Teca Forest, South West of Upper Tereliva.

Mid-day; A large rumbling can be heard deep into the forest while a group of 15 miners sprint frantically through the thick forest a couple miles away from the noise. Exhaustion sweeping their face they decide to stop behind a giant oak tree to take a short rest. One of the miners presumably the leader of the group takes out a map and points North East. Their destination is the city of Tereliva which is still several miles away but at least the landmarks are becoming more apparent. Only 4 mins pass before they get ready to continue their trek, the loud rumbling was growing closer. A miner peers into the forest, though it is light outside the branches and leaves from the number of trees in the area eclipse most of the sunlight leaving only patches. He looks deep into the dark forest in fear of the creatures that chase them. As he begins to ready up, he looks back at some of the frailer miners and knows that several of them will not make it. He frowns knowing that because of them, the more able will make it to Tereliva. The more able miners begin to run back on the path leaving behind several others. They get farther away but no matter how far they get they still hear that menacing rumbling. Only a few more moments go by before screams can be heard from where they left, the men press on. Grief stricken they must press on for survival, they must warn someone of what approaches. They begin uphill over a ridge to get back on the path, once at the peak one of the miners turns around to see the above the forest and witnesses a trail of broken trees and path being made. As his eyes grow wide, he thinks to himself he has never seen a Derelict that big.

City Center, Upper Tereliva.

A great festival is being held, beautiful decorations and glowing lanterns flood the streets as people dawn their Tereliva traditional clothes as they visit the city vendors and festival attractions. A grand parade walks through the city as glowing fish floats traverse the ground. In the crowd of people visiting vendors Luna and her sister Dani can be seen shopping at a vendor selling rare seashells.

“oh! Luna do you see this one?”

“You always go for the flashiest one.”

“Sister I’m a born star I must shine like one, can I please get this one?” she asks the vendor.

“Please it would be my honor if you would take this Ms. Riven, my daughter loves your songs. Could you please sign this for me?” the humble vendor gives her a seashell to sign.

After Dani gets the vendors daughters name, she signs the shell and leaves with the flashy shell she wanted. As they walk, she holds it into the sun marveling at the natural designs on it complimented by the sun.

“This one is a special one I know it is.”

“with an eye like that, I could really use you on the boat with me fishing.”

“Blah, your so boring Luna. Your skiff is too small for the likes of myself.” She says waving her nose in the air “Even Charles’ boat could use some expanding if he plans on keeping me.”

“Speaking of Charles, where is he?”

“I told him we were going to meet him on the other side of the festival.”

“What? Why would you do that? He’s your boyfriend.”

“You’re so dramatic. Anyway, yeah, he’s my boyfriend but who knows how much longer that will be. He’s so planned and boring all he cares about are his work and being in high society.”

“What he does is important-“

“Yeah, I know but still I need excitement, intensity. He comes home from work every night talking about mechanisms and techniques I could care less about when he could be, you know.” Dani looks at Luna implying sex “But he doesn’t even care much about that unless he’s drinking. No, I need something else.” Dani moves her long flowing blue hair behind her ear as she grabs Luna’s hand and brings her to a Poster of the festival that rest on the wall of a building.

“What I need is a strong man, with his mind on a goal, ready to take his own destiny in his hands no matter what’s against him. Someone who lives by the beat of his drum, now that’s what takes my heart.”

She stares at a poster promoting the festive event of the re-telling of the creation of the city. On it are pictures of Belvin and Shin thrusting there Ohgun Craft weapon at a giant wave of water. Belvin is to portray Ohgun himself while Shin uses his Ohgun Spear to manipulate the water to tell the tale.

Luna too stares up at the poster enamored by the concept of a man like she spoke of. Luna turns her head to Dani who has a hand against her eye presumably stopping a tear.

“I miss him too.” Luna puts her hand on Dani’s shoulder.

Dani moves her hand from her face and smiles at her sister. “Come on, we’re at festival lets have fun.”

She walks past Luna who shortly follows. As they walk through the crowd, they witness a commotion at the gate where the floats enter. It seems like Valkin guards will not allow the next float to enter the parade, they’re demanding them to turn around. Luna recognizes one of the float operators as one of her friends Tim.

“Hold on Dani I’ll be right back.” She says to Dani who is negotiating an autograph for another seashell. She begins to walk over to the side with the least guards and manages to gain Tim’s attention. He moves to her location in his group and greets her.

“Tim, what’s all this about?”

“They’re not letting our float pass ‘cause of some bullshit. They couldn’t have picked a better day to be assholes, had to be the day when my Lucids we’re acting up.”

“Foresight?”

“No, Skysight.”

“Really? You get that at G level.”

