Waiting Game
Raine, outfitted in a shimmering black gown, sat in a corded off back area of a posh, upscale lounge just outside Gold City surrounded by a gaggle of admirers. It was nicer than anything the 'average' citizen of this Dreamland could ever hope for with tapestries, performance artists, or fine art everywhere you turned, but scaled back a little and in a far more relaxed atmosphere that the heirs to the most esteemed noble families felt just a little wild just by venturing even this far away from the most guarded sectors of a secluded, well protected resort island.
A coquettish smile playing on her lips, Raine took a small sip of the drink in her hand, acting as if she had trouble holding her liquor. A roguishly handsome young man chose to try and take advantage of that, sliding his hand up Raine's toned thigh - exposed even more so by the extra high slit running up the dress as she crossed her long, luscious legs - with a gap toothed smile. Contrary to her usual temperament, the fiery navigator merely shirked her leg away, frowning at the lust-filled baby blues running the length of her enviable figure. But, that was enough for three others to step in and usher him away, eager to take his place on the couch next to the lovely Raine.
From the moment, she sashayed into the warm glow of the nightclub lights, bathed in a lavender hue, Raine inherently claimed the spotlight. The perception of time slowed, Raine reveled in the attention. Each step drew more attention, the high slit rising to the zenith of anticipation in the drooling masses despite the flowing gown being deceptively conservative. Strapless and backless (reminiscent of a bustier with an attached long skirt), the dress showed no cleavage save for a small triangle cut in the center. And, the rear dip ending at a firm hold just above the swell of her sublime backside was only matched by the nearly imperceptible chain stopping the high-cut slit from showing more than just leg. But, the alluring air about the pink-haired goddess made reality irrelevant as even the bouncers stared slack jawed as Raine showed herself to one of the club's private sections.
Raine was having a good time teasing and flirting with the numerous male and female admirers alike as they kept the liquor flowing and the live music set an energetic, upbeat ambience. Laughing a little more than necessary at a clever remark made by a good looking, wavy haired young man in an intricately detailed sport coat and blue jeans, she finished off the last little bit of her second drink. Taking the ivy hat from his head with a coquettish smile, Raine placed it on her head, giving a sexy pose that drew appreciative applause before grabbing the young man's hand and pulling him to the dance floor along with a curvaceous strawberry blonde sporting a sinfully short, form-fitting single shoulder dress with cut outs on the side.
Dancing with abandon, all eyes in the club were glued to Raine. The freedom with which she moved and the sultry movement of her hips as the music followed the beat of her drum enticed all around as she snaked her body along those of her dance partners. But, while all eyes were on her, her attention never swayed from the shorter blonde woman. Not the captivating look of erotic bliss in her almond colored eyes or the teasing promise of a slip as her firm chest bounced hypnotically in their tight confines and her already short dress would ride up just a bit. Nor was it out of wonder that the young woman could move the way she did in those clear stiletto heels. No, Raine's eyes always kept the woman's chest in view. Or rather, the sparkling sapphire nestled between her mouthwatering cleavage. The jewel, the size of a baby's fist, was surrounded by sparkling diamonds all in a setting of pure gold. It was easier to simply call it priceless than to bother reciting its true value. And, it was easier to 'lose' in the commotion of an active dance floor, even if everyone else had ceded way to the show they were putting on.
And, boy did they put on a show. Spinning, wild dancing and sultry exhibitions soon gave way to more intimate grinding and clutching. Eventually, the young man Raine had pulled to the floor with them began to feel like a third wheel before being phased out entirely. But, he minded very little as he too joined the gawking crowd. Thought of it left entirely when, as the bumping, pulsating music began to die down, Raine pulled the blonde in close, their supple bodies pressed together as Raine stole a short kiss. The crowd's shock was short lived as the blonde, drunk on the excitement and attention (and the alcohol), grabbed Raine's face and fell into the pleasure of a second kiss, this one more prolonged and passionate than the first.
But, as Raine's tongue snaked into the other woman's mouth to find its counterpart, her hand found what it was looking for, trailing through the blonde's hair until it grasped the back of the young woman's neck, nimble fingers loosening the pricey accessory and sliding it from around her neck shortly before she herself pulled away from the kiss, leaving the blonde more than a little breathless.
