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Fandom Star-Crossed Striders | HSR

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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
35 system hours until annihilation...


Thankfully the blonde woman was able to snap out of it in time to deliver a punishing blow to the beast. The three viridian arrows struck true, lodging themselves into the mighty beast and even severing its tail. He had to cover his ears as the quarry howled and staggered from the wound. Hopefully a wound of that size would have it bleed out, or for it to stagger long enough that Lark could get another blow.

Before he could get his hopes up, the wounded monster charged at Lark and managed to knock her into the air and winced hearing her thud against the floor.

Shit shit shit!

He formed knives in his hands and took aim at the beast quickly to try and keep it from killing Lark, but the beast didn't go to finish her off. Instead, the Quarry moved, the trembling growing louder and harsher.

It was trailing after him! And to confirm his thoughts, the cavewoman called out for him to run.

And so, he did. Or rather, he tried.

He moved to run, but the beast's jaw moved to try to bite him, forcing Lazuli to jump backwards or risk losing his whole chest and abdomen.

The teeth tore through the fabric of the front of the suit and managed to scrape just deep enough to draw blood. The fact that the beast managed to break skin and draw blood was enough to scare Lazuli. Just what kind of bacteria was in his blood now?!

The adrenaline allowed him to ignore the wounds. Lazuli kept moving, quickly throwing a knife at the beast's eyes to deter it long enough for him to recuperate. He threw another, and another, and another. He lept out of the way from another menacing bite just barely escaping from the beast's jaws once more.

Lazuli took a deep breath, aimed again, and this time aimed the knife at the beast's jaw. In that moment, the beast started to struggle, the frost of his blade immediately crawling from the struck area all the way down to the monster's toes. Then, it stopped moving, but it wasn't dead. The beast was shaking and the ice cracking with each movement. It wouldn't be long until it was free and ready to kill. The white haired man quickly moved to get a safe distance away from the beast, towards Lark.

"Kill it before it kills us, dammit!"
 
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Noxsky Drowns, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
35 system hours until annihilation...


Aeons above, half a second slower and Lazuli would have been gobbled up by the Quarry. Lark watched in wonder as the man was actually able to stand his ground for the time being, assaulting the Quarry's front with a flurry of icy knives. The beast screamed in pain, though its high-pitched cries were halted as a veil of frost crawled over its skin and froze it in its tracks. Wait, the IPC asshole was able to freeze things with his knives as well...? Just who was this guy?!

Lazuli's cry jolted her from her thoughts, and Lark didn't have to be yelled at twice. Now that the Quarry couldn't move, it left its weakest spot wide open for a killing blow. Another of her spears whistled through the air and straight into the back of the Quarry's head. It pierced through muscle and tendon and ripped straight through the back of its gullet. The massive creature thrashed once again in pain, loose bits of ice tumbling to the ground as it staggered from side to side. Then, it heaved a sighing groan and fell to the ground, at last laying still.

Lark's breaths came in ragged gasps for air. She... she almost died. She almost died if it weren't for that damned IPC brat! She forced herself to straighten her back, wincing slightly as the world spun around her. Yet, even that came and went as her fear was steadily replaced with reluctant curiosity once she laid sight on the pale-haired man. She gave him a brief once-over. He was a bit torn up-- maybe bleeding a little bit --but he didn't seem to have any life-threatening injuries, at least.

"So. You're a Pathstrider as well?" she grumbled, putting on a stern facade to drown out the pain upon her features. Her hand absentmindedly drifted to rub her aching side as she furrowed a brow at him. "You were planning on telling me this when, exactly?"
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
35 system hours until annihilation...


The beast was dead. Finally it was fucking dead...

Lazuli observed the beast's corpse and once he was certain that it was dead, he let out a sigh of relief. Good... He knew that the pain of his injuries would start to make itself known on the walk back. Not only that, but they'd be trailing blood if they were too careless; no doubt the blonde woman next to him would lecture him about that on their way back.

Speaking of the blonde woman, she had saved his life. He hated to admit it, but she had saved his life...

But he had saved hers in return. She wouldn't have shit over him.

He took a second to examine himself. The sleeves were torn and scuffed, but fixable. His chest, on the other hand, was irredeemable. His expensive button up was torn to shreds as was his vest and coat, leaving his chest and abs exposed to the cold. The scrapes from the beast's teeth had drawn blood, leaving crimson smears against his pale skin. His pants and shoes? Most likely torn and scraped.

Ugh. He liked this outfit too...

At the very least Lazuli was still able to walk.

His thoughts were quickly interrupted when his "trusty companion" spoke up, asking him if he was a pathstrider and why he never said anything.

"Were you planning to tell me? No, right? So why would I share that information with you?" He answered her in kind. "You came up to my personnel and I with so much cockiness and swagger, and yet when it was time to show your worth your spears did fuck all until I stepped in. Damn it all, now I have to report this to your captain and my superior..."

He could have swept this under the rug if they came back without any visible injuries or signs of a fight, but Lark was clearly wounded and Lazuli was not only wounded but missing the whole front side of his shirt. How the hell would they explain that?
 
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Noxsky Drowns, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
35 system hours until annihilation...


This man had an impressive amount of sass. Lark was nearly taken aback by it, if it weren't for the adrenaline that still rushed through her. Now that he stood completely in front of her, she glossed over him anew. Judging off of his torn suit and the blood that stained his flesh, he had almost been torn to shreds. Which definitely wasn't a good thing. Ah, well, at least it gave him the right to bitch a little, even if it did annoy her. Her frustration flared when he suggested that she was incompetent without his help during the fight. This guy obviously didn't know what he was talking about.

"I knew what I was doing during that fight. It was just a pain in the ass having you to worry about while trying to get to its weak spot," Lark hissed at him as she jabbed an angry finger in his direction. "Do you even know what we just fought?! That was a damned Diamondscale! Its hide is practically inpenetrable! You know that-- gah!"

Agony seized her right side. Lark winced as a fit of coughing wracked her body, and she brought a hand up to her right side. The area felt painfully tender, hot, and swollen. A bruised rib... or two. Ugh.
"I'm not wasting my time arguing with you. Not here, in the middle of the damned Drowns," she began anew, glowering at him through her eyelashes. "We need to make it back to town before your stinky blood attracts other Quarry. Then you can report to whoever the fuck you want."

Lark hobbled past him as she spoke, slowly but surely retrieving her spears from the ground. She grit her teeth together as she worked, desperate to drown out the pain that furiously assaulted her. Yet, even she couldn't stop the groan of complaint that came from her lips as she ripped her last spear from the back of the Diamondscale's head. Huffing, she slipped the blood-crusted bolt back into its sheathe before she nodded towards the path they had treaded.


"You'll take the front. I'll cover your flank. Move it, or I'll leave you to the beasts."
 
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Noxsky Drowns, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
35 system hours until annihilation...


"But its hide was penetrable. And why was that, hmm?" He retaliated.

