Chương 90: In your wake

As Kite sat in the plush chair of the branch director's office, vaguely aware of her intense conversations with her deputy director while other operatives such as Azure, Braid and Wander had already long been sent out to pursue different leads, he could not help but feel as if his mind was still back out in the forests west of Bastion, the pain of each blow still fresh in his memory.

His health, stamina and spirit had all been restored, Rachel's most potent recovery spell more than a match for Kite's own immortality power. But he knew that it would take a little while for his mind to catch up, his fingers making the occasional twitching response to a sudden movement or raised voice.

"-and you, adventurer Kite, should rest now. On most other days, a debrief such as this would have waited until you had proper time to rest and meditate. But as you might have surmised, time is indeed of the essence." Dobrazza said as her deputy director also rushed off to carry out some task.

"Do you think something at least came of this? Was it worth it?" Kite asked her as his mind returned to the present.

"Oh, I do believe that it will, my wonderful little bronze-ranker," Dobrazza smiled in response.

"Just mistress Wither's actions alone speaks volumes and gives us many, many leads to follow. And the other little juicy bits of information; of the so-called board and this cause she spoke of. Those will most assuredly pay dividends this very night. But your role in this is not to be glossed over, even as the victim in question. So if I may ask, Kite, would you have done the same if you knew this outcome? Of what it would demand of you?

Our original plan of you being simple bait with backup nearby did somewhat devolve, after all. This was not what you signed up for." Kite was a bit surprised at her question, and took a moment to think it over.

"I'm sorry, director, but I can't give you a true answer. The injured part of me just wants to shy away from such thoughts, but rest and recovery should be enough to calm it. And the idealizing part of me would have wanted to assure you that I would of course go through any pain again if it meant progress. But I must admit that I don't find too much of a point in either answer. I genuinely thought this course of action was the best, and did what I could with the circumstances.

And I do not think this will keep me from suggesting similar plans in the future." The director gave him a long look before chuckling.

"If only all of the locals showed such wisdom and reason, my job would be a lot eas-""But director, I am a local. Raised by locals and taught by locals. Mostly." Kite interrupted, glancing at Phiona and Rachel at his addition.

"I know that our culture has its distinct flaws and there are some quite unreasonable people out there. But I have also met many who are worthy of both respect and admiration. And as I am sure that you have met or heard of some as well, I would humbly ask you to remember them when you refer to us ' locals'." At his words, the silence which followed was more stunned than expectant, but Dobrazza was once more the one who broke it first.

"Bold of you, bronze-ranker. But I will admit that it was a comment most deserved. I apologize for the discourtesy," she said, giving him a polite nod. Kite felt a bit relieved that her tone also seemed quite genuine while still not losing all joviality.

"Also, if you allow me to rephrase, your answer to my original question was one I'd wish adventurers all over the world would consider. Life is unpredictable, and ours more than most. But you trusted yourself and your training, and held out all by yourself against a silver-ranker long enough for help to arrive. While there are of course some who would be able to replicate the feat, I would still not expect such an answer from most of them.

That is why I, as of now, promote you to a three-star adventurer, a promotion that will be enacted once you have properly recovered. I believe that you have the mindset and judgment to handle people, powerful people, and that you will be a true asset to the Adventure Society in the future. While people like Braid and Wander might be at the forefront of our investigations and information gathering, we need people like you to act, even in situations that remain complex and difficult to evaluate."

"I…" Kite said, stunned.

"-promise not to go off fighting more silver-rankers alone if at all possible. Is what you should say." Rachel added to the stunned silence, eliciting a snort from the director.

"I would indeed prefer to avoid it." Kite said, chuckling.

"And thank you, director. Your trust is humbling. And thank you. For arriving when you did."

"Fortune apparently had a hand in this, Kite. For me to actually be carrying your tracking stone just as the news reached me… That has to be divine intervention if anything." Dobrazza said with a smile.

"As for the rescue… You had done a surprising number on the 'vaunted mistress'. But it was nice to be able to lend a hand in cleaning up there at the end, and make sure that her loss was as complete as possible. So, you are most welcome, fellow adventurer. But now, please go and rest. You are among friends and teachers, and I am sure there will be some fallout to handle after this is settled, but I wouldn't worry overly much.

