The streets of SteamCloud Aerathis bustle with activities as airships glide overhead, merchants call from the stalls, and metallic creaking is heard afar. Jade heads off ahead, eyes scanning the surroundings. Lynsithea and I follow; the crowd brushes past us like a river.
I glance over at Jade. My question is building inside me, and I whisper it so it won't carry over the hum of the street. "What's Wei like?"
Jade doesn't answer immediately. She flicks her cigar ash off and exhales a thin stream of smoke. "Wei Xhuzang? He's not just a businessman," she says, voice tight. "He built his empire on desperation for magic and power.
Lynsithea tilts her head, curiosity tugging at her features. "What do you mean by that?"
Jade's pace slows, her gaze drifting toward a group of shady figures in the alleyway. "He deals in things no one else will touch illegal tech, artifacts, black-market magic essence. People vanish around him. Those with magic? He drains them dry."
The casual way she says it makes my skin crawl. "Drains them?"
"Yeah," Jade grunts. "Aurelian, people doesn't matter to him. Once they're used up, they're nothing but husks. He's wiped out entire towns for their essence. The black market thrives on his deals."
My hand digs tighter around the hilt of my sword. "And he's the one running these air races?"
Jade gives me a look, her eyes narrowing. "The races are just a cover, Zane. Everyone's looking at the ships, meanwhile, Wei's getting his true goods in under the radar. Airships, gems, it doesn't matter what. It's all the same."
Lynsithea's hand rests on Snowy, her fingers playing with the feathers of the bird. "What about Sasha and the others? Do you think they're in danger?"
Jade puffs slowly on her cigar, embers shining brightly in the fading light. "Wei is involved. They're always in danger."
The roar of engines from down the way echoed off the coliseum. Jade took a turn and tossed her cigar into the gutter. "But then, they can take care of themselves if they avoid him. Let's just hope they don't attract his attention."
Her words seem to hang in the air as if warning us. The coliseum looms ahead and somehow I feel we are walking into something far deadlier than we have prepared for.
As we run through this ocean of bodies, silence rushes over the crowd. I look up and catch sight of the enormous screen unfolding to life, and my heart sinks as it resolves into the face of Wei Xhuzang. His smile's as smooth as the suit he's wearing, not quite reaching those shining, flawless eyes.
"Aerathis people!" His voice resonates calm and commanding. "I have fantastic announcement for you all."
The crowd leans forward, collective breathful of expectation set upon everyone's chest. I can feel the electricity in the air, it being something of curiosity and anticipation coming from the masses. "We will hold a special competition in the next month on the occasion of Air Racing. And this time, everyone here in this city is going to participate!"
Gasps of excitement build through the crowd, a wave of chatter igniting as people glance at each other and whisper to each other. "Did he say everybody?" someone exclaims. "Now I get to run!"
Wei smiles broadly as he continues. "And for those brave enough to be competitive, the prize will be nothing less than this!" He makes a dramatic flourish of his hand, and the camera pans down to show a dazzling gem glinting in the lights-the Elthernium.
Its glowing radiance seems to capture every breath in its gaze. Gasps of wonder erupt through the crowd as Wei speaks on, the inflection dripping with intrigue. "It is not just a mere trophy, for it is a key to unimaginable potential. Those who wield the Elthernium will be in a position to alter energy to degrees never imagined. You could heighten your airships beyond thought, or even impact the very fabric of magic itself."
Excited murmur of the crowd breaks loose, people making wild guesses as to what they could do with that gem. "I can finally upgrade my ship!" one man proclaims, eyes wide with excitement. "Think of the power!"
"Imagine using it to harness storms, to fly faster than any ship ever built!" another yells, caught up in the fever.
But as I watch the crowd's excitement, a chill starts making its way down my spine. The Elthernium is not only a prize; it is a tool of power that can so easily fall into the wrong hands. And with Wei at the helm, I am somehow sure that he does not do anything without an underlying purpose.
I have to find Sasha and the others, I remind myself.
What if they get caught in this contest?
Who knows what could happen?
Jade nods, a grim set to her features, Lynsithea's grip tightening around Snowy as we can't afford to lose anyone to Wei's ambitions.
Wei leans forward to the camera, a flash of malice flickering in his eyes as he shifts his gaze. "But before you get too excited, there is another matter I need to address."