“It’s rare but yeah, some of the other’s Lucids been messing up too. We keep seeing glimpses of the town square, I don’t know about them but it’s really pissing me off. Aren’t you Delta? You been seeing any of this shit?”

“Me? No, nothing I mean I am pretty good at blocking, so if it was serious I would have sensed something by now. Just take some meds.”

“Some Lucid Meds! I don’t trust that shit pop a green bar next thing you know lost in the wave, big pass.

“Then keep Skying jackass.” She laughs at his stubbornness “So what do you got under the tarp then mmm? Something Blasphemous? King Chalmers taking a dump?”

Tim chuckles lightly “No, we just have a float of the Atlas Hammer. But these Valkin Soldiers are telling us it isn’t an object that should be put on display or appreciated, that it’s evil craftwork.”

“Really? Who do they think they are to disgrace it like that, that hammer with its citizens is what built this city. It wouldn’t be here without it.”

“That’s what I said, but they just kept denying us.” He looks at his group who begins to turn the float around and take it back to the garage. The fury and anger in their eyes is apparent. Other onlookers also glare at the Valkin forces in the city.

“Now as they’re giving us more freedoms is like we’re losing more of our history. It’s like they’re trying to change us into what appropriate for them.” Tim stumbles slightly as his Lucids kick in, he stumbles into Luna who catches him.

“Skies again?”

“Yeah, it’s like the square is calling me. Ugh, frustrating.”

Luna says her farewells to her friend and walks back to her sister wishing there was something she could do. She reflects on his words Terelivans are proud people indeed, our home is an impossible city, there is no way we would abandon our tradition. Of course, several will rebel. I hope that doesn’t lead to the bloodshed Shin said Dice brought. I don’t know if we would survive a full scale uprising or is that what they want. Luna walks in the dense crowd looking for her sister.

As Luna walks through the crowd, she hears someone is yelling “Taylor!”. Luna finds her sister and as she approaches her, she finds herself talking to a short black-haired woman holding a notebook up to her with stars in her eyes.

“I love all your music can you please sign this for me?”

“Sure, little girl I’ll sign your autograph book.”

“I’m 22” the black-haired girl says bluntly.

Dani smiles embarrassed for the girl “Who am I making this out to?”

“To Taylor please.” She says smiling up at her.

“Taylor?” Luna asks Taylor, “I think there is someone looking for her in the crowd.”

Taylors expression changes into one of frowning and brooding, when suddenly someone says, “There you are!” Roy comes from the crowd and grabs Taylor by her head.

“Stop being such a fan-girl! I lost you two times just so you can get an autograph. How can you pay me to protect you if your always leaving?”

Taylor starts beating Roy’s hand that is on her head “I’m not paying you to protect me! I can protect myself!”

“Really? ‘Cos that’s not how I found you at first.”

The two continue to argue as Luna and her sister watch. Dani is visibly stricken by Roy with his muscular shape, defined jawline and those Belmouth marks on his face intrigued her. Dani walks up to Roy.

“Would you like an autograph too?” she glances up to him with her pretty eyes batting them at him. Yes! I know a catch when I see one, this man is everything I’m looking for. Not too long till he’s mine no one can deny these eyes.

Roy keeps the grip on Taylor’s head then looks at Dani “Who are you now?” Dani is devastated that he did not even know who she was. Luna chuckles a little knowing that bugged her sister. Taylor became more frantic that Roy did not know who she was.

“ROY! You don’t know who Dani Riven is!? Award winning singer, model, celebrity personality.”

“Oh, you sing “Water Wheel” don’t you? Hey, I kinda do like that song. Not much my genre though.”

Still feeling like her presence is being underwhelmed she shrugs it off and holds out her hands to shake his.

“Yes that’s me, nice to meet yoooouuu-?“she extends the “you” to get his name.

“Roy.” He shakes her hand.

This handshake is so firm, his hands feel like he works for hours non-stop. She daydreams of the two having a romantic evening. Roy begins to shift his attention on Luna. Dani’s daydream is broken when Roy lets go of her hand.

“and you are.” Roy says

Dani quickly intercepts Luna’s reply standing behind her putting her hands on her shoulder pressing their cheeks together smiling awkwardly “This is my twin sister Luna.” Dammit, if anything my sister has one thing going for her. Some men like that girl next door vibe Luna gives off but not this time. I have to nip this in the bud “So Roy are you and your friend staying for the festival or sounds like you’re here on business?”

Roy lets go of Taylor’s head who he dragged along up until then “Yeah, I’m supposed to be escorting this shrimp to Salin in the morning, so yeah for right now we’re here.” Roy stares off into the city at all the beautiful decorations, loving how vibrant and lively the city was “I have a cousin that would love this. Matter of fact.” Roy takes his mobile device from the side pocket of his backpack pointing it toward the city as he starts to take pictures.

