Chapter VI: The Contract III

30 Degrees, Jing Dynasty Evening.

Cuifen Chen Wu, 6th May 1894, Xing Deng Bao;

After a while of our talks and debates, the time reached nine.

"Let's continue this meeting tomorrow. We should have plenty of time to deliver the verdict." Oreal takes a stand, all of us still collectively trying to wrap our minds around whatever this contract entailed.

"I agree we should continue before the night grows too dark," I speak covering my yawn. Mo Zhong and Tao Ying make their way up, murmuring amongst themselves. Please don't be another hour-long debate... Me and Yu get up and make our way near the exit.

"The meeting appeared to have gone smoothly but." He clenches his jaw.

"That truth powder on Nikolai is concerning, although appearing normal it's a little odd we weren't able to order what we wanted. I suggest we be careful for now." Nikolai's outburst was definitely caused by someone, I'd be wise to talk to them.

"Thank you for your concern, I will be and as for you, please heed your own advice." He joyfully ignores me and continues.

"Shall I accompany you towards your quarters?" He asks for one last instruction.

"Oh no, don't worry but thank you for the offer."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am."

Yu Lee shook off the look of concern and exited along with Oreal, who was steadfast on fixing his tie to perfection. Mo Zhong was oddly sharpening his gaze towards his pocket watch meanwhile. If I look around, I might be able to catch Nikolai before they set off to bed. But before I had my chance to move, Tao Ying stood in front of the doors. Blocking my exit.

"Oh, Chen Wu, sorry to ask of this to you but it won't be very long, and what a lovely green ring, I've always wondered what your power was." He forms a pleasant smile.

"Oh sure how may I help?" He looks at his watch rather oddly then soon responds,

"I would like you to send a message, to our founder. I would love for him to take a tour around the state of Aquitaine to see how Iron Wood has grown there, that's all." With that, he gives an opening. Walking through the corridor. Just got to keep this up for a little longer.

"Alright, I'm sure when he has the time to, he definitely will," I couldn't tell whether my mind was playing tricks but I hadn't noticed him get here. I thought he disappeared after his little talk with Mo Zhong. I brush my thoughts off, I need a break after all that thinking... We part ways through the endearing elaborate corridors, he waves goodbye and disappears once more. Continuing through, I find myself heading towards the central room where the fountain was. As I do I somehow manage to find a glimpse of Nikolai, polishing the marble statues guarding the other three hallways along with a familiar coworker.

"Nikolai!" He looks back at me unexpectedly, dropping his duster to the ground.

"Oh Cuifen Chen Wu, what may I help you with today." He quickly attempts to catch the duster with success. The other individual was the woman in which served us our dinner. She shot a quick glance only to then continue as though I was invisible.

"Have you seen this powder before?" Looking through my pocket I show him the vial that Yu Lee had given me, his expression bewildered.

"I don't know what it is, but I have a feeling I've seen it. Just before you boarded... Somone was asking me something but I-I." He scratches his head for a while.

"I can't remember strangely. I'm sorry."

"No worries, that's all Nikolai. Thank you for helping me." I leave him be. So someone did go see him? I take a futher glimpse at the young woman, she had dark hair done in an updo. Her eyes maize yellow, a shade darker from her vibrant yellow of her ring.

"Ah, I didn't quite catch your name? I'd like to thank you for your service. Your levitation ability is quite rare." She stops, looks at Nikolai first then back at me with a light smile.

"Juhua Xiu, also I sincerely apologies on Nikolai's behalf. Please forgive him. He still is rather new to our accustoms." Juhua bows.

"You don't need to Juhua, I've already apologis-" Juhua raises her voice ever so slightly.

"Yet when she asked you a simple question you weren't able to answer it. Theres no use for insomniacs."

"H-hey! Ugh, your right. Dear Irenen I don't know whats wrong with me today." She continues to bow, awaiting a response.

"Look it's fine. I appreciate you Juhua Xiu. Nikolai anyways helped enough either way. I alsowon't report what he did earlier as I've said. I know how hard both your jobs can be; and I'll leave you both to it." I walk past them. "Thank you." They both take a breath of relief as I walk away. Dear Irene I really am tired, I should take some rest.

It wasn't too hard to find my room once more, the relative size of the zeppelin is not as large as I had initially thought. Now how do I open it? Each of the doors upon closer inspection didn't have a lock on them. The only thing they had in common was that each crystal was coloured red. I put my hand around knob. With that, the central crystal engraved within the door ignites green, unlocking the door. Even the doors are fancy... Closing the door behind I noticed a panel.

"Green means open, red means locked, yellow means staff, blue means captain only?" Basic instructions I'd assume for what the colours represented. I ignore it, letting the exhaustion win over me. I prepare myself quickly for bed. Before I know it, I am dead fast asleep. Waiting for what entails for tomorrow.

My last thoughts encircle as the last echoes of sleep echoe in. Something isn't right... The powder, the contract and Oreal.

24 Degrees, Jing Dynasty morning.

Cuifen Chen Wu, 6th May 1894, Xing Deng Bao;

I wake instantly with horror in my eyes. A nightmare I've lost all memory to. The feeling shaking me to the core, the rapid knocking keeping me futher on edge.

"Cuifen Chen Wu! The captain is dead!" I dash to the door in my sleeping attire. Opening it in seconds stands Yu Lee.

"What happened?" He appeared out of air, pale as the moon.

"Mo Zhong has been injured, and the captian. He's..." I stood there speechless. Am I still dreaming?