Blood Runs Too Deep
"Its awfully empty down here... for a vault I mean. You sure you're rich?"
"There is no need for you to worry about payment for your labor if that is what you're getting at. Besides, you've already been paid half as a show of my good faith."
"Yeah, yeah... I was just sayin. You got more trash down here than jade. This ship ain't no exception."
"Is it a problem?"
"No...Just...Forget it… Fuck it's cold down here."
"You have until the first day of Ascending Air."
"You expect me to work through Calibration? That, there is bad luck."
"I expect you to be done, no exceptions."
The 1st of Ascending Air.
It was a fine day for a celebration, by northern standards at least. The skies were clear, the sun sparkled, and the snow glistened under the distant warmth of the sunlight. The high and mighty, or those that thought themselves such, had gathered in the luxurious yard of one of their own. They were brought together to celebrate the 300th birthday of their house elder, a fine accomplishment for any fine-blooded prince of creation, and like most who accomplish something he had gathered his family to bask in his own glory. At least two dozen had gathered, all linked either by blood or marriage to the honoree, his children sat with him at the head table, even the less legitimate or adopted ones. Each took their turn presenting their father with a gift as lavish and extravagant as they could afford, vying for their fathers affections. Finally the last child to present his gift, almost an after thought... Exodus.
House Ryoku had once been one of the finest and most honored houses of Dragon-Blooded outside of the Realm; though never large, for they valued breeding too highly to expand furiously. They were not the wealthiest, the largest, or the strongest, but they were respected for the value and thickness of their blood. House Ryoku was a true northern family, all children of Mela, as pure as blood as can be found. They married only other Children of Mela, and it was said only air aspected children were born into the house. It was true too, at least if you believed the record books.
Genku Ryoku had been the house elder for nearly a century, he was known for his philanthropy and generous spirit to those outside the house. Though the people who knew, knew that those he took in were those that appeased his depraved sexual appetite, or were the sad result of it. As of late the House had gone nearly bankrupt, they lost massive jade stores after the Empress’ disappearance and it grew only worse due to the conquest of The Bull of The North. Though the coffers were empty, no one ever knew, Genku was too proud to admit it and try to fix the problem. For every jade talon lost, he spent two to dispel any thoughts of the House’s financial troubles. It was not a wise choice, it was a proud one, and it drove the House into great debt. Those that knew did nothing and those that didn't lived happily in ignorant bliss.
Exodus knew, how he found out he never told, but he kept his father’s secret for Exodus had other plans. He had other reasons to draw attention away from the missing jade stockpiles under the manor.
Back to the 1st of Ascending Air…
Exodus left the table and moved out to stand in front of the gathered people, a charming smile crossed his lips, a feature that seemed to be his trademark and rarely ever left is face. He spun on his heel to look around at the crowd, brief eye contact made with his mother who sat at a distant table before looking back to his father; Lord of the House, and honoree of this banquet.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered today to honor a man who we are hardly worthy to shower with gifts and praise, for 3 centuries he has graced Creation with his presence, and if the Dragons allow it we would be honored to have another 3 centuries. Though I would not blame them if they desired his high company sooner…”
He paused briefly and the crowd chuckled slightly at the humor in his presentation, obviously over the top but seemingly in only the most respectful of ways. They had heard many presentations like this today; Exodus’ was the last of the children to speak. He may also have been the most gifted public speaker among them. He raised his hands into the air quickly, and a series of thunderous explosions sounded in the distance followed by sparkling lights trailing into the sky before exploding again into a rarely seen display of fireworks.
“I spent many restless nights thinking of this day, as I’m sure many of you have, trying to find something that would be worthy of presenting today. And of course something that would put the rest of your gifts to shame.” Again he paused and the crowd laughed a bit, though it was an almost uncomfortable laugh as they were not quite sure if they should believe him or not. “After wracking my mind, I am positive that I have found it at last.”
He again raised his hands into the air, and another volley of fireworks followed which drew yet another round of cheers from the crowd.
“Ryoku Genku, I present to you a sight that I am sure you have not seen in your lifetime, and I am just as positive you will never see it again.”
One final time Exodus thrust his hands into the air, this time the volley of fireworks that doubled the previous two shot into the air, masking for a moment the faint rumbling of the earth that had started. The rumbling continued to build for a moment even after the light from the explosions had died away, finally a thrust of air swept through the banquet area and Exodus looked towards the sky. Genku followed his gaze first, but was soon followed by the entire guest list as they all looked to the sky in anticipation of whatever Exodus had in store for them. There was a heavy moment of tense anticipation before the ancient airship broke through the clouds at neck breaking speeds. The ship, named Geronimo by Exodus, made a shallow dive towards the awe-struck crowd before pulling back up and raising high towards the clouds. Only a few recognized the ship for what it was, the long idle heirloom of House Ryoku and it brought those that knew of it to their feet. It seemed a difficult thing to believe, that the ship could return to operation and that none of them had any idea of it, but it darted through the winter sky for all to see.
A slow clap started in the gathered crowd, eventually even Genku and some of the other children joined in the applause, though some of the others simply gave Exodus a dirty, jealous look. The ship lowered itself slightly and took a stationary position in the sky, hovering high over the banquet.
Exodus spun on his heel once again as he turned to face the crowd with his broad, charming smile he made eye contact with his mother once again as he spoke to his audience who mostly kept their eyes on the ship above.
“As I said… A sight many of you could never have dreamed of in this age, a guaranteed once in a lifetime experience!”
He threw his hands climatically out to his sides as a faint red glow of his caste mark started to burn, he tilted his head back and looked up to the ship hovering directly over him. As he did so the large doors of the cargo bay slowly opened from the rear of the ship, as it did a fine black dust released like a cloud, falling towards the crowd below. Most didn’t know what to think, assuming it was another part of the show. Meanwhile Exodus raised his hands straight towards the falling cloud of dust that would soon blanket his captive audience…
“EXODUS!”
He laughed just slightly as he heard the dismay in his mother’s panicked voice, the first to realize what was about to happen, ironically she was also the only one safe from it. As the cloud of dust drew close, just before it reached those below it his anima burst into flame, engulfing him completely and the fire storm that surrounded him reached up to the falling black dust.
The explosion shook the entire city and the ball of flame that resulted spread as far through the city as it did into the air. The banquet was completely obliterated, thick ash filled smoke enveloped everything surrounding the site of the explosion and the unmistakable smell of firedust flooded the city streets. Small fires and large bonfires still smoldered what had not been completely blown away as a result of the initial blast, the proud manor of House Ryoku was a crumbling mass of wood and flame.
Only two brilliant figures remained as the smoke lifted from the earth, one laughing figure at the very core of the cloud was Exodus, surrounded by the protective fire storm of his anima. The other was crouched down and crying, vibrant white flames surrounded her and pushed back the mundane smoke and flames that might try to harm her.
“Good bye mother…”