The vivacious princess's cheeks practically glowed with a heavy blush that matched her long locks and helped to highlight a smattering of adorable freckles around her button nose. Raine was unable to bid adieu with anything more than a light peck as a new song picked up and she was pulled away by a small group.
Before she could pick her next mark, though, a new arrival seemed to take the air out of the building with his presence alone. The older gentleman, whose white hair and gray streaked mustache made him look about two decades past his prime, would typically have looked out of place draped in an animal skin scarf in a nightclub surrounded by kids less than half his age but the confident swagger he exuded would make someone believe he owned the world, a powerful presence that could go anywhere and not only belong but dominate. With the fresh blue suit pulled taut over his stocky build, he crossed the club floor with a cheeky smile, a ferret running up to rest on his broad shoulder when he finally stopped in front of Raine.
The music had already petered out with an indecisive drum strike, but he held up a hand to keep them from resuming. "Lady DeWynter, still as beautiful as ever I must say. And, still up to your old games. These children are young enough to be yours. Why don't you come with me? Let these kids enjoy their youth of drinking and debauchery."
The expression on Raine's face was frozen, perpetually stuck somewhere at the crossroads of pissed, confused, and just plain lost. Still, though, with no conscious will to do so, Raine followed the man out of the club, her legs acting of their own accord in this stranger's domineering presence.
As life slowly seeped back into the club atmosphere, an eclectic mix of puzzlement and frustration dominated, but even those most upset by Raine being led away dared do no more than watch the pair depart over the horizon, silently seething at the doorway.
[Hours Earlier]
Left to his own devices, Vega did what he'd done since childhood, experience making an expert of a prodigy.
"What," an obese woman snapped at the plump boy in a little sailor suit next to her. The boy turned to her, lollipop in hand and a confused expression on his face. "Why do you keep tapping mommy, Jr!?"
A shrug and a finger pointing at her was the only response she got. Looking down, her face fell.
A high pitched scream drew attention to a petite woman on a crowded street. Bony fingers dragged along an unnaturally long neck as she clawed for something that wasn't there. "What is it, honey," a rotund man asked, concern etched on his face.
"My necklace. The necklace you bought me for our 20th anniversary is gone!"
"I'm sure you just misplaced it. Don't worry. I'll buy you another one. Now, let's get moving; you're causing a scene."
The woman shuffled along at the behest of her husband until he suddenly stopped, mouth agape as worry replaced the concern on his face. "My rings. Someone stole my rings," he exclaimed, the high tenor of his voice drawing onlookers on the moderately quiet street.
Similar scenes played out all across the bustling island over the following hours. Any and all manner of personal property vanished without a trace. From little trinkets to elaborate jewels to clothes, if it could be pilfered, swept away, or otherwise absconded with it was.
"Chief, reports of theft are coming in from all across Gold City!" The main room of the police headquarters building was in a state of chaos. Grown men and women running around in a panic like chickens with their heads cut off while den den mushis rang almost nonstop. The chief, a stout, rugged man with a scar running over his eyepatch covered left eye, crossed his arms across his broad, barrel chest, thick, calloused hands absent-mindedly stroking through his coarse beard as subordinates screamed over one another to get his attention.
"Enough!" That one word shouted by his deep, baritone brought about utter silence from the people in the room. Even the transponder snails looked hesitant to continue ringing. Pointing a finger at a small, bookish young fellow hiding behind stacks of paperwork, the chief questioned, "What do we know about the thefts?"
"Not much, sir. There's no real commonality between the locales, the victims have nothing in common with one another, and there's no consistency in what's stolen. It all just seems to be crimes of opportunity for a very skilled thief."
"Do we know their number?"
"No."
"Well, what sort of description do we have for the perpetrators?"
A young man in uniform stood up to address his superior. He looked very much like the meek individual before him if the first guy stood up straight, had a bit more definition to his physique, and overall were a more confident fellow.
"None, sir. No one has actually seen the perpetrator. A few people describe a gust of wind carrying their items away, but most haven't even noticed until later. Whispers are starting that it may be a ghost responsible."
"Ghost? There will be no ghost in Gold City on my watch," the chief growled. "I want all available resources focused on catching these criminals. If we can't maintain order, it will be our heads. . . Well, what are you all standing around for? Get moving!"
Feet pounded around the room, bodies rushing to and fro. The officers rushed to pick up their stuff, get out on patrol in full force, and execute their directive. The hustle passed quickly - each man and woman being well trained and perpetually ready - leaving only the chief and the two men he'd questioned about the situation surrounded by a smattering of staff to handle incoming reports.
