Here it is, the next chapter. Gonna get around to the start of the final chapter of Partitio's storyline after Ochette's is done. Hard not to feel bad for the Darkling, thinking about it.
Disclaimer: Octopath Traveler II and its characters and settings were created by Square Enix.
Voyage of the Grand Terry
Hikari braced himself alongside Castii as the corrupted Malamaowl let loose with dark wind, blowing the group back a ways just as the Darkling closed in for an attack with its beak. Hikari dodged the attack and slashed back, narrowly missing it.
Ochette fired a couple arrows and lunged, but was blown off the cliff alongside Akala by the Malamaowl's Dark wind.
"Ochette!" Juvah and Castii rushed to the edge in time to see the Huntress fall into the water, below.
Priscilla furiously cast a couple of fireballs, narrowly missing the Malamawol. The Malamaowl countered with another Dark Wind, forcing the group back a ways. Hikari moved to slash back, driving the Malamaowl back while Osvald hit it with a barrage of fireballs.
"Will Ochette be all right?" Hikari asked Castii.
"She'll be all right, a fall into the water shouldn't kill her, still, I am worried" Castii said as she turned her attention to the large Malamaowl, moving in with an Ice attack. She wanted to go after Ochette to make sure she is okay, but she doubted that the abomination will give her a chance to. The Malamaowl moved to counter with a strike of its talons, which Castii narrowly dodged. Hikari slashed again, striking the corrupted Malamaowl's side. Osvald followed with a Thunder spell.
As the battle raged on at the surface, Ochette had meanwhile found herself in a mysterious void with a light shining"Ochette..."
"Huh?" The Beastling listened, curiously"Who are you?"
The voice was warm and soothing as it replied"Your heart is warm.. Believe in yourself, and in the power I shall bestow upon you and your companion."
"Huh?" Ochette was curious as a flame appeared"A blue flame... Heh, this feels nice."
The flame went to Akala and engulfed him in a blue, fiery aura.
"Open your eyes, pure-hearted one... It is not your time to die." The voice said, one more time"Go... With the flame..."
With that, Ochette and Akala found themselves returned to the Moonshadow Cliffs, the Jackal still brimming with the aura of the flame. Akala murmured in amazement"I feel a surge of power flowing through me..."
Ochette was amazed, smiling at her friend as she stood up to go rejoin the others"I know what I have to do."
The Malamaowl was still engaged against the others and seemed to pause and turn its attention to Ochette"Mroo..." She hooted, weakly. Her voice was distorted as she spoke"Let the world... Be plunged into darkness..."
Prisiclla noted how pained the Malamaowl sounded, even if she couldn't understand what she said"I pity you..." She then noticed Ochette standing nearby, alive and well"Ochette."
Castii noticed the beastling and hurried over to her, relieved"You're all right. Ah, and what is this aura coming from Akala?"
"Its a new kind of power, which I understand. Someone... The voice of the flame I think, gave Akala and I a power boost." She smiled"Mama, I love this island, and you, Prissy, Hikarin, Pops, Master Juvah and Agnie. I know what I need to do." She turned her attention back to the malamaowl, just as another power surge emitted from Cacta, empowering her and her friends.
"Interesting" Osvald commented"Yet, this is hardly any different than when I harnessed the power I used when Priscilla, Temenos and I defeated Harvey. Regardless, you are safe, Ochette."
"Your fall gave us a bit of a fright, thank goodness you are still standing" Hikari told the Huntress.
"Heh, sorry everyone. But I'm all right, now." Ochette turned her attention back to the Malamaowl"I will fight... And we will protect the island, together, everyone!"
The group confronted the Darkling Malamaowl as they struck with newfound vigor. The Malamaowl attempted a dark wind attack, but was interrupted by a strike from Ochette's arrow. Priscilla and Osvald let loose with a barrage of spells, driving it back. Akala lunged forward next, striking the Darkling with a claw.
