nel.
"Why the hell do I have to wear this trash?" Albel asked, "If you want us to wear it so badly worm than why don't you do it yourself!"
"But-!"
"How low do you think I'll go, maggot?" Albel hissed, "Or are you just asking to die?"
"But, Albel don't you see?" Gusto began, "I can't."
"Why not?" Albel asked impatiently, "There is no way in hell I'll wear this! You can wear the skirt and I'll use the ticket."
"Aww, come on Albel!" Gusto pleaded. "Just this once!"
"No." Albel answered.
"I don't see what's so bad, Nox." Nel replied coldly, "I would've thought you'd be thrilled with the idea."
"What was that, Zelpher?" Albel asked icily.
"Now you have a new dress for your skirt collection." Nel gave a small smile, "Or maybe it's not your size?"
"Shut it, Worm!" Albel snapped, "Don't pick a fight with me! You'll regret it."
"I mean you crossdress plenty of times already, haven't you?" Nel teased.
"It's NOT CROSSDRESSING you fool!" Albel yelled, "And... I wouldn't be talking Kitty-Cat! Atleast I don't have to dress in your sorry excuse for clothes! Let alone new Lingerie!"
"Dare say that again, Nox?" Nel pulled out her daggers and aimed them at Albel.
"Feline!" Albel teased. They both lunged at each other.
"Hey now! Let's not fight, children!" Gusto grabbed both of them by their collars. "Calm down!"
"It's all your fault to begin with, fool!" Albel spat struggling in Gusto's grip, "You worm! If you want us to dress up so badly wear it yourself and let me use the goddamn Ticket!"
"Albel..." Gusto's face darkened, "Do you really want me to wear a dress? I mean, REALLY want me to wear one?"
Both Nel and Albel Froze at the thought... It was a strange thought indeed. Strange and extremely disturbing...Gusto, a muscular, tanned, fully grown, abnormally tall and extremely huge Blacksmith in a dress... It was enough to send chills down one's spine. Albel's expression was contorted in utter digust. As for Nel, her eyes bugged out slightly. Putting Gusto in a dress was like making Adray wear a Highschool girl's uniform... The thought was just wrong. To further their imagination, Gusto placed the dress in front of him as if pretending he was wearing it. Nel and Albel exploded on the thought.
"PUT IT DOWN, GUSTO!" Nel yelled.
"See?" Gusto showed it to Albel.
"YOU WORM! give me that!" He swiped the dress from the Blacksmith.
"It's so sad." Gusto had tears in his eyes, "It just doesn't look good on me! It doesn't look pretty enough on me, ya hear? Not pretty enough!"
"Ok, ok we get the picture!" Nel gasped.
"But I'd say this is more of my taste..." Gusto placed the Kitty Costume in front of him. "What do you guys think?"
"NO, GUSTO!" Nel swiped it from Gusto's hands. "Please... just don't..."
"So you'll wear them?" Gusto asked with hope. "Come on, you guys! Just this once!"
"Don't get any stupid ideas!" Albel snarled, "We just don't want to see a lummox like you to traumatize our minds for life!"
"Aww come on, Albel it aint so bad. I mean, how humiliating can it be?" Gusto began.
"We're done..."
Albel, Nel and Gusto quickly turned around. Out of the Double Closets, Lo! It was Mackwell and Lias in their disguises. Mackwell was wearing his maid outfit, the Black and white dress was neatly worn. He nervously began to straighten the laces as he gazed at his reflection in the mirror. In the other hand, he was tying his hair with many colorful ribbons. His young face was covered in a little bit of make up and his hair was not as messy as usual. The Alchemist's stern face magnified his 'beauty in an odd way'. Lias on the other hand was trembling, his nervous smile and glasses made him seem more feminine than usual. He retained his normal charm, he wasn't wearing any make up though. Albel stared, midly surprised, mildly disturbed that they were really men... Nel was totally astonished that it was really Lias and Mackwell wearing a dress... And Gusto... Well Gusto had stars in his eyes. They looked real... No one would know that they were men if they saw them.
