The Mobian Trading Company Headquarters in Central City:
"Stock market prices for The Mobian Trading Company took a big hit today, after anonymous sources released a series of videos and pictures, showing an illegal cargo drop on the Westside Island. The video here shows cargo being dropped off on the shore, being loaded onto transports to be taken to the island's main trading hub. So far, no word or comment has been given by the CEO of MTC. But stocks are expected to continue dropping well into the evening. Now, we go to Tim with sports. Tim?" The News Woman announced, before the television was turned off.
"Who the hell released these videos?! If our stocks continue to drop, we'll be losing billions in just a few weeks!" A mustached human shouted, slamming the television remote into the meeting table. He was in a meeting room with a few executives, all from different parts of the world where the Mobian Trading Company operated.
"Sir, don't worry! Our financial experts say that our stock prices will stop dropping by tomorrow morning! We'll be able to make up for lost revenue then!" One of the executives informed.
"That's good for now, but that won't stop another hit from happening! Eight years ago, when we started introducing the untaxed cargo, we were making billions in just a few years. Not even the heavy taxing by King Nigel stopped the revenue! But now, he's threatening to sever our connection with him! And if he does so, other world leaders will follow suit!" An executive from Chun-nan explained.
"The droughts in Efrika caused a spike in sales in consumable goods. But if ambassadors there sever the connection, they will suffer. Efrika won't follow." An executive from Mazuri explained.
"Unfortunately, our largest consumers of our products and services are from the United Federation. If they follow the Kingdom of Acorn's example, we will inevitably go bankrupt." The executive from Central City argued.
The CEO nodded, pointing at the executive.
"You know why I made you one of my top executives? You tell me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear! And you are right! We can't allow the United Federation sever ties with us! But first, we need to ensure another hit like this doesn't happen!" The CEO exclaimed, sitting back into his seat. But as soon as he sat down, his phone went off, the CEO hitting the speaker button.
"You're on speaker. Talk." He said, bluntly.
"Sir, you have someone here to talk to you. He's here about what happened earlier this week." The secretary said.
"Send him in." He responded, hanging up.
After a few minutes of waiting, a man wearing a strange suit walked in, a dagger fixed to his belt.
"Oh, it's you. Well, you're going to need to wait until the meetings over. This isn't the best place to-" The CEO said, before interrupting him.
"LEAVE!" He shouted to the executives, causing them to quickly run out of the room.
"-talk about this." The CEO finished, seeing none of them remained. "Well, what do I owe the pleasure, the leader of the Order of Honorius, to stroll so casually into my office?" The CEO asked, sarcastically.
"I've been watching the news and let me say… do not ever think about going against our deal." He calmly said, threatening the CEO.
"Our deal is still active. You have 12 years left on the contract. 12 years of resources funneled into your strongholds, all at untaxed prices. Trust me, you're one of our best customers!" The CEO said, slowly backing up in his chair.
"Yes, but if you were to say a word about how you've been able to keep things quiet this long… I wouldn't hesitate to let one of my men find your home. With an axe." He threatened.
The CEO straightened himself, standing up.
"You could do that, but I also have the locations of your strongholds. Trust me when I say this, but an assault from the United Federation isn't in your favor." The CEO said, walking over to a liquor cabinet.
"Touché. Threats aside, how are we going to treat our problem? Anything that affects you affects the Order." He asked, stretching out his back.
The CEO put ice into a cocktail shaker, pouring gin and vodka right after.
"Obviously, an aircraft took the videos and pictures. And of course, only one aircraft was noted to have been in the airspace." The CEO said, closing the shaker and shaking it.
"That would be?" The Leader asked.
"An aircraft owned by Miles Prower. A Mobian. Advanced in its weapons and surveillance technology. I can only assume he was employed by King Nigel to find proof of these illegal cargo drops. Now, a war with Miles would end in failure, considering his allies. But… I have received word of someone new to their team. Someone you've been searching for the past eight years." The CEO said, pouring the cocktail into two chilled martini glasses.
"Isaac Abaddon. So, the demon-spawn finally found a way to harm us." The Leader said, crossing his arms.
"Demon-spawn or not, he is a threat to both of our organizations. I benefit from his death as much as you do. I will supply your soldiers with better weapons, better armor. I want you to kill him… and then bring me his head." The CEO said, dropping skewered green olives into the glasses. He handed the glass to the Leader, who took it as soon as it was offered.
"It shall be done. To the Mobian Trading Company." He said, lifting his glass.
"And to the Order of Honorius." The CEO said, putting the rim of the glass to his lips.
The Kingdom of Acorn, in the courtyard:
The sound of Damascus steel clashing against a blade of equal worth could be heard, Isaac and Sally training their skills. Sally had gotten better the past week, able to keep up with Isaac much longer than before. Isaac rolled back, narrowly avoiding a downward cut.