The Adventure Society will handle most of it, and I will make sure that you are shielded from it in every way possible. Ladies Geller, would it be too much of me to ask that you make sure that our young Kite here gets his rest? Use the same suite here at the society as last time." Dobrazza finished, rising from her desk.

"Because I too have matters which I must attend to."

"You can count on us, director." Phiona said with a respectful nod as she, Kite and Rachel also stood, leaving Dobrazza's office.

"Well, Kite, I believe that you have a story to tell us." Rachel said as they walked, looking eagerly at him.

"A story which can wait until he has recovered, cousin." Phiona added, placing a firm hand on the red-haired Geller's shoulder.

"And I am quite sure that Glint might consider drowning you if you bother Kite too much about it." The last sentence was made while looking pointedly at the little carp who had not left Kite's immediate side since their reunion when he had been portaled back from the wilderness just over two hours ago. That was why Kite soon found himself back in the same room at the Adventure Society which he had stayed in when the group had returned alongside Vista after their little misadventure in the astral space.

A proper meditation session alongside the Gellers had helped settle the claps of thunder and flashes of lightning which had lingered just at the edge of his perception, the sensations now only distant echoes. As he was about to go to sleep, Kite happened to look at himself in one of the mirrors of the comfortable bedroom. He looked much the same as he had every evening since ascending to bronze rank, with two exceptions. The first was his eyes.

On the surface, they were unchanged, his normal blue with the light brown flecks near the pupil to give the hint of gold to them. But they did give off a different feeling. More solid than before. And the second one was something he had been forced to make a double take on. The potent restorative magic of himself and Rachel had repaired everything the way it was, with the exception of a small scar along his right cheekbone. The small nick was barely noticeable, but to Kite, it stood out surprisingly much.

"Life tends to find its way to leave marks on us. Just strive to make sure that those marks come from something that you can stand tall for having endured." It was Uncle Walker's words which echoed throughout Kite's mind as he reached up and felt the small blemish. For a while, he just stood there, looking at himself. Then, a small smile crept onto his features, as he murmured:"Oh uncle, do I have a story for you."

"Kite, you should have seen it! It seems like it is this whole conspiracy going on here. People trying to flee left and right, some shady group leading it all. And we've just cracked the surface!" Braid exclaimed animatedly.

"Oh?" Kite asked, curious. He sat with Braid and Wander in the suite at the Adventure Society, getting updated on their progress and that of the investigation.

"Then you seem to have had a busy couple of days."

"Oh, Kite. They're running me ragged~," Wander complained, looking at him with a pitiful expression. She was in her human shape, and due to how long ago it had been since Kite had seen her natural guise, it did hint that the swarm-shifter had put in quite a lot of work into this project.

"And you are a most inspiring example for us all," Kite consoled, patting her on the shoulder.

"But what was this about some group leading this all? The mistress hinted at something like it. If you can tell me anything, that is."

"The branch director has approved of us telling you. With the chaos behind the scenes, there is not much more you could do to make things worse even if you should decide to share. Which I know you will not." Braid said, continuing.

"We have still only been able to identify part of said group, but so far it seems like the wealthy of the area who did not belong to the prominent older families decided to band together for a kind of economical coup. In light of this, we can see traces of it going on for years; a subtle and coordinated effort which gradually eroded some of the 'old money' and set them up for future dominance.

While we have only seen hints of it, we think that the group was having similar project in most parts of the civilian sectors too, trying to defame the known families and erode their popular support."

"Was the strike against Vista part of that?" Kite asked, trying to keep up with the scale and scope of the plot Braid was hinting at.

"Probably, and the mistress of the Wither family was but one of many players here. As you can imagine, this is causing quite some chaos in Bastion's economical landscape as the old families are now more aware and actively make moves to counteract and counterattack. This will probably be felt for years to come and the consequences noticed for generations."

Imagining it made Kite feel quite small, as he realized what a small thread he had been in the tapestry of intrigue apparently woven around the city, a tapestry which would continue to be woven decades beyond him leaving. And Bastion was but a small city on a national level.

"I must admit that I am rather glad to not be in your role here." Kite said, chuckling.

"How long will you be staying?"

"Oh, at least until the surge. I am quite pleased." Braid said, leaning back while Wander sighed.

"And it will probably be so boring ~," she whined.

"Then why not leave and do something else?" Kite asked, curious.

