City of Lies (Part 1)

### **Summary**

The gang finally make it to Saint Marina but have to wait two days before they can catch a boat to the Bronze Kingdom. Its not long before they notice something strange about the city and come across some familiar faces

#### **Plot**

**Unknown Location**

Aurora begins to open her eyes slowly. She slowly raises up, seeing she's in an unfamiliar room. She stands up and seeing Riley on an opposite bed. She leans down to her and checks her hand, seeing she's ok. Abraham comes up from behind her, asking if she's ok. Aurora confirms she is and asks how they got out of the desert. Abraham offers her some coffee, saying she was lucky Riley's comment about cars not using the road wasn't true. They were found by a passer by and managed to make it in time before they both died of dehydration. Abraham asks how she is but she acknowledges she's ok. Still weak but well. Abraham tells her Riley's inability to handle heat is hard to over come. Aurora says she's a strong girl then looks to Abraham thanking him. Abraham chuckles, admitting he never thought he'd hear those words from her. Aurora agrees but she means it. Aurora then laments not being able to have some solution to getting through the desert, cursing herself. Abraham asks if she has an idea even after thinking about. She replies that she doesn't to which Abraham tells her not to worry as there was nothing she could have done. A man enters and is relieved to see Aurora is awake. Abraham introduces Aurora to Chuck the man who saved them. He told her he was driving from a town on the outskirts of the desert when he found them. Aurora then asks where Patrick is. Abraham tells her he is out getting information about the city, to find boat time tables and get supplies

**Saint Marina**

Patrick is in the city markets with some supplies in his bag. He then picks up a newspaper and starts to read it. The vendor asks if he wants to buy it but he sets it down, telling the vendor it's poor news. The vendor asks why but Patrick replies that there is no news of the war. The vendor is confused and asks about the war. Patrick is also confused, telling him the Gold Empire is trying to re-conquer the city states. The vendor dismisses him as another customer says the same that there is no war. Patrick decides to leave. As he is walking down the street he freezes, seeing Lara walking into a strip club. The two make eye contact for a moment before she heads into the back entrance. Patrick approaches the bouncer, asking who the girl was. The bouncer replies that she is named Selena. Patrick doesn't realise he is being watched by two men

Fabian steps off the train with a few men. He marches up the steps, cursing Michael for keeping him in Lessia without letting him continue his pursuit. He steps out into the street and tells his men to be careful. He has not heard much about the city but he has heard rumors of a Kemiya police force. He tells his men to check high class hotels and to spread out, to maintain contact at all times. He too is being watched as a man calls a number telling him a powerful Kemiya arrived by train. A man in an office nods telling them to follow him and find a good chance to kill him

Patrick rushes back to the apartment. Abraham asks what the rush is, but Patrick tells him he saw Lara. Everyone is shocked but Abraham calms down, telling them its nothing to worry about, but Patrick further explains her working at a strip club and how she didn't recognize him. Aurora asks how its possible and what he was doing at a strip club. Patrick tells her he didn't go in he just saw her walk in. He even goes further telling them no one knows about the war. Abraham suggests maybe the news hasn't reached them but Patrick disagrees as does Aurora. Abraham admits something isn't quite right. He then asks Chuck about the war, but he too is surprised by the news. Patrick asks if the media is free in the city. Chuck can't say for sure, but he suggests they try and meet the Earl. Abraham disagrees as the last city state leaders haven't been friendly to them, but Chuck tells them the Earl is a good and benevolent leader. Aurora tells them it may not hurt to try. Chuck then tells them he often hosts parties and charity events. Abraham tells Patrick that he and Aurora will attend. Patrick protests that someone may recognize him but he asks Patrick to borrow his glamour charm. Patrick gives it to him. Riley then enters, holding her head asking what is going on

**Palace of the Earl**

Fabian is at the palace of the Earl. He walks towards the front door but two guards stop him. Fabian tells them who he is and that there is a threat to the city. The guards still refuse him access and that he must obtain special permission to see the Earl. Fabian opens his hand but several other guards stand ready. Fabian stands down and agrees to leave, but he spots some people setting up a red carpet and velvet ropes. He smirks and walks back down the stairs.