"That's good! Now, keep that wrist loose. You don't want to get yourself injured in the middle of a fight. Your enemy will take advantage of it! And when they do, they will be ruthless! They will not hesitate! All because you are royalty will not make them think twice!" Isaac instructed, stretching out his arms.
"Got it! Now, when do I get to try my mettle against Lily again? I think I'm ready!" Sally asked, sheathing her sword.
"Unfortunately, I don't think you're ready. I've trained Lily for years. She has a head start on you. All because she's younger doesn't mean doesn't know what she's doing. After a few months, I'll let you try again. But right now… get ready for round two." Isaac answered, getting into a battle stance.
Sally quickly unsheathed her sword, charging in. Isaac readied himself, blocking her first strike. Sally quickly performed a spin, the blade of her sword aiming for Isaac's side. Isaac launched himself backwards, performing a backflip. Sally's sword cut a few quills off of his head, being the closest she had ever gotten to striking him. Isaac landed, already noticing the quills on the ground.
"Okay… that was a little too close. You're definitely improving much faster than I anticipated! How about we take a break?" Isaac suggested, sheathing his sword. Sally smirked, sheathing her sword as well.
"Getting too good too fast?" She asked. Isaac shook his head, feeling Sally was getting cocky.
"Don't let your confidence turn into arrogance. It takes one small mistake to end up dead. You're getting better, but that doesn't mean you'll be the best." Isaac warned.
"I'm joking! Trust me, I'm not going to let myself think that I'm the best. Heck, I can't even beat Lily!" Sally responded.
As they were talking, Dante burst through the exit door, looking like he was going to have a heart attack!
"Guys! Guys! The news! You have to watch the news!" Dante exclaimed, grabbing both of their wrists. Dante quickly ran back, practically dragging the both of them back into the castle. He quickly got them to the Common Room, where the television was on. Tails, Sonic, Lily, and Amy were there, watching what was happening in the world.
"Quick, turn it up!" Dante said, Amy responding by turning up the volume.
"Again, Mobian Trading Company stocks plummeted for second time this afternoon, after a series of pictures and videos went viral online, currently racking up a collective 20 million views! In related news, the CEO of the Mobian Trading Company has finally released a statement in regard to the video leak. Here's what he had to say." The News Woman said, before switching to the CEO standing outside of a press conference.
"The actions of the cargo drop were not performed by the order of the company! This was done by an independent party, which all participating members have either been severely disciplined or terminated from their occupations! We are still currently investigating what had happened and we are going to insure this doesn't happen again! That is all." The CEO said, walking away from the stand.
"Turn it off." Tails said, frustrated by the statement. Amy obliged, hitting the power button on the remote.
"Even when caught red-handed, they're still trying to make themselves look like the victim." Tails commented.
"Well, we knew this fight was going to be an uphill battle. At the very least, they won't be able to pull the same trick again." Sonic responded, getting up.
"I don't understand it! There was eight years of evidence that they've been doing this! Why wasn't it mentioned?" Isaac asked.
"As far as they know, the video is the only example. The inventory listings are harder to prove since they can be doctored. The video and pictures are the only things they can prove." Tails explained.
"Man, I'd hate to be invested in these guys! Their stock prices dropped from 800 rings to 549!" Amy observed, looking at her phone.
"Is that good?" Isaac asked.
"Not for them. A drop like that means they lost millions! They'll probably lose some of their investors. But only at this rate, they'll probably be able to recover." Amy explained.
"What about their affiliation with the Order? If we can prove it, no amount of statements can save them!" Dante interjected.
"Nicole's been triangulating the strongholds' locations the past week. So far, she's found three of them. One is in Scotland, one is in Spain, and the other is somewhere in France. But the one in France is well-hidden." Sally explained.
"That's because the only way to get to it is through the catacombs. The entrance is hidden behind a false wall of bones. If you can get me a map of the catacombs, I can point out the entrance." Dante responded.
"You're just telling us this now?" Isaac asked.
"Well, you didn't ask." Dante answered.
"Wait, did you say Scotland?" Sonic asked.
"Yeah. Why?" Sally asked. Sonic chuckled, rubbing his chin.
"I actually happen to know a guy." Sonic replied.
The Westside Island Harbor:
Sonic and the others walked to the harbor, where merchants were carrying off their wares. Sonic got to the harbor, where a large old sailboat was docked, flying the flag of Scotland. A man wearing a white shirt with a black vest, a pair of black pants, a black flat cap, and a pair of worn black boots, was sitting on a crate outside of the boarding ramp, playing bagpipes. As soon as he saw Sonic, he stopped playing, smiling widely.
