Same Difference

As there was no Lynx to keep up the idle chat no more, the party fell silent, except for Iisai, who was humming by himself. Everywhere was calm and silent, and the sun started setting. Even though, Teo was nervous. Everything was too silent for her. She kept on looking over her shoulder, checking her radar and wondering where would be a safe spot for camp. After a little while, Drake got enough of Teo's paranoia.
"Teo, honestly, what's wrong? You've got a ghost at your tail or what?"
Teo gave Drake a bad eye.
"I'm just being cautious. Apparently I'm the only one" she snorted.
She wasn't too pleased of this open environment they were in, and she'd hate to get in the way of another tauren. She would have liked to have Lynx beside her a little longer, but no.

They laid to rest next to a big birch, S'kai only few miles away anymore. None of this made Teo feel better, and when she did her tenth look-around the camp, Iisai grabbed her by shoulders. He tried to keep his expression so that nothing could piss her off, which was apparently really close, and looked into her eyes.
"Teo. Please sit down."
Nothing more, just a simple plea. She blinked and sat down with him. The fire blazed and she could feel it warm her body. Leaves had begun to turn red and their breath got vapoured into cool night air. Aikatherinee was reading her spell book, every now and then making few notes while Drake was cooking them some late dinner. Iisai then again, decided to use his time making sure Teo would sit still.
"Tell me something." He asked her.
Teo glanced at him, for a second removing her eyes off her radar.
"Like what?"
"Hmm, well.."
I don't really know much about you.. but when ever I ask you something concerning You, you avoid it or get nervous. What can I ask without making you feel uncomfortable? I want to know what has made you so cautious, that you can't tell simple things-but asking that would be the last thing to do right now... I wish I could understand you�
Iisai thoughts were cut off by Drake.
"It's ready people, we have diiinnerrr!"
After half an hour, they were all fast asleep, well, except for Teo. She didn't sleep an eyeful on that night. Not just because she knew that around big cities crawls the worst vermins, but because she was too deep in thought about her situation to sleep.
I'm so glad it's almost over. I'll just get this kid to the safety of the palace and consider my job done. He's dangerously disobeying. Besides, I've been on run for six months non-stop now. My body can't keep up with that. Eventually, it would give in and we both would be goners.
She was gazing at the sleeping boy, and to her own surprise she stretched out her hand to brush a strand of hair off his face. Iisai sighed deep in his sleep and Teo pulled her hand away.
I sure hope you are not attempting to do anything you can't handle..

"Oh my god! It's huge! It's even bigger than I imagined!"
They were standing on hill where you could see the entire S'kai. Iisai was almost jumping up and down on his saddle, and Teo prayed he wouldn't fall off. Broken arm or leg was what she really didn't need right now. Aikatherinee seemed bored, but Drake was smiling and felt a bit nostalgic.
"Take it easy mate... but before that, just look at that huge white palace there in the middle... I bet there are some freaking good service girls!"
Playfully, he nudged Iisai who actually almost fell over. Luckily, Teo had been paying attention and grabbed Iisai by his shirt before he fell. Now, he was hanging from his saddle, supported by just his legs and Teo's tight grip.
For the sake of the Moon!
Teo cursed in her mind and pushed Iisai back on his saddle.
"Oh, hmm, thanks. I thought I was going to fall.."
He smiled to her akwardly and the glared at Drake who barely had even noticed the happening since Aikatherinee had rode next to him.
"So, show us where you live, girl?"
Drake turned to look at Teo, and just grasped the sight of her pulling back from Iisai.
"Huh?" She looked at him a bit confused.
"You told me you live in S'kai.. wanna go through it and show us? If it's really a night club, I must see it." He grinned.
Iisai frowned.
"You live here, in a night club?"
Teo looked at him, shrugging.
"It's a place called Constellation Shoten. I live upstairs. But really, since I work so much and long periods of time, I don't spend there much more than total of three months a year..."
Iisai raised is eyebrows, and rode after Drake and Kathy who had already started riding down the hill, to the city gates.

