Locked Down

Qj pushed his mug away. "I got you something..." He smiled at Lark as she untied her apron. The Songbird was about to go off-duty.

Lark offered him a sly smile."You trying to steal me away from your sister?"

QJ nodded. "Yep, my evil plan has been found out. I even got you a bracelet."

"Well... if the bracelet is nice, I'll consider it." Lark winked and held out her hand.

"You'll have to identify it first." QJ handed her the bracelet that had dropped. Lark was the Songbird's fence; there wasn't anything she couldn't identify.

"Is this your way of getting me to ID your drops for free?" Lark took the bracelet and focused on it for a moment.

[Lightbringer]

A simple light

to see your path.

"Not at all... you can have that, Lark," QJ said with a straight face; the bracelet was total crap.

Lark didn't comment, but she fastened the bracelet around her wrist anyway. "Don't forget there's a package for you behind the bar."

"I'll pick it up on my way out. Just here waiting for respawns." QJ sensed that Lark wanted to say something. "You seem troubled. What's on your mind?"

"Do you think your parents approve of me?" Lark's fair face turned red when she asked.

"Yes, one hundred percent." QJ reached over and took her hand, "I can mediate if you wish to approach them."

Lark's smile was dazzling as she stared at him. "You'd do that?"

"Of course." QJ got up and walked behind the bar; he grabbed the boxes and quickly stowed them away. "I need to get back to GnG."

Lark got up also, "I'll walk with you as far as the GnG market; they have a few things I want."

They exited the Songbird and walked toward the GnG gate. Lark slid a hand through his arm and smiled up at him.

"Do you like this color?" Her pale green hair was tied up in a neat bun; QJ recognized the hair clip as a gift from Ren.

"It's my favorite so far, I think." QJ was aware that her original hair color was similar to Leah's.

Lark nodded and released his arm, "I may keep this one for two months then."

"Very bold." QJ gave her a quick hug and then walked toward the gate. "Say hi to Ren for me."

"Okay." Lark watched as he gated out, then she moved to the jewelry section. A sense of movement caused her to turn back toward the gate. Someone was stealthed and moving toward the gate. As a high-level rogue, Lark could easily detect the stealth of lower levels. "Why go through all that effort?"

She continued to look through the accessories, her hand playing with the bracelet QJ had given her. Then, a sudden suspicion caused her to move toward the gate. She accessed her hud and contacted Anna.

Anna's face showed her surprise; she obviously had still been up working. "Hey Lark, something up?"

Lark shook her head. "Not really. I just want to surprise QJ; know where he is hunting?"

Anna nodded and sent her a map of the area with the Ant caves. "He's been there the past few days."

"Thanks, Anna. Have a good night." Lark closed her hud and went through the gate.

[Stealth]

She broke into a run and headed toward QJ's hunting area; on foot, it took her half an hour. Lark paused to put her fighting gear on, then moved to the cave entrance.

[Grappling hook]

Lark shot up to the entrance of the cave and started scouting. The caves were empty; QJ had mentioned that he was waiting for respawn. She walked silently to the back of the ant cave and through the opening. Immediately she sensed the hidden person.

"I'm curious... why would you hide in this cave?" Lark walked toward the person. "Come out from behind there. I'll only say it once."

A slim, white-haired woman stepped from behind the rocks. She stared at Lark, her pale eyes carrying deadly intent.

"Those are some creepy peepers you have there," Lark smirked when the woman drew her sword. "We can talk peacefully, and you can explain why you are waiting in ambush, or you can try your luck."

Lark shrugged and immediately stealthed. The woman tossed a flashbang toward Lark and charged in.

*Backstab*

Lark has struck Nae Sunni for 188,632 damage.

[Nae Sunni] has been slain.

Lark looked down at the corpse and shook her head. "Stupid..."

She knelt down and checked the body for clues. "Why were you waiting for QJ?"

A sense of danger caused her to spin around, both daggers raised.

*Binding Chains has been activated*

Lark screamed in pain, her body convulsing as she was imprisoned by dozen of chains. Then, a flash of whiteness caused her to close her eyes in pain before she vanished from the cavern.

A cloaked figure approached; he bent down and picked up the crystal cube. The small image of a woman was frozen inside.

He then turned toward the dead body and broke open a scroll.

*Resurrection*

Nae Sunni has been resurrected.

The man waited as Nae recovered her strength. "As soon as you can, we must leave this place."

