The Dark Order 1.8: Trouble In Tramble

Begin at Chapter 1.1

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The aftermath of Godrick Square. The roofs of the two brick warehouses have been destroyed, and the ground has been jackhammered with a pool of blood. Bragg surveils the scene that's been taped off with magic. There's a team of SSA Knights working as the Forensics. Blood samples. Photos. Body extraction.

She examines the bloody, splintered corpse stuck in the wall. She looks at the ground where an arcane circle has been made into the brick road from Maggie's aura. Forensics collects blood.

"Claudia, be a dear."

The spider scurries from under her sleeve, up her arm.

SHE CRAWLS UP HER NECK AND BITES HER.

Bragg's eyes begin to change— MORE PUPILS FORM UNTIL TWO BECOME EIGHT.

Her view of the alley has been transformed, seeing webbing unseen by normal eyes, and it was everywhere. Her vision has been amplified, seeing the smallest of details. She continues examining until something grabs her attention.

She approaches the area where Jubilee and Maggie stood. There's a small drop of black pus. Her eyes continue to search the area.

"Fuck, Alexis."

"My thoughts exactly! First, black magic, and now this!"

Claudia releases her bite and hurries back inside her jacket. Bragg's back to normal before she turns around, met by a lean, fifty-seven-year-old Black male with salt and pepper hair from his scalp to his face. His uniform is snug but fitting as he briskly walks toward her. He's the Commanding Officer for the SSA's Godrick Square Post. This is Simon Wilcox, SSA Bishop-- User of Lightning Magic.

"He doesn't give a damn about consequences or how he makes us look! I've already got the SSA busting my balls about damages and injuries. On top of that, there is the four Class-five felony charges… Forbidden Magic, violent use of Magic in public, Murder, and the potential ownership of a familiar." Wilcox rubs his face in frustration.

"All punishable by execution... He's giving those normal folks a reason to hate us! He's outdone himself."

"Good morning, sir."

"Constance, how does he do it?"

"Do what, sir?"

"Continually find a way to be a pain in my ass! “

"You know how Alexis is. Once he’s got his focus set on something, it's going to be hard to sway it in any direction."

"So, what do we have? Besides a headache. “

"As of now, not much. We know that remnants of Alexis's Earth magic is active here." She points to the knight being picked out of the wall. "We've got a spell circle identical to the one found at the orphanage in Windros. Magnolia Barker is definitely on the move again."

Through a disheartened sigh, he says, "Her grandmother was also attacked last night."

"Correct. That's where the first molecule of Earth magic was found. There are three other magic molecules present. It seems their was a battle between the Holy Knights and Miss Barker, that started at her grandmother’s shop and ended here.”

"What the hell is he doing?" He's mostly talking to himself.

"There's no telling what triggered Alexis to intervene- I'm sure he has his reasons... Whether we understand them or not."

"He can't keep doing this, he isn't a soldier anymore! He knows better than to be aiding a government enemy! “

"We don't know if he's aiding her or not… It seems to me that he’s just trying to fill a void.”

Wilcox cuts her off with a sigh, "I know... But Constance, this can't be the excuse for his behavior forever."

He looks around. There are reporters from Leigh Harold showing up. Onlookers as well.

"I want the full story of what happened here, where the girl is, and why your brother has once again gotten involved, understood?"

"Completely."

"Why couldn't he be more like you?" He's walking away at this point. "Goddamn him."

Bragg gazes up at the sky. "Alexis. What did you do?"

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TOWN OF TRAMBLE

It's a WOOD-HEAVY town. Full of bars, lodges, shops, and homes. With three, twelve-by-twelve gardens stationed around, they grow fruits and vegetables year-round. From the sour to sweet, blue fleshed Harpies fruit to plain Zucchini, the land in the North provides the perfect ecosystem for anyone with a green thumb.

About two hundred miles North of Godrick Square is a less-than-friendly place; the people who visit are usually Bounty Hunters or Siphoners. Werewolves are said to frequent the area, whether it’s for booze or a hunt, however, through the many rumors, there hasn’t been a werewolf sighting in more than one hundred years.

There's a massive network of Bounty Hunters throughout Valon, many of which, are members of Hunter factions. In the business of hunting mages, witches, and everything in and out of the box. The bounty amount means everything, it separates the nobodies from the legends and legends from the monsters because the higher the bounty, the larger the threat to the World Government.

Eliminating these threats catapults unknown men and women into a world of riches and power. Their job is to claim the bounty, whether Dead or Alive, as long as the threat is exterminated.

Dead is always best because Hunters are in the business of making more money, and they get one helluva deal when dealing with Siphoners. These black market dealers sell magical essence to the highest bidder. It's not just essence from mages and witches, any magical being can have its magic stripped away and harnessed.