She spoke as if Lazuli had been sitting there crying like a damned child, but they both knew that without his help they would have both been slaughtered by that monster. Neither one of them would have been seen again, nor would the IPC or the Stonehearth know what became of them.

But if it had been just him, would he and his personnel have gotten away?

No, of course not.

Lark saved his ass as much as he saved hers, and he'd be damned to admit it out loud.

She did have a point. They needed to get out of this damn forest before another beast smelled the blood of the diamondhide Quarry, especially when neither of them were in the position to fight again. Lazuli would stand by and watch as the blonde woman moved around and picked up her spears; she was clearly in pain but why would he help her? She's been nothing but rude and a bratty child towards him, so it was only natural one would respond in kind.

Once she had finished and told him to walk forward, he did. Lazuli would follow her directions down the path, obeying what she said and made sure not to deviate from it. He didn't feel like arguing about the correct path with someone who clearly knew more than he did. All he could do was listen to her and hope that she didn't plan on murdering him.

Thankfully, she didn't.

The sunlight grew as the Noxsky leaves gradually lessened. Lazuli could now feel the full extent of his wounds and the chill of the frosty air hitting his chest as they emerged from the darkened path into the shining light once more. His eyes squinted as his vision adjusted to the new bright environment, and with it, witnesses.

The personnel Lazuli had instructed to stay behind had stayed in a group at the city per their orders. They'd been standing with their weapons in hand and trigger fingers disciplined when they saw the two wounded pathstriders walking, or rather limping, back to civilization.

"S-Sir!" The shortest one called first and rushed to Lazuli's side, which caused the other three to snap their attention in the same direction and follow suit.

"Holy shit... Sir! What happened in there?!" The bulky one asked quickly, his faceless mask moving to show that he was inspecting his boss's condition.

"I'll call the medical team and let them know. Can you walk?" The lanky man asked more calmly than the other two, already getting his phone out to do as he said.

Lark would be taken in by her people while Lazuli was taken by his, separating the two until it was time to recount their story to Captain Zhao who, as the stoneheart guessed, was not at all pleased to hear the outcome. Diamond wouldn't be pleased to hear a stoneheart was injured on the planet, and Lazuli knew damn well his boss would be upset that he decided to investigate something that the locals warned had been a threat to their population.

But Lazuli did not regret it. Not one bit.
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
34 system hours until annihilation...


Lark wanted to snarl an insult at Lazuli, but her mouth was dry and her head felt like it was splitting apart. She raised a hand to touch along her temple in order to make sure that she wasn't bleeding. Her fingers came back dry. Nothing to worry about, for now. All she had to do was get this guy back to safety and tell Zhao Meng about what happened. Now that was something that she dreaded. She huffed as she glared at the back of the white-haired man's head. She could have taken that Quarry all by herself if she didn't have to worry about him. She had taken down several Diamondscales before, though none of them were as fast or as vicious as this one had been. It would have been easy if the beast hadn't wanted to make him a snack. Although, he had provided her with more than an ample opening with his abilities. Her glower faded away, and she glanced off towards the shadows.

Could it be that she wasn't as good as a hunter as she thought she was?

The question nagged her all of the way back home. Fortunately, Lark was able to slip past the frantic IPC soldiers that huddled about Lazuli as if he were their beloved lost babe. She rolled her eyes as she made her way down the hill that lead to Stonehearth. Above, the sun had begun its descent towards the distant mountaintops. A gentle breeze blew about her, and she inhaled, ignoring the strain that ached within her chest. A chill stung her lungs. The coming days would be cold.

Exhausted and worn down by his constant search and filing through old papers, Zhao Meng was about as angry as one would expect. He was still within his captain's quarters where she left him earlier in the day, all the worse for wear, but that didn't prevent him from giving her a heated scolding. He claimed that she was irresponsible and selfish-- that if something had happened to Lazuli, they would have to worry about much more than just the debt. She tried to explain to him that it was his idea, tried to say that Lazuli was the one who wanted to see the Quarry for himself, but he wouldn't have it. Zhao Meng simply hissed at her, waving her off with such anger, such disappointment, that it made Lark sick to her stomach. The pain within her only grew and festered, and Lark battled the tears that brimmed within her eyes as she rushed out of his quarters and out into the chilly streets.

Night fell soon after, and with it came the sweet serenade of crickets and the warmth of her fireplace. Sleep, however, eluded her. Lonely hours inched by as Lark stared at her small bedroom ceiling and listened to the rustle of pines outside her small home. It was as if the very planet itself bade her to rest, to heal, though her mind chewed on itself in an endless cycle. She tossed herself to one side to face her nightstand, where a small candle sat long extinguished and a black and white picture was perched near the corner. On it, two people stood side by side-- a tall woman with light hair and a fierce expression, her belly round with child, and a smiling man with rough black hair. He had his arm around the woman's waist, even though he looked awkward next to her since he only reached up to her shoulder. But the two seemed young and happy, with naught a worry despite living in a world so cruel and brutal. A question glossed her mind as her eyes pricked anew.

Were they proud of her?




30 system minutes until annihilation...

Zhao Meng had wilted.


Lark had never seen the man so poorly. It was almost as if he had aged an incredible amount the past two days, or illness had whittled him down until he was merely a shade of the vibrant Foxian hunter he used to be. He sat solemn within his chair, piles of papers piled up neatly to his right, while he nervously sorted through two or three sheets of paper. The grandfather clock tick-tick-ticked away near the back of the room while he shifted nervously in his seat. Lark stood behind the desk, facing the entourage of IPC members along with him, her hands interlocked behind her back as Zhao Meng suggested that she do. "It makes you look more polite, and you'll be able to pinch your palms if biting your tongue isn't enough," he had told her.

Yet, there was no denying the "indecent" sway of Zhao Meng's ragged tail as he fidgeted nervously in his chair. There was no overlooking the quivering of his hands as he fumbled with the unearthed paperwork. Zhao Meng was once a great, fearless hunter-- but at this hour of reckoning, in the presence of the Stoneheart, he was nothing other than a terrified fox cub. And that broke Lark's heart, made her anger and indignation and sadness and frustration swelter and boil beneath her skin, but all she could do was claw her nails into her palm and sink her teeth into her tongue. Despite her knowing that Lazuli was a selfish, greedy bastard, she prayed that he would have mercy with her brother, just this once.

"I... I'll be honest with you. I've dug around all of our lockboxes and safes, and I've found the agreement between Biastea and the IPC," Zhao Meng's voice was firm, despite the tremor of his fingers as he slid over the pack of papers to Lazuli. "Signed by the chieftains of Biastea, Sylverster Parlot, Hecaba Turron, Helia Perringer, and myself."

Lark bit the bottom of her lip. Their saving grace, as Lazuli had put it, was that Zhao Meng hadn't signed the paperwork when took out the loan from the IPC. Their hopes had been thrown out the window, and the ball was in Lazuli's court. She could see the sweat glisten on Zhao Meng's brow as he held out his palms towards Lazuli. "I know that this is... not up to your expectations, Lazuli, but we can't pay back the five hundred million credits we loaned from the IPC. Not now, and not within the near future. But I beg you, please give our people another chance. I promise you that we will not disappoint you this time or ever again."