The Malamaowl's coloration then changed to a dark bluish hue with a bloody mark on its forehead as it lunged at Osvald, narrowly grazing him as it became empowered with shadow magic, which it unleashed upon the group. Temenos used his magic to keep everyone on their feet while Hikari and Ochette attacked the Malamaowl, pushing it back. Agnea pitched in with a wind attack and a dark thrust, staggering the Darkling.
"I think we've just about got the poor bird put to sleep" Priscilla commented as she followed with thunder.
"This is a worthier foe than I would have initially anticipated. Don't underestimate it." Osvald grunted as he used a healing grape on his injury.
At that, the Malamaowl's body became almost entirely dark purple with three eerie eyes on its face as it tackled Hikari, next, intensifying its strength as he lunged at Ochette. Ochette narrowly dodged. The Malamaowl then targeted Agnea, narrowly grazing her as it followed with powerful shadow magic. Temenos and Castii hurried to keep everyone in shape as Hikari countered the Darkling's relentless assault with a flurry of blows from his sword. The Malamaowl staggered and retaliated with more shadow magic. Temenos healed the group again and put up protective shields while Osvald and Priscilla zapped the Malamaowl with thunderstrike.
Agnea followed suit with a dagger dance, striking several times with her dagger, following with a ruinous kick, staggering the Malamaowl. The Malamaowl then retaliated with a powerful lightning attack, wearing the group down quite a bit. Temenos cast another healing spell on his allies, while Castii let loose with another blizzard attack, driving the Malamaowl back. Ochette then fired one last shot at the Malamaowl, piercing its chest. With a pained hoot, the severely wounded creature collapsed onto the ground.
Castii and Temenos finished patching up the group's injuries as Juvah stood among them.
"You weren't kidding when you said the bird was a toughie, Osvald" Agnea commented.
"But now the fight is over." Juvah stated"Ochette, finish it."
Ochette stepped forward just a bit, pausing"I don't feel good about this..."
"How unlike you, what happened to the weak are meat for the strong to eat?" Akala asked, curious.
"It doesn't look like meat to me" Ochette said, clearly more than a little sympathetic toward the dying Malamaowl.
"How kindhearted of you." The Jackal commented, not minding that the humans can't understand what he and Ochette are talking about.
"You don't feel the same way?" Ochette asked her companion.
Akala bowed his head"I will admit, it was a familiar scent. If you had chosen it ten years ago... Perhaps I would be lying in its place, a horrifying thought."
Priscilla looked at the dying Malamaowl"For some reason, even though we had to fight it, I felt something as we fought..." She paused, unsure what to say, next.
"I get what you are saying, Prissy." Ochette nodded in understanding"It wasn't really this wicked, just hurt and suffering for a very long time." She sighed"The least I can do is help it find peace."
"Ochette..." Juvah was hardly surprised.
"What do you have in mind? Even in its critical condition, it might still be a little dangerous" Castii said.
"I agree, a wounded beast is oftentimes a dangerous one" An equally concerned Hikari, added.
"It will be fine." Ochette took out some jerky and walked over to the fallen Malamaowl, soothing it as she fed the jerky to the Darkling"All the scary things are gone, now." She assured it"If you are reborn into this world... Let's eat something tasty, together." She then affectionately petted the Malamaowl"Good night."
The Malamaowl let out one last hoot after finishing the jerky, this time an appreciative one as it closed its eyes. Temenos looked at it with a solemn expression"Malamaowls normally are gentle creatures from what I have read, but now it is freed from the shadow's influence."
The group walked back through the verdant forest to the summit where Alistair, Sabrina, Cohezah and the villagers had finished off the remaining shadow creatures. Tired from the ordeal, everyone rested up while the moon returned to its normal white coloration among the starry skies.
As it got closer to dawn, everyone looked on after getting a couple of hours of rest. Ochette breathed"We were fighting for almost a whole day."
Cohezah stepped forward, a serious expression on her face as she spoke"My people and I only thought of what would profit us." She said, remorsefully"But it was wrong, you and your friends saved us all, Ochette."
"Cohezah" Ochette looked at her, happy for the woman's change of heart.
"While there is not much land, we shall cultivate it together and hunt together" The human village leader spoke"And till together as one land. Right, Ochette?" She smiled.