This essence is used to craft magical weapons and clothing that provide what could be considered the innovation that's leveled the playing field between species.

However, Tramble acts more like a pass-through town. Don't venture out alone, especially after dark. This town's occupants are the only long-term residents, and they're the only ones who are protected. Proceed through this place with caution, or you won't survive.

"I'm just going to say it. I think this was a bad idea-"

"It's the safest place for us for now... Just stay close."

She looks around suspiciously. "Don't worry, I planned on it."

Maggie hones in on the Townsfolk, who stop what they're doing to watch the duo walk down the street. Various looks are noticed, but Maggie keeps her comments to herself.

“Are they all—“

“No- None of them are actually.”

"Why are they all staring at us?"

"Not us- Just you."

"What? W-" Her voice trails off as she notices her bounty poster pinned around town.

"If you've made it this far, you'll be famous anywhere we go."

"That isn't funny, especially here."

"It's better when there's no surprises. I just need you to trust me— I won't let anything happen to you."

Suddenly, he topples over, his heartbeat sounding as though it's going to explode. He's started sweating.

"Alexis, what's wrong?!"

He looks around. Now, he's got everyone's attention. He must grit his teeth as he forces his way back to his feet.

"Nothing."

"Bullshit!"

He stands tall. "I said nothing is wrong.”

He spots a tavern.

"I just need a drink." Walking off.

"Seriously, what is wrong with you?" She follows closely behind. "Like you haven't had enough already!"

As the door opens to the tavern, Alexis scrunches his face. Maggie peeks around him, peering inside. She whispers to him, "It smells like a wet dog in here." He spins around, stopping her.

"For the sake of our lives, never repeat what you just said."

With that, they enter.

Palm Oil lanterns brighten this rundown bar. It's two stories. There's a large lounge area that overlooks the first floor. Alexis sits in the corner, with his back to the wall, monitoring every person scattered throughout.

He digs in his pocket before he tosses Rolkan on the table, a mixture of bills and gem coins. Maggie examines the gems, “I’ve never seen these in person.”

"Be a dear and go get a couple of pints."

"I'm eighteen."

"Yes, you've told me— I'm a fan of the Hydra Lager."

She snatches the money off the table.

"Didn't your momma teach you about manners?

He sighs, "Be a dear and get a couple of pints, please." He gives a facetious smile.

"You're a real piece of work, you know that?"

"So I've heard."

She heads for the bar, "OOUUUU!"

She snaps around.

"And a pint of Horned Viper Ale."

She clenches her jaw, walking away without a word.

At the bar, there's a stocky, hard-faced, White female, she's missing an eye and she’s not hiding it. Her voice is honeyed.

"Whatcha havin'?"

"Umm... A pint of Hydra Lager....? “

"You asking or telling me?"

"I'm... Telling you- And a pint of Horned Viper Ale.”

She gets a look, and the seconds feel like hours before she moves away. "Coming right up." Over at the liquor counter, the bartender's grabbing glasses when she notices the wanted poster on the wall. It's Maggie. She peers back, full of unease.

There's a diseased-ridden, poorly aged, Asian male, drunk off his ass with a nefarious look, objectifying Maggie with his gaze.

"I ain't never seen you around here before."

"That's because I'm not from around here."

He turns on his barstool to face her with drunken interest, "Why don't you let me make your stay a little better?"

The bartender intervenes, "You should leave her alone."

"Why?- I ain't did nothing... Yet."

She attempts to ignore him before the bartender returns with her drinks, and she pays. Before she can grab them, he takes hold of her arm, squeezing it tightly. "Come on, sweetheart."

Uncomfortable, she calmly asks, "Please let go of me."

"Oh, don't be like that- I'm just trying to be a gentleman-"

In a flash, her blade is pressed against his throat, digging into his skin. He's immediately shaken, piss soaks through his pants.

"I said to let go- Now."

With his hands in the air, he said, "Yeah... Yeah-" He does as he's told. Shaken, he falls back off the stool. "I'm- I'm sorry." He whimpers as he desperately climbs to his feet and runs out.

She grabs the drinks, the bartender watches her back to the table. Her gaze moves up to the second floor, where three bounty hunters are seated in low light, watching the duo.

"You okay?"

Maggie takes a seat. "I'm fine. It wasn't the first time, it won't be the last either."

He only nods, grabbing the Hydra Lager. It resembles Black coffee, though it has Star Anise and Apricot undertones.

"I'll never condone underage drinking, but I think you'll like the Viper Ale. It's got a citrusy flavor with a hint of apple." His tone insinuates it's a girl's drink.

"Why'd you say it like that?"

He plays it off, "Like what? I mean, there's no pressure- We could get you a glass of milk, if you want.

She gives him the finger before grabbing the cup. He smiles at her. "Cheers."

They toast.

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There's a rhythmic knock at the door.

Boom.