Dani is stumped he has a celebrity right in front of him and he chooses to take pictures of the city? As Dani looks at Roy taking the pictures, she notices the device he’s taking pictures on is unique, she has never seen one like it.

“Hey Roy, what type of Phone is that? Like what brand?” Dani says inching over to investigate.

Roy looks at her then the phone “Oh this? It doesn’t have a brand. Actually, I made it.”

All three of them exclaim. “You made it?!?!” Taylor steps forward. “You mean a brickhead like you can actually make things like this?”

Roy looks dully at Taylor “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Taylor rolls her eyes “It’s just that, you know what they say. The bigger they are, the dumber they-“

Roy stares down his nose at Taylor cracking his knuckles comically “Who are you calling dumb?”

Taylor is shook by striking a nerve in Roy. Luna then chimes in “that’s really preem! Is it just as good as other phones?

Roy looks to side of Luna embarrassed to be on the spot, he scratches his cheek and replies “it’s not just as good its better.”

“Like what?” Luna says.

Roy is happy that someone is interested in his work as he explains the many features of his device. Meanwhile Dani plots to gain his attention once more.

Dani walks beside Roy grabbing his arm “Here, if you wanna take a good video follow me. I can get you the best spots for the main event.” She begins to pull him toward an amassing crowd building around a large stage in the center of the event Yes, the main event is starting. After I sing the city anthem, he will fall in love with my voice. She leads them to special section beside the stage boxed off for people of importance. They walk up to the guard that grants access to the area.

“Hi, Dani Riven and these are my guests.”

The guard glosses over everyone with his eyes then side eyes Roy. “Everyone is okay to go in except him. He doesn’t fit the dress code.”

Roy stands there stunned “Dress code?”

Taylor punches Roy in the arm “I told you that no one wears a chest plate to events like this.”

Roy turns to argue with Taylor “Where I’m from they let you wear these all the times because even at national events nothing is safe. I thought that was everywhere.

Taylor punches Roy in the arm again. “Well, it’s not smart guy!”

Roy looks at Luna “Is it really that out of place?”

Luna nods her head in agreement “you look terrorist.” As she presses the bottom of her fist In her palm.

Roy comically looks disappointed as he learns he’s not fitting in.

Dani looks back at the guard and pleads with him to let her and guests go. “He’s my bodyguard after all what if something was to happen to you.”

The guard sternly says “Ms. Riven, I am here everyone is safe under my watch along with the guardbots inside. Besides, I’m no Belhaim culture expert but those markings on his face mean trouble.”

Roy glares at the guard “What you saying I’m not good enough to go back there?

Dani realizes this might have been a mistake and tries to recover the situation “As you know I am a public figure, victim to fandom I have stalkers and I keep him around as a bodyguard to protect me.” She doubles down on her lie.

The guard is not buying it. “Well, nothing is getting passed me so consider yourself protected Ms. Riven, he is more than welcome to stand outside here with me.”

“Yeah, you would like that wouldn’t you?”

“Sure, be able to keep an eye on you.”

“How do even expect to protect someone in gear like that. I took you down the minute I looked at you.”

the two exchange combative looks but the moment comes to a head when another man comes from behind them.

“Honey, what exactly is going on here?”

Shit, Charles you would come now when I’m snagging your replacement. Dani thinks to herself frustrated the jig was up she concedes “Dear, your out here?! I was just bringing my new friends to come meet you inside, but this guard won’t let us through, honestly he’s been quite rude.”

“Hey, now that’s not quite- “the guard tries to chime in but is interrupted by Charles.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience sir, but could you please just let us in this one time. I’m sure it will be alright.”

“sure, Mr. Mathers. Just be careful of this one.”

The group walk by with Roy mugging the guard they pass a curtain to the VIP area which is draped in a nice purple and gold, celebrities and important diplomats are crowded by the bar and as well as scattered around awaiting the festivals main event.

Roy and Taylor are both stunned by the exquisite colors and atmosphere. Roy notices the bar and Taylor notices the celebrities; they rush them.

“A lively bunch you two have met I see.” Charles chuckles to his Dani. “The guard does have a point though.” Charles looks on at Roy who is flagrantly trying to decide what drink to buy. “I’ve studied enough on the Belmouth to recognize those lines on his chin,”

Curiously, Dani asks what they mean. Charles explains to her that for every line that is marked on the side of his chin is a victory he had in something called “The Daggaalo” I’m not sure exactly what it is but I know it’s supposed to be brutal and to be the victor is a great honor and, well he has three victories.”