Ochette smiled"I like the sound of that." She grinned"First things first though, breakfast!"
The group, along with Juvah, Cohezah and the villagers hunted and prepared a feast for everyone, with fruit added to the mix. After breakfast, Ochette walked over to Juvah"Well, I am ready to take my place as a protector of our island."
"I am glad to hear of it." Juvah said"You have learned much throughout your journey."
"But first, though." Ochette said"I want to help my friends to finish doing what they gotta do before I settle down. Even with the Night of the Scarlet Moon over with, we still gotta deal with the Moonshade Order, the Blacksnakes and the Crimson Sun. And Hikari is in the middle of trying to stop someone called Mugen from drowning the world in war, if my friends and I finish making all the bad guys go away, the island should definitely be a lot safer, and so will the whole of Solistia."
Juvah nodded, thoughtfully"You have grown much, my young apprentice. Be safe on your travels, and continue to learn from your companions."
"I will." Ochette smiled and went to join the rest of her group, who was just about to head back to Tropu'hopu.
Castii had finished checking on their supplies when she noticed Ochette catching up.
"Oh, are you coming with us?"
"You bet," Ochette grinned, then her expression turned a bit more serious. "Besides, I wonder how Nene and Nate are doing."
"Nate?" Priscilla pondered what she meant before realizing. "Oh, you mean, Nathan? You've met him?"
Ochette nodded. "Yeah, I didn't really wanna bring this up with you since I can kinda tell it is a touchy subject for you. He and Nene have been hunting down members of the Blacksnakes."
"To get that uncomfortable choker off Throne's neck, I assume," said Priscilla thoughtfully, then pondered what she had just heard. Such heroism from Nathan? Perhaps she really should have listened to her mother, and she had wanted to give up when Nathan refused to consider the idea of reconciling when she mentioned it to him. She put that thought out of her head for now and said, "Well, I hope that orange-haired git doesn't get killed before I get to him."
"From what you told me, Nathan seems to be a fairly resourceful swordsman," Temenos said, thoughtfully. "You and him are both fairly stubborn, I daresay." He chuckled.
"Nothing objectionable about that, I suppose," Priscilla smiled.
"Shall we get going, then?" Alistair suggested.
The rest of the group nodded, and they headed towards the port of Toto'haha. As they arrived, a couple of ships arrived, one of them docked and Partitio stepped off. The merchant greeted his friends when he saw them.
"Howdy, how is everything so far? As I got close to the island, some of the crew panicked as they saw the moon turning red all of a sudden. I didn't know what it was about, but knowing you folks, you probably got it all sorted out, whatever it was. Right?"
"Indeed," Hikari nodded. "We happened to be on the island when the Scarlet Moon cataclysm began and were able to protect the people. It was a shame we had to put an innocent malamaowl down, but whatever was done to it was irreversible as far as I know. So how are things on your end?"
"It's been smooth sailing," Partitio grinned. "Just got the money to buy the Grand Terry, and Alrond is going to join me at Roque's island headquarters to provide the money I need to buy the Steam Engine Rights." He then added with a frown, "Shame what happened to that malamaowl you mentioned, it probably was the doing of that varmint, Harvey. But I am glad to hear the poor creature is at peace."
"I suspected that the Malamaowl's unusual appearances and power were Harvey's work, but now both Harvey and his experiments have been dealt with," Osvald grunted, hoping that there won't be any more traces of Harvey's dark power from now on. "We are about to head for Stormhail, next."
"Roque's island is not too far from the East Continent, I can take you on the Grand Terry once I buy it if you want," Partitio offered. "After I am done striking a deal with Roque, of course."
Priscilla nodded, thoughtfully. "If everyone else is fine with it, I don't see why not. We'll take you up on your offer. I am no Contract Lawyer, as I said, but I can be there to give legal advice to you and Roque, and Sabrina and Alistair can mediate the negotiations. I also suggest contacting Captain Alex of the Clockbank Constabulary."
"All righty, I will do that, then. Though I don't think Roque is gonna go back on his word." Said Partitio.
"You can never be too careful." Sabrina pointed out.
