First Step to Freedom

#### **Summary**

The Gang make it to Draganiza, the first of the City States. Feeling they are safe the group take a rest before the next stage of their journey, but quickly find they are not as safe as they think the are.

### **Plot**

**Draganiza Port**

The Gang step off a boat and unto a small dock at night. Aurora brushes herself off, complaining why they couldn't just drive into the city like normal people. Abraham then explains they are fugitives and likelihood that all the roads are being watched. Patrick then steps out and shifts his hand, making a hole appear in the bottom of the boat, letting the water pour it and sinking the boat. The gang then start walking off the dock. Patrick then spots a car. He forms a key and opens the car. Aurora voices her disapproval at stealing a car but this time its Riley who tells her they don't have much choice. The gang get into the car and head into the city to find a place to stay.

**Motel**

The Gang arrive at the motel. Aurora muses to Patrick and Abraham it must be a step down for them considering the high life they are used to living. Patrick disagrees but Abraham admits to it. Aurora can't help but laugh and tell Abraham how its the rest of the world lives. The girls head into their room. Patrick agrees with Aurora as they head into their own room. Patrick then looks out the window, mentioning there is a train leaving the next day to Lessia. Abraham is thankful it'll only be one day in the city. Patrick then asks Abraham what he knows about the city. He replies that he knows little, that the city states are almost a mystery to him. Patrick is surprised considering the cities lie within his overall domain. Abraham shrugs it off, saying they made their choice. Patrick, with no further interest in arguing leaves the room. Riley steps out too. Patrick asks where Aurora is. Riley says she's getting a shower then is going to nap. Patrick smirks, mocking her for mocking their high tastes when she's no better. Riley asks where Patrick is going. He tells her he's going for a walk. Riley asks to join him. Patrick agrees, stating he's nothing better to do and they can keep each other safe

**Draganiza Palace**

A man is in a large ballroom, sword fighting with another 3 men. He is beating them all when another man enters. The Duke stops and shouts at the man, saying he was not to be interrupted. The servant apologies but tells the Duke that 4 people illegally entered the city, one of which...is Abraham Wallman. Another man enters, with a file. He shows them to the Duke who smiles, telling them the Gold Emperor would be very pleased. He tells the servant to contact Jeffers. The servant bows and leaves as a woman walks past him. The Duke tells her of the situation. She too smiles, saying her spies are out looking for him. She bows and walks out of the room as the Duke continues training

**In the City**

Patrick and Riley are wandering around the city centre. Riley is starting to feel uncomfortable, once again seeing Werewolf meat sold by street vendors and even some restaurant menu's. Patrick agrees they should head back. He then feels something. He looks around as Riley asked what was wrong. Patrick can't help but feel he is being watched. He tells Riley to split up and meet back at the motel. Riley nods as they walk off in different directions. Patrick walks back down the street as he begins to spot a few sets of eyes looking at him. He readies himself for a fight when he is shocked in the back. He falls to the ground and is taken into a car. Riley can only watch as the car drives off. She quickly runs down another street to tell the others

**Draganiza Palace**

Patrick is bound and brought to the Palace. The Duke and Duchess are waiting for him as he is thrown at the Duke's feet. Patrick looks up and tries to form his sword but his power is suppressed. Patrick sighes cursing the amulet held by one of the servants. The Duke then looks at the photograph then looks at Patrick. He yells that his spies arrested the wrong man but another man speaks. He walks towards Patrick then looks at the photograph, telling the Duke he may not be Abraham, but he is a companion of his. Patrick notices a black stoned ring on his finger. Patrick asks if he is a formist. The Kemiya nods and introduced himself as Jeffers. Patrick asks why is he serving a man like this. Jeffers chuckles, saying he likes the simple life. Patrick curses Jeffers and is rewarded with a kick in the face. The Duke raises his hand and orders Patrick be locked up and to wait for Abraham