Lark watched as Zhao Meng once again lowered his head towards Lazuli, his forehead touching down upon his desk as he huddled his hands beneath him. The air was so thick with tension that Lark was sure that she could slice through it with a knife. Swallowing, she glanced up towards the white-haired Stoneheart and, for the first time, offered him a pleading expression. If, somehow, this man had a heart-- she begged that he prove it to them, there and then.
 
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Noxsky Drowns, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
30 system minutes until annihilation...


When the Stonehearth saw Lazuli again, he was dressed in a brand new suit that was much more elegant than the one he had before. This suit in particular had been tailor made for his figure and accented him incredibly well.

After Lazuli had been inspected by the IPC medical team, he was relieved to hear that any bacteria the Quarry had put into his wounds wasn't much. It was caught before it could spread itself deep into the wound so the team quickly applied disinfectant and bandaged him up. His old suit, unsurprisingly, was thrown in the trash.

And now, the moment of truth. Lazuli had informed them of their only way out. The only way that they could argue against the IPC that of all the people responsible for the payments, Zhao Meng was not one of them, and thus would be the end of the IPC butting into their affairs and demanding their money.

But that wasn't the case.

Captain Zhao had signed his name on that paper, and thus, he was partly responsible for the debt that hanged over Biastea's head. The captain in particular looked exhausted, as if he hadn't slept since Lazuli arrived. Even a blind man could see how terrified the foxian was of this moment, and how much this was taking a toll. The snow haired man didn't show it, but he felt sorry for him. Zhao was expressing the one thing Lazuli hated about his job. The one thing that was capable of making Lazuli crumble.

Sincerity.

This collection would have been easy if Zhao was lying through his teeth, or didn't seem to care that much. But he did. He was begging with everything he had left that Lazuli do something-anything-to forgive this payment. To forgive them. Dignity had been thrown completely out the window to beg the stoneheart into giving some sort of mercy for their people. Not only that, but he could feel multiple eyes on him pleading to do the exact thing.

And yet, his eyes never left Zhao. But anyone would keen eyes could see that the desperation made Lazuli's lips press ever so slightly. He was trying to keep up the stoicism, to not show any signs of distaste or favor, to stay completely neutral. But his eyes told a different story.

He wanted to help them.

"Forgiving your loan or loaning you more credits is something you have to talk to Ruby about. It is not my department. I don't have the power to do that for you." He told the captain, silence falling between them before the stoneheart began to speak again.

"However."

Lazuli straightened up in his chair and crossed one leg over the other. Should he really be saying what he was about to say next? Technically it was in the fine print of the contract, but the IPC wouldn't exactly be happy that he was bringing it up.

"I am here to take payments, not just one payment. Your first payment is 500,000 credits if you want to avoid the interest rate, but you owe the bare minimum of 250,000 monthly. If you pay the bare minimum, you'll for sure pay interest, but the IPC will not seize your planet. I can give you another month to come up with something; you'll be behind a payment, but it'll keep me off your back for the time being."

He still wasn't done. Lazuli took a second to relax back in his chair, looking over the captain.

"I must say, I find those Quarry fascinating. I encountered one yesterday with your hunter and nearly lost my whole chest to it. This was the first time I've ever seen an animal like that before, and with skin like that, it could make for some high quality leather. And I imagine the meat must be quite tender if it's hidden inside of such a tough exterior..." The snow haired man explained all this to Zhao, even said the last part "in passing", inwardly hoping it would give him some sort of hope.

Lazuli wasn't asking for the 500 million right away, he just wanted the bare minimum of 250,000 a month.

He informed them that technically, they could be behind a payment and be fine, but it would remove their safety net if an emergency came up.

And he was giving them ideas on how to make their payments. If they sold the hide and meat to different planets, then surely they would make money. The rich would absolutely pay good money to get their hands on anything one-of-a-kind.

Technically, with Zhao's confession of never being able to pay 500 million back now or in the future, Lazuli could take that information to Diamond which would allow them to prepare ahead of time for a quick and easy seizing process.

But...Lazuli wanted to give them one last chance. If they couldn't do anything after all the suggestions he threw their way, then everything that happened in the future was completely their fault.
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
25 system minutes until annihilation...


Lazuli's mouth opened, and with the beginning syllables of his voice came the tensing of Lark's body. Whatever dread that had gathered within her core quickly melted away as the elegantly dressed man crossed his legs and relaxed into his chair while going on to offer a compromise. An extension of one month, with the suggestion of making minimal payments of 250,000 credits. Not only that, but he spitballed ideas of an enterprise of Quarry meat and leather. She almost couldn't believe it. After all of his heated slights and honeyed words, he was actually trying to help them. Help them! A small, young planet, with hardly any civilaztions scattered across its globe. Lark gawked at Lazuli, speechless at his words. She didn't know whether to scoff at his attempt to help or grovel in thanks. Thankfully, Zhao Meng's soft chuckle broke the silence before she could decide between either of them. His laugh was strained, as if he had forced it past the tightness in his diaphragm and out from between his smiling lips.

"Ah... I can't express how grateful I am for your generosity, Lazuli. As you know, our home has existed for less than five generations. I was there when we first discovered this planet, one hundred years ago," he said with a pleased nod, clasping his hands neatly in front of him. "Since then, we've faced many trials and tribulations, the most recent of which being the betrayal of the other chieftains that once led our people. We've hardly had any time to decide how to profit off of these lands, as most of our efforts were focused on simply trying to survive. But your ideas will surely provide some fruit. I wholeheartedly believe that we can provide the minimum payment by next month."

Zhao Meng's smile became a full-blown grin as he lifted himself out of his seat and reached out a hand towards Lazuli for him to shake. It was like the light of life had decided to return to his features. Lark could see the spark of excitement-- the glint of hope --that shimmered within his eyes. The sight warmed her heart, but she couldn't help but feel bewildered at this whole situation. All of her life, she thought that the IPC was greedy and only cared for money, but Lazuli just proved that her beliefs were untrue. Obviously, the man had some tenderness within his heart, but she didn't understand why he decided to show it now of all times. Lark tore her eyes away from Zhao Meng to lay them upon Lazuli, cocking her head in confusion as she gave him a questioning furrow of her brow. He had to be planning something.
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
25 system minutes until annihilation...


Just like that, the tension seemed to disperse from the air as Zhao Meng brightened up. Lazuli watched at the young looking man chuckled and explained that he'd been around long enough to see the planet's humble beginnings, and now he and his people were just doing their best to survive. But they would put his ideas to fruition and see about making enough to make the minimum amount of their first payment. A part of Lazuli wondered just how this man would react to someone offering to pay the whole debt for him.

Captain Zhao did look rather respectable when he wasn't nervous and begging for mercy. That was for certain.

He looked at the hand that was extended to him, then reached out and took it.

"Make good use of this second chance, captain. And please, don't make me regret it." He responded with the same stoic face he'd had since he first arrived. A reminder that they weren't friends, and Lazuli wasn't going to help them a second time.