Abraham and Aurora walk up the steps of the palace together. Abraham comments on how wonderful she looks. Aurora thanks him. He then asks how long the owners of their invitations and outfits will be knocked out for. Aurora assures him at least 8 hours. Abraham admits he's nervous that she doesn't have her glamour charm, but Aurora reminds Abraham he's the popular man, not her. Abraham then speaks, asking if Patrick and Riley can hear them from so far away. Patrick says he can, admitting Aurora's latest spell is impressive. He tells them both not to worry about the two real guests laying unconscious next to him on the floor saying if they do wake up, he'll make sure they stay put. Riley looks at the people attending from across the street noticing some men looking rather nasty in strange uniforms. Patrick notices them as well and tells her they are Kemiya's. He warns Abraham to suppress his power. He tells Patrick even if he pushes it down to its lowest he can still be sensed at close range. Aurora tells him not to worry. Abraham presents their invitations before being allowed through. As they approach the door a guard approaches them, but Aurora makes eye contact with him for a few moments before he steps back, bidding them good evening. They walk on, before Patrick asked what she did. Aurora tells him she charmed him. Abraham admits that it was impressive. Patrick admits it's scary. The pair enter a large ballroom with many others there. Riley asks what its like. Aurora tells Riley she'd love it there but Riley disagrees, saying dresses aren't really her style. Patrick tells them to find the Earl and tell him what is going on. Abraham agrees and tells Aurora to split up. Patrick takes the moment to try and apologize to Riley but she's more focused on the mission at hand

Fabian lands on the roof. He sees some guards patrolling the area. He manages to make it past some of the guards then swings down from the roof and unto a balcony. He uses his power to open the lock and slips into an office. It was large. He figures it was the Earl's office. He decides to look around, turning a light on. He searches the drawers and checks for compartments but sees nothing. He then notices an answering machine. He presses the button and listens to a message, from a man calling from Laylands Pharmacy company telling the answer machine the next batch of solution has been improved and will be implemented soon. Fabian is a little confused but the next message plays, telling the machine that Abraham Wallman has arrived in the city. Fabian looks around as the voice tells him he is followed and that Fabian Hudson is also in the city. He turns off the light and heads out to the hallway, making sure he isn't seen.

He manages to come down the stair case without being spotted. He walks into the crowds, blending in. He then asks an usher if he knows where the Earl is but he is informed he hasn't arrived yet. Fabian scans the crowd but he spots Aurora, immediately sensing her magic. Fabian approaches her and greets her. Patrick listens and recognizes the voice. He tells Aurora who he is but Aurora remains calm and greets Fabian as well. Fabian asks for a dance. Patrick tells her not to and Abraham agrees but Aurora accepts the offer as they walk to the dance floor. Fabian asks her name but she declines and tells him she doesn't need to know his. Fabian agrees, complimenting her on her dancing skills. Abraham watches, nervously but he admits the same, wondering how, as a former slave she learned how to dance. Aurora tells Fabian she read books a lot as a child. And she admits Fabian is a smooth mover himself as most Kemiya's are. Patrick slaps his forehead as Fabian seems surprised himself but then smiles, calling her a witch. Abraham tells her to get out of there but Aurora asks Fabian why she came to her. Fabian tells her how beautiful she looks and that she maybe looking for the Earl, as he is. Abraham tells Aurora he wants to kill him and tell her to charm him like she did with the guard. Aurora starts to look around which Fabian notices. He stops for a moment, telling her she remembers seeing her at Lessia. He then opens his hand but Abraham grabs his wrist and points a knife at his back. Fabian smiles, as Abraham takes off his charm. Fabian looks to Abraham telling him how good it is to see him again. Abraham takes Fabian down one of the hallways and out of sight with Aurora following

