The seat belts tighten against them as the submarine lurches and then jolts. Vaughn presses a series of buttons, and a display of currents appears. "What are you doing?" Marya reaches across the panel to turn a dial.
"We have to find the right current, otherwise...."
"Otherwise, what?" Marya reaches overhead, flipping switches.
"We crash into the side of the crater," Vaughn turns the steering wheel.
"Oh, that's all?"
The submarine shudders violently as they plunge into the heart of the raging currents. The hull groans like a living thing, protesting the ocean's relentless force. Every shift in the water sends a jolt through the craft. The sonar screen flickers, its blips erratic, and the depth gauge spins wildly. Outside, the darkness churns, a chaotic swirl of pressure and sound that feels like the sea itself is trying to crush the vessel.
"The crater is volcanic, spewing lava into the ocean, and whirlpools surround it. We have to find the correct current to ride into the crevasse that separates the active volcanic side of the crater from the inactive side." Noting Marya's expression, "Don't worry, little sister, I have done this 100 times." Focusing on the screen, "There it is." He steers the sub, and the jostling smooths out. When they relax, "See, we dock in five minutes."
Opening the hatch, Marya and Charlie pause. The crater rises from the ocean like a monstrous scar, its jagged edges splitting the horizon. On one side, the volcano looms, a fiery titan spewing molten rivers that glow against the night, their heat warping the air. Smoke and ash billow into the sky, a constant reminder of its fury. On the other side, nestled precariously within the crater's rim, lies the city—a labyrinth of glowing lights and towering structures clinging to the edge of oblivion. Bridges and walkways span the divide, connecting the bustling metropolis to the volatile heart of the earth. The air is thick with the scent of salt and sulfur, a haunting blend of life and destruction. Waves crash against the crater's base, their roar mingling with the distant rumble of the volcano.
The chasm yawns wide at the crater's heart, a colossal fissure carved by ancient cataclysms. Its walls rise like broken sentinels, their surfaces glistening with seawater and volcanic runoff. The gap is vast, easily accommodating ships and submarines that glide through its shadowy depths. Above, the sky is a narrow strip of light, barely visible through the towering cliffs. The water within the chasm is a swirling mix of deep blues and fiery reflections from the nearby volcano, its surface rippling with the echoes of distant eruptions. Ships navigate cautiously, their lights cutting through the dimness, while submarines slip silently beneath, their sonar pinging off the rugged walls.
"Hey, you two," they both turn to Vaughn, jerking his head. "We are going this way."
Turning to follow, they crane their necks. The city clings to the crater's rim like a jewel set in a crown of fire and stone. Carved directly into the volcanic rock, its structures cascade down the inner walls, a labyrinth of terraces, bridges, and tunnels glowing with lantern light. Buildings jut out precariously, their foundations fused with the crater's barbed edges, while others extend outward on stilts, suspended above the churning ocean below. The streets are a mix of narrow alleys and open plazas, bustling with life despite the ever-present rumble of the volcano. Markets overflow with goods, their vibrant colors contrasting with the dark, ashen backdrop. Above, cables and pulleys connect the higher levels, transporting people and supplies across the vast divide. The air is thick with the scent of salt, sulfur, and sizzling street food, a testament to the city's resilience. It's a place where humanity thrives on the edge of chaos, a fragile yet vibrant testament to survival in the shadow of destruction.
"Hurry up!" Vaughn calls over his shoulder from the end of the dock.
"Mr. Vaughn," Charlie slides his glasses up his nose as he maneuvers through the pedestrians, "where are we going?"
Glancing back at them, "Well, the one thing you will learn about this place is that you never approach anyone directly. There is always a meeting place before the meeting or exchange. So," he turns down another busy road, "to answer your question, we are going to a bar."
"What is in the bottle?" Marya puts her hands in her jacket pockets.
"Vinegar." Marya raises an eyebrow at Vaughn's answer. "Not everyone is paid with just Berries." Wiggling the bottle, "This is just a little bonus to keep our guy happy."
"And his happiness is maintained with vinegar?" Charlie moves aside for an oncoming person.
Vaughn chuckles, "Yup. You will understand when you see him."