After letting go of Zhao Meng's hand, Lazuli took his phone out of his pocket and sent a quick message to pilot asking for the ETA on the ship.

"Umm... ETA 30 minutes sir. I'll get the ship warmed up and ready for departure. Need me to alert the personnel?"

Lazuli hummed, "Yes. Tell them to finish up their sightseeing and to board the ship in 30. And for the Aeons' sakes, don't go near the forest."

With that he hung up and looked over at the captain. "If you have any questions, now would be the best time to ask."
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
25 system minutes until annihilation...


The handshake between the two men was steady and firm, its genuineness reinforced by the another stern nod of Zhao Meng's head. "I wouldn't dream of it, Lazuli. I swear on whatever honor I have left," the Foxian man said before dropping his hand to the side. Clearing his throat, he sat back down and began to sort through the paperwork, organizing them into neat piles before slipping them into the drawer behind his desk. "You were quite clear about your expectations, so I have no other questions. Lark," he sent her a pointed glance, "please escort this man on any other errands he might have to complete before his departure. I'll catch up with you two before he leaves. If he needs anything, make sure to report to me. Understand?"

Lark didn't know what to do other than bob her head in response to Zhao's orders. She stepped around his desk, her eyes never leaving Lazuli as she guided him outside of the captain's humble office. They traveled together further down the cobblestone path before her lips finally parted, the dryness of her mouth dissapating as she spoke.
"Why?" she asked, the singular word edged with terse uncertainty. Although her body was stiff and her face was screwed up in a wary grimance, she couldn't prevent herself from fidgeting in the Stoneheart's presence. It had been a long time since she felt like a clueless child at the mercy of events that she didn't understand, and she despised the fact that she felt so vulnerable. Lazuli had had his jaws around their people's throats, so she couldn't comprehend why he didn't go for the killing blow.

She wrung her hands, straining her fingers together as she finally glanced away.
"Why are you doing this," she repeated, this time a confused statement rather than a meek question. "The IPC isn't known for showing concern for people like us. You could've forced Zhao Meng to sign over the rights over Biastea with little resistance. Who knows, you could've gotten a promotion or something. So why didn't you do it? Why give us a second chance?"
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
25 system minutes until annihilation...


And so the captain thought it necessary to stick the blonde woman to his hip for the rest of his stay; wonderful.

While out on the stone path, Lazuli took a look around the town. Would he see this place getting demolished? Would he watch it grow and begin to thrive? Or would it remain stagnant for years and years until captain Zhao and his people finally paid off the debt? Lazuli had given him some ideas that Zhao Meng could use to make some sort of profits off this land and the Quarry that threatened them. The only thing that gave them an advantage was that they were the only planet to have beasts like the Quarry. Limited supply meant higher prices, after all. He'd been looking to see if the Stonehearth sold anything when Lark spoke up.

Looking at her, it seemed apparent that she didn't have the same fiery hatred that she normally did. No quips or insults or anything was thrown his way. Rather, she was obviously confused by the events that transpired. She asked her questions, and Lazuli answered her without missing a beat.

"Why does it matter? My expectations are higher for all of you and now you don't have any more excuses." He answered in kind. It was apparent that he was dodging the question. But why?

Lazuli took out his phone to see the reason for why it was buzzing. A message informing him that Diamond received his report about the Quarry. "Does this place sell anything by the way? I get this place is primitive but surely you have a market or something?"
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
10 system minutes until annihilation...


Lazuli's curt reply was unsurprising, though Lark couldn't help but sigh and roll her eyes in exasperation. An ass was still an ass, even though they might show some semblance of kindness from time to time. She grumbled a string of curses under her breath as her arms dropped back to her sides and began to lead the way further down the path. "Follow me."

With the early afternoon came a pleasant breeze that brought along with it the distant promise of spring. The skies were clear and a delightful baby blue, and the vibrant sun warmed the earth. It was a far cry from when night fell across Stonehearth and the cold winds buried their merciless claws into anyone caught within its wake. That was something the pair didn't have to worry about for the time being, thankfully. Lark led the way with a lighter gait, no longer weighed down by the uncertain fate of her home. Her body still ached a decent amount from their encounter with the Diamondscale Quarry, but she shrugged the pain off with little more than a thought. She hummed a tune under her breath as she guided Lazuli down a steep flight of stone steps leading leading to a cliffside clearing that overlooked a dry valley. There weren't as many trees around, which allowed for more infrastructure. Most of their homes, carefully molded out of stone and clay, were perched upon such cliffsides. It was safer there, away from the forests. Zhao Meng suggested that she make her home there, among the rest of the civilians, but the thought of the other hunters living so close to the forests and risking their lives while she was able to rest without a worry made her uncomfortable.

They walked past the houses, and down another set of stairs. That was where their markets began, and without much fanfare at that. About two dozen stalls lined the stone wall, the shadow cast by the cliff providing them with a comfortable amount of cover from any harsh weather. Many of them were adorned with different types of foods, mostly tubers and slabs of game meat, though there were some that shimmered with the promise of handcrafted jewelry or glinted with the sharpened edges of swords and knives. The merchants manning the stalls ogled Lazuli so intensely, it made her uncomfortable. Lark felt sorry for them; she doubted that Lazuli would be interested in any of their wares. "Well, here we are. Are you looking for anything in particular?"
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
10 system minutes until annihilation...


He followed alongside her, looking around the environment as they walked from the meeting area down to a different path towards presumably where the markets would take place. He wondered if they sold for credits or if they traded amongst each other. When they passed the carefully crafted houses, it only solidified that these people didn't have lighting or running water by the looks of it. Did they pay any taxes then? If not, then how in the world was this planet profiting in any way?

It didn't take long for them to arrive at the marketplace, which was surprisingly larger than what Lazuli had expected. About...24 stalls, all of which selling something unique. He could see different types of food, tools, weapons, and some handcrafted items here and there. He could feel eyes on him the second he stepped near the entrance, and honestly, he anticipated it. No way would these people want to welcome him with open arms. Especially when the fate of their planet was in Lazuli's control.

"A souvenir, and a taste of Quarry meat." He answered.

His personal shopping list was a piece of cooked game meat to sample and something as a souvenir. Though Lazuli himself liked to wear jewelry, the items on display didn't exactly match with any of his outfits. a few of them did sparkle, but they were much too rocky and jagged for his taste.

So, while he thought about what souvenir to buy, he decided to stop at a food stall where they sold pieces of game meat on a stick. The merchant seemed nervous, but regardless she served Lazuli and charged him the price of 150 credits.

Lazuli opened his wallet and gave her the money easily. If Lark took a peek inside she would see that his wallet was nearly filled to the brim with cash.

Once that was finished he took one piece of meat from the stick and handed the rest over to Lark. "Here. I just wanted a taste." He told her.

Once she took the stick, Lazuli looked at the piece of meat and inspected it. It was very firm to the touch; cooked well done perhaps? It had juice in it so at least it wasn't dry.... But why was it so firm?