**Motel**

Riley knocks on both doors. Abraham answers first and Riley explains what happened. He is angry but he gets his jacket. Riley asks about Aurora but Abraham says they can't wait and turns to leave, but is confronted by several men in suits. Abraham forms his sword and runs past one, cutting him down. He then cuts another man up the chest. Riley kicks a door at another one and punches him down. She jumps up, kicking another man on the side of the head, knocking it into the car window. Abraham cuts down the last man. He sees one of the men aiming at Riley with his gun but its pulled from his hand and into Aurora's hand. She uses her power to telekinetically push his head against the ground. Abraham nods, saying that he wanted to know Aurora's powers. Aurora says she has plenty but they don't have time. Riley smiles at Aurora who walks between them with the others following

**Draganiza Palace**

The Duke is in the palace throne room. Patrick is chained to the ground before him as a man punches him. His face is cut in several places as the Duke asks where Abraham is. Patrick spits out the blood and denies knowing anything. He is struck again but the Duke sighs, wondering why he is holding out. Patrick again affirms his lack of knowledge. Jeffers speaks, admitting he does not believe Patrick is lying, but the Duke cuts him off, reminding him he serves him. Patrick looks at Jeffers, asking how long he's served the Duke. The Duke demands he keep quiet but Jeffers answers, that he has been in his service for 5 years. Patrick asks how long its been since he's had a good fight. The Duke slaps Patrick then sends Jeffers out to find Abraham. Jeffers looks at Patrick before he leaves. Patrick smirks as he's struck again

**Outside the Palace**

Abraham and the girls are across the street from the palace. Abraham suggests he distract the guards while they get Patrick. Riley disagrees saying he'll be killed and even then, the ruckus will draw attention. Abraham reminds her Michael more than likely knows where he is, he just can't get to him. Aurora suggests another plan. She takes them into a doorway then sits down on the floor. Abraham asks what she is doing but Aurora tells him to shut up. She begins chanting. She projects herself out of her body. She sees Abraham and Riley in the room with her physical body. She then moves through the wall and through the air, across the street and into the palace. She heads straight to the top, seeing Patrick there, being beaten, but she hears the conversation between Jeffers and Patrick. She sees Jeffers leave. She then starts to look around for a place to enter. She finds a loading dock in the back of the palace. Her astral body starts to flicker. She quickly rushes back to across the street and rejoins her body. She gasps as her eyes open. She is exhausted as Riley helps her up. Aurora explains about the loading bay before passing out. Riley helps her unto the bed as Abraham tells her to look after Aurora. Riley protests that she's not a baby sitter but Abraham retorts that he can't look after her and go on a rampage. And Aurora will need protecting. Riley reluctantly agrees as Abraham leaves the room. He walks to his right then makes it around to behind the palace. He climbs up unto the top of a building near by. He reforms his metal into a gold wire and throws it out, catching the roof of the palace. He retracts the cable, pulling him over the fence and unto the grounds. He reforms his metal into a golden sword and approaches one of the doors. He slips in quietly

**Inside the Palace**

Abraham walks up a flight of stairs. He comes out into a well decorated hallway. He slips up another flight of stairs to the next floor. He sees two guards approaching. He looks around then up. The guards take the stairs down but don't see Abraham as he is holding his sword, buried in the wall. He lands on the ground then walks up the hallway. He senses Patrick inside, but no one else. He opens the door, seeing Patrick laying on his side. Abraham sighs, shaking his head shouting for who ever is around to come out. The Duke emerges from behind his throne, clapping, congratulating Abraham on getting to him. Abraham walks to him but the Duke warns him not to approach. Jeffers walks to behind Abraham. Abraham recognizes him. The Duke laughs, telling Abraham he is no match for Jeffers. Patrick comes to. He sees Abraham and curses his stupidity. The Duke agrees, but Abraham tells him he has a promise to keep. He looks at Patrick and declares he needs Patrick alive to keep it. Patrick then looks at Jeffers, reminding him of his last great challenge. Abraham is confused but Patrick reminds Jeffers of who Abraham is and that he could never find a greater challenge. The Duke kicks Patrick again and orders Jeffers to take Abraham into custody but Jeffers forms his sword and stands ready for a fight. The Duke shouts at Jeffers who retorts, telling him to shut up. Jeffers demands to fight Abraham. The Duke is enraged but he demands Jeffers win. Jeffers doesn't reply as the two men go into battle.