"That's true, i guess." The merchant nodded.
They headed into Tropu'hopu where Priscilla and Partitio sent a carrier pigeon to Clockbank, requesting the presence of the Constabulary's captain at Roque's island before heading to the docks.
Partitio approached the Shipwright with a determined stride, the ocean breeze ruffling his hair. Terry, the shipwright, awaited him with a welcoming smile.
"Howdy, Partitio!" Terry greeted, extending a hand. "Ready to make this deal official?" She had a red cap, teal pants and a dark crop top.
Partitio shook her hand firmly. "You bet, Terry. This ship's gonna help us reach places we never dreamed of. Let's get to it."
Terry nodded, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "She's all yours, then. Treat her well, and she'll take you to the ends of the earth."
As they finalized the transaction, Priscilla and the others looked on, impressed by the shipwright's warmth and professionalism.
"I thought of what I might call this beautiful ship" Partitio added"How does the Grand Terry sound?"
Terry blinked in surprise"I... I am honored. Well, smooth sailing to all of you."
After readying their supplies, the group boarded their new ship and prepared to set sail. As they navigated the surrounding sea, Priscilla asked Partitio, "So, what's the story behind Terry?"
"From what she told me, her grandfather was a pretty well-known master shipwright," Partitio replied. "Investors would often flock to his creations." He shrugged. "But after her grandfather died, Terry received little appreciation for her hard work. No one thought her ship was worth anything and wouldn't give her the time of day."
"So, they were afraid that Terry's ship wouldn't live up to her grandfather's legacy?" Agnea asked.
Partitio nodded. "Yeah, that's the gist of it. Well, let's get going to Roque's island." He took the helm and began steering their new ship to the east. Osvald went below deck to read, joined by Ochette and Akala.
Hikari spoke with Priscilla. "Out of curiosity, why involve the Constabulary of Clockbank?"
"When dealing with a corporation as big as Roque's company, if negotiations go south, it's best to be ready for any scandals that might ensue," Priscilla replied. "Perhaps I'm being paranoid, but you can never be too careful."
"That makes sense," Hikari nodded thoughtfully.
Below deck, Ochette talked with Osvald about taking a nap with him after a short conversation and was now sleeping in a shared bed with her head against his hair. The Scholar internally debated if he had a problem with Ochette napping with him but ultimately conceded, hoping no one would make fun of him for this.
Alistair, Sabrina, and Agnea helped Partitio ensure the ship ran smoothly while keeping an eye out for monsters as they sailed. After a day of sailing, they reached an island south of the eastern continent and disembarked. The group ate breakfast before going ashore, heading up a series of steps to a small, bustling town.
"Well, here we are. This is where we'll find the headquarters of Mr. Roque's company," Partitio announced.
"It sure is bustling here," Agnea commented.
Priscilla nodded thoughtfully. "I never visited, but Vella's merchant ships sometimes frequent here in addition to trading with the western and eastern continents. I hope this deal you made with Roque goes smoothly, Partitio."
"I'm darn sure it will," the Merchant replied with a grin.
The group headed through the town towards Roque Company Headquarters, a large building at the edge of town. As they approached, a security guard intercepted them. "Hold. What's your business here?"
"Mr. Yellowi made a contract with Roque and wishes to honor their deal," Priscilla spoke.
"Do you have a pass?" the guard asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We don't have one," Partitio said, realizing how difficult this trade arrangement was becoming. "I don't suppose you'd let us in anyway? Lord Alrond gave a note regarding the transfer of the rights to the steam engine."
"No exceptions," the guard retorted.
Alistair raised an eyebrow at this. Partitio was an honest man, so there was no way that contract could be a forgery, which made him wonder if Roque was not as honorable as Partitio made him out to be.
Sabrina frowned. "Let's move away from the building for now."
"You're right. We gotta figure something out," Partitio agreed.
As they moved away from the building, a short young woman wearing a brown cap, a white shirt, brown trousers with suspenders, a blue ascot, and brown boots approached them.
"Oh, hey, Ori," Partitio greeted the woman with a friendly wave.