Lazuli took a small bite from the piece of meat and chewed on it slowly, like a chef tasting a student's dish. He could immediately feel the moisture leaving his lips upon first bite and noted that it was difficult to chew. Had the seller tenderized the meat? Or did she simply cut up the meat and cook it?

"Hmm..." He hummed after he swallowed the piece he'd been chewing on. "Sandwiches... Broth... Something sweet on the side?"

It was apparent that Lazuli was thinking of different ways to use the meat. It wasn't at all worthy of being put on a plate and being sold on its own. It wasn't the worst, but it needed something to make it more... edible.

He looked over at Lark. "How else is this meat served?"
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
7 system minutes until annihilation...


Lazuli wanted two things: food and a gift to take with him. She tipped her head in surprise, but otherwise said nothing when he went off to purchase a kebab of Quarry meat. Lark tailed after him, and as the smell of cayenne and garlic powder reached her nose, she caught a glimpse of his swollen wallet. It seemed that the IPC paid him quite well, and she wondered how it felt to carry so much cash at one time. One hundred fifty credits practically didn't make a dent in his wallet, and it was before long that he was handed a kebab of warm meat. He only took a piece off of the stick before he handed the rest to her. He just wanted a taste, huh? Well, at least she got free food.

By the time Lazuli swallowed his piece of meat, Lark had already devoured the kebab. It was a quaint little afternoon snack, one that would keep her full up until dinner time. She had grown accustomed to its tough, dry texture years ago, and became mostly keen on the types of seasonings used with each dish. His ponderings attracted her attention, though. He sounded like he was some sort of cook! The corner of her lip wriggled as she prevented herself from huffing in bemusement. "In soups and stews, mostly. Sometimes we grill it. It's pretty good when turned into a jerky," she said as she flung the skewer into a trash recepticle. "We don't have dedicated cooks in Stonehearth, so we don't go out of the way to make fancy dishes."
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
7 system minutes until annihilation...


Well, he didn't know what he expected. These people needed to build themselves proper houses, plumbing, and just about everything else before they could begin revolutionizing... Everything really. Though one thing did catch his attention.

"Don't your people know how to make bread? Actually, nevermind."

Wasn't bread one of the most primitive foods someone could make? That would require wheat, and Lazuli wasn't exactly sure if these people even knew what a vegetable was, much less if they knew how to grow wheat.

It didn't really matter, did it? As long as they could sell the meat they would figure it out themselves.

"I just need my souvenir and I'll be out of your hair for now..."

Lazuli gave it a little thought and decided in the end to buy a dagger and a set of blue earrings that were actually quite well made for a cave person. He would keep the weapon for display purposes only while the earrings looked well enough that he could pull it off with his other outfits. They were handed to him in hard boxes, which he was able to fit snuggly into his jacket.

The snow haired called up the pilot on his phone. "ETA on the ship."

"We'll be good to go in a few minutes."

"Perfect, I'll be boarding soon and we'll set out."

He was certainly looking forward to the next planet...

"Very well. Thank you for accompanying me, but it's about time for me to depart. " Lazuli told Lark. He'd be back in a month to check on things and receive payment. Hopefully they wouldn't disappoint him...

Or at least, he thought he would be returning.
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon
0 system minutes until annihilation...


Did... did he seriously ask that question? Of course they had bread! Sure, they were a little less developed than the typical planet, and the earth wasn't exactly kindly to them, but they were able to grow grains! Aeons, she didn't want to think of the hunters without their evening drinking sessions. Nevertheless, Lark decided to remain quiet after the dismissal of his query, instead trailing behind him as he bought his souvenirs. His purchase of a dagger was like him, but she was quite surprised by the earrings. She didn't think that he was the type to be into jewelry at first, but after a short moment of pondering, she supposed that such vanities suited him. Thankfully, his spiel of shopping didn't last long after that. He made a phone call to no doubt the pilot of the IPC ship and their conversation was short-lived; he would be departing in the next few minutes.

"I'll take you to the landing zone, then," Lark grumbled as they ascended the stairs. Thank Lan that he was leaving; guiding him around had taken a toll on her. Who knows, maybe she lost a few years off her life dealing with this man. Perhaps they could know some peace and quiet again, once the IPC left for a month.

Her ears thrummed with the arrival of a coming spaceship. Damn it, IPC ships were always so loud. She assumed they had enough knowledge of technology to come up with crafts that didn't make such a ruckus once they entered the atmosphere. The sun dimmed as the thrumming noise within her eardrums rapidly escalated into a full-blown roar of powerful engines. Wind blustered about the duo, and Lark grunted in complaint as she had to shield her face from any debris that was kicked up about them with a half-raised arm.
"Fuck, did your pilot screw up his re-entry? What kind of idiots are flying your--"

She squinted skywards, only for them to become rounded in alarm. A trio of large, polygonal-shaped ships hovered only some hundred feet above the ground, their wings nearly blocking out the entirety of the azure sky. Whatever indignation she felt soon turned into sheer horror when she saw hefty cannons at the ships shift into offensive formation, their barrels aimed at the distant cliffs overhead. The cannon's bores glowed a vibrant blue as the monstrous, machinated roaring was reinforced with a high-pitched screech from the cannons' vents.

The rain of cerulean fire came before she could react. The cannons unleashed their load on the cliffs above them, and the ground quaked in response. The heave of the earth was so violent that it knocked Lark completely off her feet. Her body ached with the harsh impact of cold rock, and she grit her teeth to stifle her pained cry. Even through the ringing in her ears practically deafened her, she could still hear the terrified screams of the merchants behind them and the people higher up. Her body was ushered forth by the terror that washed over her. She hauled herself back up to her feet, whirling around to bark at Lazuli.
"Why are your men attacking us?! Are you insane?!"

Lark didn't give the man a chance to respond. In her fury and fear, she threw herself upon him, knocking him to the floor as she fought to pin him. She raised a fist and attempted to drive it straight into his face. If the IPC wanted to destroy their planet, then she wouldn't let them!
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon


Finally he could leave this cavemanland of a planet and go somewhere a little more technologically advanced. Last he recalled, the planet was supposed to be a cyber-esque town filled with thieves and garbage. The president had taken money for expansion purposes and furthering robot AI development. Maybe he had something impressive to show Lazuli once he arrived? He hoped so.

However, before he could arrive to the landing pad, the thrumming of a large ship caught his attention. A ship that was in no way IPC. He'd seen that ship before when he and the rest Stonehearts Debris kicked up and forced him to squint and shield his eyes. He could barely make out what Lark was saying and had to strain his ears to hear her.

"That's not..."

Before he could finish, the guns were out and started firing at the planet, causing huge tremors that caused both him and Lark to stumble. Why were they attacking?! What was going on?! Though before he could act, Lark had thrown herself on him in rage, getting a good hit in to his cheek before his own rage surfaced.

"Then why the hell are they attacking me you fucking idiot!" He yelled, grabbing her and rolling them so that he would be on top. Lazuli didn't give her much time to react before he was on his feet and yelling to the citizens at the marketplace.