S'kai was everything you'd expect a big city to be. Crowded, noisy and full of everything, especially life. Aikatherinee had rode off to see if there was a mage's guild or a university or something, as the rest travelled through the city, just looking around. Teo and Drake were like at home but Iisai couldn't stop staring at everything and everyone. The more people they saw, the more nervous he got. Once it got up to a state, where Iisai hid behind his hair and didn't look anywhere, Teo decided it was about time to rush to the palace rather than trying to take them see her place.
Then this all will be over with. Finally, I'd say, Teo sighed.
She didn't know if she was more relieved or concerned about leaving the boy behind. She would probably miss the childish smile, but hey, life is life, and she knew it. Teo tried not to pay attention to Drake, whose head turned after every skirt.

On the outside, the emperor's palace seemed like ordinary everyday castle, but as Teo, Drake and still nervous Iisai arrived at the garden, it seemed to go on and on forever. Fountains, exotic plants, flowers, trees, you name it. The guards had let them in after seeing Iisai's and Drake's letters, and naturally Teo was trustworthy enough being an atrac and all. Because no one likes horse poop in their garden, the horses were left outside the gates. The walk across the garden was a relaxing experience, which did good for everyone. It didn't last long, though.
"Halt! You guys turn around now and walk away!"
A guard in shiny armour, standing at the castle gate, refused to let them through.
"But, we were invited.. we got these letters and.." Iisai looked confused. Drake snorted.
"Let us through, shinyarse, the emperor's waiting for us!"
But then again when the guard pointed at him with very pointy spear, the emperor's letter seemed vain.
"His highness is not available. You have to come back another time."
Drake sighed and looked at both Teo and Iisai.
"Let's go, shall we?" he asked.
Teo nodded, frustrated, but Iisai turned to face the guard, who seemed very irritated.
"Are you sure we can't come in?"
And a stab! Whether it was an accident or not, the guards spear had hit Iisai in the face, and for a split second Teo feared for the boys sight. With a scream, Iisai fell over, covering his face.
"I told you to get lost didn't I?!" The guard shouted. "Now beat it or I'll call someone to kick you out!"
Drake, who had rushed to save his friend, gave the guard a murdering look.
"This is not over yet, bastard, you'll have my word on it."

Teo knelt beside Iisai hastly, took his face between her hands and pressed hers just a few inches away. There was a lot of blood, and the boy tried to lift his hands to his face.
I can�t believe this� The injury isn�t bad� But wounds in head tend to bleed a lot� she cursed at herself for being so trusting.
"Don't move! Be still." A Direct Order.
Iisai couldn't see anything due to the blood in his eyes, and the rather searing pain made things hazy but he could hear her start whispering.
"Oh Moon Oh Crescent, Dark Sky Constellation. Forbidden Curative Art 14. 2nd Reject."
Her voice was dark, demanding and at the same time still somehow gentle. Iisai could feel the pain faint away and her hands wiping blood off. He opened his eyes, light hurted a bit but otherwise things seemed fine. He looked at her face and saw there so many emotions. Worry, uneasiness and most of all, white rage that seemed to be hiding behind those coral green eyes that attempted to remain calm.
"How does it feel?" came her shaking, anger-filled question.
"I'm... fine.. I suppose." He looked scared, surprised and even partially in disbelief.
Teo nodded him stiffly, and then turned to face the guard. He was still pointing at them with the spear and opened his mouth to say something. Teo, however, didn't have the slightest intention of tolerating this any longer.
"You. No, don't even try! Now you listen! You attacked my client within the borders of peace! Within the peace contract of Tanamei!"
She grabbed the edge of his spear and whispered something again. Iisai couldn't hear the beginning but it was probably same as before. The ending was something like "Forbidden Chaos Art 8, Pale Fire Crash!"
The spear's top part exploded. Everybody stepped aback, covering their faces. As the smoke cleared out, Drake and Iisai who now stood side by side could get an image of Teo holding the guard in the air.
"The Emperor will see me. Did he like it or not, he will see me. And you will now nicely lead us to the guest area while we await for it to happen. Because if you won't, I'm going to have to kill you for injuring my client!"
She dropped him, and turned to look at the guys. Both of them speechless.
"We are moving."

