All We Are

Chapter 2

Welcome back to All We Are! It has taken a long time, but the second chapter is finally here! Once again I would like to thank the artists for their amazing work for this chapter, it's absolutely perfect!

There's some more (minor) worldbuilding at the end of the chapter!

~'0'~

The streets in this part of town are dark and dirty, shadows distorting any natural light the sun may give. Despite the Queen's best intentions, and her success in improving the situation for over three quarters of her subjects, these parts are still untouched by her gentle spirit.

Rodan hides a grimace as he makes his way through the small alleys. It's been a while since he showed himself in these circles – ever since the Grand Celesta Galaxy took place and he became an Astral, he's mostly left his old ways – but the knowledge of how to handle himself here hasn't left him yet.

He's grateful for it, now.

And he's also grateful he'd kept his old contacts, even though the one he's about to visit is... less than pleasant.

Putting that out of his mind for now, the small Faramian pulls his hood further over his head and ducks into the last alley. There's only one door in the metal wall here, and instead of old and broken as is the standard for these slumps, it's clean and sturdy.

And there are guards in front of it.

Rodan ignores the twinge of trepidation he feels and instead makes his way over to them, pausing a few feet away. A quick glance towards their hands show them both ready to grab their guns at the slightest hint of aggression.

The Astral, however, isn't fazed.

''I believe the boss is expecting me,'' he says instead, glaring at them from under his hood. He pulls his hand out of his pocket just enough for them to catch the glint of gold.

Immediately the two men pause, and then slowly back away from the door. Rodan hides a smirk and saunters past them, pulling the golden card fully out of his pocket and quickly sliding it into a hidden groove. There's a soft beeping sound, then the card is expelled and he grabs it, shoving it back into his pocket.

The door opens and he steps inside, where it's eerily silent. The click of the lock behind him should, by all means, make him nervous, but he's too used to it. Instead he makes his way through the richly decorated corridor with ease.

At the end of the hall, there's a half-opened door, the flickering light of a fire reflecting on the ground.

Rodan rolls his eyes.

''Still as dramatic as always, I see.''

He pauses in the doorway, not even bothering to glance around the luxurious, shadowed room, instead focusing on the man in one of the large chairs. Said man is smirking at him, looking just like the smaller Faramian remembered him despite not having seen him in nearly four years now.

''Ah, Gasgus,'' comes a smooth, velvety voice. ''I was wondering if you'd ever show up again. Should I bow to you and call you Lord Astral now?''

Rodan snorts and rolls his eyes. ''Don't you dare, bastard,'' he growls, stepping further into the room as if he owns the place. He takes the only free chair left in the room, ignoring the uncomfortable heat from the fire. ''I'm not here for some chatting.''

''I figured,'' grins his companion. ''Now, what can I do for you? It can't be access to the Queen's castle, you already have that – have you stolen anything yet? Are you in trouble? If you are-''

''Oh shut up,'' grumbles Rodan. ''I'm here for information.''

One eyebrow is gracefully arched in question.