"Partitio, good to see you again," Ori grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Fancy seeing you here." She then turned to Castii, "And you, as well, Castii. I bet you're mighty grateful that the misunderstanding in Healeaks got cleared up."
"Of course," Castii nodded, a hint of relief in her voice. "Do you and Partitio know each other?" she asked, curious.
"We ran into each other in Clockbank," Partitio replied. "Ori is a Scrivener."
Ori glanced at the rest of the group, her curiosity piqued. "You guys here to speak to Mr. Brilliante, right?"
"Yes, but the guard at the headquarters won't let us in," Priscilla nodded, frustration evident in her tone.
"Sounds like a bummer," Ori commented, then perked up, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "Well, I might know a way to get you all in there."
"Sounds mighty helpful, got an idea?" Partitio asked, his interest piqued.
Ori nodded, leaning in conspiratorially. "There is an entrance we can use in the back alleys."
"So, we're going to sneak in?" Priscilla asked, her voice wavering with uncertainty. "We could all get arrested for that, and I could lose my Prosecutor's badge. Then again," she hesitated"I don't like how fishy the situation between Partitio and Roque is. Lead the way."
Ori led the group through the alleyways of the town, weaving through shadows until they reached a hidden entrance to Roque's Company HQ. They emerged into the west tower, navigating the dark hallways as they walked.
Osvald, Alistair, and Ochette kept an eye out for trouble, Akala staying close to the group as they walked. As they headed into the main part of the building and made for the east tower, a few guards accosted them.
"Who are you!?" a guard demanded, stepping forward.
"Busted," Ori frowned, then grinned, eyes twinkling with excitement. "Heh, no problem, though."
"Everyone else go on ahead. I will remain here with Ori and take care of the guards," Alistair said, drawing his sword.
"Be careful," Sabrina said as she and the others continued toward the east tower, fighting off more guards as they went.
They soon reached the bottom level of the tower, pausing to catch their breath.
"This is a fine way for Roque to treat the man who made a deal with him," Sabrina griped, looking at Partitio. "Are you sure he'll keep his promise? I've heard unsavory rumors about what happened in Oresrush. Roque is a brilliant Chief Executive Officer, but his dealings..."
"He's still a merchant at heart, I said that before, I think," Partitio replied, undaunted. "I don't see any reason why he'd back out of this."
"I think I hear voices outside, some sort of gathering?" Ochette guessed.
"He's probably having an important meeting," Priscilla grunted, barely able to rein in her annoyance at Roque. "But we're just going to have to barge in and see what he has to say."
"It sounds like it," Alistair's voice said as he caught up, followed by Ori.
Sabrina looked at Alistair, relieved. "You're as skilled as ever, Alistair."
"The guards clearly didn't have much combat experience. Roque should have had stricter security training policies than whatever sham of a security operation he hired," Alistair commented.
"You're the best swordsman in Vella for a reason, Alistair," Sabrina said with a smile.
"Mr. Roque ain't perfect, but I think he's still reasonable. Anyway, let's go," Partitio grinned.
The group burst outside to the outer conference platform where Roque was presenting his steam engine to a crowd of people. A sixty-year-old man in a black-and-gold cape and hat, with graying hair in a ponytail, was declaring, "Thus, it is made available to the wealthy, world governments, and the aristocracy!"
"Wait a doggone minute!" Partitio rushed to the platform. "Roque, we had a deal!"
"Who is this?" a nearby Scrivener asked, curious.
Partitio grinned at the person who just spoke. "Partitio Yellowi, the man who is going to change the world."
The irritated head of the company looked at the young merchant. "What are you doing here? This is no place for tomfoolery."
Alistair, Sabrina, Hikari, Ochette, Osvald, Ori, Priscilla, Temenos, and Castii approached to support their merchant friend.
"Mr. Roque Briliante," Priscilla addressed the company head calmly, "I am Priscilla Whiteshore, a Prosecutor. This is Princess Sabrina of Vella and Prince Hikari of Ku. Mr. Briliante, how might you explain your lack of action regarding the contract you made with Mr. Partitio Yellowi?"