Abraham comes out strong on the offence, but Jeffers blocks well, back tracking and barely making any attempt to attack. Patrick watches the fight, wondering what Abraham is doing. Even Abraham acknowledges Jeffers admitting there is a reason he's a formist. Jeffers admits Abraham is a strong attacker but he knocks him down with his elbow. Abraham gets up and starts to attack again, even harder, almost to the point of sloppy. Patrick notices but Jeffers kicks Abraham down. Patrick tells Abraham to use his head. Abraham shakes his head and looks up. He regains his feet and takes a defence stance. Jeffers smiles, admitting he was ready for that one. Jeffers attacks but Abraham manages to hold him off. But Patrick notices Jeffers is a strong attacker and Abraham has not practiced his defence. Abraham starts to see his defence getting beaten down. Jeffers lines up for another attack but Abraham counters and cuts Jeffers. The Duke is shocked but Abraham goes back on the attack, with both men starting to score hits. Abraham cuts Jeffers across his shoulder but he stabs Abraham in the side. Abraham steps back but Jeffers follows up with a knee to the face, knocking Abraham back. Abraham reaches for his sword but Jeffers has him pinned down. The Duke is elated and demands he kill Abraham. Jeffers looks at Abraham then to Patrick. He thanks Patrick for reminding him of his honour. He reaches down and helps Abraham to his feet. The Duke demands to know what Jeffers is doing. Jeffers explains there is no worst thing for a Kemiya...than to never be challenged. The Duke yells for his guards. Jeffers looks to see a dozen men enter the room with guns. Abraham cuts Patrick's bounds as all three men nod to each other. The Duke watches in horror as his men are cut to pieces. Jeffers approaches the Duke, murder in his eyes but Abraham tells him not to. Abraham knows when he retakes the throne, he'll need to re-establish relations with the city states. Jeffers nods but forms his metal into a metal bar and knocks the Duke out. Abraham sighs but nodded as the three men leave the throne room

**Draganiza Train Station**

The Gang are standing on the platform. Abraham looks at his watch, asking if they are sure no one is coming. Jeffers explains he orders all city guards to the bus stations and roads and that he was guarding the station. Riley offers her thanks to Jeffers as does Patrick. The train arrives and stops as the passengers disembark. Patrick, Riley and Aurora get on as Abraham looks to Jeffers, thanking him personally and he'll consider him when he takes the throne. Jeffers just tells Abraham to make sure that he does. Patrick sits down with Aurora. Riley tells Patrick about what Aurora did. Aurora tells him it was nothing, but that it took of her strength just to astral project. She laments how she could have done more. Patrick tells her she did fine and turns to look out the window then muttering about how Abraham almost lost control during the fight, that he felt something. The girls are curious but Patrick waves it off as Abraham joins them. Within another minute the train starts to pull away from the station

**Gold Palace**

Michael is in his throne room. A man enters and bows to him. He nervously tells Michael, that Abraham escaped Draganiza. Michael stands, asking where Fabian is. He tells that Fabian is in Lessia and that Lara is on her way there as well. Michael takes a breath, hoping they can work together. He then receives another message, that his forces are now besieging Herberstein. He walks to a map on the wall, musing about how he has conquered Bastholm, Brussa and soon Herberstein.

#### **Quotes**

**Patrick:** "Welcome to Draganiza!"

**Aurora:** "Fine way to travel"

**Abraham**: "My apologises Princess. The Horse drawn carriage was being rented out. Maybe next time?"

**Aurora:** "Must be hard for you guys...staying in a low down motel"

**Patrick:** "Doesn't bother me. I've stayed in worse"

**Abraham:** "I'd be lying if I said it was easy"

**Aurora:** "Welcome to the lower class"

**Abraham:** "That's rich coming from you. Fine way we got here...right?"

**Aurora**: "I stink of fish"

**Patrick**: "Speaking of fish. I'm hungry"

**Duke**: "I told you not to disturb me!"

**Servant:** "Forgive me my Duke but we received word, 4 people entered the city limits...illegally"

**Duke**: "So?"

**Servant:** "One of them...was Abraham...Wallman"

**Duke**: "Now that is information, the Gold Emperor...would love to hear"

**Riley:** "God...even here they serve Werewolf meat"

**Patrick:** "Believe me, it doesn't sit well with me either. Maybe we should head back

(Patrick began to look around, seeing a few eyes on him)