The crowd quiets once again. Tension builds up, such as a thick fog. He smacks his wrist and the screen shifts. Grainy images flash across the monitor. I lean forward, feeling my heart beat faster. Video feed of Leo; and, to my utter shock, live feed of me, Lynsithea, and Jade walking just a few blocks away, completely unaware that eyes are watching them.
"They are wanted persons," Wei declares, his voice dripping with disdain. "These ruffians have caused much stir in our dear city. Catch them at all costs!" concludes Wei resolutely.
I look back at Jade, whose face pales, and Lynsithea's eyes widen with shock. "What the—" that is all I can say, my words catching in my throat.
Wei continues, "For any information leading to their capture, I am offering a reward of One billion Aeras for each of them!"
A shiver runs down the crowd as people gasp, excitement and fear dancing in the air. Conversations erupt around us and whispers of betrayal and reward mingle together in chaotic unison.
"Can you believe it?" a man sitting next to me says, his eyes shining with greed. "A billion? I could buy a ship, a house. everything!"
"Catch them? That's easy money!" another chimes in, excitement welling up as eyes dart around, searching for a chance to claim the bounty.
I feel a rush of anger mixed with fear. "Leo, what did you get us into?" I whisper, scanning the crowd for any sign of danger. The faces that had earlier been so friendly turned out calculating, wishing for a chance at glory, and we're the prey.
"Zane, we have to move!" Jade urges, her voice strained to whisper. "If we don't get out of here now, we're done for."
I nod, adrenaline pumping through my veins. We need to find Sasha and the others-fast. But we've got a price on our heads so every shadow is a threat, every passerby a potential enemy. The stakes just went up and we're more than mere participants in this disgusting game, we're targets.
Panic sets in as we dash through the crowded streets of SteamCloud Aerathis. We leave the pounding feet noise behind, and I can even hear shouts calling out to catch us, "There they are!" I glance back over my shoulder.
Armed citizens-they form a group, a set of twisted desires, pursuings us hot, determination embedded in every step. Airships circle overhead, engines roaring as it hovers closer. "We have to split up!" I cry, seeing if we can outrun the chaos that bursts around us.
"Where do we go?" Lynsithea calls out, her eyes jumping nervously between alleys and crowd.
"Anywhere but here!" Jade says, urgency-laden voice rising. "Marketplace! We'll lose them in the crowd!"
Just as I do, a shrill siren cuts through the air, and I shiver. "Watch out!" Leo cries, pointing up. A small airship descends, cannons trained on us. I hear the electricity crackle build to a critical point, my heart racing.
"Zane! Run!" Jade yells, tugging my arm and pulling me toward a narrow alley. We duck just as a burst of energy shoots past us, hitting the ground with a deafening boom. Debris scatters everywhere, and I stumble almost losing balance.
"Keep running," I urge, the adrenaline surging through me. "We can't stop now!"
"Look out!" Lynsithea cries out, pointing off to a side where a group of pursuers are closing in from that direction. I can see their eager faces, the longing for a reward twisting their expressions.
"Over here!" Jade yells, veering hard left down another alley. The narrow passageway twists and turns, and I push myself to keep pace with her, the adrenaline numbing my fear.
"They're catching up to us!" Leo exclaims, turning around. I can glimpse through his wide eyes the crazed despair creeping into it.
"Just a bit more!" I shout, urging us all to keep going. "We cannot allow them to get us!"
It is then when I hear a cry behind me: "Here they are! Let them not escape!" The voices swirl together into a cacophony of shouting and pounding feet like thunder against the cobblestones.
"We need cover!" I shout, seeing a line of vendor stalls up ahead. "We can lose them in the marketplace!"
As we dash into the teeming marketplace, I am appalled at the vortex of colors and sounds. Vendors yell over top of each other negotiating for goods and children dart between the stalls. I grab Lynsithea and Jade to tow them to a fruit stand, the vendor's eyes widening in surprise.
"Sorry, just passing through!" I call out, dodging behind the stall as our pursuers draw closer.
"Where did they go?" a voice yells, scanning the marketplace frantically.
"They can't have gone far!" another exclaims.
"We have to move, now!" Jade breathes, her face stark with fear. "They'll catch us if we stay here!"
"Stick close! Don't lose each other!" I yell through the din as we steam ourselves through the aisles, gaining steam now. Determination fueled my strides, walking deeper into the marketplace, with its crowds of people rushing in every direction.