Roque scoffed, "Some advice: Never place your faith in any but yourself and hard currency." He sneered, "How do you propose to prove that the signature is genuine? I find that Mr. Yellowi holds nothing but empty promises and not a coin to back him."
Partitio was getting slightly irritated. "Darn you—you didn't have any intention to honor our deal? We had an agreement!"
Temenos looked thoughtfully at both merchants. "Hm. This puzzle is growing more and more intriguing. Who is the liar, and who is being truthful? Partitio, would you be so kind as to show us the contract?"
"Sure," Partitio handed the contract to Priscilla.
Priscilla examined it. "It doesn't appear to be a forgery. Yet, Roque is denying that he made this deal. Oh, gosh." She groaned in frustration. "Who am I supposed to believe!? There's no proof!"
Osvald scrutinized Roque. "Roque is clearly growing steadily agitated. I think it's obvious who the liar is."
Roque went red in the face. "This coming from an apparent escaped ex-con!?"
"Hoy there!" Another voice called out as an ornately dressed young man docked nearby on a ship. Accompanying him was a young woman, and they brought forth bags of money.
"Lord Alrond, thank goodness," Partitio greeted him with visible relief.
"I had a funny feeling Roque wasn't going to really keep his promise, but he will have to now," Alrond said, gesturing to the bags of leaves he brought.
"Who are you? I did not invite you to this gathering," Roque asked the nobleman, suspicion clear in his eyes.
Alrond approached, his demeanor confident. "It wasn't easy getting this to you. I am Alrond of Wellgrove. These bags are but a small portion of the money; you'll find the rest in the ship's hold. It was such a heavy cargo that my ship would have floundered at sea." He grinned. "I present eighty billion leaves to the man you see before you, Partitio!"
"Mr. Alrond," the woman beside him said, her tone chiding, "please, you're making a scene!"
"Sorry, Misha," the noble replied apologetically, "but it's what I came to do."
"Thank ye kindly, Alrond," Partitio said gratefully, tipping his hat.
Roque's annoyance was palpable. "Of all the impossible and harebrained tomfoolery! You expect me to believe you brought such an unreasonable sum!?"
"You wound me," Alrond shook his head, his expression serious. "You doubt the honor of the Roundwell family?" Nearby, the journalists murmured amongst themselves, recognizing the makings of a major story.
"We have a contract and a hoard of witnesses," Partitio said to Roque, his voice firm. "Not to mention the Princess of Vella. I'm sorry to say you don't have a foot left to stand on, Mr. Roque. It's time to make good on our deal."
Roque backed away, his face darkening. "This steam engine could be used in terms of military warfare. Do you realize how great an effect this will have on the global economy!? Such simpletons. I declare the contract null and void!"
The journalists gasped, shocked and disgusted at the declaration. "You would null a contract you made with your own hands?" one of them exclaimed.
"That's not a good idea," Alistair pointed out to Roque. "Vella may not own this island, and neither does Clockbank. But I expect that the Constabulary is on its way, and you could very well be investigated and arrested if we catch even a whiff of corruption on this island. Do you intend to cheat Partitio and Alrond out of the money, Roque?"
"Don't be foolish," Roque retorted, his voice harsh. "Everyone! This conference is over!" He stormed off to the left of the conference area.
Sabrina was visibly upset. "When the constabulary arrives, I will look into Mr. Brilliante's background and have him arrested if I find any trace of corruption and wrongdoing. Partitio, do you still believe in him?"
"Kinda..." Partitio took off his hat, running his fingers through his hair. "But I'm not giving up on him, either way. I have to make him see reason."
"We're with you, Partitio," Priscilla assured him, her voice steady.
"Same here," Ochette piped up. "I don't know what's wrong with that guy, but he didn't seem like an entirely bad person."
"The man is clearly blinded by his own ambition," Akala said to the Beastling.
Hikari, Osvald, Priscilla, Partitio, Alistair, Temenos, Ochette, Akala, and Castii headed after Roque. They came to a large platform with tracks where a monstrous cross between a tank and steam engine awaited them.