"Well, contracts. Besides, Braid needs someone to keep him more grounded. And what better way to ground someone than to bury them beneath a mountain of rats~?" she said, smiling mischievously.

"And you certainly didn't complain about the pay," Braid added meaningfully.

"A girl, which also happens to be a swarm of rats, happens to have her expenses," Wander retorted.

"And besides, I get to spy on a lot of naked people."

"I thought that you were fed up with naked people?" Kite asked her.

"Kite, with naked people, there is a certain balance. Too many, and things just get bland. But too few, and you start to feel that you are not really spying in the right places, as you have clearly not found the most intimate settings where people speak their minds, ~" Wander explained sagely.

"I… see." Kite said, amused.

"But what about you, Kite? How long will you stay? I heard that the Relentless family will hold a small banquet for you." Braid asked.

"Apparently so. How convenient that my fellow investigators were somehow omitted from the 'official' story." Kite noted, giving them both a long look.

"We have no idea whatever you are talking about." Braid said, innocently.

"You did that completely on your own."

"Yes, all by your lonesome. Very brave and decisive of you. Such a promising young adventurer, ~" Wander chimed in.

"Well, at least I could rope in Phiona and Rachel to accompany me." Kite answered, shaking his head at the pair's blatant lies.

"As for your question, I still have about two-and-a-half months left with Phiona. So I'll probably focus on training and contracts, hopefully with less surprises. And spend some time with Brook, maybe Bloom as well. And work more with Peony. Some of the more peaceful parts of the stay I envisioned for myself. Before I got entangled with Vista."

"Then we should see each other more and celebrate before you leave~!" Wander exclaimed.

"You really helped us out here, Kite. You should get kidnapped by persons of interest more often."

"Always happy to please." Kite said, his smile genuine, the echoes of pain and fear having subsided markedly during the days of rest, recovery and pleasant company.

"And you should also think some more on what boon you will ask of the Relentless family," Braid added.

"As the gazes of the city are now even further upon them, they will probably strive their utmost to make sure to sever the karma between you. The rather public soirée is a clear indication that they mean to capitalize on this even long after you have left."

"Once more, thank you for the advice. You have both been invaluable as both company and colleagues, and I would be honored if you'd accept me considering you my friends." Kite said, both of the other bronze-rankers freezing slightly at his words. Stolen novel; please report.

"See. I told you he was all earnestness~," Wander eventually said with a look at the slightly flustered Braid.

"But thank you, Kite. Of course you are my friend. And having me as a friend is great! I can show you where the best naked people can be found~," the small woman exclaimed cheekily.

"And I echo the sentiment. Minus the naked people, that is." Braid said with a shudder. Kite could only laugh at their antics, envisioning the pair still working together as semi-ancient gold-rankers.

"With Braid's threads, both physical and intellectual, and Wander's… multifariousness… Just how long can their reach become?" he idly wondered before continuing, aloud this time.

"But in regards to the boon, you need not worry. I already have an inkling as to how to leave the karma between me and the Relentless family nice and severed." The gathered crowd's reaction to a cerberus and a floating carp frolicking and playing around in a corner of the courtyard was mixed, but Kite couldn't help but chuckle internally as the different shades of smiles still seemed to outnumber the frowns and looks of disapproval.

While the feast in his honor for his intervention and role in assisting Vista was nowhere as grand or as spectacular as the birthday celebration had been for the mistress of the house, it was still quite over the top for Kite's taste, where he sat between Rachel and Vista in a place of honor. Phiona sat next to her cousin, skillfully showing off her training in high-society small talk.

Both Gellers had come looking their best, with Phiona going for an adaptation of the proper Hua-Xi fashion with silk robes and voluminous sleeves while Rachel instead went with a dress from her homeland, showing quite a lot more skin than the rest of those gathered. Only branch director Dobrazza outmatched her in that regard.

"I mean… Kites? Really?" he asked Vista at his side, looking toward what had turned out to be a distinct theme in the decor of the evening. Colorful kites bobbed in the wind, their strings anchored to rooftops, balconies and even statues.

"I for one thought it quite fitting. Your name does make for easy association. And besides, kites are a good omen. Of things to come and the wind carrying us onward," Vista answered, taking a sip of his wine.