Rounding the last corner, they enter the Flare Up Tavern. The tavern is a riot of color and sound, its wooden beams glowing under the warm light of enchanted lanterns. A long bar, polished to a shine, stretches across one wall, lined with stools carved from dragon bone. Patrons of all races crowd around tables, their laughter mingling with the strum of an instrument and the clink of glasses. The air is thick with the scent of spiced ale, roasted meat, and a hint of treachery. Behind the bar, shelves are crammed with bottles of shimmering liquids, some bubbling, others glowing faintly. A grizzled barkeep with a mechanical arm pours drinks with practiced ease, while a barmaid with fiery red hair and a dagger at her hip weaves through the crowd. In the corner, a horned man arm-wrestles a Fishman, their table shaking with each slam. Recognizing the shine of long violet waves and the petite figure in business attire, Vaughn gestures for them to follow.
Standing at the table in the back, "Evolet," she looks up from the candy wrapper she was folding. Placing the bottle on the table, Vaughn pulls out a chair. Noticing his companions' awkward postures, he motions for them to sit. Tapping the bottle, "How's it going?"
Rolling the hard candy in her mouth, "It is good to see you came prepared." Resting her delicate chin on a bent elbow, she leans forward, "he likes it when people come prepared."
Vaughn slides the bottle across. "Well, we want to keep him happy—repeat business and all that."
The shape of the hard candy bulges against her refined cheek as she smiles. Standing, "You should go ahead and order." She picks up the bottle and looks over her tiny shoulder, "I will come get you when he is ready."
"We will be waiting."
After she leaves, Marya asks, "Okay, so, now what?"
Vaughn shrugs, "We order," reaching for the menus in the middle of the table, "I recommend the curry."
"Really?" Marya grabs a menu.
Charlie clears his throat, and they look at him over the edge of their menus. "Would it not be better to return to the submarine."
Marya shakes her head, "I am not good at making curry, are you?"
Vaughn chuckles, but Charlie wrinkles his nose. He inspects the other patrons and asks, "Are you not concerned?"
"Relax, little brother," Vaughn slides a menu to him, "you have two guardians with you. No one is going to bother us."
Charlie's lips purse as he picks up the menu. His eyes jet from the menu to the patrons as he reads. Jumping when he feels a hand on his shoulder, he scowls at Marya. "You need to relax. They are not here for you."
"Yeah, but...."
"We won't let anyone pick on you," Marya says with a reassuring smile. "I promise." Nodding, he focuses on ordering.
"What can I get for you-Tia?" Marya and Charlie both blink in astonishment.
"Hey, Poppy," Vaughn puts his menu down, "I will do the curry, extra spicy."
"You're a mink," Charlie's voice trails.
Poppy flips her long white locks, "I'm Poppy, nice to meet you-tia." Her fluffy black tail with white stipe waves behind her as she cocks a hip.
"You're so...." Marya is radiating so hard with excitement that she struggles to finish her sentence. " Cute!"
"Garchu," Poppy bends, cuddling her.
"Marya," she looks to Vaughn, "you can't keep her."
"But she is so..."
"Marya," he snaps, "order already!"
"Fine," she grumbles, crossing her arms to pout, "Curry, extra, extra spicy."
Poppy chuckles, "what about you-tia?"
Charlie stutters, "I will have the dumplings."
"Great-tia!" she spins away.
Just as Poppy clears the table of their dirty plates, Evolet returns. Moving the hard candy around her mouth, she says, "He is ready for you." The sound of chairs screeching against the floor announces their departure, and they follow Evolet through the dining room.
From behind the bar, Auset calls out, "You!" A bohemian dark-haired beauty with a trailing scarf over her brow stands, staring in shock.
They stop and turn, looking at each other in confusion. A sudden jolt sends a shiver up their spine when a blood-curdling scream reverberates through the tavern. Auset runs to Koa, the boy in the doorway. Picking him up, she shushes him, making sure his beanie is secure on his head. Through sniffling tears, he calls out, "Mamma," and she rushes him outside.
After an unsettled moment of silence, Evolet coughs, pounding her chest. Vaughn walks up behind her and gives her one hard pat on her back, sending the candy she was sucking on airborne across the room. When it lands in a patron's drink, he peers at their group with a death glare. "Oh damn," Vaughn groans when he starts to stand.
"I think we can take them," Marya starts reaching for Eternal Night.
Vaughn claps, and everyone cringes as a blinding flash of light erupts. "Let's go!"