"Uh, sir. One other thing," the shy fellow in heavy rimmed glasses hesitantly addressed his intimidating superior officer once relative quiet had returned.
"What?"
"Well. . . I don't know if this is important or not -"
"Spit it out already, Erin!"
"There was an abnormal gap in our sensors around the island just after noon." The words spilled from his mouth so fast they sounded more like a single complicated word than a sentence.
". . . Why wasn't I informed of this?" The chief's tone was measured but the finger tapping on his bulging bicep indicated his waning patience.
"Because it was a giant fish barging through our waters. None of the patrols over that area called in a report. What more do you need," the second officer from before answered, earning Erin a raised eyebrow from the chief.
"I- it was moving at a very high rate of speed, and its instincts should have kept it from approaching the island once it got a whiff of the pheromones in the air."
"So, it strayed a little. That's-"
"For it to go against nature, someone strong must've been commanding it," the chief mused. "Not only that, but instead of getting caught by our surveillance, it pushed them all aside. There are intruders on my island. Derin, grab your gear. You're gonna spearhead this investigation from the field; your brother can handle the information side by himself."
"Sir?"
"Don't make me repeat myself. I don't care about your little problem; Sir Luscious is on his way here! I want this Ghost exorcised before he arrives."
"Sir, yes sir."
'Judging by the panic, I'd say Vega's doing his job well. . . But, still no sign of Raine.'
'You wanna go look for her.'
'. . . No, Raine can take care of herself. . . Besides, it's better if we don't interact prior to boarding the ship.'
A knowing chuckle sounded within Shaad's mind. '. . . I know what you're scared of.'
"Shut up."
"What'd you say, sir?"
Damn. Shaad cursed himself, he'd let annoyance get the better of him and inadvertent said that out loud just because he thought he was alone. Shaad eyed the crisp uniform of the man standing before him. This guy was strong; that much was obvious. "Sorry, to have gotten in your way officer," Shaad apologized, trying to move along.
"No worries," the officer spoke coolly, definitely footwork keeping him in Shaad's path. You wouldn't happen to have information about the 'Ghost' lurking around here, would you?"
"Hadn't seen her; sorry."
"What makes you think it's a woman."
"Who, but a woman would be so concerned with banal trinkets," Shaad sneered in his haughtiest tone.
The officer eyed him suspiciously. "You'll have to forgive me. That seems a stranger sentiment coming from one dressed such as yourself." Ungh. Shaad had finally gotten used to all this finery and forgotten what he was wearing, including the studded lapel and jewels draped on his person. "Who are you?"
Shaad's eyes went wide as a sharp breath escaped his open mouth. "Wha- I- How dare you I am a noble prince here to partake in the upcoming cruise. Now, move aside!"
"But, of course," the officer said while still blocking Shaad's advancement with every step. "It's just that I have a photographic memory, and I don't recognize you."
Shaad stopped, his hand creeping towards the handle of one of his swords. "Since you insist on being troublesome, he spoke calmly, you can at least answer some questions for me.
"Chief! Chief!"
"What is it, Erin! New information?"
"No, sir. I- I don't- Something's wrong, sir. I think Derin may be in trouble."
[Days Later]
The port was bustling with activity. Seaside shops overflowed with business. The usual chatter had increased since the arrival of Sir Luscious, his six wives, and three adult children two days prior, but with the actual cruise to Reverie finally happening, the surrounding hoopla seemingly reached a new peak as rows of nobles lined up to board the massive luxury liner. Even if only a handful of the hundreds of noble families present were actually going to attend the big event, this was arguably the bigger deal. At no other time in the world were more alliances forged, deals struck, and political and military die cast than this event hosted by the esteemed Suny family.
One person not partaking was Shaad. The pirate captain kept an ear out for any interesting gossip, but overall he was more enamored with the ship itself. It was the largest ship he'd ever seen - larger even than the gold-gilded World Noble's ship a couple of days prior. His eyes, though, took special notice of everything not nailed down as well as the number and location of the attendants, servants, and guards. Shaad was calm, calculating, when he felt a presence appear behind him, bringing a smirk to his face.
"Why hello, Ghost. Say goodbye to Gold City; this ship will be a far more interesting playground."