Abraham forms his sword and asks Fabian why he's there. Fabian smiles, saying he was looking for help in finding him. Aurora grabs Fabian's wrist. Abraham asks what she's doing but she tells him she's conducting a lie detector test on him. Even Fabian is impressed as Aurora tells Abraham he's not lying. Abraham asks Fabian if he's here to kill the Earl but Fabian denies this. Aurora nods. Patrick asks what to do with him now. Abraham raises his sword but Fabian tells him to wait, that he heard something. Patrick tells him to do it but Abraham is interested in hearing Fabian out. Fabian tells him he heard two messages one telling the recipient that the Earl already knows everyone is in town. Aurora asks if he knows about Fabian to which he admits. Aurora again nods to Abraham. Fabian asks Abraham and Aurora, if they have noticed anything strange about the city to which both acknowledge. Fabian then asks if they are all known, they are all in danger. Riley tells them Fabian isn't in danger, but Abraham disagrees. Aurora looks up seeing guards approach them but with another man. Abraham raises his sword but the man raises his hand, telling him it won't be needed. That he wishes to talk. The man introduces himself as Alexander and invites them to his office. He orders his men to take Fabian into custody. Fabian is taken away as Alex takes Aurora and Abraham to his office upstairs.

Alexander closes the door and admits to Abraham he has been tracking his progress throughout the Gold Kingdom since he heard of his escape and is relived he is in the city. Abraham asks if he knows what is happening to which Alexander admits. But Aurora asks why no one else does. Alexander tells her if the city knew there was a war coming, people would panic and fear would take over. She argues the truth needs to be told but Abraham asks if they have any plan in place. Alexander tells him the Gold Empire will never breach the walls and their forces will repel any attack the Gold Empire makes. Abraham tells him it won't work and that their only chance is for him to retake the throne. Alexander agrees. Aurora then asks about the Earl. Alexander admits the Earl knows about the War. Abraham then asks why he isn't speaking to him. Alexander tells them both the Earl is more of a figure head and that he is truly running the city. Aurora says the Earl is a puppet but Alexander tells her the Earl is involved in all decisions and there are no secrets. Abraham counters that he is keeping one and that people should be told. He heads for the door but the guards enter. Alexander sighs, admitting it could have been easier if he'd just followed his advice. Both are placed in chains with a hunters amulet placed around Abraham's neck. Patrick looks to Riley as Abraham and Aurora are taken to the dungeon

#### **Quotes**

(Aurora sits up and looks around for a few moments. She seems Riley and walks to her, checking her hand)

**Abraham:** "How you feeling?"

**Aurora**: "I'm...ok"

(Abraham gives her a cup of coffee)

**Aurora:** "How did we get out of the desert?"

**Abraham:** "Seems Riley's prediction about the desert roads not being used wasn't true. A passer by found us"

**Aurora:** "Man that was lucky"

**Abraham:** "You sure you're ok?"

**Aurora:** "I am. Just...a little weak"

(Aurora looked to Riley)

**Abraham:** "Seems she really can't take heat well"

**Aurora:** "She's a strong girl"

(Aurora looks to Abraham)

**Aurora:** "Thank you"

**Abraham:** "Never thought I'd hear those words coming from you"

**Aurora:** "Likewise...but I mean it"

**Vendor:** "You want to buy that paper?"

**Patrick:** "Not like it's any good. No news about the War"

**Vendor:** "What War?"

**Patrick:** "You not know about the war?

(Vendor shook his head)

**Patrick:** The Gold Empire is trying to re-conquer the city states"

**Vendor:** "You're making it up"

**Customer:** "Yeah. I haven't heard of any war either"

**Fabian:** "God damn Michael. Keeping me in Lessia"

(Walks up some steps)

**Fabian:** "Now listen up. I don't know  much about this city but I've heard rumors of a special Kemiya police force. So keep your eyes open, keep in contact and find those bastards. Move out!"

**Patrick:** "Guys!"

**Abraham:** "Where's the fire Patrick?"

**Patrick**: "Lara is in town"

**Aurora:** "And we're shocked by this...why?"

**Patrick:** "Because...I saw her walk into a strip club"

**Abraham:** "Ok...that is weird"

**Patrick:** "Worst still, she saw me, said nothing and apparently she's called...Selena"

(Abraham and Aurora look at each other)