"Err... So." Mackwell replied nervously, "How do I look?"
"Like a woman." Albel replied bluntly.
"Well... I guess I'll take that as a compliment..." Mackwell sighed, "That's the point isn't it? What a pain... a waste of time..."
"How does it feel, Lias?" Mackwell asked the Nervous Smith behind him.
"Err... it feels odd..." Lias replied with a small smile, "But nothing too bad I can't handle. This is, afterall one of the excitement in this journey we call life."
"Hmmm..." Mackwell brushed the dust off his dress, "The only question is if these disguises are good enough. I don't like to waste my time If I don't even look feminine enough..."
"Mackwell! Lias!" Gusto gave the two a hug, "I knew you two would see it my way! I love you guys-!"
Before he could finish his sentence Lias and Mackwell quickly hit him away.
"This is only temporary! Understood?" Mackwell snapped.
"But of course..." Gusto replied rubbing his nose. It was nose bleeding for reasons more than one. They looked like Authentic women! Gusto knew, with a little more help he would make them seem more feminine. Gusto gave a smile, this was a triumphant victory. Kind of like making a high quality blade that you know is sucessful. Gusto loved the feeling of the Heat and Flames of glory! It is Afterall the person that makes the warrior not the weapon, but it sure helps. And in this case, it is the person in these fine young gentleman that made them... well... victorious.
"You two look... wow..." Nel was lost in words. "I mean... you two are just, you guys are good."
"I thank you." Mackwell replied stiffly.
"Bah, you two should just dress like that forever." Albel mocked, "Atleast you look better that way."
"Excuse me?"' Mackwell asked almost threateningly.
"Just saying..." Albel replied icily, "Now you're not much of a dead weight as you are an eye-sore."
Mackwell pushed his silver hair back, "Hmph, I don't see you in your disguise, Sir Nox. I'm hoping you don't plan to jeopardize our mission, do you? A real man would take any challenge..."
Albel's face turned red with anger from the comment. How dare he, a mere Alchemist, tell Albel Nox how to be manly! This Alchemist, who only cares about himself and his work! He is neither strong nor powerful, just a measely Alchemist, A book worm with far too many suitors to count! This enfuriated Albel more than Zelpher's comments. Atleast Zelpher was a formidable Maggot but this man barely sets foot in battle! Lowly Maggots do not diss Warriors such as he! Albel was lost of words. Both Mackwell and Nel could see that a sore spot was hit pretty badly.
"Ah well, I guess its natural to be embarrassed." Mackwell chuckled as he neatly folded the cuffs of his sleeve.
"What does it matter to you?" Albel replied coldly, "Atleast I have some decency and pride as a man!"
"Hmm, But I don't see it that bad to throw it away temporarily..." Mackwell replied. Everyone was shocked to hear this from Mackwell... a most refined gentleman. "It's a small price to pay to protect something most dear to you."
Nel sighed. Her pride was in her kingdom of Aquaria... Mackwell made a pretty good point. Dressing up in a Kitty Lingerie for one night was a small price to pay for her kingdom's safety and order. Albel eyed her suspiciously as Nel picked up the Silly excuse for a disguise. Albel had only one thought in his mind... 'Oh Hell... You're actually going to wear that, worm?' Nel silently walked into the changing room/ closet. As she entered the small secluded space the Aquarian eyed Mackwell's clothes in the corner. His cloak, robe and suit was neatly folded and in the room was also a long mirror.
Quickly and silently she changed into the outfit. It was composed of merely underwear, A kitty headband, white gloves, white boots and a tail. She reluctantly changed into this humiliating excuse for a costume. But, determined as she was, she knew there was no other way. Her "uncle" Adray would probably just laugh at the idea. The man loved anything new... Guess that's what made him fearless. He wouldn't hesitate to wear a dress if he had to... but then again. That's ADRAY. Nel shuddered at the thought of Adray in a girl's high school uniform... He was fearless... that's what made him a hero. Nel quickly put the clothes on, luckily the boots went up to her knees and the gloves reached as far as her elbows... but it felt so revealing. Quickly and silently she slinked out of the changing room hoping not to be noticed.