Iisai sat on a large windowsill. His eyes were fixed on Teo who sat on the bed. She didn't look at him, or show any signs of acknowledging his presence. Drake was sitting on a chair in the corner, just as quiet as Teo.
"What did you do back there? With that sing-song. Was it magic? And what is Tanamei?!"
Iisai wanted her to look at him, wanted her to talk to him, show again her temper and rough-edged nature. Not just sit there looking like she would have committed a death sin. Slowly, she rose her eyes and the tip of her tongue touched her lips. "It's called Chant. Basically only Atracs can use it. Such mages as Minai might be able to use it, but to them magic is much more benefiting. While magic get's it's source from a force called, well, simply magic, Chant is founded on one's personal strength, Mana."
She shook her head.
"And Tanamei�.. Doesn't matter. It�s apparently useless."
Drake looked at Teo, and then at Iisai.
�Tanamei is a peace contract formed by all seven countries of Azul Oscuro. Malbo, Balu, Stafford, Sanmei, Forte, Dante and Ganthara. It created neutral zones all over Azul, such as every rulers palaces, temples, holy lands� The very point of it was that even tho a war may break, those areas remain neutral. No one is allowed to wield weapons in them.�
Iisai was a bit caught off guard. He had never seen Teo look so down. And only once had she laid back her ears in his presence and then she had been angry. She didn't look angry now. Iisai wanted to say something more, or tell her it was ok, that she couldn't expect it since she had trusted the peace contract but then his eyes met Drake's whose told him to shut up.
�Let her be for now" His eyes said.
"She's just damned. She'll be fine" Iisai wanted to agree on it, and he actually didn't have a choice since the door was pulled open and a maid stepped in.
"His Highness will see you now."

They walked into an enormous hall with huge windows, past numerous of guards, on a silky carpet. Iisai was looking over his shoulder, nervous, while Drake and Teo just admired the endless beauty and calmness of the silvery hall. At the end of the carpet was a huge oaken throne with gold and silver decorations and diamonds but no person. Drake tilted his head.
"Where you think he is? I mean, shouldn't he sit there?"
"Just because I'm the emperor, it doesn't mean I couldn't walk with my own feet"
The grinning answer was heard behind them. Drake, Teo and Iisai turned around and faced a wide smile.
"You two must be the engineers, am I right? But how about you, miss?"
Drake bowed and so did Teo with slight hesitance, but Iisai seemed paralyzed.
"I'm an atrac, highness. I just took care that Iis- .. Thales reached the castle"
Teo answered with a formal tone.
So this is The Mighty Soko�.
She scolded herself for that sarcasm, but she had heard too many questionable things about this man.
"I see, that is nice. It would have been a shame if something would have happened."
Emperor walked pass them and sat down on his throne. It made him look taller.
"So.. Thales and hmm.. Lizmaer?"
Drake nodded.
"That's correct, sire."
"Good, good" He smiled.
"I like to know my employees by name. They seem to like it, too." Emperor stroke his chin.
"Well, now that we cleared that up, let's fill you up in some details. You both, Lizmaer and Thales, get your own rooms, one for working, one for living. Breakfasts, dinners, everything, free of charge. The maids will show you your rooms and unpack your bags if necessary. And oh yes, there is unfortunately a number of rules here, but the one I would like you to remember is that taking female creatures into the rooms for a night is forbidden. Clear?"
Drake grinned.
"No problem, sire."
"How about you, Mr. Thales, is that clear to you too?" The Emperor turned his eyes at Iisai, who hadn't opened his mouth yet and didn't do it now. He waited for a while.
"Mr Thales?"
Teo looked over her shoulder at Iisai.
"Iisai..?"
The boy shivered and rose his eyes. It was true. Here he wouldn�t need Teo�s presence anymore.
"Yes... sir.."
"Is everything alright, Mr. Thales?" Emperor had a touch of concern in his voice.
"Yes, sire... I'm just... well.. a bitty bit.. nervous.." Iisai's voice trembled.
Soko smiled.
"Hopefully you will get used to this situation, because it will happen again. Over and over again."
Iisai nodded and fell silent again. His highness straightened his back.
"Well, that's about all for this moment. You may leave now. There is nothing to be done at the moment. You're free to go as you please. We will have another meeting once you have settled a little bit, informing you with your job description."
Drake and Teo bowed down, and after a hesitation, Iisai followed the example, turned around and walked through the armed guards and doors into the great outdoors with a speed that was almost considered running, Teo and Drake following.