Boom. Boom.

Boom.

Boom.

Nothing.

This time, the knocks are louder. Heavier. Jose looks at Charlotte and signs, I guess there's no one home.

Charlotte signs back, We should probably let ourselves in.

Jose moves aside as Charlotte steps in front of the door, leaning down to the door knob. In a move of secrecy, she unlocks the door in mere seconds.

She stands and signs, Welcome home, baby. She pushes the door open, and they're staring into Jubilee's apartment. Jose flips the light switch upon entry. The bulb is dim, the light doesn't reach the kitchen.

They study the room separately. Charlotte focuses more on hanging pictures and medals. A family photo of Alexis with a little girl and a woman and Constance with her two sons. "Hmm."

She lifts her hand, and the glass in the frame cracks and breaks. She rips the photo, putting it in her pocket. Hanging right beside it is a framed SSA Officer School Diploma. There's also a medal of service. Inscribed on it:

Alexis Jubilee (Holy Knight)

Medal of Honor

She laughs, "He was only a Holy Knight. What a joke." She continues her browsing. Jose stopped at the coffee table. Searching through the contents, a criminal profile for Musi. He skims through it. He grunts to get Charlotte's attention.

She quickly signs, He was a Holy Knight.

In above his head.

What is that?

He extends it out, and she takes possession. She skims through the folder. They both continue into the kitchen area. Jose plunks his finger on each empty bottle of Bourbon. There were seven in total.

He's got a drinking problem. Jose's face is full of judgment.

That means he visits bars all the time. I could use a drink or two.

We're working. His attempt to keep them focused.

And the work has been done. gesturing at the folder. It'll be fun.

She moves over, running her fingernails along his chest before they're chest to chest. She bites his lip.

He reads her lips, "So, what do you say to that drink?" As she smiles seductively.

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There are several empty pitchers on the table. Alexis is intoxicated; he's got his forehead resting on the table. Maggie sits, watching him, studying. His hands are callused and scarred. His clothes are worn out, beyond repair, but he continues wearing them, suggesting he's frugal with his money...

Or he spends most of it on booze.

He's unkempt, unshaven, beaten, and battered. He's a man battling demons, internal and external. Her eyes continue looking him over, noticing his bracelet. It reads, I love you forever.

"Did your daughter make that for you?"

She starts to believe he's sleeping until, "Yeah. She did..."

"That's so adorable- I'm sure she loves that you wear it."

"I hope so."

"Do you get to see her often?"

There's a pause. "No... I haven't visited her in a while."

"You should go see her. Does she live close?"

"No... How about we not talk about her, yeah?" He sits up, covering the bracelet with his sleeve.

"Yeah, sure- I'm sorry I brought it up."

"It's nothing you've done, it's-" He shakes his head, "It doesn't matter. We should call it a night; we've got a busy day tomorrow."

She's in whatever mode, "Cool."

To sour her attitude, she has to support him out of the tavern. They get stares as they exit. Once they're gone, whispers take over the space. The three hunters on the second floor come down the stairs, full of arrogance. Two men and one skinny, purple male orc, scratching at their skin. There's a faint blue light in their eyes. They head out after them.

Alexis uses Maggie as a crutch as they drag ass down the road toward the lodge. "I'm pretty sure it's down this way." His head is slumped down. "You're... A real piece of work."

He lifts his head with a snarky chuckle, "My... My ex-wife said that a lot."

"Do you take anything seriously?"

"Of course I do- I'm always serious." His head perks up a bit more before it drops again.

"I swear to God if you puke on me—“

"We're being followed."

"What? How do you—" Going to look back.

"Don't turn around."

There's a small "industrial" area, a short walk away.

"Turn left there."

Maggie does as she's told, gripping his jacket tighter now. Her heart pounded harder. Her endorphins rise. "What are we going to do?"

Alexis has the hiccups. "Don't worry- I'll... Take care of it." He burps obnoxiously.

"Take care of it how?"

He stands up straight. "I think I'll manage." He stops in the middle of the street. "This should be far enough."

They're standing in an open lot. To their left is a small, abandoned textile factory. Side panels have fallen off, and most of the small square windows are cracked or missing.

To their right, industrial housing, small studio cabins, three columns, in rows of two.

Behind them, nothing but mounds of dirt and forgotten textiles.

Alexis turns to see the three Bounty Hunters come around the corner. They're between the ages of twenty-one and thirty, most likely, he notices the Orc and frowns at their forlorn appearance. They're scratchy and fiend-like.

Standing in a straight line, they block the road. The only way out.

Maggie watches Alexis and his lack of situational awareness."Good evening, gentlemen." He's lost his balance, stumbling sideways. "How can I be of assistance tonight?"

A smile laced with confidence as the Elemental Mage gets ready to fight. His eyes burn an Emerald green.

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....To be continued.