Mackwell, Lias and Gusto were chatting in front of the fire on how to make the disguise more convincing. Gusto was helping Mackwell with his hair and Lias silently listened in the conversation. Nel slipped into the beds in the room and covered herself with the covers.
"Nice outfit, Zelpher." Albel replied. Nel almost jumped in surprise.
"If your going to laugh, hurry it up." Nel snapped.
"I didn't say anything... yet." Albel replied coolly. "Troublesome girl, now I have to wear this stupid thing."
"Hmph," Nel replied with a grim smile, "Your welcome Albel."
"Yeah yeah..." Albel muttered. He grabbed the Lacy Gothic Lolita dress and stormed his way into the closet...er... changing room. Slamming the door shut and with a sharp 'click' he locked himself in. From inside the door there was some slight cursing and complaining. From what they heard he had some trouble getting it on. But in 15 minutes he slammed the door open and sat on the bed with his arms crossed.
Now, Seeing Albel in a Gothic lolita dress was quite the sight. He had some black spider webbed decorated stockings and his black dress was covered in pink and purple laces and ribbons. His defiant face was quite feminine and his long black and blonde streaked hair was a nice touch along with the dress. Mackwell gave off a low chuckle. Nel and Lias were quite pale and Gusto was excited.
"You look..." Mackwell choked half laughing, "Pretty..."
"Shut up, worm." Albel snapped back.
"Wow, it really suits you, Nox." Nel giggled.
"..." Albel gave her a scornful look.
"Oh my god! Albel!" Gusto gave him a brotherly punch in the back, "I knew you would see it my way! I'm so excited! You look great! Like a newly forged sword after a hard day's work! Now if you let me fix your hair than-!" Before Gusto could finish his sentence Albel smacked the katana (which was sheathed) as hard as he could on the large Smith.
"I'll wear this ridiculous outfit! But no one! And I mean NO ONE touches my hair? GOT IT?" Albel spat, "And if any of you worms even tell anyone about this than I will personally send you a one way ticket to hell!"
Mackwell shrugged, "Well you have my word on that, Sir Nox." Mackwell shook his head, "If you were discovered than I would be too, so..."
"See Albel? It isn't that bad." Gusto laughed heartily as he flexed his massive muscles, "I have done it again! Now this is ART"
"One day I will kill you, worms..." Albel muttered.
"Not until tomorrow." Gusto pointed out as he laughed.
"This stupid leggings make my leg itch!" Albel complained. "And the top is too tight!"
After much commotion and much struggling. They discovered that Albel the Wicked had some trouble getting out of his clothes. Everyone changed out of their outfits, the infiltration was not until tomorrow Night, afterall. Since there was only two closets Lias and Mackwell decided to change in the room. Gusto was sitting in the hallway and the two warriors got a closet each. Nel happily released herself out of the ridiculous outfit and change back into her usual clothes. In the mean time she can hear cursing and swearing from the closet next door. She placed the costume in a bag when she once again noticed Mackwell's clothes in the corner. She stared at them oddly, beautifully decorated and adorned robes with a majestic looking cloak... She reached over feeling the soft silk and velvet at her fingertips.
Knock Knock
"Yes?" Nel asked almost startled.
"Sorry for the intrusion..." It was Mackwell's voice, "But can you pass me my clothes, Lady Nel? I do believe I left it in the corner..."
"Ah, yes of course... just a minute." Nel replied back. The long boots were difficult to take off. They were high heels and stilletos made of white leather. They hugged against her legs. She began to tug on them but found herself slipping onto the bench-like ledge in the closet. Her upper thigh had a long cut from a sharp hook hanging on the wall. She gave a slight gasp in pain, the blood dripping from the cut. Mackwell, outside heard the commotion from within.
"Is there something the matter, Miss Zelpher?" Mackwell asked.
"No, no... I'm fine..." Nel replied back attempting to stop the blood. She got up and scooped Mackwell's clothes into her arms. She opened the door slightly and quickly handed them over.