My heart was pounding as we wove through the market, the whiffs of spices and fresh fruits swirling about us. I felt the tension in the air, knew that time was short.
"Split up!" I whispered frantically, gesturing toward the crowd. "We need to hide. Meet back at the old fountain."
After everyone has spread out into the mass of shoppers, I take out my Nova Watch and tap on the screen. The holographic display flickers to life as I immediately turn on the communications feature. "Jade, Lynsithea, Leo, do you copy?" I whisper low.
"Loud and clear," Jade replies with a crackle over her Quantum Link bracelet. "Where are you?"
"Near the spice stalls," I whisper, dashing behind a barrow bursting with rainbow-colored fruits. "We have to keep walking. Do you see anything?"
"Not yet," Lynsithea whispers, her voice taut. "Snowy is scanning the area for us, though. She'll help us find a safe spot."
I turn to Snowy, who sits on Lynsithea's shoulder, surveying the crowd before her with keen eyes. She shifts gently, tilting her head as if looking for something-or somebody. "Stay sharp, both of you," I remind them. "If they spot one of us, they'll locate the rest of the pack."
Next I hear is Jade, with a touch of frustration in his voice. "Why didn't we call Sasha? She would have helped us to sort this out!"
"I think the coliseum blocks signals," Leo said, feeling my heart drop. "We have to rely on ourselves now."
"This is great," Jade groused. "Just what we need more chaos."
"Just keep your heads down," Lynsithea said, her tone commanding. "We'll regroup soon. If Snowy spots anything, we'll know."
We draw closer to each other, listen to footsteps growing louder; without thinking, I hold my breath. "They're still hunting," Lynsithea quietly says with a slight quiver in her voice. "And suppose they find us?"
"We won't let that happen," I promise myself and harden up. "Just just hang close to Snowy. She will guide us."
I watch as Snowy opens up her wings and rises up into the air, spreading out above the sea of people. "There she goes!" I hear Lynsithea exclaim, her finger pointing up at the owl as she circles above. "Follow her!"
"Right!" I am telling myself, pounding in my chest, gazing out through the room full of people. "Stay together, all of you. We must stay ahead of them."
With Snowy in the lead, I feel a flicker of hope. We can do it. We just need to stay one step ahead.
Snowy, her shining white feathers a beacon in the chaos of the market. My heart beats faster with every step as the sound of hurrying steps catches up from behind. Finally, we dash into an empty dock, the salty air slapping me in the face like a splash of cold water.
"Over there!" an obnoxious voice bellows out, and I find myself turned around to see an Aurelian pointing our direction, his face changing from shocked to alarmed. "They're here! Get the guards in here!"
"Shit, they've already seen us!" Jade exclaims as she panicked her eyes widen.
"What now?" Leo asks while looking around this was like finding a way out of there.
Lynsithea locked her eyes on Snowy, who had dived and settled now on a railing at the docks edge. "I think Snowy sees a way out! She wants us to jump!"
"Jump? Are you crazy?" Leo scoffed, his eyes darting back to Snowy and then down to the deep drop beneath. "I think your owl's crazier!"
"Aerathis doesn't have land!" Jade exclaims, her voice rising into desperation. "If we jump, we'll just be falling forever!"
"Trust me!" Lynsithea insists, her eyes shining with determination. "Snowy wouldn't lead us astray. She knows the way!"
I breathe deep, sensing the restlessness in the air. "We don't have time to argue!" I shout over the increasing din of voices. "If we stay here, we get caught. We take our chance!"
Jade lets out a worried glance to Leo and then nods. "Okay, but if this all goes to hell, I'm blaming you!"
"Deal," I say, taking another step forward to the edge, adrenalin pumping through my veins. "Ready?"
Lynsithea steadied Snowy's hand with a deep breath. "On three, one… two… three!"
I launched myself into the unknown with Snowy, trusting to her instincts as we plunged into the haze. Air rushed past me, and form scattered, my breath coming hard in my mouth, heart pounding with a blend of fear and exhilaration.
---
Minutes Ago, and laughter spills in the cockpit as Sasha, Alektos, and Parveen gallop through the colorful sky. Now with the fire of racing lit under their bodies, the hum of the engines and the wind gushing past them turned into symphony of exhilaration.
"Look at that turn!" exclaimed Dimitri, maneuvering the ship perfectly through a tight curve. "You both have real talent! I am impressed!"