**Riley:** "Something wrong?"

**Patrick:** "Yeah, we should head back to the motel"

(Patrick is chained up and punched in the face)

**Duke:** "Gentlemen...Gentlemen. Is that anyway to treat an honoured guest?"

(Patrick spat out the blood as the Duke approached Patrick. He was shown a photograph, his face dropping immediately)

**Duke:** "You brought the wrong one!"

**Servant:** "He was...with Abraham when they arrived Sir!"

(The Duke looked to Patrick)

**Duke:** "Where...is...Abraham?"

(Patrick looks at the Kemiya in his presence, seeing the Black Stoned Ring)

**Patrick:** "You're a formist?"

**Jeffers:** "That I am"

**Patrick**: "What form?"

**Jeffers:** "My Business"

**Duke:** "Where...is...Abraham?!"

**Patrick:** "I don't know"

**Duke:** "I don't get it. Why are you holding out?"

**Jeffers:** "I don't think he's lying"

**Duke:** "Need I remind you who you serve?"

(Jeffers looks down slightly)

**Patrick:** "How long you been working for this guy?"

**Jeffers:** "5 Years"

**Patrick:** "And how long since you've had a good hard fight?"

**Abraham:** "This won't be easy, but I can distract the guards while you get Patrick"

**Riley:** "That place is huge Abe, you don't know your way around"

**Abraham:** "Not like we can hack floor plans"

**Riley:** "You'll get killed Abe and it'll cause a scene"

**Abraham:** "Michel probably already knows I'm here!"

**Aurora:** "But there is something I can do"

**Abraham:** "Which is?"

(Aurora sat down in the middle of the floor, her legs crossed and her eyes closed)

**Abraham:** "What are you doing?"

**Aurora:** "Shut up!"

(Aurora returns to her body, gasping)

**Abraham:** "Whoa...easy, easy"

**Aurora:** "Loading Dock...at the back...of the palace"

**Riley:** "What did you do?"

**Aurora:** "Astral...projection. Patrick is in there, he's getting tortured"

(Aurora passes out)

**Abraham:** "I'll get Patrick. You stay here"

**Riley:** "I'm not a babysitter!"

**Abraham:** "I can't be distracted on this one Riley. Not to mention Aurora may need protection"

(Duke claps and emerges from behind the throne)

**Duke:** Here he is! The Former Emperor himself

(Jeffers appears as well)

**Abraham:** "You"

**Duke:** "Seems you know each other. Well that's a shame. Jeffers...arrest him"

**Patrick:** "Abe?"

**Abraham:** "You look like crap"

**Patrick:** "How stupid are you?!"

**Duke:** "I would have to ask the same question"

**Patrick:** "Jeffers...you're a Kemiya. How about you start acting like one?"

**Duke:** "Silence!"

**Patrick:** "What greater challenge...then the former Gold Emperor himself?

(Duke kicks Patrick across the face)

**Duke:** "Take him into custody!"

**Jeffers:** "No"

**Duke:** "What?!"

**Jeffers:** "Not until I fight him!"

**Patrick:** "God dammit Abe! Think. Use your head!"

**Duke:** "Well done Jeffers! I knew I could count on you. Now kill him"

**Jeffers:** "I won't"

**Duke:** "What?!"

(Jeffers helps Abraham to his feet)

**Jeffers:** "You both have reminded me of who I am. Who I was. There is no worse thing for a Kemiya...then to never be challenged"

(Duke starts to back off)

**Duke:** "Guards!"

**Riley:** "And you're just...letting us go?"

**Jeffers:** "All forces are blocking the roads. No one is here"

**Abraham:** "I'm definitely going to owe you...once I take back the throne"

**Jeffers:** "Just be sure you do"

(Both men shook hands before boarding the train)

**Patrick:** "Riley tells me you pulled of a hell of a trick to find me"

**Aurora:** "Astral projection, but...it was nothing"

**Riley:** "Hardly girl. Took all your strength just to do it"

**Patrick:** "Abe fought hard in that room. Almost lost control"