"What?" The white-haired woman frowned at him. "We are here for the son! Without QJ, this is pointless!"

"How do you propose we do that now?" He held up an object in his hands.

[Binding Chains]

Artifact: Unknown

Description: Unknown.

Use: 0/1

"You said that could hold him. Keep him from logging off." The woman's voice raised as her eyes flashed in anger.

"It's trash now, one-time use." He tossed it to the ground in disgust. "Why did you try to fight her? You could have made up anything. Do you have any idea the fortunes that were spent acquiring this?"

"You should have fought her too!" Nae gripped her sword in anger.

"Had I done so, my corpse would have joined yours. That was one of the Songbirds; every one of them is lethal."

Nae relaxed her grip and exhaled deeply. "Now what?"

"We go back and see what she wants to do." The disdain in his voice was apparent as he turned toward the entrance.

A flash of silver caused him to freeze in place; after a moment, he collapsed onto the ground, his head rolling away.

"That's a good idea," the woman opened a vial of white liquid and emptied it onto his corpse, causing it to burst into flames. She waited until it was done burning, then bent down and recovered the small crystal cube.

QJ decided to head to Laredo first and restock some supplies. Finally, he opened the package from Remmy and his mom.

[Chromium Hand Cannon]

Shotgun: Drum-Fed

Special Effect: Chance to break

armor.

+ 10 to Stamina

Battle Rating 11.2

[Silent Sniping Pistol]

Barrel Extender with sound

suppression. Chamber modified to accept

Springfield Rifle bullets. Special

Effect: Increased Accuracy,

Increased Range. +5 Perception

Battle Rating 11.1

[Chromium Carapace]

Medium Armor

Chromium fabric blended

into a spider exoskeleton.

+10 Strength

Battle Rating 11.4

QJ whistled softly as he put on the new gear. The armor was slotted for the locked-in holsters.

[OP: QJ] Hey, Leeta, are you still using the starter kit armor and pistol?

[OP: Leeta] Yes, I've been spending all my credits on field bandages.

[OP: QJ] I'm upgrading my gear. So I'll send you the old stuff.

[OP: Lotte] Hey! I want some old stuff too!

[OP: Ringo] Same.

[OP: QJ] Learn how to heal and rez first.

[OP: Leeta] Thank you, QJ.

After gearing up, he decided to hit the casino and talk with Dixie. The saloon girl was serving drinks when he walked in, but she spotted him immediately, handing her serving tray to one of the other girls before approaching him.

"QJ! I did not expect you so soon." Dixie gently grabbed his arm and pulled him toward the back door.

QJ followed her out the door and up a flight of steps to a small suite. "Pardon the intrusion, Miss Jones."

"Hmm, I do like a polite man. But, of course, it's no intrusion since I'm the one that invited you." She walked over to a fancy redwood desk and opened the middle drawer before turning to face him, a small box in her hands.

QJ looked at the box; it was the size of a book. "I'm very curious about the contents of that box."

Dixie walked over to the sofa and took a seat. She patted the cushion next to her. "No need to hurry, is there? I just got off, so I need to relax."

[System Message] You have completed the Quest 'Something Special."

You have been awarded 5,000 XP for completing a hidden quest.

[System Message] Dixie Jones's impression of you has improved.

[System Message] You have received a Quest.

Long Hard Day

Quest Type: Hidden

Help Dixie Jones relax.

"..." QJ.

Dixie smiled pleasantly as she reached up and removed her hairpins. Her light brown hair tumbled down her shoulders.

"You okay, hun?"

QJ nodded, "you have lovely hair, Miss Jones."

"So formal QJ, won't you call me Dixie?" She leaned back against the couch, her brown eyes smoldering.

QJ sighed and patted his lap. "Let's have them. Been on your feet all day, right? I bet they are sore."

Dixie tentatively placed one foot on his lap, biting her lip when he removed her shoe.

"These can't be comfortable to wear all day." He used his thumbs to gently massage her feet.

Dixie shook her head. "No, but they are pretty. I like pretty things."

"Just relax, Miss Jones. I'll take care of it." QJ rubbed her small feet, and gradually, Dixie's eyes closed. After a few minutes, she had fallen asleep.

QJ couldn't help but smile. Dixie was sleeping rather soundly; both her feet were on his lap. He checked the time on his hud and leaned back to wait.

Finally, after about 15 minutes, Dixie woke up. She seemed more energized and relaxed. "Thank you, QJ. I must say that I feel very relaxed now."