"Get to the landing pad for evacuation! Board the IPC ships! Move! Move! Move!" He shouted his instructions over the yelling and panic of the merchants, gesturing them to move along now while he Lazuli called his personnel.

"Attention! This is an emergency! Board as many Biastea residents on the ships as possible! Now!"

He then looked at Lark, the stoicism on his face changed to serious concern. "Help me round up citizens and get them to evacuation. The ship should be warmed up enough for take off!" He told her urgently, not even waiting for a response before he was already running towards the town central.
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon


Lazuli had briefly gotten the upper hand on her, pinning her beneath him in turn. She struggled haplessly within his grip, hardly hearing his words in the midst of their spat. Her nails were clawing at his forearms when what he said actually clicked within her head. There had to be a reason why the IPC was attacking one of its Stonehearts-- a coup, maybe -- but what mattered at the moment was to help her people escape the onslaught. Lazuli tore away from her and doled out orders ahead of her rising up from the floor. By the time that she got back onto her feet, the man had already bolted his way up the stairs. Another bombardment struck down upon the earth, and the planet groaned beneath her feet. There wasn't time for arguing with someone whose hands might be clean in this mess. The longer she stayed there, the more people would die. Lark sucked in a breath and rushed up the stairs after him.

The stench of scorching earth hit her in a roiling wave. Blue flames licked along the ground like a hellish serpent's tongue that lapped at the shattered buildings and gouged soil. People screeched in terror as they rushed from broken homes, with hunters flanking and herding them towards the outskirts of the city. Archers shot their arrows at encroaching figures that prowled after them with raised rifles. Azure lights danced off their metallic white armor as they took aim down their sights and rained bullets down upon those who knocked arrows against them. They fell like broken branches, crumpling to the ground as the army marched further into the city. More cannon-fire, more screaming-- the horrible odor of burning flesh made her stomach turn. Lark's chest tightened, and she wheezed for air as she slumped heavily against a half-standing stone wall.


"Dammit," she cursed. The soot stung her eyes, and she screwed them shut to soothe the pain. Tears began to stream down her face. "Dammit!"

Why couldn't she move when things were dire? She froze when the Quarry from a few days ago was prepared to kill her, and she froze when the Quarry almost killed Lazuli, and now she clammed up when her people were being massacred in front of her. Why was she so Aeons-dammed useless in times like these?

"Lark!"

A familiar voice roused her from her stupor. Lark's cloudy eyes raised up to see Zhao Meng's tattered form peel away from an alleyway and rush up towards her. He reached toward her, grabbed her by the arm, and hauled her fully to her feet. The left side of his face was so caked in blood, that she couldn't tell where his crimson locks began and where the wound ended. His features were aglow with a light she had never seen in him before, not even when they fought Quarry together.

"You need to get up," he told her-- not with the sternness of a leader, but the desperation of a brother -- as he shook her by the arm. "The IPC's helping evacuate, head to the landing pad--"


"I know!" she cried, "I know, the Stoneheart's helping! I don't know where he--"

"Fuck!" Zhao Meng hissed. "Damn that, join the rest! I'll find him and send him on his way--"

"No! No, you can't--"

Zhao Meng suddenly grabbed her by her shoulders and shook her furiously. His one open eye stared wildly into her own. "Lark, listen to me for once, damn it!!" he roared. The passion behind his voice was so intense, all she could do was gawk up at him. "I need to get you and the Stoneheart out of here. There's no fighting this. They'll kill all of us if we resist them. Do you understand me?!"

Lark's head nodded automatically. But before Zhao Meng could pull away, she clung to his sleeve and sobbed.
"Let me help you," she begged as tried her best not to choke on the lump in her throat. "Please, brother."

The red-haired Foxian's lips became a thin line as his brow tightened in deliberation. "Keep up, or I'll drag you to the IPC ship myself."

Zhao Meng dashed behind a row of destroyed houses, his hand tightly wrapped along his bow. She shed the dread that weighed down upon her before she tailed after him. They would find the Stoneheart; Lazuli couldn't have gotten far.
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon


Chaos.

Everything was absolute chaos when he'd arrived.

There were personnel ushering people along and directing them towards the landing pad, others were fighting against the black and white figures taking aim and firing at all who opposed them. He saw the archers drop like meager flies while the IPC personnel fought for their lives. The IPC rifles shot and fired, scraping the armor of the opponents while the soldiers who were hit were only able to take about 2 or 3 shots before they laid motionless in the snow. Lazuli had to move strategically to avoid being seen and instructed those that he could to start moving to the landing pad. He breathed heavily, a firey warmth in his lungs and aches in his legs from all the running. But he didn't stop; he couldn't. Many lives were at stake and he needed to move now. The less time he wasted the better!

He could hear the roar of IPC ships incoming for battle, the whir of their cannons charging and shooting plasma lasers at the triangular vessels. Lazuli knew just by looking at the ground soldiers that his colleagues wouldn't stand a chance, but if they could distract the opponents long enough for the evacuation ship to make it to safety then it would be worth it.

"Pilot! Update!" Lazuli spoke into his phone after taking cover behind a destroyed house. He could barely hear over the screams of the dying; screams that would forever be etched into his brain.

"We're ready to take off! We've got most if not all survivors on board and personnel are holding them off for as long as they can! A second evacuation ship has already landed and is boarding the rest of the civilians! We need to evacuate now!" The pilot spoke frantically with the sounds of levers and button presses accompanying his voice.

"Then do it! I'll board the second ship A.S.A.P!" He pressed another button on his work phone to alert his personnel. "Attention all personnel. Do not fight! Hold them off if you need to but start boarding evacuation if possible! Board all civilians! I don't care if the ship is overcapacity, do it!"

With that, Lazuli started to move. He couldn't make a second round to the central without risking getting shot, but he needed to make sure all breathing bodies had moved to evacuation.

It wasn't long until he ran into Lark and Zhao Meng. Lazuli had to force himself to stop and talk to them, his breathing hard and his hair a mess.

"Why are you still here? Get to evacuation! The first ship is leaving but we can still board the second one-" He shouted over the sounds of destruction, but his voice caught in his throat when he looked over towards the ship in question.

The evacuation ship's engines roared as blue flames pooled beneath it, forcing the vessel into the air and soaring towards the sky. However, the IPC fighter ships were gone. Destroyed. The men and women of those ships had been disposed of and now those black and white vessels were closing in quickly.

"No...NO!"

Lazuli ripped his phone from his pocket and quickly connected with the pilot. It took a few rings but he managed to connect.

"S-Sir!"

"Go into warp drive! They're closing in behind you! You have to get out of there now!"

Since Lazuli had first arrived, his voice and composure was normally cool and calm, and his voice giving no signs of care or emotion. But in this moment, his voice was raw with fear and desperation. He would lower his head and beg for mercy just for the ship to get away safely. Is this what Zhao Meng felt like when Lazuli had arrived..?

