RJO - The Valen Saga

Yang's Investigation

An airship landed on a helipad in Argus. Once the engines died down, the side doors opened and Cyrus stepped out. Once he was out, he felt the warm summer breeze flow through his hair. As he examined his surroundings, he was approached and greeted by a familiar woman with lavender eyes and flowing blonde hair. As she got close enough, Cyrus gave her a slight bow.

Cyrus: It's good to see you, Master Xiao Long. I expe- WHA-

He was caught off guard by Yang putting him in a headlock.

Yang: Long time no see, little guy! Didn't I tell you to not grow up too fast?

Cyrus: Master- Xiao Long- Can't breathe!

Yang laughed and let go of Cyrus, who began to catch his breath.

Cyrus: Master Schnee sent me to aid you in your investigation of the Valerin activity in Argus. The High Council told me that you found their hideout.

Yang suddenly showed a serious demeanor.

Yang: I think I did. Big distinction. I've found evidence stating that they have stationed their headquarters here, but I have no leads as to where.

Cyrus: So that's why you need my help?

Yang: Precisely. With more than one person working on this, we can really make some headway. If we're lucky we'll find the exact location of their base, call for backup, and finally put an end to these assholes.

Cyrus: What do you mean "if we're lucky"?

Yang: The Valerins are notoriously good at covering their tracks. We can't get a hold of their plans more than a few minutes before said plans are executed. That's how they've played us for a fool for these past few years. But if we can find where they're stationed, we'll finally have the upper hand.

Cyrus: So where do we start?

Yang: We need to find a new lead.

Cyrus: Sounds easier said than done.

Yang: Don't worry, with the two of us on the job, it'll be over before you know it.

Two Hours Later

Cyrus groaned in boredom.

Cyrus: We've been at this for two whole hours and we've found nothiiiing!

Yang: Just have a little more patience, Cyrus.

Cyrus: My patience ran out about twenty minutes ago.

Yang: Ugh. Look, I'm not exactly having the best of times over here either, but if we don't complete this mission, people are going to di-

Yang was cut off by a voice. The two Jedi turned to see a young woman running up to them. This woman had a tone of excitement in her voice.

Woman: Heeey! You guys are Jedi aren't you!

Cyrus in head: Wow... she's pretty... REALLY pretty!

Cyrus was a bit too flustered to respond properly. As he looked at her, he took note of her athletic figure, long blonde hair, and sparkling eyes.

Cyrus: Wh- wha- Why yes, we a-

Yang: We're a bit busy at the moment, miss. Our apologies. We need to finish our investigation before signing any autographs.

The woman seemed to catch onto what Yang said.

Woman: An investigation? Here? Oh, is it about...

She lowered her voice down to a whisper and leaned towards the two Jedi.

Woman whispering: The Valerins.

Yang and Cyrus were both surprised to say the least. For the remainder of this conversation, all three of them lowered their voices.

Yang: What do you know?

 Woman: At this point, probably too much. They've taken root in this city and have bribed or intimidated everyone into not talking.

Cyrus: So what makes you so different.

Woman: I'd... rather not say.

A seed of suspicion was planted into Yang's mind.

Yang in head: Why not? What are you hiding?

Cyrus: So tell us this, do you have any idea where they could be stationed.

Woman: I do have one idea, I could take you there if you want.

Cyrus: Yes, please.

Woman: Right, this way then.

The woman began to walk away and the two Jedi followed her. Down winding roads and backstreet shortcuts, she seemed to walk through them like it was a daily commute. The two of them could tell that she knew this city well. As they neared the end of the route, Yang began to notice more and more familiarities.

Yang in head: No way... it couldn't be.

Woman: Down there. I've seen a good deal of people with Valerin insignia come down this way. This has to be a place of importance.

Yang ran down the alley that they stood in front of and turned the corner. As she did, her eyes widened when she saw the large, red, metal door that stood at the end of it.

Yang under breath: Not again...

Cyrus: Master Xiao Long, is something the matter?

Yang: No... it's nothing.

Woman: I'm not sure if this is the place you're looking for, but if there were a headquarters for the Valerins within Argus, this would be it.

Yang had even more suspicion growing in her mind directed at this woman. Something about her bubbly demeanor seemed off to her.

Yang: You seem to know a lot about these guys. Who exactly are you?

Crystal: Oh, my name is Crystal...

Yang awaited her to finish her statement, but was not prepared to hear what she said at the end of it.

Crystal: Crystal Lockharte.