[System Message] You have completed the Quest 'Long Hard Day.

You have been awarded 5,000 XP for completing a hidden quest.

[System Message] Dixie Jones's impression of you has significantly improved.

"I'm glad you feel better, Miss Jones. A lady must be sure to get proper rest." QJ slid her shoes back on her feet.

"A lady? I'm not sure if.." She blushed deeply. "Thank you, sir." She reached behind her and grabbed the wooden box.

Without another word, she opened it and showed him the contents.

QJ whistled when he saw it. "That's a hideout gun?"

[System Message] You have been offered the chance to learn a new skill. Do you wish to learn [Hideout Gun]?

"Yes."

Dixie held up the small derringer attached to a forearm sleeve and by a spring. "You slip this on like so."

She slid her hand through the sleeve and pulled it up her arm. When she bent her wrist slightly, the derringer popped into the palm of her hand.

"That is slick." QJ stared at the derringer. It carried two .41 caliber bullets. He smiled broadly when she handed it to him. "Thank you, Miss Jones."

[Derringer]

Hideout Gun: Two Shots

First Shot always scores a critical hit.

[System Message] You have learned the skill 'Hideout Gun.'

The woman stared at QJ for a moment. "My real name is Annabelle. Dixie is the name I use when I work here.

[System Message] Annabelle is your friend. She may help you out when you have troubles and ask for your assistance in the future.

Half an hour later, QJ finally returned to the Bee Cave. He secured the rope to the stalagtite and walked toward the wax wall. A glimmer of light caught his attention. Carefully he made his way to the area; the ground was scorched badly. On the ground lay an odd-looking chain device that he didn't recognize.

QJ knelt on the ground and examined it. For some reason, he hesitated to touch it. Next to the device was a plain silver bracelet splattered with blood.

[Lightbringer]

A simple light

to see your path.

"Log-Off GnG"

[System Message] You are unable to log off at this time.

QJ felt a cold shiver go down his spine. Slowly he backed up toward the wall and opened his hud. A moment later, a beautiful redhead appeared on his screen.

"QJ?" Leah smiled in surprise.

"Redline... GnG, Setters Canyon, 18km Southeast of Laredo. Redline..." QJ quickly cut comm and moved further into the shadows.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Colonel Fintree: Redline...Report at Once to the GnG Gate!

Leah Fintree exited her Ravenwood Home and headed toward the town portal.

*Ba'Avriel*

Leah flapped her red wings hard to gain altitude, then banked and dived toward the Ravenwood platform.

[Faction Emergency Channe] Colonel Fintree: Who talked to QJ last?

[Faction Emergency Channel] Jaded Ice: I didn't talk to QJ, but I sent Lark after him earlier in the evening. Updating the Faction map to show his location.

[Ten minutes later: Exodus GnG platform]

[Faction Emergency Channel] Colonel Fintree: All Companies Report!

[Faction Emergency Channel] Captain Vess: Dagger Company present at GnG gate and standing by.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Captain Yaya: Silverleaf Company present at GnG gate and standing by.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Captain Crow: Orion Company present at GnG gate and standing by.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Captain Jinn: Raven Company present at GnG gate and standing by.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Commander Quickill: Gryphon Flight is standing by at GnG gate.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Commander Nightingale: Songbirds present at GnG gate and standing by.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Colonel Fintree: Vess! Secure all entrances and exits in the caverns where QJ has been hunting.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Colonel Fintree: Merci! Once the cavern is secure, start a search for QJ. All other companies stand by at the GnG gate.

Merci Quickill entered the cave in full view; she didn't bother to stealth as low-level mobs cowered in front of the Assassin Queen. "There aren't many places to hide; find QJ and protect him at all costs."

Thirty Winged Assassins entered the caves, killing everything in sight as they started their search.

QJ heard the sounds of fighting and waited patiently; a few minutes later, he spotted a familiar face. "Maia!

Back here!"

Maia Gryphonwing turned at the voice, "QJ!" She moved quickly to his position and pushed him against the wall, her wings enveloping him like a shield. "Captain, I've found him!"

A minute later, QJ found himself surrounded by an entire Flight of Winged Assassins. "Something is stopping me from logging out."

[Faction Emergency Channel] Commander Quickill: We have secured QJ, awaiting further orders.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Colonel Fintree: Hold your position. I'm already onsight.

The beautiful redhead strode quickly through the caverns, her sharp green eyes missing nothing. "Release him."