Once in the garden again, the party halted under an oak tree. Drake looked rather excited, and seemed to be wanting to check out the places as soon as possible.
"Hey, mates, where do you think the maid's rest room is?" His grin was wide and Teo rolled her eyes.
"It's in the back of the yard." She stated with idle tone.
"Great! Hey..! How do you know? You haven't been here have you?"
Drake eyed her suspiciously, and even Iisai who had turned his back to them seemed to be listening.
"Not officially the least."
"what's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. Now go check out your chicks."
Wide smile cover Drake's face again.
"Aye aye captain! Iisai, see you around mate. Gorgeous, I'll come by the �Shoten� k?"
With a wave he disappeared under the trees. Teo turned to look at Iisai.
"Hey.. is everything okay?"
He turned to face her, eyes full of sadness.
"Yeah.. Sure.. "
There was a moment of awkward silence. Finally, Iisai broke it.
"So.. this is it, huh?"
"Is what?"
"The good bye..."
Teo placed her hand on his shoulder.
"Yes, but not the final one, no. Not if you do not want it. I'll be in the town, you can come around every once in a while, no?"
Iisai tried to smile.
"Yeah.. tho, it's gonna take awhile getting used of you not being around..."
Teo removed her hand.
"You are not alone, Iisai. Besides, you have Drake, who sometimes took a lot better care of you than I did."
Iisai just shook his head.
"But do me a favour. For my peace of mind. Do NOT leave the palace without proper guards. Trust no one."
"Not even you?"
"Especially not me" She grinned and for a moment they just stared at each other's eyes.
I'm gonna miss you, you airhead. ...Why do I still dread for you? You should be safe here..
Teo took Iisai's hand and placed something cold on it.
"Maybe this will remind you here and then not to do reckless things.. and maybe� Just maybe�. "
Her fingers quickly brushed over the boy's cheek before she turned and walked away.
..It might save your life�one day�
Iisai opened his palm. There laid a black, stone-made swallowtail hanging from a silver chain. As he flipped it around, he noticed the name carved on its back. "Ageha".

Aikatherinee stepped out of the university or S'kai carrying a pile of books. Her wish was to find a quiet corner of some pub and set her mind on them. She was feeling rather refreshed, magic tingling on her finger tips. As Kathy reached the ally leading to the market square, she noticed a small inn. The breeze played in her hair and clouds covered the sun. After a small hesitation, she went in and booked a room. Few moments later she was sitting on her bed, ready to examinate the books. The first three were guides to advantaged magic, next to simply spell books and the last one covered the basics of chant. Her interest had risen along the discussions with Lynx but unfortunately Atrac's covered their secrets with care and not much was known of the ability.
I wonder if they know much about illusions... This book doesn't tell anything about the real practice, just someone's experiences while travelling with Atrac's...
Her thoughts started wandering, and when she finally woke from her daydreams it was late afternoon. Something made her get up and walk to the window that opened a scenery to the other side of the street.
"Well.. what do you know!" escaped her lips as she saw Teo standing out there, opening a door leading to a place called �Constellation Shoten.�
�Seems like I have a place to go tonight� If only to tease that little rodent.. �
Aikatherinee hadn�t totally hated her tho. It was more like of a game to her. She also saw a chance in Teo.< A chance to learn about these.. Chants�

The hallways of the palace were quite empty and silent, and Iisai's footsteps echoed loudly. The boy didn't really look where he was walking, not that he would have cared, either. He just wandered around, humming an idle tune. All of his thoughts were concentrated on the necklace hanging around his neck. It felt cold and heavy, and the thoughts of the one who gave it lingered in the air. Iisai remembered how frightened Teo had looked riding on the turtle and the comforting smile as she was sitting under the table with him. The more Iisai thought about Teo, the lonelier he felt. Not even the idea of him being an important person now made him smile. He casted his eyes out of the window and sighed.
Everything has gone so complicated. Why can't things be the way they were?
Iisai leaned against the wall and sighed again. The someone tapped his shoulder, almost making him leap into the air.
"Hey, boy" A calm voice called.
Iisai peeked over his shoulder and looked deep into some strange man's icy eyes.
"Ermm... can I help you with anything?" Iisai asked with a quiet voice.
"Yes, actually you can" the man smiled.
He seemed incredibly calm, so that it was almost unnatural.
"Tell me, where did you get that necklace of yours?"
"Well.. a friend of mine gave it to me. Why?"
The man seemed to be pondering something very important.
�You see, it looks very familiar to me. Who exactly was this friend of yours? I mean, that is no trinket, you must understand."
Iisai hesitated a while. It was not that he wouldn't have trusted this man, even tho he didn't look very clean-cut and even tho his chin was covered with stubble, which was darker than the dirty blonde hair he had, even tho.. Iisai shook his head.
"I can't see what you will do with the information. And I'd like to keep my things to my se-"
"Her name's Myooji, wasn't it?"
Iisai looked at the man with disbelief.
"Um.. yeah, how did you..?"
"For you see, I gave her that necklace, and I would very much want to hear why it is in your possession. But if you are telling me the truth and she gave it to you with free will.."
The man smiled. Iisai wrapped his hand around the necklace, which felt even colder now, and tried to avoid looking the man in the eyes.
"You.. knew Teo?"
"Sure I did, and I still do. You cannot imagine how horrible news I've been hearing about her. The plane crash and all."
Iisai lifted his eyes from the floor. The fact that this man obviously knew a great deal about Teo made him feel insecure.
"Who the heck are you anyway? Coming and scaring people like that!"
He didn't mean to rise his voice, it just happened. The man smiled and put his hand on Iisai's shoulder, making him look small.
"Don't look like that. You may call me Baron, just like everyone else."
He smiled and walked pass Iisai, who stared after him with mild confusion and frustration. Still, he was sure that this mystery man would be able to tell him more about Teo. After a while of hesitation, Iisai ran after him.

He caught Baron finally from the library. It was unbelievable how fast he walked.
"You.." Iisai panted.
"Tell me more about her. Of Teo."
Baron turned to face him.
"Hmm? Tell you more? Such as?"
Iisai didn't know how to answer. After his breath steadied and he noticed Baron was still listening, he continued.
"Tell me who she really is."
Baron looked confused.
"Surely you know that, for she gave you that swallowtail, no?"
Iisai did not answer. Baron smiled at him.
"You find her an enigma, yes? Don't worry. Most people do. But could you specify your question a little?"
He sat down and riveted his eyes on Iisai.
"Umm.. Just tell me what you know of her. Who are you to her? Are you an Atrac?"
He sat down too.
"Sure I am. And captain Myooji is my subordinate. As for what I know of her, is everything and still nothing. What do you know of her?"
Iisai thought about it for a while.
"I didn't know Atrac's had a hierarchy. I... Don't know much. She gets nervous when being questioned of herself."
Baron nodded.
"Sounds like of her. How did you come to meet?"
"...She showed up to the Tinker's union about two weeks ago out of a sandstorm. She wanted her whip repaired... And then all this stuff happened.. and she ended up escorting me here.. But now she's gone.."
"Gone?"
"To the town. To some night club."
Baron nodded again.
"And you can't get her off your mind. Watch out, boy. Friendship with an Atrac is a hard one. A road you need to focus on now... is how to fulfil Soko's request."
Iisai lifted his eyes.
"Do you know what it is?"
Baron laughed.
"Now do I? Yes, I think I do. And so will you when tomorrow arrives."
With that, he left Iisai sitting in the library alone.