The triangular vessels were charging their fire, taking aim at the large ship and firing rapidly. There was no way those guns would miss, and Lazuli knew this well.

"I'm trying but we're taking fire! Th-They're surrounding us! Fuck! O-Our shield! Shit shit shit!"

And then, the vessels' shots struck true and a large fiery explosion shot out of the IPC ship's engine. And then another, and another. The ascending ship stopped and quickly started to fall with a trail of dark gray smoke following suit.

"FUCK- WE'RE GOING DOWN! WE'RE GOING DOWN! AEONS PLEASE SAVE US!"

A bloodcurdling scream rang through Lazuli's ear that only stopped when a huge, deafening explosion caused the ground to quake. The stoneheart seemed frozen, dread draining whatever color he had from his face

Their only hope... vanished. Just like that... All those people...
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon


Her world was coming apart at the seams. Her head was about to burst and her stomach contents were about to spill themselves onto the floor. But Zhao ushered her forward, forward, forward. His figure blurred before her, and she blinked to expel the tears and refocus on his figure. Though his form had become determined and desperate in the heat of their city's destruction, she noted how his tail had become a puffed out bushel of russet fur. He was just as afraid as her; he was terrified out of his mind, but he still stopped to bark commands at dazed stragglers and pointed them in the direction of the landing pad. Lark helped alongside him, at one point coaxing a woman away from a faceless body trapped under the debris of what seemed to have been her home. She had to mold her words around the woman's sobs in order to assure her that there was still hope. That there was still a way out of here, that she still had a life to live. All she could muster was a sob and a shaky nod of her head before Zhao helped her on her way. The crushed body was left behind to be devoured by the waves of blue flames behind them.

The streets had become eerily quiet. Whatever Lark could spot between the gaps in the ruins involved roaming patrols of the ivory-armored, black-masked soldiers still totting around their plasma rifles. She no longer caught sight of any retreating figures; the familiar faces that she had grown up around were either gone from sight or laying motionless on the floor. There were far too many for her to count, nor did she want to. These were her comrades, her brothers-in-arms, the friends that she had grown to known throughout the entirety of her life. They had been destroyed in the blink of an eye and she had no interest in gazing upon their shattered, scorched corpses. All she could bring herself to do was continue following her brother, who, at one point, had paused rather suddenly in his forward march. His face had turned towards the burning streets, his eye growing so large as his fangs sunk deep into his bottom lip. His hand shot up to bid her to halt. The look of sudden horror upon his features drove Lark to follow his look just in time to see a strange shape shambling past the other side of the ruins. It was a tall, almost inhuman creature clad in gray armor that appeared to fuse with its own skin. It lugged around a hefty, cannon-like rifle as it strode in step with a large creature whose lower body was composed of a equine's quarters.

"So the Antimatter Legion is here, too," Zhao moaned in disarray. "They'll dispatch those who stayed behind. We need to get--"

A familiar voice sounded over the chorus of chaos that had befallen Stonehearth. Both of their heads snapped in the direction of Lazuli, who had approached them with intense urgency. Zhao Meng bared his teeth at the pale-haired man's commands. "Do you think I'm leaving behind my people? I'm doing all I can to...!"


His words were interrupted by the roar of their adversary's ships flying overhead. Lark noticed that their noses were pointed in the direction of the landing zone. Lazuli's cries of terror struck her before she realized the absence of any airborne defenses bearing the colors of the IPC. Smoke and fire filled the skies as the ships soared past them, their cannons shifting to the front of the ship as they honed in on the IPC's evacuation ships. Another barrage of plasma, and there was the sound of steel grating on steel. The IPC ship that had taken off towards the pale horizon was shot out of the sky as if it were a halpless bird. It fell, and fell, and fell, and fell... until a massive blast rang through the air and the ground keeled beneath them.

It was as if the weight of the entire planet had fallen upon Lark's shoulders. Her hands came up to her lips as she stared upwards at the arc of smoke that marred the clouds. Whatever Lazuli heard on the other side of the radio, Lark did not know, but the absolute horror that had shadowed the entirety of his body had rendered the man motionless. Zhao stood still as a statue beside her as trepidation had sunken its claws deep into the trio. All of those people, lost. There was no hope in escaping. The three of them would die there.

Gunfire cracked through the silence that had befallen them, and some of the bullets struck the wooden frame of a house's foundation right above her head. Lark yelped in astonishment as Zhao ducked behind her to shield both her and Lazuli from the rain of gunfire. A shout of pain resounded from his hoarse throat, but he lurched forward to shove the pair to the north-- in the direction of the mountains, away from the demons that had finally set their sights on them.


"Towards the... augh ... towards the mountains, quick, quick!"
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon


Lazuli was at a loss of what to do. The IPC evacuation ships were their last hope of survival, and yet it had been destroyed right in front of his very eyes. No way anyone would have been able to survive an explosion like that... The people on board were all gone... His personnel, who trusted him, who followed his orders were all gone...

No doubt the bastards would force everyone off the second ship and execute them one by one. Or they might just save themselves the trouble and just blow up the ship to leave no evidence...

They were going to die on this planet... and they'd never know why they were attacked...

His trailing thoughts of hopelessness quickly left his mind the moment the lasers shot above them, making him duck his head to shield his eyes from potential debris. He had little time to react however as Zhao Meng pushed the two towards North- towards the mountains. But wasn't that where they'd find Quarry? Frightened Quarry who would surely be stampeding and out of control? Was the captain off his rocker or was he just suicidal? Lazuli didn't blame him, really.

Between the Quarry and the Legion, Lazuli would much rather take his chances with the Quarry. He at least had Lark and Zhao who were familiar with killing those damned beasts and he could help them become stronger if need be. But facing the Legion? They were better off getting on their knees and awaiting execution.

He had no choice but to trust Zhao Meng and Lark. They were not on the best of terms, but at least they could put those differences aside to survive for as long as possible. He wasn't going to give those bastards the satisfaction of killing a Stoneheart. And so, without hesitation, he would run alongside them towards the mountains. The lasers shot around them which forced them to dodge and weave, but as long as they can avoid getting hit they can at least have a chance to escape.

But where would they go from here? Was there an outpost? A secret hideout? A part of him prayed that Zhao Meng was smart enough to keep some sort of escape pod or something in case they needed a quick escape, but considering these damned cavepeople didn't even have electricity, those final hopes were immediately dashed.

They really were just prolonging the inevitable, weren't they?

"Where to... from here?!" Lazuli managed to ask in between sharp pants to Zhao Meng. The adrenaline in his body was allowing him to keep going without feeling any sort of pain, but he knew the moment they rested he would be feeling just about everything.

A part of him just wanted all of this to be over, but on his terms. If it meant spending his last moments with Zhao Meng and Lark then so be it. At least he would die on his terms.
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon


To Lark, it seemed like they were running towards the ends of the planet. They ran and ran, but where were they going? Did Zhao even know where they were running to, or was this just trying to buy them time? The distant mountains only loomed closer, and her brother still hadn't announced a plan for their escape. She hoped that he knew what he was doing and wasn't leading them to a dead end. There was more running, more panting, more gunfire spraying the earth at their feet. Zhao groaned in pain behind her. She knew he had been shot not long before their desperate sprint, and she didn't want to know how much he was bleeding.