"'Thanks!" Sasha beamed, reaching for the control panel. 'It's such a shame Leo didn't see us. He'd love this!'
"I know, right?" Parveen added, sticking her head out over her shoulder to look back at the coliseum where they had begun. "He would've been cheering us on like a madman!"
Just then, the mood shifted. A gigantic screen far in the distance came alive, drawing their attention there. And on that screen stood Wei Xhuzang, his very presence commanding.
"Welcome to Aerathis! Something amazing to announce!" Wei's booming voice brought them all to attention.
"Wei Xhuzang?" Alektos whispered, watching Wei gesture volubly, his face blanched from just the sight of him.
As Wei began to tell them the details of a new tournament that this Elthernium gem would be the prize for, a shiver ran down Alektos' spine. "Elthernium?" Alektos whispered quietly, his face going white. "That's not good."
"I thought that was just a myth!" Sasha exclaimed, her eyes wide with worried glances shared with Parveen.
Just as the two of them could begin to dissect what that meant, they caught glimpses of Zane and the others on screen. They were running, fear etched into their features as a bounty was flashed upon the screen, 1 billion Aeras for their capture.
"What have they done here in this city?" Parveen asked, knitting his brow with a mix of skepticism and concern.
Dimitri studied them for a long moment, then leaned forward. "Do you know them?" he asked, his voice full of curiosity as sparks welled up in his eyes.
"No, not at all," Sasha said quickly, forcing a smile. "We've just been enjoying the races."
"Right," Alektos chimed in, playing it cool. "Just here for the excitement. No idea who they are."
Dimitri appeared to accept this, nodding as his eyes returned to the screen. "I cannot believe they are being hunted. I hope they'll be all arrested."
Parveen balled his fists to his chest, knowing it was all true, but he wasn't willing to risk spilling it out into the open. "Let's just see the race and not think about anything else," he said, his determination this time at keeping suspicion away from Dimitri.
"Agreed," Sasha added, speaking steadily. "We're here to have fun, remember?" But inside, she couldn't shake the feeling of dread that hung over them like a storm cloud.
Sasha inched forward toward Alektos and Parveen, her voice barely above a whisper and laced with urgency. "We need to keep a low profile. The last thing we want is to draw attention to ourselves."
Alektos nodded, looking around the gathering for any prying eyes. "Right. We can't let Dimitri suspect anything. If he finds out we know them…"
"Exactly," Sasha interrupted, her eyes darting across to where Dimitri still stood, absorbed in the official bulletin. "We have to pretend we're only here for the race."
Parveen narrowed his brow. "But what if they get caught? Zane and the others will be huge trouble. We can't just forget about that!"
Sasha took a deep breath, steadying her nerves. "I understand, but without a plan, we could both get ourselves into trouble rushing head on. We must gather more information first. Let's keep close and cool about it."
Alektos turned to Dimitri then back at Sasha. "You're right. We'll keep our distance. Let's just act like nothing's going on. We came here for the race, not for a rescue."
"Exactly," said Sasha, a bright look in her eyes. "We can help them later. Right now, we need to stay low-key."
"Fine then," said Parveen, and sat up. "Let's focus on the race. We can make a plan once we know more."
With that, they returned to the festival, feeling still this oppressive weight of their secret between them, but somehow with a resolve that grew more intense, as long as it was hidden, they felt its force was theirs.
As Dimitri turned to follow Sasha, Parveen, and Alektos, a voice cut through the crowd, talking. "Dimitri," he said, low and serious.
He stopped moving and turned back, intersecting curiosity and concern. "Yeah? What's up?"
"Watch them," Wei said in a brusque, slight narrowing of his gaze. "Don't get screwed over by them, especially that chick named Sasha."
Dimitri furrowed his brow, confused. "What do you mean? They are only travelers who want to watch the racing."
Wei leaned closer and whispered, as if sharing a secret. "Of course, you know that your mother is always worried about you. She has shared stories about those strangers from the other world. Mostly they have their own goal."
"But they seemed friendly enough," Dimitri said defensively. "Sasha even rode with me earlier. I think they're only here for fun."
Wei's face hardened now, and a flicker of impatience flashed across his features. "You have to remember, Dimitri, this is not a playground. Elthernium is at stake, and forces are at work here that you can't even begin to understand. If they're involved in anything related to it, we can't afford to take risks."