Meanwhile, Teo was changing her clothes on the upstairs of Constellation Shoten. As she didn't have any extra clothes with her on this last trip of hers, she was more than pleased to be home again. She put on the most comfortable clothes she found and threw herself on her bed. She could really use some sleep now. But her mind was restless. Even tho Teo tried to deny it, she was concerned over Iisai's safety. She had gotten so used to the boys presence, the room seemed very quiet and lonely. She tried to tell herself Iisai was in good hands and that there was no force alive that could get past Soko�s guards. Teo turned facing the wall and sighed. Not that she wouldn't have been happy to be back home, in her own bed with her own stuff. She reminded herself over and over again that Iisai was a danger for her and himself, with those eyes of his.. Teo shook her head.
Oh, come on, get a grip of yourself, Teo. His business are no longer your problem. Stop thinking about it, stop thinking about anything at all and get some rest. You've earned it, girl.
She closed her eyes and emptied her mind of everything. But the memories just kept coming back. Iisai's voice, Drake's wide grin and even Kathy's annoying presence. After hours of tossing around in her bed, Teo fell asleep.

It was getting dark when Drake made his way back to the insidings of the palace. There he was led to his room, right next to Iisai's. The door wasn't closed all the way and a path of light was casted on the floor. Carefully, he knocked on the door and stepped in. Iisai was there, laying on his bed.
"How you doing mate?" Drake asked him as Iisai fixed his eyes on him.
"Ungh. ..ine. Fine."
He got up and moved to the windowsill. Drake followed with distance.
"You don't look like that, really. Has something happened? ..I mean, outside of goodbye's with Teo?"
Iisai hesitated.
"..I met this guy at the hall.. he is her commander. He.. gave her the necklace she gave me."
Drake frowned.
"What necklace?"
For a moment it looked like Iisai wasn't going to reply but then he pulled out the swallowtail from under his shirt. Drake stepped closer, eyes widening.
"Wow. Mate.. that's really fancy. It's made of asterith, the most suitable stone for magical items. Rare, beautiful, unique..."
Iisai was puzzled, and when Drake flipped the stone around, he nudged aback. That caused it to slip off Drake's fingers.
"'Ageha'? What's that supposed to mean? Why would that be carved there?" Iisai shrugged. "I dunno.. why not?"
There was a moment of tense silence.
"Of course you wouldn't know about Ageha, you are not a Velocy, and you learned about Atrac's a week ago..."
Now Iisai started to get pissed off.
"SO!? What's with it??"
"Ageha.. is a rare name. Nothing, mate. Forget about it. I'm gonna hit the bed now. Nighty night!"
His grin was wide once again as he stepped into the dark corridor, ignoring Iisai's shouts after him.