"Those aunties you mentioned had to be quite aware of that when naming you. And I think it is a sentiment that will be needed in the days to come."

"Do you think your father and the family will accept Kite's requested boon?" Rachel asked, joining the conversation.

"I do. They will probably grumble a bit, but I must admit that our young friend here has a way with words," Vista said, looking at Kite.

"If you phrase it like you did when explaining it to me, things should go smoothly enough."

"Let us hope so. I would not want to leave too much lingering resentment. Better to have my path as free from such entanglements as possible going forward." Kite said in agreement.

"But as one of my aunties used to say; no path is without collisions and entanglements. Sever and resolve those you deem unfitting or hampering, while keeping the rest as close as possible. Thus may you both grow stronger for it."

"A wise woman, and a lesson I should strive to learn as well," Vista said with a nod, before turning to Rachel.

"On another note, it would seem from my father's rather dejected look that you did indeed reject his offer?"

"Oh? Then you are good at reading him. To me, he was all polite and understanding." Rachel said, blanching slightly.

"But yeah, I tried to let him down gently. Don't get me wrong, Vista, you are quite a catch. But even though I am not looking to settle down here at the moment, I will at least pop back once in a while and take a good look at you. Who knows, silver-ranked you might be too irresistible," she finished with a wink.

"Eh- well, it is quite flattering that you think- ehm- highly of me," Vista spluttered, blushing slightly as his composure cracked for but a moment. However, he was saved from further jibing as one of the house staff approached, bowing to Kite.

"Adventurer, the master of the house would like a word with you before the announcement."

"Then I will not make him wait." Kite responded, having been forewarned that this request would most likely come. It would not do for him to make his request too publicly at first, after all. Better to agree beforehand and show a front of united camaraderie outwardly. He rose to follow the servant to a small gazebo a bit removed from the festivities. Master Relentless already sat there on a beautifully sculpted stone bench, further refreshments laying presented on the nearby table.

As Kite arrived, bowing with respect, a few house servants closed the mostly transparent silk drapes around them, cutting off the noise of the crowd efficiently enough that Kite did not need his magical perception to hint at their enchantments. This left their conversation open for all to see, but it would be quite hard to listen in or read their lips.

"Master Relentless." Kite said, bowing once more before sitting down.

"Adventurer." the master of the house replied, giving him more of a nod than a bow, as was expected from the disparity of their stations. Had Kite been a silver ranker, things would have been a bit different even if he was not from the influential families. Personal power was the ultimate measure of a person, in the end.

"While our last meeting was a bit tense, I hope that you may forgive the slight. As you understand, the circumstances were quite upsetting." the master continued. Neither his expression or aura left any hints of any true regretful feelings on the matter, but reading the aura of a silver-ranked used to politics was also quite beyond Kite. But he had to admit himself a bit proud that his own aura did not buckle too much under the light pressure from the man before him.

With concerted effort, master Relentless would have been able to wear him down in rather short order, but Kite still felt a bit satisfied at the effort which it would require.

"Of course, master. Such a disturbance and threat to one's family makes the reaction quite understandable." Kite responded. While they both knew the exchange for what it was, he had no intention of annoying the master this early in their conversation.

"Very reasonable of you. But the fact remains that your intervention did play a crucial role in keeping any losses or injury to a minimum, and as the Relentless family remains ever grateful for coming to our aid in such a moment of need, we seek to compensate you. To properly show our appreciation, and to ensure that karma is severed. We will of course forget any grievances for the property damage caused in the struggles."

"Very generous, master." Kite intoned, stifling an exasperated sigh.

"In regards to compensation, we have taken the liberty to prepare a few suggestions-" master Relentless began, but stopping as Kite raised a hand to cut him off as politely as possible.

"As I do not want to waste too much of the master's time-" Kite began placatingly at the man's annoyed look, "- I already have a suggestion of my own. One that your son believed that you would be amenable to."

"Then speak it, and we will see the measure of my son's judgment." master Relentless said. Kite even thought he could detect a gleam of interest in the facade of the silver-ranker.

"Thank you. I will begin with some context," Kite began.

"During my stay, I noted some of the rising tensions in the city even before I was informed of, and later surprisingly involved in, the movements in the economical landscape. People were dissatisfied, sometimes in outright protests. It seems like this made it easy for those behind the attempt at Vista's life to work their cause, building power and resources to strike even at a family of your station."