"Thank you." Mackwell replied stiffly.
Nel shut the door and began to heal the wound with her runology... It seemed she wasted too much energy from the constant arguing and chasing with Gusto and Albel. Now that she thought about it, she hadn't had a decent rest for a while. The Cut stopped bleeding only leaving a long scab on her leg. She carefully covered it under her Knife holsters and long boots. After, She slowly exited the closet and immediately headed for her own room. The first thing she saw was Mackwell looking out at the blizzard veiled window.
"I could hear something..." Mackwell replied.
"What do you mean?" Nel asked.
"I don't really know but I hear her voice..." Mackwell shook his head, "Maybe I'm still tired..."
"Do you need anything?" Nel asked. "Tea, perhaps?"
"No, I'm fine..." Mackwell mumbled he turned toward his own bed as he slipped in. His head was pounding slightly, too much action for one day perhaps. Nel dropped the bag by her bed and she too slipped in her own bed. Mackwell placed all his books, bags and robes on the table beside his bed. Nel merely gazed up at the ceiling...
"Good night." Mackwell replied reaching for the lamp on the table.
"Yeah, good night." Nel nodded curtly.
But before Mackwell shut the lamp off he noticed a blood stain on the boots of her kitty costume. It was sticking out from the bag, when on white leather, blood stains look quite nasty... The Alchemist looked back up to Nel. The Crimson blade turned to her side. Mackwell closed his eyes and with a light tug of the string, the lights snapped off. The room dark, and quiet except for the light breathing of their sleep and the blowing of the cold Airyglyph winds.
Act II: The Inventor Journal
Ah, the Trading City of Peterny was as busy as always. People bustling about and walking around with not much worries. Mothers walked around the town with their children, Young women were out shopping, Some people were attending the Church of Apris and the Bar was full of Merry Gentlemen. Peterny was always bright and cheery. The war was over now, and peace was something everyone was grateful for. In the midst of this peaceful city of commerce is the Inventor's Guild. And in the Inventor's Guild was a small book on the counter. Those who occasionally passed by the Guild, or want to note something important often wrote their words in this book. Goals, achievements, dreams, yep all of it was listed in the book. Let's take a peek shall we?
V Day, X Month, XX Year (yeah, I have no idea what that means either)
"Hmph, It seems Time is slower than usual... Nothing to really report anyway. Ansala, Misty Lear and I have succeeded in making the Philosopher's Stone for Leingod. He sure seems busy, maybe time is against him. Ah well, I finished all my work for today and tomorrow. Always ahead of Time I always say. Now I need to change my plans for more work. What a pain..."
Invention: Philosopher's Stone
-Mackwell, Aquios
"It seems I have been transferred to Airyglyph. What a nice change. Well It's awefully cold here but it doesn't seem that bad. Good thing I dressed myself for Winter, but lately people have been staring at me oddly. Especially the women... it's kind of scary. Now, what was I going to write in this book again...? Oh dear, I just had it in my mind... Just a moment... Ah-hah!"
Invention: Tome of Insight
-Cornelius, Airyglyph
VI Day, X Month, XX Year
"Chilico is happy! So much pretty sparkly treasure all around me! Time to go back to work, Everyone is very weird and this city is weird too! How come they like that white stuff in the sky? It's weird! Chilico doesn't like the cold! Chilico Sad!"
Invention: Badge of Reflection
-Chilico, Airyglyph
VII Day, X Month, XX Year
"I created another Masterpiece! Lias and I are on a role! With this hammer, and these flames you can bet I'll do my best to be the best! Uh-Oh gotta run! Those weapons won't be making themselves! Oh yeah, Good job Lias for going up another Rank!"
Invention: Claw of Judgment and Cupid's Staff
-Gusto, Airyglyph
VIII Day, X Month, XX Year
"My, my Everyone is working so hard. Good luck everybody! And Congratulation Boyd! You're number 1 at the moment!"