Dimitri fidgeted uncomfortably under the weight of his mentor's words. "I understand that, but. what if they're innocent? What if we run them off and miss an opportunity?"
"That's an opportunity?" Wei repeated, his voice low and measured. "In this city, opportunity often comes with a cost. You have to be vigilant. Remember, people will do anything for Elthernium, even betray their closest allies."
Dmitri flinched, having his earlier excitement dimmed. "You believe they want it?" he asked.
Wei's face was inscrutable as he regarded Dmitri for a moment. "I believe we should prepare for anything," he said finally. "Just keep your guard up and don't let your emotions govern you. We can't let our emotions get the best of us."
With a curt nod, Dimitri turned back where Sasha and the others had disappeared into the crowd, the cheerful buzz of the festival now slightly sinister. He had the strangest mix of doubt and determination stirring within him. What if they were just innocent travelers? Yet, the glint of danger in Wei's eyes lingered in his mind, tugging at his instincts.
---
So they went away from Dimitri and Wei. Something changed in the air then. The excitement of the races in the air seemed so far away as the gravity of the situation sorted to make its way into their minds.
"Do that just happen?" Parveen said, shaking his head. "We met Wei himself. I never thought we'd come this close."
Alektos crossed his arms, furrowing his brow. "Yeah, but that's the problem. We have to figure out what he's planning to do with the Elthernium. It can't be good."
Sasha started pacing several steps as her mind churned in her head. "I have an idea," she said, her eyes lighting up. "What if I distract Dimitri tomorrow? He seems really interested in me, and I think I can keep him occupied."
"Do you think that's wise?" Alektos asked, his face etching lines of concern. "You have no idea what Wei will do if he discovers that we are digging into his business."
"I'll be fine," Sasha said, determination in her voice. "While keeping Dimitri occupied, you two can dig through Wei's operations. We need to know why he wants the Elthernium and what he plans to do with it."
Parveen nodded slowly. "It could work. If Dimitri's distracted, he won't notice what we're doing."
Sasha flashed a smile, confidence bursting in her veins. "Exactly! I'll be the naive traveller. He won't suspect a thing. We just have to make sure we communicate well."
Alektos' brow shot up. "And how are you going to handle the media? Wei's already suspicious of you. If he gets so much as a whiff of what we're doing."
Sasha waved her hand away. "I can handle myself. I have faced worse scenarios than this. Just promise me that you won't waste any more time. We should gather as much information as possible before they seal it tight."
"Okay," Parveen agreed, glancing over to Alektos for confirmation. "We can split up and start scouting around. We need to find out whatever we can about Wei and his connection to the Elthrenium."
"Let's reconvene here tomorrow," Sasha said, voice steady. "If things get too dicey, we can retreat and start with a new plan."
As they stood in a quiet corner of the bustling market, Sasha's heart raced when she heard Dimitri calling her name. "Sasha! Wait up!"
She turned, a hint of surprise mingling with excitement. "Yes, Dimitri?"
Alektos shot her a knowing look. "I guess you were right, he really does have an interest in you," he said, an amused smile creeping across his face.
Sasha smirked, shrugging off the comment. "Told you so. Don't worry; I'll be fine. Just remember our plan, okay?"
"Just be careful," Parveen added, his expression serious. "We don't want to blow our cover."
"Trust me," she said confidently, glancing back at Dimitri, who was watching her with curious eyes. "I can handle this."
"Alright then, good luck!" Alektos encouraged as they stepped back, ready to leave her with Dimitri.
As Parveen and Alektos started to walk away, Parveen glanced over his shoulder. "Just remember, we'll be nearby if you need us."
Sasha nodded, her gaze locked on Dimitri. "I won't forget. Keep an eye on the surroundings."
"Will do," Alektos said before they turned to head down a different path, leaving Sasha alone with Dimitri.
Dimitri approached with a smile. "So, where are your friends headed?" he asked, tilting his head slightly.
"Oh, they'll return to the hotel to rest," Sasha replied, trying to sound casual as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "I wanted to see the market a bit more."
"I see," Dimitri said, his interest piqued. "The market can be overwhelming. Would you like me to show you around?"
Sasha felt a flutter in her chest but quickly composed herself. "That would be great! I'd love to see more of what Aerathis has to offer."
"Let's go, then!" Dimitri said, gesturing for her to follow. As they walked together, Sasha couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and nerves, knowing that each moment spent with him could change everything.