**Aurora:** "Typical a Kemiya would walk into a strip club"

**Patrick:** "A...I didn't. B...can we focus on how the hell that happened?!"

**Abraham**: "He's right...he's right"

**Patrick:** "Worse still. No one here knows about the war"

**Abraham:** "Maybe they...just haven't heard about it"

**Patrick:** "I doubt it. You'd think someone would know, but no one here does"

**Aurora:** "I agree"

**Abraham:** "Ok this place is a little strange"

**Abraham:** "I have to admit, you look wonderful tonight"

**Aurora:** "Thank you"

**Abraham:** "The owners of these clothes. How long will they be out for?"

**Aurora:** "At least 8 hours"

**Patrick:** "And if that turns out to be false, I'll make sure they stay put"

**Riley:** "Those men at the doors in uniform look nasty"

**Patrick:** "Abe, keep your power down"

**Abraham:** "Doesn't matter if I suppressing my power until I'm walking on it. It can still be sensed!"

**Aurora:** "Boys! Observe"

(Abraham and Aurora present their tickets. The guard looks at Abraham but Aurora catches his gaze for a few moments before he steps back)

**Guard:** "Enjoy your evening"

(Abraham and Aurora walk on)

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

**Aurora:** "I charmed him"

**Abraham:** "That is impressive"

**Patrick:** "That is Scary"

**Fabian:** Pardon. You seem to be a little lost"

**Aurora:** "Maybe a little"

**Patrick**: Abraham. You hear that voice?"

**Abraham:** "I hear it"

**Patrick:** "Its Fabian"

**Fabian:** "I couldn't help but see you stand out from this crowd and was wondering if you would care to dance?"

**Patrick:** "Do not do it Aurora!"

**Abraham:** "No dance with him"

**Aurora:** "Certainly"

**Patrick:** "Are you nuts?"

**Abraham:** "Fabian hasn't met her before. She can get some info out of him"

**Riley:** "You make sure nothing happens to her"

**Aurora:** "You dance well. Not surprising considering most Kemiya's are quite agile"

**Patrick:** "Are you nuts!?"

**Fabian:** I should have guessed the hand marks gave me away. But I'm not the only one here carrying a secret...witch"

**Abraham:** "Party is over. Get out of there!"

**Aurora:** "Why come to find me?"

**Fabian:** "I wasn't lying when I said you stood out from the crowd. And I thought perhaps you were looking for the Earl"

**Abraham:** "So he wants to kill the Earl. Aurora...charm him!"

(Aurora looks around a few times. Fabian notices)

Fabian: "Now I remember you. You were in Lessia with Abraham"

(Fabian opens his hand but its caught with a knife pressed to his back)

**Fabian:** "Is that you Abraham?"

**Abraham:** "Indeed it is"

**Fabian:** "I have to admit, it is good to see you again"

**Abraham:** "Why are you here?"

**Fabian:** "I was hoping the Earl would help me find you"

(Aurora grabs his hand)

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

**Aurora:** "Doing a human lie detector test"

**Fabian:** "Impressive...and beautiful too"

**Aurora:** "He's not lying"

**Patrick:** "So...what do we do with him now?"

(Abraham raises his sword)

**Fabian:** "Wait! I was in an office earlier, I heard two messages on an answering machine"

**Abraham:** "And I care why?"

**Fabian:** "One said that, we're all blown. The Earl knows were all in the city"

(Aurora nods to Abraham)

**Fabian:** "And I know you've noticed something strange about this town?"

**Abraham:** "Seems no one knows about the war"

**Fabian:** "I know what you're going to say, but we are all...in danger"

**Riley:** "Says him"

**Abraham:** "I don't think he's wrong

**Alexander:** "I will confess I have had my men tracking your progress since your escape"

**Abraham:** "So you know what's going on?"

**Alexander:** " I do"

**Aurora:** "But...why doesn't anyone else know?"

**Alexander:** "If word of the war were to be spread, can you imagine the impact it would have? Panic would set in. People could turn to rioting and our city would crumble"

**Aurora:** " Doesn't make it right"

**Abraham:** "Do you at least have a plan in place?"

**Alexander:** "I assure you. The Gold Empire will never breach our walls"

**Abraham:** "That plan won't work. The only way is for me to retake the throne"

**Aurora:** "Does the Earl at least know what's going on?"

**Alexander:** "Of course. He is informed of all decisions. He is more of a figure head. I'm the one really running the show"

**Abraham:** "He's your puppet"

**Alexander:** "Not at all. He is informed of all decisions. There are no secrets

**Abraham:** "Apart from the lie of the war. I'm going to tell everyone"

(Guards enter the office)

**Alexander:** "This could have been so much easier. Take them downstairs"