-Welch, Inventor's Guild
X Day, X Month, XX Year
"Sorry Everybody, I won't be working for a while. My baby brother caught a cold so I have to leave early. Also, Sorry Ansala! I accidentally knocked over another chemical rack! And thank you Miss Lear for that Runology book you lent me! See you guys in a few days! Bye."
Invention: Emerald
- Elieza, Aquios
XIII Day, X Month, XX Year
"I'd like to request a transfer please? That annoying old man, Gossam is pestering me during my meals! I can't eat in peace at all, and when I'm angry its not good for digestion or appetite. Aquios would be nice I heard its sunny there. Mmm... Hungry..."
Invention: Super Sweet Curry, Umai-bo 12
-Rigel, Kirlsa (transfers to Aquios 3 days later and switches with Ansala)
XIV Day, X Month, XX Year
"Gee... that Killer Chef sure is scary. He chased me with a salt shaker all afternoon. I hope he doesn't plan to cook me..."
Invention: Umai-Bo 6
-Mayu, Aquios
"Chop, Chop, Chop, Cut, Cut, Cut, Peel, Peel, Peel, Slice, Slice, Shake, Shake, Shake, Mix. Mix... Hmm... needs more meat... meat... Nice tender meat... What are you looking at, human?"
Invention: Marbled Beef Sirloin
-Killer Chef, Aquios
XV Day, X Month, XX Year
"No way! I can't believe you transferred me to Airyglyph! I demand a transfer! I demand a transfer immediately! It's freezing here! So cold... Aw man... Freezing... How can I be the best if I work here?"
Invention: Durian Stun Bomb
-Puffy, Airyglyph
XVII Day, X Month, XX Year
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH NOOOOOOOOOO! There are no women here! Impossible! Where did miss Rigel go? This City is deprived of beautiful women! I'm only stuck with Damda Mooda! I need women! Come back ladies! I want to be pampered!"
Invention: Tears of Ishtar
-Gossam, Kirlsa B
XVIII, X Month, XX Year
"Yay! I made my First homonculus! Thank you so much Mr. Mackwell and Miss Lear! You two are the best! Let's work again sometime, ok? Also, did you guys noticed that the weather has been kind of mucky lately...?"
Invention: Wind Homunculus
-Elieza, Aquios
XIX Day, X Month, XX Year
"We've done it! Vanilla and I have been working on Super Bomb project for 2 weeks now and we've finally done it! I can't wait to test this baby out... Oh Crap. What the heck was that sound? The Workshop? Uh-oh..."
Invention: Mega-Flare Bomb, Deadly Mind Bomb
-Meryl, Peterny
XX Day, X Month, XX Year
"We are sorry for the inconvenience but the Peterny Workshop is closed for further repairs. An Accident has occured, therefore, All Peterny Workers will have to wait till further notice. Take a vacation folks!"
-Welch
"Sorry, but I'll be absent for a while... Expect me back in a few days."
-Mackwell, Aquios
XXI Day, X Month, XX Year
"You guys do not want to work here in Airyglyph. A Blizzard has been rolling in... Some very peculiar things have been happening. I should make a poem out of this! The White snow is so pure, yet very harsh. Of the Four Weather lords Winter can be the cruelest but the most beautiful."
-Cornelius, Airyglyph
"Weird! So many Weird people! Puffy has gone CRAZY! Atleast we'll be crazy together! Chilico happy, but confused..."
Invention: Demonbane Cross
-Chilico, Airyglyph
"It's SO COLD! I can't stand it! Someone hurry up and save us already! No food, Cursed, Lack of heat! I'm going to... I'm going to... (This has been omitted for the sake of your safety, we apologize for the inconvenience, and thank you for your cooperation.) I CANT TAKE IT ANYMORE! And what's worse? I'm stuck with Fayt! Just you wait Fayt Leingod... your time is slim... hehe... Revenge will be mine..."
Invention: Liquid Hybrid Bomb, Liquid Mind Bomb, Liquid Flare Bomb
-Puffy, Airyglyph
XXIV Day, X Month, XX Year
"Sorry for my Absent. Ahhh, I'm so happy. I managed to create something quite lovely, very lovely for the sake of my precious daughter. It received such a decent rating! At this rate my daughter and I will be back on track and one day we will live a life of luxury, just the two of us. I pray Apris will bring that day sooner!"
