making plans (chapter 23)

Chapter 23

In a relatively safe corner of Whitestone city, nestled by a dried-up fountain, stood an old lady with dark skin, bright blue eyes, and a crown of wisdom etched into the lines on her face. She delivered a poignant speech to the remaining inhabitants of Whitestone—the resilient ones who endured. The air carried a mix of sorrow and hope, the remnants of a city that once thrived, now marred by suffering.

"Friends, I know you have suffered. My heart weeps, and my back breaks under the weight of the hardships of these past few years," her voice resonated through the desolate square. The atmosphere was heavy with the history of pain, a palpable burden that hung over the city. The remnants of the fountain, once a symbol of vitality, now stood as a testament to the resilience of those who remained.

"But anger makes us reckless; violence doesn't burn away the clouds; it only makes more clouds," she continued, her words like a gentle breeze cutting through the lingering tension. The sun cast long shadows on the cobblestones, adding a touch of warmth to the cold surroundings.

After the old lady's sermon concluded, Percy and Keeper Yenin engaged in conversation. Ted, along with the rest of the team, listened intently. As he absorbed the gravity of the situation, he stole a glance at his floating screen, noting his progress.

[ Name: Ted ]

[ Spiritual-Force: -8.30/4.41 (Fractured, spiritual energy is required to fix the fracture) ]

[ Current-Runes: 

Invisibility: Expand ]

Pyroblast: Expand ]

Nature's Embrace: Expand ]

Sonic Blast: Expand ]

Interstice: Expand ]

Riftgate: Expand ]

Spectral-Arrow: Expand ]

Morph: Expand ]

Ward: Expand]

Fortuna's Favor: Expand ]

True-Sight(lower): Expand ]

Crate-Of-Mending(lower): Expand ]

Blood-Control(lowest): Expand ]

Ovum Vitalis(Low): Expand ]

Sharpness(Lower): Expand ]

"Getting close, Ted, getting close," he thought, a reminder of the impending challenges. Following Percy and Keeper Yenin, they navigated through hidden paths while giants patrolled the city. The hushed whispers of the wind echoed Ted's determination to enhance his skills—perhaps investing in a giantification rune for future endeavors.

Scene Change:

Inside the hideout, the gnome let Keeper Yenin know about its less-than-impressive interior. Despite its outward appearance, the entrance to the hideout garnered disappointed looks from the party. Nevertheless, a quest unfolded: to rescue the resistance leader, captured and scheduled for execution tomorrow. The revelation that the resistance leader was a friend of Percy, "makes sense i guess since this is his own home" which added a layer of personal stakes to the mission. Ted surveyed the hideout's surroundings, taking in the dimly lit corners and the echo of footsteps in the stone passageways, 

"Home, guess I do miss my new home. God, all the plans I had for the renovation," he chuckled, reminiscing about the unfulfilled aspirations. Suddenly aware of everyone's stares, he inquired, "What?" Vex responded, "We are making plans on how to rescue Archi, the resistance leader." Sighing, he approached the table, "Easy. Some of us create distractions, while others sneak. Or you could just get in and get out, strike like a dagger," he suggested with a shrug.

"I like the last part," Vex said, prompting a facepalm from him. "Of course, you would," he sighed.

Scene Change:

Sneaking into the mansion holding Archibald, Ted moved stealthily with Grog, the red-haired elf, and Vex. The process was surprisingly easier than he had anticipated, especially when he vanished using the void ring. Navigating through the mansion, they passed by several prisoners, liberating some as they quietly assembled a growing crowd. Eventually reaching the front door, which smelled of piss, they freed Archibald. "Let's get out of here," Vex suggested, and Vax agreed.

"That won't be happening." A disgusting voice echoed behind them, and as they turned, they confronted a gnome held captive by two guards, while more stood behind. The owner of the voice, a fat and short man with red lipstick and dark purple skin, pointed his axe at the group. However, his guards were abruptly decapitated, their heads rolling forward as Ted, knife in hand, stood bloodied. "Watch your back, I guess," he remarked. The illusion of the captive gnome dissipated.

"See, I didn't need saving. I am too handsome for that," the gnome declared, striking a pose. Ted responded, "I will keep that in mind when you are actually in trouble," just as more guards flooded in, initiating an all-out war. Ted sighed, "I should have sneaked in myself," observing Percy sneaking away to pursue the fat man. Gunshots rang out, prompting Ted's realization, "I should definitely invest in more guns. Although I learned how to use them, I just never got around to using them, I guess," he chuckled at his oversight. The atmosphere was charged with tension and the acrid scent of gunpowder.