They all stare on as Roy goofily still asking the bartender to help him decide on a drink. Collectively they all think, impossible not that guy.

Luna continues to look at him, she recalls him admiring the city That look. It was joy, how can someone who finds joy in that be a brutal fighter?

A hand touching Luna’s shoulder makes her jump out of her focus and turn to whoever touched her. It was Shin with his spear strapped to his back

“Whoa, jumpy are you? What were you looking at?” he looks and sees Roy in the distance at the bar “Ooh him over there huh? You know I’ve always what your type was!”

“Shut it Shin. I just happened to be looking in that direction.” She brushes off his assumption

Charles walks up “Even still there already ahead of you they brought him in, my lovely girlfriend is trying to play matchmaker with her sister.”

Oh, you have no idea, Charles. Luna thinks to herself knowing that it was Dani who was trying to get with Roy. “yeah, but I’m not quite sold. Anyway, I mean I’m so busy with the Inn I’m not even sure I have the time to entertain a man.”

“You’re gonna be an old cat lady with that type of attitude.” Shin chimes in.

“I wish my darling would use the same taste she has on her sister. How else would she have found a sophisticated man like me? That man is obviously a ruffian.” Charles says passing subtle judgement onto Roy.

“Can’t judge him too soon Charles, I wasn’t so great when I was younger, and you weren’t always the cities Craftsmith. Stages of life my friend.” Shin says taking a drag from his joint.

Charles, who is visibly uninspired by Shins words begins stepping backwards toward the entrance of the VIP area “Right, I think I’m going to pay the Guard a little more to keep an eye on things back here.”

As he walks backwards he feels something solid under his heel and a bump on the back of his head into what feels like a chest plate stopping him in his tracks completely. He has stumbled into a giant of man with a menacing aura. Once he tilts his head up to see the man he is greeted by Belvin who is fiercely staring back at Charles through his brow.

“You’re on my foot. Get off.”

Charles takes a huge step forward turning to Belvin bowing and apologizing several times. That’s my “Sophisticated” boyfriend, a master craftsmith but a real coward. Dani thinks to herself as she grabs his shirt and yanks him back to her.

Shin walks up to Belvin “Hey Bel, you ready?”

“We ain’t rehearse this bullshit for nothing.”

Shin looks to the side to the rest of the crowd calming Charles Nerves and speaks under his breath. “I wouldn’t blame you if you left right now. What we’re about to do is gonna cause quite the commotion.”

Belvin chuckles through his lips, “Look, I’m not any happier about this than the audience will be but I’m already paid & the money is already spent. These sons of bitches want to re-write the history books, Whatever, but after this; the hammer will never again enter Tereliva.” Belvin says bluntly

“I understand.”

Belvin looks at the man he frightened noticing he is still uncomfortable. He approaches him and the group. “Sorry about that didn’t mean to sound so threatening just a habit.” He addresses the group “How are you all doing tonight? Are you sure you all wouldn’t rather be at one of the vendors? I hear they’re selling red bean sweets and stuff.”

Instantly Luna realizes “Speaking of food.” She locks eyes onto Shin intimidatingly “Don’t think I’ve forgotten you owe food!”

Charles recovers “Well thank you Mr. Belvin sir, But I couldn’t imagine missing the show. I’m sure you and our cities Lancer will put on a great performance.”

“Yeah, well don’t hold your breath. By the way I overheard you say you were gonna pay the guard for extra protection. For what? You got two people with OC’s in the area, what could go wrong?”

Charles catches his breath “yes, well my girlfriend and sister brought a pretty sketchy character here & you know we are at war with the south. He could very well be a Haven spy. Mr. Belvin sir, you know better than most that Belheims do not leave the Belmouth, they get exiled. No disrespect and he does have marking from “The Daggaloo” so he must be bad news.” He trails off at the end of sentence as he notices the same marking on Belvin’s Chin with 5 marks.

“Oh, you must be talking about this.” He points at his chin, “Tell me, what exactly do you know about “The Daggaloo”? what do you know about 100 men in a ring fighting for honor and greatness? One fall could lead you to getting trampled by 99 fighters. What do you know about being in the top 10 and having to fight using pride and will as fuel? What do you know about standing on that podium above all of those who challenged you?” he closes in on Charles face. He glares into Charles eyes then lets out a burst of laughter. “You should have seen the look on your face.”

Charles laughs nervously as well. “Okay that was a funny joke.”

“Funny joke? No that’s what Daggaloo is, a 100 man battle royal that me and that man won multiple times. “Now let me go get that knuckle head.”

The group are surprised that Belvin knows Roy. “And how do you know Roy?” Dani ask.

“That’s my student, my young pupil if you will.”

To Be Continued