Invention: Bladebane Cross, Silver Cross
-Evia, Peterny
XXVII Day, X Month, XX Year
"Guess what? Guess what? Vanilla and I have done it again! Revolutionary breakthrough I do believe we got it, It's really exciting you know? Well, it's kind of sad at the same time. I'm heading back to Greeton for a few days to visit my old man. Good thing Vanilla and I tested that New explosive. We shall call it, Super Bomber 3000! Don't worry, we didn't blow up the Workshop again! By the Way, what happened to those two guys... Umm... Errmm... Wasn't the big one named Gusto? And the other Lias? They've been gone for a while now. Don't tell me they got transferred! Everything keeps changing around here."
Invention: Es Hybrid Device
-Meryl, Peterny
"Oh dear... I hope Mr. Mackwell and Miss Lear are alright."
-Elieza, Aquios
Act III: The Night Plan
Mackwell got up from bed. It was still probably around Midnight... He couldn't help but gaze out the window. Misty Lear was close. He hoped that maybe he could sneak the ticket out and rescue her himself, but he knew better. It was dangerous and even though he may be a loner doesn't mean he was stupid enough to attempt something so dangerous. He gave a small sigh, his light breath left a misty fog on the window glass. His hand over his messy silver hair. Suddenly, from the darkness he heard a small gasp. Mackwell turned around curiously. It was Nel...
"..." Mackwell walked up to her bed. Nel seemed to be having a mild nightmare. Her face was quite flushed but he could guess that her dream wasn't that painful or terrifying. Mackwell was then reminded of her injury. He carefully pulled the covers off and spotted the Long, deep cut on her leg. It looked rather painful. When he touched it slightly Nel turned away.
"No... don't..." Nel murmured in her sleep.
"Don't be ridiculous..." Mackwell carefull lifted her leg and pulled the holster off. The Leg was still quite bloody... "If you don't clean it properly, it will get infected..."
Mackwell pulled out a vial of medicine and carefully applied it to the cut. The Liquid was cold and transparent like water. It was strong stuff, but the medicine should clean the wound. Nel gave a small moan in her sleep, Mackwell firmly held her down. It burns and stings... I know... Just hold on... The Alchemist applied some white chemical to numb the pain. Finally, he carefully placed his hand over the wound, the fingertips were warm as it slowly closed up the wound. His Runology was top notch after all. A simple healing spell began to restore the wound. In a matter of seconds the wound was gone.
Mackwell sighed, He placed the covers back on top of her and walked back over to the window sill. He gave a small chuckle...
"Learn to take care of yourself..." Mackwell replied placing his hand over his forehead. Drearily he walked over to his own bed and attempted to sleep. So many thoughts in his head, so many concerns. Not enough time. Mackwell was always deligent, always one step ahead of all circumstances, always busy. But now look at him, completely lost and delayed... it was an odd feeling. The Clock ticked by as he waited for morning... eventually falling into a restless sleep.
Next Scene>
The Next day was quite busy. Nobles have been flocking to the inn that day. Albel scowled at these rich snobs with their 'fancy reservations' and conceited attitudes.Wealth they did not deserve, luxury that was given to these abnoxious fools. They made sure to leave the inn early that morning. The group split up after that, each tailing a Noble to gather as much information they could. Mackwell was given the job to find the location of this bar. He found it alright, it was in an once abandoned building on the outskirts of the kingdom. It was near the Aqueducts...
It sure was suspicious... There was a tower of sorts and the place was guarded... Time was slowly ticking... the Grand opening was to start at 7:00... In Costume, Our group of "heroes" waited by the alley. It was cold, the blizzard stopped. Now only a gentle drift of snow descended from the heavens. The Night was beginning to descend upon them. It was still cold and Albel Nox had his share of swears.