"Sonic, me boy! Where ya been? I hivn't seen ya since I fished ya from te' sea!" The man said, his voice laden with a thick Scottish accent.
"I've been here for a while. Business going good for you?" Sonic asked.
"Oh aye! With the recent scandal with the Mobian Tradin' Comp'ny, people have been pullin' me wares off the shelf faster than I can stock 'em!" The man answered, laughing. He soon saw the others behind him, sensing something else was up.
"Did ya need somethin'?" He asked.
"Well, a friend of mine wanted to talk to you. You may just be able to help him with finding a particular group in Scotland. Ever hear of the Order of Honorius?" Sonic asked. As soon as Sonic mentioned that name, his face contorted into a scowl!
"Don't ya dare ever to say tha' name! They the reason I can't go back to Scotland! They ruined me business there! All because I wouldn't give them me boats!" He exclaimed, showing his distaste for the Order.
Isaac walked to the man, hearing his verbal assault against the Order. He stood before him; the man surprised.
"My God! You… you're Azazel's spittin' image! You must be Isaac!" The man exclaimed.
"You knew my father?! You knew me?" Isaac asked, surprised.
"Of course! You were just a wee one, but I did business wit' your father! The only one to be able to beat me in a drinkin' game! How's the old man?" He asked.
"He's… he's dead, along with my mother." Isaac answered, looking down.
"They're… they're dead? I'm sorry, lad. I haven't seen 'em in years. What happened?" He asked.
"The Order of Honorius happened. They were hired by the Mobian Trading Company to kill them." Isaac explained.
The man quickly snatched the hat off of his head, revealing a head of red hair, wringing the cap in his hands. After doing so for a minute, he put it back on his head, looking angry.
"Lad, if you need somethin' from me, you name it!" He exclaimed.
"What is your name?" Isaac asked.
"Nick. Nick McGilligan." Nick said, introducing himself. Isaac offered his hand, shaking Nick's.
"To take you up on your offer, there is something you could do for me." Isaac said.
"And that would be?" Nick asked.
"Could you by chance sell me a boat?" Isaac asked.
"You've come to the right man! If you'll follow me, I'll show ya me inventory!" Nick said, walking onto the loading ramp. Isaac and the others followed, walking onto the deck.
"Isaac, why do you need a boat? We have the Tornado X if you need to get to somewhere, and it'll be faster." Sally asked.
"The plane will be too out of place when searching for these locations. The Order will immediately know they've been found. Also, I still do not trust it!" Isaac explained.
Nick ran over to the door leading to the quarters, opening it.
"Over here, lad! Step into me office." Nick said. Isaac and the others walked in, seeing Nick's quarters. The room was fitted with a large desk, shining with a beautiful varnish! A twin sized bed was in the corner, it's sheets made into hospital corners, neatly tucked. Barrels and crates were put neatly into the corners, the faint smell of sea salt in the air. Nick ran over behind the desk, opening one of the drawers. He pulled out a catalogue, flopping it down onto the desk.
"Take a look through and find what you like. Any questions, I will answer." Nick said, gesturing towards the catalogue. Isaac picked it up, opening it. As Isaac flipped through the pages, he noticed everything was organized by price, size, and availability.
"Are all of these ships available?" Isaac asked, noticing some of these ship were a bit excessive.
"For the most part. Some of them need to be built, but the sloops are already built!" Nick answered.
"Dude, get the Galleon!" Sonic said, pointing at the large ship.
"I don't need a ship that big! I'd practically be begging the Order to sink it the moment they see it!" Isaac responded.
"Before you buy one, how much can you afford?" Tails asked.
"I've been saving money for a while. I should be able to afford a sloop." Isaac said, giving Nick the catalogue back.
"So, have you made a decision?" Nick asked.
"I'll take the sloop. Oak." Isaac answered.
"Ah, good choice! I'll get it to ya as soon as possible! But right now, let us celebrate!" Nick said, pulling out a bottle of whiskey and two tumbler glasses. After dropping a few ice cubes in each one, Nick filled them up to about a quarter. He handed one to Isaac, clinking it with the other glass.
"Uh oh." Sally observed.
"To new beginnings and old friends!" Nick announced, tilting it back. Isaac, while hesitant, did the same.
"Well, this can't end well." Knuckles commented. Isaac coughed a bit, not used to such a strong liquor. He set the glass down, unusually coherent. But as soon as he took a step back, Isaac fell over, passed out.
"He's a pumping lightweight!" Nick exclaimed, picking him up. Nick sat Isaac down in a chair, Isaac already snoring.
"So, just to ask, when will Isaac get the boat?" Sally asked.
"Give me a few days. Need to sail back to shore and tow it, but after inspection. Payment upon delivery." Nick explained, grabbing the bottle from his desk, and pouring another drink.