"Just... a little more... cliff... past the treeline..." Zhao said. His voice was a wheezy rasp, and she caught the gurgle of blood in his throat. "We jump...!"

Jump. If Lark remembered correctly, the cliff where he was taking them overlooked a surging river. But the river was several hundred feet under them. There was no way they would survive the fall. Lark glanced over her shoulder as she sent a bewildered look in his direction. He wouldn't look at her. His one gold eye was staring past her, towards the scorching treeline ahead. He knew that they wouldn't live through this. There really wasn't an escape. But if they were to die, then it wouldn't be at the claws of the bastards that chased after them.

Soon enough, she felt the heat of fire upon her clammy skin. They tore through the thin, kindling trees that shielded their city from the perilous drop ahead. There was the clay-white mountains, their teeth arcing up, up, up into the vermilion sky above. Past the crackle of vicious flames, the rumble of the merciless river sounded below. Lark gasped for breath as she skidded to a stop right before the edge. The thin, watery line stretched endless at the very bottom of the canyon. A haunting chill passed over her spine. So, this is where she could die. Not gloriously and betwixt the claws of a monstrous creature, but in an act of suicide.

Zhao halted behind them, turning around to face the shadows that fumbled their way through the burning underbrush. His breath came in panicked gasps as he raised his bow, his body visibly straining with pain. Now that he had his back facing them, she could see the blood that streamed down his back in carmine rivulets that stemmed from gaping holes along his side. Zhao Meng, however, did not falter. He nocked a bolt and aimed at one of the white-plated soldiers that had peeled away from the treeline. The single arrow whizzed through the air before it sunk straight into a gap in the armor where the shoulder and neck met. Blood splurted out from their foe's throat as a gurgling cry cut through the air.

"When I say jump..." Zhao's voice rang out through the dusky breeze, "... jump!"


Lark was about to question why they had to wait for the opportune time to kill themselves, but Zhao Meng's left ear swiveled to the side. Lark's sight followed the motion. Way off in the distance, an alien, long, cylindrical shape blitzed through the horizon. Wait... Is that a damn train?!
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon


Was this man taking them to salvation or paradise? To Lazuli, it felt like Zhao Meng was running them into eternity. Anywhere that wasn't in the general direction of the Legion. He'd been a bit worried about the captain because he could hear the man's groans and the tattered mess of his clothing. It was apparent he'd been shot but he knew damn well neither he nor Lark would be able to bandage him right now.

To be honest, he was surprised the man hadn't bled out yet.

Cliff. Did Lazuli hear that correctly? The man was leading them towards a cliff??? And what, they were just going to jump and die together?

At this point, all the stoneheart could do was accept his fate. Whether they survived or die, he'd have to do it trusting Zhao Meng.

He could feel the sweat running down his face, the run feeling hotter and more exhausting thanks to being in his expensive suit. But none of that mattered. Lazuli climbed alongside the other two up the white clay mountains towards the cliff Zhao had been talking about. The cliff arrived sooner than the snow haired man anticipated and was forced to skid to a stop right next to the edge.

This was it, huh? Death by gunfire or death by roaring rivers...

He'd heard drowning was a peaceful way to die.

Lazuli also wondered why they needed to wait for Zhao Meng's order to jump. Were they going to hold hands and do it together?

That is, until he heard... something.

A...train?

The moment he heard Zhao Meng say "jump", Lazuli did as told. He would jump, and for just a single moment, after seeing just how far the ravine was below him, Lazuli almost regretted listening to Zhao Meng.

Almost.
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon


"Jump!"

It should have been a simple enough thing to do. He was supposed to jump, just like the Stoneheart and her. She trusted him to follow. But just before the open air yawned below her feet, the corner of her eye caught the sight of Zhao Meng standing stalwart in the presence of the encroaching army.

The air whipped around her as she fell. Lark screamed, expecting to tumble all of the way down the canyon. But something-- someone caught her by the scruff of her kimono and hauled her onto solid ground. No. No! She had to go back. She had to go back to get Zhao Meng! Her trembling limbs propped her up upon soft velvet floors before she heaved herself up and whirled around towards the open door. The gales howled about her head as she hung onto the doorframe and looked back at the cliffside that became smaller and smaller as the train arced into the sky. In the distance, Zhao Meng shot another arrow. And another. But it was no use. A saber-armed creature dove straight towards the Foxian. There was the shimmer of the Legion soldier's bladed forearms, then blood splattered across the pale rock as the creature's swords ran straight through Zhao's front. Another scream ripped from her throat.
"Zhao!!"

Arms wrapped around her torso and pulled her back. She shrieked in terror and in agony as she kicked and scratched to resist the stranger's hold. But they were too strong. They hauled her deeper into the train cabin, no matter how much she scratched and writhed in their grip.

"Easy, easy there. You're safe now."

"Let me go! Let me go!!" Lark howled, her throat ripping with the force of her cries. "We need to go back! We need to get my brother! He's hurt! He's going to die! Please, I beg you..!"

Her nails dug into the man's forearms-- hard. Though she fought with all of her strength, she felt her mind become foggy with fatigue. Her vision, misty with hot tears, blurred and darkened at its corners. No matter how hard she fought, how hard she struggled, she felt her world slip away as exhaustion finally claimed her.
 
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Stonehearth, Biastea -- the Endless Pursuit
Afternoon


Jump.

He and Lark jumped when told, trusting that Zhao would be right behind them when they fell forward. But when he looked, the foxian had stayed put. Had he intended to stay behind and fight?! Had Lazuli known he would have given him some support! He wanted to, but with the large gusts of wind hitting them it would surely shatter or redirect whatever blade he tried to throw Zhao Meng's way. The last thing they needed was for the powder snow to fall on the Legion soldiers too. And if Zhao had jumped with them, then that gave the Legion soldiers plenty of time to take aim and shoot them down.

Seemed the captain knew this and made his choice.

Both Lazuli and Lark were caught by something, or rather someone, and were pulled onto hard ground. He panted roughly, taking in heated and ragged breaths as he finally rested against the ground. The stoneheart could hear Lark's desperate pleas to save her brother, and a male voice reassuring them that they were safe now.

So they... survived? But at what price? What did these people want in exchange for not dropping them back into the arms of the Legion? Or were they going to turn them in for money?

Those questions remained unanswered as Lazuli's exhaustion overtook him. Before he could ask the strangers questions of his own, the white haired man had passed out on the floor of the cabin, seemingly dead to the world.

A pink haired woman grasped at a soul essence near her chest, shattered it with her hand, and quickly directed the shot to Zhao Meng. A bulky shield for him to use to try and get out of the mess he was in.

"Can we try to loop back around and get him?" The pink haired woman asked her companion, though the answer would only confirm her fears that there wouldn't be enough time to do so. They were lucky to not get shot out of the sky as is...
 

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