In the morning the palace woke up early. The maids were hurrying around, making breakfast, getting stuff from place to another, the usual. Drake trudged down the hallway and smiled at every maid he came across with. He was very aware of the fact he was late from Emperor's meeting, but he didn't think it was all that important.
A minute here or there, does it make a difference? If they start without me, no big deal. This's more fun this way.
As Drake finally entered the Emperor's chamber, he saw Iisai sitting in a corner. Drake bent over and smiled at the boy.
"Morning, mate. Slept well?"
Iisai rose his face. He looked kind of pale and he had dark circles around his eyes.
"Ah, alright, you didn't sleep well"
Drake said and sat down next to the boy. Iisai returned his gaze to the floor. Drake poked his shoulder.
"Why are you being like that? It's about Teo, no? Well, let me just tell you-"
"Stop that! I don't want to hear that!"
Iisai yelled, eyes full of hatred.
"Just because you happened to be born in the same race, it doesn't make me inferior in any way! Keep your secrets, I don't care!"
With that Iisai stormed off, leaving Drake sitting on the floor in great confusion. He was just staring after Iisai, pondering what he had done this time. He didn't have a long to sit and wonder when he heard from the guards footsteps that the Emperor Soko arrived. Little late, but that was just good.
"Good morning, Mr. Lizmaer. I hope your first night here was a pleasant one."
Drake turned his eyes at His Highness, but was unable to answer.
"My son, has something happened?"
Soko rose his eyebrows.
"Mm, no sir. I think Thales just didn't sleep well."
"Well, I believe that will be gone by tomorrow. Now, I would like to discuss about a serious matter. Your job here, that is."
The Emperor sat down on his throne and smiled.
"For you see, I have grown tired of this war threat with Balu, and would like to end it as soon as possible, with as little bloodshed as can be done. So, I gave my best engineers the duty to build a device of.. well, a certain sort. It is a matter of security that I will not talk too much of it here. My problem now is that my leading engineer, Desdemon, was recently killed under shady circumstances, and his companion, Arausio, escaped with most of the blueprints."
Drake was listening with only other ear.
"And you want us to..?"
"To go and retrieve the blueprints for me."
Drake nodded.
"Doesn't seem terribly tough. Do you know where he went after the killing?"
The emperor let out a deep, pondering sigh.
"The last sight of him was on a zeppelin on its way into Malbo. That is all we know."
Drake straightened his back and smiled. "No worries, sire, we will get these blueprints for you."
At least I hope so. Well, at least Iisai isn't the type to sulk for long. Tho� Malbo is a rather big place�
On his way back to his room, he saw Iisai leaning against the wall, looking at him. He had luckily been listening to the Emperor's orders, so that no one had to repeat them. Even though Drake tried to walk past Iisai without too much hesitation, there was something in Iisai's gaze that made Drake very uncomfortable. Outside the room, Baron was waiting and Drake almost bumped into him.
"Whoa!" Was all he got out of his mouth and Baron nodded at him.
"Good morning, ermm..Lizmaer, Thales."
Drake turned his head and indeed, Iisai was standing there.
"Wait.. you are the dude of the necklace, no?"
He turned his head back towards Baron.
"Aye, you could say. You can call me Baron, I am the supervisor of the security in your assignment."
Both Iisai and Drake rose their eyebrows.
"Meaning I will accompany you to Malbo, with a fellow Atrac."
His smile was wide, as he stepped by Drake and spoke directly to Iisai.
"I think you might have a request of that fellow Atrac, no?"
Iisai felt he couldn't breath. Could this man really...?
"I suggest you talk to her yourself already today. We take off over tomorrow with an airship. It will be a long trip."
Baron smiled to him gentle, then turning to look at Drake.
"As you could guess, you are on the charge of being our head engineer on the ship, while Thales takes care of building the device. I will also watch over your security from now on, so bear in mind the rules. Go now, We will see again when it is time for the take off."
Drake glanced at Iisai, and when he returned his eyes to the space where Baron had been, all he saw was empty hall.
"You know.. mate.. "
Drake started, looking at Iisai.
"I'm sorry if you got the image of me feeling superior to you... That is most certainly not the case.
" Iisai avoided his eyes.
"Mmm...I guess so.."
"So?"
"So what?"
"Are you going to go?"
"Where?"
"The Shoten." Drake grinned.

Teo was standing in front of a mirror. She had gone through almost every piece of clothing she had in her closet. It was already getting dark outside, and the downstairs of Constellation Shoten was beginning to get crowded, she could hear it. She had promised Tinto, a great friend of hers, to perform tonight. Maybe it wasn't the very best way to spend a night, but as far as Teo was concerned, it was a nice change for all that killing-protecting-being tiptoed-stuff. Finally she was satisfied with her dress, made of black silk, and she went through the door, walked downstairs and faced the voices of the cheering crowd.

Chapter 6 - Chapter 8