Roque stepped forward with a smug look on his face. "Here is a story for you persistent flies. Behold: The pinnacle of Roque Company's Technological Wizardry! The Steam Tank Obsidian! I hadn't intended to unveil it yet, but now is ripe for a little demonstration!"
"Mr. Roque," Partitio tried again to appeal to his old mentor, "now is time for a heart-to-heart."
"I was right about you, Partitio," Roque smiled darkly. "You are a first-rate merchant, in all ways but one."
"And what is that?" Partitio asked.
"Things of value are not meant to be shared around the world," Roque replied calmly. "They are meant to be hoarded by those who deserve them!"
Partitio smiled sadly. "You know, I still admire you, Mr. Roque. That piece of machinery is something only you could have ever made. Although, I still don't have it in me to agree with you. So what say we settle this, here and now? Like any good merchant, I'll make ya' honor our contract."
"Agreed. Let's settle this dispute," Roque nodded, about to unleash the might of the Steam Tank Obsidian.
Hikari took point with Partitio and Alistair while Osvald, Temenos, Priscilla, and Castii prepared to support their comrades.
Back in Wellgrove, Nathan and Throne had disguised themselves as a Cleric and a Guard and entered the orphanage. There, they asked around and investigated until they found a secret passageway where Mother had taken one of the kids, Mira.
"Say, Throne, I'm a bit worried about the kids in this orphanage," Nathan told her. "To think this is actually a front for the Blacksnakes to recruit new members. Talk about sick." He added, disgusted.
"I couldn't agree more, but then, the way Mother runs things doesn't surprise me," Throne grunted. "She has always been a ruthless sadist behind that casual exterior of hers. If you really are worried for the kids, then what's to stop you from having someone from your homeland buy it after I get the other key to my collar off of Mother's corpse?"
Nathan shrugged. "Tempting, but this town is close to Timberain territory. I don't know if the King of Timberain or the Lord of this town would agree to it. Besides, Vella is like a small, helpless animal compared to the larger kingdoms and self-governed territories. Given an inch, a larger predator could rise up to devour it, and that'd be the end of Vella as an independent country. Don't tell me you never studied politics."
"It was not required, and the Blacksnakes never took an interest in the going-ons in Vella, primarily because of its close relationship with Ku and New Delsta," Throne replied.
"So, it seems Cairn wasn't exaggerating about this orphanage's corruption," said a familiar voice as Scarlet entered the passage.
Nathan turned. "What are you doing here, Scarlet?" He asked calmly to hide his disdain for the way she had threatened him before. "And how did you get in?"
Scarlet stepped closer. "I followed you, under the pretense of offering my services to this 'Mother' individual, whose real name I hear is Eustacia. But my real aim is to snuff out the corruption and see to it that the Orphanage becomes a proper, nurturing place for children without parents."
"You're a real piece of work, you know?" Nathan commented to Scarlet.
"Well, my mother was a Cleric, and she would have been disgusted at how this orphanage is really being managed," Scarlet explained in a matter-of-fact tone.
Nathan shrugged. "Well, the three of us are in this together, I suppose, but only until the remaining leader of the Blacksnakes is dealt with and Throne is free from that tight collar. Although..." He looked at Scarlet with a serious expression. "I plan to track down Throne's biological dad and see him get his due for what he did to that Father guy and Marietta and Throne, so I might actually stick with Throne for a while longer."
"You're proving my point. You and your sister, Priscilla, aren't so different, both making Solistia a better place—not that I care much about your little feud over Sylas's actions," Scarlet replied with a wry smile. "Well, shall we get to work on dismantling the Blacksnakes' operation? With both Father and Mother gone, the remaining Snakes won't have any semblance of an effective organization."
"Fine by me," Nathan replied. "Throne, are you okay with this? You're of the Blacksnakes, and Scarlet and I are a part of the Crimson Sun."
Throne nodded. "This alliance is a necessity I have already come to grips with through our partnership, Nathan." She started heading deeper into the dark corridors of Mother's Garden.
Scarlet and Nathan followed.
This chapter was dragging on quite a bit, so I decided this is a good place to end the chapter.
Hope it was enjoyable.