"Ok... this is the plan." Gusto began, "We'll enter the Bar in disguise. All of us will attempt to distract the Nobles and when everyone's not looking we'll slip in this sleeping solution in their drinks. And there you have it!"
"Who has the sleeping solution?" Nel asked.
"I have one." Gusto pulled one out of his belt, "And Mackwell's got an extra."
"What happens if it doesn't work, maggot?" Albel asked slightly intrigued, "Do we have permission to slaughter the lot?"
"No Albel," Nel replied defiantly, "We can merely take them out."
"Hmph, not like they deserve to live..." Albel muttered.
"If worse comes to worse, I have penty of Stun solution to aid us..." Mackwell replied. "While you guys cause a distraction I'll find Misty Lear and Miss Stanice..."
"Okay... so we got the plan straight. Can we go in now?" Albel asked.
"I didn't know you were so eager to show off your new dress, Albel." Nel giggled.
"You fool! The sooner we get this over with the better!" Albel yelled. "Unless you haven't noticed I'm freezing out here!"
"Ok, ok..." Gusto replied, "Let's go... right about..."
They could hear laughing in the bar. The Nobles entered one by one... from the looks of it there must have been atleast 10. Figures... there weren't many nobles anymore. The War was over so they couldn't achieve easy cash like they use to. Most of which were wealthy aristocrats and greedy landowners... The Group peered over at the Guard. He was a big man, slightly smaller than Gusto. But unlike Gusto, this man was mean and harsh looking. They all took a deep breath and Gusto pulled out the ticket from his pocket. The group uneasily made their way towards the entrance.
"Halt." the Guard replied. "Invitations?"
"Here ya go." Gusto handed the small flashy looking ticket. "Sorry we're late, hope the party didn't start without us."
"There's only one ticket." The Guard eyed them suspiciously, "And there are 4 of you."
"Err...well..." Gusto began to think furiously, "I was... I mean..."
Albel sharply elbowed Gusto in the gut. "Get to it, maggot!" Albel hissed.
"You see, the old driver had to call in sick, you see? So I brought in this group of fine women to take their place!" Gusto replied enthusiastically, with a nervous smile. "Isn't that right ladies?"
"That's right!" They all replied in the most girly voices possible.
Now what was running through our heroes minds? Well it kind of went like this... Albel was thinking, 'Oh my god, my voice hurts like hell from this stupid high pitched tone... It's freaking freezing out here! I can't wait to beat them to a bloody pulp' Nel was more of the lines of, 'Anyone touches me in their they'll lose something VERY precious.' Mackwell was thinking, 'Just let us in, you uneducated fool! Time is of the essence!' and finally Lias was too well... he was speechless.
"See?" Gusto gave a broad smile.
"Well, we are short on women for today's..." The man began to eye each of the women carefully. Thank god they had make up and actually looked like women... Oh yeah, you guys must be wondering about their more feminine features. All of them had to wear a bra (except maybe Nel, hers was practically one). This came as quite the surprise since Men don't wear them. Not only was it uncomfortable but slightly itchy too. To make them look somewhat realistic they had to stuff cotton in it and some extra stuff to make it feel and look somewhat authentic. It felt really weird.
"Alright, alright..." The Guard replied. "They are real lookers! We'll let these fine ladies in." The man slapped, to his dismay, Albel in the rear and laughed. Albel squinted, his eyes twitching in anger.
I am SO going to kill him... Albel thought. He is SO dead!
"Welcome to the club." The guard opened the door for them, "See you ladies later."
The group wordlessly entered the bar. Flashy lights enveloped them as they entered the... err... (Albel: Whore house) Yeah, and each of them had different thoughts running through their minds. But what they saw, not only was shocking but somewhat horrifying... They just leaped from the Frying pan and into the Fire.
Oof... Sorry I couldn't update sooner. So much interference...
Was gone for most of the Weekend. Also, I typed out the whole first Act only to find it get deleted because teh server crashed! Oh My god how annoying can it get! Anyway I leave you with yet another CLiff Hanger.
:3 You guys must hate me SO much. Sorry XD