The Void:
Isaac woke up, finding himself back in the Architect's village. He was under the shade of a willow tree, the sound of birds chirping and singing. Isaac got up, stretching out his arms and back. But as he did so, he felt his wings on his back, surprised to see them!
"Not again!" Isaac exclaimed, not wanting to have them at this moment. But as he walked around, he saw the Architect, who was sitting near a fire. She heard his footsteps, looking towards his direction.
"Isaac!" She exclaimed, getting off the ground and running towards him. She quickly hugged him, prompting a hesitant Isaac to hug her back. Quickly, the Architect let go of him, blushing.
"Uh, sorry. Anyway, you ready to train?" She asked.
"Uh, sure. But first, I need to figure out how to get rid of these." Isaac responded, pointing at his wings.
"Actually, that's what we're doing today. You're going to learn how to use them!" The Architect explained, snapping her fingers. Suddenly, Isaac and the Architect were on the top of a clocktower, looming over the village. Isaac quickly anchored himself, seeing they were too high up to safely land!
"Well, you just gonna stand there, or are you gonna jump?" The Architect asked.
"Jump?! What are you, insane?!" Isaac responded.
"Come on, it's easy! Just start flapping your wings!" The Architect exclaimed.
"I can barely use these things!" Isaac responded, not letting go of the stone wall.
"Alright, we'll start with baby steps!" The Architect conceded, snapping her fingers. She and Isaac appeared on the ground, standing at the base of the tower.
"That's better." Isaac breathed, feeling his heart slow down.
"Okay, how about moving them? Can you at least do that?" She asked. Isaac contracted the muscles in his back, attempting to move the wings. While he could cause them to change their angle, he wasn't able to flap them.
"Well, it's something. Here, try stretching them out." She suggested, gently grabbing one of them. She pulled it out to its maximum wingspan, the wing stretching out at least three feet.
"Alright, try to hold it!" She said, letting go of it. Isaac felt the muscle attached to the wing contract, the wing staying extended. Isaac attempted to stretch out the other wing, feeling his muscle contract. He slowly extended the other wing, gaining better control of his wings.
"Great! Keep it there!" The Architect exclaimed, running off somewhere. As Isaac kept the wings stretched out, the Architect came running back, holding sandbags. She carefully put them onto the outstretched wings, causing Isaac to feel them strain to stay in place!
"Now, hold it for thirty seconds!" She instructed. Isaac clenched his eyes, feeling sweat dripping from his forehead. He could feel the muscles in his back begin to burn, crying out for respite!
"Alright, drop it." The Architect said. Isaac's wings gave out, the sandbags dropping to the ground! Isaac was breathing a little heavy, not feeling a burn like that in his back before!
"Alright, try moving your wings again." She instructed. After some hesitance, Isaac began flapping his wings, generating a moderate wind current.
"Good! Now, let's take the next step!" The Architect said, snapping her fingers. This time, instead of being on the clocktower, they were on the roof of the Inn. It was only about a 15-foot drop, much more manageable than being fifty feet off the ground.
"Alright, think you can make this?" She asked. Isaac breathed in, and then out, stretching out his wings. Flapping them, Isaac jumped from the roof, his descent significantly slowed down. He landed on the ground, becoming more confident in his abilities.
"Well, it's an improvement." The Architect said, snapping her fingers. Isaac was on the roof again, same spot as before.
"Here, keep going until you get a better feel for it." She instructed. Isaac obliged, repeatedly jumping off of the roof, gliding down to the ground. After doing so a few times, Isaac began flapping them faster, jumping off of the roof. He actually gained a bit of altitude before the strain became too much. Isaac glided back down to the ground, making a significant amount of distance.
"Whoo! Good job! Here, I'll make my way down!" She said, backing up. She ran forward, getting closer to the edge. Suddenly, wings sprouted from her back, herself jumping from the roof! She actually flew, maintaining her altitude! She landed next to Isaac, expertly landing as if she had done this many times before!
"You are Nephilim as well?!" Isaac asked, shocked. She laughed, stretching out her wings.
"How else do you think I know how your powers work?" She rhetorically asked. Isaac shook his head, as if trying to clear his head. He looked upon her again, seeing that she was indeed Nephilim!
"That… actually explains a few things." Isaac responded. The Architect's wings receded back into her back, disappearing in a blink of an eye. Suddenly, the village began to shake, beginning to vanish into the void.
"Uh oh. Looks like you're waking up! Listen, you'll need to practice your powers outside of here! It might be a while until I can come back!" The Architect explained. Isaac nodded, feeling the ground shaking below him. Before he could do anything else, Isaac felt something pull him away from the Architect, developing tunnel vision! Suddenly, Isaac woke up, finding himself in his quarters.
"I really need to stop drinking… or maybe develop some resistance." Isaac commented, getting out of his bed.