"But even had they succeeded here, it would have been but a minor blow. Our foundations are beyond what they could have shaken." master Relentless protested.

"However it might be, they still thought it within their reach. And could you say the same for all the other influential families?" Kite asked, continuing as he got no response.

"What I am saying is that the dissatisfaction led to your opposition being able to erode at least your image, with Vista being one of the few factors yet untarnished. And attempts were certainly made, with consequences felt by me personally""Ah, yes, I heard of your little adventure. It was quite pleasing to hear that mistress Wither was thwarted by someone of such a low station," master Relentless chuckled.

"But I assume that you have a point with your little exposition?"

"I do," Kite said.

"From what my friends in the investigative parts of the Adventure Society hints at, chaos reigns in certain sectors of Bastion. And as I have a vested interest in some locals, one of many small businesses in the crafting sector, I would aim to ameliorate that. Thus, my request is for you to protect them."

"Just protect a single business?" master Relentless asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Surely, that is not enough to-""Not just one business, master. As many as you can."

"Young man, now you are preposterous at the other end of the spectrum. Even a family of our standing cannot be the patron of everyone. The other families or even the city lady would not allow such a monopoly."

"But master, you misunderstand me," Kite said, working up to the main pitch.

"You would not be their patron, with them tied to your ship, but rather just a benevolent force of the heavens, ensuring that they may prosper and grow without being involuntarily caught up in one of the families, or such a scheme which your opposition used to unite against you. Offer them a haven where to grow on their own accord, like a grand tree providing shelter to the flowers beneath without sapping their growth. Make sure that they are treated well. Give them your honest business.

Protect them from unjust coercion. Do this, and I am sure that the next force trying to turn people's opinions against you will find themselves just shouting into the void, not even an echo returning. Not being their patron might give you less immediate gains, but what are those to a family of your standing? Especially compared to what you may reap in the future when your whole family, not just your son, is viewed as the true cornerstone of Bastion." Kite finished his prepared words, almost out of breath.

He had worked for quite some time along with Braid and the Gellers to formulate a plan of how to make his vague idea into some kind of reality, where Peony and Sun would not need to fear the mighty grinding them to pieces in what was surely to become a small internal trade war within the walls of Bastion as the scheming of the families and merchants on the rise went from subtle to overt. Now all that remained was to see if master Relentless could see what Kite hoped for him to, and have the foresight to value it.

Vista's father remained silent for quite some time, his scrutinizing glare regarding Kite, who in turn did his best to remain serene in the intense silence.

"What you are asking for is no small thing, adventurer. To change our way of influencing the city. Of being a protector rather than a patron and hope to profit in the long run…" as master Relentless spoke he had turned to pan his gaze over the gathered festivities outside, as if taking in all of them; his family, allies, people of power and probably even his foes. Once more meeting Kite's gaze, he then asked a question that Kite had been expecting: "What do you get out of this? What is your angle?

And know that any attempt at lying will be quite transparent to me. Your aura may be firm, but it is still quite open to me. Through no fault of your own, but rather your rank, if that's any consolation."

"As I said, I have friends among those I hope to seek to shield from what is to come. Genuinely skilled ones too. Those like them deserve to grow." Kite began, before adding.

"And I might also be a heavy investor in that particular friend's business." As his last words left his mouth, Kite could almost see the noble visibly release some slight tension, probably born of suspicion.

"Ah, I see. A forward thinker then? Looking to your investments in the long run rather than short term gains? And the blanket solution of us attempting to shield all we can won't draw undue attention to one particular business." Master Relentless was silent for a while, occasionally glancing at Kite before nodding.

"Then, if this is truly what you wish, then I believe that we will be able to come to an arrangement. I will present it to the rest of the elders, but I foresee no problems in that regard. But I will already say this; those moving against us or who are directly party to such aggression will receive no reprieve." As he finished, the master of the house rose to his feet, Kite doing the same, both men bowing in the customary way when finishing a deal.

"I must also thank my son. Not to cast aspersions on your negotiations skills, but his counsel may have led you a bit astray." master Relentless said, a smug smile flashing before once more covered by his stern facade.

"If that is so, I will simply have to grow wiser until the next time such an obstacle blocks my path." Kite said, bowing politely before exiting the small gazebo and heading back to Vista and the Gellers. He managed to keep his face impassive until he sat down, all three of his companions looking at him.

