Aster lands in a another world where he finds himself on the private property of a crime syndicate. Initially he isn't accepted, but it is his goal to rise up the ranks and get recognition within the syndicate as it's the only thing he has!
Side Not...
Aster, Fleur and Craaq headed off, their footsteps signaling a sense of urgency. It was going to be a hard forty miles, but they were very confident they were going to make it. "We head west all day til sundown!", declared Fleur, who was leading the trio, she was determined to take on this job with full energy, with a promotion at stake. They passed the time with short chants, as they all continued their brisk trot through the morning.
"Aster? What are you doing?", asked a curious Craaq. "He's doing his normal thing, thinking.", answered Fleur. "I think he needs an energy boost, he's got a dull look on his face.", responded Craaq. Fleur looked on at the black haired boy, "Seems you're right Craaq. There's a tavern nearby, maybe we should head there.". "As long as it doesn't put us at any more risk...", replied Aster, "The corruption's getting really bad in this clan...".
"Trust me", said Fleur, she looked at him and smiled, while pointing to the tavern on the left. Aster pondered for a moment, he couldn't take a break from an emergency, right? But looking into Fleur's green eyes at the genuine expression, he accepted. "I'm sure an hour won't do us any harm, Rou is very strong and will certainly remain unharmed for a while longer, I just know it." Craaq admirably glance upon his teammates, "I like your optimism, Aster and Fleur.", he remarked.
The group headed over to the tavern, but upon a closer look, it appeared abandoned. "Sir Edward did say that we had to close a few taverns a while back, maybe this is one of them?", pondered Fleur. Craaq, just as hungry as the other two, confided in Fleur, "Let's go in anyway, maybe it's just the aesthetic of the place.", he commented. They approached the building, and it was just as abandoned as they thought, there were seemingly no drinks and silky spider webs were everywhere.
"This seriously doesn't look like a tavern...", Aster pointed out. All three team members drew their swords for protection, "If anyone lives here, show yourself or we'll stab you...", Craaq called out fearfully. The sound of disturbing steps was getting closer and closer. Craaq almost jumped into Aster's arms with pure terror, but then, they revealed themself. "What brings you here?", the inhabitant jumped out at them.
Out of the darkness revealed what looked like a young woman, in a gown of purple and green. However, she wasn't human at all, she had eight eyes and skin of cerulean blue. "My my! Now you lot seem startled, don't you?", she exclaims curiously. "Who are you?!", a panicky Fleur enquiries. "My name is Sulena, I've lived here for at least 5 months now since moving from the mountains with no disturbance, but recently I've been a little lonely...".
"So there's no tavern?", Aster asked disappointedly. "Nope, but I can invite you to lunch if you wish.", Sulena suggested. "Yes, that would be wonderful.", Fleur responded enthusiastically. Sulena noticed her tone and had questions, "Wow, seems like you've had a hard time. Am I correct?, she queried. "I'm afraid you're right, we've been in a lot of trouble since yesterday, and we've been sent on this quest.", confirmed Craaq.
"So how did you get yourself in so much trouble?", Sulena questioned. "Let me fill you in.", Aster began. "It all started with an anti-crime group, I don't think it went as planned, for either side...", he told his story. "Rou's been kidnapped ... it's not good, he probably distrusts us. He needs to be saved so we can explain everything. Just looking at him at the auction, he's barely going to be able to gasp the moments of that night. We have to help him!".
"Hmm, it seems like you like this 'Rou' person very much.", inferred Sulena. "I assume that flies aren't to your fancy, why don't I pick some fruit outside for you lot?", she requested. "That would be nice.", answered Fleur. Sulena walked out of the back door to collect some fruit, the trio were still unsure about her. "She seems nice, but is she on our side?", pondered a confused Craaq. "I think she's friendly, certainly better than most people in the mansion.", Aster remarked.
Sulena returned five minutes later with a basket full of apples, strawberries and raspberries. "Enjoy! You'll need the energy for your journey.", she said politely. "Sulena, you're so kind, when we return, we'll certainly make a stop at your place again.", Fleur enthused. "Great! I hope we can get along, and I'd love to meet Rou. If you need me, you know where I'll be.", Sulena admired the three swordsman, happy to have met new friends. She hopes that one day she will see them again, and help them once more.
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