QJ moved away from the wall and immediately opened a faction-wide hud. "I met with Lark at the Songbird tonight; I gave her a small bracelet as a gift. She walked me to the GnG gate and then stayed at the market to shop. "

[Faction Emergency Channel] Jaded Ice: Let me interrupt QJ. Lark contacted me and asked for the location of your hunting grounds. She didn't say why, but she wanted to find you.

QJ nodded and continued, "I was busy with some quests; by the time I arrived here, I found the burnt remains of a corpse and the bracelet I had given Lark.

There's also some device nearby; I immediately tried to log off, and when I could not, I declared 'Redline.'

Leah glanced at the burnt body. "Nia, please take a look at the remains."

The Ba'Avriel Cleric nodded and held her hand over the ashes. "It's definitely not Lark; it's a male. She examined the bracelet closely. "The blood on this bracelet is human, so it isn't Lark's blood."

Leah Fintree opened her hud and tried to contact Lark. "I'm unable to contact her."

"Merci, secure the caverns; no one comes in. Leave everything as it is" Leah grabbed QJ's hand and pulled him away. "You okay?"

QJ nodded, "I followed protocol."

Leah smiled. "Excellent job. I'm so proud of you. Let me know when you can log off."

QJ walked out of the cavern and tried to log off. "Looks like I can leave now, Leah."

A flash of silver wings announced the arrival of another. "QJ!"

"Gella? What are you doing here." QJ hugged his grandma and then waved at Leah. "I want to know everything that happens, Leah!"

Leah nodded and didn't take her eyes off QJ until he vanished. Then, she smiled at her mother-in-law. "Thanks for coming, mom."

Ella returned her smile. "Do we know what happened yet?"

"No, I'm going to need your assistance." Leah turned and reentered the cavern, "Lark came here looking for QJ. We are not sure what happened after that."

The silver-haired woman dropped her Ba'Avriel form and knelt next to the ashes. "Where are my son and my three other daughters?"

Leah smiled; Ella had long ago added Lara Sy to the list of her daughters.

"Tal and Quinn are standing by, Mojo is waiting at Faction HQ, and Lara is at the GnG Gate."

Ella nodded as if the answer satisfied her.

*Silver Princess has activated Timescape.*

A swirling vortex of power gathered around Ella; her hands opened and moved as if spinning wool. An image of the cavern appeared before them; slowly, it started to rewind. QJ was exiting, and Ella continued to rewind until she first found the scene. A woman with white hair beheaded a cloaked man. The scene rewound faster until it came to Lark's arrival in the cavern."

Leah Fintree looked at the frozen scene. " Play it faction-wide, please."

Ella watched as the scene unfolded. Lark had suspected something and moved to investigate it. The woman who had been waiting attacked the Songbird and was instantly killed. A cloaked man used some sort of artifact to imprison Lark in a crystal. The man rezzed the female only to be killed by her. She then left with the crystal.

The lingering after-effect of being close to the (expired) artifact caused QJ to be unable to log off.

"Someone actually targeted QJ?" Leah said it as if it were the most shocking thing imaginable. "Don't they know the consequences of trying to grab our son?" She knew, without a doubt, that Quinn would deal with such actions in the most brutal way possible.

Tal's face popped up on the hud, "QJ is safe and sound at home. I want that artifact in my lab at the academy immediately."

Ella's usually kind eyes burned with anger. "Apparently, my Riley family has become too kindhearted. This must be remedied at once, Leah."

The beautiful redhead nodded. She opened her hud and sent a quick message before addressing her troops.

[Faction Emergency Channel] Colonel Fintree: Dagger, Silverleaf, Gryphon Flight, and Songbirds; clear all players within 100km of my location.

[OP: Ringo] Everyone hunting within 100km of Laredo, log off immediately.

[OP: Lotte] Huh?

[OP: Breeze] What for?

[OP: Ringo] I just received a message from Leah Fintree. It's being locked down. This includes the starter towns of Laredo and Winchester.

[OP: Sato] I'm about to level up! This is bullshit.

[OP: Ringo] Nearly a hundred NPCs with flight and stealth capabilities are inbound. Their average level is probably in the mid-hundreds. I'm taking the night off. Make your own decision.

[OP: Sato] Just hide in town until they leave. The NPCs there will defend the city.

[OP: Lotte] Starter town NPCs are all level 50. What are they going to do? They won't lift a finger to help.