"Well?" Rachel finally asked, looking expectantly at Kite. A small smile crept across Kite's features.

"In the end, I believe that it was your advice, Vista, which eventually won him over. Even if it is a bit sad to have the truth of the world confirmed, only a fool remains completely blind to it."

"Those like my father understand greed and schemes, Kite. By giving him something which he understood, he was able to look past his doubts. I for one find the gesture most admirable, and will do what I can to support the initiative in the years to come." Vista said, looking out over the gathered crowds.

"But I will admit that events such as this make me long for the roads and the contracts. Even though it will be most comfortable to start to use portals again."

"I too approve, Kite, but you already know that." Phiona said with a nod.

"Once more, I thank you teacher for your guidance in making my vague idea even remotely possible. The two of you and Braid have been absolutely instrumental." Kite said, once more eternally grateful for the competent people around him. About an hour later, the proclamation was made.

In public, master Relentless lauded Kite's intervention in helping Vista face off against the assassins, depicting him as more of a supporting character in the intervention, before also giving credit to his foresightedness and humility in the boon he had asked.

"-and as such, I am proud to proclaim that the Relentless family will be the grand tree rising above those in need, where the small might seek shelter in the storms to come. We will neither constrict them nor hinder their growth, but see that their paths may compete on their own merit during their climb towards the heavens." In a richly decorated parlor, a man and a woman sat in silence across from one another, a table carrying a teapot and two cups between them.

The woman had fair hair with a light shade of peach in the blonde locks, dressed as richly as any city lord or lady from the northern regions in robes of the finest silk. In contrast, the man had scales the color of night, his draconian features still conveying a distinct air of power and superiority; he was a person in utter control of his surroundings.

"So, honorable 'chairwoman', it seems like your assignment was quite successful." he noted, the ironic humor at the mentioned title clear.

"Indeed. I have already received the gratitude of our lord, which leaves your niceties rather superfluous." she replied, retaining her cool demeanor.

"Oh, is that so? How kind of our lord to extend such a courtesy." the draconian man said, taking a sip of tea.

"From what I gathered in your reports, the end did come a little more abruptly than planned." His words were obviously teasing, causing the woman to close her fan with a snap.

"Then had you read properly, you would know that Wither's actions were well within expectations. What was not was that one bronze-ranker getting away, but such is the fickleness of the world. The internal trade war seems to already be ramping up quite smoothly, according to my sources."

"Ah, but not all of the city, no? The Relentless family made a rather unexpected move there at the end. Or rather, it would seem like the little bronze-ranker did nudge the scales there a bit as well."

"Their interference will hamper progress, but the assignment has still been deemed a success. Lord Discord's power will be rich and ready for reaping in this area, paying dividends for years if not decades to come," the woman finished, taking another sip of her own tea, every small motion conveying her annoyance.

"Alas, you are right. But I can't help but noting an interesting little tidbit." The woman only looked impassively at the man, not lowering herself to asking. With another chuckle, he continued.

"Apparently, the little bronze-ranker was active up in Gilded as well, where another of our sisters was working her assignments. He was only iron rank at the time, but apparently managed to lean on the scales more than anyone would have expected."

"Oh?" the woman asked, now showing genuine interest.

"Does he belong to one of our lord's adversaries? Unity?"

"No, unfortunately not. Which means that direct action in response to him will have too many risks. He is but a bronze ranker, but eliminating him directly might allow our opposition to move more directly against one of our pieces that does matter."

"The ways of the gods are unfortunately a bit inconvenient at times." the woman agreed, before a thoughtful look came over her.

"But there might be something that we can do. As I remember, there were still some unactivated assets left up near Gilded. It shouldn't be too hard to pull some strings and let them loose. Hopefully, our fellow priestess' remnants might do some additional good in that regard."

"You know, that is a splendid idea. If the council approves, I see it as a move worth making." the draconian man said, rising.

"But alas, I must now take my leave. Will you be returning to the capitol?"

"Perhaps. Where my path takes me is between me and my god." the woman answered primly, remaining seated.

"Of course," the draconian said, bowing almost mockingly.

"Then I bid you farewell. Wherever you may tread, may the flowers of Discord bloom in your wake."